EsteroToday.com by Engage Estero

November Member and Community Meeting
2023-11-15 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Protecting our Water and Environment
SummaryCaptain Codty PierceCalusa Waterkeeper Captain Pierce will discuss the urbanization of greater Estero: the threats to our water quality and what can be done to minimize the impact. He is a lifelong resident of the Caloosahatchee watershed. Growing up along one of its tributaries helped shape his passion, love, and admiration for the area’s history and biodiversity.
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.
Calusa Waterkeeper

Women’s Self-Defense Class
2023-11-15 17:00 - 19:00, 2023-10-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Lee County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Center-Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road Suite 190, Estero, FL, 33928
Description: Learn basic self-defense techniques Ages-13 & up Registration Email-glevine@sheriffleefl.org – Advance Registration Required!
Dress-Gym attire

Village Council Meeting
2023-11-15 09:30 - 17:00 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
The Village of Estero Council will discuss several important matters at its next meeting on Wednesday, November 15.
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 to be discussed:

Contract negotiations with the top firm, as ranked by the Village’s selection committee, for construction management of the Estero Entertainment Center project. The final contract will be brought back to the Village Council for approval at a future Council Meeting.
An update on progress on the River Oaks Preserve project at 9541 Broadway Ave. E
Revision to land development codes regarding parking standards for hotels and motels, day care center standards, and detached residential garages

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.”

Village Planning Zoning Design Board Meeting
2023-11-14 16:30 - 17:00 | 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, October 14.
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 to be discussed:

An application by Hilton Garden Inn to build a 5-story, 115-room hotel at 8009 Sweetwater Ranch Boulevard (at the corner of Via Villagio, next to the Estero Fire Station). Village staff have recommended approval, with some changes required
A development plan for a 15,000-square-foot daycare, Coastal Palms Academy, to be built on a 3.5-acre site at 9600 Corkscrew Road (at the corner of River Ranch Road)
A project update on the Estero Entertainment Complex. At their November 15 meeting, the Village Council will discuss beginning contract negotiations with the construction firm ranked first from the Village’s request for proposals for this project.

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.”

Board of Lee County Commissioners Zoning / Comp Plan Hearings
2023-11-08 08:30 - 10:30, 2023-10-18 09:30 - 10:30 | Old Lee County Courthouse, 2120 Main Street, Fort Myers, FL, United States

Board of Lee County Commissioners Workshop
2023-11-07 13:30 - 14:30 | Administration East Building, Conference Room 118 2201 Second Street, Fort Myers, FL, 33901, United States

Board of Lee County Commissioners Meeting
2023-11-07 09:30 - 10:00 | Old Lee County Courthouse, 2120 Main Street, Fort Myers, FL, United States

GO Divas Benefit Concert
2023-11-05 16:00 - 18:00 | Lamb of God church
Gulfshore Opera’s GO Divas, a popular women’s vocal ensemble will perform “Divas through the Decades” at this benefit concert at Arbor at Lamb of God Church.

The Big Shred
2023-11-04 12:00 - 14:00 | Estero Park and Recreation Center
Drive up and have your paper documents shredded at Estero Park and Recreation Center. Limit three banker boxes per car. No plastic bags or electronics accepted.

Affordable/Attainable Housing in Lee County
2023-11-04 09:30 - 11:00 | The Collaboratory
John Talmage, Director, Economic Development, Lee County and Ali Ankudowich, Florida Housing Coalition will discuss affordable housing, an ongoing concern in Lee County. This unmet need was documented in the 2020 Lee County Gap Analysis. This need has become more critical to the most vulnerable populations and those without the resources to recover following Ian.

Jaws vs. Claws
2023-11-03 19:30 | Estero High School, 21900 River Ranch Road, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Engage Estero is proud to sponsor the annual Jaws vs. Claws High School football game between rivals Estero High School Wildcats and the Bonita Springs Bullsharks. The fun community event begins at 7:30 here at the Estero High School field. Tickets can be purchased at the door, but all tickets sales will be online, so bring your phone.

Koreshanity: Estero's New Age Religion
2023-11-03 09:00 - 10:00 | Koreshan State Park
Join a park ranger for a fascinating overview of Koreshanity, the unusual religion that was practiced by the members of the Koreshan Unity.

Safely Slimming Down: Unveiling the Truth about Weight Loss Medications
2023-11-03 09:00 - 10:00 | Lee Health Coconut Point
Learn the potential risks and benefits associated with weight loss medications, so you can make informed decisions.
Venue: Lee Health Coconut Point

Andrus Madsen, Harpsichord & Susan Ogata, Violin
2023-11-02 19:30 | FGCU
An evening of music that will transport listeners to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Mall Mutts
2023-11-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Lee County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Center-Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road Suite 190, Estero, FL, 33928
Adoptable and adorable dogs visit from the Gulf Coast Humane Society.

Y&HOW Sustainability Workshop: Alternative Proteins
2023-11-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Ms. Renee Bell, Senior Science Content Specialist from the Good Foods Institute will lead a virtual program on alternative protein options and why they benefit climate goals.

Village Council Meeting
2023-11-01 09:30 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Agendas are available the week prior to the meeting at https://esterotoday.com/meetings

Spooktacular Night at Estero
2023-10-28 17:00 - 20:45 | Estero Park and Recreation Center
Annual Trunk or Treat followed by a Movie in the Park. The park is accepting trunker applications.

The Future of Estero: Public Forum
2023-10-25 18:00 | FGCU Cohen Center Ballroom, 11090 FGCU Blvd. N., Fort Myers, FL, 33965, United States
Public Forum
Greater Estero's Future : The Impact of Urbanization and Development
Wednesday, October 25, 2023FGCU Cohen Ballroom
A Panel Discussion featuring local experts moderated by Shelton Weeks, FGCU Professor of Economics and Finance.
Engage Estero conducted a free public forum on the impact of urbanization and land development and how it will affect Estero's future. The platform featured expert panelists on land development and smart growth issues facing greater Estero. The discussion focused on the impact of urbanization as more people come to live in greater Estero and the current and projected level of development in greater Estero.
We improve our programs by gathering feedback from attendees. If you saw our forum in person or via video, please take a moment to provide some guidance for our future forums and meetings. Thank you.
Provide FeedbackNovember 2023 Greater Estero Community ReportRead the SummaryKey Concerns
The impact and benefits of inevitable urbanization in Estero - yes, it is here and growing. Urbanization is the process through which cities typically grow, and higher and higher percentages of the population come to live.
Mixed-use developments, a type of urban development that blends multiple uses, such as residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or entertainment, into one space and represents most projects critical to creating public amenities.
How developers and planners will address concerns about the impact of urbanization and water quality and quantity.
It's all about creative and adaptive reuse that spans economic, social, and ecological benefits. Selected benefits include sustainability, addressing carbon burdens in the built environment and reusing existing materials and infrastructure, avoiding new-construction costs, and low acquisition costs.
Why the retail landscape is undergoing significant shifts due to changing consumer behaviors, the continued immersion of e-commerce into our daily lives, and how retail spaces' re-purposing benefits our communities.
Held October 25th at FGCU’s Cohen Student Center Ballroom, the forum highlighted the initiatives in place and under consideration for developing the Greater Estero area. FGCU Professor Shelton Weeks moderated a four-member panel about these initiatives and what steps could be completed to improve the vision and objectives. The forum was sponsored by Greg Tolley, Executive Director of FGCU’s Water School.
The meeting was recorded and watched by an additional 780 residents during the two weeks following its release. If you want to view the meeting recording, please click here.
Attendees and panel members noted the difficulties of the current and future traffic congestion on East Corkscrew Road and Coconut Road (West.) Village Manager Steve Sarkozy, a panel member, detailed what efforts are being considered on these challenges. He also discussed current plans for future projects.
Engage Estero’s management team prepared several recommendations for consideration that emerged during the forum:

The Village needs to encourage public input much earlier for planned developments and recreational changes being considered, as panel member Jim Wallace suggested.
The Village often takes a “hard line” to achieve the acceptable Village requirements from developers to fit the vision for the Village. But there is a need for a more cohesive vision for the Village that takes account of all the developments and how they can enhance our community holistically.
It was suggested that the Village consider engaging with a planner or company with a proven track record in “thinking outside the box” to put forward their vision of what Estero will need to meet our future requirements. This does not imply that Village management is doing a poor job but that outside perspectives can provide a broader vision, considering potential shifts in the behavior and needs of the public.

The Hosts
Dr. Aysegul Timur, Opening RemarksPresident of FGCU Aysegul Timur, Ph.D., was selected to become Florida Gulf Coast University's fifth president on May 4, 2023, and was confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors on June 22, 2023. Timur’s selection as FGCU’s next leader is historic, as she is the first woman and immigrant selected to lead the university.
Dr. Shelton Weeks, Moderator Professor of Economics and Finance Dr. H. Shelton Weeks is the Lucas Professor of Real Estate and Director of the Lucas Institute for Real Estate Development & Finance. He teaches corporate finance, investments, and real estate. Dr. Weeks has extensive industry experience in real property valuation, emphasizing senior living projects. Dr. Weeks serves on the academic review panel of The Appraisal Journal and is the former Managing Editor of the Journal of Housing Research and former co-editor of the Journal of Real Estate Practice and Education.
The Experts
Daniel DeLisiLand use planning and water/environmental policy consultant Daniel DeLisi is a local water and environmental policy consultant/lobbyist and land use planner for local governments, agricultural property owners, and developers interested in ecological enhancement. In May 2011, he was appointed to the water district governing board. DeLisi earned his master's degree in city planning at MIT. DeLisi served as a planning consultant for the Estero Community Planning Panel prior to incorporation and was engaged in drafting Estero’s first community plan and design guidelines.
Ross McIntoshSenior commercial real estate broker and respected speaker Ross Mcintosh has sold and assembled billions of dollars for land development or re-purposing in Lee and Collier counties. Ross has been located in Naples, Florida, for approximately 21 years. He previously served as Vice President of Axios Systems Inc., engaging and promoting developing, producing, and distributing computer software and computer systems design.
Steve SarkozyVillage of Estero Manager Steven R. Sarkozy serves as the Village Manager in Estero, Florida. As Village Manager, Sarkozy serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Village, responsible to the Village Council. He keeps the Council fully advised on the financial condition and future needs of the Village and makes such recommendations to the Council. Steve came to the Village in November 2015 with 45 years of local government experience, the latest as City Manager for the City of Carlsbad, California. He also served as City Manager to the City of Bellevue, Washington; the City of Roseville, Minnesota; and the City of Geneva, New York.
Jim WallaceKey principal of Genova Realty LLC Since 1990, Jim has designed, marketed, and built 2,295 for-sale residences in 6 communities, including Piper's Grove and Calusa Bay in Naples, Florida, Lighthouse Bay at the Brooks, and Rapallo and Genova in Estero. Before moving to Florida in 1990, Jim was Creative Director and Managing Partner of Publicite Wallace/Saffer in Montreal, Canada. He has served on the Village of Estero Planning, Zoning, and Design Board For eight years and taught a Real Estate Development Practicum at Florida Gulf Coast University in 2019 and 2020.
Thanks to our Sponsor

LCSO Women's Self-Defense Class
2023-10-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Lee County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Center-Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road Suite 190, Estero, FL, 33928
On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Miromar Outlets Community Outreach Center will be hosting our R.E.A.D.Y. class from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. The outreach center is located at the Miromar Outlets in Suite 190 (10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero).
This FREE class is open to women age 13 and up. To register, please email Gary Levine at glevine@sheriffleefl.org. Seating is limited.

Woof Walk
2023-10-25 10:30 - 11:30 | Lee County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Center-Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road Suite 190, Estero, FL, 33928
Furry friends from ARC (Animal Refuge Center) will be meeting and greeting guests!

Speaker Series: Ponce de Leon
2023-10-21 09:30 - 11:00 | Country Creek Country Club, 21180 Country Creek Drive, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Presenter, local historian Jacob Winge, will talk about de Leon’s interaction with our part of Florida. Program includes a continental breakfast. Advance registration is required.

Mastering Your Medications: A Comprehensive Guide to Knowing Your Prescriptions
2023-10-20 09:00 - 10:00 | Lee Health Coconut Point
A Lee Health pharmacist will delve into the essential knowledge every patient should have about their medications. Feel empowered to make informed decisions about your prescriptions.

Village Council Meeting
2023-10-18 09:30 | Village of Estero, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
The Village of Estero Council will discuss several important matters at its next meeting on Wednesday, October 18.
These meetings are an opportunity for residents to learn more about upcoming projects and decisions in Estero and to voice questions, concerns, and comments on these topics.
Among the items to be discussed:

Demolition of a building at 8801 Corkscrew Road as part of the village’s larger Estero on the River improvement project
A revision to the procedure for public comment during village meetings. After the Council approves these revisions, they will be posted to the Village of Estero website for public review.
An update to the Habitat Community Development District (CDD), which encompasses the Bella Terra community, to allow the CDD oversight for security measures, including but not limited to guardhouses, security systems, gates, and more

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 “Village Council Meeting.”

Board of Lee County Commissioners Meeting
2023-10-17 09:30 - 10:30 | Old Lee County Courthouse, 2120 Main Street, Fort Myers, FL, United States
Agendas are posted approximately one week prior to the meeting.​ You can view the agenda and watch meeting videos on their agenda website. You can also view the meeting stream on LeeTV, Youtube, or Facebook Live.

Sip and Stroll for a Cause
2023-10-14 17:00 - 20:00 | Coconut Point Mall
Support the Lee Health Cancer Institute in an evening of shopping, store events, fashion show, live music, auctions and more. The event is open to the public, with a bonus bracelet of extras benefitting the institute available.

Plant This, Not That
2023-10-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Master Gardener Debbie Boyles will share Florida friendly alternatives to invasive plants that will attract birds, butterflies and beauty to your yard.

Yard Sale
2023-10-14 07:30 - 17:00 | Estero Historical Society
Save the date for the Fall Yard Sale benefiting the Estero Historical Society.
