“Village with a Vision” creator Don Eslick has died
The motto for the Village of Estero is “A Village with a Vision,” and it is Don Eslick who provided that vision and came to be known as “Mr. Estero.” Eslick, 88, died on March 16, 2023, leaving behind his wife Suzie Eslick. Eslick was a driving force in the Estero community starting upon his arrival in 1999. He was passionate about shaping the future of this community, an unincorporated area that experienced phenomenal growth throughout the 2000s. He was the founding Chairman of the Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) in 2002, a “grass roots” community organization which [Read More.]
Estero Town Commons restaurant, Corkscrew Pines self-storage and Downtown Estero reviewed by the Planning, Zoning & Design Board on March 14, 2023
The Board started their meeting with a public information meeting for a free-standing, fast food restaurant with drive-thru on a vacant parcel at the Estero Town Commons, otherwise known as the Lowes Plaza. The applicant stated the building will be a 2800-square foot, high-end coffee shop with a 25-foot landscape buffer along Corkscrew Road. No voting occurs during public information meetings. Public Hearing Corkscrew Pines self-storage Corkscrew Pines self-storage infrastructure The applicant is proposing to construct the backbone infrastructure with associated landscaping, drainage, reverse frontage road, and utilities. The application initially included a 7-Eleven convenience store, gas station [Read More.]
EHS students recognized and recreational proposals for Village-owned Williams Road property among topics addressed by Council on March 15, 2023
Pictured above, left to right: Estero High School Cambridge AICE Coordinator/AICE Exams Officer Carolyn Hutto, Bryce Krohnfeldt, Peter Waszkowski, Mayor Katy Errington, Askar Rice, Jack Calder and Estero High School Principal Michael Amabile. See slide show at the end of this article for the remaining photos of this presentation. The meeting started with Mayor Katy Errington reading a proclamation for the Estero High School and high school students who were awarded the Cambridge Outstanding Learners Awards. These are a group of awards which recognize exceptional learner achievement in Cambridge examinations around the world. Four of the 51 student honorees [Read More.]
Eagle’s nest and recreational proposals for Williams Road property reviewed by Council on March 1, 2023
Public Comment on non-agenda items: A volunteer with the Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society gave an update on the River Oaks Preserve at the east end of Broadway Avenue. She stated there have been over 3,000 hours of volunteer service provided at the preserve in the past 8 months and the preserve is up and running following a massive cleanup. They have added a native plant nursery. Workshop Eagle’s nest on Corkscrew Road and US 41 Cathy Olson, M.S. CWB, environmental consultant to the Village, provided Council with information on the new eagle’s nest on the Village’s [Read More.]
Estero River Park and Woodfield Estero among topics reviewed by the Planning, Zoning & Design Board on February 21, 2023
Public Information Meetings Estero River Park The Board started their meeting reviewing the proposed first phase of the Estero River Park. Plans include an access drive, 85 parking spaces, bike racks and Old Florida-styled restrooms on the north side of the Estero River. The restrooms will be hooked into the nearby utility. There will be a bridge crossing the river to the 8 foot ADA-accessible, porous multi-use paths on the southern side of the river. Decorative fencing will be on the perimeter of the park at US 41 and Corkscrew Road, with a chain-link fence on the eastern railroad side [Read More.]
Demolition of a Village owned structure and Hurricane Ian funding agreement among topics addressed by Council on February 15, 2023
Resolution 2023-02 – Demolition of Village owned structure 8801 Corkscrew Road prior to Hurricane Ian Council voted to adopt this resolution pertaining to the demolition of the property at 8801 Corkscrew Road, commonly known as the Dauray home. The structure has been inspected and found to be structurally unsound, with additional damage from Hurricane Ian, which would be very costly to repair. In addition, it was evaluated for its historic value and deemed to have no historical value. Any salvaged elements will be conveyed to third parties in the Village’s best interests. Public Comment: The president of the Estero Historical [Read More.]
Gulfshore Opera to present The Barber of Seville
Gulfshore Opera will present a full-scale production of The Barber of Seville by Gioachino Rossini at 6 p.m., Sunday, February 19, at the Vineyard Hall, Lamb of God Church, 19691 Cypress View Drive. This classic comedy with a playful energy that springs from Rossini’s exuberant music will be presented in a whimsical new production inspired by the art of Antoni Gaudi. Returning stage director Josh Shaw (La Boheme and Bat’s Revenge) is sure to make you laugh with a hilarious original production that includes colorful costumes, sets, and chamber orchestra conducted by Maestro Jorge Parodi. English surtitles are provided to [Read More.]
Council conducted workshops on MPO’s Rail Trail Feasibility Study and FDOT’s Southwest Connect Project on February 1, 2023
Public Comment: A resident thanked Council for their support of the Light Up Estero event. He also spoke of the efforts by the Rotary Club of Estero, Estero Chamber of Commerce, Estero Forever Foundation, Estero Council of Community Leaders and the Interfaith Charities to assist with Hurricane Ian relief, as well as presenting scholarships to 3 Estero High School students. Another resident reminded those in attendance that the Estero High School girls soccer team will be playing for the team championship this evening. Presentation Council started their meeting with a short presentation by FEMA National Flood Insurance Individual Assistance Presenter [Read More.]
Council conducted workshops on High 5’s unsolicited proposal and Broadway West utilities expansion project on January 18, 2023
Public Comment: A resident expressed his concerns regarding a commercial building being built in his neighborhood. Council started their meeting with a workshop regarding an unsolicited proposal from High 5, a Texas restaurant and entertainment enterprise expressing interest in some portion of the 20-acre property on the north side of Williams Road, south and west of the Estero Community Park and Estero High School. This proposal is presented as a public-private partnership to provide the Village with an opportunity to generate income as well as create an amenity for the community. The income could be used to provide sports fields [Read More.]