EsteroToday.com by Engage Estero

South County Regional Library Ribbon Cutting
2026-01-07 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, Fl 33928
a Community Celebration to include live steel drum music, balloon animals and face painting plus crafts, activities and fun giveaways from 10 a.m.-12 noon, Saturday, January 10.

Alive After Five! at Venture Visionary Partners
2026-01-08 17:30 - 19:00 | Venture Visionary Partners, 27400 Riverview Center Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Enjoy good eats, great conversation, and meet new peers at Alive After Five! at Venture Visionary Partner’s incredible meeting space on Thursday, January 8, 2026. From 5:30 – 7:00 pm enjoy complimentary appetizers from Miller’s Ale House! Take in the unique atmosphere and mingle with your colleagues in the greater Estero business community. You might even win one of our gift card or cash giveaways!
Venture Visionary Partners is conveniently located at 27400 Riverview Center Blvd., in Bonita Springs just off US 41. The space is a hidden gem and is available for meetings, retreats and more. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to build relationships, share ideas, and meet local business leaders in a fun, casual setting. Tickets are $20 for Members and just $30 for Non-Members. Get yours online at https://esterochamber.org.

Plant This Not That! (Invasive Plant Awareness)
2026-01-10 10:00 - 17:00 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero
Discover the 9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™!
Offered through the University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) program helps homeowners create vibrant, sustainable landscapes that protect Florida’s unique natural resources. This introduction to the 9 guiding principles provides simple, science-based steps for conserving water, reducing pollution, supporting wildlife, and enjoying a beautiful yard that thrives in Florida’s climate. Whether you’re looking to cut down on maintenance, save money on irrigation, or make your landscape eco-friendlier, the FFL principles offer practical solutions that benefit both your property and the environment.
Master Gardener Volunteers are presenting these 9 principles throughout Lee County from October 2025 to March 2026. Find out when they are in your neighborhood by visiting Lee County Extension Eventbrite page (https://www.LeeCountyExtension.eventbrite.com) or following us on Facebook (UF IFAS – Ext Lee County) and Instagram (lee_ufifas).
Learn how small changes in your landscape can make a big impact for you and Florida’s future!

Community & Membership Meeting
2026-01-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
RSVP

FGCU Entrepreneurial School, Gulfshore Opera and Bower School of Music & The Arts Featured at Engage Estero Community Meeting January 29, 2026
Engage Estero’s January Community & Member Meeting features presenters on how FGCU’s entrepreneurial school benefits greater Estero, and how our cultural experiences are enriched by Gulfshore Opera and FGCU’s Bower School of Music & The Arts.
The meeting, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Estero Recreation Center on Thursday, January 29, at 10:00 a.m. The address is 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, located inside Estero Community Park & Recreation Center, Estero, FL 33928.
Dr. Bill McDowell, Dean, FGCU’s Daveler and Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship and Mark Ain Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship will share how the school benefits our community and economy.
Steffanie Pearce, Founder & General Director, Gulfshore Opera will introduce its goals and the exciting upcoming season of performances.
Victoria (Tori) Kane, Community Engagement Coordinator, FGCU’s Bower School of Music & the Arts will share the school’s goals and the broad range of arts available to our community from their students.
Most residents are excited that they chose this area to live and work in. But we also need to ensure that we keep providing new opportunities and support for everyone trying to improve what is available.
Several plans and proposals are being considered for the future development of Greater Estero. There is a need for the Village, local businesses, and the public to support new business ideas that would have a positive commercial impact and prevent skilled workers from leaving our area!
Discussions are ongoing about establishing a Community Theatre Complex in Estero. However, this is unlikely to happen without support for the many existing musical genres that need backing.
Please come and listen to these dedicated individuals who are thinking of our future.
Seating is limited, so reservations are required for all attendees.
The meeting will be recorded and posted to our YouTube channel @EngageEstero, so subscribe to be notified if you cannot make it.

Early Settlers & Livelihoods: Conversation at the Cottage
2026-01-31 13:30 - 14:30 | Estero Historical Society
Join the Estero Historical Society for an informative and cozy Conversation at the Cottage: Early Settlers & Livelihoods on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 1:30 pm.

Learn about our local history while surrounded by our own historic cottage, schoolhouse and exhibits. The Cottage is located within the Estero Park and Recreation Center, at 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, Florida 33928.

Tickets are free for members, and just $15 for non-members. Space is limited, so reservations are required.

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

Flowers v. Foliage (adding color to your yard)
2026-02-07 10:00 - 17:00 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero

The History of Hurricanes: Speaker Series
2026-02-21 09:30 - 11:00 | Villages of Country Creek, 21180 Country Creek Dr, Estero
Join us on Saturday, February 21 at 9:30 AM at the Villages of Country Creek, 21180 Country Creek Dr, Estero, for our Speaker Series program featuring local historian Jacob Winge presenting The History of Hurricanes.
Discover how past storms shaped Southwest Florida’s communities and gain perspective on the challenges we face today.
Tickets are $15 for EHS and reciprocal members and $20 for non-members and includes a continental breakfast. 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

Cast Iron Feast
2026-02-25 17:30 - 20:00 | Copperleaf Golf Club, 23101 Copperleaf Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Estero Historical Society presents a Cast Iron Feast Wednesday, February 25, 2026 for one special night only!
The event will be held at Copperleaf Golf Club, 23101 Copperleaf Blvd., Bonita Springs, and begins at 5:30 with a Social Hour. At 6:15 the Culinary Experience features:

A taste of history Estero early settler recipes
A four-course feast crafted by a talented Copperleaf chef
Period stories between courses by a noted local historian

Seating is limited; reserve your place at the table today! $60 Members I $65 Non-Members (Join online).
https://esterohistoricalsociety.com/events
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

2025 Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award
2026-02-26 | 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 Person of the Year Award Dinneron Feb. 26, 2026
Estero Country Club at The Vines
Get ready 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 take place on February 26, 2026, at the elegant Estero Country Club at The Vines.

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. These include Lee Health Coconut Point, the University Highlands facility, Bonita Health Center and SWFL Proton Center. It’s not only about facilities and equipment; it also involves additional services and staff to provide better healthcare for our residents. Lee Health continues to plan for future improvements as our community in the greater Estero area grows.

Dr. 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 and the Florida Gulf Coast University 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.”
A special dinner honoring Dr. Antonucci will be held at the Estero Country Club at the Vines on the evening of February 26, 2026. Mark your calendar and save the date for a memorable evening of recognition and community spirit.
More details about the event will be shared in the coming weeks; so bookmark this page! Complete the form below to receive an email when tickets become available.

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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.

History of Tamiami Trail: Conversation at the Cottage
2026-02-28 13:30 - 14:30 | Estero Historical Society
Join the Estero Historical Society for an informative and cozy Conversation at the Cottage: History of Tamiami Trail on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 1:30 pm.
Learn about our local history while surrounded by our own historic cottage, schoolhouse and exhibits. The Cottage is located within the Estero Park and Recreation Center, at 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, Florida 33928.
Tickets are free for members, and just $15 for non-members. Space is limited, so reservations are required.
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

Estero Fire Department: Conversation at the Cottage
2026-03-28 13:30 - 14:30 | Estero Historical Society Cottage Museum
Join the Estero Historical Society for an informative and cozy Conversation at the Cottage: Estero Fire Department on Saturday, March 28 at 1:30 pm.
Learn about our local history while surrounded by our own historic cottage, schoolhouse and exhibits. The Cottage is located within the Estero Park and Recreation Center, at 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, Florida 33928.
Tickets are free for members, and just $15 for non-members. Space is limited, so reservations are required.
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: The Civilian Conservation Corps
2026-04-18 09:30 - 11:00 | Villages of Country Creek, 21180 Country Creek Dr, Estero
Join the Estero Historical Society on Saturday, April 18 at 9:30 AM at the Villages of Country Creek, 21180 Country Creek Dr, Estero, for our Speaker Series program featuring local historian Jacob Winge presenting The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
Learn how this New Deal program put millions to work during the Great Depression and left a lasting mark on Florida’s parks, forests, and communities.
Tickets are $15 for EHS and BS Historical Society members and $20 for non-members and includes a continental breakfast.
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

The Estero Inn: Conversation at the Cottage
2026-04-25 13:30 - 17:00 | Estero Historical Society
Join the Estero Historical Society for an informative and cozy Conversation at the Cottage: The Estero Inn on Saturday, April 25, at 1:30 pm.
Learn about our local history while surrounded by our own historic cottage, schoolhouse and exhibits. The Cottage is located within the Estero Park and Recreation Center, at 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, Florida 33928.
Tickets are free for members, and just $15 for non-members. Space is limited, so reservations are required.
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
