🌱 What Cape Coral officials are saying after a councilwoman’s DUI arrest

Good morning Cape Coral! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• What Cape Coral officials are saying after a councilwoman’s DUI arrest
• Why federal agents suddenly swarmed a Northwest 6th Street home
• Why Cape Coral’s Chanukah celebrations now have extra law enforcement nearby

Also on today's calendar: New Years Eve Bash at Slipaway.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 83 and low of 69 degrees.
• Friday: Sun and areas of high clouds, temps: high: 81, low: 57.
• Saturday: Sunny and less humid, with a high of 82 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Cape Coral councilwoman declined DUI tests, police say (naplesnews.com) — Cape Coral readers should know that Councilwoman Rachel Kaduk was recently arrested on DUI-related charges after a traffic stop involving Cape Coral Police, and she declined initial alcohol testing, according to affidavits. She was released on bond and is scheduled for a January court appearance. City officials called it a personal legal matter and declined further comment on her role.
   

2. Multiple federal agencies investigate Cape Coral house as neighbors report sirens, flashing lights (fox4now.com) — Federal and local law enforcement converged on a house along Northwest 6th Street in Cape Coral early Wednesday, startling neighbors with sirens, shouting, and flashing lights. Cape Coral Police and federal agents, including Diplomatic Security personnel, were seen at the property, which neighbors call a longtime problem house. Authorities have not yet explained the operation or disclosed any arrests.
   

3. Law enforcement increases security at Jewish gatherings after Australia attack (fox4now.com) — Cape Coral’s Jewish community is celebrating Chanukah under stepped-up security, with patrols increased around Chabad of Cape Coral and other Jewish gatherings after a deadly attack in Australia. Local Rabbi Yossi Labkowski, who knew one of the victims, says congregants are more cautious but still turning out in large numbers. Law enforcement in Lee and Charlotte counties is adding patrols while leaders decry rising antisemitism.
   

4. Holiday ornaments put spotlight on dogs with special needs (winknews.com) — A Cape Coral-based nonprofit, Team Moose Animal Rescue, is using photo ornaments on local Christmas trees to spotlight dogs with disabilities and special needs who need homes. Founder Debbie McCoy relies on community donations, foster volunteers, and partnerships with shelters and vets, and hopes to expand into low-cost spay-neuter and broader medical support programs.
   

5. New ICSC chairman humorously recalls culture shock of moving to Arkansas for job (costar.com) — A new national retail real estate leader, John Peter “JP” Suarez, now calls Cape Coral home after a long career with Walmart and federal agencies. The longtime attorney and executive recently became chairman of ICSC and serves on major property company boards, bringing high-level industry experience to a local resident. His story highlights an unconventional path from New Jersey to Arkansas and finally Southwest Florida.
   

📸 Around Cape Coral

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Cape Coral

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Wednesday December 31

• New Years Eve Bash at Slipaway
  Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina , 1811 Cape Coral Pkwy E , Cape Coral
  12:00 pm

📣 Cape Coral Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Thursday December 18

• Tech Thursdays: One-on-One Help
  Pine Island Public Library , 10701 Russell Rd , Bokeelia
  2:00 pm
• Food Truck Rally + Live Music!
  Fort Myers Brewing Company , 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr #28 , Fort Myers
  2:00 pm
• Soccer, Boys JV @ Fort Myers
  Ida S. Baker High School North Fort Myers, FL 33903
  6:00 pm
• Basketball, Boys JV @ Fort Myers
  Ida S. Baker High School North Fort Myers, FL 33903
  6:00 pm
• Basketball, Girls VR vs Fort Myers
  Ida S. Baker High School , 3500 Agualinda Blvd. , Cape Coral
  6:30 pm
• Soccer, Girls VR vs Fort Myers
  Ida S. Baker High School , 3500 Agualinda Blvd. , Cape Coral
  6:30 pm
• JV/V Boys Basketball @ CSN
  Community School of Naples High School Community School of Naples HS
  6:30 pm
• Get a Handel on Baroque Dance
  Alliance for the Arts , 10091 McGregor Blvd. , Fort Myers
  7:00 pm
• Basketball, Boys VR @ Fort Myers
  Ida S. Baker High School North Fort Myers, FL 33903
  7:30 pm

Friday December 19

• Little Explorers - Nature's Colors
  Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center , 10941 Burnt Store Rd , Punta Gorda
  9:00 am
• Basketball, Boys VR @ Imagine School (North Port)
  Imagine School , 2757 Sycamore Street , North Port
  5:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Cape Coral PatchAM possible:

• Excellence Companion & Homemaker, LLC — (239) 427-4586
  Providing Care with Excellence!!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
  Chaos was LOST on December 14, 2025 in Cape Coral, FL 33909 near Jacarandas Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor NW Embers Pkwy)
• Recently I went shopping at Walmarts.
  On returning to my car (which was parked aways away) I needed to stop and rest 2 x’s. On both occasions I was asked if I needed assistance. It is… (Nextdoor Trafalgar)

• Burlington posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Stocking Associate - Part Time in Cape Coral. Apply here.
• The Learning Experience posted a job opening for VPK Lead Teacher in Cape Coral. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Cape Coral here.

Ok Cape Coral! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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