Comments and Q&A Following the Speakers’ Remarks At the Road Safety and Future Road Developments Meeting on February 26, 2025
Following the more formal comments from Mathew Maher, Senior Associate Traffic Engineer at Stantec Consulting, Don Scott, Executive Director of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization, and Carmen Monroy, Senior Transportation Manager at CTS Engineering, a...
Road Development Updates
Update on Road Projects as of February 2025 Table of Contents FDOT I-75 LDOT Alico Three Oaks 951 Village of Estero Corkscrew Road Widening Corkscrew Road Signal Corkscrew Road Widening East of Bella Terra Signal at US 41 Williams Widening Sandy Lane Williams Road...
Celebrating a Cleaner, Greener Estero!
Julie Yellig’s team of volunteers, comprising residents from Rapallo, Pelican Sound, RiverCreek, Bella Terra, Copperleaf, Belle Lago, The Vines, Riverwoods, Shadow Wood, and Grandezza, collected 380 pounds of bagged litter during the weekend of March 8th. Since the...
Road Safety in Greater Estero and Future Plans
Road Safety in Greater EsteroIntroduction. Engage Estero held an important Community Meeting on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at the Estero Recreational Center. The invited speakers included three of Southwest Florida’s leading experts focused on road safety issues,...
Greater Estero Community Report: Urbanization
Our bi-annual update to the comprehensive list of planned and new developments within the Greater Estero Area is now available as a printable report and a webpage. The first quarter Greater Estero Community Report (GECR) covers residential, commercial, recreational...
Why We Should Embrace More Roundabouts and Traffic Circles
As of 2023, there are approximately 9,000 roundabouts in the United States, and the number is increasing as hundreds more are being constructed each year. Florida has about 1,470 traffic circles, the highest of any state in the USA. However, this figure is dwarfed by...
Your Efforts Do Not Go Unnoticed!
The February Adopt a Highway team of Volunteers has been hard at work keeping the Estero stretch of Highway 41 clear of debris and rubbish. Between October and April, Engage Estero’s Julie Yellig organizes volunteers to clean areas of the highway between the Vines...
2024 Engage Estero Annual Report
Engage Estero has had a highly active year, with many important issues addressed and communicated. The Executive Management Team (EMT) has prepared this summary report to keep members updated. Engage Estero is indebted to our members for their continued support, which...
Breaking Par at Grandezza a Success!
Estero residents turned out in force to support our local schools at the 13th annual “Breaking Par for Education” held February 1 & 2 at the Club at Grandezza. The Gala and Golf Tournament support LEAD Estero, a non-profit created and run by Estero High School...
Engage Estero Has Kicked Off the New Year with Inspiring Success Setting a Powerful Tone for What’s To Come!
Engage Estero has kicked off the new year with notable achievements that reflect our community's growing enthusiasm and involvement. With remarkable engagement rates and a significant expansion in our subscriber base, we are thrilled to share the positive momentum...
In the Press: History of Estero includes ECCL/Engage Estero
The News-Press published a history of Estero in its January 12 issue. This summary by B. D. Green explained the unique and resident growth of the area, and of course, referenced the involvement of many people who were active in and alongside of Engage Estero, known as...
Forgetfulness: Aging or Dementia?
Determining Whether Forgetfulness is simply a matter of Aging or Whether it is the Onset of Dementia Introduction. While some forgetfulness is normal during aging, these concerns can trigger anxiety, especially if the changes in memory are more frequent or impactful....
The Status of Our Local Economy
The 'Southwest Florida’s Economic and Real Estate Outlook—Q4 2024 and 2025' report analyzes economic and real estate trends specifically for Estero, Florida. Compiled by Florida Gulf Coast University’s Regional Economic Research Institute, it emphasizes the region's...
Engage Estero Celebrates 25 Years of Impact
On January 15, 2025 volunteers and civic leaders currently and formerly active in impacting the future of the Greater Estero area gathered to celebrate 25 years of grassroots involvement resulting in a distinctive and established community which actively participates...
The Village of Estero Commemorates Don Eslick: A Legacy of Vision and Community!
On January 22, 2025, the Village of Estero honored the incredible contributions of Don Eslick—affectionately known as “Mr. Estero” and shared a commemoration plaque that symbolizes not just a person but a vision that we should continue to embrace. One of Don’s...
The Engage Estero management, board members, and the volunteers who keep Estero looking beautiful wish you all a Happy and Enjoyable 2025.
Engage Estero collaborates with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to help clean an approximate four-mile section of the Tamiami Trail. Each month, teams of volunteers clean areas of the highway between the Vines entrance (Breckenridge Road) north of...
Discover Estero’s Exciting Transformation: The Village Sports Park is Coming to Elevate Your Lifestyle!
Let’s face it—if you live in Estero, life centers around the sun, water, and that irresistible resort vibe that draws us in. Whether you’re a full-time...
Joe and Joni Pavich Will be Honored at The Don Eslick Person of the Year Award Dinner on Feb. 27, 2025
Joe and Joni Pavich Will be Honored at The Don Eslick Person of the Year Award Dinneron Feb. 27, 2025 Join us on Thursday night, February 27, 2025, at the Estero Country Club at the Vines for a special occasion. We have the extraordinary opportunity to honor Joe and...
Ensuring Estero Looks Its Best for the Holidays!
With the dedication and effort of Estero volunteers, 520 pounds of bagged litter was collected along Highway 41 during the weekend of Dec 14th. Since October, 1,820 pounds (almost 1 ton) of litter has been collected. The volunteers that helped in this month’s clean-up...
The Benefits and Availability of Robotic Surgery Have Significantly Increased in Southwest Florida
What is Robotic Surgery? Robotic surgery is minimally invasive, and surgeons use robotic systems to perform procedures with enhanced precision, flexibility, and control. It involves using a robotic arm and specialized instruments controlled by the surgeon, often with...
What is the value of Nanotechnology in Healthcare?
Where is it being used, and how does it impact health outcomes? Nanotechnology in healthcare refers to the use of extremely small materials, devices, or systems—typically on the scale of nanometers (1 to 100 nanometers -one nanometer is about as long as your...
Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Our Community
Highlights of the November 12, 2024 Public ForumIntroduction Join us as we dive into the key takeaways from our recent forum! We gathered together to shed light on how climate change affects our community, and the discussions were enlightening and impactful. Over 100...
Community Pride: The Spirit of Estero Residents
Over this last weekend, Engage Estero’s Adopt a Highway volunteers collected 700 pounds of bagged litter. This effort is conducted with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to help clean Hwy 41 between the Vines entrance (Breckenridge Road) north of Walmart...
A Memorable Veterans Day Event in the Village of Estero
On Saturday, November 10th, around 500 residents came to Estero Community Park to pay tribute to our veterans, active military, first responders, and Gold Star families. The day’s program attracted significantly more visitors than in 2023, partly due to the excellent...
Share Your Voice! Get Involved in Shaping Estero’s Recreation and Sports Future
On October 29, the Village Councilors, Management, Company Developers, and Planners invited residents to a meeting to listen to suggestions for the various options for the area north and west of Williams Road and Via Coconut. This is where the former driving range was...
Engage Estero Celebrates 25 Years of Impact in 2024
Celebrating 25 YearsEngage Estero: A Community Engagement Association, celebrates 25 years of service to the greater Estero area in 2024.Our Goals | Our Achievements | Our Leadership | Our Founders | Our Memories | Our HistoryOn January 15, 2025 volunteers and civic...
The New Season for Cleaning Up Estero’s Roads Has Begun!
Since 2020, Engage Estero’s effort, headed by Julie Yellig and many volunteers, has kept our environment pristine and a special place to live. This effort, along with many others participating in road adoption programs or picking up litter on their regular walks, is...
Artificial Intelligence: Revolutionizing Healthcare Treatment Outcomes
In healthcare, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a powerful force with the potential to impact treatment outcomes significantly. AI's capacity to analyze large volumes of data, identify patterns, and make highly accurate predictions offers...
Thank You, Chris Patricca, for your Efforts in Supporting Our Students And Serving on the Board of the School District of Lee County
By Mark Novitski, Consultant to Engage Estero Chris grew up in Boston, where she learned to love all Boston teams, but the Patriots are her favorite. She excelled in school and attended Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, MA, where she earned an A.A. in...
Are Cities Doing Enough to Combat the Urgent Threat of Climate Warming?
Our planet's climate is rapidly and urgently changing. With temperatures soaring, rainfall patterns shifting, and extreme weather events becoming more frequent, the gravity of the situation is stark. These changes, largely attributed to the increasing levels of...
Concerning Flood Insurance
The Community Rating System (CRS) Provides Residents With Up To 20% Discount Engage Estero is providing the latest information the Village of Estero released regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood insurance Community Rating System (CRS)...
An Important Update on the Septic to Mains Sewer Conversion for Estero Residents
Introduction On August 28th, a public meeting updated the Estero Village Utilities Expansion Program (UEP). Steve Sarkozy, the Village Manager, and David Willems, the Village Public Works Director, presented. The project was initiated in 2021 following the...
Estero 2024 Growth of Estero’s Population and Real Estate
Engage Estero recently finalized our Q3 September 2024 Greater Estero Community Report. This report covers Economic Indicators and a Comprehensive Guide to Developments in the City. has seen a significant population surge in the last decade, largely driven by the...
Enage Estero Welcomes Lisa Khorey to the Executive Management Team
Engage Estero is pleased to announce that Lisa Khorey, a highly experienced leader in the healthcare industry, has accepted our offer to join the Executive Management Team (EMT). Her extensive experience will undoubtedly complement the EMT’s seasoned executives. Lisa...
The Threat to Southwest Florida: Rising Ocean Levels and Global Warming
The Threat to Southwest Florida: Rising Ocean Levels and Global WarmingSouthwest Florida, renowned for its stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and vibrant coastal communities, faces an increasingly dire threat from rising ocean levels due to global warming.As...
Workforce Housing The Local and State Actions That Need to be Implemented
The following issues have been addressed in the three previous articles Engage Estero prepared on Workforce Housing. Part 1: Understanding the Workforce Housing Crisis & Why It Affects All of Us. Part 2: Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis in Southern Lee...
In Remembrance: Scotty Wood
Scotty Wood was an influential figure in Estero, guiding its transformation from a quiet community into the vibrant Village it is today. His impact before and after the establishment of the Village of Estero is a testament to his unwavering dedication to preserving...
92% of Floridians Believe Our Climate Is Changing
Adapted from articles by Michael Copley, Rebecca Hersher, and Dr. Jennifer Jones Including A Majority of Florida Republicans (88%) And Florida Democrats (96%) In September 2022, Hurricane Ian struck Sanibel and Captiva, Fort Myers Beach, and Cape Coral. Its...
The Economic and Social Impact of Workforce Housing Shortages Part 3
The lack of affordable workforce housing in southern Lee County has significantly impacted our local economy and social fabric. Businesses feel the strain, community services are stretched thin, and residents face decreased quality of life. We must address this...
Pedestrian and Bike Safety In Greater Estero
The Bonita Estero Rail Trail project (BERT) is not just a local initiative but a crucial part of a larger vision to complete the 420-mile-long Florida Gulf Coast Trail. This ambitious plan aims to connect communities from Tampa-St. Petersburg down to Naples, and the...
Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis In Southern Lee County: Part 2
A Collaborative Approach Inspired by Toronto's Success Introduction Southern Lee County faces two major challenges: a severe workforce housing shortage and serious traffic congestion. These interconnected issues significantly hinder the community's...
Your Help is Needed To Optimize Lee Health’s Future Healthcare Offering in Estero
As you may know, the Lee Health Board of Directors and Administration believe that it is in the best long-term interest of the citizens of Lee County to move to a community-based non-profit structure, which is how they operated for the first fifty years of their 107...
Understanding the Workforce Housing Crisis & Why It Affects All of Us
The concept of workforce housing has become a critical topic of discussion in Southern Lee County, encompassing areas like Estero, Bonita Springs, and the surrounding regions. The Workforce Housing Crisis: A Struggle for Our Community's Backbone. The housing crisis is...
Adapting to Tomorrow: Navigating a World Altered by Climate Shifts
Humanity is at a critical juncture as the Earth's climate undergoes relentless transformation. Previously stable and predictable weather patterns have been replaced by extremes, including sweltering heatwaves, formerly temperate regions experiencing scorching...
Potential Changes to the Management of Lee County
What you should know! Three candidates are vying to become the next county commissioner for District 3 in Lee County, a decision that will significantly impact our local governance. This is not just a routine election but a crucial moment for our community. The...
Keep the Streets Clear for Emergency Vehicles
Estero Fire Rescue, San Carlos Park Fire Protection and Rescue Service, and Bonita Springs Fire Control & Rescue District have an agreement for “Closest Unit Response”. This means if an Estero Fire Rescue unit is closer to an incident call in the Vines, they will...
Avoiding Fake Medical News!
By Dr. D. Rajtora MD, FAAAAI, Member of the Engage Estero Health Council and Allan Bowditch, Chief Communications Officer Engage Estero. It is clear that most people rely upon the internet to answer their general questions concerning their health care. Dr Rajtora, a...
The “Skinny” On Obesity
By Robert P. Belin, M.D. Chairperson, Health and Wellness Breckenridge, Golf and Tennis Club, and member of Engage Estero’s Health Council For the first time, the FDA has approved medication for weight loss! So, why is this important and in the news non-stop? It’s...
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