Cape Coral Residents Demand Action on Speeding Vehicles Near Schools

City explores traffic calming strategies to address safety concerns in neighborhoods

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:38pm

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A repeating grid of stylized car icons in neon pink, yellow, and blue, with thick black outlines, conceptually representing the traffic congestion and speeding issues plaguing Cape Coral's residential areas.A bold, eye-catching illustration captures the urgency of Cape Coral's traffic crisis, as residents demand action to curb dangerous speeding in their neighborhoods.Cape Coral Today

Residents in Cape Coral, Florida are voicing growing frustration over speeding vehicles, particularly near local schools like Oasis Elementary, Middle, and High. The city's Transportation Advisory Commission is reviewing proposals to implement traffic calming measures such as centerline striping, additional warning signs, speed humps, and median closures to slow down traffic and improve safety. However, some solutions may inconvenience drivers who use these routes as shortcuts, creating a delicate balance between traffic flow and community needs.

Why it matters

Cape Coral is grappling with a widespread traffic crisis in its neighborhoods, with speeding vehicles posing serious risks to pedestrians, especially children near schools. Residents feel their concerns have gone unheeded, and the lack of action has led some to consider moving away. Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

The details

One particular problem area is the intersection of Southwest 25th Avenue and Southwest 28th Terrace, located adjacent to the Oasis school complex. This neighborhood has become a hotspot for speeding, with parents, school buses, and even dump trucks contributing to the congestion. Some drivers use this route as a shortcut between nearby major roads, exacerbating the problem. Residents have tried to get the city's attention, but they claim they're told that someone needs to die on this street before any action is taken.

  • Residents have been voicing concerns about speeding vehicles in the area for several years.
  • The Transportation Advisory Commission is currently reviewing a presentation on potential traffic calming solutions.

The players

Evelyn Rupert

A resident who has lived on the problem road for seven years and now carries a flashlight and air horn for safety, having had close calls with speeding drivers.

Dawn Fiala

Another resident who shares similar safety concerns, revealing that even police officers she has spoken to in the past won't let their children walk on this road.

Transportation Advisory Commission

The city's commission exploring various traffic calming strategies, including centerline striping, additional warning signs, speed humps, and closing median openings to slow down traffic and improve safety.

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What they’re saying

“We've tried everything to get the city's attention, but we're told that someone needs to die on this street before any action is taken.”

— Evelyn Rupert, Resident

“Even police officers I've spoken to in the past won't let their children walk on this road.”

— Dawn Fiala, Resident

What’s next

The Transportation Advisory Commission is reviewing the proposed traffic calming solutions and seeking feedback from the community to determine the most effective and acceptable measures to address the speeding concerns.

The takeaway

Cape Coral's traffic crisis highlights the delicate balance between maintaining efficient traffic flow and ensuring the safety of residents, especially children near schools. Addressing this issue will require a collaborative approach between city leaders and the community to find solutions that satisfy all stakeholders.