Cape Coral City Council will soon be meeting a little later in the day to better accomodate those looking to attend the sessions.

The first regular Council meeting of 2025 will begin at 5 p.m., instead of 4:30 p.m. due to a unanimous vote during Wednesday’s meeting.

Newly seated Councilmember Jennifer Nelson proposed the 5 p.m. start time, as she said she heard a lot of feedback from residents while on the campaign trail that they would like the opportunity to speak at council meetings if they wished to attend.

It was “one thing a lot of the younger population has asked because they would like to have the opportunity to come across the bridge and speak if needed,” she said.

Other newly seated Councilmembers Rachel Kaduk, Joseph Kilraine, and Laurie Lehmann all agreed a 5 or 5:30 p.m. start time could be supported.

“Five makes a lot of sense. It can be revisited in a year if we are not seeing added attention,” Lehmann said.

The first meeting to start at 5 p.m. will be Jan. 8.

The City Council will also hold its January budget workshop at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29 and Thursday, Jan. 30 in City Council chambers.