THE KEY POINTS EMERGING FOLLOWING THE ENGAGE ESTERO COMMUNITY MEETING ON SEPT 26, 2025
President Allan Bowditch summarized several significant developments that have recently commenced, as well as one of the most important projects that will begin in a few years, located along U.S. 41 north of the Hertz Offices at Williams Road.
The meeting also covered the alarming issue of “Property Fraud.” Kevin Karnes, Lee County’s Clerk of the Court & Comptroller, explained how this process works and what steps are needed to combat this serious problem. Also called Title fraud, it happens when someone uses a forged deed to sell or transfer property that isn’t theirs. Although a forged deed doesn’t actually transfer ownership, it misleads others into thinking that the property’s ownership has changed.
If you would like to view the summary report of the meeting or listen to the YouTube video, please visit http://www.esterotoday.com and click on the link on the first page.
Make a note of the Dec 11 Community Meeting at the Estero Recreation Center at 10 a.m.
At this meeting, we will have several important updates from Village Management.
THE MEETING AGENDA:
1. Final Results of the Village of Estero’s 2024 Traffic Study
2. Update of the Septic to Sewer Program.
3. Update of the Estero River Park Development.
THE 2025 DON ESLICK ESTERO PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD – GOES TO ???
After careful deliberation, Engage Estero is pleased to announce that Dr. Larry Antonucci, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lee Health, will receive this prestigious award.
We believe many Greater Estero residents share this view and that it is a very fitting and justified recognition for Dr. Antonucci. Under his leadership and dedication, Lee Health has provided Greater Estero with a broad range of healthcare services. In addition to the Health Center at Coconut Point, over the years, Lee Health has delivered the following health services:
UNIVERSITY HIGHLANDS
• Primary care services
• Rehabilitation
• X-ray and other imaging
• Mammograms and breast health
BONITA HEALTH CENTER
• Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Cancer Clinic – hematology and infusion
• Pain management
• Pulmonology
• General vascular surgery clinic
• Adult behavioral health
• Expansion of rheumatology
• Specialty gynecology
• Pediatric behavioral health
• Allergy
• Urology
• Gastroenterology
• Cancer rehab and Cookies Place for prosthetics, etc.
SWFL PROTON CENTER
• Imaging provided by Lee Health
• Radiation therapy
• Proton therapy – the only center between Tampa and Miami
In thanking Engage Estero’s President, Allan Bowditch, for the award, Dr. Antonucci said, “The mission of Lee Health is to be a ‘trusted partner,’ and our relationship with Estero is proof that we continue to invest to keep Estero a great place to live, work, play, and retire. As citizens of Estero ourselves, we remain committed to growing with the community.”
A special dinner honoring Dr. Antonucci will be held at the Estero Country Club at the Vines on the evening of February 26, 2026. If you’re interested in attending to congratulate Dr. Antonucci, please mark your calendar. More details about the event will be shared in the coming weeks.
WHY YOUR DONATION TO ENGAGE ESTERO IS VERY IMPORTANT
Engage Estero has significantly contributed to improving our community’s quality of life for over two decades. But to be effective, we need to secure funding and resources and have them available when the need arises. Given the pace of change in Greater Estero, residents are relying more and more on Engage Estero to keep them apprised and determine what action is needed and to help implement it.
We receive membership fees from many HOAs and gated communities, but this only generates about $11,250 in annual revenue. Our breakeven budget is $75,000. Out of our team of 26 volunteers (excluding those who help keep our roads clear of rubbish and volunteers helping with Junior Achievement courses), only our Webmaster and Communications Coordinator, who runs her business, gets paid!
Engage Estero is an IRS-registered 501(c)(3) organization, so all donations are tax-deductible.
Pictured are students at Three Oaks Elementary School after Engage Estero donated $2,500 to purchase aids for their Science, Technology and Math Lab.
There are many important examples of our recent work and why Engage Estero urgently requires your financial support to Make Certain our Future.
To Donate, please click here! https://esterotoday.app.neoncrm.com/forms/make-certain-our-future
