Featured Events

Traffic & Transportation

I-75 Road Widening through Estero

Engage Estero continues to advocate for a Continuous wall along I-75 where local communities like the Brooks would be affected by increased noise from the expansion of 6 lanes to 10. We have communicated the need for sound absorbing asphalt and two specific wall absorbing products ( Valmont SoundWall™ (North America) and Durisol Precast Noise Barriers).

Our organization has supported the Presidents of the Brooks communities and through our research we identified the key staff at FDOT and the importance of addressing concerns with FDOTS Environmental Specialist. While environmental management falls under the department headed by Jared W. Perdue, the FDOT Secretary,  Abra Horne — Environmental Administrator, District One Environmental Management Office (EMO)., oversees environmental review, permitting, NEPA compliance, and environmental stewardship activities for transportation projects throughout District One, which includes Lee County and Estero. Neighborhood concerns are being directed towards this department.

Engage Estero continues to focus on the issue. To this end, we have frequently expressed our position on WINK News.  

A safer left turn at US‑41 and Williams Road

Thanks to Commissioner David Mulicka’s support, and after we raised concerns about the tragic accident that claimed five lives two years ago, a protected left-turn signal was finally installed in late May. This long-overdue safety improvement came quickly once we brought the issue forward again.

Pushing forward on Corkscrew Road improvements

We formally requested that Commissioners Pendergrass and Mulicka secure funding for Phase III of the PD & E study for widening Corkscrew Road (Alico to Verdana). This FDOT process is essential for evaluating environmental, social, and engineering impacts before construction can proceed.

Seeking clarity on the Bonita–Estero Rails to Trails project

We asked Village leadership to address key questions residents have raised, including:

• Who will be responsible for relocating tracks in roadways?
• Who will repair the roadways once tracks are removed?

Advocating for emergency access at Villa Palmeras

We met with Three Oaks Fire & Rescue Chief Scott Vanderbrook after learning that county staff had misrepresented the Fire Station’s position on crosshatching the entrance to prevent blockage during peak traffic. Despite our follow-up with the Village and the County, the request was denied due to concerns about the inside lane and existing signage. We remain puzzled as to why fire trucks are still expected to drive northbound in the southbound lanes during rush hour.

Keeping residents informed

We published several in‑depth articles explaining what’s happening along East Corkscrew Road, one of the fastest‑changing corridors in Southwest Florida.

Military & Veterans Engagement

We launched a new Military Engagement Committee, chaired by Larry Conroy and supported by 12 members from Estero High School, JROTC, Tidewater, Community Veterans Group, and Home Base.

Key initiatives underway

• Creating a Veterans recognition display at the South County Library
• Collaborating with Home Base on the conceptual Veterans Memorial Building on Ben Hill Griffin
• Identifying additional memorial locations, including Gold Star recognition
• Exploring a “Recognition Path” from Estero High School to the Sports & Recreation Park
• Supporting the Village’s Veterans Day event

We also established a meeting with the Southwest Florida Gold Star Families chair and the EHS JROTC Commander to strengthen partnerships.

Improving Cell Service at East Corkscrew

After identifying a major AT&T coverage gap affecting Bella Terra, WildBlue, Preserve at Corkscrew, River Creek, and Corkscrew Shores, we contacted AT&T, which believed the area was already covered. Thanks to our persistence, AT&T submitted a contract for a new Bella Terra tower, resolving a problem that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.