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Community & Membership Meeting: Improving Road Safety
2024-10-24 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Improving Road Safety in SW Florida: A Review of the MPO’s Strategic Safety Action Plan

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.

Presentation Slides

Summary
Road 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.
A 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
Allan Bowditch, Engage Estero’s Chief Communications Officer, welcomed those in attendance and introduced the two eminent speakers:

Fank Domingo, Professional Engineer and Principal at Stantec.
Ron Gogoi, AICP Transportation Planning Administrator of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

Frank Domingo explained the various steps of the Safety Action Plan that involved

Identifying stakeholders.
Evaluating safety data.
Selecting proven strategies
Implementation

Frank 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.
Lee 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.
The 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:
The design of pedestrian crossings and bike lanes seems to be an afterthought. This was felt to need improvement.
This 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!
The 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.
Some 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.
BERT would be worthwhile in helping improve safety. Concerns were expressed about the delays in moving forward with this initiative.
Enforcement of speed limits and red-light running requires more attention.
The use of cameras was discussed as an important means of enforcement.
Privacy concerns would need to be addressed
Narrow shoulders on I75 were criticized as dangerous. Law enforcement had safety concerns when pulling drivers over for traffic violations.
When 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.
Some side roads leading from Via Coconut and Broadway onto US 41 need to be examined.
High 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.
On 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.
Other items mentioned included:

US 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.
Problem on the west side of Williams Road at Walgreens – mini-roundabout would be sensible.
Need for a coordinated approach (Bonita Springs, Lee County, Estero Village) to widen West Corkscrew because of the developments near the gulf.

It 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.
The 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.

The implementation process needs to incorporate the following aspects: education, encouragement, enforcement, equity, and evaluation.
Towards the end of the meeting, Ron Gogoi answered several questions that Engage Estero had received before the meeting.
Ron 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.
The 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?”
Ron 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.
If 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.
Ron 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.
He 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.
An 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.
Lastly, 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.
One 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.

Allan Bowditch mentioned several important upcoming meetings and plans for the New Year.

The 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.
We will announce a celebratory meeting in December for our 25th Anniversary get-together shortly.
On 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.

If you couldn’t attend in person, you can still provide information about safety in Estero by completing the survey.

Take the Survey

As part of the Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan, a dashboard was created to examine crashes in Lee County.

View the Dashboard

November 2024 Public Forum: The Impact of Climate Change on Our Community
2024-11-12 18:00 - 20:00 | FGCU Cohen Center Ballroom, 11090 FGCU Blvd. N., Fort Myers, FL, 33965, United States
A Public Forum on the Impact of Climate Change on Our Community
Supported by the Water School at FGCU

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.
Greg Tolley, Dean, The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University, will moderated the Forum.
Panel Members:

Mike Savarese, Professor, Department of Marine and Earth Sciences, FGCU.
Matt DePaolis, Policy Director, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.
Codty Pierce, The Calusa Waterkeeper.
Jenny Morris, FGCU Graduate Student studying environmental issues.

Written Summary of the Forum

You’ll Learn:

What pressing climate change and warming issues threaten our environment and quality of life in greater Estero?
How are increasing temperatures directly impacting greater Estero?
What do climate change and warming mean in a municipal environment (transportation, energy efficiency, waste reduction, environmental sustainability growth policies?)?
What climate change and warming threat-mitigating projects can be implemented?
What examples of active participation are pivotal to driving the transformative changes we need?
What is a “Reasoned Plan of Action” approach?
What organization should lead the establishment of the approach in greater Estero?
How can we establish local climate change and warming efforts related to water quality, municipal climate change and warming, environmental education, and community engagement?
What are the potential sources of water pollution, climate change, and warming in greater Estero?
Given the continued growth in urbanization, is the quantity of water in greater Estero available from our aquifers?
What are the solutions if there is a potential water shortage?

Mike Savarese

Professor, Department of Marine and Earth Sciences, FGCU
Michael 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.

Matt DePaolis
Policy Director, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
Matt 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.

Codty Pierce

The Calusa Waterkeeper
Codty’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.

Jenny Morris

Graduate Student Year: 2ndMajor: Environmental Science
Jenny 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.

Breaking Par at Grandezza 2025
2025-02-01 - 2025-02-02 | Grandezza, 11481 Grande Oak Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
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

Guest of Honor
Steve 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.

Community & Membership Meeting: Traffic Safety Action Plan
2025-02-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Lee County MPO’s Strategic Safety Action Plan Traffic, Safety, Congestion, and Recommendations Part 2

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.
Engage Estero was pleased to host:

Don Scott, Executive Director of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Carmon Monroy, Senior Transportation Manager, CTS Engineering.

Full Summary of the Meeting

Q&A Session Summary

Don Scott

Carmen Monroy

Community-Meeting-Feb-26th-presentation

Presentation Slides(download)

Background
This 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.

If you can’t attend in person, you can still provide information about safety in Estero by completing the survey.

Take the Survey

As part of the Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan, a dashboard was created to examine crashes in Lee County.

View the Dashboard

2024 Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award
2025-02-27 18:00 - 21:00 | Estero Country Club, 19501 Vintage Trace Circle, Estero, United States
2024 Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award

Joe and Joni Pavich
were Honored at
The Don Eslick Person of the Year Award Dinneron Feb. 27, 2025
Estero Country Club at The Vines
On 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.
Joe 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.
The 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.

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.
If 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.

Community & Membership Meeting: Estero Traffic Study Results
2025-03-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Village of Estero 2024 Traffic Study Results

Read the Full Summary

Little affects our daily quality of life as significantly as traffic. Engage Estero and the Village of Estero take road conditions and management seriously.
The 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:

Projected development on vacant parcels.
Traffic impacts from areas outside Estero.

At the Engage Estero March Community and Membership Meeting, the results of the study were provided to a capacity crowd by:

Steve Sarkozy: Estero’s Village Manager.
David Willems: Estero’s Director of Public Works
Leah Holmes: Transportation Engineer at Johnson Engineering

Afterwards, 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.
The meeting was held Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Estero Park and Recreation Center, 920 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, in Estero, Florida.

Steve Sarkozy
Estero Village Manager

David Willems
Village Director of Public Works

Leah Holmes
Johnson Engineering Transportation Engineer

Community-Meeting-Mar-26th-presentation
Download PDF

Community & Membership Meeting: Health and Water Quality
2025-04-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
April 2025 Community & Membership Meeting: Health and Water Quality

Engage Estero was pleased to host the April Community and Membership Meeting on April 23rd at the Estero Recreational Center. The topics covered provided important information about the steps being taken both locally and elsewhere that could provide valuable information to help enhance the quality of life that Estero can offer residents.
Featured Speakers:

Dr. Mark Bloomston, M.D. Medical Director, Florida Center for Pancreatic Diseases, Lee Health. Dr. Bloomston will speak about the Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence and recent developments in pancreatic cancer treatment.
Brian Hurwitz, an Engage Estero Health Committee member, will discuss some interesting developments in quickly reaching patients who suffer a myocardial infarction (MI) using AEDs.
Joseph Bonasia, Operations and Communications Director for FloridaRightToCleanWater.org. This is a chance to learn about and help to protect our precious natural resources.

Summary of the Meeting

Presentation

Dr. Mark Bloomston
Medical Director, Florida Center for Pancreatic Diseases

Brian Hurwitz
Engage Estero Health Committee

Joseph Bonasia
Operations and Communications Director for FloridaRightToCleanWater.org

Community & Membership Meeting: Sports Park Complex
2025-05-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Video

Sports-Complex-Presentation-May-23rd-2025
Presentation Slides

May 23 Community & Membership Meeting Summary
Introduction
On May 23, 2025, the Engage Estero Community and Membership Meeting convened at the Estero Park and Recreation Center to discuss the new Estero Recreation & Sports Complex. 60 residents attended the meeting.
Allan Bowditch, Engage Estero’s President, introduced Michael Comparato, Chairman and CEO of Vieste LLC, who is the Project Manager of the Sports and Recreation Complex, and David Willems, Director of Public Works, who provided additional insights from Estero’s Village Management perspective.
The sports complex will be located on the parcel of land between Williams Road and Via Coconut Point. High 5 Entertainment, which has entered into a public-private partnership (one of 5 that are being considered), will build the Pickleball courts on the site, together with several other attractions, including 10-pin bowling and axe throwing.
In January 2024, the Village Council and Lee Schools agreed to lease just over 50 acres of the adjacent playing fields for 99 years. The Village will spend approximately $10 million on updates and renovations, including covered areas over the basketball courts, renovations to the tennis courts that could also be used as pickleball courts, and the installation of artificial turf for the stadium fields. Rezoning has been approved, and the development order is being processed. The development of Estero Sports Park stems from a strategic acquisition of land, and now includes a site of almost 100 acres comprising:

21.2 acres previously owned by the Village.
52.8 acres through a lease agreement with the Lee County School District.
25.5 acres purchased from Lee County for $700,000.

Project Timeline & Phases
Michael explained that the development of the Estero Sports Park Complex is structured into multiple phases:
Immediate Phase: Upgrading the Estero High School football field with artificial turf. This phase is scheduled to commence immediately upon approval by the Village Council.
Second Phase: Planning is underway for enhancements to that area, including the renovation of tennis courts, construction of two to three covered basketball courts, addition of two to three pickleball courts, and related infrastructure improvements. This phase is expected to be ready for Council approval in the latter half of 2025.
Williams Road Sports Entertainment District: Development of a public-private partnership on Village-owned property, featuring amenities such as a pickleball facility and the “High 5” entertainment venue. Construction is scheduled to begin in July, with completion anticipated by late spring 2026.
Other Public-Private Partnerships. Michael and the Village Management have identified four additional areas within the complex where they are inviting other companies to submit proposals that would offer a good fit for the range of sports-related entertainment to be considered for the benefit of residents.

One such company will be installing a driving range.
Another will likely install indoor climbing walls for children and adults.
If the public has any suggestions for other potential companies that might provide appealing facilities, they can contact Michael via email at mcomparato@viestellc.com.

Key Features for Residents
Residents should be aware of the following key features of the project:
Multi-Sport Facilities: The complex will offer diverse athletic facilities, including upgraded football and tennis courts, covered basketball courts, and pickleball courts.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations with private entities like “High 5” aim to enhance recreational offerings and economic vitality.
Community-Centric Design: The development emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity, catering to a wide range of community members.
Veteran Recognition: An area within the event lawn is anticipated to provide an opportunity to relax and remember those who have given their lives to protect our freedom and way of life.
The Lake: The large lake will provide an opportunity for residents to relax under the cover of several canopied areas.
A Wide Range of Options will be Provided: When complete, the facilities on offer will enable families to enjoy a full day out at the Sports Complex.

Community Benefits
The Estero Sports Park Complex is poised to deliver several benefits to the community:
Enhanced Recreational Opportunities: Residents will have access to state-of-the-art sports facilities, promoting health and wellness.
Economic Growth: The project is expected to attract visitors and stimulate local businesses, contributing to the economic development of Estero.
Educational Partnerships: Upgrades to Estero High School’s athletic facilities will support student-athletes and school programs.
Q&A Session Highlights
Residents can access the PowerPoint presentation and the YouTube recording of the meeting by clicking on the following links. The responses to the questions asked at the meeting can be viewed on the video recording.
The residents raised many questions during the Q&A session. This session was valuable in helping to identify residents’ concerns and areas of interest in the plans.

Project Funding: Questions were raised about the financial aspects of the project, including the use of state and federal grants.
Timeline Clarifications: Residents inquired about specific timelines for each phase, seeking clarity on commencement and completion dates.
Traffic and Parking: Several questions were raised about how traffic would access the complex, the location of parking areas, and general concerns about the increase in traffic volume in the area.
Charges for Pickleball and Restaurants: Although these issues are clearly of importance to the public and have been a point of discussion between the Village and High 5, it was still too early to specify the final charges for the range of facilities that will be provided.
Group Bookings: A few questions were raised about group bookings for sports fields and High 5 facilities. The response was “yes,” although priority will be given to areas of the Sports Complex that Estero High School requires. As a result, there may be times when those areas cannot be used.
The Food and Restaurants Available: Questions were raised about what range of food services would be available. While Fast Food options would not be available, those companies (not finalized) would be providing a wide range of popular food options. At times when large events were planned, Food trucks would be made available.
Community Involvement: Discussions emphasized the importance of resident input and participation in the planning process.

Additional Information
Vieste LLC, under the leadership of Michael Comparato, specializes in municipal economic and infrastructure development projects, including sports and entertainment complexes. The firm’s collaboration with the Village of Estero exemplifies a strategic approach to community development through public-private partnerships. For more details and updates on the Estero Sports Park Complex, residents are encouraged to visit Engage Estero’s website or to contact Michael Comparato -mcomparato@viestellc.com.
The Presidents Report
At the end of the meeting, Allan Bowditch mentioned that although there would be no further Engage Estero Community Meetings until the fall, he outlined some plans for the fall. These included:
September 26th: – Community Meeting, Estero Recreation Center. 10 am-11-30am

Mary Gibbs, Community Development Director: Key Developments taking place in Estero
Clerk Karnes, People and Community Engagement Director. Ensuring Your Property Remains Yours – Fighting Fraud!

October 28th: – Public Forum. FGCU’s Cohen Ballroom 5:00 pm – 8 pm.
The Future of Greater Estero: The Plans for a Successful Future

Steve Sarkozy, Estero’s Village Manager. (TBC)
Chris Simoneau, MBA, Strategic Director, Marketing and Communications, Lee Health.
A Leading Visionary Development Director
An FGCU Senior Professor.

Allan also summarized the goals of the organization:

Expand our email list to 15,000, aiming for 20,000 by the end of 2027 (currently 13,000)
Increase social media followers to 1,000, targeting 15,000 by 2027
Launch podcasts, which have already begun!
Form an Engage Estero research team by June 2025
Achieve a funding level of at least $400,000 over the next three years
Maintain a minimum balance of $750,000 in an escrow account for emergencies
Transition Engage Estero into a professionally managed and volunteer-led organization over the coming years.

To address these goals, it will be important to:

Engage with the community for insights
Adopt a nonpartisan and unbiased approach
Motivate businesses and individuals to invest
Ensure a strong return on investment (ROI)
Partner with local individuals and/or companies to enhance our research efforts
Host networking and informational events to foster connections.

The meeting concluded with the very kind offering of ice cream to those present, courtesy of Abigail Wigginton, Regional Director of Operations, American House (Senior Living Communities). Engage Estero extends its thanks to Abigail and American House.

If you would like to receive Engage Estero’s regular communications that will keep you updated on what is happening in greater Estero and provide valuable information on health-related topics, education, recreation, safety, traffic, developments, and environmental issues, you can easily sign up on the front page of our website esterotoday.com.

Support Engage Estero
By donating to Engage Estero, you’re not just giving money; you’re making a lasting impact, and contributions qualify for tax relief due to our IRS nonprofit 501(c)3 designation. Every dollar you contribute is a step toward building the Estero we all envision—a community that is stronger, more connected, and better prepared to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. The best part? You will witness the difference your support makes, whether through well-planned improvements, a revitalized neighborhood, informed residents, or the smiles of children who will inherit a brighter future.

Your support helps organize community forums where residents can voice their concerns and learn about pressing local issues.
Your generosity fuels initiatives that enhance public safety, reduce traffic congestion, improve environmental sustainability, and enrich local amenities.
Your contribution ensures that Engage Estero remains independent and unbiased, free from political agendas, and focused solely on what’s best for our community.

Please send your contribution to Engage Estero at P.O. Box 424, Estero, FL 33929. Or pledge online using the link below: https://esterotoday.app.neoncrm.com/forms/make-certain-our-future

David Willems
Village Director of Public Works

Michael Comparato
Vieste, LLC

Community & Membership Meeting: Key Developments & Fighting Fraud
2025-09-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Presentation-Sept-26th-2025final-JGrev2
Presentation Slides

Summary
Key ongoing and planned developments for Estero.Title fraud: Don’t let scammers steal your home!
By Allan Bowditch, President, Engage Estero.
The meeting was held at the Estero Recreation Center and was attended by approximately 50 residents. After the Pledge of Allegiance, Allan Bowditch, President of Engage Estero, started the meeting with an acknowledgement and congratulations to Lou Frattarelli and his wife, Louise, for their dedication to supporting many organizations whose mission is to build a community that everyone can be proud of.
Lou has been a member of the ECCL for many years, serving on the Transportation Committee and later becoming its director.

He became a founding member of the East Corkscrew Alliance in 2016.
In 2020, Lou and Louise became volunteers with Estero Forever Foundation and members of the Estero Forever Founders Club.
They spent many hours at the driving range, providing funds for the foundation to support the community.

Their behind-the-scenes efforts during the last decade have sparked numerous improvements for our community. Estero is very blessed to have benefited from their immeasurable support and guidance. We wish them continued health and happiness in their retirement.
Key ongoing and planned developments for Estero.
Before starting the presentation on the key developments taking place in Estero, Allan conveyed Mary Gibb’s apologies for her having to address some family issues. Allan explained that, due to the work he, Mark Novitski, and Kim Dailey had contributed to the updated 61-page report on the “Urbanization of Estero” -he felt comfortable delivering the presentation.
Allan explained that residents should be aware that, because many land use applications had been made to Lee County in the 1980s and 1990s, the Village of Estero had limited control over the developments on those previously purchased acres of land. Aesthetic design is a key consideration, and those developments already completed continue to ensure Estero retains its unique style and “look”.
While residents have expressed concerns about the pace of development, developers have also expressed their concerns about the difficulties getting their applications approved.
While many residents might be tempted to halt further development, municipalities, like companies, that fail to adapt to change and address the needs of a shifting demographic will not prosper. The result will be a drop in home values if no one is attracted to live in our locality. Allan highlighted five development locations regarded as significant due to their size and location. These were:

Estero Crossing: The residential section is called “Corsa” (North of Lowes)
The F.L. Star Development, North of Broadway and East on US 41.
The Woodfield Development, Northwest Corner of US 41 & Coconut Road.
The Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, the West side of Via Coconut opposite Genova.
The Hospital Corp of America’s Property on US 41 (East side), North of Hertz.

We provide a comprehensive account of these developments in the report mentioned earlier. The developments include:

Corsa P 15,
North of Broadway/US41 P 20,
Woodfield P 21,
Opposite Genova P22,
North of Hertz/US41 P 22,

You can view the YouTube video of the presentation at this link: https://youtu.be/dC_p31l-vfM
The brief details of each development are:

1) Estero Crossing: The residential section is called “Corsa” (North of Lowes)

6 X 3 story luxury apartments (306 Units)
60,000 sq ft of commercial properties
Pedestrian-friendly, benches, and lush landscaping
Restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating, other entertainment, boutique-style shops, health & wellness offices and studios
This charming set of residential condominiums is now completed and will be home to approximately 750 residents.

2) The F.L. Star Development, North of Broadway and East on US 41

A residential development on 34 acres east of US 41 in Estero
Phase 1 has begun, including infrastructure
3 X multistory buildings with 100 units each and ten townhomes for a total of 310 units
Lee County approved 200,000 square feet for non-residential use and a 125-room hotel.
There will be a pocket park and retail stores. The population in the development will be approximately 682.

3) Woodfield Development, Northwest Corner of US 41 & Coconut Road

Phase 1 of the project has commenced, encompassing infrastructure, two apartment buildings, and restaurants.
The 45.6-acre development.
A mixed-use development. 596 residential dwelling units.
Offices, retail, restaurants, and other related uses.
Spanish Colonial Revival architecture
6-acre indigenous preserve area along the western and northern boundaries
One access point from Coconut Road at Walden Center Drive
Plans have specified the integration of a roundabout.
The expected population excluding the hotel will be around 1,300.

4) Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, located on the West side of Via Coconut, opposite Genova

A 20-acre development
Mixed-use development and a 1-acre public park
330 multi-family units, 29,600 square feet of commercial use
10,000-square-foot church
Pocket Park and other amenities.
No “under-building parking
Replaced with garages, carports, and surface parking behind the buildings
The developer will reduce the height of mixed-use buildings along Main Street from 3 to 2 stories
Ground was broken in mid-August 2025
Likely completion late 2026, with a total of approximately 730 residents.

5) The Hospital Corp of America’s Property on US 41 (East side), North of Hertz

A prime site in Estero
Development will need to achieve a high level of aesthetic design and quality because of the site’s size and location
Possibly like the Mercato in Naples.
The expected population at this site might be between 1.500 and 2,000 residents.
But no specific plan is in place currently

The Q &A:
Several questions were raised following the presentation, including:
Q1: I’m wondering when the park across from Koreshan is opening, and when they’re going to put the bridge in on 41 to cross between the canoes and Koreshan?

The 100-acre area, which combines the land on the east side of 41 with Koreshan Park, is currently in the overall planning process. The village is still in the very early stages of the plan, although Phase 1 is currently being implemented. I know that the suggestion of a bridge across US 41 has been discussed. Still, perhaps the outcome of the plans will be presented at our December 11th Community Meeting, when Chris Baker will provide an update on this situation.

Q2 I was expecting to visit the Estero on the River Park, but the first Phase was supposed to be finished, and I couldn’t get access.

Yes, it does appear that there have been delays on this project. I will see if I can get a timeline.

Q3, You didn’t mention the development, which is located across Corkscrew Road opposite Genova, where 154 homes will be built. Is it approved yet?

Yes, it has, and that one is covered in the report. They did reduce the number of homes proposed. It was initially planned for 170 homes, but the PZDB wanted the number decreased to 154. They now have access to both the east and west sides of that development, which will benefit residents and reduce the bottleneck on Sandy Lane. I think that development will start in the reasonably near future. It is called Summercrest.

Q4 Will the green grass field be left as it is next to the Hertz Office on Williams Road and US 41?

Although Allan was initially unable to answer this question, he has since found out that the 5 acres of land are owned by Hertz. It is designated for office use. Hertz has requested that the zoning be changed to residential, but that change has not been granted at this time.

Q5. That rendering of the development opposite Genova on Via Coconut, with the winding sidewalk, looked beautiful, but I think there’s a sidewalk along the curbside. So, would the developer be destroying that sidewalk and then building this beautiful aesthetic sidewalk? Which would not be great, because it looks good, and walking would be great.

Later Answer: The sidewalk will be kept. If you look, you will see that the awnings are located inside the sidewalk along the road and will remain there.

Q6 Why are so many apartments likely to be built, especially on the former property of the Hospital Corp of America?

You can acquire a significantly greater number of units if you develop apartments than if you develop single-family homes. So, I suspect that part of the reason for the desire to have more condominiums and apartments here is primarily linked to the commercial return on that investment. I think that the village is, to some degree, hindered by the uncertainty of what the plans might be. If you had 1,000 units on 100 acres, that would be only 10 units per acre. The PZDB is somewhat hindered by the regulations in place.

Q7 Why is the septic to sewer conversion taking so long?

We will hopefully have an update on timing and costs at the Dec 11th Community Meeting here at the Recreation Center at 10 am. David Willems will address this at the meeting. Mark Nowitzki has a colleague, James Root, who has actually built a house at the bottom end of Broadway, and he is also very concerned about when the project will be completed.
I am aware that a key issue has been the delay from some organizations that have promised grants for the project. The work cannot be undertaken before the grant is received; otherwise, it will be rescinded. These grants will, of course, reduce the costs to homeowners and are therefore very important. Unfortunately, this delay means that the contamination of the Estero River will continue until this issue is resolved!

Q8 Will we have a splash pool for the children in the Sports Park?

I know this question has been raised by others, but the final plans are still being worked on, so I cannot give you a final answer on that at this time..

Q9 Will we have a Veterans recognition area? (an offline question asked at the end of the meeting)

Engage Estero has, for several years, been trying to establish a recognition area for Veterans. I believe it would be a good idea to have it in a section of the Sports Park not tucked away in, the 100 Acre area along the Estero River. It would be nice for young people and older people to recognize its significance in the Sport Park when walking around.

Don’t let Scammers Take Away your Home!
The topic of title fraud addressed by Kevin Karnes, Lee County’s Clerk of the Court & Comptroller, was somewhat scary. Still, Kevin’s excellent talk was delivered with wit and panache, keeping the audience highly engaged. Kevin explained a little of the background to the work that he performs, which is to look after the Lee County funds for allocating expenditure by the various departments, amongst many other requirements.
Property fraud occurs when a party uses a forged deed to sell or transfer property that does not belong to them. While a forged deed does not actually transfer the property, it gives the appearance to the rest of the world that the ownership of the property has been changed. If you believe you have been the victim of property fraud, removing this cloud from your title can be a complicated process. Kevin pointed out that if you fail to receive your property tax details around late October/early November, this should be a sign that there is a problem!
Unfortunately, if the time gap between when a title is fraudulently changed and when you realize you haven’t received your property tax assessment is several months, it can create a significant delay. In that case, the police have little chance of finding out who was responsible. He explained that this is why you should register your property with the tax office. While they may not be able to prevent the transfer, they have a legal duty to accept transfer documents if they meet the requirements. They can notify you of a change within 24 hours, which increases the chances of catching the offenders.
Visit the Property Fraud Alert Registration page: https://or.leeclerk.org/LandMarkWeb/FraudAlert
You can register personal names, business names, trusts, and individual parcels to receive Alert Notifications. Please review these Fraud Alert Registration Tips and FAQs before signing up, as they include naming conventions and helpful tips that can significantly enhance your results. After reviewing, fill in the items on the registration page to complete the registration.
Repeat the registration process as many times as you like to register names and parcels.
You may unregister a name or parcel by entering your email address on the Property Fraud Alert Registration page and then clicking on ‘Receive Email to Edit Property Fraud Alert’. You will receive an email with a list of your registered names/parcels, along with links that allow you to un-register each one.
If you feel you need to verify that you are already registered? Enter and confirm the email address. Then click on ‘Receive Email to View Registrations.’
Sadly, if you have been the victim of property fraud, the process is currently very involved and expensive to rectify. Kevin indicated that he is attempting to get the Florida legislature to implement a process that would avoid unnecessary legal costs, but it is a complex situation.
One of the questions asked at the end of the talk was, “What do I have to do to recover the title of my home?’
If you notice something that appears to be incorrect, please don’t delay. Here are typical steps:

Report to law enforcement

Deed forgery, fraudulent conveyance, etc., are criminal acts under Florida law.
A police report helps build the case and provides you with official documentation that can be used later.
Lee Clerk’s site explicitly lists “report the crime to law enforcement” as its first recommended step.

File a civil lawsuit to “Quiet Title” (fraudulent conveyance)

A complaint for quiet title seeks a court order declaring the fraudulent deed void and restoring your ownership rights.
If successful, you can request that the Clerk remove or correct the fraudulent deed from the public records.
You may also file a lis pendens (notice of a pending lawsuit) on the property in the county’s official records, which notifies others of a dispute and can deter further tampering.

Contact the property appraiser and tax collector

A fraudulent deed might change who receives tax notices or where the tax bill is sent. That could lead to missed tax payments or auctions.
Confirm that you are still listed as the owner for tax purposes (so subsequent notices or auctions don’t affect you).

Use an attorney experienced in real property/title litigation

These cases often involve complex procedural issues, including locating and serving parties (sometimes unknown fraudsters), as well as navigating title records and property law.
The Lee County Bar Association may be able to refer qualified attorneys.

Gather and preserve evidence

Copies of the fraudulent deed, recording details, names used, etc.
Any correspondence, emails, or documents connected to the fraud.
The official records from the Clerk’s office regarding the recording.
The law enforcement report.

Notify lenders, title insurers, and other relevant parties

If your property has existing mortgages or title insurance, notify those parties about the fraud (they may have rights or be interested in protecting their interests).
Title insurers may assist in defending or covering costs, depending on the policy terms.

In recent years, Florida has specifically empowered Lee County to adopt stronger anti-fraud measures. However, as Kevin pointed out, there are restrictions on what he can and cannot do in such a situation until a court order is obtained.

The Clerk’s role is primarily ministerial: under prior law, even if a deed appeared fraudulent, the Clerk was compelled to accept and record it if it met the formal requirements for recording. The new pilot law grants some discretionary power (ID inspection) but does not allow the Clerk to refuse a properly executed instrument solely on doubt (unless it fails to meet legal form).
The Clerk does not police title fraud proactively beyond the alert system; they do not have enforcement authority to investigate or prosecute fraud (that is left to law enforcement and prosecutors).
The Clerk cannot unilaterally remove a fraudulent deed from the public record (that must come via a court order or judgment).

Engage Estero’s team extends its thanks to Kevin Karnes for his excellent presentation on this vital subject.

Presidents Report
Allan pointed out that if the Urbanization report had been billed on a commercial basis, it would have cost $38,000. The total work amounted to approximately 180 hours. Additionally, if the 26 experienced volunteers, who often work around 20-30 hours per week, were all paid a salary, the total payroll would be just under $2 million.
Engage Estero is comprised of highly experienced individuals from diverse disciplines. They have worked as CEO’s or leading managers across many disciplines. The point being made is that no one is suggesting we be paid these salaries; however, the public needs to be aware of the commitment made by the organization to keep residents informed about important facts relating to Greater Estero.
We can significantly increase our support for teachers and students if we receive more financial aid (donations) from community residents and businesses. Our expenses for supporting schools total approximately $75,000. Membership fees from HOAs and Gated Communities bring in $25,000, so even before we can provide financial support to schools or set aside funds for an Emergency Fund, we need to cover our costs.
We understand you may support many charities. Engage Estero is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so you will receive tax benefits for any donations. Please help us do even more meaningful work for you in Greater Estero in 2026 and beyond. Visit https://esterotoday.app.neoncrm.com/forms/make-certain-our-future to help us reach our goals and improve your quality of life.

Community & Membership Meeting: Proton SWFL, Legal HOA Changes, Corkscrew Rd East
2025-10-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Presentation-Slideshow-October-28th-2025
Presentation Slides

The October Engage Estero Community and Membership Meeting featured three speakers who highlighted major community developments in health care, property management, and infrastructure growth across Greater Estero. You can see the complete video of this meeting above.
Dr. Shannon McDonald, Medical Director of the Southwest Florida Proton Center, opened with an update on the region’s first proton therapy facility for advanced cancer treatment, scheduled to begin patient care in December 2025. Dr. McDonald explained how proton therapy differs from conventional photon radiation: protons stop precisely at the tumor site, minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissues and organs. This makes it especially valuable for treating cancers near critical structures such as the brain, spine, eyes, and heart, as well as in pediatric cases where long-term side effects can be severe.
She traced the therapy’s history from the first Harvard cyclotron in the 1960s to today’s 46 U.S. centers—soon to include the Estero facility. The new Proteus One system will be capable of treating a wide range of cancers and staffed by experienced specialists from national cancer centers. She fielded questions about Medicare coverage, emerging technologies such as carbon-ion therapy, and patient access. Dr. McDonald noted that while the Estero center is new, her 19 years of proton experience and a highly trained team ensure continuity of care for local residents. A former patient shared his positive experience with proton therapy as a treatment for prostate cancer at Massachusetts General, drawing warm applause from attendees.
Next, Andy Provost, General Counsel for Resort Management, outlined recent legislative changes affecting condominium and homeowner associations under Florida’s House Bill 913. Key updates include:

Requirements that board and annual meetings conducted by video must also provide a physical location, be recorded, and have recordings retained for one year.
Conflict-of-interest disclosures for management companies with related business interests exceeding $2,500.
New financial reporting standards: associations must now secure majority votes from all owners to waive annual audits, and officers must sign affidavits confirming compliance.
Revised inspection laws following the Surfside collapse now require milestone structural inspections at 30 years and every 10 years thereafter, and detailed reserve (SIRS) funding studies by 2025.Provost emphasized that these mandates increase board accountability and transparency but also add financial strain and record keeping responsibilities. He cautioned that recorded meetings become official records and may carry legal risk during insurance claims or litigation.

The final speaker, Mark Novitski, consultant to Engage Estero and chair of the East Corkscrew Alliance, provided updates on transportation and development east of I-75. He reported ongoing delays in the Corkscrew Road widening—now projected to extend into 2026—and warned that over 35,000 homes are approved or under construction along the corridor, potentially adding 70,000+ new residents. Novitski urged continued advocacy for traffic safety, new schools, and better access to the Larry Kiker Preserve. He also addressed community concerns about e-bike safety, car-carrier parking, and the long-delayed Bella Terra cell tower.
Engage Estero President Allan Bowditch closed the meeting by previewing upcoming meetings and events:

Dec. 11: Community Meeting: Village of Estero Traffic Study, Septic-to-Sewer and Estero River Park updates.
Jan. 29: Community Meeting: FGCU Entrepreneurship School and Enhance Musical Arts Opportunity with FGCU Bower School of Music and the Gulfshore Opera Information.
Feb. 26: Don Eslick Person of the Year Dinner honoring Dr. Larry Antonucci.
Mar. 17: Public Forum on “The Future of Estero.”

Bowditch thanked attendees for their continued support and encouraged donations at EsteroToday.com to sustain Engage Estero’s community initiatives.

Community & Membership Meeting: Traffic Survey, Septic to Sewer, Estero RiverPark
2025-12-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Presentation-Dec-11th-Village-Update

An Executive Summary of the December 11th Community & Membership Meeting
The meeting addressed: 1) The Final Results of the Village of Estero’s 2024 Traffic Study. 2) An Update on the Septic to Sewer Program. 3) An Update on the Estero River Park.

Introduction
Estero, December 11, 2025 – Over 70 residents attended Engage Estero’s Community Meeting, which highlighted residents’ considerable interest in the Village’s infrastructure and development projects. Attendees, who filled the room, were eager to hear the updates and recommendations that emerged from Estero Village’s 2024 transportation study, the updates on the septic-to-sewer conversion project, and Estero on the River Park.
Alan Bowditch, President of Engage Estero, welcomed attendees, noting the strong turnout was encouraging and reflected the importance of the meetings the organization has hosted throughout the past year. He introduced the morning’s key speakers: Leah Holmes, Johnon Engineering Senior Executive who oversaw the comprehensive 2024 traffic survey, and David Willems, Estero Village’s Director of Public Works, and Steve Sarkozy, Estero Village’s Manager.
Traffic Study Reveals Severe Congestion and Safety Risks
Leah Holmes delivered a detailed analysis of the 2024 traffic data collected during the peak season of February and March. The study involved 24/7 roadway counts and detailed turning movement counts. The investigation even includes the often-overlooked “noon lunchtime hour peak” for some intersections. The goal was to establish a 2024 baseline and project traffic conditions out to 2034.
A key concept explained to the audience was the Level of Service (LOS), where LOS ‘A’ signifies free-flowing conditions, up to LOS ‘F’, which indicates that a roadway has exceeded its capacity, resulting in stop-and-go traffic and high congestion. The findings were stark: In current 2024 conditions, major thoroughfares like Tamiami Trail and Three Oaks Parkway already exceed roadway capacity. Looking ahead to 2034, projections anticipate that a segment of Williams Road will also exceed capacity.
Residents were particularly interested in details examining intersection performance, measured by vehicle delay. The study examined 15 signalized intersections, many of which are already over capacity in terms of vehicle delay, and several more are expected to reach capacity by 2034 if no improvements are undertaken.
High-Priority Safety Interventions
Holmes also presented a critical review of five years of crash history at key intersections. The high frequency of crashes at Tamiami Trail and Williams Road was highlighted, particularly because three of the 118 crashes recorded in that period involved fatalities, two of which were due to vehicles attempting left turns across US 41 into Williams Road oncoming traffic.
The recommendation to address this has already been put forward. It involves changing the left turns at Tamiami Trail and Williams Road from “permitted” (unprotected) to “protected only” (meaning that traffic can ONLY turn across north or south-bound traffic on US 41 on the green arrow). Residents approved the decision even though it might delay traffic making that turn. It was felt that, despite the possible inconvenience, the cost of not making that unsafe change would be unacceptable. This recommendation was considered a high priority because of its safety and operational advantages.
Other high-priority recommendations included adding a traffic signal at Tamiami Trail and Pelican Colony Boulevard, which is currently in the permitting stage, and extending the westbound left turn lane on Coconut Road, coordinating with the future Woodfield development.
Some other specific recommendations were:

Corkscrew Road (Tamiami Trail to I-75)

Lee County Cost Feasible 6-Laning

Corkscrew Road (East of Ben Hill Griffin)

Ultimate design planned for the future 6-Laning

Three Oaks Parkway

Increase capacity through Lee County involvement to meet current and future travel demands

Tamiami Trail & Estero Parkway

Estero Parkway turn lanes are insufficient in length, close the left turn into Walmart, and lengthen the dual left turn lanes onto Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41)

Monitor and improve traffic light sequencing along US41 (FDOT)
Williams Road

Potential turn lane additions at Three Oaks Parkway
Potential 2 to 4 lane widening
Scheduled roundabout addition at River Ranch Road intersection.

Tamiami Trail & Pelican Colony

Installation of a traffic signal

Tamiami Trail & Coconut Road

Extend westbound left turn lane
Future Pelican Colony traffic signal may help alleviate traffic congestion at this intersection

Corkscrew Road & Via Coconut Point

Southbound turn lane improvements could improve capacity.

Tamiami Trail & Pelican Sound Drive

Modify intersection to right-in/right-out to address unprotected movements across Tamiami Trail.
Potential future signal with development to the east

Tamiami Trail & Via Rapallo Drive

Recommend completing a signal warrant analysis

Tamiami Trail & Coconut Road

Eastbound and Westbound left turn lane improvements, along with coordination with future Woodfield development. Addition of a traffic signal (permitting stage) at Pelican Colony to help relieve congestion on Coconut Road.

Tamiami Trail & Via Rapallo Drive & Fountain Lake Boulevard

Traffic Signal warrant studies.

Tamiami Trail & Estero Parkway

Increase WB left turn lane storage (Remove Walmart left turn)

Tamiami Trail & Corkscrew Road

Modify the westbound approach to a dual left turn, single through lane, and exclusive right turn lane, as well as add a secondary right turn lane for the eastbound approach.

Tamiami Trail & Broadway Avenue

Addition of exclusive eastbound and westbound left turn lanes

Coconut Road & Coconut Shores Drive & Olde Meadowbrook

Roundabout Study

Corkscrew Road & Via Coconut Point

Southbound left turn lane extension

During the Q&A, residents expressed specific frustrations about traffic enforcement, with one attendee noting that speeding is widespread, especially on major roads like Estero Parkway and Three Oaks Parkway. The host clarified that traffic enforcement falls under the Lee County Sheriff’s jurisdiction, though the Village regularly requests stricter enforcement from the substation for roads with high complaint levels.
The presentation also highlighted the limits of Village jurisdiction. The state maintains the Tamiami Trail, while Corkscrew Road and Three Oaks Parkway are Lee County roads. Therefore, major capacity upgrades, such as the planned six-laning of Corkscrew Road, require county involvement to meet future travel demand.
Septic-to-Sewer: The Grant Funding Crucible
David Willems, Estero’s Village Director of Public Works, provided a valuable update on the septic-to-sewer project. These conversions are crucial because studies show the Estero River and Bay are impacted by high levels of nutrients and bacteria, partly due to septic tanks, especially those located near the river.
Two projects, Cypress Bend and Sunny Grove (both package wastewater treatment plants), are currently under construction. However, the fate of other large-scale projects, such as Broadway West and Cheryl Ludich Lane, depends on securing external grant funding. The grant funding issues were later discussed by the Village Manager, who expressed frustration with the delays and difficulties this process has involved. He pointed out the need to secure as many grants as possible because they significantly reduce the potential costs to residents and the Village when making these changes. In addition, if work is conducted before a grant is received, this seriously impacts the decision to agree the grant and/or the cost of that work gets deducted from the grant!
The most urgent and frustrating obstacle was the delay in securing a potential $16.5 million federal grant through the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Willems and Village Manager Steve shared their deep “pain” and sadness over the uncertainty. The dilemma is severe: If the Village waits for the federal grant, individual resident assessments could be as low as $5,000, but if it proceeds without the grant, assessments could rise to $40,000 or $50,000.
Sarkozy said, “If we start that and proceed with the higher assessments and then the grant comes along, residents are going to be very, very upset.” This helped to clarify why the trigger hasn’t yet been pulled on construction in specific locations.
The uncertainty is worsened by a $7.5 million state grant for Broadway projects that has a tight deadline of 2029. Village officials are worried that predicted state budget shortfalls might lead to unused grant money being “swept up,” further pressuring the timeline.
The audience was very engaged and attentive to this financially sensitive topic. They expressed visible frustration with the reliance on slow-moving government bureaucracy. Willems acknowledged that this HMGP grant presents a unique opportunity, as the Village typically does not perform well on standard water quality grants due to the area’s affluent status. Although waiting is agonizing, it is the only way to prevent residents from paying substantially higher costs.
Engage Estero personnel are in regular contact with the Village Management and will keep residents updated as these issues become clearer.
Again, the entire discussion can be listened to in the YouTube video recording: https://youtu.be/IjE-YGiM0U0.
The Estero River Park and I-75 Expansion Updates
David Willems also shared an important update about the Estero River Park project (at Corkscrew Road and US 41). Although slightly delayed to a January completion, a significant milestone was recently achieved with the installation of the 12- to 13-foot-wide pedestrian bridge over the river.
A key ecological factor influencing the park’s design is the resident nesting eagles. Since the eagles are back and nesting, trails within 330 feet of the nest will be closed from October to June to adhere to regulations. The PowerPoint presentation has details of the trials and plans for the first two phases of the project.
Finally, the Engage Estero President shared fresh information about the I-75 expansion and noise barriers. The Florida Department of Transportation confirmed that no date has been set for the rescheduled public hearing on the noise barriers. Importantly, the community voting on the noise barriers will be delayed by “a year or more” beyond that future hearing, signaling a significant extension to the timeline for resolution. Engage Estero has already recommended specific noise-abatement walls (Valmont and Duracol) and the use of noise-deadening asphalt, along with a 22-foot-high wall to protect communities like The Brooks.
The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming events, including a January gathering featuring FGCU’s entrepreneurial school and Bower School of Music, as well as a major public forum in March focusing on the community’s future, with representatives from FGCU, The Village, Lee Health, and the Hoffman Group.
The host thanked the speakers, noting that their dedication to providing solutions to complex issues was valuable to our community.

Community & Membership Meeting
2026-01-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
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FGCU Entrepreneurial School, Gulfshore Opera and Bower School of Music & The Arts Featured at Engage Estero Community Meeting January 29, 2026
Engage Estero’s January Community & Member Meeting features presenters on how FGCU’s entrepreneurial school benefits greater Estero, and how our cultural experiences are enriched by Gulfshore Opera.
The meeting, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Estero Recreation Center on Thursday, January 29, at 10:00 a.m. The address is 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, located inside Estero Community Park & Recreation Center, Estero, FL 33928.
Dr. Bill McDowell, Dean, FGCU’s Daveler and Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship and Mark Ain Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship will share how the school benefits our community and economy.
Steffanie Pearce, Founder & General Director, Gulfshore Opera will introduce its goals and the exciting upcoming season of performances.
Most residents are excited that they chose this area to live and work in. But we also need to ensure that we keep providing new opportunities and support for everyone trying to improve what is available.
Several plans and proposals are being considered for the future development of Greater Estero. There is a need for the Village, local businesses, and the public to support new business ideas that would have a positive commercial impact and prevent skilled workers from leaving our area!
Discussions are ongoing about establishing a Community Theatre Complex in Estero. However, this is unlikely to happen without support for the many existing musical genres that need backing.
Please come and listen to these dedicated individuals who are thinking of our future.
Seating is limited, so reservations are required for all attendees.
The meeting will be recorded and posted to our YouTube channel @EngageEstero, so subscribe to be notified if you cannot make it.

2025 Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award
2026-02-26 | Estero Country Club, 19501 Vintage Trace Circle, Estero, United States
2025 Don Eslick EsteroPerson of the Year Award

Lawrence Antonucci, MD, MBA
will be Honored at
The Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award Dinneron Feb. 26, 2026
Estero Country Club at The Vines
Please Join us to celebrate excellence in the Estero community as Engage Estero presents the prestigious Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award. This annual event pays tribute to Don Eslick’s remarkable qualities and outstanding service to Estero.
The award ceremony will be February 26, 2026, at the elegant Estero Country Club at The Vines.

RSVP

This year’s recipient is Dr. Larry Antonucci the President and Chief Executive Officer of Lee Health. Since 2017 he has led the Lee Health team in making many improvements to healthcare in the greater Estero Area and Southwest Florida. They include Lee Health Coconut Point, the University Highlands facility, Bonita Health Center and SWFL Proton Center. It’s not only facilities and equipment, but includes additional services and staff to provide better health care for our residents. And Lee Health continues to plan for future improvements to the greater Estero area as our community grows.

This unforgettable evening starts with a delightful Happy Hour at 6 pm,
where you can indulge in tables filled with assorted cheese, fresh berries, crisp vegetables, and crackers. Enjoy two complimentary tickets for wine or beer and for those looking for something special, a cash bar will be available for mixed drinks.
At 6:50 p.m., we’ll transition to a sumptuous dinner featuring an exquisite selection of entrees to satisfy every palate. Choose from a combo of Grilled Petite Filet with Jumbo Marinated Shrimp, Stuffed Airline Chicken, or the Vegetarian option of Cauliflower Steak. Each meal is thoughtfully curated, including a fresh Winter Green salad and a decadent dessert.
So, mark your calendar, register to attend and be part of a night to remember! Don’t miss out on the highlight of the evening: the award presentation, which celebrates Dr. Larry Antonucci and the Lee Health teams exceptional achievements and contributions. Your presence at this event is a chance to show appreciation for Dr. Antonucci and Lee Health’s continuing dedication to our community. Let’s acknowledge their hard work and inspire one another to continue building a brighter future for Estero.

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Antonucci, a strong advocate for empowering front-line staff, leads Lee Health with a focus on elevating the human experience in healthcare. He emphasizes compassionate care, communication, and a safe environment, while also serving on various healthcare-related boards including the Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees and a member of the FGCU Foundation Board. He has lived and served in SWFL for more than 30 years.
In thanking Engage Estero’s President, Allan Bowditch, for the award, Dr. Antonucci said, “The mission of Lee Health is to be a ‘trusted partner,’ and our relationship with Estero is proof that we continue to invest to keep Estero a great place to live, work, play, and retire. As citizens of Estero ourselves, we remain committed to growing with the community.”

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.
If 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.

Support our Efforts
Engage Estero throughout the year as an all-volunteer IRS-registered 501(c)3 organization does have certain operating expenses, and we encourage individuals, organizations and companies to support our efforts and help us cover operating expenses through donations and contributions. You can learn more about how you can help us by contacting us at info@esterotoday.com or at this link: https://esterotoday.com/donate
