Safety Council

Engage Estero Safety Council is made of volunteers serving as a voice for the citizens of greater Estero on safety and transportation priorities and issues. We advocate for related solutions to Village, County, and State Government organizations.

Latest news…
Sign-Up for Property Fraud Alerts

Sign-Up for Property Fraud Alerts

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comprtroller Kevin Karnes is now offering an alert notification system for Lee County property owners to reduce fraud. When you sign-up, if a deed, mortgage, or other non-Court official record is recorded in your name, you will be...

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Environment Council

Engage Estero Environment Council is a volunteer group focusing on improving water and air quality and mitigating and eliminating the effects of climate warming in greater Estero.

Latest news…
Landmark Victory for Florida’s Future

Landmark Victory for Florida’s Future

Landmark victory for Florida’s future will impact the proposed Bellmar and Kingston Developments, as they cannot receive their permit through Florida’s flawed program. By the Conservancy of Southwest Florida with permission to Engage Estero. February 16, 2024 Federal...

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Health Council

Engage Estero Community Health Council comprises health* and safety-minded volunteers who think about community health comprehensively with a common desire to improve the overall health of the citizens of greater Estero.

Latest news…
Let’s Make Estero A HeartSafe Community!

Let’s Make Estero A HeartSafe Community!

The facts Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 300,000 lives annually. Approximately 95 percent of SCA victims die before they reach a hospital or receive medical attention. How Can We Help Reduce This...

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Wellness: What is it and Why is it Important?

Wellness: What is it and Why is it Important?

(Written by Lee Health for Engage Estero’s Health Council) Much has been mentioned on news programs and other media about Wellness. However, it is seldom explained or fully understood.  During a meeting of Engage Estero’s Health Council earlier this year when this...

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Education Council

Engage Estero mobilizes volunteers in our schools, sponsors scholarships, and promotes the involvement of the community through announcements and public forums.

Latest news…
Estero High Cambridge Students Recognized

Estero High Cambridge Students Recognized

By Mike Wasson, Director, Engage Estero The Village of Estero Council issued a Proclamation its Meeting on Wednesday, March 6th honoring 39 Estero High School Students who were presented the Cambridge Outstanding Learners Awards. In his remarks, Jon McLain, Village of...

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Updates on Issues of Impact

Engage Estero believes the best way to get a community involved is to make sure they are aware of the issues impacting their future, and know how to impact those decisions before they are made. We conduct and publish original research and articles aimed at getting residents Engaged.

educationOn March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act was signed into law. The United States Department of Education (USDOE) is providing an additional $121.9 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III Fund). These grants will be awarded to provide local educational agencies, like The School District of Lee County, with emergency relief funds to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on our students and schools. The School District of Lee County will receive $189,170,730 and must reserve at least 20% of that to measure and address the impact of lost learning time and evidence-based interventions. Those interventions must respond to students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs.

The District is currently building its plan on how to spend those dollars to meet the individual needs of students while supporting employees and the community. In addition, they are creating an Instructional Continuity Plan to ensure the continuation of educational operations during periods of disruption to in-person learning.

The District is asking the community to participate in how to prioritize this funding.

There are many ways to participate:

  1. Head to the website to read about the allowable expenses for ESSER III and our Instructional Continuity Plans and submit a comment: https://www.leeschools.net/our_district/arp_esser. Take a short survey by December 15, 2021: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/39QKVS3
  2. Attend the School Board Briefing on Tuesday, December 7th at 1pm at the Lee County Public Education Center: 2855 Colonial Boulevard to provide public comment;
  3. Attend one of two virtual information sessions about ESSER III and the ICP. Thursday, December 9th at 5pm: https://bit.ly/3xPmrh3 Friday, December 10th at Noon: https://bit.ly/2ZWGkWY

We appreciate your input in determining the best use of these funds and the best ways to provide instructional continuity. You are an important partner in the school community as we all work to maximize the educational experience for Lee County students.