EsteroToday.com by Engage Estero

Women’s Self-Defense Class
2024-01-17 17:00 - 19:00, 2023-12-20 17:00 - 19:00, 2023-11-15 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Lee County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Center-Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road Suite 190, Estero, FL, 33928
Description: Learn basic self-defense techniques Ages-13 & up Registration Email-glevine@sheriffleefl.org – Advance Registration Required!
Dress-Gym attire

Board of Lee County Commissioners Zoning / Comp Plan Hearings
2024-01-17 09:30 - 10:30 | Old Lee County Courthouse Commission Chambers 2120 Main Street Fort Myers, FL 33901
Agendas are posted approximately one week prior to the hearing date.​​

Board of Lee County Commissioners Meeting
2024-01-16 09:30 - 10:30 | Old Lee County Courthouse Commission Chambers 2120 Main Street Fort Myers, FL 33901
​​Agendas are posted approximately one week prior to the meeting.​ You can stream the meeting video on LeeTV, Youtube, or Facebook Live during the meeting and rewatch the recording on Youtube.

Mall Mutts
2024-01-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Lee County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Center-Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road Suite 190, Estero, FL, 33928
Adoptable and adorable dogs visit from the Gulf Coast Humane Society.

Woof Walk
2023-12-27 10:30 - 11:30, 2023-11-29 10:30 - 11:30 | Lee County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Center-Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road Suite 190, Estero, FL, 33928
Furry friends from ARC (Animal Refuge Center) will be meeting and greeting guests!

Board of Lee County Commissioners Zoning / Comp Plan Hearings
2023-12-20 09:30 - 10:30, 2023-12-06 09:30 - 22:30, 2023-11-22 09:30 - 10:30 | Old Lee County Courthouse, 2120 Main Street, Fort Myers, FL, United States

Board of Lee County Commissioners Workshop
2023-12-19 13:30 - 14:30, 2023-12-05 13:30 - 14:30, 2023-11-21 13:30 - 14:30 | Administration East Building, Conference Room 118 2201 Second Street, Fort Myers, FL, 33901, United States

Board of Lee County Commissioners Meeting
2023-12-19 09:30 - 10:30, 2023-12-05 09:30 - 10:00, 2023-11-21 09:30 - 10:30 | Old Lee County Courthouse, 2120 Main Street, Fort Myers, FL, United States

Special Council Meeting
2023-12-13 09:30 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
The Village of Estero Council will hold a special meeting for an appeal hearing about the proposed Brooks Town Center apartment development project on Wednesday, December 13.
The project, proposed for Brooks Town Center (the Winn-Dixie development on Coconut Road) as well as adjacent acreage, would include demolishing the Winn-Dixie and constructing an apartment building at the site.
For several years, project applicants, Village officials and administrators, and Brooks residents have engaged in extensive discussion, project revisions, and public comment. The project was ultimately approved with conditions in October by the Village Planning and Zoning Board, but this was followed on November 7 with an appeal against the project filed by numerous Brooks community residents.
View a full chronology of the project here.
While 37 residents filed an appeal, the Village is recommending that the 5 who live within 500 feet of the proposed development are considered “aggrieved parties” whose appeal can move forward for discussion. In the appeal, these residents outline their concerns that the proposed development is inconsistent with the area’s comprehensive plan and DRI development order, as well as other concerns.
Village staff, on the other hand, recommends that the Zoning and Planning Board’s approval decision is affirmed, rather than reversing the decision as the appeal requests.
Agenda is available at https://estero-fl.gov/meetings.

Planning Zoning Design Board Meeting
2023-12-12 16:30 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Agendas are posted the week prior to the meeting. Council meetings are open to the public.
The Village Planning, Zoning and Design Board will discuss several important matters at its next meeting.
These meetings are an opportunity for residents to learn more about growth, development, and zoning changes within Estero and to voice questions, concerns, and comments on these topics.
Among the items to be discussed
• A mixed-use project on a 7-acre vacant lot off Arcos Avenue. Previously zoned for an assisted living facility that was never developed, the proposed project would include space for storage, a hotel, retail/restaurant establishments, and medical offices.
• The Goddard School, a private preschool company, to build an 11,650-square-foot learning center off Three Oaks Parkway at the corner of Quente Way and Arcos Avenue.
• A 111-room Home2 Suites hotel to be build in Coconut Point Mall, south of the movie theater.
• Rezoning of a 21.4-acre parcel at Corkscrew Road and Sandy Lane (formerly “The Colonnade”) to allow for development of a 171-unit townhome community.

The Future of Schools in Greater Estero
2023-12-07 18:00 - 19:30 | Estero High School, 21900 River Ranch Road, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
The Future of Schools in Greater Estero

Read a Summary of the Meeting

Thank you to our Sponsor

Watch his Presentation

Dr. Adam Molloy
Lee County School District Director, Planning, Growth, & Capacity
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.
Dr. 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.

Watch her Presentation

Chris Patricca
Lee County School Board Member, District 3
Chris Patricca, our second speaker, spoke about her passion for improving educational standards with regard to:

The need to attract more teachers and provide suitable homes to encourage them to stay in our community – based on the “Workforce Housing” concept
The value of volunteers in regard to JA and other potential programs
Encouraging greater parental involvement
Other educational initiatives that should be considered.

In 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.
Chris’ 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.

Village Council Meeting
2023-12-06 09:30 - 17:00 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Among the items to be discussed

A preliminary design contract with Kimley Horn for the River Oaks Preserve, a 10-acre, Village-owned preserve (map above). The Village proposes to add trails, a pedestrian bridge, and facilities such as restrooms and water and sewer.
Second readings of ordinance revisions to hotel parking areas and day care centers. These items were also discussed at a previous Village Council meeting.
A workshop to review the framework for the Estero Forever Foundation. Established in 2019, the organization works to fund projects in Estero and was authorized in 2022 to operate the Village-owned driving range at 9000 Williams Road. This framework will create a more formal relationship between the Foundation and the Village.
A motion to support the appointment of Mark Novitski to represent the Village at the Lee County MPO Citizen Advisory Committee.

ARC Gift Wrapping Event
2023-12-01 15:00 - 18:00 | Lee County Sheriff’s Office Miromar Outlets Community Outreach Center
Free gift wrapping with any donation to the Animal Refuge Center

Lee Health Celebrates 5 Years at Coconut Point
2023-11-30 17:00 - 18:30 | Lee Health Coconut Point
Join Lee Health Coconut Point as they celebrate 5 years serving the Greater Estero area. Stroll the Open House starting at 5 pm and enjoy the ceremony at 5:30, including a special recognition of Don Eslick, “Mr. Estero”. Food will be provided. RSVP preferred at 239-468-0050.

Mobile Blood Drive
2023-11-28 10:00 - 15:00 | Lee Health Coconut Point
Your donation through the Lee Health Blood Center will stay in Lee County and benefit local residents and visitors in need. Appointments encouraged. Call 239-468-0050 to schedule.

Painting with Passion
2023-11-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Florida Blue
An immersive art event where you can unleash your creativity and explore the vibrant world of painting. Discover the joy self-expression through brushstrokes and colors in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Lee County MPO
2023-11-17 09:00 | Lee County Administration, 2201 Second Street Room 118, Fort Myers, FL, United States
The Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will hold a public hearing on November 17, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., at the Lee County Administration East Building located at 2201 Second Street in Room 118, to consider amendments to the 2045 Long Range Plan (LRTP) that include the following revisions to match recent funding commitments:

Adjust the Metro Parkway funding to match the Tentative Work Program
Revise the limits of the SR 78 W. of Santa Barbara to 24th Avenue project to Burnt Store Road to 24th Avenue to address the local funding that is being used for the Project Development & Environment study within those limits. Also, adjust the funding to match what has been budgeted for the project (now funded in FY 2025).
Revise the Burnt Store Road from Van Buren to the Charlotte County line design phase to now show this funded with the federal appropriation that was awarded to the County (now funded in FY 2024).
Change the SR 31 from SR 80 to SR 78 project to adjust the phasing to account for the Right-of-Way and Construction funding that is now included in the work program over the next five years (Construction is funded in FY 2029).
Revise the US 41 and Bonita Beach Road intersection project to include the design phase funded with federal and local funds to match recent changes (now funded in FY 2026).
Add in the widening of I-75 to eight lanes from the Collier County line to Corkscrew Road in the 2024 to 2027 time frame to match the Moving Florida Forward project. Also revise the I-75 managed lanes project limits currently shown in the Plan to match the typical section that has been shown in the recently completed I-75 South Corridor Master Plan.

The public hearing will also include amendments to the Transportation Improvement Program. The current FY 2024 through FY 2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is being amended to adjust the funding for the Metro Parkway widening project from Daniels Parkway to Winkler Avenue and to add the PD&E and PE phases for the I-75 Moving Florida Forward widening project.
The changes to the projects are included in the LRTP tables in underline and strike through format, the Metro Parkway adjusted project cost information is included on the TIP page, and the Districtwide Lee and Collier I-75 widening project TIP page is also available at the following link: LRTP and TIP Amendments Hard copies of the document are available by contacting the MPO offices at 239-244-2220. Written comments may be submitted by e-mail to dscott@leempo.com, faxed to (239)-790-2695 or mailed to P.O. Box 150045 Cape Coral, FL 33915-0045. Written comments received by 5:00pm on Thursday November 16, 2023 will be presented to the MPO Board members on November 17, 2023 where formal approval will be decided. Public comments may also be made at the MPO Board meeting on November 17, 2023 at 9:00a.m. at the Lee County Administration East Facility, 2201 Second Street, Room 118, Fort Myers, Florida. Additional information on the MPO Board meeting agenda can be found at www.leempo.com, when the full agenda packet is posted on November 9, 2023.

November Member and Community Meeting
2023-11-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Protecting our Water and Environment

Summary

Captain Codty Pierce
Calusa Waterkeeper
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.
Codty’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.

Calusa Waterkeeper

Village Council Meeting
2023-11-15 09:30 - 17:00 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
The Village of Estero Council will discuss several important matters at its next meeting on Wednesday, November 15.
These meetings are an opportunity for residents to learn more about growth, development, and zoning changes within Estero and to voice questions, concerns, and comments on these topics.
Among the items to be discussed:

Contract negotiations with the top firm, as ranked by the Village’s selection committee, for construction management of the Estero Entertainment Center project. The final contract will be brought back to the Village Council for approval at a future Council Meeting.
An update on progress on the River Oaks Preserve project at 9541 Broadway Ave. E
Revision to land development codes regarding parking standards for hotels and motels, day care center standards, and detached residential garages

Residents who wish to comment during the meeting should complete a Public Comment Card. E-comment forms are also available before meetings and must be returned by noon the day before the meeting.
The full agenda and supporting documents can be viewed here by clicking “Village Council Meeting.”

Village Planning Zoning Design Board Meeting
2023-11-14 16:30 - 17:00 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
The Village of Estero Planning, Zoning and Design Board will discuss several important matters at its next meeting on Tuesday, October 14.
These meetings are an opportunity for residents to learn more about growth, development, and zoning changes within Estero and to voice questions, concerns, and comments on these topics.
Among the items to be discussed:

An application by Hilton Garden Inn to build a 5-story, 115-room hotel at 8009 Sweetwater Ranch Boulevard (at the corner of Via Villagio, next to the Estero Fire Station). Village staff have recommended approval, with some changes required
A development plan for a 15,000-square-foot daycare, Coastal Palms Academy, to be built on a 3.5-acre site at 9600 Corkscrew Road (at the corner of River Ranch Road)
A project update on the Estero Entertainment Complex. At their November 15 meeting, the Village Council will discuss beginning contract negotiations with the construction firm ranked first from the Village’s request for proposals for this project.

Residents who wish to comment during the meeting should complete a Public Comment Card. E-comment forms are also available before meetings and must be returned by noon the day before the meeting.
The full agenda and supporting documents can be viewed here by clicking on “Planning Zoning and Design Board Meeting.”
