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…
Traffic on Corkscrew Road – Traveling East Corkscrew Road. Is it Safer?

Traffic on Corkscrew Road – Traveling East Corkscrew Road. Is it Safer?

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.

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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…
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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Your Healthcare Actions for 2024

Your Healthcare Actions for 2024

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...

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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.

DRGR_01DR/GR stands for density reduction – groundwater resource.

It is a large area of land (over 80,000 acres) just east of Estero that was established jointly in 1990 by the State of Florida and Lee County with the specific purpose of protecting the principal water supply for most of Southwest Florida including both Estero and Bonita Springs as well as Fort Myers, Cape Coral and even areas of Naples.

The density reduction name refers to how land was to be developed in this precious natural area- only one home per 20 acres of land.

What is happening?

For several years, the 5 person Lee County Board of County Commissioners has encouraged development of the DR/GR alleging that development will not harm the groundwater resource property. Developers have successfully lobbied the Board and produced so called scientific studies that support a pro development position.

Studies done by several independent agencies including FGCU show just the opposite effect predicting that development in the DR/GR could cause it to lose its ability to safely collect rainwater, leach it down to the main aquifers that store our water and thereby permanently harm our water supply, not to even mention the adverse effect on our wild life habitat of which the DR/GR is a principal part.

The Lee County Commissioners have quietly pursued development which has lacked transparency and now seek to eliminate something called MAP 14 which defines the area and restricts development. The effect of this would be to open lime rock mining and development in this precious area. Lime Rock mining is one of the harshest forms of activity that a land area can experience. They allege that Lime Rock supplies are dwindling, and new mines need to be opened. Again, independent studies note that there are adequate supplies of Lime Rock for at least 25 years.

Is the DR/GR area being developed?

Residential Developments affecting the DR/GR

Yes, there are new developments under construction or pending that total 4,450 units that directly impact the DR/GR area. Pepperland Ranch plans 700 homes, and The Place at Estero is already building 1325 homes and Wild Blue has started another 1000 units. Verdana approval is pending for another 1425 units. Drive 7 miles East on Corkscrew Road past I-75 and see for yourself. The one home per 20 acres is being replaced by much denser construction, as many as 12 homes per acre, this does not include all impervious surfaces, roads, parking lots, etc. etc. nor does it include the commercial, educational and retail development that will be necessary to support all the residential construction.

Why should you care?

Your water supply is at risk – traffic is at risk – public safety is at risk but unfortunately, the Village of Estero has no authority to regulate this reckless development in unincorporated Lee County to our immediate east. Since Corkscrew Road is the principal access/egress, we are the victims not the benefactors.

What can you do?

Write the Lee County Commissioners and demand that they stop development of the DR/GR and maintain Map 14 development restrictions that preserve and protect our water supply. Attend their meetings and voice your concern. They meet at 9:30AM on the first and third Tuesdays of each month in the Lee County Building in downtown Fort Myers. There is always a public input opportunity required by law.

The Commissioners and their contact info are:

  1. John Manning       239-533-2224           Dist1@leegov.com
  2. Cecil Pendergrass 239-533-2227            Dist2@leegov.com
  3. Larry Kiker             239-533-2223           Dist3@leegov.com
  4. Brian Hamman      239-533-2226           Dist4@leegov.com
  5. Frank Mann           239-533-2225            Dist5@leegov.com

The developers have very, very deep pockets so a grass roots public campaign must occur – you are urged to share this information as widely as possible. Many Estero communities have launched efforts like this to inform the public and urge public action.

Scotty Wood
Estero resident