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Estero High School Assistant Principal Named AP of the Year
[dss_post_featured_image _builder_version="4.14.4" _module_preset="default" theme_builder_area="post_content" image_size="medium" hover_enabled="0" sticky_enabled="0" align="center"][/dss_post_featured_image]The Lee County School District announces David Howdyshell of...
Unique way to improve water quality and habitats
This article by WINK news covers a unique use of manufacturing waste to improve our coastlines. "Sanibel’s shoreline is getting protected with help from overseas. Thanks to help from the Dutch government, scientists and volunteers on Sanibel Island installed...
The ECCL’s “Adopt a Highway Program:” A Fantastic Volunteer Achievement Benefiting Everyone in the Greater Estero area
As you may be aware, the ECCL has been collaborating with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) since October 2020 to help clean Hwy 41, between the Vines entrance (Breckenridge Road) north of Walmart and south to Coconut Road. During the weekend of December...
Decreased Tire Life Causes Increased Stopping Distances
As residents of Southwest Florida, everyone has experienced those unexpected downpours while driving that some refer to as “liquid sunshine.” Do you ever consider how big of a role your tires play in giving your car, van or truck the proper braking and handling...
December 2021 ZOOM Monthly Meeting
Highlights of the 209th ECCL Membership Meeting December 10, 2021 After the welcoming remarks, President Jim Gilmartin introduced the speakers. Estero Mayor Katie Errington and Florida state Representative Adam Botana. Mayor Katy Errington. Mayor Errington provided a...
Featured Volunteer: Mike Wasson
Junior Achievement AmbassadorInterim Co-Chair, Education CouncilCommunications CommitteeECCL’s work and success would be limited if not for a committed and resolute team of volunteers. All our volunteers contribute to making the Greater Estero Area a beautiful place...
Act Now: Important School Funding Survey
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act was signed into law. The United States Department of Education (USDOE) is providing an additional $121.9 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III Fund). These grants will be...
From the Desk of Sheriff Carmine Marceno: Deepening Concerns for Cyclists
The population in Lee County continues to grow and, along with this growth, comes an increasing number of motor vehicles on our roadways and a larger number of residents enjoying biking. Both drivers and cyclists have responsibilities, as per Florida Statute, in...
Pollution Notification: Right to Know
The ECCL believes residents have a right to know about pollutants in our waters. The Safe Waterways Act (SB 604 / HB 393) is designed to address this public health risk. We encourage our readers to learn more about this effort, and then contact legislators with your...
Perfect for Christmas
The ECCL congratulates the 25 individuals who were voted the most influential in the Village of Estero in 2021
During a wonderful evening Gala Dinner at Grandezza on October 28th hosted by the Estero Chamber of Commerce, George Zalucki of the Chamber announced the 25 individuals selected by residents as the most influential people in our community in 2021. Sixty individuals...
The Adopt a Highway program has been re-commenced to keep Estero looking beautiful. Want to help?
The ECCL has embarked on a new season working with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to help clean Hwy 41, between the Vines entrance (Breckenridge Road) north of Walmart and south to Coconut Road. In October, the team collected a total of 640 pounds of...
What We Know About the Quality of Southwest Florida Water – Isn’t Pretty
Water is essential to life, and in Florida, it is also an economic engine that fuels $94 billion in annual tourism spending and $12 billion in local and state sales, hotel, and excise taxes, according to Rockport Analytics LLC. When our waterways...
Roundabout Myths and Tips
RoundaboutsMyths and How TosThe short video above shows how a multi-lane roundabout works. The sooner you need to turn, the further to the right side you drive.Fact vs. FictionFact: Roundabouts have fewer and less severe crashes, 90% fewer deaths, and 75% fewer...
October 2021 Meeting Summary and Video
October ECCL Monthly Meeting The October 8, 2021 meeting of the ECCL was held virtually on Zoom. The featured speakers speakers were: Jon McLain, Vice-Mayor of the Village of Estero Barry Freedman, Greater Estero Virtual Information Center Antonio Carangelo, ECCL...
Take Action: Right to Clean Water Legislation
The ECCL and Calusa Waterkeeper needs your help promoting the Right to Clean Water and the Florida Wetlands Protection amendment petitions to the state constitution before time runs out. Nearly 900,000 signatures need to be collected by November 30th to qualify the...
September 2021 Meeting Summary and Video
September ECCL Monthly Meeting The September 24, 2021 meeting of the ECCL was held virtually on Zoom. The featured speakers speakers were Lee County School Board Member Chris Patricca, Junior Achievement SWFL President Angela Fisher, and Estero Life Magazine Editor...
East Corkscrew Road Development and Growth
Greater Estero Community Report: Qtr 3 2021 East Corkscrew Road Development and Growth Most of you will be aware of the continued developments along East Corkscrew Road. The new developments outside the Estero Village boundary, include Wild Blue, The Place, Verdana,...
County Commissioner District Boundaries to Undergo Review
County Commission Redistricting Meetings Every ten years, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners is required to review population statistics with the goal of keeping similar population numbers within each commissioner's district boundaries. The delayed release...
Microorganism’s Macro Impact
History of the ECCL in Estero book now available
If you live in the Greater Estero Area you need to know this!There are many reasons why residents and visitors enjoy the lifestyle and ambiance of the greater Estero area, but this situation did not emerge by accident. How did this come about, and what will happen to...
Worth a Read: BikeWalkLee – Speed Kills
Speed kills For those of a certain age, the phrase “speed kills” may have many connotations. But today, we’re talking about the (literal) impact of increased speed limits on pedestrian injuries and deaths. A 2011 study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, looking...
Corkscrew Road Wildlife Crossing Update
Work is planned to begin construction on a wildlife crossing across Corkscrew Road in October. It will be located approximately 1000 feet west of the entrance to Cypress Shadows Boulevard, which coincides with a regional flow-way that crosses under Corkscrew Road at...
Resources for Veterans
The US Department of Veterans Affairs knows that current events can be causing stress for military veterans, especially those who served in Afghanistan. The following resources are recommended for those in need. Veterans Crisis Line - If you are having thoughts of...
Florida Department of Transportation Annual Report
The Florida Department of Transportation has released it's Annual Report for 2020-2021. It details the initiatives undertaken by the department, which regulates roads, ports, and railways throughout the State. You can view the report...
Litter Harms the Environment
Litter is not just a land problem. Because storm drains empty into our local waterways with little to no filtering, any object tossed on the road, flying out of an open truck bed, or left in a yard can end up in our river, estuaries, and beaches.
Insurance Discount Course for Senior Drivers
Section 627.0652, Florida Statutes, authorizes drivers who are 55 years of age or older to complete a Mature Driver (Senior Citizen) Discount course that is approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Upon successful completion of...
Worth a Read: “Army Corps’ Choice of Plan CC for Lake O Presents Opportunity for Relief”
The Friends of the Everglades report that the Army Corps of Engineers has chosen a promising plan, but the need for advocacy is still urgent. “While we’re encouraged by the Army Corps’ selection of Plan CC, the new Lake O playbook won’t be successful unless it’s...
Worth a Read: “Is an Ounce of Red Tide Prevention Worth a Pound of Cure?”
In "The Bradenton Times", Glenn Compton writes about the need to study potential links between stormwater treatment facilities' regulated discharges and algal blooms. These discharges, he writes, are not monitored, and so their contribution to the overall water...
When do you need a permit?
The Village of Estero has published a handy guide to help residents know when they need to obtain a permit to perform work on their property.
Masks effective against Red Tide
Florida Gulf Coast University's Water School has determined that the same masks the public has worn during the pandemic appear to filter airborne red tide droplets. People susceptible to respiratory illnesses, or who are exposed for long periods of time may find some...
Troubled Waters: A Public Health Hazard We need to act!
Troubled Waters: A Public Health Hazard During the height of the 2018 Blue-Green Algae and Red Tide HAB (harmful algal bloom) crises in Southwest Florida, Calusa Waterkeeper met and interviewed many of the nation’s leading research scientists studying HABs, but also...
Coexisting with Bicyclists: 10 Rules for Drivers and Cyclists
Cyclist safety is a huge issue in Estero, as multiple deaths have occurred in recent years. The Village is working on a master plan for pedestrians and cyclists, but until those plans are all completed, there are habits that drivers can develop to keep everyone...
Septic System Care
Septic systems that are poorly cared for can leak harmful chemicals into the water basin that lies beneath all of Southwest Florida. In addition to saving you money, proper maintenance of a septic system can protect the environment. This link is a helpful guide.
June 2021 Meeting Summary and Video
June ECCL Monthly Meeting The June 11, 2021 meeting of the ECCL was held virtually on Zoom. The featured speakers speakers were Alexis McLennan, Public Information/Public Education Director for San Carlos Fire Rescue; David Willems, Public Works Director of the...
May 2021 Meeting Summary and Video
May ECCL Monthly Meeting The May 14, 2021 meeting of the ECCL was held virtually on Zoom. The featured speakers speakers were Village councilmember Jim Ward, Estero Fire Rescue's Susan Lindenmuth, and Vice President of Lee Health Coconut Point Alex Greendood. You can...
Falls: The Good News and the Bad News
[dss_post_featured_image _builder_version="4.9.4" _module_preset="default"][/dss_post_featured_image]Prepared by the ECCL’s Health Council and the “Fall’s” Sub-Committee More people over 65 in Lee County die from a fall than all people who die in a motor vehicle...
2021 Scholarship Winners
2021 ECCL Scholarship AwardeesGroup photo: Left to right: Mike Wasson, Blake Chapman, Pamela Mueller, recipient Brian Robinson, Gail Langner, recipient Mary Sue Burun, Vicki Risko and Mark Novitski. ECCL, Estero Historical Society, and Estero Chamber of Commerce...
Over Two Tons of Rubbish Collected Off Hwy 41 in Estero Since October!!
The team of volunteers participating in ECCL’s Adopt a Highway initiative have collected well over two tons of rubbish which has included litter, tires, pieces of metal and other miscellaneous items since they started the program in October last year. This weekend’s...
Bicycle Safety in the greater Estero area
Bicycle Safety in the greater Estero area More and more adults and children are enjoying biking in the greater Estero area. The ECCL fully supports the initiatives of the Village in extending bike lanes and looking at new opportunities for those who enjoy...
ECCL Participates in Lee Health Coconut Point Drive-Through Health Fair
On Saturday April 17, 2021 Lee Health hosted a drive-in “Health Fair” at their Coconut Point complex. The aim was to increase awareness of the many advanced services available, their integrated approach to preventive healthcare as well as their state-of-the-art...
Important Water Quality Legislation in Florida’s House and Senate
Governor DeSantis appointed the Blue Green Algae Task Force in 2019 to “ensure that objective and sound science informs Florida’s environmental decision-making process.” They made their recommendations, and the resulting proposed legislation is currently being...
Development Activity Map from Lee County details New Construction
Lee County's mapping department has released an online resource for reviewing, locating, and determining the status of development throughout the county, including projects within Estero. The resource provides planning documents, mapping, a brief description and...
What impairs water quality in Southwest Florida?
The Calusa Waterkeeper conducted an assessment to understand the factors contributing to water quality impairment in Florida. The "Water Quality Impairment Status and Trends of Southwest Florida Counties - 2018-2020" assessment is essential for determining pollution...
Greater Estero Community Report: Qtr 2 2021
A short time ago, the ECCL released an important document that outlined the organization's strategic plans for the next five years. If you have not yet seen this document, you can access it by clicking here. A key focus within the plan will be Safety, one of the six...
Nancy O’Malley named ECCL Environmental Council Chair
Nancy O'Malley has taken on the role as the ECCL Environmental Council Chairperson, after Joe Micelli stepped down to spend more time lecturing at FGCU. Nancy, now retired, served as Chief Payment System Integrity Officer for MasterCard. She was responsible for...
ECCL Appoints Frank Moser ECCL Board Member
The Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) is extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Frank Moser to The ECCL Board of Directors. Frank Moser is a resident of Rapallo at Coconut Point. After graduating from Penn Technical Institute with a degree in...
The ECCL names Mark Ruset as Safety Council Co-Chair
Mark Ruset will take on the responsibilities for Safety as co-chair with Lou Frattarelli who will continue as co-chair of Transportation. These combined responsibilities represent an important step in the coordination the ECCL’s initiatives to improve the safety of...
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