Learn about why Proton Therapy can provide an important alternative to traditional radiation treatment. This form of treatment which was only available in other parts of the USA now means that residents will have this form of treatment on their doorstep.
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.
Road Safety in Greater Estero By Contributing Author, Mark Novitski, and Engage Estero Consultant. Everyone has their definition of what determines road safety or, conversely, what makes our roads unsafe. In writing extensively about Corkscrew Road, I have...
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...
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.
During the weekend of April 6th, Engage Estero’s team of volunteers, organized by Julie Yellig, collected 360 pounds of bagged litter. A total of 2.2 tons of litter has been collected since the end of April 2023 (the end of last season), and an astonishing 10 tons...
by Mark Novitski, Consultant to Engage Estero. Mia McCormick, Advocate, Environment Florida, identifies why we need wildlife crossings: “Each year, animals at risk of extinction die when cars and creatures collide on Florida roadways. It is the number one cause of...
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.
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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...
Engage Estero mobilizes volunteers in our schools, sponsors scholarships, and promotes the involvement of the community through announcements and public forums.
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...
The Future Plans for our Schools and Students' Education in Greater EsteroBrought to you by the Engage Estero Education Councilby Mark Novitski, Consultant to Engage EsteroPrincipal Leslie Gunderson in her office at Pinewoods Elementary School behind a table full of...
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.
Many do not know that our deteriorating water quality is impacting the health of our economy and the residents of Estero and Southwest Florida. The ECCL has a significant role in bridging this education gap. We collaborate with other local groups such as the Calusa Waterkeepers to inform civic leaders, business owners, homeowner associations, and residents about the roles each of us can play in preventing pollution and restoring waterways and habitats.
Cyanobacteria (blue-green bacteria) proliferate in the nutrient-rich fresh waters of Florida. Increased contamination of our local waterways has been identified as a significant contributor to increased red-tide blooms and green algae. The adverse impacts on the environment and the local economy are well documented. For these reasons, our efforts also include public outreach and advocacy focused on educating our community on the sources of pollution, their impact on the economy, and what prevention and remediation steps are required.
Although not very glamorous, one of the most critical and impactful projects for which the ECCL advocates is the Village of Estero “Septic to Sewer” project.
Florida Gulf Coast University has been vocal in addressing pollution in the Estero River. Over a thirteen-month window, FGCU collected samples from seven locations along the Estero River.
Data collected by FGCU has indicated a high degree of human fecal bacteria pollution at various times and in various locations along the river. So, while it might be safe to be in the water on some occasions, at other times, the level of pollution exceeded Lee County standards and posed a significant health risk. While this study could not draw a direct connection to specific leaking septic systems as the source of pollution, it is believed many mobile home parks, with aging septic systems located along the Estero River, could be major contributors.
Many residents know that the Village of Estero plans to develop a park along the river. This area is where the Koreshan State Park and campground are located. The Village has implemented a plan to correct septic tanks and related issues. The ECCL will provide more information on the various steps and the implications for those with septic tanks in an upcoming article.
Written by Nancy O’Malley, Chair of the ECCL’s Environmental Council.
