Lee County School District looking for volunteers to assist with a 2nd grade reading program
The School District of Lee County has developed a new initiative creating an opportunity for residents interested in partnering as volunteers with them on an important educational initiative. They are looking for dedicated individuals who can assist teachers in working with students to further develop their reading skills. Your commitment to volunteering just one hour every week can make a significant difference in a child’s life. As a volunteer, you can be a positive influence on a child’s educational journey and help to nurture a love for reading. The 2nd Grade Reading Volunteers Program is a pilot program intended to prepare [Read More.]
Hilton Garden Inn, Coastal Palms Academy and 9000 Williams Road addressed by the Planning, Zoning & Design Board on November 14, 2023
Hilton Garden Inn Public Hearing – Hilton Garden Inn The Board conducted a public hearing for of a development order for the proposed Hilton Garden Inn hotel on a 2.16-acre parcel at 8009 Sweetwater Ranch Blvd. The applicant was proposing a 70,800 square foot, 5 story tall building with 115 guest rooms. The proposed architecture blends with the existing architecture in the development, including roof type and color, and building colors, which are 3 shades of yellow. There will be 117 on-site parking spaces, with 15 off-site parking space. The amenities will include a fitness center, meeting rooms, pool with [Read More.]
Estero Entertainment District among topics addressed by Council on November 15, 2023
The meeting started with an update of the River Oaks Preserve by Marlene Rodak with the Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. She described how this all-volunteer group has put in over 6,200 hours working to remove exotics, restore gopher tortoise habitat, add electricity, well water, a composting bathroom and secure storage. Their objective is to maintain this property in its natural state and encourage residents to use native landscaping. Th Village-owned preserve located at the end of Broadway Avenue East is now open on Sundays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The primary reason the [Read More.]
Estero Veterans Day at the park on November 11
(Look for photo slideshow at the end of this article) About 450 residents came to the Estero Community Park on a very hot afternoon to pay tribute to all of our veterans, active military, first responders and Gold Star parents. District 7 Councilmember George Zalucki, co-chair of the event along with District 5 Councilmember Rafael Lopez, served as master of ceremonies. Mayor Jon McLain welcomed the crowd and former mayor Katy Errington spoke of her personal experience as a Gold Star Mother. There was a presentation of colors by the Estero JROTC and the featured speaker Dr. Debbie Lux, founder [Read More.]
Hilton Garden Inn, Coastal Palms Academy and 9000 Williams Road among topics for the Planning, Zoning & Design Board on November 14, 2023
Hilton Garden Inn The meeting will start at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, with a public hearing for approval of a development order for the proposed 115-unit Hilton Garden Inn hotel on a 2.16 -acre parcel at 8009 Sweetwater Ranch Blvd. There will be public information meetings conducted for the Coastal Palms Academy which is proposing a day care/pre-school for children from infant to pre-school age at 9600 Corkscrew Road, and the Village’s 19-acre property at 9000 Williams Road and Via Coconut Point. The Board will then conduct public hearings pertaining to the Land Development Code. The full agenda is available here. [Read More.]
Lee County Supervisor of Elections Vote by Mail information
The 2024 election cycle is fast approaching. In Florida, all previous Vote-by-Mail Ballot requests expired at the end of 2022. If you plan to vote by mail in 2024, you must submit a NEW request. Act now and submit your Vote-by-Mail request to their office. Visit www.lee.vote or call (239) 533-8683. You may also want to sign up for BallotTrax. BallotTrax is a free service that enables a Lee County voter to receive notifications by phone, email, or text about the status of their Vote-by-Mail Ballot packet, from the time it is mailed by Lee County Elections to when their mailed ballot [Read More.]
Corkscrew Road Path, Landscaping, and Lighting Project update presented to Council on November 1, 2023
Village Hall lease agreement The Village of Estero leases the first two floors of the building at 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle. Village Manager Steve Sarkozy has negotiated a second amendment to the lease agreement with Hamleg Corkscrew, LLC (the landlord) which provides a new lease at the current rate with an expiration date of February 28, 2029, with the option of renewals. The second amendment also provides for a new method of calculation of common area maintenance fees. Council approved this second amendment. US 41 north monument sign contract Council approved a Supplemental Task Authorization (STA) for the engagement of [Read More.]
Aggressive Driving is Careless Driving
Drivers can be cited for careless driving when tailgating, speeding, blocking other cars, running red lights and more. https://estero-fl.gov/aggressive-driving
Grass Clippings in Storm Drains Harm Waterways
Grass clippings and leaves do not belong in storm drains. They can contribute to drain blockages, localized flooding, and contribute to the overabundance of nutrients and fertilizers that feed algal blooms in our waterways. Avoid polluting our waters by: bagging clippings; mulching your clippings to re-route those nutrients back into your lawn; or face your mower clippings away from the street to keep grass out of the storm drains. For more ways you can keep our waters free of pollutants, check out our flyer on how your landscape maintenance can protect our waters.
Rules of Procedure, 8801 Corkscrew Road and Legislative priorities addressed by Council on October 18, 2023
Public comment on non-agenda items: 1 resident spoke of the upcoming Light Up Estero event to be held at 4 – 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, and the Veterans Day event from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, November 11. Both events will be held at the Estero Community Park. 1 resident spoke of a concern in his neighborhood. Resolution 2023-27 Revisions to Council Rules of Procedure Village Attorney Robert Eschenfelder presented revisions to the current Rules of Procedure for discussion at an October 4 workshop. Eschenfelder made additional revisions requested by Council at that workshop, which are included [Read More.]