EsteroToday.com by Engage Estero

POSTPONED Live Online Option: FDOT Public Hearing on I-75 Widening
2025-08-12 17:00 (America/New_York)
The online meeting originally scheduled for this date has been postponed.

POSTPONED: Public Hearing: I-75 Widening
2025-08-14 16:30 - 21:00 | North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples, FL 34109
The meeting previously scheduled for this date has been postponed by FDOT.

Lee County Sheriff: Residential Security
2025-08-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Florida Blue, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive
From lighting and cameras to landscaping and locks, LCSO’s Heather Turco will provide you with simple tips to make sure your home and property are safe from criminals.

Alive After Five! at Hertz Arena
2025-08-21 17:30 - 19:00 | Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, Florida, 33928
Network with local business professionals, tour the incredible Hertz hospitality facilities, and enjoy tasty appetizers in the Hertz #1 Club at Alive After Five! at Hertz Arena on Thursday, August 21.

Register now to enjoy:

Free appetizers and a beverage upon arrival
2 Free tickets to a Florida Everblades 2025 Preseason Game
Tours of the facility, including party areas, suites – even the luxury suite and party suite.
Chance to win premium seats to an upcoming Everblades home game!

Alive After Five starts at 5:30 pm and runs ‘til 7:00 pm. Hertz Arena is located at 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928. Please enter through the doors located on the east side of Hertz Arena – by the Breakaway Sports Pub and the Pro Shop.

Tickets are $20 for Members and just $30 for Non-Members. Get yours online at https://esterochamber.org/

So bring your holiday party questions, a friend, and enjoy a stellar night in the Hertz #1 Club.

Understanding Mosquitoes in Our Ecosystem
2025-08-21 17:30 - 19:00 | Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL 33928
Join Andrea McKinney, with the Collier Mosquito Control District, to uncover the unique conditions that make our region a mosquito hotspot, the different ecological roles mosquitoes play, and how today’s mosquito control works to strike a balance between protecting human health and the health of our natural environment.

Marvel Artist Jerry DeCaire’s Live-Drawing Workshop!
2025-09-05 15:00 - 16:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero
Join Marvel Entertainment comic artist Jerry DeCaire for an electrifying 1.5-hour interactive presentation that unveils the artistic process behind your favorite superheroes!
Don’t miss this chance to see a Marvel artist in action! Registration is required. The workshop will take place in Estero Rec Center Room 103A.

Discover the Magic of Girl Scouts-Fairy Adventure
2025-09-06 11:00 - 13:00 | Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers
Activities include storytime, crafts, and education on our environment! This event is FREE to girls who want to know more about Girl Scouting or girls who are already members.

Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday
2025-09-08 - 2025-12-31
Consumers can purchase qualifying hunting, fishing, and camping supplies exempt from tax during the 2025 Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday.

Planning, Zoning & Design Board Meeting
2025-09-09 16:30 - 21:30 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Key Agenda Items & Actions
1. Grandezza Pickleball – Limited Development Order (District 5)

Location: The Club at Grandezza, 11481 Grande Oaks Blvd.
Proposal: Construction of four pickleball courts between the existing tennis courts and clubhouse.
Current use: Parking area.
Status: Pending application; subject to public hearing and board review.

2. Summercrest (formerly Toll Brothers Development Order, DOS2024-E008, District 4)

Location: NE corner of Corkscrew Rd. & Sandy Ln., ±21 acres.
Proposal: 153 townhome units with amenities, utilities, and infrastructure.
Includes: Public use area.
Public Information Meeting: December 10, 2024.
Status: Development Order under board review.

3. Broadway Crossing (formerly Mayfair Village, DOS2025-E006, District 4)

Location: 8790 Broadway East, south of Broadway East, west of Sandy Ln., east of Seminole Gulf RR.
Proposal: 17 single-family homes on 7.5 acres.
Rezoning: Approved June 4, 2025 (Ordinance 2025-06).
Public Information Meeting: October 29, 2024.
Status: Development Order under board review.

4. Coconut Trace Hotel – Tract F (DOS2025-E007, District 1)

Location: 22910 Lyden Dr., west of US 41, across from Coconut Point Mall.
Proposal: 122-room, 4-story hotel.
Rezoning: Approved February 5, 2025 (Ordinance 2024-14).
Public Information Meeting: April 9, 2024.
Status: Development Order under board review.

5. Ordinance Review – Capital Improvement Schedule (Ordinance 2025-10)

Purpose: Update to Capital Improvements Element, reflecting the FY 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program.
Includes: Village of Estero CIP and Lee County School District Capital Plan (2024–2033).
Action: Board will make recommendation; Village Council to review on September 17, 2025.

Note: This summary was written by Engage Estero and is not an official record of the Village. You can view Village meetings online at https://estero-fl.gov/meetings

Food for Thought featuring Andy Petry of Arthrex
2025-09-10 11:30 - 13:00 | Embassy Suites Estero
Join Us for the September Food for Thought Luncheon!
The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Andy Petry, Senior Group Product Manager at Arthrex, as our featured speaker for the September Food for Thought Luncheon.

Andy will provide an inside look at Arthrex’s exciting new Cardiothoracic Surgery division, which focuses on groundbreaking innovations in procedures involving the heart, lungs, and chest organs. Headquartered in Naples, Arthrex is recognized globally as a leader in minimally invasive surgical technology, research, manufacturing, and medical education.

Wednesday, September 10
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Embassy Suites Estero
10450 Corkscrew Commons Dr, Estero, FL 33928

Enjoy a buffet lunch prepared by the talented Embassy Suites culinary team, and take advantage of this great opportunity to connect with local business and community leaders in a relaxed, engaging atmosphere.

Tickets:
$30 for Chamber members
$40 for non-members
Get your tickets here:
https://business.esterochamber.org/events/details/food-for-thought-luncheon-athrex-andy-petry-1265

Food for Thought
2025-09-10 11:30 - 17:00 | Embassy Suites Estero, 10450 Corkscrew Commons Dr, Estero
September’s luncheon features Andy Petry, Senior Group Product Manager at Arthrex, who will introduce their new Cardiothoracic Surgery division. Members and Non-members are welcome.

How to Apply for a Passport
2025-09-10 14:00 - 17:00 | Online
This informational webinar will cover:

• Passport requirements for adults & minors
• Steps in the application process
• Steps in the renewal process
• Related fees & processing times
• Available contacts & resources

Village of Estero Council Budget and Special Meeting
2025-09-10 17:00 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Key Agenda Items & Actions
Budget & Finance

Resolution 2025-14 – Adopted the tentative millage rate for FY 2025–2026 property taxes.
Resolution 2025-15 – Adopted the tentative FY 2025–2026 budget.
Financial Reports – Reviewed June and July 2025 reports.
Resolution 2025-13 – Established an Auditor Selection Committee and appointed members.

Grants & Funding

Tourist Development Tax Agreement – Approved, providing $163,000 in funding for Estero River Park trails (reducing Village costs).
Resolution 2025-21 – Acknowledged receipt of a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant, directing staff to publish the required public notice.

Community & Events

Resolution 2025-16 – Established a budget for the 2025 Veterans Day Event.
Agreement with Estero Forever Foundation – Approved for management of the Happehatchee Complex($1,500/month).

Operations & Infrastructure

Forerunner Software Renewal – Approved 2-year renewal of floodplain management software ($81,796).
Ordinance 2025-09 (Second Reading) – Approved, granting authority for the Village to approve plats (land development process).

Notable Outcomes
✅ Tentative millage rate and FY 2025–2026 budget adopted.
✅ $163,000 secured in TDT funds for Estero River Park trails.
✅ Veterans Day event budget formally established.
✅ FEMA grant award acknowledged.
✅ Agreement approved for ongoing management of Happehatchee Complex.
✅ Software renewal ensures continued compliance with floodplain management.
✅ Ordinance clarified Village authority on plat approvals.

Community Visioning for Conservation: Public Participation in Florida’s Long-Range Planning
2025-09-11 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
A free webinar on how public participation, science-based planning, and local government leadership can work together to protect green infrastructure and guide development away from environmentally sensitive areas.

September Bioblitz
2025-09-12 09:00 - 11:00 | CREW Bird Rookery Swamp Trails, 1295 Shady Hollow Blvd W Naples, FL 34120
Join us for a morning of wildlife surveying at CREW Bird Rookery Swamp Trail!
Bioblitzes are citizen-science infinitives that connect beginner and amatuer naturalists to experts in the field and contribute to publically available datasets tracking biodiversity and species abundance across the globe.

Eternal Horizons: Death And The Afterlife In Ancient Egypt
2025-09-12 10:30 - 12:00 | Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero
Discover the mysteries of tombs, mummies, and burial goods at this unique event. Learn about the rituals and customs that the ancient Egyptians followed to ensure a successful journey to the afterlife.

EHS Speaker Series : Alvarez/Smith House Relocation
2025-09-13 09:30 | The Villages at Country Creek, 21131 Country Creek Drive, Estero, FL, 33928
Join the Estero Historical Society for a fascinating morning as we welcome Tanda Hogg, Vice President at Tri-Town Construction and project manager for the relocation of the historic Alvarez/Smith House. With hands-on experience rehabilitating historic homes in Georgia, Tanda brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to this ambitious project. She will walk us through the process of moving the house and the careful rehabilitation that will preserve its historic charm for generations to come.

Join us at 9:30 am for this spectacular insight into the complexity and importance of the Society’s current restoration project over a delicious continental breakfast at Villages of Country Creek, 21180 Country Creek Blvd., Estero.

Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for future members. Join online today! Visit https://esterohistoricalsociety.com/events/ to RSVP.

The Estero Historical Society is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of our unique greater Estero area, and depends on volunteers and donations for projects such as the relocation and restoration of the Alvarez/Smith Home. Find out more about us at www.EsteroHistoricalSociety.com

Speaker Series: Featuring the Relocation of the Alvarez/Smith Home
2025-09-13 09:30 - 17:00 | Villages at Country Creek, 21180 Country Creek Drive, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Tanda Hogg, Vice President at Tri-Town Construction and project manager for the relocation of the historic Alvarez/Smith House will share a behind the scenes perspective on the relocation and restoration of this local historic home. The presentation includes a continental breakfast

Hands-on Dementia Tour and Brain Bus
2025-09-15 09:00 - 10:15 | Healthy Life Center – Coconut Point, 23450 Via Coconut Point Estero
After experiencing the Virtual Dementia Tour you will gain a better understanding of the physical and mental challenges of those with dementia struggle with each day. Helpful for caregivers and providers.

Golden Years, Golden Mindset
2025-09-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Healthy Life Center – Coconut Point, 23450 Via Coconut Point Estero
This interactive workshop aims to break down mental health stigma, educate, and promote well-being. Participants will learn about mental health in aging, recognize stress and anxiety signs, discover coping strategies, and access self-care tools and resources for support.

Village of Estero Council Meeting
2025-09-17 09:30 - 21:30 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States

From Aquifer to Tap
2025-09-17 13:30 - 15:00 | Bonita Springs Utilities, 11900 East Terry Street, Bonita Springs
Ever wonder where your tap water comes from? Come find out about the journey our water takes before it comes out of your sink.
Andy Koebel will present the intricacies of our aquifer system in Southwest Florida, including where our water comes from and the journey it takes to get to our tap and discover some of the challenges with water supply we are facing now and could face in the future.

YMCA Annual Charity Golf Tournament
2025-09-19 | Spanish Wells Golf Club

Munchin Manatees
2025-09-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach FL 33931
Join a park ranger for an interesting and informative lecture on our local, loveable manatees. Learn what these magnificent mammals are all about, and how you can help protect them. Please note, live manatees are not included in this lecture. Space is limited; reservations are required.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention
2025-09-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Florida Blue, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive
Join us for a presentation to learn about suicide awareness and prevention. We will review the warning signs of suicide and the tools and resources available to help those in need. We can all play a role in preventing suicide, so don’t miss this opportunity to learn more from a clinical expert.

Storytelling Showcase: Once Upon a Time
2025-09-24 18:00 - 19:30 | FGCU Wasmer Art Gallery, Arts Complex, FGCU
FGCU Storytelling Series presents oral storytelling as a performance art, community art, healing art. Produced by Dr. Joel Ying and Lori Cornelius for the Creative Writing Program, Dept of Language and Literature, College of Arts and Sciences.

Alive After Five! at Fresh Catch Inland
2025-09-25 17:30 - 19:00 | Fresh Catch Inland, 7991 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Network with local business professionals, enjoy tasty appetizers and happy hour specials at Alive After Five! at Fresh Catch Inland on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Start the evening with a Ribbon Cutting for the opening of Fresh Catch Inland at Coconut Point. Then join us for an engaging evening of conversation, connection, and community with fellow professionals and neighbors from Greater Estero. Enjoy mouthwatering appetizers and enjoy happy hour specials as you mix and mingle in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to build relationships, share ideas, and meet local business leaders in a fun, casual setting.

The fun begins at 5:30 pm on Thursday, July 10 at Fresh Catch Inland, which is conveniently located in Coconut Point at 7991 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero.
Tickets are $20 for Members and just $30 for Non-Members. Get yours online at https://esterochamber.org/

Community & Membership Meeting: Key Developments & Fighting Fraud
2025-09-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Presentation-Sept-26th-2025final-JGrev2
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.

Village of Estero Council Meeting
2025-10-01 09:30 - 21:30 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Among the items on the agenda:

Adoption of a right-of-way ordinance, which would allow the Village “regulatory authority at the local code level” to guide utility infrastructure construction in the Village’s right of way areas.
Two $800,000 state grant to offset design costs for the Orange Park utility extension project and Broadway Ave East phase 1 improvements.
An amendment to the Village’s agreement with High 5 Up Top, the partner building a recreational and entertainment facility including pickleball courts, to ensure desired architectural enhancements are included in construction without impacting the project’s timeline.

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.

Book Discussion: Boat Baby
2025-10-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Room 103B, Estero
In a memoir where heroism meets humor, NBC News anchor and correspondent Vicky Nguyen tells the story of her family’s daring escape from communist Vietnam and her unlikely journey from refugee to reporter with laughter and fierce love.
