Community & Membership Meeting: Key Developments & Fighting Fraud
2025-09-26 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Report to law enforcement

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

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

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

Contact the property appraiser and tax collector

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

Use an attorney experienced in real property/title litigation

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

Gather and preserve evidence

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

Notify lenders, title insurers, and other relevant parties

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

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

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

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

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

Community & Membership Meeting: Proton SWFL, Legal HOA Changes, Corkscrew Rd East
2025-10-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
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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
March 17, 2026, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
FGCU Cohen Student Union, Cohen Ballroom
The forum offers a collaborative opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of greater Estero’s future and ask questions, thereby clarifying the issues that will shape Estero’s growth, development, infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life.
Engage Estero is hosting a free public forum to help residents understand the plans and ideas being considered to keep our area a leading municipality for businesses and residents. Join us for this critical Public Forum, where your voice will help shape the direction of our community.

RSVP

During the Meeting, We Will Examine:
· Growth & Development Plans· Village Collaborations with FGCU· Arts & Culture Expansion· Support for Entrepreneurs· Our Future Healthcare Services· Workforce Housing· Implementation· Annexation prospects· Education (schools and teacher retention)· Traffic & Infrastructure· Community Values· Environmental Issues & Water Quality· Resilience /Protection

Thank you to our Sponsor

Submit a Question
We are collecting public questions in advance so we can get answers that residents desire. We reserve the right to combine, reword or otherwise address the topic without directly asking verbatim questions. We probably will not have time to cover every question, so we ask for your understanding.
We have closed questions in order to have time to prepare them for the event.

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

The plan for the evening.

Each panelist will deliver a 10-minute reflection on what they see as the key factors shaping Estero’s future.
Questions submitted by the public and forwarded to Engage Estero leadership will be grouped to help the panelists cover the main points more efficiently.
The public will have the opportunity to ask any remaining questions they feel haven’t been addressed, followed by a final comment from the panelists.

The forum is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, and reservations are required.

Location of the the FGCU Cohen Student Union, Cohen Ballroom is #17 on the map.

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
