BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//EsteroToday.com by Engage Estero - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:EsteroToday.com by Engage Estero X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://esterotoday.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for EsteroToday.com by Engage Estero REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T200000 DTSTAMP:20260404T032408 CREATED:20251029T133805Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T150851Z UID:43922-1772128800-1772136000@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:2025 Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award Dinner DESCRIPTION:2025 Don Eslick EsteroPerson of the Year Award\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lawrence Antonucci\, MD\, MBA\nwill be Honored at\nThe Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award Dinneron Feb. 26\, 2026\n6 PM | Estero Country Club at The Vines\nPlease 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. \nThe award ceremony will be February 26\, 2026\, at the elegant Estero Country Club at The Vines. \n \n Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “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. \nThis 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. \nAt 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. \nSo\, 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. \n \n Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you to our Sponsors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.  \nIn 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.” \n \n \n \n \n \n The Engage Estero “Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award” is an annual event memorializing Don Eslick for his clarity\, vision\, persistence\, and significant contributions to the Estero community\, and to honor those that make exceptional contributions to improving the quality of life in Estero. \nIf you would like to learn more about the history of Estero and the positive impact that a dedicated team of committed\, unpaid volunteers who helped create such a sought-after destination in Southwest Florida had on our quality of life\, please click here to purchase a copy of “Forging a Better Path” that provides an insight into what helped shape the past and influence the future of Estero.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Support our Efforts \nEngage 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/2026award/ LOCATION:Estero Country Club\, 19501 Vintage Trace Circle\, Estero\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Announcing-POTY-2025.png ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260317T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260317T193000 DTSTAMP:20260404T032409 CREATED:20250922T124029Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T190642Z UID:43544-1773766800-1773775800@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Shaping Estero's Future: A Public Forum DESCRIPTION: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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you to our Sponsor \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our panel of experts \n\nNick Cameratta\, Chief Operating Officer\, Cameratta Companies\nDavid Hoffmann\, Chairman of Hoffmann Family of Companies\nSteve Sarkozy\, Village of Estero\, Village Manager\nChris Simoneau\, Lee Health’s Chief Development\, Marketing & Communications Officer\nAysegül Timur\, Ph.D.\, President of Florida Gulf Coast University\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A full video recording of the event is available above. This report highlights several of the key themes discussed. \nInfrastructure and Development \nSteve 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. \nEmerging 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. \nDeveloper 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. \nHealthcare Expansion \nChris 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. \nEconomic and Community Growth \nDavid 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. \nEducation and Workforce Development \nDr. 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. \nWhile 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. \nDr. 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. \nThis 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.                       \nThe 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. \nSummary \nInfrastructure 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. \nHealthcare 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. \nEconomic 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. \nEducation and Workforce Development: Dr. Timur shared her vision for Florida Gulf Coast University\, emphasizing community engagement\, improved nursing education\, and expanded internship opportunities. \nOverall\, attendees found the forum informative and valuable\, appreciating the panelists’ insights into Estero’s future. Engage Estero expressed gratitude for the panelists’ contributions URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/march2026/ LOCATION:FGCU Cohen Center Ballroom\, 11090 FGCU Blvd. N.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33965\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event,Environment,Governance,Growth and Development ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T130000 DTSTAMP:20260404T032409 CREATED:20260202T143908Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T144901Z UID:44882-1774080000-1774098000@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:14th Annual Breaking Par for Education: Golf Scramble DESCRIPTION: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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets for both the tournament and the Gala can be purchased online at https://leadestero.ejoineme.org/BreakingPar26. \nLEAD Estero is a local nonprofit by and for students. This fundraiser helps secure scholarships and training opportunities for Estero High School students. \nThe Club at Grandezza is located at 11481 Grande Oak Blvd\, Estero\, FL 33928. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/2026breakingpar/ LOCATION:The Club at Grandezza\, Estero\, FL\, 33928 CATEGORIES:Arts,Education,Engage Estero Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/scramble-thumb.png ORGANIZER;CN="Lead Estero":MAILTO:Donate@LEADestero.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260322T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260322T200000 DTSTAMP:20260404T032409 CREATED:20260202T144741Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T144741Z UID:44897-1774200600-1774209600@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:14th Annual Breaking Par for Education: Luau Gala DESCRIPTION: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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets for both the tournament and the Gala can be purchased online at https://leadestero.ejoineme.org/BreakingPar26. \nLEAD Estero is a local nonprofit by and for students. This fundraiser helps secure scholarships and training opportunities for Estero High School students. \nThe Club at Grandezza is located at 11481 Grande Oak Blvd\, Estero\, FL 33928. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/14th-annual-breaking-par-for-education-luau-gala/ LOCATION:The Club at Grandezza\, Estero\, FL\, 33928 CATEGORIES:Community,Education,Engage Estero Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/breaking-par-thumb.png ORGANIZER;CN="Lead Estero":MAILTO:Donate@LEADestero.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260417T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260417T113000 DTSTAMP:20260404T032409 CREATED:20260213T155729Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T135530Z UID:45077-1776420000-1776425400@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:The Road Ahead: Estero Traffic Briefing DESCRIPTION:RSVP\n \n \n \n \n \n April Community & Membership Meeting\n\n The Latest Information on the I-75 Expansion between Corkscrew Road and Golden Gate Parkway.\n Planned Road Developments: Funding\, Timing\, Implications. \n\nEngage Estero’s management team is very pleased to have the agreement of Don Scott\, AICP\, Executive Director\, Lee County’s Metropolitan Planning Office\, and Brian Bollas\, Community Outreach Manager\, Florida Department of Transportation\, District 1\, to discuss these important issues as they relate to us in Greater Estero. \n\nDon Scott: Within the MPO’s remit is the need to provide leadership and promote regional mobility\, and foster sustainable development. Don will cover: \n\nWhy developments are outpacing road infrastructure.\nCan we catch up?\n\nFunding options: – what is feasible and what are the ramifications. e.g. Increasing sales tax\, Impact fees\, gas tax.\nHow can the recommendations of the Estero 2024 Traffic Study be implemented? What can we do about it?\nWhat does the future of transportation in our area look like?\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Bollas\, will address: \n\nWhat FDOT has learned from feedback from residents and HOAs concerned about the expansion of I-75. This will involve 6 lanes expanding to 10 through the Estero area.\nWhat FDOT will consider as the options to help alleviate traffic noise for those communities close to the highway.\nLatest time-lines for the project.\nNext steps.\n\n \nPlease come and listen to these important updates on issues that concern so many people in Greater Estero. \nAs seating is somewhat limited and interest in the meeting is likely to be high\, please register your intention to attend as soon as possible. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/apr2026/ LOCATION:Estero Park and Recreation Center CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event,Transportation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/April-2026-Meeting-Wide.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR