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...
2023 Annual Report
2023 Annual Report2023 was a year of change, growth and activity for Engage Estero. Starting with a new name to reflect our new focus, Engage Estero hit the ground running with a full year of Informing residents via email and public forums, engaging the people of...
What is Estero’s Sense of Place?
What is Estero's Sense of Place?During the Community and Member Monthly Meeting held at the Recreational Center on Jan 25th, Tony Carangelo, Engage Estero’s Chief Research Officer, spoke about this important topic as Estero continues to develop and grow. Tony first...
What helps to enhance Longevity?
What helps to enhance Longevity?During the recent Engage Estero Community Meeting on January 25th at the Estero Recreational Center, Jodi Walborn, Blue Zones, and Policy Lead discussed the thought-provoking but realistic insight into what we can do to increase our...
Another Stellar Volunteer Clean-Up Event Along Hwy 41 In Estero!
In January, Engage Estero’s Adopt a Highway team collected 560 pounds of bagged litter, along with various items of wood, metal and assorted plastic parts. That amounts to 1.6 tons which has been collected from Hwy 41 (41 between the Vines entrance (Breckenridge Road)...
Keeping Estero Looking Beautiful. Engaged Volunteers Make a Difference!
The weekend before Christmas, the Engage Estero’s Adopt a Highway Program volunteers collected 780 pounds of bagged litter and miscellaneous items such as wood, metal, and plastic parts. The Florida Department of Transportation established the program, and our efforts...
The Future Plans for our Schools and Students’ Education in Greater Estero
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...
River Oaks Preserve – Estero’s Natural Gemstone
River Oaks Preserve - Estero's Natural GemstoneIt’s Thursday morning and Florida Gulf Coast University students are arriving at River Oaks Preserve to earn required Service-Learning hours. They are greeted by a volunteer who quickly puts them to work. Today, the...
Lee Health Coconut Point 5 Year Anniversary
Lee Health Coconut Point 5 Year AnniversaryWritten by Allan Bowditch, Engage Estero’s Chief Communications Officer;Photos by Ed Weil, Engage Estero Committee MemberLee Health Coconut Point celebrated five years of outstanding patient care and growth in the Estero and...
LEAD Estero sponsors “Leadership Summer Camp at FGCU” for High School Students
Sponsored by Engage Estero, LEAD Estero develops “Leadership Summer Camp at FGCU” for High School Students“Students helping Students,” says Jeffrey Stevens, Founder and President of LEAD Estero. That motivated him and his brother Matthew Stevens to start LEAD Estero....
We Are Poisoning The “Jewel” of Estero -Estero Bay-
We Are Poisoning The "Jewel” of Estero-Estero Bay-Many residents living in greater Estero are unaware that Estero Bay was the first aquatic nature preserve established in Florida in 1966. It is a 10,000-acre Florida State Park with water, inlets, and islands along a...
If You Are Tired of Watching TV And Playing Golf, Do We Have Leadership Opportunities for You!
If You are Tired of Watching TV and Playing Golf, Do we have Leadership Opportunities for You!We seek experienced private and nonprofit leaders who want to make a difference in our community. You don’t have to be an expert in any field to be successful. A commitment...
What you need to know about Atrial Fibrillation or A-fib
What you need to know about Atrial Fibrillation or A-fibA-fib is a severe cardiac (heart) disease! Do you have A-fib? If you answered no, how do you know? 10% of the 5 million US adults who have it have no idea they do! That’s 0.5M adults who have NO idea they have...
Our Residents’ Pride In Estero
Over this last weekend, Engage Estero’s Adopt a Highway Program volunteers collected 780 pounds of bagged litter and numerous wood/metal/plastic parts. The Florida Department of Transportation established the program, and our efforts helped clean Hwy 41 between the...
The Impact of Urbanization: GECR Quarter 4, 2023
November 2023 Greater Estero Community Report Our 4th GECR summarizes the outcome of the recent Public Forum on the urbanization taking place in greater Estero and what this and other developments will mean for the future. Residents learned what initiatives are in...
The Viral Trifecta is Here: What Should You Do About It?
The Viral Trifecta is Here: What Should You Do About It?The viral trifecta, COVID-19, FLU, and RSV is in our midst. Before you decide, what to do about it please discuss it with your health care provider. Here are some of the known facts:Written by Robert P. Belin,...
How Impact Fees Support Infrastructure in greater Estero
How Impact Fees Support Infrastructure in SW Florida What you need to know.Most people believe “Growth should pay for Growth.” In SW Florida, specifically Lee County, new development should pay for the infrastructure to support the new development.by Mark Novitski,...
Traffic on Corkscrew Road – Traveling East Corkscrew Road. Is it Safer?
East Corkscrew Road had improvements in 2014/2015 to help with traffic, but it was not enough. Lee County Department of Transportation (LDOT) collaborated with the developer as the Wild Blue Estero, FL development was planned and approved. LDOT required the Wild Blue east entrance to line up with Bella Terra Blvd.
In 2018, with road impact fees, LDOT installed a traffic signal at Bella Terra Blvd and Corkscrew Road. In April 2021, East Corkscrew Road widening, Phase I (Ben Hill Griffin to the east border of Bella Terra) started. As the Rivercreek development was planned and approved, working with LDOT, their entrance was aligned with the west entrance of Wild Blue. In 2023, the Rivercreek developer, GL Homes, worked with LDOT to fund a traffic signal. There is still hope the Wild Blue community will pay their fair share, as the warrants are not there for LDOT to fund a traffic signal.
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