The Gold
Coast Estates Association is voluntarily comprised of
residents, both owners and renters, permanent and
seasonal, who wish to enhance the beauty, safety, and
goodwill of the neighborhood. Activities,
gatherings, and monthly general meetings are held October
thru May.OUR HISTORY
The Association was founded on September 9, 1978 at 6:45pm through the efforts of Bert and Alicia Hamilton and a determined group of 43 homeowners. An ad hoc committee was selected and the association was formed with the selection of officers and committee members.A name was chosen so as to distinguish it from other areas of Cape Coral. Several names were proposed and after a vote of all interested parties, members, and non-members, the consensus resulted in the name “GOLD COAST ESTATES”.
It was also agreed that the greatest beautification impact on our area would be the planting of mature trees in the entire median section of Southeast 23rd Avenue, a distance of 1585 feet. Our beautification program began when Richard Peeke formulated a planting plan on behalf of Gold Coast Estates. Plans were drawn, nurseries contacted and estimates obtained. The city of Cape Coral gave their approval of these plans. Through Richard Peeke’s efforts, and with the help of Marion Bastian, Richard Millett, Irene Stephenson, Ruth McClain, and Alicia & Bert Hamilton, we have what was quoted in the Cape Coral Breeze as “an aggressive beautification program by one of the most ambitious neighborhood groups in the City.”
Next in order of accomplishments was the removal of the unneeded left turn lane on 23rd Avenue at Everest Parkway; the installation of the sign designating the name of the area; the additional street lights, stop signs, the bicycle rack, and the light above the sign.
The big freeze of 1980-81 accounted for the loss of two of the three prize Royal Palms and a large amount of the original plantings. With the help of Dick Peeke, Larry O’Brien, and Rick Millett, the damaged trees were replaced.
In 1980 our Association was the first in the city to have a Neighborhood Watch program in conjunction with Lee County. The city has since organized its own Watch program of which we are now a part of.
In January 1984, the ladies organized a Koffee Klatch. The purpose of this group was to provide a social setting for the ladies to become better acquainted. Programs were planned and meetings held in months when there were no other Association activities.
The year 1990 was a busy one for the Association. The curbing of the median and caps was started, and after much discussion about the workmanship, they were replaced and finally completed in June.
The city installed irrigation lines in 1991, and with the availability of water, the sprinkler system was the next project in 1993. The installation of the flagpole and the dedication of the American flag and our Gold Coast Estates flag at a Memorial Day ceremony took place in 1994. Beginning in 1996, the five cul-de-sac areas were redone and provided with working sprinkler systems. The first phase of the curbing and sodding of the 23rd Avenue median was completed in 1998.
Culminating a two year endeavor to bring electricity to our entrance sign, the illumination of the entryway was accomplished in 1999. The following year, the plantings at the entrance were redone to provide a new look to Gold Coast Estates. In 2002, with the help of the city, the entrance cement was replaced with brick pavers.
2003 was a busy year as we celebrated our 25th anniversary as an Association. This culminated in October with the dedication of our new entrance sign. Mayor Arnold Kempe proclaimed Oct. 25th as Gold Coast Estates Day at the dedication ceremony, and an anniversary party attended by over 60 residents followed the ceremony. The founders, Bert & Alicia Hamilton, weren't able to attend the ceremony, but did send a congratulatory letter, here, with a few photos. By December the addition of a bench completed the redesign of our entrance.
Between 2004-2007, a “calling committee” was established to pass along information to and welcome new residents. Additionally, the “Area Representatives” continue to deliver newsletters and provide a
single point of contact within their respective area. An “information” sign was purchased in 2006 to inform residents of upcoming events. That year, the annual Holiday dinner was held at the Royal Palm Yacht Club in Fort Myers. In 2007, the city of Cape Coral took over responsibility for mowing and maintaining a major portion of the 23rd Avenue median. there was also a joint effort between the city and our Association to install curbing on our cul-de-sacs.
In 2008, a flag was flown over the United States Capitol in Washington DC to commemorate our 30 year anniversary. That flag was proudly flown on Veteran’s Day 2008 at the Gold Coast Estates entrance. It was a day like so many, that our residents could be proud of our neighborhood and this Association. The Holiday Party came back to the Cape that year to the Cosmopolitan Grill.
The 2009 and 2010 Holiday Parties were a resounding success at the Italian American Club. The 2010 party included a Toys-for-Tots toy drive and was noted in the News-Press.
In 2011 the Spring Fling was a great hit and included a food drive for the Harry Chapin Food Bank. The Holiday party/general meeting was held at the Palmetto Pines Country Club and included a toy drive supporting Toys-for-Tots and was noted in the Cape Coral Breeze.
In 2012 a website was created containing photos from events, newsletters, and other information pertaining to Gold Coast Estates. The monthly newsletter and other items of interest began being emailed to members. The Spring Fling was enjoyed by all who attended and included a food drive for the Cape Coral Caring Center. The first Earth Day neighborhood cleanup was a resounding success.
In 2013, the Spring Fling was a lot of fun and those that helped clean up the neighborhood on the Earth Day observance enjoyed their short but productive efforts. The Holiday Party was held at the Palmetto Pines Country Club and included a food and toy drive for the Cape Coral Caring Center. The annual general meeting included announcing the winners and runners-up of the Best and Most Improved Yards for 2013/2014. Voting by ballot was conducted to elect new Board Members and approve amendments to the bylaws.
Meetings are held monthly January through May and October through December to discuss Association business and plan activities. Newsletters are printed and distributed as needed January through May and October through December. Social activities are held throughout the year including a sale in the Spring to raise funds for various social activities.
It was the hope, wish, and desire of those dedicated people back in 1978 that each and every resident and property owner within the area known as Gold Coast Estates become members and participants in the Association. That goal continues today!
Reed Meader, Former Historian with contributions from Bill Boyd in 2007,
Norma Polaski in 2007 & 2010, and Wesley Stickel in 2012 & 2014.