Nestled in the northwestern corner of SW Cape Coral is a quiet but active neighborhood bordering Ceitus Parkway. Although Ceitus Parkway lies north of Pine Island Road, it is actually in SW Cape Coral. The two-mile stretch of Ceitus straddles Burnt Store Road, and the many attractions near and along the parkway's route present a fantastic example of why so many people choose to live in our lovely sunny city.

Among the attractions of the Ceitus Parkway neighborhood are its wide canals and its lakes. The roughly two-square-mile area is home to one freshwater lake, four saltwater lakes and the connecting canal system. Also within the neighborhood is the Burnt Store Boat Ramp, a popular place to launch boats. The boat ramp, located just south of Embers Parkway on the west side of Burnt Store Road, also provides parking for vehicles and trailers.

The Burnt Store Boat Ramp is a convenient place to launch your boat.

The boat lift that once prevented the North Spreader Waterway from free-flowing into Matlacha Pass was located here and may be replaced in the near future, depending on negotiations among all of the interested parties. Currently the Spreader Waterway gives direct access to Matlacha Pass. At the site of the infamous boat lift, removed in 2006, kayak enthusiasts can now launch their boats and enjoy calm trips through the spreader and the picturesque area around Matlacha. Manatees, bald eagles and many other species of wildlife frequent these areas. Nature enthusiasts find this area perfect for watching wildlife.

The North Spreader Waterway, bounded on the west by the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, is a place to view many species of wildlife.

For those who prefer an even more active lifestyle, the Ceitus neighborhood has bike lanes for residents to enjoy. The flat, lightly traveled roads leading north toward Charlotte County are often frequented by brightly dressed bikers peddling at a steady pace while taking advantage of the relative safety of the residential roads.

Many neighborhood residents enjoy the two rather new city parks located in the area around Ceitus Parkway. Joe Stonis Park is located just west of Burnt Store Road and features tennis courts, a fitness trail, picnic pavilions and play equipment for children. The park is centered around a small lake with a fountain.

Take a relaxing walk, picnic with your family, or meet friends at the seven-acre
Joe Stonis Park on Ceitus Parkway.

Located on the east side of Burnt Store Road is the 18-acre Jim Jeffers Park. The park is adjacent to the Christa McAuliffe Elementary, a city charter school. Jim Jeffers Park features soccer fields, a baseball diamond, tennis courts, picnic pavilions, a walking trail and playground equipment. It is not uncommon on weekends to see families celebrating birthdays around the picnic pavilions. On a recent Sunday while visiting the park, I noticed that the soccer fields were buzzing with men's flag football games.

Local residents also have a large selection of shopping and dining choices nearby. The Coral Shores Shopping Center, located at the corner of Burnt Store Road and Pine Island Road, features Publix, a Walgreens and many places to shop and eat. The Pine Island Road shopping area is only a short drive from Ceitus Parkway, adding even greater appeal to the neighborhood.

The Coral Shores Shopping Center at Burnt Store and Pine Island roads gives Ceitus Parkway residents quick access to stores and restaurants.

Cape Coral has many outstanding features and many great neighborhoods. The Ceitus Parkway neighborhood contains many of the popular and appealing features that bring new residents to our city. The newer homes, access to shopping, and beautiful recreational areas will continue to attract new residents and improve the lifestyle of those who have already made the decision to live and work nearby.