AN INSPIRING LEADERSHIP TRANSITION: A NEW CHAPTER FOR ENGAGE ESTERO
Engage Estero is pleased to announce an exciting leadership transition strengthening its commitment to our community’s well- being. Jim Gilmartin, the president, will move on to the board of directors. This move allows Jim to continue guiding Engage Estero with his visionary insights and strategic expertise, ensuring our organization remains steadfast in its mission to enhance the quality of life in Estero. Allan Bowditch, Engage Estero’s Chief Communications Officer, is stepping into the role of President.
Allan and his communications team have enhanced the quality of the information Engage Estero provides to its growing number of residents, now over 12,000. Allan’s background as former CEO and Chairman of a leading international marketing consulting organization and his leadership style position him perfectly to lead Engage Estero into this new era.
Lisa Khorey will oversee Communications with Mike Wasson as deputy. The rest of the team comprises Kim Dailey, the communications coordinator and Webmaster, Heather Doane, Zach Katkin, and Kim Henderson.
Some Key Outcomes from the Community Meeting on Road Safety Feb. 26
Although a complete summary of the meeting and the YouTube video are available on the website http://www.esterotoday.com, a few key points emerged.
• During the 5 years of a recent crash analysis, there were 3,000 crashes in Estero! Eighty of these resulted in a serious injury or fatality. This is higher than the expected average in Florida.
Mathew Maher, Senior Associate, Traffic Engineer, Stantec Consulting, has put forward several important recommendations:
• To limit traffic turning right or left at US 41 and Williams Road light only on the green arrow. They will be prevented from turning across the south and north moving traffic after the green arrow signal has stopped – it will then be red.
• Line of sight: Ensuring that landscaping does not interfere with one’s ability to see clearly at a junction.
• Improving crosswalk visibility: Parallel lines are being replaced by cross-hatching and ladder-style markings that are far more visible. Lighting is also a factor in specific locations that involves floodlighting solutions focused on the pedestrians.
• Vehicle Detection Technology to avoid T-bone crashes at traffic lights: In Lakeland, the municipality has implemented several modifications. We’re seeing measures that could be adapted to county or state signals in the future.
• The value and importance of roundabouts in reducing serious accidents and speeding traffic flow.
Carmen Monroy, Senior Transportation Manager, CTS Engineering, explained the importance of embracing workforce housing in Estero to help reduce commuter traffic. Ensuring local workers have more affordable apartments or homes not only reduces traffic coming into Estero but encourages key workers like teachers, healthcare workers, support staff of many types, and first responders to remain in their place of work to avoid disruption and the difficulties employers face in having to seek new staff repeatedly. Don Scott, Executive Director of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization, referred to the earlier details of the proposed MPO plan:
• I-75 widening from Golden Gate Parkway to Corkscrew Road – 6 to 8 lanes
• Three Oaks Extension from North of Alico Road to Daniels Parkway – New four lanes Phase I under CST
• I-75 and Daniels Interchange – DDI (diamond exchange) and 8 lanes from Fiddlesticks to I-75 (8 lanes in Three Oaks Phase II) • Corkscrew Road from Bella Terra to East of Alico Road – 2 to 4 lanes under CST completion Spring 2026
• Alico Road Connector from Airport Haul Road to SR 82 – New four lanes.
The projects that will start soon (in 2 years) include widening I-75 to 8 lanes from Golden Gate to Corkscrew Road, which should be accomplished in the next 5 years. Three Oaks Parkway will also be extended from Alico Road to Daniels, and an 8-lane section on Daniels from Fiddlesticks to the I-75 interchange will also be completed.
The extensive information, together with the many questions that were addressed, can be accessed on the website http://www.esterotoday.com.
The April Community Meeting at The Estero Recreation Center April 23 at 10:30 a.m.
The meeting will cover:
• Improvements in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
• Improvements in getting AEDs to patients in need quickly.
• The Rights for Clean Water in Greater Estero.
Engage Estero is pleased to inform residents of the upcoming meeting on April 23 at 10:30 a.m. at the Estero Recreational Center. The topics being covered will provide important information about the steps being taken locally and elsewhere that could provide valuable information to help enhance the quality of life that Estero can offer residents. The speakers are:
• Dr. Mark Bloomston, M.D., Medical Director, Florida Center for Pancreatic Diseases, Lee Health
• Brian Hurwitz, Member of the Engage Estero Health Committee
• Joseph Bonasia, Operations and Communications Director for FloridaRightToCleanWater.org
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.
Be Informed, Get Engaged, and Make an Impact!
