BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//EsteroToday.com by Engage Estero - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://esterotoday.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for EsteroToday.com by Engage Estero REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20180311T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20181104T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20190310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20191103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20200308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20201101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20210314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20211107T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250326T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250326T113000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180530 CREATED:20250106T135719Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T140259Z UID:40561-1742983200-1742988600@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Community & Membership Meeting: Estero Traffic Study Results DESCRIPTION:Village of Estero 2024 Traffic Study Results \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read the Full Summary\n \n \n \n \n \n Little affects our daily quality of life as significantly as traffic. Engage Estero and the Village of Estero take road conditions and management seriously. \nThe Village utilizes a series of Master Plans in each of the areas of functional responsibility to help guide community investment and growth. Recently\, the Estero Village Council selected Johnson Engineering to update the Village-wide Traffic study Master Plan. The study is designed to identify current and future traffic issues and provide recommendations to improve traffic flow and safety in Estero. The study includes: \n\nProjected development on vacant parcels.\nTraffic impacts from areas outside Estero.\n\nAt the Engage Estero March Community and Membership Meeting\, the results of the study were provided to a capacity crowd by: \n\nSteve Sarkozy: Estero’s Village Manager.\nDavid Willems: Estero’s Director of Public Works\nLeah Holmes: Transportation Engineer at Johnson Engineering\n\nAfterwards\, the speakers answered questions from the audience. Learn what is in store for the roads in Estero\, the future impact of traffic in our area\, and what may be needed to mitigate problems by watching the video. \nThe meeting was held Wednesday\, March 26\, 2025 at Estero Park and Recreation Center\, 920 Corkscrew Palms Blvd\, in Estero\, Florida. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Steve Sarkozy\n Estero Village Manager \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n David Willems\n Village Director of Public Works \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Leah Holmes\n Johnson Engineering Transportation Engineer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Community-Meeting-Mar-26th-presentation \nDownload PDF URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/mar2025/ LOCATION:Estero Park & Recreation Center\, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250227T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250227T210000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180530 CREATED:20240719T143440Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250314T152807Z UID:39235-1740679200-1740690000@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:2024 Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award DESCRIPTION:2024 Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Joe and Joni Pavich \nwere Honored at\nThe Don Eslick Person of the Year Award Dinneron Feb. 27\, 2025\nEstero Country Club at The Vines\nOn Thursday night\, February 27\, 2025\, at the Estero Country Club at the Vines Engage Estero had the extraordinary opportunity to honor Joe and Joni Pavich with the prestigious Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award. This award recognizes their unwavering commitment and passionate belief in Estero for over 35 years. \nJoe and Joni have shown incredible dedication through their volunteer work with various organizations in Estero\, such as the Chamber of Commerce\, Rotary\, Estero Forever Foundation\, Bonita Springs Estero Realtors Association and Engage Estero. Their contributions are exemplary examples of community spirit and teamwork. \nThe couple worked tirelessly in their new Real Estate business after they arrived in 1989. Joe’s efforts to attract potential new residents highlight his belief in Estero as a great place to live. He didn’t just promote the community; he built a sense of belonging and excitement that resonated with newcomers. Meanwhile\, Joni’s meticulous organization and people and sales skills ensured every initiative ran smoothly and efficiently. It was a team effort. “Our mom gets credit for finding the Estero area. She was the one who pushed us to come here\,” recounts their sons\, Joe Jr. and Jason Pavich. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Engage Estero “Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award” is an annual event memorializing Don Eslick for his clarity\, vision\, persistence\, and significant contributions to the Estero community\, and to honor those that make exceptional contributions to improving the quality of life in Estero. \nIf you would like to learn more about the history of Estero and the positive impact that a dedicated team of committed\, unpaid volunteers who helped create such a sought-after destination in Southwest Florida had on our quality of life\, please click here to purchase a copy of “Forging a Better Path” that provides an insight into what helped shape the past and influence the future of Estero.   URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/2025award/ LOCATION:Estero Country Club\, 19501 Vintage Trace Circle\, Estero\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/web-banner-POTY.png ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T113000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180530 CREATED:20241231T161629Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T152738Z UID:40546-1740564000-1740569400@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Community & Membership Meeting: Traffic Safety Action Plan DESCRIPTION:Lee County MPO’s Strategic Safety Action Plan Traffic\, Safety\, Congestion\, and Recommendations Part 2 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Road safety has become an increasing concern for many residents in greater Estero. The presentation will look at the high-injury network and discuss potential solutions. \nEngage Estero was pleased to host: \n\nDon Scott\, Executive Director of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization.\nCarmon Monroy\, Senior Transportation Manager\, CTS Engineering.\n\n \n Full Summary of the Meeting\n \n Q&A Session Summary\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Don Scott\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Carmen Monroy\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Community-Meeting-Feb-26th-presentation \n \n \n \n \n \n Presentation Slides(download) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Background\nThis meeting is a follow up to the October 2024 meeting\, featuring Fank Domingo\, Professional Engineer and Principal at Stantec and Ron Gogoi\, AICP Transportation Planning Administrator of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). You can find a summary of that meeting here. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If you can’t attend in person\, you can still provide information about safety in Estero by completing the survey. \n \n Take the Survey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan\, a dashboard was created to examine crashes in Lee County. \n \n View the Dashboard URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/feb2025/ LOCATION:Estero Park & Recreation Center\, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250201 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250203 DTSTAMP:20260414T180530 CREATED:20240614T134515Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250115T164352Z UID:38903-1738368000-1738540799@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Breaking Par at Grandezza 2025 DESCRIPTION:Breaking Par at Grandezza is the annual Golf Tournament and Gala raising funds for LEAD Estero\, a local non-profit by students\, for students\, that funds scholarships and leadership training opportunities for Estero High School students. Engage Estero is proud to be a sponsor of the event! Tickets now available at: https://leadestero.ejoinme.org/BreakingPar25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guest of Honor\nSteve Sarkozy\, the Village Manager of Estero since 2015.  He had 45 years of local government experience when he came to Estero. Now in his 10th year the Village continues to grow and is considered by many as a premier location to live in Lee County. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/breaking-par-at-grandezza-2025/ LOCATION:Grandezza\, 11481 Grande Oak Blvd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ORGANIZER;CN="Lead Estero":MAILTO:Donate@LEADestero.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241112T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241112T200000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180531 CREATED:20240907T182751Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241126T165154Z UID:39553-1731434400-1731441600@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:November 2024 Public Forum: The Impact of Climate Change on Our Community DESCRIPTION:A Public Forum on the Impact of Climate Change on Our Community   \nSupported by the Water School at FGCU \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are You Concerned About the Urgent and Hazardous Nature of Climate Change? This forum was the first in a two-part series addressing Climate Change\, Issues\, Solutions\, and Sustainability in greater Estero. \nGreg Tolley\, Dean\, The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University\, will moderated the Forum. \nPanel Members: \n\nMike Savarese\, Professor\, Department of Marine and Earth Sciences\, FGCU.\nMatt DePaolis\, Policy Director\, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.\nCodty Pierce\, The Calusa Waterkeeper.\nJenny Morris\, FGCU Graduate Student studying environmental issues.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Written Summary of the Forum\n \n \n \n \n \n You’ll Learn: \n\nWhat pressing climate change and warming issues threaten our environment and quality of life in greater Estero?\nHow are increasing temperatures directly impacting greater Estero?\nWhat do climate change and warming mean in a municipal environment (transportation\, energy efficiency\, waste reduction\, environmental sustainability growth policies?)?\nWhat climate change and warming threat-mitigating projects can be implemented?\nWhat examples of active participation are pivotal to driving the transformative changes we need?\nWhat is a “Reasoned Plan of Action” approach?\nWhat organization should lead the establishment of the approach in greater Estero?\nHow can we establish local climate change and warming efforts related to water quality\, municipal climate change and warming\, environmental education\, and community engagement?\nWhat are the potential sources of water pollution\, climate change\, and warming in greater Estero?\nGiven the continued growth in urbanization\, is the quantity of water in greater Estero available from our aquifers?\nWhat are the solutions if there is a potential water shortage?\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mike Savarese\n \nProfessor\, Department of Marine and Earth Sciences\, FGCU \nMichael Savarese is a Distinguished Professor of Coastal Geology\, Climate Resilience\, & Preparation within the Department of Marine and Earth Sciences within Florida Gulf Coast University’s Water School. He has degrees in geoscience with background in coastal geology\, paleontology\, and sedimentology & stratigraphy. Throughout his years at FGCU\, he has served as a liaison between scientists and managers/decision-makers. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Matt DePaolis\n Policy Director\, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation \nMatt has a master’s degree in marine biology and a Juris Doctorate with environmental and ocean and coastal law certificates from the University of Oregon. His strong science and environmental law background support leading the policy team and advancing policies needed to improve water quality and protect our natural resources.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Codty Pierce\n \nThe Calusa Waterkeeper \nCodty’s early background in reptiles\, wetland restoration\, and native plant landscaping\, coupled with a career as a professional fishing guide\, has created a unique collage of his in-the-field experience across local uplands\, wetlands\, estuaries\, and nearshore Gulf waters. As a Waterkeeper\, Codty’s mission is to protect and restore the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to Coastal Waters  and a passion for uniting and protecting this unique watershed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jenny Morris\n \nGraduate Student Year: 2ndMajor: Environmental Science \nJenny Morris is a second-year master’s student in Environmental Science at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). She is actively engaged in research focused on climate change in Southwest Florida. Jenny’s work utilizes advanced technologies\, such as drone-based LiDAR\, to study areas impacted by coastal changes. In addition to her research\, she has gained valuable experience through internships and professional roles in environmental conservation in The Bahamas. Notably\, she served as a Science Officer at the Bahamas National Trust\, where she conducted ecological fieldwork. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/nov2024/ LOCATION:FGCU Cohen Center Ballroom\, 11090 FGCU Blvd. N.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33965\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241024T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241024T113000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180531 CREATED:20240814T134804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241029T130537Z UID:39415-1729764000-1729769400@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Community & Membership Meeting: Improving Road Safety DESCRIPTION:Improving Road Safety in SW Florida: A Review of the MPO’s Strategic Safety Action Plan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Road safety has become an increasing concern for many residents in greater Estero. Engage Estero was pleased to host Ron Gogoi\, Transportation Planning Administrator at Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization\, and Frank Domingo\,Professional Engineer and Principal\, Stantec Consulting\, speaking to the development of a plan to reduce crashes\, serious injuries\, and fatalities on Lee County roads. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Presentation Slides\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary\nRoad safety issues are on many residents’ minds in greater Estero and are of considerable interest. Despite the topic’s importance\, attending the Community and Member Meeting arranged by Engage Estero was disappointing. However\, early voting concerns and cleanup after Hurricane Milton will have affected attendance. \nA YouTube-edited video recording of the important information conveyed at the meeting can be seen by clicking on the link – https://youtu.be/ebpEeMb5E-g \nAllan Bowditch\, Engage Estero’s Chief Communications Officer\, welcomed those in attendance and introduced the two eminent speakers: \n\nFank Domingo\, Professional Engineer and Principal at Stantec.\nRon Gogoi\, AICP Transportation Planning Administrator of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)\n\nFrank Domingo explained the various steps of the Safety Action Plan that involved \n\nIdentifying stakeholders.\nEvaluating safety data.\nSelecting proven strategies\nImplementation\n\nFrank pointed out that the work of Stantec and the MPO focuses on the wide range of available information and considers specific traffic studies conducted by various municipalities\, which are incorporated into the following analysis and recommendations. He mentioned that although the Village of Estero’s traffic study wasn’t finalized\, he had seen some provisional information and would review the findings when completed. Stantec is in close touch with the Village’s management team\, particularly Steve Sarkozy\, Manager\, and David Willems\, Public Works Director. The work of Stantec and the MPO was currently at the third step in the process – selecting proven strategies. \nLee County’s statistics on accidents are in the top 5 or 6 of the worst counties in the USA!  There are around 100 deaths per year on Lee County roads and 600 serious accidents. The work that Frank Domingo pointed out identifies and focuses on those “corridors” with the highest level of accidents. Evaluating the cost implications of accidents is important to determine where best to spend funds to rectify the causes. \nThe Department of Transport determined in calculations that in addressing these problems\, a life lost is $11M in these assessments. Although it is appreciated that this process may seem harsh\, it is necessary to determine where extra funds may be needed. Safety assessment in greater Estero has been focused on US41\, Estero Parkway\, and Three Oaks Parkway. Frank asked the audience for their input on where else their work might be focused based on their local knowledge. The comments made were: \nThe design of pedestrian crossings and bike lanes seems to be an afterthought. This was felt to need improvement. \nThis led to a considerable amount of detailed discussion on this issue. While the existing road width determines the size of the bike lanes and pedestrian paths\, it was pointed out that some municipalities had reduced the road width for vehicles and increased the size of bike lanes. While this slows down vehicle speeds and journey times\, it also improves safety! \nThe discussion also centered on the use of electric scooters and e-bikes. These are often used on pedestrian and bike lanes\, and there are clear dangers when these types of transport can generate speeds of 20 to 30 mph. Those who use them often wear no helmets; thus\, they are associated with an alarming rise in injuries. \nSome municipalities\, like Estero\, only allow Class 1 E-bikes (maximum assisted speed of 20 mph) on sidewalks and bike paths. Still\, there are no consistent regulations in place that require further examination. Ordinances are in place in some municipalities\, but Bonita Springs doesn’t have one\, and Estero Village does. It was agreed that there needed to be more consistency across municipalities. \nBERT would be worthwhile in helping improve safety. Concerns were expressed about the delays in moving forward with this initiative. \nEnforcement of speed limits and red-light running requires more attention. \nThe use of cameras was discussed as an important means of enforcement. \nPrivacy concerns would need to be addressed \nNarrow shoulders on I75 were criticized as dangerous. Law enforcement had safety concerns when pulling drivers over for traffic violations.    \nWhen the new entertainment complex is developed on Via Coconut and Williams Road\, people will be using River Ranch Road\, which is not designed to take a lot of traffic – this was expressed as a potential future concern. \nSome side roads leading from Via Coconut and Broadway onto US 41 need to be examined. \nHigh traffic density following concerts at Hertz Arena has led to huge delays for those leaving and those caught up in the traffic. Frustration can lead to errors of judgment and accidents – more should be done to address this. Cut-through traffic is a safety concern. \nOn East Corkscrew\, more care is needed in the planning for gated communities on the north and south of the road to match their entrances and exits and enable one set of traffic lights to be used for multiple communities. \nOther items mentioned included: \n\nUS 41 at Pelican Colony Blvd. The implementation of traffic lights has been delayed by the developer (on the east side); there have been accidents\, including two deaths.\nProblem on the west side of Williams Road at Walgreens – mini-roundabout would be sensible.\nNeed for a coordinated approach (Bonita Springs\, Lee County\, Estero Village) to widen West Corkscrew because of the developments near the gulf.\n\nIt was pointed out that various countermeasures can be used depending on the circumstance. These involve speed management\, multiple procedures to enhance safety for bicyclists and pedestrians\, and changes to intersections and road departures. \nThe chart below summarizes the road countermeasure. As mentioned earlier\, they coordinate with the FDOT and consider the information provided by various municipalities when determining the needed actions. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The implementation process needs to incorporate the following aspects: education\, encouragement\, enforcement\, equity\, and evaluation. \nTowards the end of the meeting\, Ron Gogoi answered several questions that Engage Estero had received before the meeting. \nRon addressed the timeline for the Rails to Trails development and pointed out the lengthy process of obtaining grants and funding for the project. If funds are forthcoming\, the earliest work to be completed would be in 2031. \nThe next question addressed was\, “What are the plans to reexamine the possibility of extending Route 951 north of Collier County? And What route will it take?” \nRon first pointed out the route considered in 2005 as part of Lee County’s PD&E Study. Route 951 is an unfunded needs project in the Lee MPO’s 2045 Transportation Plan. However\, a segment of this route called the Airport Haul Road Extension\, north of East Corkscrew Road to Alico\, is in the MPO’s Cost Feasible Plan and is expected to be built in the 2036 to 2045. \nIf it were to be reconsidered\, the issues of the route to the south are far from clear. There was some discussion about whether the road could form part of Immokalee Road leading north\, but no firm decisions about its construction or the route have been made.  Various alignments will be considered part of the ongoing CR 951 Feasibility Study Alternatives\, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. \nRon discussed the concerns expressed and the actions taken if a driver inadvertently drives the wrong way onto I75. These typically occur on the off-ramps in FDOT District 1\, and the hot spots are all in Lee County. 75% of wrong-way driving occurs at night and is committed by inebriated drivers. \nHe pointed out that a wrong-way driver notification system on off the off-ramp is activated after a vehicle trips the detection devices to trigger LED warning lights around wrong-way signs. An automated alert is sent to the controllers at the Regional Traffic Management Center (located at the Daniels Parkway rest area)\, followed by pictures of the make\, model\, and color of the car along with the license tag. Drivers on I-75 are cautioned via Dynamic Message Signs (posted on I 75) within 15 miles radius for 15 minutes of where the incident occurs. \nAn Alert has also been sent to the Florida Highway Patrol. All but three off-ramps (both NB and SB) in Lee County are currently equipped with this system (see the slide presentation for details). By the end of the year\, a notification system will be implemented at Bayshore\, Colonial\, and the Bonita Beach Road off-ramps. \nLastly\, Ron mentioned that along East Corkscrew\, the concerns that had been expressed about the dangers to schoolchildren when picked up by the school buses that were not previously allowed to turn into the entrances or a safe area of a community off the road had been mostly resolved. \nOne of the problem communities\, Verdana\, now has a protected stop on Verdana Village Boulevard (with access to the mail kiosk) opposite the new Publix\, where children can board the school bus following an agreement between Lee County Schools and the development.Ron mentioned Broadway Avenue as a different example of a bus stop safety issue in Estero\, where the Village resolved the problem of students having to wait on the pavement by building concrete pads of the road pavement with lighting and seating areas for students. Ron wished to know if there were similar issues of this nature within Estero that needed to be resolved. \n \n \n \n \n \n Allan Bowditch mentioned several important upcoming meetings and plans for the New Year. \n\nThe Impact of Climate Change on Our Community\, What You Need to Know & What Solutions Should be Implemented This Public Forum will be held on Tuesday\, November 12\, At FGCU’s Cohen Ballroom from 6 pm to 8 pm and supported by FGCU Water School. The impact of climate change on our community is undeniable\, and we need to come together to address the pressing environmental issues we face. Your involvement is crucial and integral to ensuring our discussions are inclusive and reflect the community’s needs and aspirations. Please visit our website\, www.esterotoday.com\, to register for the event. We look forward to seeing you there.\nWe will announce a celebratory meeting in December for our 25th Anniversary get-together shortly.\nOn Wednesday\, February 26\, at the Estero Recreational Center\, we will hold a follow-up to the recent meeting on Road Safety. Don Scott\, head of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)\, and Camen Monroy\, Strategist focused on innovative transportation at CTS Inc. On March 26th at the Estero Recreational Center\, we will request that the village management share the outcome of the 2024 Traffic Survey results and their implications.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If you couldn’t attend in person\, you can still provide information about safety in Estero by completing the survey. \n \n Take the Survey\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan\, a dashboard was created to examine crashes in Lee County. \n \n View the Dashboard URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/oct2024/ LOCATION:Estero Park & Recreation Center\, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Oct-2024-promo.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240927T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240927T113000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180531 CREATED:20240723T134958Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241015T183000Z UID:39268-1727431200-1727436600@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Community & Membership Meeting: Improving Health Outcomes in Greater Estero DESCRIPTION:Summary: Improving Future Health Outcomes In Greater Estero\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The meeting provided a wealth of important information on Artificial Intelligence and telemedicine increasing use in healthcare; the benefits and services available to those who need help and support for a variety of circumstances in our community:  available help for carers and patients with Parkinson’s Disease. \nFollowing the introductions and acknowledgments to the speakers\, the meeting commenced with Jonathan Witenko’s summary of the way that Lee Health has embraced several developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Telemedicine. \nJonathan Witenko is the System Director\, of Virtual Health and Telemedicine at Lee Health. \nThe value of telemedicine was identified by Jonathan following a serious head injury to his daughter several years ago\, who has thankfully fully recovered because of the urgent need to see a neurosurgeon\, where few existed\, plus the need to transfer his daughter from Fort Myers to Miami\, the importance of having immediate access to a specific specialist who could determine a diagnosis quickly and determine treatment offered significant advantages. While telemedicine became an important means of communicating with physicians during the peak of the COVID pandemic\, Jonathan explained its introduction was now a part of Lee Health’s medical services. It offers particular value for patients who experience a stroke. Given the importance of receiving an assessment of the patient’s condition and suitable treatment because any delay will impact the patient’s outcome this is a valuable option. Because a specialist can be called upon immediately via a telephone link the time to treatment is significantly reduced leading to markedly improved outcomes. \nJonathan spoke briefly about the value of AI in the clinical\, patient\, and back-office setting. There is a need for its value to be carefully assessed and verified before implementation. He explained its value in: \n\nDrafting replies to inbox messages.\nAssisting physicians and nurses in preparing patient notes following their appointments. In this instance\, the recording of the discussion will filter out unnecessary information and convert only the key information for retention saving a considerable amount of time.\nImaging Assistance: where AI provides guidance on the significant aspects that have emerged and pinpoints their significance or otherwise.\n\nOther areas where AI has been shown to provide additional value and improve efficiencies are \n\nImportant steps have been made with the introduction by NCH\, The Millenium Group\, and Lee Health of the “Epic” system to enhance “interoperability”. This enables patient information to be more quickly and easily shared across different organizations when a patient happens to be involved with different organizations that carry out tests or where a physician is seen\, to eliminate having to do repeat tests and have immediate access to the latest information about the patient regardless of who they saw.\nCollecting a patient’s vital information from attached or implanted devices.\nAs a self-triage tool symptom checker.\nEnhancing the overall information available in a patient’s hospital room.\nA Self-Service Chatbot: Chatbots deliver instant\, personalized support\, and seamless experiences by eliminating frustrating wait times and ensuring consistent support across various channels.\nMore efficiently tracking the patient through various stages of their investigations and/or treatment.\n\nJonathan pointed out that contrary to many who fear its introduction it will allow them to carry out their work more efficiently\, and reduce the time spent on more menial tasks. Furthermore\, they think they may lose their job\, given the likely fall in the number of physicians and nurses that can be expected over the next few years\, because of the interest and excitement by medical staff who have begun to understand the full benefits of AI (although care is needed to check its accuracy and performance) it will attract more people to the profession.    \nBarbara Shearer\, President\, Neighbors Network of Lee County. \nBarbara spoke passionately about the purpose and work of this very worthwhile organization. Its mission is to make the experience of aging in one’s home a feasible choice with neighbors helping neighbors across generations to create a socially connected community that benefits everyone. Once fully rolled out\, its volunteers will provide a wide array of support services to help people live independently at home and in their local community. \nAs has been well-documented\, loneliness has a very marked effect on reducing life expectancy. A neighbor in the Neighbors Network of Lee County brings joy and many benefits to both those who help and those who receive it. \nThere are many services available such as Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention\, Breath-Body-Mind for stress management through control of breath\, and Strong People-Strong Bodies\, funded in part by Dr Piper Center Retired and Americorp Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) contract. This latter program is based upon two decades of clinical and community-based research that demonstrated the benefits of progressive strength training on midlife and older women’s health- specifically muscular strength and mass\, bone health\, heart disease\, diabetes\, frailty\, falls\, arthritis\, depression\, and sleep! \nA new seminar series for 2024-2025 begins in October with a program on Medicare changes in 2025. Upcoming programs will cover making one’s home safe from falls\, disaster preparedness\, evidence-based complementary medical treatments\, and reframing aging. \nCheck out the wide range of information available on the Neighbors Network of Lee County website:  https://leeneighbors.org/   \nTelephone # 239-209-9867 \n Mary Schoeffel\, Executive Director of The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida. \nMary explained that Parkinson’s Disease is a disease that can affect people without them realizing it. Other than signs of aging such as muscle aches\, constipation\, and poor sleep patterns it can develop over ten years without a person knowing until tremors might begin. There is no definitive diagnosis but a DaTScan can be helpful in some cases. The best treatment was developed over 50 years ago – carbidopa/levodopa which helps replace diminishing levodopa in the brain. While there is no cure for this disorder the organization fosters a supportive community for those affected by PD. Their efforts aimed at patients and their caregivers encompass dedicated support programs\, advocation\, raising awareness\, and educating healthcare professionals and the wider community about Parkinson’s disease. \nFor those who would like more information\, there is a lot of helpful information on their website. You can also reach out to Mary or her colleague Sally Watts. \nThe Website: https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/index.html \nTelephone # 239-417-3465.     \nKay Jasso\, CEO\, The MS Center of SWFL. \nUnfortunately\, due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the local flooding in Kay’s neighborhood\, she was unable to make the meeting. However\, for those with family members or friends with MS and would like to learn a little more about the guidance provided by The MS Center you can check out their website and give Kay a call as she will be only too happy to help. \nWebsite: https://centers4ms.org/ms-center-of-southwest-florida/ \nTelephone # 239- 319-0904 \nJim Gilmartin\, Engage Estero’s President. \nJim summarized several items that the organization is currently focused on. \nJim explained that the executive team has been busy\, besides addressing issues related to improving health\, safety\, education\, and the environment: \n\nSave the date: The 2024 Don Eslick Estero Persons of the Year award will be presented at the Vines Country Club on February 27th\, 2025. The award will be given to Joe Pavich and his wife\, Joni\, for their long-term dedication and generosity to many deserving causes in Estero.\nImproving road safety in SW Florida: You will not want to miss an important meeting on October 24th at Estero Recreation Center!\n\niii.        Environment: A public forum on the impacts of climate change in Estero will be held on November 12th at 6 p.m. at FGCU’s Cohen Ballroom. This key discourse will address many aspects likely to affect us locally and what steps can be taken to mitigate the impact. \n\nConverting septic systems to the main sewer significantly improves the Estero River and Estero Bay contamination. The process is lengthy because the Village must secure grants to minimize the cost to citizens. Engage Estero is monitoring this process.\nWorkforce Housing: This is significant for two reasons: a) to ensure we have teachers\, healthcare workers\, first responders\, and other essential workers who can live in affordable accommodation and retain their services. b) to help reduce traffic density as a consequence.\nFundraising: Our mission is to conduct thorough research by listening to our citizens\, evaluating local activities\, and providing citizens with informed\, unbiased facts. Furthermore\, we organize educational forums to facilitate meaningful discourse and collaborate with other nonprofits to address significant community improvement efforts\, such as focusing on Traffic\, Growth\, Development\, and Water Quality issues. Secondary issues could include topics of immediate interest to citizens and donors. Financial support is required to continue our mission. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/sept2024/ LOCATION:Estero Park & Recreation Center\, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240523T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240523T113000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180531 CREATED:20240322T123244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240530T203322Z UID:38020-1716458400-1716463800@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Community & Membership Meeting: Proton Therapy for Cancer DESCRIPTION:Read a Summary\n \n \n \n \n \n Part 1: Proton Therapy for Cancer Treatment\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 therapy\, an advanced form of radiation therapy that uses protons rather than traditional X-rays. It targets tumors and cancer cells more precisely. This means less damage to surrounding tissue\, resulting in a lower risk of side effects and a better quality of life during and after cancer treatment. It is a highly effective cancer treatment option for patients diagnosed with: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nBreast cancer\nBrain cancer\nEsophageal cancer\nGastrointestinal (GI) cancers\nHead and neck cancer\nLymphoma\nLung cancer\nProstate cancer\nPancreatic cancer\nPediatric cancer\nSoft tissue cancer\nand more…\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Todd A. Pezzi\, M.D.\, M.B.A.\, is an Advocate Radiation Oncology Board-certified Radiation Oncologist. He first became interested in oncology at a young age after seeing cancer impact his own family. He is passionate about delivering state-of-the-art oncologic care to the residents of Southwest Florida. \nDr. Pezzi completed a four-year residency program at the nation’s largest radiation oncology department\, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston\, Texas. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arie Dosoretz\, M.D.\, MBA.\, earned a joint MD/MBA degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the Wharton School of Business. He completed his residency at Yale University’s New Haven Hospital\, Department of Therapeutic Radiology in New Haven\, CT. He returned to his hometown of Fort Myers in 2015. He is a widely published researcher in nationally recognized peer-reviewed journals\, and is a member of the American Society for Radiation Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ben Spence is the Chief Financial Officer of Lee Health and a senior executive team member. He joined Lee Health in 1995 and has served in many key roles during his career in healthcare finance. Ben’s responsibilities include overseeing and guiding all system financial functions and corresponding financial performance\, as well as developing and executing long-term and short-term financial plans to provide the resources needed to achieve the health system’s strategic initiatives\, vision\, and mission. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Mark Roh serves as Lee Health’s chief physician executive of oncology services. He is responsible for providing direction and support to the medical staff while working collaboratively with the operations team and other cancer care leaders. Dr. Roh will partner with Debra Wilson\, the vice president of oncology services. Alongside Wilson\, he will be jointly responsible for Regional Cancer Center operations and developing and executing the strategic plan for oncology services. Before joining Lee Health\, Dr. Roh most recently served as Orlando Health University of Florida Health Cancer Center president. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part 2: Estero’s Sense of Place\n \n \n \n \n \n Estero’s “Sense of Place” and Future Priorities Suggested by ResidentsSee a Statement Describing Estero’s Sense of Place \nEngage Estero is also pleased to bring you the results of the March 2024 survey. The study explored residents’ opinions about what Estero should convey to residents and visitors about its “Sense of Place.” Estero may not be well positioned in the minds of its citizens or visitors. It needs distinction! Estero’s “Sense of Place\,” or brand\, should convey a favorable character\, culture\, and attractive image to visitors and its citizens so said survey respondents. \nThe study also explored what priorities the Village should focus on. Details of the survey results and the winners of the Sense of Place competition will be announced\, along with a statement describing Estero’s Sense of Place and other findings relating to the priorities residents would like to see addressed by the Village. \nSpeaker:  Allan Bowditch\, Engage Estero’s Chief Communications Officer. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/may2024/ LOCATION:Estero Park & Recreation Center\, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240416T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240416T180000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180531 CREATED:20240306T215335Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240501T124647Z UID:37784-1713290400-1713290400@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Traffic Congestion in Estero: Public Forum DESCRIPTION:Learn the Reasons for Traffic Congestion\, the Problems\,Potential Solutions\, and What You Can Do\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Engage Estero presented a free public forum to discuss traffic congestion\, identify problems\, and share potential solutions we can employ individually\, as a Village\, or as a County. Population growth is putting pressure on our roads and current residents. Everywhere we look\, we see the symptoms of congestion. \nEffective traffic congestion solutions require a collaborative approach involving experts\, community members\, and policymakers. The Forum featured expert panelists on traffic congestion. \nThe Meeting Examined: \n\nThe key issues that have led to the current congestion in Greater Estero\nWhy it can take many years to make changes to the road structure even after the problem is identified\nWhy road widening along East Cokscrew is slow to catch up with the developments taking place\nWhat can be done to create a positive impact by helping to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow? What are the solutions?\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary of the Forum\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part 1 Key Questions Addressed\n \n 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... \n Read More \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part 2 Public Concerns & Future Actions \n \n 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... \n Read More \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Experts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wayne Gaither\n Florida Department of Transportation\, District 1 \nWayne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban and Regional Planning and has over 20 years of experience in the transportation industry in Southwest Florida. He has held varying positions with government\, ranging from city and county to\, most recently\, with the state as the director of the Southwest Area Office at the SWIFT Sunguide Center in Fort Myers for the last six years. He oversees District 1’s community liaison program and is directly responsible for outreach with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). Wayne provides support and guidance in administering funds for transportation projects and developing project priorities comprising the FDOT Five-Year Work Program. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ted Treesh\n PresidentTR Transportation Consultants \nMr. Treesh has over 20 years of experience in transportation engineering and planning. Specifically\, he has expertise in traffic impact studies\, corridor planning studies\, traffic signal justification studies\, and traffic signal systems analysis. Mr. Treesh has served as project manager for numerous transportation planning studies. He has performed capacity evaluations of signaled and non-signaled intersections\, evaluated development plans for traffic circulation and safety\, and recommended improvements to parking areas and on-site design to accommodate development traffic. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Carmen Monroy\n Senior Transportation PlannerStantec\, Inc. \nStantec is an international professional services company that plans\, designs\, delivers\, and manages the development and infrastructure needed to create sustainable\, healthy\, and prosperous communities. Carmen focuses on transportation\, performance-based management\, visioning\, creative engagement\, and planning. She assists in developing strategies and programs for local governments\, non-profits\, and public transportation agencies. Carmen has experience in transportation policy frameworks\, community planning\, and trends and conditions. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Max Forgey\n Owner\nForgey Planning \nForgey Planning is an experienced land use planning firm with more than three decades of professional experience in Florida’s local government planning and community development. The firm navigates the specific requirements of land use permissions essential for urban planning and real estate projects. The firm handles applications for rezoning\, land use amendments\, variances\, and other required permits. They ensure compliance with local\, state\, and federal regulations\, forming a solid legal foundation for our client’s projects and coordinating with Governmental bodies and agencies to ensure a smooth approval process. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/apr2024/ LOCATION:Estero High School\, 21900 River Ranch Road\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/April-2024-Meeting.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240413T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240414T210000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180531 CREATED:20240221T182614Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240416T125423Z UID:37536-1712995200-1713128400@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Breaking Par at Grandezza DESCRIPTION:MatthewLEAD Estero Co-Founder and Treasurer Matthew Stevens welcomed golfers\, thanking them and the sponsors for their support before they started their round on the Grandezza links. \n \n \n \n \n Happy Golfer 1DX14830Happy Golfer gives a fist pump after making a putt. \n \n \n \n \n saxophone playerGreat rendition of Star Spangled Banner by Student Saxophone player before golfers tee’d off was repeated at the Gala on Sunday Evening. \n \n \n \n \n Hole in one Contest for Range Rover 1DX14770Golfer attempts a Hole in One for dibs on the Land Rover. \n \n \n \n \n Wasson Golf Team Flamingo 1DX14790Flamingoes appear on each golfers apparel earning them an extra mulligan. Left to Right: Rob Bruce\, Peter Wright\, Brawley Adams and Mike Wasson. \n \n \n \n \n jeffreyAttendees visit with students LEAD Estero Co-Founder Jeffrey Stevens who portrayed Ronald Regan during Gala on Sunday Evening at Grandezza. \n \n \n \n \n geraciGuests Kathy Geraci and her husband Mike Wasson were ushered into the The Club at Grandezza on a Red Carpet and met by Elvis Presley portrayed by Trey Ramsey. \n \n \n \n \n IMG_0296Students Jeffrey Stevens dressed as Ronald Regan and Akshar Patel dressed as Secret Service agent had opening comments at Gala. \n \n \n \n \n 1DX14957LEAD Estero Students who dressed as Hollywood stars. From Left to Right: Trey Ramsey\, Akshar Patel\, Jeffrey Stevens\, Gianna Del Negro\, Brett Kueck\, Katelyn Kueck\, Kyra Ritter\, Matthew Stevens and Tryton Fay.\n\nThe Hollywood stars they portrayed were from Left: Elvis Presley\, Secret Service protection for Ronald Regan\, a director\, Maverick “Tom Cruise” from Top Gun\, Grace Kelly\, Marilyn Monroe\, John Wayne and James Dean. \n \n \n \n \n Bidding at Gala IMG_0301 (1)Bidders rush to get auctioneers attention at Breaking Par at Grandezza. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 12th Annual Breaking Par at Grandezza charity event was held April 13th and 14th\, 2024.  It started with a Shotgun Scramble Golf Tournament at 8:30 am on Saturday April 13th.  The Gala Dinner with a Hollywood theme was held Sunday April 14th.  \nEngage Estero was proud to be host and presenting sponsor of Breaking Par at Grandezza\, a fundraiser for LEAD Estero\, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created by Estero High School students for Estero High School Students. \nFor more information\, contact donate@LEADestero.com\, call 239-707-5418 or visit the website www.Leadestero.com. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Featured guest of honor was Estero’s first Mayor Nick Batos.  Nick has made many significant contributions to this community; among them are: having served as Chairman of the ECCL and leading the successful drive to get the incorporation of Estero on the November 2014 ballot.  He went on to serve two terms as District 6 Councilmember acting as liaison to the Lee School District and Lee Health\, with areas of strategic concern being the SUN Trails\, CSX railroad\, and Bike/Pedestrian Pathways.  Nick and his wife\, Linda\, reside in Shadow Wood at The Brooks. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/breakingpar2024/ LOCATION:Grandezza\, 11481 Grande Oak Blvd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/flyer-mini-th.png ORGANIZER;CN="Lead Estero":MAILTO:Donate@LEADestero.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240208T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240208T210000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180531 CREATED:20231214T195435Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240221T141112Z UID:35723-1707415200-1707426000@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:2023 Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award DESCRIPTION:Jim Shields Awarded the “Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award”\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audio of the Presentations at the Event\n \n https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Recording%20of%20Event.wav\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amongst a crowd of friends\, admirers and colleagues\, Jim Shields accepted the inaugural Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year award on February 8\, 2024 at The Club at Grandezza. While Jim\, in his usual manner\, focused on how all residents can become more engaged with the community\, many of those who have benefited from Jim’s kindness and activism stood and praised his accomplishments. The take-away of the evening was that the world would be a better place is each of us strove to be “more like Jim.” \nFor over 19 years\, Jim Shields has provided leadership and commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of life in Estero and\, notably\, improving education in our community. He created the 2-5-8 Graduate Junior Achievement program\, including 135 volunteers\, impacting over 2800 students. The Breaking Par Program he started in 2013 has raised $561\,000 for educational programs. \nJim has served on the Engage Estero Board of Directors and the FGCU Daveler and Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship Advisory Board. He worked closely and tirelessly with Don Eslick over the years with the Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) (now Engage Estero) on other community projects\, too numerous to mention. \nEngage Estero thanks Jim for decades of service to the community and we are so grateful that over 120 of our community were able to join us in honoring him. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to Lee Health for their support of this event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Engage Estero “Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award” is an annual event memorializing Don Eslick for his clarity\, vision\, persistence\, and significant contributions to the Estero community\, and to honor those that make exceptional contributions to improving the quality of life in Estero. \nIf you would like to learn more about the history of Estero and the positive impact that a dedicated team of committed\, unpaid volunteers who helped create such a sought-after destination in Southwest Florida had on our quality of life\, please click here to purchase a copy of “Forging a Better Path” that provides an insight into what helped shape the past and influence the future of Estero.   URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/2024award/ LOCATION:The Club at Grandezza\, Estero\, FL\, 33928 CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DE-2023-web-banner-4.png ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240125T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240125T110000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180532 CREATED:20231011T185524Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240207T142831Z UID:33630-1706176800-1706180400@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Achieving Longevity: January Community and Membership Meeting DESCRIPTION:Engage Estero’s Management Team is delighted to provide our greater Estero citizens with this thought-provoking but realistic insight into what we can do to increase our life expectancy and quality of life. Our speakers for the meeting include Jodi Walborn\, Blue Zones Policy Lead on Life Longevity; and Anthony Carangelo\, Engage Estero’s Head of Research Co-Chair of the Safety and Transportation Council\, who will speak about the “Sense of Place.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read a Summary of Her Talk \n \n \n \n \n \n First\, Jodi Walborn will discuss that Blue Zones are areas where people live the most extended lives\, consistently reaching the age of 100. In contrast\, according to the CDC\, the average life expectancy in the U.S. is 77 years: Dan Buettner\, a National Geographic explorer\, identified five such Blue Zones. \n“And it’s not just about longer lives; it’s about healthier ones\, too\,” says Caitlin McAfee\, a wellness dietitian at Houston Methodist. “People living in Blue Zones are also much less likely to suffer from chronic illnesses.” But what can we do here in greater Estero that would work to enhance our longevity? Come and find out! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jodi Walborn\n Blue Zones Project Policy and Worksite Lead \n Jodi graduated from FGCU with a Bachelor of Health Science and a background in childhood injury prevention\, teaching pedestrian and bike safety. Jodi found her purpose in keeping the roads safer for everyone and igniting a passion to help create Complete Streets and educate all road users on how to use and share these roads. Jodi was recruited to the Blue Zones in 2020\, where she wears many hats\, including Organization\, Worksite\, School\, and Policy Lead\, as she works with community leaders to implement healthy choices that help support those who want to live longer and better. She still gets to advocate for safer streets and teaches pedestrian and bicycle safety! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read a Summary of His Talk \n \n \n \n \n \n Our second speaker is Antonio Carangelo\, Engage Estero’s Chief Research Officer and Safety and Transportation Council Co-Chair. \nTony will talk about the Sense of Place where the community and business can share their ideas of the Future Estero using technology to express their viewpoints. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonio Carangelo\n Chief Research Officer / Transportation Council Co-Chair \n Antonio Carangelo Jr. is an Information Technology entrepreneur\, innovator\, and consultant in the Financial\, Educational\, Banking\, and Insurance industries. Antonio focused on strategic transformational initiatives for business and technology executives\, helping organizations move from current business practices to a new future state using advanced information technology solutions.   He led cross-discipline\, collaborative teams.  Antonio is a Boston University graduate with an MS in Systems Software Engineering and a BA in Mathematics from Boston College.  Antonio is currently retired and gives his time to community initiatives.  URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/jan2024/ LOCATION:Estero Park and Recreation Center CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event,Health ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Jan-2024-Meeting.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231207T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231207T193000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180532 CREATED:20231011T185405Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240307T193205Z UID:33627-1701972000-1701977400@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:The Future of Schools in Greater Estero DESCRIPTION:  \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Future of Schools in Greater Estero\n \n Read a Summary of the Meeting\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you to our Sponsor \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Watch his Presentation\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Adam Molloy\n Lee County School District Director\, Planning\, Growth\, & Capacity \n Dr. Adam Molloy\, our first speaker\, addressed how the increasing population\, especially younger residents\, within the Village of Estero and along East Corkscrew will impact the requirement for suitable schools in our area. Adam explained how the District is developing more scalable and standardized measurements for planning new seats and schools for future growth\, and provided the latest plans and answered attendee questions on this subject. \nDr. Molloy is a transformative educational leader working as Director of Planning\, Growth\, and capacity at the School District of Lee County. He is focused on improving educational systems by strategically addressing the structures that cause disruptions & inefficiencies.  He is ethos-driven by the need to advance the success & sustainability of Lee County’s school district. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Watch her Presentation\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Patricca\n Lee County School Board Member\, District 3 \n Chris Patricca\, our second speaker\, spoke about her passion for improving educational standards with regard to: \n\nThe need to attract more teachers and provide suitable homes to encourage them to stay in our community – based on the “Workforce Housing” concept\nThe value of volunteers in regard to JA and other potential programs\nEncouraging greater parental involvement\nOther educational initiatives that should be considered.\n\nIn addition to her position as a Lee County’s Schools District 3 member\, Chris is the Chief Operations Officer for TLP Financial Services\, Inc.\, a company she owns with her husband. Her professional experience includes being a Paraprofessional at Pinewoods Elementary School\, a Full-time and Adjunct Professor at the State University of New York\, and a Staff Attorney at The Ayco Company\, L.P.\, a division of Goldman Sachs. \nChris’ educational background includes Juris Doctor\, Seton Hall University School of Law\, Newark\, NJ\, B.A.\, Government\, Clark University\, Worcester\, MA. and A.A.\, Criminal Justice\, Quinsigamond Community College\, Worcester\, MA. Chris’ daughter is a graduate of Dunbar High School. She has two sons who are seniors at Bonita Springs High School and another son who is a junior at South Fort Myers High School. Chris is incredibly proud of her children’s education in our schools. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/dec2023/ LOCATION:Estero High School\, 21900 River Ranch Road\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231115T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231115T193000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180532 CREATED:20230914T184416Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231226T185512Z UID:33176-1700071200-1700076600@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:November Member and Community Meeting DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, November 15\, 2023\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Protecting our Water and Environment\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Captain Codty Pierce\n Calusa Waterkeeper \n Captain Pierce will discuss the urbanization of greater Estero: the threats to our water quality and what can be done to minimize the impact. He is a lifelong resident of the Caloosahatchee watershed. Growing up along one of its tributaries helped shape his passion\, love\, and admiration for the area’s history and biodiversity. \nCodty’s early background in reptiles\, wetland restoration\, and native plant landscaping\, coupled with a career as a professional fishing guide\, has created a unique collage of his in-the-field experience across local uplands\, wetlands\, estuaries\, and nearshore Gulf waters. As a Waterkeeper\, Codty’s mission is to protect and restore the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to Coastal Waters  and a passion for uniting and protecting this unique watershed. \n \n \n \n Calusa Waterkeeper URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/nov2023/ LOCATION:Estero Park & Recreation Center\, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Nov-2023-Meeting-sq.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231025T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231025T180000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180532 CREATED:20230816T172728Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240228T182853Z UID:32870-1698256800-1698256800@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:The Future of Estero: Public Forum DESCRIPTION:Public Forum\nGreater Estero’s Future : The Impact of Urbanization and Development\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, October 25\, 2023FGCU Cohen Ballroom\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Panel Discussion featuring local experts moderated by Shelton Weeks\, FGCU Professor of Economics and Finance. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Engage Estero conducted a free public forum on the impact of urbanization and land development and how it will affect Estero’s future. The platform featured expert panelists on land development and smart growth issues facing greater Estero. The discussion focused on the impact of urbanization as more people come to live in greater Estero and the current and projected level of development in greater Estero. \nWe improve our programs by gathering feedback from attendees. If you saw our forum in person or via video\, please take a moment to provide some guidance for our future forums and meetings. Thank you. \n \n Provide Feedback\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 2023 Greater Estero Community Report\n \n \n \n \n Read the Summary\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Key Concerns\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The impact and benefits of inevitable urbanization in Estero – yes\, it is here and growing. Urbanization is the process through which cities typically grow\, and higher and higher percentages of the population come to live. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mixed-use developments\, a type of urban development that blends multiple uses\, such as residential\, commercial\, cultural\, institutional\, or entertainment\, into one space and represents most projects critical to creating public amenities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How developers and planners will address concerns about the impact of urbanization and water quality and quantity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s all about creative and adaptive reuse that spans economic\, social\, and ecological benefits. Selected benefits include sustainability\, addressing carbon burdens in the built environment and reusing existing materials and infrastructure\, avoiding new-construction costs\, and low acquisition costs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why the retail landscape is undergoing significant shifts due to changing consumer behaviors\, the continued immersion of e-commerce into our daily lives\, and how retail spaces’ re-purposing benefits our communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Held October 25th at FGCU’s Cohen Student Center Ballroom\, the forum highlighted the initiatives in place and under consideration for developing the Greater Estero area. FGCU Professor Shelton Weeks moderated a four-member panel about these initiatives and what steps could be completed to improve the vision and objectives. The forum was sponsored by Greg Tolley\, Executive Director of FGCU’s Water School. \nThe meeting was recorded and watched by an additional 780 residents during the two weeks following its release. If you want to view the meeting recording\, please click here. \nAttendees and panel members noted the difficulties of the current and future traffic congestion on East Corkscrew Road and Coconut Road (West.)   Village Manager Steve Sarkozy\, a panel member\, detailed what efforts are being considered on these challenges. He also discussed current plans for future projects. \nEngage Estero’s management team prepared several recommendations for consideration that emerged during the forum: \n\nThe Village needs to encourage public input much earlier for planned developments and recreational changes being considered\, as panel member Jim Wallace suggested.\nThe Village often takes a “hard line” to achieve the acceptable Village requirements from developers to fit the vision for the Village. But there is a need for a more cohesive vision for the Village that takes account of all the developments and how they can enhance our community holistically.\nIt was suggested that the Village consider engaging with a planner or company with a proven track record in “thinking outside the box” to put forward their vision of what Estero will need to meet our future requirements. This does not imply that Village management is doing a poor job but that outside perspectives can provide a broader vision\, considering potential shifts in the behavior and needs of the public.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Hosts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Aysegul Timur\, Opening Remarks\n President of FGCU \n Aysegul Timur\, Ph.D.\, was selected to become Florida Gulf Coast University’s fifth president on May 4\, 2023\, and was confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors on June 22\, 2023. Timur’s selection as FGCU’s next leader is historic\, as she is the first woman and immigrant selected to lead the university. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Shelton Weeks\, Moderator \n Professor of Economics and Finance \n Dr. H. Shelton Weeks is the Lucas Professor of Real Estate and Director of the Lucas Institute for Real Estate Development & Finance. He teaches corporate finance\, investments\, and real estate. Dr. Weeks has extensive industry experience in real property valuation\, emphasizing senior living projects. Dr. Weeks serves on the academic review panel of The Appraisal Journal and is the former Managing Editor of the Journal of Housing Research and former co-editor of the Journal of Real Estate Practice and Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Experts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Daniel DeLisi\n Land use planning and water/environmental policy consultant \n Daniel DeLisi is a local water and environmental policy consultant/lobbyist and land use planner for local governments\, agricultural property owners\, and developers interested in ecological enhancement. In May 2011\, he was appointed to the water district governing board. DeLisi earned his master’s degree in city planning at MIT. DeLisi served as a planning consultant for the Estero Community Planning Panel prior to incorporation and was engaged in drafting Estero’s first community plan and design guidelines. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McIntosh\n Senior commercial real estate broker and respected speaker \n Ross Mcintosh has sold and assembled billions of dollars for land development or re-purposing in Lee and Collier counties. Ross has been located in Naples\, Florida\, for approximately 21 years. He previously served as Vice President of Axios Systems Inc.\, engaging and promoting developing\, producing\, and distributing computer software and computer systems design. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Steve Sarkozy\n Village of Estero Manager \n Steven R. Sarkozy serves as the Village Manager in Estero\, Florida. As Village Manager\, Sarkozy serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Village\, responsible to the Village Council. He keeps the Council fully advised on the financial condition and future needs of the Village and makes such recommendations to the Council. Steve came to the Village in November 2015 with 45 years of local government experience\, the latest as City Manager for the City of Carlsbad\, California. He also served as City Manager to the City of Bellevue\, Washington; the City of Roseville\, Minnesota; and the City of Geneva\, New York. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jim Wallace\n Key principal of Genova Realty LLC \n Since 1990\, Jim has designed\, marketed\, and built 2\,295 for-sale residences in 6 communities\, including Piper’s Grove and Calusa Bay in Naples\, Florida\, Lighthouse Bay at the Brooks\, and Rapallo and Genova in Estero. Before moving to Florida in 1990\, Jim was Creative Director and Managing Partner of Publicite Wallace/Saffer in Montreal\, Canada. He has served on the Village of Estero Planning\, Zoning\, and Design Board For eight years and taught a Real Estate Development Practicum at Florida Gulf Coast University in 2019 and 2020. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to our Sponsor URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/futureforum/ LOCATION:FGCU Cohen Center Ballroom\, 11090 FGCU Blvd. N.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33965\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230921T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230921T193000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180532 CREATED:20230824T172233Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230925T203241Z UID:33004-1695317400-1695324600@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:September Member and Community Meeting DESCRIPTION:Presentation PDF\n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: \nAllan BowditchEngage Estero’s Chief Communications Officer \n \n \n \n \n \n Terry FlanaganEngage Estero’s Chief Business Administrator \n \n \n \n \n \n John QuinEstero Forever Foundation President \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Summary of The Community & Membership MeetingThe Estero Park and Recreation Center \nThursday\, September 21\, 2023. \nAllan Bowditch\, Engage Estero’s Chief Communications Officer\, opened the meeting. President Jim Gilmartin could not attend due to personal matters. \nAlthough a very high attendance was anticipated\, the severe storm that occurred just before the start of the meeting deterred several of those who had signed up for the meeting. Hopefully\, those individuals and others will review this report and the YouTube video of the meeting. \nFollowing the Pledge of Allegiance\, Allan Bowditch and Terry Flanagan\, Chief Business Administrator\, discussed various aspects of the developments in greater Estero. \n\nFull details of all the developments (residential and commercial) were highlighted to illustrate the increasing urbanization in our area. Details of the buildings and road and bike path developments that will likely occur in the coming years\, the latter as part of the Village’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)\, can be viewed on the following links. https://esterotoday.com/gecr2023qtr3/ and https://estero-fl.gov/cip/\n\n\nAllan explained following discussion with Dan Delisi\, Land Use Planning and Water/Environmental Policy Consultant\, that land rights that were established in the 80s and 90s in Lee County\, which go way back before mixed-use designations in the 2010s\, make it difficult to control the numbers of units being built.\nIt happens to be the case that Florida has robust property rights laws\, among the strongest in the nation. Once something is given\, it can’t be taken away without replacement value.\nIt doesn’t matter when Estero was incorporated; the Village inherited the land use rights given before incorporation.\nWhile that does mean the public and the Village Planning\, Zoning\, and Design Board (PZDB) cannot stop the developments on land already provided with zoning rights\, certain aspects can be addressed.\nThese can include such issues as Design\, Height\, Density\, Layout\, Quality\, Color\, Setbacks\, open space\, Landscaping\, Lighting\, Traffic and Entry/Exit Concerns\, Environmental\, water run-off\, and wildlife issues.\nThe citizens of Estero believe they need an opportunity to make comments at an early stage in the development planning process. 92% of residents said “Yes” to the question- Should Engage Estero formally request that the Village require developers to present their plans to a nonbinding committee (open to the public) before formally submitting plans to the Planning\, Zoning\, and Design Board? Engage Estero discussed this issue with the Village Management and the Mayor.\nFollowing concerns from the public that investigations into traffic flow around the Woodfield development (Hwy41/ Coconut Road) would not address the overall impact on Estero from the various developments taking place\, Engage Estero took up this issue with the Village Management. We confirm that a comprehensive traffic investigation will be conducted within 12 months. This will\n\nInclude traffic estimates for those developments on vacant parcels.\nWill incorporate the impact from areas outside Estero.\nWill consider the peak traffic density.\nWill include workers and services entering the Village.\nWill be updated every 4-5 years.\nThe intent is to identify issues and provide recommendations to improve traffic flow and safety.\n\n\nTerry Flanagan explained the meaning of mixed-use. This is an option that several developers have applied for as a re-zoning request. Contrary to popular opinion\, this has several significant benefits for the community. Mixed-use allows the developer to incorporate commercial business options within the residential plans. This helps to reduce the number of vehicles used when there are opportunities for residents to shop and visit medical facilities\, banks\, etc.\, where they reside.\nThe Village’s Capital Improvement Plan will feature road widening along Williams Road; River Ranch Road improvements\, East Corkscrew Road multi-use paths and lighting; Broadway West improvements\, Bike Path and Pedestrian improvements on Corkscrew Road\, Sandy Lane\, and Williams Road. Full details can be found on the above links.\nTerry Flanagan commented on the definitions used by the Village regarding the Village Center and Village Hub. This was shown pictorially (see presentation slides on the website) and covers the area from Broadway in the north to Coconut Road in the South\, Hwy 41 in the west\, and US 71 in the east.\nAttendees were reminded of the informative Public Forum in October: A Public Forum on Estero’s Future; Learn the Impact of Urbanization & Development and How It Will Affect Greater Estero. With Support from the FGCU Water School\, October 25\, 2023\, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM\, at FGCU’s Cohen Student Center Ballroom. You can sign up on esterotoday.com\n\nJohn Quin\, President of The Estero Forever Foundation\, then spoke about the Foundation and the developments taking place on the land purchased by the Village on the northeast corner of Via Coconut and Willams Road and the 62acre site north and south of the Estero River north of Corkscrew Road and east of Hwy41. \n\nThe Forever Foundation is a Non-Profit Public Foundation that mobilizes resources\, including financial assets and people. It encourages residents to give their time\, talent\, and treasure to supporting Non-Profits and other greater Estero Community organizations.\nJohn explained that the Foundation had helped to keep the golf driving range open with the help of the Village and with assistance from one full-time\, two part-time staff\, and eight volunteers. It has become even more popular with golfers\, who have expressed a desire to see it continue. It will likely remain open into March 2024.\nBased on the Village’s Private Public Partnership approach\, the Village partners with private companies to create and operate a service. This helps create an income asset supported by users\, not taxpayers. It is a shared risk with a private enterprise that helps keep our signature active lifestyle image.\nThe private companies that will be involved in developing recreational activities include Chicken n Pickle and the Texas-based High 5 Entertainment company. The facilities thus planned would involve Pickleball\, Ten-pin bowling\, and axe throwing\, to name a few. It is hoped there will be further public involvement to address the interests of residents. \n\nThe “Estero on the River project was also summarized. Purchased in 2019\, preliminary bridge and path planning was completed in 2020 -2021. Hurricane IAN\, Irma\, and an eagle’s nest delayed further developments in the park. The 2023/2024 Plan – Includes Invasive Plant Removal\, North of the River\, Parking and Restrooms\, a Bridge across the river\, Fencing on Corkscrew Road and Highway 41\, and One Main Walking Path. There will also be a walking entry from Corkscrew Road.\nThe Estero Forever Plan 2023/2024 will involve -cleaning up debris\, removing safety hazards\, and offering educational\, social\, and recreational programs at the Community Center.\n\nThe long-range plans involve: –\nNorth of the River: It will be the primary entryway to the South of the River Park by Bridge. Other plans are being discussed\, including a Village Government Center\, Commercial development on the river\, restaurants\, and a Cultural Arts center. Only time will tell. A lot can be done with 40 acres.\nSouth of the river: Botanical Gardens\, Educational Centers\, Walkways\, and Gathering / Picnicking places are all goals for the future.\n\n\n\nAllan Bowditch gave the president’s Report in Jim Gilmartin’s absence. \n\nJim Gilmartin spoke to the Village Manager\, Steve Sarkozy\, expressing the need for an opportunity to ensure public input on newly proposed developments before them being heard at the PZDB meetings. This should also apply to new recreational developments. While some meetings of this type have occurred\, they do not appear to occur regularly.\nTony Carangelo has been working with FGCU’s lecturers and students to help design graphics and maps of the Village that will illustrate where and what developments are occurring in our locality. This will provide hitherto complex information in a far more accessible format for residents to follow and understand. It is hoped that this work will be largely completed by early 2024.\nEngage Estero will highlight on our website esterotoday.com\n\nA veteran’s information section that can be easily accessed and provides valuable guidance on many issues Veterans require help with. Engage Estero has also been working “behind the scenes” to provide more recognition for Veterans.\n\n\nUpcoming Meetings:\n\nThe Public Forum on Estero’s Future will occur on October 25th at 6 p.m. at FGCU’s Cohen Student Center Ballroom. You can sign up at esterotoday.com\nThe moderator is Prof Shelton Weeks\, FGCU Professor of Economics and Finance.\nThe Panel includes:\n\nDaniel Delisi\, Land Use Planning and Water/Environmental Policy Consultant.\nRoss McIntosh\, Senior Commercial Real Estate Broker and Respected Speaker.\nSteve Sarkozy\, Village of Estero’s Manager.\nJim Wallace\, the Key Principal of Jim Wallace & Associates.\n\n\nNovember 15th at 6 p.m. at Estero Recreation Center. The meeting will include\n\nCodty Pierce\, Calusa Waterkeeper\, will discuss the implications of Urbanization in Estero and how we can manage its impact.\nChris Wittman. Captains for Clean Water will discuss the Threats to the Everglades and why that is important for Estero.\n\n\nDecember 7th at 5:30 p.m. The Estero Community Center:\n\nThe speaker will be Dr. Adam Molloy\, Director of Planning\, Growth\, and Capacity for the Lee County Schools. He will discuss what is being planned and considered in our areas to address the increasing needs of our children in a growing population. It is hoped that we will also have an additional speaker to discuss children’s future educational needs.\n\n\n\n\n\n  URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/sept2023/ LOCATION:Estero Recreation Center\, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd.\, Estero\, FL\, 33928 CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sept-2023-Meeting-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230411T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230411T190000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180533 CREATED:20230314T172130Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230412T191932Z UID:31620-1681234200-1681239600@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:April Community Meeting of Engage Estero DESCRIPTION:Slideshow Presentation\n \n Agenda\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The April Community & Membership Meeting featured reports on important development issues in greater Estero.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Speakers: \nMike Wasson\, Board Member \n\nMike discussed the Current State of our Local Economy. He also discussed why not addressing the Workforce Housing challenge will impact the availability of workers for healthcare\, education\, hospitality\, and household services\, as well as our future traffic patterns.\n\nJames Root\, Consultant to Engage Estero \n\nJames provided an update on the Village’s Septic to Sewer Program process\, timing and its impact on the Estero River\n\nMark Novitski\, Advisor to Engage Estero on Development Issues \n\nMark reported the latest information on several critical developments within the Village along East Corkscrew Road.\n\nAntonio Carangelo\, Chief Research Officer \n\nTony reviewed road\, bike\, and pedestrian connectivity of transportation and recreational projects with our neighborhoods\, gated and open access. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/april2023/ LOCATION:Estero Park & Recreation Center\, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230330T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230330T193000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180533 CREATED:20230217T210404Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230403T184216Z UID:31208-1680197400-1680204600@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Forum: How Changes in Healthcare will Impact You DESCRIPTION:Public Forum\nHow will the Changes in Healthcare\nImpact You Over the Next Few Years?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thursday\, March 30\, 2023\n \n \n \n \n \n Estero High School\n21900 River Ranch Road\, Estero\, FL 33928\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Engage Estero’s FirstHealthcare Public Forum Meeting\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Key Concerns\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How will the imminent shortage of GP’s\, Specialists and nurses impact the way healthcare is administered in the next few years?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How will other services\, such as DispatchHealth a home visitation service\, impact patients care?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How will the acquisition of GP Practices by large Hospital Groups impact you?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Is the use of Telemedicine a viable option and how will the quality of healthcare be affected?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How will remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices (that analyze patient’s acute or chronic conditions from outside the hospital\, impact future care for those in our area?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other important topics such as rising hospital and drug prices\, improvements needed in preventive medicine\, access to hospital ancillary services (ambulance services\, ambulatory surgery center (ASC) services\, audiology services)\, communication between primary/specialties\, medical record integration and the implementation of artificial intelligence systems (AI)\, will also impact healthcare needs in the future. However\, these items we plan to review in a second Healthcare Public Forum in the Fall. \nThe Engage Estero team encourages residents to take part in this important initiative and please reach out to your neighbors and friends if you think they too would be interested in attending.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Following the very successful Public Forum Meeting that reviewed the Environment and Water Quality in January\, the Engage Estero team is now focusing on the changes that are occurring in the healthcare arena and the impact they will have on the public. \nThis will be your opportunity to learn more about how these changes will affect access\, timing\, quality and cost to you. \nIn addition\, it will be your opportunity to ask your own questions to the invited panel of experts. \nThe venue has been selected so that there will be ample room for those living in greater Estero and beyond to attend. \nBecause there are many topics that need to be addressed\, it has been decided to conduct two such meetings. The first will be on March 30th  and Engage Estero will schedule the second meeting in the Fall.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Panel Participants\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kris Fay\n Lee Health\, Chief Officer of Community Based Care \n Kris oversees the Lee Health Center for Care Transformation\, a center which focuses on the advancement of value-based care initiatives including care redesign and contract performance. She also oversees the employed medical group of more than 900 physicians and advanced providers\, as well as the outpatient services and locations for the health system. She is responsible for the overall growth\, strategy and operations of the employed physician group and for achieving financial\, quality\, engagement and patient experience targets.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jon Witenko\n Lee Health\, System Director of Virtual Health and Telemedicine \n Has helped to implement Caregility’s iConsult mobile application into a scalable system that could traverse all patient needs in the home and the hospital\, be rapidly deployed\, and be infinitely scalable for the future.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gina Teegarden\, RN\, BSN\, BHA\, MBA\, CENP\n Chief Nursing Executive for the NCH Healthcare System \n She has a 32-year background in nursing and 26 years in nursing leadership. She joined the NCH Healthcare System in 1993. \nDuring her tenure at NCH she has worked to transform the nursing culture to a culture of safety and well-being through the implementation of evidence-based strategies targeted to enhance favorable patient and employee outcomes. \nGina is a member of the American Organization of Nursing Leaders\, the Florida Organization of Nursing Leaders\, and serves as President of the Southwest Organization of Nurse Executives (SWONE) Chapter.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Joseph Repay\, M.D\n Primary Care physician \n Dr Joseph Repay\, M.D: Joseph did his residency at the Medical Center of Central Georgia/Mercer University. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He works as a Primary Care physician with WellSpan Medical Services\, Physicians Regional Healthcare Services.  \nHe is Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician and licensed Physical Therapist with several years’ experience in Hospital Medicine\, Primary Care\, and Outpatient Orthopedic rehabilitation.  URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/healthforum/ LOCATION:Estero High School\, 21900 River Ranch Road\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event,Health ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190510T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190510T120000 DTSTAMP:20260414T180533 CREATED:20180706T135618Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230911T151230Z UID:19757-1557482400-1557489600@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:ECCL MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING DESCRIPTION:Open to the public\, the monthly meeting of the Estero Council of Community Leaders is designed to keep communities and residents informed on Estero issues and the actions the Council is taking on those issues. \nRepresentatives from the Village\, the Fire Departments and local organizations share reports monthly\, and speakers on important topics are featured. \nMonthly meetings are generally held on the second Friday of the month. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/eccl-monthly-member-meeting-18-2-2-3-2-2/ LOCATION:Estero Park & Recreation Center\, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR