Issue:

Cape Coral Spreader Canals

Chiquita Lock Removal

Chiquita Lock is the last of several control structures originally installed in Cape Coral to control storm-water runoff. These systems were designed to store water for natural treatment along the mangrove fringe, mimic the natural sheet flow of water from north to south, and prevent saltwater intrusion into our groundwater.

These control structures were mandated to be installed by a court-ordered consent decree due to Cape Coral’s developers digging many canals without the proper state and federal wetland permitting.

Over the years, the City of Cape Coral and Florida Department of Environmental Protection have allowed mangrove breaches on the western wall to go unmitigated and the lock to fall into disrepair. This is now the argument for the lock serving no purpose. In reality, it is an inconvenience to boaters, and the primary motivation for removal is an expected boost in property values for property owners behind the lock.

A city born from the water may not always doing its best to protect it.

Ceitus Boat Lift & Barrier

A scenario just like Chiquita Lock has already played out in the Northwest Spreader System of Cape Coral. After years of discourse and court battles, the City removed the Ceitus Barrier as a convenience to boaters.

In the years since, Matlacha Pass has been named an impaired water body and dramatic silting has taken place directly downstream of the Northwest Spreader System’s exit directly into the Matlacha Pass Preserve.

Continued development in N. Cape Coral with plans such as the D&D Boat Ramp site and the major Seven Islands District will continue to put greater pressure on these delicately balanced estuary habitats.

Current Status

In 2019, several petitioners challenged the City of Cape Coral’s application and FDEP’s Notice of Intent To Issue an Environmental Resources Permit to permanently remove the Chiquita Lock. After 3 days of hearings, an Administrative Law Judge sided with the citizens and denied the FDEP permit. However, the City of Cape Coral immediately authorized more monies for legal and environmental consultants and it appears they are intent on trying again.

Please stay tuned to Calusa Waterkeeper’s social media or email newsletters for future updates.

CWK Chiquita Lock Position Paper

Chiquita Lock & Ceitus Barrier

Statement of J. Michael Hannon, Petitioners’ Representative in the Chiquita Lock Removal Case

Dec 13, 2023

John Cassani, Calusa Waterkeeper Emeritus, in testimony at the trial on the removal of the Chiquita Boat Lock, exposed major failings in the FDEP which allow the City of Cape Coral to continue polluting the waters of Matlacha Pass and the Caloosahatchee without adverse consequences.

The Fight Over the Chiquita Lock Removal is Heading to Trial

Nov 10, 2023

The fight over the removal of Chiquita Lock is heading to trial, with Administrative Law Judge Suzanne Van Wyk ruling that the lawsuit can proceed. This comes after multiple nonprofit environmental organizations, including Calusa Waterkeeper was forced to withdraw as petitioners from the legal challenge.

Nonprofits Cite Intimidation from Cape Coral over Chiquita Boat Lock

Aug 27, 2023

Several high-profile groups and nonprofits bowed out of a legal challenge to keep Cape Coral’s Chiquita Boat Lock, a nearly 50-year-old manmade barrier, in operation, citing fears of massive attorney’s fees and alleged “intimidation” by the city.

Statement on the Challenge to Remove the Chiquita Lock

Aug 24, 2023

The city’s latest request to remove the lock should be denied on many of the same grounds that it was denied on a few short years ago in Administrative Law Judge Francis Ffolkes’ December 2019 ruling.

Opinion: Cape Coral Should Fix & Update the Chiquita Lock

Aug 7, 2023

Something needs to be done about the Chiquita Lock. The lock was designed to prevent Cape Coral’s polluted water from entering the Caloosahatchee estuary. It has fallen into disrepair, is a headache for boaters, and is dangerous for manatees.

Denial of Chiquita Lock Removal Permit Upheld in Final Order by FDEP Secretary

Mar 12, 2020

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein rejected the permit that the agency previously said it would approve. The order issued from Valenstein represents the DEP’s final decision on the matter and supersedes a November 2018 announcement that it would issue the permit.