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.

History of The ECCL in Estero

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If you live in the Greater Estero Area you need to know this!

Background

There are many reasons why residents and visitors enjoy the lifestyle and ambiance of the greater Estero area, but this situation did not emerge by accident. How did this come about, and what will happen to the greater Estero area in the future?

Don Eslick, one of the early members of ECCO (Estero Concerned Citizens Organization), the forerunner of the ECCL (Estero Council of Community Leaders), and its Chairman for many years, has arguably done more to benefit those living in our wonderful locality than anyone else.

Many Lee County Commissioners, members of Estero Village Council, and Estero’s Planning and Zoning Committee have stated that back in 2000 to 2004, the comprehensive plan, initiated by members of the ECCL with others, has favorably impacted Estero’s architectural style. It reduced a haphazard array of commercial building styles, which have impacted other localities.

The work of the ECCL and others in ensuring the Simon Properties Coconut Point development and with the encouragement of Lee Health’s Jim Nathan led to the purchase of the land that later led to Lee Health’s state-of-the-art Medical Facility at Coconut Point. The work of the ECCL and the group “Vote Estero” led to the incorporation of Estero in 2014 and was vital in preventing the increasing effort by Bonita Springs to annex various sections of Estero to boost their tax revenues. Without this effort, we would not be living in the Estero we know today!

Recognized as one of the loveliest destinations in Lee County, Estero is described by “Visit Florida” as “sandwiched along Florida’s Gulf Coast between Naples to the south and Fort Myers to the north. For many years, Estero was a citrus community. Today, it lays claim to Florida Gulf Coast University and serves as a relaxing destination.

Visitors will be calmed by the nearby beaches and intrigued by Estero’s Mound Key Archaeological State Park. Rising more than 30 feet above the water, miles from shore, ancient shell mounds transform the landscape of Estero Bay. Made of bones, shells, and pottery pieces, this is believed to have been the ceremonial center of the Calusa Indians.1.

Estero Bay

But while many other achievements have contributed to our lifestyle, we cannot be complacent about what the future holds.

ESTERO COUNCIL OF COMMUNITY LEADERS, INC. DBA (ECCL) IS QUALIFIED AS A 501(C)3 CORPORATION WITH THE IRS – EIN #20-1606763 AND IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL FLORIDA REGISTRATION (CH41780) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. OUR CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, AND WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

References:

  1. Visit Florida. https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/estero.html