BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//EsteroToday.com by Engage Estero - ECPv6.16.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH 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: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 BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260317T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260317T193000 DTSTAMP:20260603T174102 CREATED:20250922T124029Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T150027Z UID:43544-1773766800-1773775800@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Shaping Estero's Future: A Public Forum DESCRIPTION:The Engage Estero Public Forum\, held Tuesday evening at Cohen Ballroom at Florida Gulf Coast University\, attracted about 300 residents and was covered by WINK News. The event discussed many issues expected to influence Estero’s future in the coming years. \n \n Q&A: Follow Up Questions Answered\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you to our Sponsor \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Our panel of experts \n\nNick Cameratta\, Chief Operating Officer\, Cameratta Companies\nDavid Hoffmann\, Chairman of Hoffmann Family of Companies\nSteve Sarkozy\, Village of Estero\, Village Manager\nChris Simoneau\, Lee Health’s Chief Development\, Marketing & Communications Officer\nAysegül Timur\, Ph.D.\, President of Florida Gulf Coast University\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A full video recording of the event is available above. This report highlights several of the key themes discussed. \nInfrastructure and Development \nSteve Sarkozy emphasized that incorporating neighborhood-serving retail\, such as Whole Foods Market\, into new developments can reduce travel distances and help localize traffic. He also noted the potential for state-level initiatives encouraging developers to include workforce housing—allocating a percentage of units at lower price points to support local professionals. \nEmerging technologies were also discussed\, including the use of AI to optimize traffic signal timing and the expansion of roundabouts to improve traffic flow during peak hours. In addition\, Lee County is set to widen East Corkscrew Road in phases\, beginning at the intersection of Bella Terra and Alico Road\, with future phases extending farther east. \nDeveloper representative Nick Cameratta outlined several infrastructure improvements tied to current and planned communities\, including enhanced turning lanes\, support for additional traffic signals\, and major investments in the Kingston development. Plans include a 5½-mile\, four-lane north–south spine road\, a comprehensive charter school serving all grade levels\, and environmental protections to preserve local aquifers. \nHealthcare Expansion \nChris Simoneau highlighted significant recent investment in healthcare across the greater Estero area. He noted that Lee Health is finalizing contracts to potentially establish a health center within the Verdana community\, accessible to surrounding residents. A future hospital in Estero is also under consideration\, though still in the planning stages. He added\, with some humor\, that expanded recreational amenities—such as a proposed sports park featuring pickleball and a golf driving range—would likely increase demand for orthopedic services. \nEconomic and Community Growth \nDavid Hoffmann discussed his company’s acquisition of the East Corkscrew Golf Course and planned enhancements to the surrounding area. He also spoke enthusiastically about Hertz Arena\, a major local venue that hosts the Florida Everblades as well as concerts and community events\, many of which regularly sell out. Looking ahead\, he expressed interest in developing a large community theater and exploring new projects that appeal to a younger\, evolving demographic. \nEducation and Workforce Development \nDr. Aysegül Timur shared her vision for Florida Gulf Coast University’s continued growth. She emphasized strengthening community engagement through expanded continuing education opportunities and special interest courses. Key priorities include enhancing study abroad programs\, significantly expanding nursing education—including the creation of a dedicated school of nursing—and increasing internship opportunities through partnerships with local businesses and healthcare providers. \nWhile this summary captures only a portion of the evening’s discussion\, attendees widely regarded the forum as both informative and forward-looking. Engage Estero expressed its appreciation to the panelists for their openness and thoughtful insights into the region’s future. \nDr. Timur also explained her objectives for FGCU and its mission to enhance what has already been achieved since its doors opened in 1996. She spoke passionately about embracing the local community through special-interest courses. She emphasized her wish to enhance the study abroad program\, further expand the nursing program\, introduce a school of nursing to address the predicted future shortfall\, and increase the number of internships at local businesses and health care systems. \nThis touches on the extensive range of information covered in what attendees judged to be a very impressive and worthwhile event. Engage Estero is extremely grateful to the panelists for their openness and insightful commentary on what we can expect in the years ahead.                       \nThe Engage Estero Public Forum\, held at Florida Gulf Coast University\, attracted around 300 residents and featured a panel of key figures\, including David Hoffmann\, Aysegül Timur\, Chris Simoneau\, and Steve Sarkozy. The event focused on various pressing issues impacting Estero’s future. \nSummary \nInfrastructure and Development: Sarkozy discussed integrating neighborhood retail to reduce travel. Emerging technologies\, such as AI for traffic management and the expansion of roundabouts\, were highlighted. Plans to widen East Corkscrew Road and related infrastructure improvements linked to new developments were also discussed. \nHealthcare Expansion: Simoneau mentioned significant investments in healthcare\, including a potential health center in Verdana and plans for a future hospital in Estero\, as well as recreational facilities that encourage demand for orthopedic services. \nEconomic and Community Growth: Hoffmann discussed acquiring the East Corkscrew Golf Course\, potential projects such as a community theater\, and the influence of Hertz Arena on local events. \nEducation and Workforce Development: Dr. Timur shared her vision for Florida Gulf Coast University\, emphasizing community engagement\, improved nursing education\, and expanded internship opportunities. \nOverall\, attendees found the forum informative and valuable\, appreciating the panelists’ insights into Estero’s future. Engage Estero expressed gratitude for the panelists’ contributions URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/march2026/ LOCATION:FGCU Cohen Center Ballroom\, 11090 FGCU Blvd. N.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33965\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event,Environment,Governance,Growth and Development ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260309T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260309T170000 DTSTAMP:20260603T174103 CREATED:20260212T132908Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260212T133049Z UID:45021-1773068400-1773075600@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:8th Annual Estero River Neighbors Update DESCRIPTION:The Estero River\, and nearby Estero Bay\, are two of our most valuable assets and their health and welfare are important to all of us. Come join us for an engaging afternoon of learning. This event is being hosted by our Pelican Sound Watercraft and River Committee. \nRegister at: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7n9t2D1fSkqeJb2dtc09aExVtXXeGqNJkaeeB43D0XtUQ05VOFlZU1hLMU9QQllTUVpDRFg1VkxXNS4u  \nCome learn about: \n\nThe plants and animals that inhabit these waters\nUpdates on items related to the Village of Estero (i.e.\, progress on Estero River dredging and septic to sewer projects)\nWater Quality – environmental safety and improvements\nStaying safe on the water URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/8th-annual-estero-river-neighbors-update/ LOCATION:Pelican Sound Golf and River Club\, 4561 Pelican Sound Blvd.\, Estero\, FL\, 33928 CATEGORIES:Environment END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250423T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250423T113000 DTSTAMP:20260603T174103 CREATED:20250314T180057Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250512T171815Z UID:41265-1745402400-1745407800@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Community & Membership Meeting: Health and Water Quality DESCRIPTION:April 2025 Community & Membership Meeting: Health and Water Quality\n \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 was pleased to host the April Community and Membership Meeting on April 23rd at the Estero Recreational Center. The topics covered provided important information about the steps being taken both locally and elsewhere that could provide valuable information to help enhance the quality of life that Estero can offer residents. \nFeatured Speakers: \n\nDr. Mark Bloomston\, M.D. Medical Director\, Florida Center for Pancreatic Diseases\, Lee Health. Dr. Bloomston will speak about the Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence and recent developments in pancreatic cancer treatment.\nBrian Hurwitz\, an Engage Estero Health Committee member\, will discuss some interesting developments in quickly reaching patients who suffer a myocardial infarction (MI) using AEDs.\nJoseph Bonasia\, Operations and Communications Director for FloridaRightToCleanWater.org. This is a chance to learn about and help to protect our precious natural resources.\n\n \n Summary of the Meeting\n \n Presentation\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Mark Bloomston\n Medical Director\, Florida Center for Pancreatic Diseases \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Hurwitz\n Engage Estero Health Committee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Joseph Bonasia\n Operations and Communications Director for FloridaRightToCleanWater.org URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/apr2025/ LOCATION:Estero Park & Recreation Center\, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States CATEGORIES:Engage Estero Event,Environment,Health ORGANIZER;CN="Engage Estero":MAILTO:info@esterotoday.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T093000 DTSTAMP:20260603T174103 CREATED:20250329T191559Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250329T191559Z UID:41422-1745055000-1745055000@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Beach and Estuary Walk DESCRIPTION:The Village of Estero owns this 12-acre preserve\, and contracted the FNPS Coccoloba Chapter to manage the land. In just 2.5 years\, the Coccoloba Chapter removed invasive species\, planted hundreds of native plants in demonstration gardens and for habitat\, and opened a public native plant nursery. \nThis field trip will explore all 12 acres\, with a focus on the six to seven acres east of the north branch of the Estero River. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the native plant nursery. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/beach-and-estuary-walk-2/ LOCATION:River Oaks Preserve CATEGORIES:Environment END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250415T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250415T100000 DTSTAMP:20260603T174103 CREATED:20250329T191304Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250329T191304Z UID:41418-1744711200-1744711200@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Wading Trip DESCRIPTION:Discover first-hand why estuaries are known as “the cradles of the ocean” and take a refreshing journey into the waters of Estero Bay. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/wading-trip/ LOCATION:Big Hickory Island\, 14502 Bonita Beach Cswy\, Bonita Springs\, FL\, 34134\, United States CATEGORIES:Environment ORGANIZER;CN="Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve":MAILTO:Stephanie.Erickson@FloridaDEP.gov END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250327T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250327T140000 DTSTAMP:20260603T174103 CREATED:20250314T055724Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250314T055724Z UID:41260-1743073200-1743084000@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:Save out Water DESCRIPTION:Join Calusa Waterkeeper for an inspiring afternoon in support of their mission. Expert guests will discuss solutions and challenges to improving our water quality\, human health and public policies. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/save-out-water/ LOCATION:Broadway Palm Dinner Theater CATEGORIES:Environment END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250320T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250320T200000 DTSTAMP:20260603T174103 CREATED:20250314T055603Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250314T055603Z UID:41256-1742493600-1742500800@esterotoday.com SUMMARY:A Virtual Rally for the Right for Clean Water DESCRIPTION: Help the Right to Clean Water’s grassroots campaign to collect signatures for an amendment to be added to the 2026 ballot. URL:https://esterotoday.com/event/a-virtual-rally-for-the-right-for-clean-water/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Environment END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR