Meeting gets rowdy as Matlacha residents, others battle removal of the Chiquita Lock

More than 100 Matlacha and Cape Coral residents squared off this week over the planned removal of the Chiquita Lock, a water control structure that keeps nutrient-laden Cape freshwater from spilling directly into the Caloosahatchee River and a nearby pass.

Most at the Matlacha Civic Association meeting at Cape Harbour on Monday wore a "Keep the Lock" T-shirt, but a handful of Cape Coral residents shouted over the presenters to get their views across.

“Is Matlacha going to pay for this?"

“I live here. You don’t live here.”

“You’re from Matlacha. Go home.”