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.
Adopt-a-Highway Program Re-Commences for the Season
The Adopt A Highway Program Has Been Re-Commenced Keeping Estero Looking Beautiful. Want to help? Engage Estero’s Adopt a Highway group of volunteers has embarked on a new season working with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to help clean Hwy 41 between...
Why Every Community and HOA Should Consider Having a Civic Liaison or Committee
Why Every Community and HOA Should Consider Having a Civic Liaison or CommitteeBy Mark Novitski, Consultant to Engage EsteroPlanning and Zoning - VillagePlanning and Zoning - CountyTransportationLee County School DistrictOverview A lot is happening in Southwest...
Update on Koreshan State Park’s former Sunday Farmers Market
Update on Sunday Farmers Market by the Friends of Koreshan State ParkThe Friends of Koreshan State Park reported on their Facebook page that they will be re-opening their Sunday Market at a new location starting Sunday, September 17. Starting at 8:00 am until 1:00 pm,...
The State of Development: GECR Quarter 3, 2023
September 2023 Greater Estero Community Report Our 3rd GECR provides an essential update on the various building developments that will likely be scheduled in greater Estero over the next few years, together with an update on what changes we can expect regarding our...
A Summary of Recent and New Developments Planned in Greater Estero
Updated: June 2023
8/22/23 Village Meeting: Planning, Zoning and Design Board
Items of Interest on Aug. 22, 2023 Village Planning, Zoning and Design Board Meeting Agenda The Village of Estero Planning, Zoning and Design Board will discuss several important matters at its next meeting on Tuesday, August 22. These meetings are an opportunity for...
The Village of Estero is Planning to Conduct a Comprehensive Traffic Study
The Village of Estero is Planning to Conduct a Comprehensive Traffic StudyEngage Estero is pleased to inform you that an Estero Village-Wide Traffic Study is included in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget. The Village advertised the Village-Wide Traffic Study on July...
Will the Village Reconsider the Closure of the Golf Driving Range?
Will the Village Reconsider the Closure of the Golf Driving Range?Follow up post to this article: https://esterotoday.com/the-williams-road-golf-driving-range-is-slated-to-close/ Estero is urbanizing! Increasingly, this is affecting traffic patterns and resident...
How you can impact development in greater Estero
How You Can Impact the Future of Greater Estero Development | Traffic | PlanningEngage Estero, an all-volunteer, nonpolitical, nonprofit Community Engagement Association, believes there is a critical need to look closely at the collective impact on traffic because of...
The Williams Road Golf Driving Range is Slated to Close
The Williams Road Golf Driving Rangeis Slated to Close!The Village management and Council have decided that the Driving Range will close. Given the facility's remarkably elevated level of use and the lack of access to practice facilities within a reasonable distance,...
No such thing as a healthy tan – dermatologist
No such thing as a healthy tan.As we continue to be concerned about the high temperatures being recorded across the USA and Europe, Engage Estero’s management team would like to remind you of the continued need for caution when outside in the sun not just from...
New Law Requires Condo Associations to Conduct Structural Inspections and Maintain Reserves-For Condo’s Three Stories or More High.
New Law Requires Condo Associations to Conduct Structural Inspections and Maintain Reserves-For Condo’s Three Stories or More HighThe Engage Estero organization would like to keep owners and HOA’s informed of the following new legal requirements for condominiums which...
Education Newsletter: June 2023
Our June 2023 Education Newsletter covers Principal Gunderson’s retirement, Essay Scholarship Winners, and JA programs held this year.
What you need to do when visiting the doctor/caregiver
What you Need to do when Visiting the Doctor/CaregiverWhen you are all set for your yearly, or an upcoming appointment with your primary care provider or practice nurse, your provider maybe ready for you, but are you?Your physician and other caregivers have limited...
The “New York Times” Underscores the Comments Made at the Recent Engage Estero’s Public Forum on Health
The “New York Times” Underscores the Comments Made at the Recent Engage Estero’s Public Forum on HealthOn March 30th, Engage Estero held the second of a series of Public Forum meetings for residents to understand better various vital changes that will impact our way...
Where to Find Important Healthcare Information
Are you in the Incorporated Village of Estero or Not?
Do you live in the Incorporated Village of Estero or Not?People are unsure whether they live within the incorporated Village of Estero, the incorporated City of Bonita Springs, or in an unincorporated area, especially for those living along East Corkscrew Road.By Mark...
What Estero Residents Care About the Most
What Estero residents want to know and how they want to know about itThe results of the Engage Estero 2023 Communications Survey, conducted in April, has provided important guidance for the management team. The objective was to determine how best to keep residents...
Healthcare Changes and How they Will Affect You: GECR Quarter 2, 2023
May 2023 Greater Estero Community Report Engage Estero recently held the second in a series of Public Forum style meetings. This time the topic was “How Changes in Healthcare will Impact You!” A distinguished panel of local experts answered several important questions...
Meet FGCU’s president-elect, Dr. Ayseful Timur
Florida Gulf Coast University President-elect Aysegul Timur talks about her priorities and other topics. She will be the fifth president and first woman to lead the university.
Right to Clean Water
Engage Estero needs your help supporting the Right to Clean Water Florida constitutional amendment before time runs out.How do I Help?In order to be on the ballot, the amendment must receive a set number of signatures from Florida registered voters. Click for petition...
LEAD Estero raises scholarship funds thanks to you!
LEAD Estero raises scholarship funds with "Breaking Par at Grandezza"Left to Right: Goflers Lawrence Sutherland, Fred Manley, and Michael BreesonLeft to Right: Amy Kuchenbecker (Engage Estero) and Dr. Sandra Kauanui (Guest of Honor). Credit: Michael Stevens, Lee...
Estero Historical Society Ribbon-Cutting
Jim Gilmartin, President of Engage Estero, (fourth from the left) was proud to represent the organization on April 15 at the Estero Historical Society cottage ribbon cutting for the deck replacement. Engage Estero donated $3,000 and executed a fund-raising effort that...
Engage Estero’s “Adopt A Highway Program” Reaches A Milestone in Rubbish and Debris Collection
Engage Estero’s “Adopt A Highway Program” Reaches A Milestone in Rubbish and Debris CollectionEngage Estero has been collaborating with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) since October 2020 to help clean Hwy 41, between the Vines entrance (Breckenridge...
In the News
"The Evolution of Engage Estero" is an article published in Estero Life Magazine in March, 2023. It insightfully covers how the changes in Estero brought about a change in the focus and presentation of Engage Estero itself. Check out the article here:...
Unraveling the Mystery of Development Impact Fees
Unraveling the Mystery of Development Impact FeesFew people outside the local, county, and state government agencies understand "Development Impact" fees. Engage Estero monitors impact fees and their use in Estero and surrounding areas. The following information will...
Mr. Estero, A Legend in Our Time
Don Eslick passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at the age of 88. Don is survived by his wife, Suzie Eslick. The Board of Directors and Management of Engage Estero (formerly ECCL) is very saddened by his passing and expresses our sincere condolences to Suzie. Don...
How You Can Protect Wildlife in Lee County
How You Can Protect Wildlife in Lee CountyMost people are familiar with the looming climate change crisis in the form of extreme weather events and natural disasters. However, human lives aren't the only thing at stake when discussing the need for climate action. As...
Adopt a Highway March 2023
Congratulations To Our Adopt A Highway Team And All Volunteers Keeping Estero's Roads Clean! The Engage Estero's team of volunteers collected 780 pounds of bagged litter and debris during the weekend of March 11th. Since early November, this season has amounted to...
Environmental Changes and Dangers to Our Water: GECR Quarter 1, 2023
Environmental Changes and Dangers to Our Water Engage Estero Is pleased to provide you with the first of four special reports we prepare each year. The environment and water quality remain at the top of greater Estero's residents' concerns. Many residents attended the...
The Dangers Associated with Septic Systems
The Dangers Associated with Septic SystemsEstero has changed dramatically since the first inhabitants settled in the early 1900s. These early settlement areas did not have sanitary sewer systems, and homes relied on wells and septic systems. Some of those holdover...
CPR –An Emergency Life Saving Procedure
CPR –An Emergency Life Saving Procedure An Important Message on CPR from ECCL’s Health Council’s Cardiac Subcommittee. According to American Heart Association statistics, 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital each year. Seventy percent of...
Estero’s Volunteers Recognized at Awards Ceremony
Estero's Volunteers Recognized at Awards Ceremony for Keeping Our Roads Clean On March 2, at the Keep Lee County Beautiful (KLBC) Environmental Stewardship Awards Ceremony, Estero volunteers were recognized as "Outstanding Adoption Groups" for removing tons of litter...
Engage Estero Continues to Support The Efforts Of Ukraine To Keep Its Sovereignty
Engage Estero Continues to Support The Efforts Of Ukraine To Keep Its SovereigntyOne year later, the deadly conflict continues unabated. On the morning of February 24, 2022, Russian forces launched a multi-pronged invasion by land, air, and sea in Ukraine. Even as...
Is it OK if you see the A.P.R.N. or P.A. at the doctor’s office?
Is it OK if you see the A.P.R.N. or P.A. at your next appointment? When patients call to make an appointment with their doctor, they are often told they can see a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. Many patients wonder what experience these healthcare...
Workforce Housing: Encouraging Developments
Workforce Housing: Encouraging Developments!In March 2022, the ECCL, now Engage Estero, released an article titled "Why We Need Workforce Housing in the Greater Estero Area." The article explained the increasing difficulties facing middle-income workers in buying or...
ECCL is now Engage Estero Presentation
An Enjoyable Evening at Rapallo: Introducing Engage EsteroAlthough the rebranding of the ECCL to Engage Estero officially occurred on February 1st, over 70 residents and members of Engage Estero got together for a celebratory evening at Rapallo on February 16th....
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