Village Council Meeting - Budget
2024-09-11 17:05 (America/New_York) | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States

Village Council Meeting
2024-09-18 09:30, 2024-10-02 09:30, 2024-10-16 09:30, 2024-11-06 09:30, 2024-11-20 09:30, 2024-12-04 09:30, 2024-12-18 09:30 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States

Community & Membership Meeting: Improving Health Outcomes in Greater Estero
2024-09-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Summary: Improving Future Health Outcomes In Greater Estero
The meeting provided a wealth of important information on Artificial Intelligence and telemedicine increasing use in healthcare; the benefits and services available to those who need help and support for a variety of circumstances in our community: available help for carers and patients with Parkinson’s Disease.
Following the introductions and acknowledgments to the speakers, the meeting commenced with Jonathan Witenko’s summary of the way that Lee Health has embraced several developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Telemedicine.
Jonathan Witenko is the System Director, of Virtual Health and Telemedicine at Lee Health.
The value of telemedicine was identified by Jonathan following a serious head injury to his daughter several years ago, who has thankfully fully recovered because of the urgent need to see a neurosurgeon, where few existed, plus the need to transfer his daughter from Fort Myers to Miami, the importance of having immediate access to a specific specialist who could determine a diagnosis quickly and determine treatment offered significant advantages. While telemedicine became an important means of communicating with physicians during the peak of the COVID pandemic, Jonathan explained its introduction was now a part of Lee Health’s medical services. It offers particular value for patients who experience a stroke. Given the importance of receiving an assessment of the patient’s condition and suitable treatment because any delay will impact the patient’s outcome this is a valuable option. Because a specialist can be called upon immediately via a telephone link the time to treatment is significantly reduced leading to markedly improved outcomes.
Jonathan spoke briefly about the value of AI in the clinical, patient, and back-office setting. There is a need for its value to be carefully assessed and verified before implementation. He explained its value in:

Drafting replies to inbox messages.
Assisting physicians and nurses in preparing patient notes following their appointments. In this instance, the recording of the discussion will filter out unnecessary information and convert only the key information for retention saving a considerable amount of time.
Imaging Assistance: where AI provides guidance on the significant aspects that have emerged and pinpoints their significance or otherwise.

Other areas where AI has been shown to provide additional value and improve efficiencies are

Important steps have been made with the introduction by NCH, The Millenium Group, and Lee Health of the “Epic” system to enhance “interoperability”. This enables patient information to be more quickly and easily shared across different organizations when a patient happens to be involved with different organizations that carry out tests or where a physician is seen, to eliminate having to do repeat tests and have immediate access to the latest information about the patient regardless of who they saw.
Collecting a patient’s vital information from attached or implanted devices.
As a self-triage tool symptom checker.
Enhancing the overall information available in a patient's hospital room.
A Self-Service Chatbot: Chatbots deliver instant, personalized support, and seamless experiences by eliminating frustrating wait times and ensuring consistent support across various channels.
More efficiently tracking the patient through various stages of their investigations and/or treatment.

Jonathan pointed out that contrary to many who fear its introduction it will allow them to carry out their work more efficiently, and reduce the time spent on more menial tasks. Furthermore, they think they may lose their job, given the likely fall in the number of physicians and nurses that can be expected over the next few years, because of the interest and excitement by medical staff who have begun to understand the full benefits of AI (although care is needed to check its accuracy and performance) it will attract more people to the profession.
Barbara Shearer, President, Neighbors Network of Lee County.
Barbara spoke passionately about the purpose and work of this very worthwhile organization. Its mission is to make the experience of aging in one’s home a feasible choice with neighbors helping neighbors across generations to create a socially connected community that benefits everyone. Once fully rolled out, its volunteers will provide a wide array of support services to help people live independently at home and in their local community.
As has been well-documented, loneliness has a very marked effect on reducing life expectancy. A neighbor in the Neighbors Network of Lee County brings joy and many benefits to both those who help and those who receive it.
There are many services available such as Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, Breath-Body-Mind for stress management through control of breath, and Strong People-Strong Bodies, funded in part by Dr Piper Center Retired and Americorp Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) contract. This latter program is based upon two decades of clinical and community-based research that demonstrated the benefits of progressive strength training on midlife and older women’s health- specifically muscular strength and mass, bone health, heart disease, diabetes, frailty, falls, arthritis, depression, and sleep!
A new seminar series for 2024-2025 begins in October with a program on Medicare changes in 2025. Upcoming programs will cover making one’s home safe from falls, disaster preparedness, evidence-based complementary medical treatments, and reframing aging.
Check out the wide range of information available on the Neighbors Network of Lee County website: https://leeneighbors.org/
Telephone # 239-209-9867
Mary Schoeffel, Executive Director of The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida.
Mary explained that Parkinson’s Disease is a disease that can affect people without them realizing it. Other than signs of aging such as muscle aches, constipation, and poor sleep patterns it can develop over ten years without a person knowing until tremors might begin. There is no definitive diagnosis but a DaTScan can be helpful in some cases. The best treatment was developed over 50 years ago – carbidopa/levodopa which helps replace diminishing levodopa in the brain. While there is no cure for this disorder the organization fosters a supportive community for those affected by PD. Their efforts aimed at patients and their caregivers encompass dedicated support programs, advocation, raising awareness, and educating healthcare professionals and the wider community about Parkinson's disease.
For those who would like more information, there is a lot of helpful information on their website. You can also reach out to Mary or her colleague Sally Watts.
The Website: https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/index.html
Telephone # 239-417-3465.
Kay Jasso, CEO, The MS Center of SWFL.
Unfortunately, due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the local flooding in Kay’s neighborhood, she was unable to make the meeting. However, for those with family members or friends with MS and would like to learn a little more about the guidance provided by The MS Center you can check out their website and give Kay a call as she will be only too happy to help.
Website: https://centers4ms.org/ms-center-of-southwest-florida/
Telephone # 239- 319-0904
Jim Gilmartin, Engage Estero’s President.
Jim summarized several items that the organization is currently focused on.
Jim explained that the executive team has been busy, besides addressing issues related to improving health, safety, education, and the environment:

Save the date: The 2024 Don Eslick Estero Persons of the Year award will be presented at the Vines Country Club on February 27th, 2025. The award will be given to Joe Pavich and his wife, Joni, for their long-term dedication and generosity to many deserving causes in Estero.
Improving road safety in SW Florida: You will not want to miss an important meeting on October 24th at Estero Recreation Center!

iii. Environment: A public forum on the impacts of climate change in Estero will be held on November 12th at 6 p.m. at FGCU’s Cohen Ballroom. This key discourse will address many aspects likely to affect us locally and what steps can be taken to mitigate the impact.

Converting septic systems to the main sewer significantly improves the Estero River and Estero Bay contamination. The process is lengthy because the Village must secure grants to minimize the cost to citizens. Engage Estero is monitoring this process.
Workforce Housing: This is significant for two reasons: a) to ensure we have teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers who can live in affordable accommodation and retain their services. b) to help reduce traffic density as a consequence.
Fundraising: Our mission is to conduct thorough research by listening to our citizens, evaluating local activities, and providing citizens with informed, unbiased facts. Furthermore, we organize educational forums to facilitate meaningful discourse and collaborate with other nonprofits to address significant community improvement efforts, such as focusing on Traffic, Growth, Development, and Water Quality issues. Secondary issues could include topics of immediate interest to citizens and donors. Financial support is required to continue our mission.

2024 Beach Gala
2024-10-19 17:00 - 20:00 | Margaritaville, 251 Crescent Street, Fort Myers Beach, Fl 33931
Join Happen365.org for a night of sunset toasts and fun times to celebrate their 2nd year as a non-profit fighting childhood obesity.

Community & Membership Meeting: Improving Road Safety
2024-10-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Improving Road Safety in SW Florida: A Review of the MPO's Strategic Safety Action Plan
Road safety has become an increasing concern for many residents in greater Estero. Engage Estero was pleased to host Ron Gogoi, Transportation Planning Administrator at Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization, and Frank Domingo,Professional Engineer and Principal, Stantec Consulting, speaking to the development of a plan to reduce crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities on Lee County roads.
Presentation SlidesSummary
Road safety issues are on many residents’ minds in greater Estero and are of considerable interest. Despite the topic's importance, attending the Community and Member Meeting arranged by Engage Estero was disappointing. However, early voting concerns and cleanup after Hurricane Milton will have affected attendance.
A YouTube-edited video recording of the important information conveyed at the meeting can be seen by clicking on the link - https://youtu.be/ebpEeMb5E-g
Allan Bowditch, Engage Estero’s Chief Communications Officer, welcomed those in attendance and introduced the two eminent speakers:

Fank Domingo, Professional Engineer and Principal at Stantec.
Ron Gogoi, AICP Transportation Planning Administrator of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

Frank Domingo explained the various steps of the Safety Action Plan that involved

Identifying stakeholders.
Evaluating safety data.
Selecting proven strategies
Implementation

Frank pointed out that the work of Stantec and the MPO focuses on the wide range of available information and considers specific traffic studies conducted by various municipalities, which are incorporated into the following analysis and recommendations. He mentioned that although the Village of Estero’s traffic study wasn’t finalized, he had seen some provisional information and would review the findings when completed. Stantec is in close touch with the Village’s management team, particularly Steve Sarkozy, Manager, and David Willems, Public Works Director. The work of Stantec and the MPO was currently at the third step in the process – selecting proven strategies.
Lee County’s statistics on accidents are in the top 5 or 6 of the worst counties in the USA! There are around 100 deaths per year on Lee County roads and 600 serious accidents. The work that Frank Domingo pointed out identifies and focuses on those “corridors” with the highest level of accidents. Evaluating the cost implications of accidents is important to determine where best to spend funds to rectify the causes.
The Department of Transport determined in calculations that in addressing these problems, a life lost is $11M in these assessments. Although it is appreciated that this process may seem harsh, it is necessary to determine where extra funds may be needed. Safety assessment in greater Estero has been focused on US41, Estero Parkway, and Three Oaks Parkway. Frank asked the audience for their input on where else their work might be focused based on their local knowledge. The comments made were:
The design of pedestrian crossings and bike lanes seems to be an afterthought. This was felt to need improvement.
This led to a considerable amount of detailed discussion on this issue. While the existing road width determines the size of the bike lanes and pedestrian paths, it was pointed out that some municipalities had reduced the road width for vehicles and increased the size of bike lanes. While this slows down vehicle speeds and journey times, it also improves safety!
The discussion also centered on the use of electric scooters and e-bikes. These are often used on pedestrian and bike lanes, and there are clear dangers when these types of transport can generate speeds of 20 to 30 mph. Those who use them often wear no helmets; thus, they are associated with an alarming rise in injuries.
Some municipalities, like Estero, only allow Class 1 E-bikes (maximum assisted speed of 20 mph) on sidewalks and bike paths. Still, there are no consistent regulations in place that require further examination. Ordinances are in place in some municipalities, but Bonita Springs doesn’t have one, and Estero Village does. It was agreed that there needed to be more consistency across municipalities.
BERT would be worthwhile in helping improve safety. Concerns were expressed about the delays in moving forward with this initiative.
Enforcement of speed limits and red-light running requires more attention.
The use of cameras was discussed as an important means of enforcement.
Privacy concerns would need to be addressed
Narrow shoulders on I75 were criticized as dangerous. Law enforcement had safety concerns when pulling drivers over for traffic violations.
When the new entertainment complex is developed on Via Coconut and Williams Road, people will be using River Ranch Road, which is not designed to take a lot of traffic – this was expressed as a potential future concern.
Some side roads leading from Via Coconut and Broadway onto US 41 need to be examined.
High traffic density following concerts at Hertz Arena has led to huge delays for those leaving and those caught up in the traffic. Frustration can lead to errors of judgment and accidents – more should be done to address this. Cut-through traffic is a safety concern.
On East Corkscrew, more care is needed in the planning for gated communities on the north and south of the road to match their entrances and exits and enable one set of traffic lights to be used for multiple communities.
Other items mentioned included:

US 41 at Pelican Colony Blvd. The implementation of traffic lights has been delayed by the developer (on the east side); there have been accidents, including two deaths.
Problem on the west side of Williams Road at Walgreens – mini-roundabout would be sensible.
Need for a coordinated approach (Bonita Springs, Lee County, Estero Village) to widen West Corkscrew because of the developments near the gulf.

It was pointed out that various countermeasures can be used depending on the circumstance. These involve speed management, multiple procedures to enhance safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, and changes to intersections and road departures.
The chart below summarizes the road countermeasure. As mentioned earlier, they coordinate with the FDOT and consider the information provided by various municipalities when determining the needed actions.
The implementation process needs to incorporate the following aspects: education, encouragement, enforcement, equity, and evaluation.
Towards the end of the meeting, Ron Gogoi answered several questions that Engage Estero had received before the meeting.
Ron addressed the timeline for the Rails to Trails development and pointed out the lengthy process of obtaining grants and funding for the project. If funds are forthcoming, the earliest work to be completed would be in 2031.
The next question addressed was, “What are the plans to reexamine the possibility of extending Route 951 north of Collier County? And What route will it take?”
Ron first pointed out the route considered in 2005 as part of Lee County’s PD&E Study. Route 951 is an unfunded needs project in the Lee MPO’s 2045 Transportation Plan. However, a segment of this route called the Airport Haul Road Extension, north of East Corkscrew Road to Alico, is in the MPO’s Cost Feasible Plan and is expected to be built in the 2036 to 2045.
If it were to be reconsidered, the issues of the route to the south are far from clear. There was some discussion about whether the road could form part of Immokalee Road leading north, but no firm decisions about its construction or the route have been made. Various alignments will be considered part of the ongoing CR 951 Feasibility Study Alternatives, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Ron discussed the concerns expressed and the actions taken if a driver inadvertently drives the wrong way onto I75. These typically occur on the off-ramps in FDOT District 1, and the hot spots are all in Lee County. 75% of wrong-way driving occurs at night and is committed by inebriated drivers.
He pointed out that a wrong-way driver notification system on off the off-ramp is activated after a vehicle trips the detection devices to trigger LED warning lights around wrong-way signs. An automated alert is sent to the controllers at the Regional Traffic Management Center (located at the Daniels Parkway rest area), followed by pictures of the make, model, and color of the car along with the license tag. Drivers on I-75 are cautioned via Dynamic Message Signs (posted on I 75) within 15 miles radius for 15 minutes of where the incident occurs.
An Alert has also been sent to the Florida Highway Patrol. All but three off-ramps (both NB and SB) in Lee County are currently equipped with this system (see the slide presentation for details). By the end of the year, a notification system will be implemented at Bayshore, Colonial, and the Bonita Beach Road off-ramps.
Lastly, Ron mentioned that along East Corkscrew, the concerns that had been expressed about the dangers to schoolchildren when picked up by the school buses that were not previously allowed to turn into the entrances or a safe area of a community off the road had been mostly resolved.
One of the problem communities, Verdana, now has a protected stop on Verdana Village Boulevard (with access to the mail kiosk) opposite the new Publix, where children can board the school bus following an agreement between Lee County Schools and the development.Ron mentioned Broadway Avenue as a different example of a bus stop safety issue in Estero, where the Village resolved the problem of students having to wait on the pavement by building concrete pads of the road pavement with lighting and seating areas for students. Ron wished to know if there were similar issues of this nature within Estero that needed to be resolved.
Allan Bowditch mentioned several important upcoming meetings and plans for the New Year.

The Impact of Climate Change on Our Community, What You Need to Know & What Solutions Should be Implemented This Public Forum will be held on Tuesday, November 12, At FGCU’s Cohen Ballroom from 6 pm to 8 pm and supported by FGCU Water School. The impact of climate change on our community is undeniable, and we need to come together to address the pressing environmental issues we face. Your involvement is crucial and integral to ensuring our discussions are inclusive and reflect the community's needs and aspirations. Please visit our website, www.esterotoday.com, to register for the event. We look forward to seeing you there.
We will announce a celebratory meeting in December for our 25th Anniversary get-together shortly.
On Wednesday, February 26, at the Estero Recreational Center, we will hold a follow-up to the recent meeting on Road Safety. Don Scott, head of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and Camen Monroy, Strategist focused on innovative transportation at CTS Inc. On March 26th at the Estero Recreational Center, we will request that the village management share the outcome of the 2024 Traffic Survey results and their implications.

If you couldn't attend in person, you can still provide information about safety in Estero by completing the survey.
Take the SurveyAs part of the Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan, a dashboard was created to examine crashes in Lee County.
View the Dashboard

Rescheduled: Planning Zoning Design Board Meeting
2024-10-29 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.

Planning Zoning Design Board Meeting
2024-11-12 16:30, 2024-12-10 16:30 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States

November 2024 Public Forum: The Impact of Climate Change on Our Community
2024-11-12 18:00 - 20:00 | FGCU Cohen Center Ballroom, 11090 FGCU Blvd. N., Fort Myers, FL, 33965, United States
A Public Forum on the Impact of Climate Change on Our Community
Supported by the Water School at FGCU
Are You Concerned About the Urgent and Hazardous Nature of Climate Change? This forum was the first in a two-part series addressing Climate Change, Issues, Solutions, and Sustainability in greater Estero.
Greg Tolley, Dean, The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University, will moderated the Forum.
Panel Members:

Mike Savarese, Professor, Department of Marine and Earth Sciences, FGCU.
Matt DePaolis, Policy Director, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.
Codty Pierce, The Calusa Waterkeeper.
Jenny Morris, FGCU Graduate Student studying environmental issues.

Written Summary of the ForumYou’ll Learn:

What pressing climate change and warming issues threaten our environment and quality of life in greater Estero?
How are increasing temperatures directly impacting greater Estero?
What do climate change and warming mean in a municipal environment (transportation, energy efficiency, waste reduction, environmental sustainability growth policies?)?
What climate change and warming threat-mitigating projects can be implemented?
What examples of active participation are pivotal to driving the transformative changes we need?
What is a "Reasoned Plan of Action” approach?
What organization should lead the establishment of the approach in greater Estero?
How can we establish local climate change and warming efforts related to water quality, municipal climate change and warming, environmental education, and community engagement?
What are the potential sources of water pollution, climate change, and warming in greater Estero?
Given the continued growth in urbanization, is the quantity of water in greater Estero available from our aquifers?
What are the solutions if there is a potential water shortage?

Mike Savarese
Professor, Department of Marine and Earth Sciences, FGCU
Michael Savarese is a Distinguished Professor of Coastal Geology, Climate Resilience, & Preparation within the Department of Marine and Earth Sciences within Florida Gulf Coast University’s Water School. He has degrees in geoscience with background in coastal geology, paleontology, and sedimentology & stratigraphy. Throughout his years at FGCU, he has served as a liaison between scientists and managers/decision-makers.
Matt DePaolisPolicy Director, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
Matt has a master’s degree in marine biology and a Juris Doctorate with environmental and ocean and coastal law certificates from the University of Oregon. His strong science and environmental law background support leading the policy team and advancing policies needed to improve water quality and protect our natural resources.
Codty Pierce
The Calusa Waterkeeper
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.
Jenny Morris
Graduate Student Year: 2ndMajor: Environmental Science
Jenny Morris is a second-year master’s student in Environmental Science at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). She is actively engaged in research focused on climate change in Southwest Florida. Jenny's work utilizes advanced technologies, such as drone-based LiDAR, to study areas impacted by coastal changes. In addition to her research, she has gained valuable experience through internships and professional roles in environmental conservation in The Bahamas. Notably, she served as a Science Officer at the Bahamas National Trust, where she conducted ecological fieldwork.

3rd Annual Pedal for a Purpose
2024-11-18 08:00 - 17:00 | Lee Health Coconut Point
The 3rd Annual Pedal for a Purpose event will benefit the Lee Health Cancer Institute and the Cancer Care Communities Fund. Participants will be riding on a stationary bicycle and pedaling away to raise money for cancer care in Southwest Florida.

Friday, January 10

5-9 p.m.

Lee Health Coconut Point

23450 Via Coconut Point

Estero, FL 33928

Connect with your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers and put together your very own team!

Here’s how it works:

• There must always be a rider on the bike during the 4-hour pedal-a-thon.

• Riders can switch at any time and ride as little or as much as they want.

• Teams can have between 4 – 8 riders.

• A team captain is needed for registration purposes.

For questions, email Healthylifecenter@leehealth.org or call 239-468-0050.

Safe Streets for All: Public Meeting 2
2024-12-09 17:00 - 19:00
Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan will hold its second public meeting on Monday, December 9, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
The purpose of the second meeting is to gather safety issue feedback and present potential improvements to address the high crash areas. MPO staff and consultants will be available at the meeting to answer questions and provide a brief presentation.

Village of Estero Council Meeting
2025-01-08 09:30 - 21:30, 2025-02-05 09:30 - 21:30, 2025-02-19 09:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-05 09:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-19 09:30 - 21:30 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States

Planning, Zoning & Design Board Meeting
2025-01-14 16:30 - 21:30 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Genova Partners, LLC will be requesting approval of a development order to construct 11 townhomes and 20 single family (villa) units.
Estero Country Club is seeking to renovate one existing tennis court into 4 pickleball courts and add a new tennis court on the eastern portion of the club house located at 19501 Vintage Trace Circle.
Pruitt Family Real Estate Holdings, LLC, is proposing to convert the existing 4,800 square foot vacant old post office building into a small office building located at 8111 Broadway Avenue East.

FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps Open House
2025-01-15 16:00 - 19:00 | Lee County Administration, 2201 Second Street Room 118, Fort Myers, FL, United States
January 15, 2024 at 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Lee County’s Administration East Building, 2201 Second St., Fort Myers, 33901, in the Green Room on the first floor

Village of Estero Council Meeting
2025-01-22 09:30 - 21:30 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Headline: Items of Interest on Upcoming Village Council Meeting Agenda
The Village of Estero Council will discuss several important matters at its next meeting on Wednesday, January 22.
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 on the agenda:

Approval of the Estero Sports Park master plan, which will allow the Village to build on approximately 100 acres at Williams Road and Via Coconut. The park will include numerous recreational facilities for pickleball and tennis, track and field, baseball and softball, basketball, and a driving range, plus additional amenities including the High 5 entertainment complex, food truck parking, an entertainment pavilion, and more. After approval, the proposal will be with the South Florida Water Management District for review of the project’s stormwater plan.

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 “Special Village Council Meeting.”
How to Attend
This Village Council meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22, in the Council Chambers at Village Hall, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle.
Meetings are also streamed live online and can be accessed here.

Breaking Par at Grandezza 2025
2025-02-01 - 2025-02-02 | Grandezza, 11481 Grande Oak Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Breaking Par at Grandezza is the annual Golf Tournament and Gala raising funds for LEAD Estero, a local non-profit by students, for students, that funds scholarships and leadership training opportunities for Estero High School students. Engage Estero is proud to be a sponsor of the event! Tickets now available at: https://leadestero.ejoinme.org/BreakingPar25
Guest of Honor
Steve Sarkozy, the Village Manager of Estero since 2015. He had 45 years of local government experience when he came to Estero. Now in his 10th year the Village continues to grow and is considered by many as a premier location to live in Lee County.

Planning, Zoning & Design Board Meeting
2025-02-11 16:30 - 21:30 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States

Community & Membership Meeting: Traffic Safety Action Plan
2025-02-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Lee County MPO’s Strategic Safety Action Plan Traffic, Safety, Congestion, and Recommendations Part 2
Road safety has become an increasing concern for many residents in greater Estero. The presentation will look at the high-injury network and discuss potential solutions.
Engage Estero was pleased to host:

Don Scott, Executive Director of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Carmon Monroy, Senior Transportation Manager, CTS Engineering.

Full Summary of the MeetingQ&A Session SummaryDon ScottCarmen MonroyCommunity-Meeting-Feb-26th-presentation
Presentation Slides(download)
Background
This meeting is a follow up to the October 2024 meeting, featuring Fank Domingo, Professional Engineer and Principal at Stantec and Ron Gogoi, AICP Transportation Planning Administrator of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). You can find a summary of that meeting here.
If you can't attend in person, you can still provide information about safety in Estero by completing the survey.
Take the SurveyAs part of the Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan, a dashboard was created to examine crashes in Lee County.
View the Dashboard

2024 Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award
2025-02-27 18:00 - 21:00 | Estero Country Club, 19501 Vintage Trace Circle, Estero, United States
2024 Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award
Joe and Joni Pavich
were Honored at
The Don Eslick Person of the Year Award Dinneron Feb. 27, 2025
Estero Country Club at The Vines
On Thursday night, February 27, 2025, at the Estero Country Club at the Vines Engage Estero had the extraordinary opportunity to honor Joe and Joni Pavich with the prestigious Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award. This award recognizes their unwavering commitment and passionate belief in Estero for over 35 years.
Joe and Joni have shown incredible dedication through their volunteer work with various organizations in Estero, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Estero Forever Foundation, Bonita Springs Estero Realtors Association and Engage Estero. Their contributions are exemplary examples of community spirit and teamwork.
The couple worked tirelessly in their new Real Estate business after they arrived in 1989. Joe’s efforts to attract potential new residents highlight his belief in Estero as a great place to live. He didn’t just promote the community; he built a sense of belonging and excitement that resonated with newcomers. Meanwhile, Joni’s meticulous organization and people and sales skills ensured every initiative ran smoothly and efficiently. It was a team effort. “Our mom gets credit for finding the Estero area. She was the one who pushed us to come here,” recounts their sons, Joe Jr. and Jason Pavich.
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.

Planning, Zoning & Design Board Meeting
2025-03-11 16:30 - 21:30 | 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, March 11.
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.
Items for discussion on the agenda include proposals for:

Redesign of the outside of the South County Library located on Three Oaks Road, part of a larger renovation of the facility.
A public hearing on a potential relocation of the maintenance building at Estero Community Park.
Development of a Discount Tire store on Corkscrew Road and Corkscrew Commons Drive (in between Rib City and Mr. Tequila restaurants).

Additionally, the board will hear development project updates from Village staff.
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.”
