Annexation protest Saturday at Matlacha Bridge draws crowd
Approximately 50 people – and one dog – assembled on the Matlacha Bridge to protest Cape Coral’s annexation of six lots on Matlacha Island.
Holding signs with such statements as “Don’t Annex Matlacha: keep Matlacha Free Stop Cape Coral Now,” “Matlacha not Cape-lacha” and “Ax the Annexation,” protestors lined the walkways on both sides of the bridge.
“People are angry and don’t want Matlacha or Pine Island to become Cape Coral,” Tim Heitz said. “This is ‘Old Florida’ and we want it to stay this way.”
The Matlacha Civic Association has announced the first annual “Watercolors” Fundraising Gala on Sunday, April 2, from 4-8 p.m., at Matlacha Community Park. The event will feature live music, both live and silent auctions, food from island restauranteurs, as well as beer and wine.
All proceeds will go to the Matlacha/Pine Island Environmental Fund, to be used exclusively to fight the Cape Coral annexation, to replace the Ceitus Boat Lift Barrier and to force Cape Coral to comply with the Clean Water Act. This will be the group’s largest fundraiser to date and will help provide funds for the legal battles ahead, according to organizers.