Inside the Earth: A Koreshan Evening
2026-02-07 18:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Koreshan State Park 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33298
Stroll along softly illuminated paths as live piano and dulcimer music drifts through the night. Sample delicious desserts from local vendors, and watch demonstrations of pioneer-era skills and crafts. As you explore the beautifully lit historic grounds, you’ll encounter costumed volunteers sharing stories of the Koreshan Unity and their unique vision that shaped this community more than a century ago.

Nisita Concert Series
2026-02-08 15:00 - 17:00 | U. Tobe Recital Hall at Florida Gulf Coast University
Join acclaimed pianists Michael Baron and Priscila Navarro for a thrilling tribute to one of America’s greatest composers, George Gershwin, in honor of the USA Semiquincentennial.

Planning Zoning & Design Board Meeting
2026-02-10 16:30 - 20:00 | 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.

Prioritizing Your Health: Small Habits, Big Changes
2026-02-11 01:30 - 12:30 | Healthy Life Center – Coconut Point, 23450 Via Coconut Point Estero
This session explores how small, intentional lifestyle changes can lead to lasting improvements in physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Participants will learn habit-building strategies, S.M.A.R.T. goal setting, planning and tracking tools, and how to overcome common barriers to change.

2026 Legislative Update
2026-02-11 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
An in-depth look at the current state of Florida’s 2026 legislative session, with a focus on bills that could significantly affect local planning authority, land conservation, water management, and community resilience.

Ribbon Cutting for Fifth Third Bank in Verdana
2026-02-12 11:00 - 14:00 | 20001 Verdana Village Blvd., Estero, FL 33928
The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce is pleased to invite the community to a Ribbon Cutting for Fifth Third Bank in Verdana! Join us as we celebrate this exciting new location and welcome Fifth Third Bank to the Estero business community.
This event is FREE and open to the public, so come network with local business leaders, meet the Fifth Third Bank team, and help us celebrate another great addition to our growing community.
RSVP: Please confirm your attendance by emailing Alan Cruz at Alan.Cruz@53.com or calling 239-324-0024.

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.

Shell Walk
2026-02-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach FL 33931
Join a park ranger for a shelling trip along the Lovers Key shoreline. Learn the names of the seashells you find on your walk, fun facts about the creatures who craft them, and the shelling regulations that help protect these iconic Florida treasures.

Coconut Point Art Festival
2026-02-14 10:00 - 2026-02-15 17:00 | Coconut Point Mall, 23181 Via Villagio Drive, FL

WINK News Listens
2026-02-17 08:30 - 13:00 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
WINK News is offering the public a chance to talk with a reporter one-on-one about Estero. What’s great? What needs work? They will be at the Estero Park and Recreation Center on Tuesday, February 17 from 8:30am-1pm. This is a great opportunity to Get Engaged, Estero!

Safe Bicycling in Southwest Florida
2026-02-17 11:15 - 12:15 | Healthy Life Center – Coconut Point, 23450 Via Coconut Point Estero
This presentation covers safe bicycling in Southwest Florida, including the health benefits of cycling, Florida-specific risks and laws, helmet and gear essentials, the ABC bike safety check, defensive riding skills, heat, hydration, sun safety, crash response, and a wrap-up. We will also review the status of the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT) and how you can help support its future development.

Council Meeting
2026-02-18 08:00 - 17:00 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States

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

The History of Hurricanes
2026-02-21 09:30 - 11:00 | The Villages at Country Creek Clubhouse, 21180 Country Creek Drive
Local historian Jacob Winge presents The History of Hurricanes. Discover how past storms shaped Southwest Florida’s communities and gain perspective on the challenges we face today.

Community in Motion - Yoga + Sound Bath Wellness Event
2026-02-21 09:30 - 11:30 | Visual Arts Center CR | Arts Bonita, 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, 34135
Bonita-Estero Woman’s Club & Cancer Alliance Network in Partnership with Arts Bonita
https://www.bonitaesterowomansclub.org/calender

Wading Trip
2026-02-21 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-03-04 11:30 | Big Hickory Island, Bonita Springs
Discover first-hand why estuaries are known as “the cradles of the ocean” and take a refreshing journey into the waters of Estero Bay.

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

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/

Lunch & Learn: Heart-Healthy Living & Nutrition
2026-02-26 11:30 - 13:00 | Lee County Sheriff’s Office Miromar Outlet Community Outreach Center
Join the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) and the American Heart Association Southwest Florida for a FREE, informative Lunch & Learn focused on nutrition, healthy living, and overall well-being.

2025 Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award Dinner
2026-02-26 18:00 - 20:00 | 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.

The Big Shred
2026-02-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero
Drive up and have your paper documents transported to the on-site shredding truck by a Clerk team member. No plastic bags or electronics accepted.

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

Council Meeting
2026-03-04 09:30 - 17:00 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Among the items on the agenda:

A motion to approve a contract with Trask Daigneault, LLP, for legal services related to land use, including development code changes, planning and zoning, development orders, and more.
A resolution to allow part-time Village employees to purchase health insurance on a tiered price basis. These employees would pay 100% of the costs, but this move allows them to purchase through the Village’s insurance provider rather than at a higher cost through the general insurance market.
A second reading of proposed changes to the land development code, which was initially discussed at the January 21 Village meeting.

Councilors will also hold workshops to discuss water quality monitoring of the Estero River and Halfway Creek, the proposed construction of a Chick-fil-A restaurant at the corner of Corkscrew and Ben Hill Griffin Roads, and updates on code compliance and payment.
Residents who wish to comment during the meeting should complete a Public Comment Card. E-comment forms are also available before meetings and must be returned by noon the day before the meeting.
The full agenda and supporting documents can be viewed here by clicking “Village Council Meeting.”

When the Heart Struggles, Understanding Heart Failure
2026-03-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Healthy Life Center – Coconut Point, 23450 Via Coconut Point Estero
Join Dr. Elizabeth Cosmai, cardiologist at Lee Health, to discuss heart failure including signs, symptoms, and advanced heart failure treatment options.

Ribbon Cutting for The Brooks Town Center
2026-03-05 12:00 - 14:00 | The Brooks Town Center, 10020 Coconut Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
You’re Invited to a Ribbon Cutting Celebration!
Join us as the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce celebrates a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Brooks Town Center!
Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Noon
Brooks Town Center, 10020 Coconut Rd, Bonita Springs
This is a great opportunity for the public to connect, network, and be part of the celebration! There will be food and giveaways, and lots of great services to check out, including:
Burn Boot Camp
Barbershop – A Cut Above
Hoglund Family Hearing Center
LabCorp
Salon Crissar
A.N.Y. Pizzeria
Pinch-A-Penny
LivingWell Chiropractic
K.A. Nail Spa
Pack N Ship
FineMark National Bank & Trust
We look forward to seeing you there!
#EsteroChamber #RibbonCutting #BusinessCommunity #EsteroFL

Affordable Housing--Part 3. No Place Like Home
2026-03-07 09:00 - 11:00 | The Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson Street, Fort Myers and Online
Hear about the latest data, updated resources with policy analysis, and the “boots on the ground” perspective from a local developer grappling with rising construction costs and facing regulatory hurdles.

Southwest Florida Reading Festival
2026-03-07 10:00 - 16:00 | Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First Street, Fort Myers River District
Fun for all ages with presentations, book signings, meet the author events, vendors and food.

8th Annual Estero River Neighbors Update
2026-03-09 15:00 - 17:00 | Pelican Sound Golf and River Club, 4561 Pelican Sound Blvd., Estero, FL, 33928
The Estero River, and nearby Estero Bay, are two of our most valuable assets and their health and welfare are important to all of us. Come join us for an engaging afternoon of learning. This event is being hosted by our Pelican Sound Watercraft and River Committee.
Register at: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7n9t2D1fSkqeJb2dtc09aExVtXXeGqNJkaeeB43D0XtUQ05VOFlZU1hLMU9QQllTUVpDRFg1VkxXNS4u
Come learn about:

The plants and animals that inhabit these waters
Updates on items related to the Village of Estero (i.e., progress on Estero River dredging and septic to sewer projects)
Water Quality – environmental safety and improvements
Staying safe on the water

Eat Well for a Busy Life
2026-03-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Discover the 10 secrets to cooking healthier along with valuable time-saving tips.
