City apps keep you informed
In a world where information is readily available at your fingertips, Cape Coral residents can stay plugged in and get connected with the city faster than ever.
The “CapeConnect” app, available on both the Apple and Google Play Store, allows users to contact the mayor and council members, report issues, discover city news and even pay your water bill.
“CapeConnect is a quick, easy way to connect with the city for a variety of reasons. In today’s busy world, lots of people would rather use an app on their smart phones than send an email or wait until business hours to make a phone call,” said District 7 Councilmember Jessica Cosden.
Residents can report issues such as road damages, downed signage as well as safety hazards 24 hours a day. Users may remain anonymous if they so wish. The app will ask for a description and location of the issue and allows users to upload photographs pertaining to the situation.
“The ‘report an issue’ feature provides the ability to report an issue to the City’s 311 Call Center directly from the app. App users can click on ‘Report an Issue.’ A prompt screen will appear with the option of setting up a User Profile. A profile is not required, and reports can be anonymous. Users will be asked to select the type of issue from a list and then choose the current location or provide a specific location for the complaint. CapeConnect app users can upload a photo to be sent with the complaint,” said Maureen Buice, Cape Coral city spokesperson.
“The CapeConnect app is a convenient option that is available to residents for easy access to city services. Residents can report issues to the city, contact their elected officials, view the latest city news, and find parks and bike paths in the city,” Buice added.
A feature of the app Cosden finds especially helpful is how easy it is to get in contact with residents of the community.
“Residents can use CapeConnect to contact Council and Mayor, a feature I love. The app also has a citywide parks listing, accepts water bill payments, and even offers a contractor portal,” she said.
The app was released in early 2017 and was designed by 1Pro Media with Cosden giving her feedback on usability.
Residents can also download the “ping4alerts” app, where users can set their location and get instant alerts if there is an accident or area to avoid due to a police presence or emergency situation.
The app will give users a time frame of when the incident occurred and how long residents should avoid the area.
Users also can create their own alerts, receive weather information and have the ability to share on social media platforms.
The Cape Coral Police Department is linked with ping4alerts.
Visit your smartphone’s app store to download both of these free tools.
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