Engage Estero Safety Council is made of volunteers serving as a voice for the citizens of greater Estero on safety and transportation priorities and issues. We advocate for related solutions to Village, County, and State Government organizations.
Road Safety in Greater Estero By Contributing Author, Mark Novitski, and Engage Estero Consultant. Everyone has their definition of what determines road safety or, conversely, what makes our roads unsafe. In writing extensively about Corkscrew Road, I have...
Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comprtroller Kevin Karnes is now offering an alert notification system for Lee County property owners to reduce fraud. When you sign-up, if a deed, mortgage, or other non-Court official record is recorded in your name, you will be...
Engage Estero Environment Council is a volunteer group focusing on improving water and air quality and mitigating and eliminating the effects of climate warming in greater Estero.
During the weekend of April 6th, Engage Estero’s team of volunteers, organized by Julie Yellig, collected 360 pounds of bagged litter. A total of 2.2 tons of litter has been collected since the end of April 2023 (the end of last season), and an astonishing 10 tons...
by Mark Novitski, Consultant to Engage Estero. Mia McCormick, Advocate, Environment Florida, identifies why we need wildlife crossings: “Each year, animals at risk of extinction die when cars and creatures collide on Florida roadways. It is the number one cause of...
Engage Estero Community Health Council comprises health* and safety-minded volunteers who think about community health comprehensively with a common desire to improve the overall health of the citizens of greater Estero.
The facts Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 300,000 lives annually. Approximately 95 percent of SCA victims die before they reach a hospital or receive medical attention. How Can We Help Reduce This...
(Written by Lee Health for Engage Estero’s Health Council) Much has been mentioned on news programs and other media about Wellness. However, it is seldom explained or fully understood. During a meeting of Engage Estero’s Health Council earlier this year when this...
Engage Estero mobilizes volunteers in our schools, sponsors scholarships, and promotes the involvement of the community through announcements and public forums.
By Mike Wasson, Director, Engage Estero The Village of Estero Council issued a Proclamation its Meeting on Wednesday, March 6th honoring 39 Estero High School Students who were presented the Cambridge Outstanding Learners Awards. In his remarks, Jon McLain, Village of...
The Future Plans for our Schools and Students' Education in Greater EsteroBrought to you by the Engage Estero Education Councilby Mark Novitski, Consultant to Engage EsteroPrincipal Leslie Gunderson in her office at Pinewoods Elementary School behind a table full of...
Engage Estero believes the best way to get a community involved is to make sure they are aware of the issues impacting their future, and know how to impact those decisions before they are made. We conduct and publish original research and articles aimed at getting residents Engaged.
During the weekend of April 6th, Engage Estero’s team of volunteers, organized by Julie Yellig, collected 360 pounds of bagged litter. A total of 2.2 tons of litter has been collected since the end of April 2023 (the end of last season), and an astonishing 10 tons...
Road Safety in Greater Estero By Contributing Author, Mark Novitski, and Engage Estero Consultant. Everyone has their definition of what determines road safety or, conversely, what makes our roads unsafe. In writing extensively about Corkscrew Road, I have...
Engage Estero wants to thank everyone who took part in the process of helping define Estero's Sense of Place. Following a presentation in February of 2024 by Tony Carangleo, watch online here, Engage Estero offered prizes to residents who submitted written...
The facts Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 300,000 lives annually. Approximately 95 percent of SCA victims die before they reach a hospital or receive medical attention. How Can We Help Reduce This...
https://www.esterotoday.com/event/apr2024/
Decreasing Traffic Congestionin Greater EsteroTraffic congestion in greater Estero is a persistent challenge that requires a multifaceted approach involving various professionals and strategies. Some of the key contributors to solving this issue include:Transportation...
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of fun, music, and community spirit at Estero Fest 2024! Hosted by the Greater Estero Chamber, this vibrant festival is set to light up the Estero Community Park with a day packed full of activities, entertainment, and...
by Mark Novitski, Consultant to Engage Estero. Mia McCormick, Advocate, Environment Florida, identifies why we need wildlife crossings: “Each year, animals at risk of extinction die when cars and creatures collide on Florida roadways. It is the number one cause of...
Landmark victory for Florida’s future will impact the proposed Bellmar and Kingston Developments, as they cannot receive their permit through Florida’s flawed program. By the Conservancy of Southwest Florida with permission to Engage Estero. February 16, 2024 Federal...
As a result of Estero’s local volunteer effort, 620 pounds of bagged litter was collected this month. That amounts to over 2 tons, which has been collected from Estero's Hwy 41 since the end of last season. The Adopt a Highway program area covers the distance between...
It has come to the Engage Estero management team's attention that many residents who travel along East Corkscrew Road are extremely concerned about the potential dangers posed by the road works taking place along various stretches of the road. These concerns...
(Written by Lee Health for Engage Estero’s Health Council) Much has been mentioned on news programs and other media about Wellness. However, it is seldom explained or fully understood. During a meeting of Engage Estero’s Health Council earlier this year when this...
By Mike Wasson, Director, Engage Estero The Village of Estero Council issued a Proclamation its Meeting on Wednesday, March 6th honoring 39 Estero High School Students who were presented the Cambridge Outstanding Learners Awards. In his remarks, Jon McLain, Village of...
By Mark Novitski, contributor and Engage Estero consultant Unfortunately, widening, building, or modifying a road takes longer than people think! It is a complex process. Each stakeholder has several complicated processes to ensure the project is run correctly. The...
The Warning Bells are Ringing! But What Can We Do About Climate Change?On Thursday, Feb 8th, 2024, scientists said the world surpassed a key warming threshold across an entire year for the first time on record, calling to slash planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions....
(Written by Allan Bowditch, Engage Estero’s Chief Communications Officer) The Nisita Concert Series at the Bower School of Music and the Arts continues to provide internationally acclaimed musicians of the highest standard to local residents. On Tuesday evening, Feb...
February 2024 Greater Estero Community Report Our 1st quarter GECR provides a comprehensive list of new and planned residential, commercial, recreational and transportation developments in the Greater Estero Area. This list is always a work in progress but...
Health: Your Healthcare Actions for 2024 In the early part of the New Year, taking stock of your health and the actions you should consider to help minimize your reliance on physicians and other healthcare...
2023 Annual Report2023 was a year of change, growth and activity for Engage Estero. Starting with a new name to reflect our new focus, Engage Estero hit the ground running with a full year of Informing residents via email and public forums, engaging the people of...
What is Estero's Sense of Place?During the Community and Member Monthly Meeting held at the Recreational Center on Jan 25th, Tony Carangelo, Engage Estero’s Chief Research Officer, spoke about this important topic as Estero continues to develop and grow. Tony first...
What helps to enhance Longevity?During the recent Engage Estero Community Meeting on January 25th at the Estero Recreational Center, Jodi Walborn, Blue Zones, and Policy Lead discussed the thought-provoking but realistic insight into what we can do to increase our...
In January, Engage Estero’s Adopt a Highway team collected 560 pounds of bagged litter, along with various items of wood, metal and assorted plastic parts. That amounts to 1.6 tons which has been collected from Hwy 41 (41 between the Vines entrance (Breckenridge Road)...
The weekend before Christmas, the Engage Estero’s Adopt a Highway Program volunteers collected 780 pounds of bagged litter and miscellaneous items such as wood, metal, and plastic parts. The Florida Department of Transportation established the program, and our efforts...
The Future Plans for our Schools and Students' Education in Greater EsteroBrought to you by the Engage Estero Education Councilby Mark Novitski, Consultant to Engage EsteroPrincipal Leslie Gunderson in her office at Pinewoods Elementary School behind a table full of...
River Oaks Preserve - Estero's Natural GemstoneIt’s Thursday morning and Florida Gulf Coast University students are arriving at River Oaks Preserve to earn required Service-Learning hours. They are greeted by a volunteer who quickly puts them to work. Today, the...
Lee Health Coconut Point 5 Year AnniversaryWritten by Allan Bowditch, Engage Estero’s Chief Communications Officer;Photos by Ed Weil, Engage Estero Committee MemberLee Health Coconut Point celebrated five years of outstanding patient care and growth in the Estero and...
Sponsored by Engage Estero, LEAD Estero develops “Leadership Summer Camp at FGCU” for High School Students“Students helping Students,” says Jeffrey Stevens, Founder and President of LEAD Estero. That motivated him and his brother Matthew Stevens to start LEAD Estero....
We Are Poisoning The "Jewel” of Estero-Estero Bay-Many residents living in greater Estero are unaware that Estero Bay was the first aquatic nature preserve established in Florida in 1966. It is a 10,000-acre Florida State Park with water, inlets, and islands along a...
If You are Tired of Watching TV and Playing Golf, Do we have Leadership Opportunities for You!We seek experienced private and nonprofit leaders who want to make a difference in our community. You don’t have to be an expert in any field to be successful. A commitment...
What you need to know about Atrial Fibrillation or A-fibA-fib is a severe cardiac (heart) disease! Do you have A-fib? If you answered no, how do you know? 10% of the 5 million US adults who have it have no idea they do! That’s 0.5M adults who have NO idea they have...
Over this last weekend, Engage Estero’s Adopt a Highway Program volunteers collected 780 pounds of bagged litter and numerous wood/metal/plastic parts. The Florida Department of Transportation established the program, and our efforts helped clean Hwy 41 between the...
November 2023 Greater Estero Community Report Our 4th GECR summarizes the outcome of the recent Public Forum on the urbanization taking place in greater Estero and what this and other developments will mean for the future. Residents learned what initiatives are in...
The Viral Trifecta is Here: What Should You Do About It?The viral trifecta, COVID-19, FLU, and RSV is in our midst. Before you decide, what to do about it please discuss it with your health care provider. Here are some of the known facts:Written by Robert P. Belin,...
How Impact Fees Support Infrastructure in SW Florida What you need to know.Most people believe “Growth should pay for Growth.” In SW Florida, specifically Lee County, new development should pay for the infrastructure to support the new development.by Mark Novitski,...
East Corkscrew Road had improvements in 2014/2015 to help with traffic, but it was not enough. Lee County Department of Transportation (LDOT) collaborated with the developer as the Wild Blue Estero, FL development was planned and approved. LDOT required the Wild Blue east entrance to line up with Bella Terra Blvd.
In 2018, with road impact fees, LDOT installed a traffic signal at Bella Terra Blvd and Corkscrew Road. In April 2021, East Corkscrew Road widening, Phase I (Ben Hill Griffin to the east border of Bella Terra) started. As the Rivercreek development was planned and approved, working with LDOT, their entrance was aligned with the west entrance of Wild Blue. In 2023, the Rivercreek developer, GL Homes, worked with LDOT to fund a traffic signal. There is still hope the Wild Blue community will pay their fair share, as the warrants are not there for LDOT to fund a traffic signal.
The Adopt A Highway Program Has Been Re-Commenced Keeping Estero Looking Beautiful. Want to help? Engage Estero’s Adopt a Highway group of volunteers has embarked on a new season working with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to help clean Hwy 41 between...
Why Every Community and HOA Should Consider Having a Civic Liaison or CommitteeBy Mark Novitski, Consultant to Engage EsteroPlanning and Zoning - VillagePlanning and Zoning - CountyTransportationLee County School DistrictOverview A lot is happening in Southwest...
Update on Sunday Farmers Market by the Friends of Koreshan State ParkThe Friends of Koreshan State Park reported on their Facebook page that they will be re-opening their Sunday Market at a new location starting Sunday, September 17. Starting at 8:00 am until 1:00 pm,...
September 2023 Greater Estero Community Report Our 3rd GECR provides an essential update on the various building developments that will likely be scheduled in greater Estero over the next few years, together with an update on what changes we can expect regarding our...
Updated: June 2023
Items of Interest on Aug. 22, 2023 Village Planning, Zoning and Design Board Meeting Agenda The Village of Estero Planning, Zoning and Design Board will discuss several important matters at its next meeting on Tuesday, August 22. These meetings are an opportunity for...
The Village of Estero is Planning to Conduct a Comprehensive Traffic StudyEngage Estero is pleased to inform you that an Estero Village-Wide Traffic Study is included in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget. The Village advertised the Village-Wide Traffic Study on July...
Will the Village Reconsider the Closure of the Golf Driving Range?Follow up post to this article: https://www.esterotoday.com/the-williams-road-golf-driving-range-is-slated-to-close/ Estero is urbanizing! Increasingly, this is affecting traffic patterns and resident...
How You Can Impact the Future of Greater Estero Development | Traffic | PlanningEngage Estero, an all-volunteer, nonpolitical, nonprofit Community Engagement Association, believes there is a critical need to look closely at the collective impact on traffic because of...
The Williams Road Golf Driving Rangeis Slated to Close!The Village management and Council have decided that the Driving Range will close. Given the facility's remarkably elevated level of use and the lack of access to practice facilities within a reasonable distance,...
No such thing as a healthy tan.As we continue to be concerned about the high temperatures being recorded across the USA and Europe, Engage Estero’s management team would like to remind you of the continued need for caution when outside in the sun not just from...
New Law Requires Condo Associations to Conduct Structural Inspections and Maintain Reserves-For Condo’s Three Stories or More HighThe Engage Estero organization would like to keep owners and HOA’s informed of the following new legal requirements for condominiums which...
Our June 2023 Education Newsletter covers Principal Gunderson’s retirement, Essay Scholarship Winners, and JA programs held this year.
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