The Bonita Estero Rail Trail project (BERT) is not just a local initiative but a crucial part of a larger vision to complete the 420-mile-long Florida Gulf Coast Trail. This ambitious plan aims to connect communities from Tampa-St. Petersburg down to Naples, and the...
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.
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