News and Posts
The Benefits and Availability of Robotic Surgery Have Significantly Increased in Southwest Florida
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....
What is the value of Nanotechnology in Healthcare?
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...
Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Our Community
Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Our Community Highlights of the November 12, 2024 Public Forum Allan Bowditch Chief Communications Officer Video of the Meeting Introduction Join us as we dive into the key takeaways from our recent forum! We gathered together...
Community Pride: The Spirit of Estero Residents
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...
A Memorable Veterans Day Event in the Village of Estero
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...
Share Your Voice! Get Involved in Shaping Estero’s Recreation and Sports Future
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...
Engage Estero Celebrates 25 Years of Impact in 2024
Celebrating 25 Years Engage Estero: A Community Engagement Association, celebrates 25 years of service to the greater Estero area in 2024. Our Goals | Our Leadership | Our Founders | Our Memories | Our History On January 15, 2025 volunteers and civic leaders currently...
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
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...
Thank You, Chris Patricca, for your Efforts in Supporting Our Students And Serving on the Board of the School District of Lee County
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...
Are Cities Doing Enough to Combat the Urgent Threat of Climate Warming?
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...
Concerning Flood Insurance
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...
An Important Update on the Septic to Mains Sewer Conversion for Estero Residents
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...
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 Warming Southwest 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
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...
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
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...
The Economic and Social Impact of Workforce Housing Shortages Part 3
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...
Pedestrian and Bike Safety In Greater Estero
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...
Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis In Southern Lee County: Part 2
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....
Your Help is Needed To Optimize Lee Health’s Future Healthcare Offering in Estero
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...
Understanding the Workforce Housing Crisis & Why It Affects All of Us
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...
Adapting to Tomorrow: Navigating a World Altered by Climate Shifts
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...
Potential Changes to the Management of Lee County
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...
Keep the Streets Clear for Emergency Vehicles
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...
Avoiding Fake Medical News!
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...
The “Skinny” On Obesity
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...
The Village of Estero’s Utilities Expansion Program Progresses Slowly Pt. 4
The Village of Estero’s Utilities Expansion Program Progresses Slowly Part 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...
LEAD Estero Students Present Scholarships To Fellow high school students.
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...
Leadership Camp for High School Students “Shark Tank” like Experience ends with Scholarship Opportunities.
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...
The Village of Estero’s Utilities Expansion Program Progresses Slowly Pt. 3
The Village of Estero's Utilities Expansion Program Progresses Slowly Part 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...
Proton Therapy for Cancer in Estero: May Community & Membership Meeting
Sense of Place Presentation Part 1: Proton Therapy for Cancer Treatment Engage 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...
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 Updates Printable Summary An Update on Corkscrew Road and many other roads in the Greater Estero Area has been posted as of November...
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 Slowly Part 2: Challenges Background 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...
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 Slowly Part 1: Background and History Are 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
Click to Read or Print 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 Estero Traffic 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:...
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