Tensions seem to cool in Cape Coral-Lee County water war

Several Cape Coral City Council members expressed reluctance Monday night to break off discussions with the Lee County commission on the Ceitus boat lift issue.

The city and county agreed during a joint meeting on May 15 to gather more scientific water-quality data together in the Matlacha Pass for 180 days before taking further action.

Then, on July 31, the county commission voted to spend $500,000 on water quality studies and preparation for potential litigation with the city, which several City Council members took issue with.

Councilman Marty McClain, however, said the city could be accused of acting in bad faith if it pulled the rug before the end of the agreement.

“We did agree to 180 days, and it doesn’t matter whether they don’t do a thing until the 180th day,” McClain said.

Councilman Kevin McGrail, however, said the city tried for 90 days to bring the county to the table with nothing to show for it.

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