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Homeowners in Cape Coral Still Frustrated as Insurance Policies Keep Going Up

Information from Fox4 According to Fox 4 Now, many Cape Coral residents we heard from said they’re frustrated with not only the insurance requirements but how much the rates have gone up so quickly. The panel at a recent town hall was made up of insurance agents and state representatives trying to answer and explain how these bills can help. “When all is said and done people can’t keep doubling and doubling and doubling the amount of money they’re paying,” Linda Biondi, both a Cape Coral resident but also a realtor is one of the many homeowners in the area asking state lawmakers what’s the solution to higher homeowners’ insurance. “In our market today, you’re probably out of the market, so it’s a big issue right now, it’s become a big issue,” Biondi said. That issue, the roofing scam that had Southwest Florida homeowners repairing roofs that probably didn’t need it and, ultimately, would cost companies and policyholders. House Republican Bob Rommel, of Collier County, answered questions of concerned residents and explained. “They can actually repair a roof that only has minor damage. before, because of the threat of the lawsuits, someone would knock on the door and say listen, I can get you a free roof that won’t cost you anything and we’ve eliminated that,” Rommel said. Rommel says the new housing bill stops that and gives homeowners more options. As the state watching whether more insurance carriers will operate in Florida, in recent years, many carriers have left the state. Sheena Reagan has lived in Cape Coral all her life and says the roofing scam really impacted her business. “People will move here and even if the roof is 12 years old, they’re already nailbiting, they’re thinking, oh they’re going to need a roof soon, that was never the case,” Reagan said. Rommel says while the fix won’t happen overnight, “I can promise you, things are going to stabilize and you’re going to see some relief.” Rommel says with better insurance carriers coming to the state and creating more competition, this should bring more choices for homeowners, competition and he’s hoping, lower prices on those premiums.

Celebrate Parks and Recreation Month

July is National Parks and Recreation Month, so whether you’re looking for a place to have a pickleball match or want to walk a few natural trails, below is a list of parks in your area that can help you do just that.

Tampa Bay Area

• Upper Tampa Bay Park at 8001 Double Branch Road, Tampa. Minimally developed and perfect for kayaking/canoeing, nature walks and picnics. • Cypress Point Park at 5620 W Cypress Street, Tampa. Oceanfront with a boardwalk, trails, dunes, picnic shelters and canoe dock. • Julian B Lane Riverfront Park at 1001 North Boulevard, Tampa. Scenic, 25-acre riverside park featuring a boat house, huge lawn, splash pad, plus areas for dogs.

Lake/Marion

• Hickory Point Recreation Park at 27341 FL-19, Tavares. Waterfront park experience with fishing, a nature boardwalk and trail, outdoor picnic areas with barbecue grills, playground, sand volleyball court, swimming beach and open-field play areas • Twin Lakes Park at 35303 County Road 473, Leesburg. This park features a boardwalk, playground, pavilions, picnic tables and open play areas. • Pine Forest Park at 32520 FL-44, Eustis. Noted as peaceful for kids, pets and an afternoon stroll, this park has shade, baseball diamonds, basketball courts and a hiking trail.

Sarasota/Manatee

• Creekwood Park at 7025 44th Avenue East, Bradenton. Community area providing an offleash dog park, playground, picnic pavilion and open green space. • Manatee Beach Park at 4000 State Road, Gulf Drive, FL-64, Holmes Beach. Plan a beach day here with the bar and grill, live music and stunning sunsets. • Bayfront Park at 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota. This destination offers waterfront green space with a promenade, playground, tiki bar and dramatic views of the bay and city.

Southwest Region

• Gilchrist Park at 400 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Waterfront green space with picnic & play areas, tennis courts, a fishing pier and community events. • Ponce De Leon Park at 3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway, Punta Gorda. Park offering a beach, playground, mangrove boardwalk, boat launch & wildlife center. • Laishley Park at 120 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda. Shoreline park with a fishing pier, marina, memorial garden, harbor walk and seafood restaurant.

Suncoast Region

• Moccasin Lake Nature Park at 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater. Tranquil, oak-lined paths, educational walking tours, natural exhibits and educational kids’ camps. • Fred Howard Park at 1700 Sunset Drive, Tarpon Springs. Located on the Gulf of Mexico that draws a bustling crowd for the beach and swim area. • E.G. Simmons Regional Park at 2401 19th Avenue NW, Ruskin. This waterfront wildlife sanctuary & campground offers swimming, kayak rentals and picnic facilities.