The Village of Estero Commemorates Don Eslick: A Legacy of Vision and Community!

On January 22, 2025, the Village of Estero honored the incredible contributions of Don Eslick—affectionately known as “Mr. Estero” and shared a commemoration plaque that symbolizes not just a person but a vision that we should continue to embrace.

One of Don’s crowning achievements was his key role in incorporating Estero in 2014. This was more than a milestone; it was a battle to protect our identity! With Don’s leadership, the Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL), now Engage Estero, prevented Bonita Springs’ attempt to annex our cherished town and empowered us with home rule. Our community now thrives with enhanced building standards and sustainable growth policies that ensure Estero remains the beautiful sanctuary we cherish.

Jim Gilmartin

Jim Gilmartin

President

Don Eslick honorary plaque

Don was a steadfast protector of our community’s character, ensuring Estero remained a vibrant and livable environment. Past Lee County Commissioner Frank Mann poignantly noted, “If the ECCL had not been there, we might have seen a large part of Lee County looking like wall-to-wall concrete.”

Don Eslick was not just a founding member of the ECCL—he was the driving force that fueled our community’s heart. From 2003 to 2018, his passion as President and Chairman reshaped our village, always with a laser focus on the residents’ needs and desires. Estero is the vibrant enclave it is today, thanks in no small part to Don’s extraordinary foresight during its pivotal development phase post-2000!

Don’s unwavering spirit and dedication have left an indelible mark on everyone who calls Estero home. He has given us more than service; he has given us a community rooted in values he championed daily. His work and his legacy continue to influence the area. The community remains committed to the vision he advocated for, ensuring Estero’s prosperity for future generations.

Finally, Don didn’t just serve; he built a community grounded in values we all cherish. As we celebrate his legacy, let’s recommit ourselves to this shared vision, ensuring that Estero remains a thriving hub for future generations. Let’s carry forward the legacy he so passionately created.

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At Engage Estero, we believe in the strength of the community. As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical nonprofit, we utilize evidence-based research to provide nonbiased information about community issues, empowering you to improve your quality of life.