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…
Sign-Up for Property Fraud Alerts

Sign-Up for Property Fraud Alerts

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...

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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…
Landmark Victory for Florida’s Future

Landmark Victory for Florida’s Future

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...

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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.

Latest news…
Let’s Make Estero A HeartSafe Community!

Let’s Make Estero A HeartSafe Community!

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...

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Wellness: What is it and Why is it Important?

Wellness: What is it and Why is it Important?

(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...

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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…
Estero High Cambridge Students Recognized

Estero High Cambridge Students Recognized

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...

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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.

water pollutionMany do not know that our deteriorating water quality is impacting the health of our economy and the residents of Estero and Southwest Florida. The ECCL has a significant role in bridging this education gap. We collaborate with other local groups such as the Calusa Waterkeepers to inform civic leaders, business owners, homeowner associations, and residents about the roles each of us can play in preventing pollution and restoring waterways and habitats.

Cyanobacteria (blue-green bacteria) proliferate in the nutrient-rich fresh waters of Florida. Increased contamination of our local waterways has been identified as a significant contributor to increased red-tide blooms and green algae. The adverse impacts on the environment and the local economy are well documented. For these reasons, our efforts also include public outreach and advocacy focused on educating our community on the sources of pollution, their impact on the economy, and what prevention and remediation steps are required.

Although not very glamorous, one of the most critical and impactful projects for which the ECCL advocates is the Village of Estero “Septic to Sewer” project.

Florida Gulf Coast University has been vocal in addressing pollution in the Estero River. Over a thirteen-month window, FGCU collected samples from seven locations along the Estero River.

Kayak on the Estero RiverData collected by FGCU has indicated a high degree of human fecal bacteria pollution at various times and in various locations along the river. So, while it might be safe to be in the water on some occasions, at other times, the level of pollution exceeded Lee County standards and posed a significant health risk. While this study could not draw a direct connection to specific leaking septic systems as the source of pollution, it is believed many mobile home parks, with aging septic systems located along the Estero River, could be major contributors.

Many residents know that the Village of Estero plans to develop a park along the river. This area is where the Koreshan State Park and campground are located. The Village has implemented a plan to correct septic tanks and related issues. The ECCL will provide more information on the various steps and the implications for those with septic tanks in an upcoming article.

Written by Nancy O’Malley, Chair of the ECCL’s Environmental Council.