The Manatee vs. the Local Economy: The Cape Coral, Florida, Experience

This volatile, emotional issue, inherent to Southwest Florida, crosses several fields of study. To create this case study, faculty and graduate students from International College (Naples, Florida), with the help of a local Ft. Myers News-Press reporter, researched this expansive issue involving many organizations and businesses. This controversial topic encompassed all of Florida, but affected Southwest Florida tremendously. Due to the controversial nature of the issue and its effect on one community in particular, the authors decided to concentrate the case research on the City of Cape Coral and the local dock building industry. This study presents and analyzes the issue from differing sides. Key players include: Cape Coral Construction Industry Association, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Marine Contractors Association, Florida Marine Industry, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Save the Manatee Club. The case study is excellent for the classroom as it is an ongoing issue with a multitude of research opportunities.