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...
The Village of Estero’s Utilities Expansion Program Progresses Slowly Pt. 4
The Village of Estero’s Utilities Expansion Program Progresses SlowlyPart 4: Timing and Costs The Village of Estero and Engage Estero fully understand the residents' concerns in the communities, who eagerly await start and completion dates for converting their septic...
LEAD Estero Students Present Scholarships To Fellow high school students.
At the Annual Estero High School Awards on May 7th, LEAD Estero seniors presented the scholarships made possible by Breaking Par for Education event sponsored by Engage Estero and held at The Club at Grandezza in 2023. Recipients pictured Left to Right:Rolando...
Leadership Camp for High School Students “Shark Tank” like Experience ends with Scholarship Opportunities.
A very unique, free of charge, experience is available to 2024-2025 Estero High School rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. The LEAD Estero Leadership Camp is a four-day “Shark Tank” like experience. This highly rated program is being held at the Daveler &...
The Village of Estero’s Utilities Expansion Program Progresses Slowly Pt. 3
The Village of Estero's Utilities Expansion Program Progresses SlowlyPart 3: Costs, Capital Improvement Plans, and Grants Background The conversion from a septic and well utility system to a municipal water and central sewer for several early developments in Estero is...
Proton Therapy for Cancer in Estero: May Community & Membership Meeting
Part 1: Proton Therapy for Cancer TreatmentEngage Estero was delighted to bring you an important program for the May 23rd Community and Member Monthly meeting. Lee Health has partnered with Advocate Radiation Oncology to provide Proton therapy, an advanced form of...
Corkscrew Road: What is going on, and when?
Corkscrew Road: What is going on, and when? (Written by Mark Novitski, Consultant to Engage Estero) Updated August 2024 Corkscrew Road UpdatesAn Update on Corkscrew Road and many other roads in the Greater Estero Area has been posted as of November 2024.Corkscrew Road...
Loneliness and social isolation are problematic!
Loneliness and social isolation are problematic!By Mike Wasson, Engage Estero Board Member and Communications Team Member.“Loneliness causes people to feel empty, alone, and unwanted,” says Kendra Cherry, a Master of Science in Education, Author, Psychosocial...
Understanding and Coping with Dementia
Health Understanding and Coping with Dementia Written by Allan Bowditch, Chief Communications Officer Engage Estero Understanding the Difference: Alzheimer’s Disease vs Dementia Dementia is a collective term that refers to various symptoms affecting cognitive...
The Village of Estero’s Utilities Expansion Program Progresses Slowly Pt. 2
The Village of Estero's Utilities Expansion Program Progresses SlowlyPart 2: ChallengesBackground The conversion from a septic system and supply of potable water in Estero is a collective effort that faces many challenges. In some places, the Village will also install...
Part 2 Public Concerns & Future Actions
The Engage Estero Public Forum Traffic Congestion in Greater Estero (Written by Allan Bowditch, Engage estero’s Chief Communications Officer) Go to Part 1 Questions and Comments from the Public The Engage Estero team would like to thank all those who attended the...
Part 1 Key Questions Addressed
The Engage Estero Public Forum Traffic Congestion in Greater Estero (Written by Allan Bowditch, Engage estero’s Chief Communications Officer) Introduction The building boom in the Estero area started in 1998 when the airport, Florida Gulf Coast University, Miromar...
The Village of Estero’s Utilities Expansion Program Progresses Slowly Pt. 1
The Village of Estero's Utilities Expansion Program Progresses SlowlyPart 1: Background and HistoryAre you aware of the slow progress of the Village of Estero's Utilities Expansion Program? Seeing such an essential program moving at a snail's pace is concerning. The...
Estero’s Sense of Place: GECR Quarter 2, 2024
April 2024 Greater Estero Community Report Our 2nd quarter GECR provides a summary of the survey taken on Estero's Sense of Place.
10 Tons of Rubbish Collected along Estero’s Stretch of US 41 Since the Start of the FDOT Adopt a Highway Program!
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...
Road Safety in Greater Estero
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...
Estero Sense of Place Winners Announced
Engage Estero wants to thank everyone who took part in the process of helping define Estero's Sense of Place. Following a presentation in February of 2024 by Tony Carangleo, watch online here, Engage Estero offered prizes to residents who submitted written...
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...
Engage Estero’s Public Forum on Traffic Congestion
https://esterotoday.com/event/apr2024/
Decreasing Traffic Congestion in Greater Estero
Decreasing Traffic Congestionin Greater EsteroTraffic congestion in greater Estero is a persistent challenge that requires a multifaceted approach involving various professionals and strategies. Some of the key contributors to solving this issue include:Transportation...
Estero Fest – March 16th, 2024
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of fun, music, and community spirit at Estero Fest 2024! Hosted by the Greater Estero Chamber, this vibrant festival is set to light up the Estero Community Park with a day packed full of activities, entertainment, and...
The Value of Wildlife Corridors and Crossings in Greater Estero
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...
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...
Feb. 2024 Adopt a Highway: Volunteers Continue to Keep Estero Looking Beautiful
As a result of Estero’s local volunteer effort, 620 pounds of bagged litter was collected this month. That amounts to over 2 tons, which has been collected from Estero's Hwy 41 since the end of last season. The Adopt a Highway program area covers the distance between...
Residents Express Concerns About Safety For East Corkscrew Road Changes And Seek Action From Village Officials
It has come to the Engage Estero management team's attention that many residents who travel along East Corkscrew Road are extremely concerned about the potential dangers posed by the road works taking place along various stretches of the road. These concerns...
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...
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...
Why does it take so long to build or widen a municipal or county road?
By Mark Novitski, contributor and Engage Estero consultant Unfortunately, widening, building, or modifying a road takes longer than people think! It is a complex process. Each stakeholder has several complicated processes to ensure the project is run correctly. The...
Warning Bells are Ringing! But What Can We Do About Climate Change?
The Warning Bells are Ringing! But What Can We Do About Climate Change?On Thursday, Feb 8th, 2024, scientists said the world surpassed a key warming threshold across an entire year for the first time on record, calling to slash planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions....
The Laila Biali Trio Jazz Personified!
(Written by Allan Bowditch, Engage Estero’s Chief Communications Officer) The Nisita Concert Series at the Bower School of Music and the Arts continues to provide internationally acclaimed musicians of the highest standard to local residents. On Tuesday evening, Feb...
New and Planned Developments: GECR Quarter 1, 2024
February 2024 Greater Estero Community Report Our 1st quarter GECR provides a comprehensive list of new and planned residential, commercial, recreational and transportation developments in the Greater Estero Area. This list is always a work in progress but...
Your Healthcare Actions for 2024
Health: Your Healthcare Actions for 2024 In the early part of the New Year, taking stock of your health and the actions you should consider to help minimize your reliance on physicians and other healthcare...
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