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.

Rails to Trails

  

There are efforts to build a public biking and pedestrian trail in the Greater Estero area, linking with other Florida trails. The ECCL has been tracking these efforts and alerting residents of opportunities to get involved.

rails to trails

Background

bike and pedestrian pathsThe Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), in partnership with the City of Bonita Springs and the Village of Estero, commissioned a consultant team to conduct a study to analyze the long-term feasibility of a public multi-use trail within the Seminole Gulf Railway (SGLR). The corridor would be south of Alico Road or surrounding areas.

Funded by a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Sun Trail Program, the study also had local matches from the City of Bonita Springs and the Village of Estero. On June 2nd, the Lee MPO Rail Trail Feasibility Study details were presented at the Estero Recreational Center.

The Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) has provided the June meeting details to residents and is highly interested in this development, and has submitted over 300 names of Estero residents to the MPO supporting the initiative. The ECCL has also collaborated with “Friends of Bonita Estero Rail Trail” (BERT) and Terri Lewis, Planet Connected LLC. The joint efforts are to reinforce to the Lee County Commissioners the desire to enhance biking connectivity and walking paths throughout Southwest Florida. However, some residents in the Vines Community do not favor using the Seminole railway trail through their property.

The feasibility study conducted by the MPO is concluding. It will determine the best use of 14 miles of an inactive Seminole Gulf Coast railway section. The current study area runs from Alico Road to Bonita Beach Road and would transform the inactive railway into a park-like setting with a 12-foot-wide paved trail. At Alico Road, it’s just a short jog to link with the John Yarbrough Linear Trail. South of Bonita Beach Road, our trail will connect to the trail network in Collier County. Lee County residents can gain a safe place to walk/run/bike.

Did you know?
  • Lee County ranked as the eighth most dangerous metro area for pedestrians in 2019. Trails are one solution for active transportation and separate pedestrians and cyclists from traffic.
  • All over the country, trail investments are improving residents’ health, quality of life, and property values. This recent report pulls together research from neighborhoods across the United States.
  • The Lee County MPO has worked on solutions to common safety and security issues for communities close to the Rail Trail. We will soon hear the study’s recommendations and engineering ideas for affected communities.
Make a Difference
Bonita Estero Rail Trail

The Bonita Estero Rail Trail will connect communities, businesses, and more trails to the north and the south. A network of connected trails is good for our health, is great for small businesses, and creates value for our area. Research shows that 1 point of Walk Score is worth $3,250 in home value1. Additionally, cars are the second largest household expense.

Become a Friend of Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT). Join Friends of BERT.

 

References
  1. How Walk Score Works. The Redfin Corporation. (Redfin Corporation, based in Seattle, operates a residential real estate brokerage in 95 markets in the United States and Canada)

https://www.redfin.com/how-walk-score-works