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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more
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...

read more

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...

read more

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.

That is the concern of many residents along Corkscrew Road close to the Youngquist Brothers Rock Inc. mine.

A Bella Terra resident, Don Corbett, took the time to compile considerable data about rock mining in Florida, including the control of blasting and what can I do if I believe my property has been damaged.

In addition to gathering data, Don Corbett went to the mine and met the mine manager, making him aware of the resident concerns.

Meeting with Youngquist’s Blasting Monitor Consultant

That meeting resulted in a presentation at a Bella Terra HOA meeting January 17th by Mr. Jeff Straw, regional Manager for GESONICS INC. the company hired by Youngquist to monitor and record every blast at the mine.

Mr. Straw explained in some detail the methods used to collect and record blast data. The recorded data is then compared to State allowable legal limits to determine if Youngquist Brothers Rock Inc is complying with these requirements.

Mr. Straw indicated that the data GESONICS INC. has thus far collected on this mine is around 20% of the allowable levels.

The change that has made the noise and vibration levels more obvious to the surrounding communities is due to the way a mine pit is excavated.

He stated although the noise and vibration has increased the levels that could cause damage are well above recorded levels.

Damage Claims Procedure

If you feel damage has occurred, you do have recourse.

First file a complaint with the Florida State Fire Marshall.

Division of State Fire Marshall
Regulatory Licensing Section
200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee FL. 32399-0342

Filing a blasting complaint

In the compliant provide as much information as you can, including date and time of the blast, photographs and written statements from witnesses.

Following your submittal, a tracking number and investigator will be assigned.

The investigator will contact you, to inspect the property, and with the mining company.

Following a review of the results of the investigation by the Fire Marshall a determination will be made regarding possible actions to be taken.

The Division of the State Fire Marshall does not have the authority to award you any compensation for damage.

Seeking Compensation for Losses

To seek compensation for losses you may either request a hearing through the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings or hire an attorney to guide you through the process. DOAH can be reached by phone at (850) 488-9675 or the Web at www.doah.state.fl.us

January 19, 2018

Robert King
ECCL Transportation Director