THE ESTERO SPORT AND RECREATION COMPLEX
On May 23 Michael Comparato, Director of Vieste LLC, and Project Manager of the Sports Complex, addressed residents at the Engage Estero Community Meeting and outlined the steps that will be taken over the next few years to complete what will be the largest investment in the Village of Estero since its incorporation in Dec. 2014. There was excellent participation from residents, and after the meeting, almost 300 residents watched the YouTube recording of the meeting.
If you would like to catch up on the details discussed, please click on https://esterotoday.com/event/may2025/
WIDENING I-75 FROM 6 LANES TO 10 FROM CORKSCREW ROAD TO IMMOKALEE
As a result of residents’ concerns relating to the likely increase in traffic noise resulting from the development, Engage Estero’s team has been proactive on many fronts!
The latest update was provided recently, inviting citizens to sign at the end of the article to let us know their concerns so that we could pass them to FDOT, the Estero Village Council, and Management on your behalf. The link is https://esterotoday.com/i-75/.
• Local HOAs and Gated Communities Management have been contacted, and a series of “next steps” have been itemized https://esterotoday.com/i-75/.
• A Podcast involving an interview by Mike Wasson, Communications Deputy Director & Education Coordinator, and Allan Bowditch, President, was prepared that also explained several aspects relating to the residents’ concerns and the dangers not only of the increased traffic noise but also of the increased health dangers.
• Allan Bowditch, President, was interviewed by WINK News about residents’ concerns on this issue, and was featured on the 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. news bulletins on Tuesday, June 10, click: https://www.winknews.com/fdot-to-expand-i-75-to-10-lanes-from-southern-lee-county-into-collier-county/video_d2eaddf7-1542-5343-b2ef-1dc4c7067c28.html.
• Carmen Monroy, Senior Transportation Manager with CTS Engineering, who has worked at FDOT in the past, stressed the need for residents to make their views known. The upcoming Public Meeting is on August 14 at North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples, FL 34109. Doors will be open at 4:30 p.m. with the Formal Presentation at 6:00 p.m.
ADDITIONAL HURRICANE GUIDANCE
As hurricane season begins, most of us know to stock up on water, secure our homes, and keep an eye on the weather forecast. But for some in our community—those with medical needs, mobility limitations, or pets—being truly prepared takes a little extra thought and action. Now is the time to plan to ensure everyone in your household, including your furry family members, is safe and cared for in the event of a storm. The article will be sent out shortly and will be listed on our website at http://www.esterotoday.com
FUTURE PLANS
• Engage Estero’s Community Meeting on September 26 at 10 a.m. at the Estero Recreation Center.
• Mary Gibbs, Estero’s Community Development Director, will summarize several of the major Commercial and Residential Developments taking place and the complex nature of working with developers that gained approval for the land development prior to the Village’s incorporation.
• Clerk Karnes, Clerk of the Court will address the property fraud alert service, a free service that alerts you if a fraudulent deed is filed in your name!!
• Towards the end of October (date, time and place to be determined) the Community Meeting will address the latest news of the new Proton Therapy Center. We also hope to address the legal change to the regulations related to HOAs and Condos in Southwest Florida.
• In the Spring of 2026 a Public Forum is planned on March 17 at 5 p.m. at the Cohen Ballroom to address: “Where is Estero Headed? What are the plans and aims for the municipality? Will we still be a Village? An important meeting for greater Estero residents so take a note of the date and venue now!
YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED!
As you can see from above there is a range of extremely important issues that the Engage Estero team of volunteers has been working hard to address.
We have been in touch with the Village of Estero’s Management and the Mayor Joanne Ribble who have agreed to lend support to help alleviate the impact of I-75 being widened through Estero from 6 lanes to 10! We have also involved the Lee Metropolitan Planning Office and the Florida Department of Transport as well as other Traffic experts. The team has also assisted local communities with their traffic concerns and will aim to better understand the results from the Village Traffic Survey and the actions that are planned once the final analysis has been completed.
These aspects are only a part of what the organization is involved with to try to ensure we continue to enjoy our quality of life in Estero. But we cannot do it without an increase in our financial support. We are a registered 501 (c)(3) organization, and all but our Webmaster and Communications coordinator who runs a business are unpaid volunteers. But, there are many aspects of expenditure in what we do. Obtaining expert input, covering the costs of our communications and the information provided at our Community Meetings and Public Forums, paying for our YouTube videography, conducting Podcasts and the cost for updating our equipment, setting up an emergency fund for local residents who suffer storm damage etc.
Please help us to help you! If you are in a position to help,
Please make all checks payable to “Engage Estero.”
Mail checks to:
Engage Estero
P.O. Box 424
Estero, FL 33929
Or, pledge online using the link:
https://esterotoday.app.neoncrm.com/forms/make-certain-our-future
Allan Bowditch
President, Engage Estero
