EsteroToday.com by Engage Estero

Community & Membership Meeting: Proton SWFL, Legal HOA Changes, Corkscrew Rd East
2025-10-28 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
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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
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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 and Gulfshore Opera Featured at Engage Estero Community Meeting January 29, 2026
Introduction
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and wishing everyone a Happy New Year, Engage Estero President Allan Bowditch joked to the crowd that, because of the relatively low attendance, many registered residents might have thought they were “better off staying in bed” rather than braving the cold. But for those who missed coffee and conversation, we have produced a YouTube Video of the meeting as well as this summary document.
While road construction and traffic safety are usually the hot-button topics in our village, this meeting took a different, refreshing turn. The focus shifted to the “soul” and the economic importance of new entrepreneurial start-ups in our community: cultural enrichment and economic innovation. Bowditch said that Estero needs to encourage new start-ups to develop their businesses locally, and we need more residents to support music and the arts to help establish a local Community Theater in Estero.
Bowditch quoted Harth-Bedoya, a Peruvian Orchestral conductor and now distinguished resident director of orchestras and professor at the Rice Shepherd School of Music, who recently said, “There’s a saying that you cannot touch music- but music can touch you! It can move emotions, spark your imagination, and awaken your sense of beauty; that’s the power of music.” Given its health benefits, we should also embrace the many local and international artists who are here on our doorstep more often.
The morning featured two powerhouse speakers who happen to be our neighbors here in Estero: Dr. Bill McDowell, Dean of the School of Entrepreneurship at FGCU, and Stephanie Pierce, the founder and General Director of Gulf Shore Opera.
The Business of Dreaming Big at FGCU
First up was Dr. Bill McDowell. If you think university entrepreneurship programs are just dusty theory classes tucked inside a business school, think again. McDowell, a happy Estero resident who moved here from Texas, made it clear that FGCU is doing something radically different.
FGCU is home to the Daveler and Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship. It is an independent school—not part of the College of Business or Engineering. In fact, it is one of only four independent schools of entrepreneurship in the entire nation.
“FGCU is your university,” McDowell reminded the room, emphasizing that the school is a major driver of the local economy. The numbers he shared were staggering. They have over 900 students majoring or minoring in entrepreneurship. To put that in perspective, most university programs have 10 to 50 students. FGCU has about 750 majors.
But what are these students actually doing? They aren’t just writing business plans; they are launching companies.
McDowell highlighted the school’s “Runway Program,” which provides funding to students across campus to start their businesses. “We actually fund them to start their businesses,” McDowell explained. In the first semester, students get between $250 and $500 to form their LLCs. Later, the school writes checks ranging from $500 to $20,000. This is non-dilutive equity, meaning the school takes zero ownership. They have given out over $1 million to student startups.
The results speak for themselves. While national research shows that only 10% to 30% of startups survive for 5 years, FGCU student- and veteran-founded startups boast a 70% success rate.
McDowell shared some local favorites you might recognize:

Cattyshack Cafe at Gulf Coast Town Center.

Jade Springs, a six-figure music business.
Bounceback Pickle, a company started by a student who recycles pickleballs and is now manufacturing new ones from the recycled material.

They are also staying on the cutting edge with new concentrations in blockchain, sustainability, and the “creator economy”. McDowell noted they even have a professor who helped start MTV and Nickelodeon, teaching media entrepreneurship.
“It’s not just cute ideas,” McDowell said, mentioning a graduate making up to $60,000 a month creating ASMR videos and another with two billion views on TikTok. These students are building the future of our local economy, right here in our backyard.
But enhanced support to encourage even more students to remain in our locality is very important, not least because it would provide economic benefits for the Village and reflect well on our community, illustrating its forward-looking perspective.
Bringing Grand Opera to the Village
Following the high energy of the startup world, the meeting shifted to high culture. Amy Jacimedi introduced Stephanie Pierce, a former international opera singer who performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center before founding Gulf Shore Opera (GO).
Pierce, who has lived in Estero for over a year, explained that GO is the region’s professional opera company. They moved their headquarters to Estero in 2021 because they realized the growth was happening “north of Naples.” Their HQ is right on Corkscrew Road—”right next to the Arby’s,” as Pierce helpfully pointed out.
GO’s mission is to make opera accessible and destigmatize the art form. They don’t just stay in one theater; they tour three counties, bringing world-class culture to us. “We bring in over 300 professional classical singers, musicians, and directors,” Pierce noted.
The company produces full-scale grand operas, the only production company in the area doing so at professional theaters like Barbara B. Mann and Artis-Naples. Pierce showed a clip from their recent sold-out production of Carmen, which featured a 40-piece orchestra and 65 chorus members, ages 8 to 80.
But they also do smaller, intimate events. Their upcoming chamber opera, a jazz-infused version of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, will tour from March 27 to April 1. They also host “Taste of Opera” events—elegant dinners with live performances at local country clubs.
Perhaps most touching was Pierce’s discussion of the Harmony Choir, a youth engagement initiative. One of their strongest chapters is right here in Estero at Three Oaks Academy. The program helps at-risk youth, including children with autism, by offering free music education. They recently started a program connecting these youths with seniors, who perform at facilities like the Brookdale Senior Center.
However, Pierce highlighted a significant gap in our community infrastructure. GO wants to bring productions like Porgy and Bess to Estero, but “there is no such venue in Estero yet,” she said. While they have a small studio next to Arby’s, they are actively looking for a collaborative performing arts venue where local organizations can share the stage.
Community Updates: Library, Cinema, and Veterans
Before closing, Allan Bowich provided several important comments for residents. He thanked those who had provided valuable donations to the organization. 2025 has also seen a considerable increase in the attendance at our Community Meetings as well as social media growth, and a recent expansion in those who receive our communications along East Corkscrew.
nBowditch reminded everyone of the opening of the Estero Library on Three Oaks following a $10 million renovation.
He discussed Engage Estero’s and the Shadow Wood Community’s strong objection to a proposed development at Coconut Point. The plan involved removing the cinema and replacing it with a five-story residential development and multi-story car park. Bowditch noted that the high density and appearance didn’t fit the “overall tenure” of Estero. Interestingly, Pierce chimed in, noting that she had tried to buy the building for an arts center three years ago but was told it wasn’t for sale.
Looking ahead, Bowditch announced the Don Eslick Person of the Year Gala on February 26th. This year’s honoree is Dr. Larry Antonucci, President of Lee Health, recognized for his work improving healthcare facilities in the village.
He also flagged a Public Forum on March 17th at FGCU titled “Shaping Estero’s Future,” and a meeting for veterans at the library to discuss a potential veterans’ recognition park.
The 2025 Annual Report will be released next week. It highlights a year of significant progress and growing responsibility in service to the Greater Estero community. The report outlines key achievements across transportation advocacy, development oversight, environmental protection, volunteer engagement, education, healthcare, and expanded community communications. It also shares our vision for the future and the resources needed to sustain and expand our impact. We hope you have an opportunity to read it and consider financially supporting our work in 2026.
How You Can Help
The recurring theme of the meeting was that a thriving community requires participation. Both speakers made it clear that they need us, the residents of Estero, to help them succeed.

Mentor the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs: FGCU’s School of Entrepreneurship has about 50 to 60 mentors, but they need about 150. You don’t need to be a business tycoon to help. As Dr. McDowell explained, they need people with life experience to offer support, operations advice, or strategic networking. Whether you can help with market research or just be a “mentor circle” voice for students, your time is valuable.

Action: If you are interested in mentoring, contact the Daveler and Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship: Contact Dr William McDowell -wmcdowell@fgcu.edu

Support the Arts and a New Venue: Gulf Shore Opera is looking for community leaders to join a “think tank” regarding a future performing arts center in Estero. As Pierce noted, they can’t grow their programs or bring shows to our village without a proper space. Contact Steffanie Pierce – steffanie@gulfshoreopera.org

Action: Sign the “Share the Dream” sheet or contact Gulf Shore Opera if you have ideas, a location, or want to be involved in the conversation about a local arts venue.

As Allan Bowditch concluded, “We’d love to have a theater here… but obviously we need to support what’s here already”.
Stay warm, Estero, and let’s get involved!

2025 Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award Dinner
2026-02-26 18:00 - 20:00 | 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
6 PM | 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.

Tickets

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.

“Engage Estero looks forward to an exciting and enjoyable event to recognize Dr Larry Antonucci’s & Lee Health’s contribution to our well-being in Greater Estero. FGCU’s Bower School of Music and the Arts will showcase the talents of Quang Vo, an internationally award-winning pianist from Vietnam and a junior Piano Performance major at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he studies with Dr. Michael Baron. This underscores the extraordinary range of talented individuals that makes Estero such an amazing place to live and enjoy.
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.

Tickets

Thank you to our Sponsors

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

ENGAGE ESTERO, INC., IS QUALIFIED AS A 501(C)3 CORPORATION WITH THE IRS – EIN #20-1606763 AND IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA. YOU MAY REQUEST A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL FLORIDA REGISTRATION (CH41780) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. OUR CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, AND WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

Shaping Estero's Future: A Public Forum
2026-03-17 17:00 - 19:30 | FGCU Cohen Center Ballroom, 11090 FGCU Blvd. N., Fort Myers, FL, 33965, United States
The Engage Estero Public Forum, held Tuesday evening at Cohen Ballroom at Florida Gulf Coast University, attracted about 300 residents and was covered by WINK News. The event discussed many issues expected to influence Estero’s future in the coming years.

Q&A: Follow Up Questions Answered

Thank you to our Sponsor

Our panel of experts

Nick Cameratta, Chief Operating Officer, Cameratta Companies
David Hoffmann, Chairman of Hoffmann Family of Companies
Steve Sarkozy, Village of Estero, Village Manager
Chris Simoneau, Lee Health’s Chief Development, Marketing & Communications Officer
Aysegül Timur, Ph.D., President of Florida Gulf Coast University

A full video recording of the event is available above. This report highlights several of the key themes discussed.
Infrastructure and Development
Steve Sarkozy emphasized that incorporating neighborhood-serving retail, such as Whole Foods Market, into new developments can reduce travel distances and help localize traffic. He also noted the potential for state-level initiatives encouraging developers to include workforce housing—allocating a percentage of units at lower price points to support local professionals.
Emerging technologies were also discussed, including the use of AI to optimize traffic signal timing and the expansion of roundabouts to improve traffic flow during peak hours. In addition, Lee County is set to widen East Corkscrew Road in phases, beginning at the intersection of Bella Terra and Alico Road, with future phases extending farther east.
Developer representative Nick Cameratta outlined several infrastructure improvements tied to current and planned communities, including enhanced turning lanes, support for additional traffic signals, and major investments in the Kingston development. Plans include a 5½-mile, four-lane north–south spine road, a comprehensive charter school serving all grade levels, and environmental protections to preserve local aquifers.
Healthcare Expansion
Chris Simoneau highlighted significant recent investment in healthcare across the greater Estero area. He noted that Lee Health is finalizing contracts to potentially establish a health center within the Verdana community, accessible to surrounding residents. A future hospital in Estero is also under consideration, though still in the planning stages. He added, with some humor, that expanded recreational amenities—such as a proposed sports park featuring pickleball and a golf driving range—would likely increase demand for orthopedic services.
Economic and Community Growth
David Hoffmann discussed his company’s acquisition of the East Corkscrew Golf Course and planned enhancements to the surrounding area. He also spoke enthusiastically about Hertz Arena, a major local venue that hosts the Florida Everblades as well as concerts and community events, many of which regularly sell out. Looking ahead, he expressed interest in developing a large community theater and exploring new projects that appeal to a younger, evolving demographic.
Education and Workforce Development
Dr. Aysegül Timur shared her vision for Florida Gulf Coast University’s continued growth. She emphasized strengthening community engagement through expanded continuing education opportunities and special interest courses. Key priorities include enhancing study abroad programs, significantly expanding nursing education—including the creation of a dedicated school of nursing—and increasing internship opportunities through partnerships with local businesses and healthcare providers.
While this summary captures only a portion of the evening’s discussion, attendees widely regarded the forum as both informative and forward-looking. Engage Estero expressed its appreciation to the panelists for their openness and thoughtful insights into the region’s future.
Dr. Timur also explained her objectives for FGCU and its mission to enhance what has already been achieved since its doors opened in 1996. She spoke passionately about embracing the local community through special-interest courses. She emphasized her wish to enhance the study abroad program, further expand the nursing program, introduce a school of nursing to address the predicted future shortfall, and increase the number of internships at local businesses and health care systems.
This touches on the extensive range of information covered in what attendees judged to be a very impressive and worthwhile event. Engage Estero is extremely grateful to the panelists for their openness and insightful commentary on what we can expect in the years ahead.
The Engage Estero Public Forum, held at Florida Gulf Coast University, attracted around 300 residents and featured a panel of key figures, including David Hoffmann, Aysegül Timur, Chris Simoneau, and Steve Sarkozy. The event focused on various pressing issues impacting Estero’s future.
Summary
Infrastructure and Development: Sarkozy discussed integrating neighborhood retail to reduce travel. Emerging technologies, such as AI for traffic management and the expansion of roundabouts, were highlighted. Plans to widen East Corkscrew Road and related infrastructure improvements linked to new developments were also discussed.
Healthcare Expansion: Simoneau mentioned significant investments in healthcare, including a potential health center in Verdana and plans for a future hospital in Estero, as well as recreational facilities that encourage demand for orthopedic services.
Economic and Community Growth: Hoffmann discussed acquiring the East Corkscrew Golf Course, potential projects such as a community theater, and the influence of Hertz Arena on local events.
Education and Workforce Development: Dr. Timur shared her vision for Florida Gulf Coast University, emphasizing community engagement, improved nursing education, and expanded internship opportunities.
Overall, attendees found the forum informative and valuable, appreciating the panelists’ insights into Estero’s future. Engage Estero expressed gratitude for the panelists’ contributions

14th Annual Breaking Par for Education: Golf Scramble
2026-03-21 08:00 - 13:00 | The Club at Grandezza, Estero, FL, 33928
Engage Estero is proud to be a sponsor of the 14th Annual Breaking Par for Education fundraiser being held March 21st and 22nd at The Club at Grandezza.

The experience starts on Saturday, March 21 at 8:30 AM with the Breaking Par Shotgun Golf Scramble tournament celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence. Wear your red, white and blue and celebrate the semi-quincentennial on the greens of Grandezza with lots of fun games, followed by lunch celebrating the tournament winners.

On Sunday, March 22, enjoy a luau theme as we celebrate Guest of Honor Jim Shields at the Breaking Par Gala. Jim founded Breaking Par for Education 14 years ago and his impactful commitment to Estero is much admired. Join us in celebrating all he has accomplished with this great organization. Happy hour starts at 5:30 where you can enjoy a tropical paradise hosted by the students of LEAD Estero.

Tickets

Tickets

Tickets for both the tournament and the Gala can be purchased online at https://leadestero.ejoineme.org/BreakingPar26.
LEAD Estero is a local nonprofit by and for students. This fundraiser helps secure scholarships and training opportunities for Estero High School students.
The Club at Grandezza is located at 11481 Grande Oak Blvd, Estero, FL 33928.

14th Annual Breaking Par for Education: Luau Gala
2026-03-22 17:30 - 20:00 | The Club at Grandezza, Estero, FL, 33928
Engage Estero was proud to be a sponsor of the 14th Annual Breaking Par for Education fundraiser held March 21st and 22nd at The Club at Grandezza.

The experience started on Saturday, March 21 at 8:30 AM with the Breaking Par Shotgun Golf Scramble tournament celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence. Attendees wore red, white and blue and celebrate the semi-quincentennial on the greens of Grandezza with lots of fun games, followed by lunch celebrating the tournament winners.

On Sunday, March 22, attendees enjoyed a luau theme as we celebrate Guest of Honor Jim Shields at the Breaking Par Gala. Jim founded Breaking Par for Education 14 years ago and his impactful commitment to Estero is much admired. Thanks to everyone who joined us in celebrating all he has accomplished with this great organization.

LEAD Estero is a local nonprofit by and for students. This fundraiser helps secure scholarships and training opportunities for Estero High School students.
The Club at Grandezza is located at 11481 Grande Oak Blvd, Estero, FL 33928.

The Road Ahead: Estero Traffic Briefing
2026-04-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Estero Park and Recreation Center
April Community Meeting

April Community & Membership Meeting

A large turnout of 130 Estero area residents identified their most important road and traffic issues at an April 17th Engage Estero Community Meeting. Don Scott, AICP, Executive Director of Lee County’s Metropolitan Planning Office addressed the residents and informed them of many projects in the works.
He also talked about why developments are outpacing road infrastructure. He discussed the funding options, what seemed feasible and what are the ramifications. e.g. Increasing sales tax, impact fees, gas tax.
A question and answer session gave residents a chance to share their various concerns.
The biggest issue seemed to be about the expansion of Interstate 75 from six lanes to 10 lanes. Many residents came prepared with detailed questions and statements regarding the issue of noise and the status of detailed studies being considered by FDOT.
Brian Bollas from the FDOT regional office was also scheduled to speak on the latest I-75 expansion to 10 lanes from 6 lanes, but regrettably had to cancel his attendance one day before the event “due to unforeseen circumstances.” Brian Bollas said FDOT “will be happy to discuss our projects at a future date in the Fall.”
“We take public comments very seriously and scheduling issues does not imply we do not consider public comments important. We welcome and address all comments and until such time when we are available to attend the group’s meeting, the public can submit comments, questions, and concerns via our project website.”
WINK News also attended the event and taped many of the speakers who had questions. Engage Estero indicated at the meeting their plans to provide a copy video to FDOT for their review.
Several speakers from CopperLeaf referenced the need for correct noise abatement and asked that FDOT at least hear their concerns. They were disappointed that FDOT did not attend the meeting.

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