News and Posts
ECCL Chief Business Administrator
Terry Flanagan Chief Business Administrator The ECCL would like to introduce Terry Flanagan as Chief Business Administrator for the ECCL. This role provides strategic focus and operational efficiency to ensure the ECCL makes the most of a limited and valuable...
2022 Essay Scholarship Winners
2022 Estero Essay Contest Three $1,000 Scholarships for Estero High School Seniors. Congratulations to Estero Students Estero Schools ended their year with a burst of activity and awards. Congratulations to the 305 students that graduated from Estero High this year....
May 2022 Meeting of the ECCL
May 13 at 10:00 Estero Park & Recreation Center9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL 33928(239) 533-1470 MAP Agenda Lee Health Presentation Village Presentation Summary of May 2022Monthly Meeting Jim Gilmartin, ECCL's President, welcomed the attendees, followed...
Act Now: Protected Species at Risk
Act now! Protected Species at Risk Contact Decision-Makers Learn More Email FDEP An environmentally sensitive site of 1,800+ acres in eastern Lee County, which is home to the endangered Florida panther and surrounded by preserves, is at risk of becoming a 781-acre...
Great Results from the Second Adopt-a-Highway Season
The second ECCL "Adopt a Highway" season has officially and successfully concluded. The ECCL and Julie Yellig, who organized the program in 2020, would like to thank all those volunteers who have participated in helping clean Hwy 41 in Estero. Volunteers from over 30...
Health and Safety Issues: GECR Quarter 2, 2022
Important Health and Safety Issues in the Greater Estero Area The ECCL is pleased to provide the second quarter’s Greater Estero Community Report (GECR) for 2022. Each of the articles contained in the report focus on aspects of importance in our area. We discuss:...
April 2022 Meeting of the ECCL
April 8 at 10:00 Estero Park & Recreation Center9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL 33928(239) 533-1470 MAP Agenda Our Speakers Summary of April 8, 2022, Monthly Meeting In the absence of ECCL president Jim Gilmartin, Communication Chair Allan Bowditch...
More Volunteers are Stepping up to Keep our Greater Estero Roads Free from Rubbish
Through the efforts of the ECCL's Adopt A Highway volunteer team this month, 520 pounds of litter was collected from Hwy 41. This month brings this season's total to 3,760 pounds and the total since October 2020 to a staggering 8,800 pounds (4.4 tons). Volunteers over...
Howard J Levitan, Co-Chairman of the Planning, Zoning, and Design Board of the Village of Estero Stepping Down
Howard Levitan, Co-Chair of the Planning, Zoning, and Design Board (PZDB) of the Village of Estero, announced he is stepping down from his position and heading back to Maine. Howard was an active ECCL board member for many years, leaving only to serve on the Village...
The Latest Economic News for our Area: March 2022
The ECCL is pleased to provide the following summary curtesy of the Lutgert College of Business and FGCU who produce a regular update of the local economy.
The People of Ukraine are in our Prayers
"We are resolute that a democratic, prosperous, and secure Ukraine is in the interest not only of the people of Ukraine but also of the United States and the international community." Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State The United States reaffirms its unwavering...
March 2022 Live Monthly Meeting
March 11 at 10:00 Estero Park & Recreation Center9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL 33928(239) 533-1470 MAP Agenda Estero Forever Foundation Video Estero Forever Foundation Presentation Our Speakers Ray Sandelli, Lee County Commissioner Following the passing of his...
Spotlight Features ECCL Role in Protecting Estero’s Environment
On March 1, 2022, Spotlight News Magazine featured the ECCL's role in protecting Estero's environment, in this article by Jeff Lytle.
Estero’s Hwy 41 Is Much Cleaner This Weekend! More Than 740 Pounds of Rubbish Removed!
The ECCL is pleased to report another extraordinary effort from volunteers helping clear the rubbish along an Estero section of Hwy 41 this weekend. That brings this season's total - starting in October 2021 - to 3,240 pounds, and our total since October 2020 to 8,280...
Featured Volunteer: Julie Yellig
In 2019, Julie approached the ECCL to consider adopting Hwy 41 in Estero through the FDOT Adopt a Highway program, and the program commenced in October 2020. More than 4 tons of litter have been collected since the program began.
Southwest Florida’s Waterways Are Screaming For “Help”. Are We Poisoning Our Water?
Many do not know that our deteriorating water quality is impacting the health of our economy and the residents of Estero and Southwest Florida. The ECCL has a significant role in bridging this education gap. We collaborate with other local groups such as the Calusa...
Why we need workforce housing in the Greater Estero Area: GECR Special Report
Why We Need Workforce Housing in the Greater Estero Area By Allan Bowditch ECCL Chief Communications Officer Printable PDF Introduction In many cities across the country, it is increasingly difficult for middle-income workers to buy or rent housing in the areas in...
Benefit from FGCU Interns and Volunteers
Local Organizations Benefit from FGCU Interns and Volunteers The Greater Estero Area reaps multiple benefits from having a major university campus in our community, from cultural opportunities, an influx of younger consumers and workers, and the economic...
The ECCL is now a 501(c)3 Charitable Organization!
The ECCL is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, volunteer civic advocacy organization. Our mission is to advocate for meaningful change that maintains and improves the high quality of life in the greater Estero area through consensus-based advocacy, fact-based research,...
The Role of the MPO in Transportation Planning
Don Scott, Executive Director, Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), presented at the February 2022 meeting of The ECCL. The MPO is the County’s transportation partnership responsible for transportation planning all of Lee County. The MPO’s mission is...
February 2022 Live Monthly Meeting
February 11 at 10:00 Estero Park & Recreation Center9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL 33928 (239) 533-1470 MAP Agenda Our Speakers Jon McLain, Vice Mayor, the Village of Estero Jon has served as a District 3 Council Member of the Village of Estero since June 2017....
Florida Legislature to Eliminate Energy Credits for Homeowners with Solar Panels
The Florida Senate and House are now considering legislation to end credits homeowners receive on their electric bills when their home installed solar panels provide electricity to the power grid. Senate bill SB 1024 and House bill HB 741 would “undermine current...
Exceptional Talent in Estero: GECR Quarter 1, 2022
Exceptional Talent in the Greater Estero Area The ECCL is pleased to provide the 1st quarter’s Greater Estero Community Report (GECR) for 2022. Each of the articles contained in the report focus on aspects of cultural talent in our area. We discuss: World Class...
Another Stellar Volunteer Clean-up Event Along Hwy 41 in Estero
The ECCL collaborates with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to help clean an approximate four-mile section of the Tamiami Trail. Each month's work involves teams of volunteers who clean areas of the highway, between the Vines entrance (Breckenridge...
January 2022 ZOOM Monthly Meeting
January 14 at 10:00 on Zoom Our Speaker Jennifer DorningSenior Public Information Specialist Jennifer is an associate at Atkins, a British multinational engineering, design, planning, architectural design, project management, and consulting services company. Jennifer...
Estero High School Assistant Principal Named AP of the Year
The Lee County School District announces David Howdyshell of Estero High School has been named Assistant Principal of the Year. The assistant principal at Estero High since 2017, Mr. Howdyshell previously taught math at Estero and Oak Hammock Middle School. This year...
Unique way to improve water quality and habitats
This article by WINK news covers a unique use of manufacturing waste to improve our coastlines. "Sanibel’s shoreline is getting protected with help from overseas. Thanks to help from the Dutch government, scientists and volunteers on Sanibel Island installed...
The ECCL’s “Adopt a Highway Program:” A Fantastic Volunteer Achievement Benefiting Everyone in the Greater Estero area
As you may be aware, the ECCL has been collaborating with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) since October 2020 to help clean Hwy 41, between the Vines entrance (Breckenridge Road) north of Walmart and south to Coconut Road. During the weekend of December...
Decreased Tire Life Causes Increased Stopping Distances
As residents of Southwest Florida, everyone has experienced those unexpected downpours while driving that some refer to as “liquid sunshine.” Do you ever consider how big of a role your tires play in giving your car, van or truck the proper braking and handling...
December 2021 ZOOM Monthly Meeting
Highlights of the 209th ECCL Membership Meeting December 10, 2021 After the welcoming remarks, President Jim Gilmartin introduced the speakers. Estero Mayor Katie Errington and Florida state Representative Adam Botana. Mayor Katy Errington. Mayor Errington provided a...
Economic Progress: GECR Quarter 4, 2021
Economic Progress in the Greater Estero Area The ECCL is pleased to provide the 4th quarter’s Greater Estero Community Report (GECR) for 2021. Each of the three articles contained in the report focus on aspects of economic progress in our area. Please take this...
Featured Volunteer: Mike Wasson
Mike Wasson Featured Volunteer Junior Achievement AmbassadorInterim Co-Chair, Education CouncilCommunications Committee ECCL’s work and success would be limited if not for a committed and resolute team of volunteers. All our volunteers contribute to making the Greater...
Act Now: Important School Funding Survey
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act was signed into law. The United States Department of Education (USDOE) is providing an additional $121.9 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III Fund). These grants will be...
From the Desk of Sheriff Carmine Marceno: Deepening Concerns for Cyclists
The population in Lee County continues to grow and, along with this growth, comes an increasing number of motor vehicles on our roadways and a larger number of residents enjoying biking. Both drivers and cyclists have responsibilities, as per Florida Statute, in...
Pollution Notification: Right to Know
The ECCL believes residents have a right to know about pollutants in our waters. The Safe Waterways Act (SB 604 / HB 393) is designed to address this public health risk. We encourage our readers to learn more about this effort, and then contact legislators with your...
Perfect for Christmas
The ECCL congratulates the 25 individuals who were voted the most influential in the Village of Estero in 2021
During a wonderful evening Gala Dinner at Grandezza on October 28th hosted by the Estero Chamber of Commerce, George Zalucki of the Chamber announced the 25 individuals selected by residents as the most influential people in our community in 2021. Sixty individuals...
The Adopt a Highway program has been re-commenced to keep Estero looking beautiful. Want to help?
The ECCL has embarked on a new season working with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to help clean Hwy 41, between the Vines entrance (Breckenridge Road) north of Walmart and south to Coconut Road. In October, the team collected a total of 640 pounds of...
What We Know About the Quality of Southwest Florida Water – Isn’t Pretty
Water is essential to life, and in Florida, it is also an economic engine that fuels $94 billion in annual tourism spending and $12 billion in local and state sales, hotel, and excise taxes, according to Rockport Analytics LLC. When our waterways...
Roundabout Myths and Tips
Roundabouts Myths and How Tos How a Multi-lane Roundabout Works The short video above shows how a multi-lane roundabout works. The sooner you need to turn, the further to the right side you drive. Fact vs. Fiction Fiction: Roundabouts are unsafe Fact: Roundabouts have...
October 2021 Meeting Summary and Video
October ECCL Monthly Meeting The October 8, 2021 meeting of the ECCL was held virtually on Zoom. The featured speakers speakers were: Jon McLain, Vice-Mayor of the Village of Estero Barry Freedman, Greater Estero Virtual Information Center Antonio Carangelo, ECCL...
September 2021 Meeting Summary and Video
September ECCL Monthly Meeting The September 24, 2021 meeting of the ECCL was held virtually on Zoom. The featured speakers speakers were Lee County School Board Member Chris Patricca, Junior Achievement SWFL President Angela Fisher, and Estero Life Magazine Editor...
East Corkscrew Road Developments: GECR Quarter 3, 2021
Developments on East Corkscrew Road and their Impact on Safety, Transportation and Services The ECCL is pleased to provide the third quarter’s Greater Estero Community Report (GECR) for 2021. This report goes into detail on the numbers of homes and car rides projected...
East Corkscrew Road Development and Growth
Greater Estero Community Report: Qtr 3 2021 East Corkscrew Road Development and Growth Most of you will be aware of the continued developments along East Corkscrew Road. The new developments outside the Estero Village boundary, include WildBlue, The Place, Verdana,...
County Commissioner District Boundaries to Undergo Review
County Commission Redistricting Meetings Every ten years, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners is required to review population statistics with the goal of keeping similar population numbers within each commissioner's district boundaries. The delayed release...
Microorganism’s Macro Impact
History of the ECCL in Estero book now available
History of The ECCL in Estero There are many reasons why residents and visitors enjoy the lifestyle and ambiance of the greater Estero area, but this situation did not emerge by accident. How did this come about, and what will happen to the greater Estero area in the...
Worth a Read: BikeWalkLee – Speed Kills
Speed kills For those of a certain age, the phrase “speed kills” may have many connotations. But today, we’re talking about the (literal) impact of increased speed limits on pedestrian injuries and deaths. A 2011 study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, looking...
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