Community & Membership Meeting
2026-01-29 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
20260129_Engage-Estero-Presentation

FGCU Entrepreneurial School and Gulfshore Opera Featured at Engage Estero Community Meeting January 29, 2026
Engage Estero’s January Community & Member Meeting featured presenters on how FGCU’s entrepreneurial school benefits greater Estero, and how our cultural experiences are enriched by Gulfshore Opera.
Dr. Bill McDowell, Dean, FGCU’s Daveler and Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship and Mark Ain Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship shared how the school benefits our community and economy.
Steffanie Pearce, Founder & General Director, Gulfshore Opera introduced its goals and the exciting upcoming season of performances.

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

A Night of Hope to benefit the Eden House
2026-02-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Grey Oaks Country Club
Chris Anthony
canthony@firstnaples.org
02/02/2026 6PM
Grey Oaks County Club
250
https://www.edenhouse.org/event/gala/
Eden House
https://www.edenhouse.org/

Council Meeting
2026-02-04 09:30 - 17:00, 2026-02-18 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-04 09:30 - 17:00, 2026-03-18 09:30 - 17:00, 2026-04-01 09:30 - 17:00, 2026-04-15 09:30 - 17:00, 2026-05-06 09:30 - 17:00, 2026-05-20 09:30 - 17:00 and 2 more dates | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Village meetings are held at the Village Hall at 9401 Corkscrew Palms Blvd in Chambers.
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 agendas and supporting documents can be viewed approximately one week prior to each meeting at https://estero-fl.gov/meetings.

Flowers v. Foliage (adding color to your yard)
2026-02-07 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!

Planning Zoning & Design Board Meeting
2026-02-10 16:30 - 20:00, 2026-03-10 16:30 - 20:00, 2026-04-14 16:30 - 20:00, 2026-05-12 16:30 - 20:00, 2026-06-09 16:30 - 20:00 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States

Alive After Five at FineMark Bank
2026-02-12 17:30 - 19:00 | FineMark Bank, 10010 Coconut Rd, Estero
Enjoy great conversation, and meet new peers at Alive After Five! at FineMark Bank on Thursday, February 12, 2026. From 5:30 – 7:00 pm! Mix and mingle with your colleagues in the greater Estero business community. You might even win one of our gift card or cash giveaways!
FineMark Bank is conveniently located at 10010 Coconut Road in Estero. 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.
The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce invites members and non-members alike to meet, grow and work together to move your business forward in the New Year! We believe in the power of connection. Take advantage of this chance to grow your circle.

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 Dinner
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 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.

FGCU Dean of Entrepreneurship William McDowell shares insights at Food For Thought Luncheon
2026-02-26 11:30 - 13:00 | Embassy Suites Estero, 10450 Corkscrew Commons Dr, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Inspiring Business Leadership Awaits!
The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to welcome William McDowell, Dean and Mark Ain Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship at the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship, Florida Gulf Coast University.
As both a leading researcher in Entrepreneurship Ecosystems and Small Business Collaboration and a hands-on mentor to emerging entrepreneurs, Dean McDowell brings valuable insights every business leader can apply.
Discover how innovative companies tackle challenges, create opportunities, and drive success—and connect with fellow business professionals eager to do the same.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired, informed, and connected!
Wednesday, February 26
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Embassy Suites Estero
10450 Corkscrew Commons Dr, Estero, FL 33928
Enjoy a buffet lunch courtesy of the talented chefs at Embassy Suites, and connect with fellow business and community leaders in a relaxed setting.
Tickets:
$30 for Chamber members
$40 for non-members
Get your tickets here: https://business.esterochamber.org/events/

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

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 UnionBallroom, 2nd Floor
The forum offers a collaborative opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of 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 Estero 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

Our panel of experts will include:

A member of the Hoffmann Family, who helped shape Naples, FL
Aysegül Timur, Ph.D., President of Florida Gulf Coast University
Chris Simoneau, Lee Health’s Chief Development, Marketing & Communications Officer
Steve Sarkozy, The Village of Estero’s Manager

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.

See the location of the FGCU Cohen Student Union below.
FGCU Cohen Student Union is at location 17 on the map

Estero Fest 2026
2026-03-21 13:00 - 20:00 | Estero Park and Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, United States
The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the return of EsteroFest for a full day of free family fun, live music, and community activities. Enjoy performances by The Incorrigibles, Swamp Blues Band, and headliner Ben Allen Band. Kids can explore a dedicated Kids Zone with a bounce house, character appearances, face painting, and more. The festival also features food trucks, desserts, a beer garden, interactive displays from Estero Fire Rescue and Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and a Business Expo showcasing local organizations and businesses.
Highlights:
• Live concert featuring the Ben Allen Band
• Kids Zone with activities and entertainment 1-5 pm
• Food trucks and beer garden
• Public safety demonstrations
• Business Expo from 1–5 p.m.
• VIP ticket options available
Cost: Free general admission
More Information: http://EsteroFest.org
Contact: Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce | 239-390-1137 | info@esterochamber.org
Made Possible By: The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce is grateful to our Title Sponsor – J. Pavich Real Estate and Media Sponsor Platinum Media.
There are plenty of sponsorships available – visit the website at EsteroFest.org for more information.

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
