Featured Events

Community & Membership Meeting: Proton Therapy for Cancer

Learn about why Proton Therapy can provide an important alternative to traditional radiation treatment. This form of treatment which was only available in other parts of the USA now means that residents will have this form of treatment on their doorstep.

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Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd
Estero, FL 33928 United States
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Village of Estero Meetings

01 May
9:30 am
14 May
15 May
9:30 am
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Safety Council

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.

Latest news…
Low hanging tree limbs impact fire safety!

Low hanging tree limbs impact fire safety!

Low Hanging Limbs Damage Fire EquipmentLow hanging tree limbs along access roads cause preventable damage to the community's fire equipment. Not only does this waste community funds on repairs, it could possibly cause delay and unnecessary difficulty for firefighters...

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The Dangers Associated with Septic Systems

The Dangers Associated with Septic Systems

The Dangers Associated with Septic SystemsEstero has changed dramatically since the first inhabitants settled in the early 1900s. These early settlement areas did not have sanitary sewer systems, and homes relied on wells and septic systems. Some of those holdover...

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Environment Council

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.

Latest news…
Adopt-a-Highway Program Re-Commences for the Season

Adopt-a-Highway Program Re-Commences for the Season

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...

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Right to Clean Water

Right to Clean Water

Engage Estero needs your help supporting the Right to Clean Water Florida constitutional amendment before time runs out.How do I Help?In order to be on the ballot, the amendment must receive a set number of signatures from Florida registered voters. Click for petition...

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Health Council

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.

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Education Council

Engage Estero mobilizes volunteers in our schools, sponsors scholarships, and promotes the involvement of the community through announcements and public forums.

Latest news…
Health and Safety Issues: GECR Quarter 2, 2022

Health and Safety Issues: GECR Quarter 2, 2022

Important Health and Safety Issues in the Greater Estero Area The ECCL is pleased to provide the second quarter’s Greater Estero Community Report (GECR) for 2022. Each of the articles contained in the report focus on aspects of importance in our area. We discuss:...

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Exceptional Talent in Estero: GECR Quarter 1, 2022

Exceptional Talent in Estero: GECR Quarter 1, 2022

Exceptional Talent in the Greater Estero Area The ECCL is pleased to provide the 1st quarter’s Greater Estero Community Report (GECR) for 2022. Each of the articles contained in the report focus on aspects of cultural talent in our area.   We discuss: World Class...

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Updates on Issues of Impact

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.

A Community Engagement Association

Education

Through the Engage Estero Education Committee we are actively supporting and improving education in the Greater Estero area. Learn more about what we’re working on when it comes to improving education in Estero.

Environment

Educating residents on how we can protect and improve water quality

Community Health

Researching, publishing, and providing forums on current trends in healthcare.

Safety

Publishing original research and facilitating community feedback on safety issues facing our area. 

Activism

Arranging volunteers for community enhancing activities including school volunteers and Adopt-a-Highway teams.

Next Meeting

Public Forum

Recent Events

Bidders rush to get auctioneers attention at Breaking Par at Grandezza.

Breaking Par

Public Forum

April Forum

Our Achievements

Over the years we’ve accomplished a lot as a completely volunteer organization. From local school and education initiatives, to working with community groups, to helping restore Estero historic buildings and monuments to working with FGCU on secondary educational iniatives, we’ve been hard at work and have accomplished some major achievements over 25-years. 

Public Forums and Meetings

Engage Estero has hosted public meetings with local decision-makers and experts to update residents and to provide an environment for questions and answers. Topics included so far include development, education, water quality, healthcare and more. Our community and membership meetings are always open to the public and we actively seek to provide informationon topics our residents care about most.

Protected the DR/GR

We collaborated with Lee County, environmental groups and developers to negotiate environmentally reasonable means of developing Corkscrew Shores in the DR/GR.

Incorporation of the Village of Estero

We coordinated all efforts resulting in the successful vote for the establishment of the Village of Estero. Work included initiating the feasibility study and charter and conducting public workshops to inform the community about the benefits of incorporation. We still advoate for improved services within the Village structure.

Averted 951 Interchange

The removal of CR 951 and Coconut Road interchange from the 2035 Transportation Plan due to its placement in environmentally sensitive lands.

Transportation victories

Our actions led to accelerated funding of the widening of Corkscrew Road east of I-75. Prevented funding of CR 951 between Bonita Beach Road and Alico Road between the Stonybrook and Wildcat Run communities through the Grandezza community.

Sponsor 2023 Breaking Par Gala

The LEAD Estero event which generated $106,000 Net Proceeds used for: 

  • $25,000 FGCU Endowment Fund
  • Held week-long Entrepreneur Leadership Camp at FGCU with 18 High School Students participating.
  • Provided 4 additional $1000 Scholarships in 2023 and more to come. 
  • Additional donations to various local student charities. 
  • Since 2013 Breaking Par has totaled $561,000 in net proceeds all for the betterment of education. 

Estero Historical Society Deck

Engage Estero donated $3,000 as an organization, and executed a fund-raising campaign that garnered over $20,000 to replace the ADA deck that provides access to both historical buildings.

Development of the Coconut Mall

We implemented high-quality design and architectural standards, including landscaping designs, in the original Estero Community Plan, which resulted in the one-of-a-kind Coconut Point Mall.

Estero Community Plan

We contributed to the update of the Estero Community Plan to protect the quality of life of the community.

We contributed to stopping the I-75 flyover overpass

Joining with other civic groups, we thwarted the construction of an I-75 flyover east of Coconut Road, avoiding disruption, additional noise, and potential loss of property values for several Estero Communities.

Defeated mining on Corkscrew Road

We helped convince the Lee County Board to deny permits for three major mines on Corkscrew Road. Mines impair adjacent wetlands, which protect us from flooding and further contaminating Estero Bay. Teaming up with our rural neighbors, we stopped our roads from being traveled by thousands of dump trucks.

We collect survey opinions

Our assistance resulted in the collection of 1,000 responses to the Estero needs assessment, and we shared the survey results with the Estero Village Council.

Secure Volunteers

Helped Lee County Schools to secure volunteers, implemented Junior Achievement programs in five Estero area schools, and to mentor students and veterans at Florida Gulf Coast University’ Institute for Entrepreneurship. We also provided volunteer “grandparents” to provide a listening ear and support for local students.

Prepared a Transition Book

Prepared a Transition Book to assist the new Village Council members as they took on the responsibilities transferred to them on March 17, 2015.

Monitor Planning and Zoning Matters

Communications to over 10,000 households significantly increased citizen participation in the Village’s Planning and Zoning Board and Design Review Boards activity.

Controlled Noise

We collaborated with the Grandezza Community and Lee County to minimize adverse noise and visual impacts of university community development south of FGCU.

Protect the Environment

We keep residents apprised of projects impacting our water quality and quantity, as well as area wildlife. Our targets included Estero on the River, Hertz Arena’ Weeks Fish Camp, and residential development and mining proposals in the Density Reduction/ Groundwater Resource area along east Corkscrew Road, inside and outside the Village boundaries.

Share Information on Healthcare Developments

We supported the development of Lee Health Coconut Point. We provided regular updates on the progress of the 172,000- square-foot Healthcare Village that opened on December 3, 2018.

Team up with Other Community Groups

Using our communication capabilities, we collaborate with community organizations, like the Koreshan State Historic Site, the Estero Historic Preservation Citizens’ Committee, and the Estero Art League, to strengthen their effectiveness.

Issue Warnings About Tropical Storms

At the Village’s request, we help inform residents about storm preparedness and emergency contact information in the event of a hurricane.

Sponsor Meetings as a Clearinghouse for Ideas

Engage Estero’s community and business representatives and the public participate in monthly meetings, unencumbered by Sunshine Law restrictions that can hobble Florida government bodies.

Extended Hours at Bonita Community Health Center

Engage Estero worked to extend the hours at the Bonita Community Health Center to better serve residents until the 24/7 emergency department was available in Estero.

We harness the Experience of Residents

Engage Estero members have decades of experience in governmental and civic matters that communities and citizens can access to guide Estero’s future.

Annual Scholarships to Students

Engage Estero, the Estero Historical Society, and the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce presented $1000 Scholarships on May 4, 2023, at the Seniors Awards Night at Estero High School Auditorium. Winners were based on student-submitted essays.

Original Research & Reports

Engage Estero compiles and publishes original research on important local issues throughout the year. The quarterly Greater Estero Community Report digs deep into important issues such as healthcare, education, development and the environment. We also keep an ongoing record of developments that will affect our area. Our councils publish informative articles to educate and update residents. 

Latest News & Original Articles

Check out our latest news & original articles sections for the latest information on what Engage Estero is working on at any given times, as well as information on Estero News and the matters and issues that matter to Estero residents. We’re working hard as an all-volunteer community organization and non-profit to bring all residents of Estero together to help steer our community in a great direction now and well-into the future.  

What you need to know about Atrial Fibrillation or A-fib

What you need to know about Atrial Fibrillation or A-fib

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...

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Our Residents’ Pride In Estero

Our Residents’ Pride In Estero

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...

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