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.
https://www.esterotoday.com/event/may2024/ RSVP
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.
On March 26th Commissioner Kiker visited the Corkscrew Shores gated community to speak on plans for Corkscrew Road.
Commissioner Kiker acknowledged the concerns residents have for worsening traffic, both cars and trucks on Corkscrew Road.
Commissioner Kiker assured those in attendance that work had already begun to address the concerns they have about traffic coming from the new communities under development and in the approval process along this heavily used corridor.
Commissioner Kiker went on to explain that planned improvements will go far beyond just four laning, starting at Alico and going west. The road is going to get a total makeover using the “Complete Streets” concepts including landscaping, bicycle paths sidewalks and storm water management.
“Money is not a problem” explained Commissioner Kiker. He went on to discuss some of the funding sources that will help pay the improvements.
Gas Tax, is a major source of funds for road projects in the county.
Excess Tolls, this revenue source was mentioned, but Commissioner Kiker went on to explain that these funds must be spent for improvements near and around toll bridge entrances and would not be available to the Corkscrew Road project.
Impact Fees, money collected from new developments to contribute to road improvements, schools, fire services, EMS and parks.
Growth Increment Funding, this revenue source is a redirection of first year property taxes from new developments and rescale for existing properties.
Proportionate Share Payments, regarding Corkscrew Road these payments are being established as part of the Environmental Enhancement and Preservation Overlay Study. Commissioner Kiker said the Commissioners are considering a charge of $1,500 per unit.
Commissioner Kiker acknowledged that the current county Capital Improvement Program did not contain the Corkscrew Road improvements as a funded project, he went on to commit that he will introduce the Corkscrew Road improvement project to the Commissioners for inclusion in the up-date to the county Capital Improvement Plan scheduled for completion by years end.
During the Q/A portion of the discussion a resident asked if action could be taken to stop the heavy trucks from using Corkscrew Road. Commissioner Kiker explained that Corkscrew Road is a public road and restricting who can use it is not possible.
Bob King
ECCL Transportation Director
