Joanne Ribble elected Mayor and George Zalucki elected Vice Mayor as three Councilmembers start new four-year terms on March 19, 2025
Front row: Councilmember Lori Fayhee, Mayor Joanne Ribble, Councilmember Jim Ward. Back row: Councilmembers Jeff Hunt, Jon McLain, George Zalucki and Rafael Lopez. The meeting started with the Honorable Rachel Loukonen, 20th Judicial Circuit Judge, administering the oath of office to Joanne Ribble. District 1, Jeff Hunt, District 2, and Jim Ward, District 6. These Councilmembers were sworn in to serve four-year terms. Elections are staggered so that elections occur every two years. Former Mayor Jon McLain passes gavel to Mayor Joanne Ribble Council then voted to elect District 1 Councilmember Joanne Ribble as the new [Read More.]
Elevate Florida Mitigation Event
Elevate Florida is a first-of-its-kind, groundbreaking statewide residential mitigation program. Led by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), this program is designed to protect homes and communities by reducing damage caused by natural disasters like hurricanes and floods. Printable Flyer with Information about the Program When March 24, 10 am - 7 pm EST with full presentations at noon and 5 pm Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd S. Water School Building March 25, 10 am - 7 pm EST with full presentations at noon and 5 pm Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd S. Water School [Read More.]
Grease and oil do not belong in septic systems
If your home uses a septic system, never pour grease, oil, or chemical down your drains. These substances can kill the bacteria that treat your waste water in the tank. The county provides multiple ways to dispose of hazardous liquids - which can be found at: https://estero-fl.gov/for-residents/hazardous-waste-disposal. For more ways that septic system owners can protect our waterways, see our webpage for preventing water pollution.
South County Regional Library and Discount Tire among topics addressed by the Planning, Zoning & Design Board on March 11, 2025
Public Hearings South County Regional Library Lee County was seeking approval of the exterior modifications to the entrance as part of the library’s interior renovation. The County will be adding pavers, benches, updated landscaping and enhanced lighting on the building and landscape to make the entrance more attractive. The drop box on the building will be lit for security purposes. Proposed materials for the new entry include aluminum pre-finished panels and Nichiha pre-finished cementitious wall panels. The 32,600 square foot building opened in 1996. The Board voted to approve this application. Public Information Meetings Estero Community Park maintenance building relocation [Read More.]
Click it or Ticket: Driving Safety
The danger isn’t always you. You never know when another driver will make a dangerous mistake. Buckle up. https://estero-fl.gov/teen-driving/ #SafeEstero #drivingsafety #teendrivers
Estero Fest 2025 – fun for everyone
Estero Fest 2025 offers something for everyone to enjoy from 1-8 p.m. on March 15. There will be 4 live bands, 11 food trucks, a beer & wine garden, a Kids Zone, a business expo, Estero Fire Rescue and Lee County Sherriff’s Office displays, and Estero Councilmembers celebrating the Village’s 10th anniversary with handouts. The bands start playing at 1 p.m., led off by the Swamp Blues Band, followed by the Sudamerica Latin Groove Band, Incorrigibles Band and Ben Allen Band. Food selection includes everything from snacks, BBQ, Greek, Mexican, hamburgers & fries to ice cream. Food truck vendors include Between [Read More.]
Flood Awareness Week, Finance Certificate of Achievement and eminent domain among topics addressed by Council on February 19, 2025
Front left to right: Floodplain Manager Kristin Schumacher, Mayor Jon McLain, Public Works Project Manager Robert Wiley, Community Development Director Mary Gibbs and Planning & Zoning Administrative Assistant Lisa Reitbauer. Back: Councilmembers Lori Fayhee, Larry Fiesel, Vice Mayor Joanne Ribble, Councilmembers Rafael Lopez, George Zalucki and Jim Ward. The meeting started with Mayor Jon McLain presenting a proclamation in coordination with Lee County and local area municipalities proclaiming Flood Awareness Week in the Village of Estero, March 3 – 9, 2025. The Village experienced severe weather in the past several years resulting in flooding in both coastal and riverine areas [Read More.]
High 5, Walmart expansion and Home2 Suites among projects addressed by the Planning, Zoning & Design Board on February 11, 2025
Public Information Meetings High 5 building elevation review Michael Comparato, Vieste LLC, presented revised architectural elevations for the south and west sides of the High 5 building, which are considered “the back door” of the facility. Comparato described vertical elements which had been added to the back of the building, along with landscape and hardscape features to buffer the area. The High 5 facility will consist of two floors of indoor/outdoor entertainment space. It will be built on the Village-owned Entertainment District property located on the north side of Williams Road, east of Via Coconut Point and the railroad right [Read More.]
Celebrate Estero at Estero Fest 2025
Estero’s premier event offers entertainment for everyone all day featuring 5 live entertainment acts, including Estero's own the Ben Allen Band as the headliner. In addition to the entertainment, there will be food trucks, a Kids Zone with bounce house & more, Beer & Wine Garden for adults, a Business Expo, LCSO & EFR assets & displays, and the Village of Estero Council and staff will be there celebrating Estero’s 10th anniversary. Join in on this free fun event from 1 – 8 p.m., Saturday, March 15, at the Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd. Plan on bringing your family, [Read More.]
Land use board reappointments and Coconut Trace addressed by Council on February 5, 2025
Public comment on non-agenda items: State Representative Adam Botana appeared on Zoom to address Estero’s election cycle. Resolution 2025-01 – Reappoint two Planning, Zoning & Design Board members for one year Two members of the Planning, Zoning, and Design Board have terms that expire on April 30, 2025. They are James Tatooles and Al Palvandy. Council approved this resolution reappointing them for another one-year term. RFP Estero Sports Park CMAR This topic was tabled for two weeks. Second reading & public hearing Ordinance 2024-14 – Coconut Trace amendment This is an amendment to the commercial zoning for a lot in [Read More.]