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.
After the welcoming remarks, President Jim Gilmartin introduced the speakers. Estero Mayor Katie Errington and Florida state Representative Adam Botana.
Mayor Katy Errington.Mayor Errington provided a look back at the Village’s achievements during 2021.
The following issues were mentioned: –
Tax Rate Reduction
Public Works
Growth Management and Development Activity
New Faces
Water Quality
Rep. Botana of the 76 District is a native of the area and lives in Bonita Springs, although his parents and brother are residents in Estero. He was elected to office in 2020 and assigned to the Health and Human Services Committee and the Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriation Subcommittee. As a new officeholder, he commented that building relationships with leadership and fellow legislators is essential.
He explained his particular interest in water quality and over-development. He expressed his concerns and interest in the incidence and effects of blue-green algae and stormwater runoff and fully supported the septic to sewer conversion initiative. He noted that the Calusa Watershed, which supplies 70% of local water, is also a concern.
Replying to a question about school funding, he replied that more emphasis should be placed on trade and technical education, which provides jobs without the debt and length of time in college.
In response to another question, he noted that the price of the railroad lines required for the Rails to Trails initiative has risen to $65 million – which he feels is too high and needs to be reduced.
The ECCL’s President’s Report
President Jim Gilmartin summarized several notable in which the ECCL is involved:
Allan Bowditch mentioned the excellent response from residents to the recent summary document that explained the ongoing developments taking place in Estero. For those who may have missed it, the report is available on the ECCL’s website www.esterotoday.com. Over 40 residents who reviewed the article also signed up to receive our future communications.
The latest Greater Estero Community Report (the 4th released in 2021) also received many favorable comments. The report summarized the proposed development of a “Virtual Information Center” for the Greater Estero area. Prospective visitors, current residents, and business developers will be able to gain first-hand knowledge of what the area has to offer and why it is a beautiful place to live, work, and enjoy.
The report emphasized the excellent concerts put on by the Music School and their ultramodern Bower School’s Recital Hall and Dr. Sandra Kauanui’s Entrepreneurial School’s impact on our local economy which have resulted in many new business initiatives in the area. The report also summarized the plans for the development on Coconut Road and US 41 (Northwest corner) and the importance of FGCU to our area. The report is also available on the ECCL’s website (see reports).
Finance
John Quin (ECCL’s CFO) spoke of the ongoing process of becoming a 501 (c) 3 organization. The 501(c) 3 designation would allow better access to grants and more direct control of the funds. The ECCL currently has a 501 (c) 3 Advocacy Foundation, but the SWFL Community Foundation administers it.
