BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//EsteroToday.com by Engage Estero - ECPv6.15.20//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:20180311T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20181104T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20190310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20191103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20200308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20201101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20210314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20211107T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240208T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240208T210000 DTSTAMP:20260414T194053 CREATED:20231214T195435Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240221T141112Z UID:35723-1707415200-1707426000@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:2023 Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award DESCRIPTION:Jim Shields Awarded the “Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award”\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audio of the Presentations at the Event\n \n https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Recording%20of%20Event.wav\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amongst a crowd of friends\, admirers and colleagues\, Jim Shields accepted the inaugural Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year award on February 8\, 2024 at The Club at Grandezza. While Jim\, in his usual manner\, focused on how all residents can become more engaged with the community\, many of those who have benefited from Jim’s kindness and activism stood and praised his accomplishments. The take-away of the evening was that the world would be a better place is each of us strove to be “more like Jim.” \nFor over 19 years\, Jim Shields has provided leadership and commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of life in Estero and\, notably\, improving education in our community. He created the 2-5-8 Graduate Junior Achievement program\, including 135 volunteers\, impacting over 2800 students. The Breaking Par Program he started in 2013 has raised $561\,000 for educational programs. \nJim has served on the Engage Estero Board of Directors and the FGCU Daveler and Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship Advisory Board. He worked closely and tirelessly with Don Eslick over the years with the Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) (now Engage Estero) on other community projects\, too numerous to mention. \nEngage Estero thanks Jim for decades of service to the community and we are so grateful that over 120 of our community were able to join us in honoring him. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to Lee Health for their support of this event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Engage Estero “Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award” is an annual event memorializing Don Eslick for his clarity\, vision\, persistence\, and significant contributions to the Estero community\, and to honor those that make exceptional contributions to improving the quality of life in Estero. \nIf you would like to learn more about the history of Estero and the positive impact that a dedicated team of committed\, unpaid volunteers who helped create such a sought-after destination in Southwest Florida had on our quality of life\, please click here to purchase a copy of “Forging a Better Path” that provides an insight into what helped shape the past and influence the future of Estero.   URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/2024award/ LOCATION:The Club at Grandezza\, Estero\, FL\, 33928 CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DE-2023-web-banner-4.png ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240125T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240125T110000 DTSTAMP:20260414T194053 CREATED:20231011T185524Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240207T142831Z UID:33630-1706176800-1706180400@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Achieving Longevity: January Community and Membership Meeting DESCRIPTION:Engage Estero’s Management Team is delighted to provide our greater Estero citizens with this thought-provoking but realistic insight into what we can do to increase our life expectancy and quality of life. Our speakers for the meeting include Jodi Walborn\, Blue Zones Policy Lead on Life Longevity; and Anthony Carangelo\, Engage Estero’s Head of Research Co-Chair of the Safety and Transportation Council\, who will speak about the “Sense of Place.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read a Summary of Her Talk \n \n \n \n \n \n First\, Jodi Walborn will discuss that Blue Zones are areas where people live the most extended lives\, consistently reaching the age of 100. In contrast\, according to the CDC\, the average life expectancy in the U.S. is 77 years: Dan Buettner\, a National Geographic explorer\, identified five such Blue Zones. \n“And it’s not just about longer lives; it’s about healthier ones\, too\,” says Caitlin McAfee\, a wellness dietitian at Houston Methodist. “People living in Blue Zones are also much less likely to suffer from chronic illnesses.” But what can we do here in greater Estero that would work to enhance our longevity? Come and find out! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jodi Walborn\n Blue Zones Project Policy and Worksite Lead \n Jodi graduated from FGCU with a Bachelor of Health Science and a background in childhood injury prevention\, teaching pedestrian and bike safety. Jodi found her purpose in keeping the roads safer for everyone and igniting a passion to help create Complete Streets and educate all road users on how to use and share these roads. Jodi was recruited to the Blue Zones in 2020\, where she wears many hats\, including Organization\, Worksite\, School\, and Policy Lead\, as she works with community leaders to implement healthy choices that help support those who want to live longer and better. She still gets to advocate for safer streets and teaches pedestrian and bicycle safety! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read a Summary of His Talk \n \n \n \n \n \n Our second speaker is Antonio Carangelo\, Engage Estero’s Chief Research Officer and Safety and Transportation Council Co-Chair. \nTony will talk about the Sense of Place where the community and business can share their ideas of the Future Estero using technology to express their viewpoints. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonio Carangelo\n Chief Research Officer / Transportation Council Co-Chair \n Antonio Carangelo Jr. is an Information Technology entrepreneur\, innovator\, and consultant in the Financial\, Educational\, Banking\, and Insurance industries. Antonio focused on strategic transformational initiatives for business and technology executives\, helping organizations move from current business practices to a new future state using advanced information technology solutions.   He led cross-discipline\, collaborative teams.  Antonio is a Boston University graduate with an MS in Systems Software Engineering and a BA in Mathematics from Boston College.  Antonio is currently retired and gives his time to community initiatives.  URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/jan2024/ LOCATION:Estero Park and Recreation Center CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event,Health ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Jan-2024-Meeting.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231207T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231207T193000 DTSTAMP:20260414T194054 CREATED:20231011T185405Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240307T193205Z UID:33627-1701972000-1701977400@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:The Future of Schools in Greater Estero DESCRIPTION:  \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Future of Schools in Greater Estero\n \n Read a Summary of the Meeting\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you to our Sponsor \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Watch his Presentation\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Adam Molloy\n Lee County School District Director\, Planning\, Growth\, & Capacity \n Dr. Adam Molloy\, our first speaker\, addressed how the increasing population\, especially younger residents\, within the Village of Estero and along East Corkscrew will impact the requirement for suitable schools in our area. Adam explained how the District is developing more scalable and standardized measurements for planning new seats and schools for future growth\, and provided the latest plans and answered attendee questions on this subject. \nDr. Molloy is a transformative educational leader working as Director of Planning\, Growth\, and capacity at the School District of Lee County. He is focused on improving educational systems by strategically addressing the structures that cause disruptions & inefficiencies.  He is ethos-driven by the need to advance the success & sustainability of Lee County’s school district. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Watch her Presentation\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chris Patricca\n Lee County School Board Member\, District 3 \n Chris Patricca\, our second speaker\, spoke about her passion for improving educational standards with regard to: \n\nThe need to attract more teachers and provide suitable homes to encourage them to stay in our community – based on the “Workforce Housing” concept\nThe value of volunteers in regard to JA and other potential programs\nEncouraging greater parental involvement\nOther educational initiatives that should be considered.\n\nIn addition to her position as a Lee County’s Schools District 3 member\, Chris is the Chief Operations Officer for TLP Financial Services\, Inc.\, a company she owns with her husband. Her professional experience includes being a Paraprofessional at Pinewoods Elementary School\, a Full-time and Adjunct Professor at the State University of New York\, and a Staff Attorney at The Ayco Company\, L.P.\, a division of Goldman Sachs. \nChris’ educational background includes Juris Doctor\, Seton Hall University School of Law\, Newark\, NJ\, B.A.\, Government\, Clark University\, Worcester\, MA. and A.A.\, Criminal Justice\, Quinsigamond Community College\, Worcester\, MA. Chris’ daughter is a graduate of Dunbar High School. She has two sons who are seniors at Bonita Springs High School and another son who is a junior at South Fort Myers High School. Chris is incredibly proud of her children’s education in our schools. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/dec2023/ LOCATION:Estero High School\, 21900 River Ranch Road\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231115T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231115T193000 DTSTAMP:20260414T194054 CREATED:20230914T184416Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231226T185512Z UID:33176-1700071200-1700076600@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:November Member and Community Meeting DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, November 15\, 2023\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Protecting our Water and Environment\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summary\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Captain Codty Pierce\n Calusa Waterkeeper \n Captain Pierce will discuss the urbanization of greater Estero: the threats to our water quality and what can be done to minimize the impact. He is a lifelong resident of the Caloosahatchee watershed. Growing up along one of its tributaries helped shape his passion\, love\, and admiration for the area’s history and biodiversity. \nCodty’s early background in reptiles\, wetland restoration\, and native plant landscaping\, coupled with a career as a professional fishing guide\, has created a unique collage of his in-the-field experience across local uplands\, wetlands\, estuaries\, and nearshore Gulf waters. As a Waterkeeper\, Codty’s mission is to protect and restore the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to Coastal Waters  and a passion for uniting and protecting this unique watershed. \n \n \n \n Calusa Waterkeeper URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/nov2023/ LOCATION:Estero Park & Recreation Center\, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Nov-2023-Meeting-sq.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231025T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231025T180000 DTSTAMP:20260414T194054 CREATED:20230816T172728Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240228T182853Z UID:32870-1698256800-1698256800@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:The Future of Estero: Public Forum DESCRIPTION:Public Forum\nGreater Estero’s Future : The Impact of Urbanization and Development\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, October 25\, 2023FGCU Cohen Ballroom\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Panel Discussion featuring local experts moderated by Shelton Weeks\, FGCU Professor of Economics and Finance. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Engage Estero conducted a free public forum on the impact of urbanization and land development and how it will affect Estero’s future. The platform featured expert panelists on land development and smart growth issues facing greater Estero. The discussion focused on the impact of urbanization as more people come to live in greater Estero and the current and projected level of development in greater Estero. \nWe improve our programs by gathering feedback from attendees. If you saw our forum in person or via video\, please take a moment to provide some guidance for our future forums and meetings. Thank you. \n \n Provide Feedback\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n November 2023 Greater Estero Community Report\n \n \n \n \n Read the Summary\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Key Concerns\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The impact and benefits of inevitable urbanization in Estero – yes\, it is here and growing. Urbanization is the process through which cities typically grow\, and higher and higher percentages of the population come to live. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mixed-use developments\, a type of urban development that blends multiple uses\, such as residential\, commercial\, cultural\, institutional\, or entertainment\, into one space and represents most projects critical to creating public amenities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How developers and planners will address concerns about the impact of urbanization and water quality and quantity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s all about creative and adaptive reuse that spans economic\, social\, and ecological benefits. Selected benefits include sustainability\, addressing carbon burdens in the built environment and reusing existing materials and infrastructure\, avoiding new-construction costs\, and low acquisition costs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why the retail landscape is undergoing significant shifts due to changing consumer behaviors\, the continued immersion of e-commerce into our daily lives\, and how retail spaces’ re-purposing benefits our communities. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Held October 25th at FGCU’s Cohen Student Center Ballroom\, the forum highlighted the initiatives in place and under consideration for developing the Greater Estero area. FGCU Professor Shelton Weeks moderated a four-member panel about these initiatives and what steps could be completed to improve the vision and objectives. The forum was sponsored by Greg Tolley\, Executive Director of FGCU’s Water School. \nThe meeting was recorded and watched by an additional 780 residents during the two weeks following its release. If you want to view the meeting recording\, please click here. \nAttendees and panel members noted the difficulties of the current and future traffic congestion on East Corkscrew Road and Coconut Road (West.)   Village Manager Steve Sarkozy\, a panel member\, detailed what efforts are being considered on these challenges. He also discussed current plans for future projects. \nEngage Estero’s management team prepared several recommendations for consideration that emerged during the forum: \n\nThe Village needs to encourage public input much earlier for planned developments and recreational changes being considered\, as panel member Jim Wallace suggested.\nThe Village often takes a “hard line” to achieve the acceptable Village requirements from developers to fit the vision for the Village. But there is a need for a more cohesive vision for the Village that takes account of all the developments and how they can enhance our community holistically.\nIt was suggested that the Village consider engaging with a planner or company with a proven track record in “thinking outside the box” to put forward their vision of what Estero will need to meet our future requirements. This does not imply that Village management is doing a poor job but that outside perspectives can provide a broader vision\, considering potential shifts in the behavior and needs of the public.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Hosts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Aysegul Timur\, Opening Remarks\n President of FGCU \n Aysegul Timur\, Ph.D.\, was selected to become Florida Gulf Coast University’s fifth president on May 4\, 2023\, and was confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors on June 22\, 2023. Timur’s selection as FGCU’s next leader is historic\, as she is the first woman and immigrant selected to lead the university. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Shelton Weeks\, Moderator \n Professor of Economics and Finance \n Dr. H. Shelton Weeks is the Lucas Professor of Real Estate and Director of the Lucas Institute for Real Estate Development & Finance. He teaches corporate finance\, investments\, and real estate. Dr. Weeks has extensive industry experience in real property valuation\, emphasizing senior living projects. Dr. Weeks serves on the academic review panel of The Appraisal Journal and is the former Managing Editor of the Journal of Housing Research and former co-editor of the Journal of Real Estate Practice and Education. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Experts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Daniel DeLisi\n Land use planning and water/environmental policy consultant \n Daniel DeLisi is a local water and environmental policy consultant/lobbyist and land use planner for local governments\, agricultural property owners\, and developers interested in ecological enhancement. In May 2011\, he was appointed to the water district governing board. DeLisi earned his master’s degree in city planning at MIT. DeLisi served as a planning consultant for the Estero Community Planning Panel prior to incorporation and was engaged in drafting Estero’s first community plan and design guidelines. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ross McIntosh\n Senior commercial real estate broker and respected speaker \n Ross Mcintosh has sold and assembled billions of dollars for land development or re-purposing in Lee and Collier counties. Ross has been located in Naples\, Florida\, for approximately 21 years. He previously served as Vice President of Axios Systems Inc.\, engaging and promoting developing\, producing\, and distributing computer software and computer systems design. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Steve Sarkozy\n Village of Estero Manager \n Steven R. Sarkozy serves as the Village Manager in Estero\, Florida. As Village Manager\, Sarkozy serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Village\, responsible to the Village Council. He keeps the Council fully advised on the financial condition and future needs of the Village and makes such recommendations to the Council. Steve came to the Village in November 2015 with 45 years of local government experience\, the latest as City Manager for the City of Carlsbad\, California. He also served as City Manager to the City of Bellevue\, Washington; the City of Roseville\, Minnesota; and the City of Geneva\, New York. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jim Wallace\n Key principal of Genova Realty LLC \n Since 1990\, Jim has designed\, marketed\, and built 2\,295 for-sale residences in 6 communities\, including Piper’s Grove and Calusa Bay in Naples\, Florida\, Lighthouse Bay at the Brooks\, and Rapallo and Genova in Estero. Before moving to Florida in 1990\, Jim was Creative Director and Managing Partner of Publicite Wallace/Saffer in Montreal\, Canada. He has served on the Village of Estero Planning\, Zoning\, and Design Board For eight years and taught a Real Estate Development Practicum at Florida Gulf Coast University in 2019 and 2020. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to our Sponsor URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/futureforum/ LOCATION:FGCU Cohen Center Ballroom\, 11090 FGCU Blvd. N.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33965\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230921T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230921T193000 DTSTAMP:20260414T194054 CREATED:20230824T172233Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230925T203241Z UID:33004-1695317400-1695324600@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:September Member and Community Meeting DESCRIPTION:Presentation PDF\n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers: \nAllan BowditchEngage Estero’s Chief Communications Officer \n \n \n \n \n \n Terry FlanaganEngage Estero’s Chief Business Administrator \n \n \n \n \n \n John QuinEstero Forever Foundation President \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Summary of The Community & Membership MeetingThe Estero Park and Recreation Center \nThursday\, September 21\, 2023. \nAllan Bowditch\, Engage Estero’s Chief Communications Officer\, opened the meeting. President Jim Gilmartin could not attend due to personal matters. \nAlthough a very high attendance was anticipated\, the severe storm that occurred just before the start of the meeting deterred several of those who had signed up for the meeting. Hopefully\, those individuals and others will review this report and the YouTube video of the meeting. \nFollowing the Pledge of Allegiance\, Allan Bowditch and Terry Flanagan\, Chief Business Administrator\, discussed various aspects of the developments in greater Estero. \n\nFull details of all the developments (residential and commercial) were highlighted to illustrate the increasing urbanization in our area. Details of the buildings and road and bike path developments that will likely occur in the coming years\, the latter as part of the Village’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)\, can be viewed on the following links. https://esterotoday.com/gecr2023qtr3/ and https://estero-fl.gov/cip/\n\n\nAllan explained following discussion with Dan Delisi\, Land Use Planning and Water/Environmental Policy Consultant\, that land rights that were established in the 80s and 90s in Lee County\, which go way back before mixed-use designations in the 2010s\, make it difficult to control the numbers of units being built.\nIt happens to be the case that Florida has robust property rights laws\, among the strongest in the nation. Once something is given\, it can’t be taken away without replacement value.\nIt doesn’t matter when Estero was incorporated; the Village inherited the land use rights given before incorporation.\nWhile that does mean the public and the Village Planning\, Zoning\, and Design Board (PZDB) cannot stop the developments on land already provided with zoning rights\, certain aspects can be addressed.\nThese can include such issues as Design\, Height\, Density\, Layout\, Quality\, Color\, Setbacks\, open space\, Landscaping\, Lighting\, Traffic and Entry/Exit Concerns\, Environmental\, water run-off\, and wildlife issues.\nThe citizens of Estero believe they need an opportunity to make comments at an early stage in the development planning process. 92% of residents said “Yes” to the question- Should Engage Estero formally request that the Village require developers to present their plans to a nonbinding committee (open to the public) before formally submitting plans to the Planning\, Zoning\, and Design Board? Engage Estero discussed this issue with the Village Management and the Mayor.\nFollowing concerns from the public that investigations into traffic flow around the Woodfield development (Hwy41/ Coconut Road) would not address the overall impact on Estero from the various developments taking place\, Engage Estero took up this issue with the Village Management. We confirm that a comprehensive traffic investigation will be conducted within 12 months. This will\n\nInclude traffic estimates for those developments on vacant parcels.\nWill incorporate the impact from areas outside Estero.\nWill consider the peak traffic density.\nWill include workers and services entering the Village.\nWill be updated every 4-5 years.\nThe intent is to identify issues and provide recommendations to improve traffic flow and safety.\n\n\nTerry Flanagan explained the meaning of mixed-use. This is an option that several developers have applied for as a re-zoning request. Contrary to popular opinion\, this has several significant benefits for the community. Mixed-use allows the developer to incorporate commercial business options within the residential plans. This helps to reduce the number of vehicles used when there are opportunities for residents to shop and visit medical facilities\, banks\, etc.\, where they reside.\nThe Village’s Capital Improvement Plan will feature road widening along Williams Road; River Ranch Road improvements\, East Corkscrew Road multi-use paths and lighting; Broadway West improvements\, Bike Path and Pedestrian improvements on Corkscrew Road\, Sandy Lane\, and Williams Road. Full details can be found on the above links.\nTerry Flanagan commented on the definitions used by the Village regarding the Village Center and Village Hub. This was shown pictorially (see presentation slides on the website) and covers the area from Broadway in the north to Coconut Road in the South\, Hwy 41 in the west\, and US 71 in the east.\nAttendees were reminded of the informative Public Forum in October: A Public Forum on Estero’s Future; Learn the Impact of Urbanization & Development and How It Will Affect Greater Estero. With Support from the FGCU Water School\, October 25\, 2023\, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM\, at FGCU’s Cohen Student Center Ballroom. You can sign up on esterotoday.com\n\nJohn Quin\, President of The Estero Forever Foundation\, then spoke about the Foundation and the developments taking place on the land purchased by the Village on the northeast corner of Via Coconut and Willams Road and the 62acre site north and south of the Estero River north of Corkscrew Road and east of Hwy41. \n\nThe Forever Foundation is a Non-Profit Public Foundation that mobilizes resources\, including financial assets and people. It encourages residents to give their time\, talent\, and treasure to supporting Non-Profits and other greater Estero Community organizations.\nJohn explained that the Foundation had helped to keep the golf driving range open with the help of the Village and with assistance from one full-time\, two part-time staff\, and eight volunteers. It has become even more popular with golfers\, who have expressed a desire to see it continue. It will likely remain open into March 2024.\nBased on the Village’s Private Public Partnership approach\, the Village partners with private companies to create and operate a service. This helps create an income asset supported by users\, not taxpayers. It is a shared risk with a private enterprise that helps keep our signature active lifestyle image.\nThe private companies that will be involved in developing recreational activities include Chicken n Pickle and the Texas-based High 5 Entertainment company. The facilities thus planned would involve Pickleball\, Ten-pin bowling\, and axe throwing\, to name a few. It is hoped there will be further public involvement to address the interests of residents. \n\nThe “Estero on the River project was also summarized. Purchased in 2019\, preliminary bridge and path planning was completed in 2020 -2021. Hurricane IAN\, Irma\, and an eagle’s nest delayed further developments in the park. The 2023/2024 Plan – Includes Invasive Plant Removal\, North of the River\, Parking and Restrooms\, a Bridge across the river\, Fencing on Corkscrew Road and Highway 41\, and One Main Walking Path. There will also be a walking entry from Corkscrew Road.\nThe Estero Forever Plan 2023/2024 will involve -cleaning up debris\, removing safety hazards\, and offering educational\, social\, and recreational programs at the Community Center.\n\nThe long-range plans involve: –\nNorth of the River: It will be the primary entryway to the South of the River Park by Bridge. Other plans are being discussed\, including a Village Government Center\, Commercial development on the river\, restaurants\, and a Cultural Arts center. Only time will tell. A lot can be done with 40 acres.\nSouth of the river: Botanical Gardens\, Educational Centers\, Walkways\, and Gathering / Picnicking places are all goals for the future.\n\n\n\nAllan Bowditch gave the president’s Report in Jim Gilmartin’s absence. \n\nJim Gilmartin spoke to the Village Manager\, Steve Sarkozy\, expressing the need for an opportunity to ensure public input on newly proposed developments before them being heard at the PZDB meetings. This should also apply to new recreational developments. While some meetings of this type have occurred\, they do not appear to occur regularly.\nTony Carangelo has been working with FGCU’s lecturers and students to help design graphics and maps of the Village that will illustrate where and what developments are occurring in our locality. This will provide hitherto complex information in a far more accessible format for residents to follow and understand. It is hoped that this work will be largely completed by early 2024.\nEngage Estero will highlight on our website esterotoday.com\n\nA veteran’s information section that can be easily accessed and provides valuable guidance on many issues Veterans require help with. Engage Estero has also been working “behind the scenes” to provide more recognition for Veterans.\n\n\nUpcoming Meetings:\n\nThe Public Forum on Estero’s Future will occur on October 25th at 6 p.m. at FGCU’s Cohen Student Center Ballroom. You can sign up at esterotoday.com\nThe moderator is Prof Shelton Weeks\, FGCU Professor of Economics and Finance.\nThe Panel includes:\n\nDaniel Delisi\, Land Use Planning and Water/Environmental Policy Consultant.\nRoss McIntosh\, Senior Commercial Real Estate Broker and Respected Speaker.\nSteve Sarkozy\, Village of Estero’s Manager.\nJim Wallace\, the Key Principal of Jim Wallace & Associates.\n\n\nNovember 15th at 6 p.m. at Estero Recreation Center. The meeting will include\n\nCodty Pierce\, Calusa Waterkeeper\, will discuss the implications of Urbanization in Estero and how we can manage its impact.\nChris Wittman. Captains for Clean Water will discuss the Threats to the Everglades and why that is important for Estero.\n\n\nDecember 7th at 5:30 p.m. The Estero Community Center:\n\nThe speaker will be Dr. Adam Molloy\, Director of Planning\, Growth\, and Capacity for the Lee County Schools. He will discuss what is being planned and considered in our areas to address the increasing needs of our children in a growing population. It is hoped that we will also have an additional speaker to discuss children’s future educational needs.\n\n\n\n\n\n  URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/sept2023/ LOCATION:Estero Recreation Center\, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd.\, Estero\, FL\, 33928 CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://esterotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sept-2023-Meeting-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230411T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230411T190000 DTSTAMP:20260414T194054 CREATED:20230314T172130Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230412T191932Z UID:31620-1681234200-1681239600@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:April Community Meeting of Engage Estero DESCRIPTION:Slideshow Presentation\n \n Agenda\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The April Community & Membership Meeting featured reports on important development issues in greater Estero.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our Speakers: \nMike Wasson\, Board Member \n\nMike discussed the Current State of our Local Economy. He also discussed why not addressing the Workforce Housing challenge will impact the availability of workers for healthcare\, education\, hospitality\, and household services\, as well as our future traffic patterns.\n\nJames Root\, Consultant to Engage Estero \n\nJames provided an update on the Village’s Septic to Sewer Program process\, timing and its impact on the Estero River\n\nMark Novitski\, Advisor to Engage Estero on Development Issues \n\nMark reported the latest information on several critical developments within the Village along East Corkscrew Road.\n\nAntonio Carangelo\, Chief Research Officer \n\nTony reviewed road\, bike\, and pedestrian connectivity of transportation and recreational projects with our neighborhoods\, gated and open access. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/april2023/ LOCATION:Estero Park & Recreation Center\, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230330T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230330T193000 DTSTAMP:20260414T194054 CREATED:20230217T210404Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230403T184216Z UID:31208-1680197400-1680204600@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Forum: How Changes in Healthcare will Impact You DESCRIPTION:Public Forum\nHow will the Changes in Healthcare\nImpact You Over the Next Few Years?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thursday\, March 30\, 2023\n \n \n \n \n \n Estero High School\n21900 River Ranch Road\, Estero\, FL 33928\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Engage Estero’s FirstHealthcare Public Forum Meeting\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Key Concerns\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How will the imminent shortage of GP’s\, Specialists and nurses impact the way healthcare is administered in the next few years?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How will other services\, such as DispatchHealth a home visitation service\, impact patients care?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How will the acquisition of GP Practices by large Hospital Groups impact you?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Is the use of Telemedicine a viable option and how will the quality of healthcare be affected?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How will remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices (that analyze patient’s acute or chronic conditions from outside the hospital\, impact future care for those in our area?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other important topics such as rising hospital and drug prices\, improvements needed in preventive medicine\, access to hospital ancillary services (ambulance services\, ambulatory surgery center (ASC) services\, audiology services)\, communication between primary/specialties\, medical record integration and the implementation of artificial intelligence systems (AI)\, will also impact healthcare needs in the future. However\, these items we plan to review in a second Healthcare Public Forum in the Fall. \nThe Engage Estero team encourages residents to take part in this important initiative and please reach out to your neighbors and friends if you think they too would be interested in attending.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Following the very successful Public Forum Meeting that reviewed the Environment and Water Quality in January\, the Engage Estero team is now focusing on the changes that are occurring in the healthcare arena and the impact they will have on the public. \nThis will be your opportunity to learn more about how these changes will affect access\, timing\, quality and cost to you. \nIn addition\, it will be your opportunity to ask your own questions to the invited panel of experts. \nThe venue has been selected so that there will be ample room for those living in greater Estero and beyond to attend. \nBecause there are many topics that need to be addressed\, it has been decided to conduct two such meetings. The first will be on March 30th  and Engage Estero will schedule the second meeting in the Fall.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Panel Participants\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kris Fay\n Lee Health\, Chief Officer of Community Based Care \n Kris oversees the Lee Health Center for Care Transformation\, a center which focuses on the advancement of value-based care initiatives including care redesign and contract performance. She also oversees the employed medical group of more than 900 physicians and advanced providers\, as well as the outpatient services and locations for the health system. She is responsible for the overall growth\, strategy and operations of the employed physician group and for achieving financial\, quality\, engagement and patient experience targets.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jon Witenko\n Lee Health\, System Director of Virtual Health and Telemedicine \n Has helped to implement Caregility’s iConsult mobile application into a scalable system that could traverse all patient needs in the home and the hospital\, be rapidly deployed\, and be infinitely scalable for the future.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gina Teegarden\, RN\, BSN\, BHA\, MBA\, CENP\n Chief Nursing Executive for the NCH Healthcare System \n She has a 32-year background in nursing and 26 years in nursing leadership. She joined the NCH Healthcare System in 1993. \nDuring her tenure at NCH she has worked to transform the nursing culture to a culture of safety and well-being through the implementation of evidence-based strategies targeted to enhance favorable patient and employee outcomes. \nGina is a member of the American Organization of Nursing Leaders\, the Florida Organization of Nursing Leaders\, and serves as President of the Southwest Organization of Nurse Executives (SWONE) Chapter.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Joseph Repay\, M.D\n Primary Care physician \n Dr Joseph Repay\, M.D: Joseph did his residency at the Medical Center of Central Georgia/Mercer University. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He works as a Primary Care physician with WellSpan Medical Services\, Physicians Regional Healthcare Services.  \nHe is Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician and licensed Physical Therapist with several years’ experience in Hospital Medicine\, Primary Care\, and Outpatient Orthopedic rehabilitation.  URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/healthforum/ LOCATION:Estero High School\, 21900 River Ranch Road\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event,Health ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190510T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190510T120000 DTSTAMP:20260414T194054 CREATED:20180706T135618Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230911T151230Z UID:19757-1557482400-1557489600@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:ECCL MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING DESCRIPTION:Open to the public\, the monthly meeting of the Estero Council of Community Leaders is designed to keep communities and residents informed on Estero issues and the actions the Council is taking on those issues. \nRepresentatives from the Village\, the Fire Departments and local organizations share reports monthly\, and speakers on important topics are featured. \nMonthly meetings are generally held on the second Friday of the month. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/eccl-monthly-member-meeting-18-2-2-3-2-2/ LOCATION:Estero Park & Recreation Center\, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR