Was that a slamming door you heard in mid-October? No, that was just the official end of the rainy season! It’s remarkable how predictable this transition is. Around mid-October, cold fronts from the north bring cooler temperatures and drier air, and this fall has been no exception. Historically, October rainfall is about 50% of September’s total.
We’re experiencing an unusually quiet hurricane season this year. We’re now in the second half of the historically active period, yet Southwest Florida and the entire eastern U.S. have remained calm. According to WeatherTiger, our weather has been calmer than 95% of recorded hurricane seasons! Let’s hope this translates into more favorable insurance rates. Now, if only we could do something about all the turbulence in Washington!
SEPTEMBER MASTER BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
BULK SERVICES COMMITTEE – COMCAST CONTRACT RENEWAL
The September Master Board Meeting addressed several important items, beginning with the Bulk Services Committee’s proposed Comcast contract renewal. This contract extends through December 2036, with options for specific services beginning in eight years.
The bottom line: We’ve achieved significant reductions in cable and internet service costs—approximately $450,000 in savings for each of the next two years, with continued savings throughout the contract term.
A complete summary of the new contract was distributed via email blast to all Grandezza residents following the September board meeting.
Our sincere thanks to the Bulk Services Committee—Peter Dersley (Chair), Mickey Wheeler, Sarah Hartman, Jim Alderfer, and Joe Flowers—for their dedicated efforts over the past year negotiating these favorable contract terms.
2026 OPERATING BUDGET
Master Association Treasurer Mickey Wheeler presented the proposed 2026 budget. The highlight: a $50 quarterly reduction in the Master assessment (included in your neighborhood assessment), effective January 2026, resulting from the renegotiated Comcast contract.
Comcast charges represent our largest expense at approximately 40% of the total Master budget, so this negotiated decrease has substantial impact. Mickey anticipates the Master Association assessment may remain level for several years thanks to these reduced costs.
The 2026 QUARTERLY ASSESSMENT WILL BE $550 PER RESIDENCE, COVERING:
• Comcast internet and TV
• Access control
• Landscaping
These three items represent 85% of our total expenses.
BEYOND THE GRANDEZZA BERMS AND BUFFERS/ DEVELOPMENT IN ESTERO AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Estero continues to be a major development hub in southern Lee County. You’ve likely noticed the new residential construction east of us on Corkscrew Road. While new construction has slowed nationally, it continues at a brisk pace in southern Lee County.
Verdana is the most active development on east Corkscrew, having delivered approximately 375 homes through September 30 of this year, with 1,350 total closed homes (out of 2,400 planned lots). With an estimated average selling price of $600,000, these homes add $225 million to the county tax base.
Kingston represents the largest footprint on east Corkscrew, having received final government approval for 10,000 homes on 6,000 acres near Route 82. Infrastructure development is currently underway and will take over a year to complete. Additionally, Collier County recently gave preliminary approval for two developments totaling approximately 9,000 lots just east of the Lee/Collier county line near where Corkscrew Road meets Route 82. This intersection will become a major hub in the future.
Kingston has provided Lee County with land to extend Alico Road east from its current southward bend to Corkscrew Road, allowing Alico to terminate near Route 82. Construction on this extension will likely begin in 2026. By the end of 2025, the number of sold homes on east Corkscrew is expected to exceed 4,500. To date, the Village has not entertained annexation requests from any east Corkscrew developments.
Don’t overlook the commercial expansion in and near Estero. The area north of Alico near I-75 is growing rapidly and will provide numerous employment opportunities.
ENGAGE ESTERO
Engage Estero, an active citizens group working with the Village Board on projects impacting our area, published an excellent report in September detailing the status of numerous developments in Estero. The scope of current projects including the pedestrian pathway along Corkscrew adjacent to Grandezza is impressive. Many developments are on Estero’s west side, visible when traveling the US 41 corridor.
Visit esterotoday.com to view the report. Remember, Estero is a “Government Light” community with the lowest tax rate of any municipality in Florida!
LOOKING AHEAD
We hope you’re making progress on your fall preparations for winter and holiday visitors. Wishing you a wonderful start to the holiday season!
