Gov. DeSantis has announced the state is ready to “inch into Phase 2” changes to the stay-at-home restrictions as part of a phased approach to economic reopening, starting Friday, June 5, 2020. Here’s what Phase 2 involves: Restaurants may allow bar-top seating with appropriate social distancing. Bars and pubs may operate at 50% capacity inside and full capacity outside with appropriate social distancing. Patrons may only receive service if seated. Retail establishments may operate at full capacity with appropriate social distancing and sanitation protocols. Gyms may operate at full capacity with appropriate social distancing and frequent sanitation. Entertainment businesses, including [Read More.]

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is reminding parents of kindergartners, 7th graders, out-of-state, transfer, and college students to make sure their children’s immunizations are up to date before the start of the new school year. The Department is accepting appointments for back to school immunizations and will be hosting weekend clinics, only for back to school immunizations, at two locations. All students are required to receive the Tdap booster before entering 7th grade. Children may receive the Tdap booster as early as age 11. Vaccines are free of charge for children through age 18. Location 1:                                                     Appointment Times Available:                    [Read More.]

As you know, hurricane season starts on June 1 and runs through November 30, 2020 . Forecasters are predicting an “above-average” probability of major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States this season. The Village of Estero’s website has a webpage which includes a list of important contacts, a list of emergency shelters and how to sign up for AlertLee emergency alerts from Lee County at https://estero-fl.gov/hurricane-season-june-1-november-30/. Floridians have seven days to build a hurricane-season stockpile — including batteries, flashlights, radios and portable generators — free of sales taxes.  This tax holiday starts May 29 and ends on Thursday, [Read More.]

Lee County Utilities will be temporarily converting its disinfectant process from chloramines to free chlorine residual from June 1 through June 21, 2020. This is a routine measure that is common for water utilities using chloramines as its primary disinfectant. Anyone who uses a kidney dialysis machine at home should contact an equipment supplier so the proper filtering equipment may be installed. Tropical fish or aquatic animal owners should contact a local tropical fish store for appropriate pretreatment of water before adding water to tanks. Customers may notice a temporary change in the taste, odor and color of the water, [Read More.]

The meeting started with a special announcement by Councilmember Nick Batos stating he has submitted his letter of resignation from the Village Council in order to run for the Lee County Commission District 3 position, effective November 17, 2020. He stated: “It has been my pleasure to have been involved in advocating for quality of life issues for our community for the last 15 years, and especially to have led the incorporation effort of Estero in 2014.  I am truly honored to have served as the first mayor of Estero and to continue to serve our special city today.”  (Remarks [Read More.]

Library patrons will be able to visit the library in Estero with limited service, hours and capacity beginning Tuesday, May 26. The library will open at 25% capacity with hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.  Contactless services and book returns will continue. Signs will be posted for following CDC guidelines and floors will be marked to indicate spacing for social distancing. Plexiglas shields are installed at the public service desks, and hand sanitizer and wipes will be provided to the public. Some furniture has been removed to encourage [Read More.]

Due to delays caused by COVID-19, the U.S. Census Bureau is still seeking applicants to work for the 2020 Census. These positions are temporary, part-time, 20-40 hours per week, and will last approximately 8-9 weeks.  The hours are flexible; you are able set your own schedule.  Lee County census takers’ pay starts at $18/hour and 58 cents/mile. By working for the Census Bureau, you have a special opportunity to help make the 2020 Census an accurate and complete count. There are so many reasons our community needs to be counted completely and accurately. The count happens every 10 years and [Read More.]