People are unsure whether they live within the incorporated Village of Estero, the incorporated City of Bonita Springs, or in an unincorporated area, especially for those living along East Corkscrew Road.
By Mark Novitski, Consultant to Engage Estero
May 2023
The table below summarizes which communities along East Corkscrew Road are incorporated and which are unincorporated.
|
Incorporated |
Unincorporated |
|
Bella Terra |
Corkscrew Estates |
|
Grandezza |
Corkscrew Shores |
|
Preserve at Corkscrew |
FFD Farms |
|
River Creek |
Kingston |
|
Stoneybrook |
The Place |
|
Wildcat Run |
Wild Blue |
|
|
Verdana |
Communities that are currently Part of the Incorporated Village of Estero
Click to enlarge.
There are several reasons why it is essential to know in which area you reside. For this article, incorporated means municipality (e.g., Village of Estero, City of Bonita Springs, Fort Myers Beach), and unincorporated means Lee County, where no city/municipality exists.
The Florida legislation that granted the incorporation of the municipality of the Village of Estero in 2014 followed the boundaries that Lee County granted to the local planning and zoning authority.
Since Estero was incorporated (2014) long after SW Florida zip codes were established, the incorporated Village of Estero encompasses parts of five zip codes. Those communities that are part of incorporated Estero are appended.
How do I know whether I reside in a municipality of unincorporated Lee County? Your property tax bill or Voter ID card are two ways to answer that question.
Those residing in a municipality will have an additional line on their tax bill (e.g., this tax bill identifies the Village of Estero) in addition to the Lee County general revenue line.
Property tax rates differ in unincorporated Lee County, the Village of Estero, and Bonita Springs.
Each home also has an assigned Fire District within Lee County.
It will determine who your elected officials are and who you need to contact if you have an issue that affects you.
Elected officials include –
Your voter registration card will identify a city (e.g., municipality) where you vote for your village or city council member (e.g., this voter registration card identifies the Village of Estero). The “City” block will be blank if you reside in unincorporated Lee County.
US Senators
(both represent all residents)
House Representatives
(represent specific districts)
State Senators and House Representatives (both represent specific districts)
Lee County Commissioners https://www.leegov.com/bocc
You can report Lee County road issues at: https://www.leegov.com/dot/requestforaction
Councilmembers represent specific districts.
You can register Village of Estero issues at: https://estero-fl.gov/request-for-action/
While Lee County Commissioners are responsible for all of Lee County, your municipal elected officials are responsible for within the Village/City limits. You must know whom to contact to address your local concern if you have an issue, complaint, or question.
If you have a package held at your post office, you need to know which facility to go to:
While your tax bill and voter registration card identify your Fire District, the three Fire Rescue Districts (Bonita Springs, Estero, and San Carlos Park) have reciprocal agreements for “closest unit response.” These agreements mean a San Carlos Park fire rescue team may respond to an event within the Village of Estero. A portion of your homeowner’s insurance bill is allocated to your assigned Fire Control District.
Where you submit your building permit is determined by your incorporated municipality, or if unincorporated, Lee County.
Each municipality, and Lee County, have different statutes. For example, Estero has strict signs, banners, lights, and display requirements.
Fire/EMS is the same (100%) throughout the county.
Schools are the same (52.5%) throughout the county.
Will this information change over time? Possibly! It is feasible for unincorporated communities to become incorporated if:
But everyone must be involved in our community “outside the gates!”
This article aimed to clear up any questions. Hopefully, it has not created more! Please stay involved. Stay informed and ask questions – it is a civic responsibility.
The county offers a one-stop search for information about your property at it’s Resident Information Tool. Enter your address and find out what shelters, libraries, bus stops, fire stations, parks, and more are in your area.
