FEMA’s report: 100 Days Marks Hurricane Recovery Progress
In the 100 days since the Sept. 10, 2017, presidential disaster declaration following Hurricane Irma’s destructive path through Florida, the state, with help from federal partners, has progressed from response to significant recovery. Milestones point to this progress: $2.49 billion in survivors’ pockets More than $1 billion in disaster assistance low-interest loans approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) $958 million approved for survivors through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individuals and Household Program (IHP) $519.8 million National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) payments on claims 26,274 volunteers from about 270 voluntary agencies logged more than 1.24 million hours to [Read More.]
Estero Concert Series to highlight composers J.S. Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven on January 28
One of J. S. Bach’s most famous works, the Concerto for 2 violins, and Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 1 Op. 18 will be featured during the chamber music concert at the Koreshan Art Hall at 4 p.m., Sunday, January 28, 2018. Featured artist is violinist Max Rabinovitsj who is well known throughout the U.S. and Europe. He has also earned acclaim as a conductor for his interpretations of classical music and his work with youth orchestras. Rabinovitsj founded the St. Louis String Quartet and participated in the Marlboro Music Festival for six years. He became Music Director of the Naples Orchestra & Chorus [Read More.]
Planning & Zoning Board to conduct a public hearing for the Village’s first Comprehensive Plan on December 19, 2017
The Planning & Zoning Board will conduct a public hearing for the Village’s first Comprehensive Plan at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 19. The agenda is here: http://estero-fl.gov/agendas/. Residents are invited to attend and offer comments, or they may watch the meeting online at: http://estero-fl.gov/council/watch-meetings-online/. The next PZB meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 16.
Lee County will complete Hurricane Irma debris collection on December 21; several public drop-off sites remain open
Lee County will complete Hurricane Irma debris collection on Thursday, December 21, except for tree stumps. Tree stump removal will resume after the holiday break on Wednesday, January 3, 2018. After December 21, all residential horticulture should be placed at the curb in compliance with normal collection operations. Check www.leegov.com/solidwaste Some residential public drop-off sites remain open; all have closings slated: Central Fort Myers site at Page Field, 4551 S. Cleveland Ave., will close at 5 p.m. today, Friday, Dec. 15; South Fort Myers site at 14790 A&W Bulb Road, will close at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec 22. North Fort Myers, [Read More.]
Miromar Playland, Pelican Sound and Genova modifications among applications approved by the Design Review Board on December 13, 2017
Public Hearings Miromar Playland Miromar Outlet Mall is planning to relocate their existing play center and add an interior climbing wall, outdoor seating, shade structures and decorative bronze railing for containment. This 3800 square foot “Playland” is located in the northwest corner of the mall, south of the lake. (Presentation) The Board approved this application. Pelican Sound Clubhouse renovation A representative for Pelican Sound presented their proposed clubhouse addition/remodel, pro-shop and cart barn relocation and tennis court removal. They plan to retain some of the existing landscape with the addition of enhanced landscaping materials. (Presentation) Pelican Sound is located at [Read More.]
Village of Estero presented with excellence in financial reporting certificate second year in a row
Finance Director Lisa Griggs Roberson The Government Finance Officers Association presented the Village of Estero with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive financial report for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2016. This is the second year in a row that Finance Director Lisa Griggs Roberson has been credited for her work on the Village’s annual financial report. The award is presented to the individual designated as instrumental in their government achieving this award and represents the highest award in government financial reporting.
Applicants may appeal an initial FEMA determination letter
If you registered with FEMA following Hurricane Irma and received a determination letter regarding your eligibility for assistance, read the letter carefully. It might not be the final answer. You may just need to submit extra documents for FEMA to process your application. Examples of missing documentation may include an insurance settlement letter, proof of residence, proof of ownership of the damaged property, and proof that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster. Every survivor has the right to appeal. By appealing, you are asking FEMA to review your case. If you have any [Read More.]
Design Review Board to conduct public hearings pertaining to Miromar, Pelican Sound, Genova, Sunmart and Estero Grande on December 13
The Design Review Board will conduct public hearings for the Mirormar Playland, Pelican Sound clubhouse renovation, Sunmart Convenience Store and the Estero Grande pattern book at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday December 13, 2017. In addition, the Board will conduct public information meetings for West Bay golf course improvements, Phoenix at Estero assisted living facility, Marriott Springhill Suites Hotel, Primrose School of Estero and Shoppes at Estero Grande. The Board will also conduct a workshop for the Chase Bank at Miromar Outlet Drive. The full agenda is available here: http://estero-fl.gov/agendas/ Residents are invited to attend and comment on the proposed projects or [Read More.]
A number of contracts and agreements were approved during the Village Council meeting December 6, 2017
Action Items Land Development Code update contract Council approved the ranking of consultants for the RFQ 2017-01 Village of Estero Land Development Code update. Staff will negotiate a contract with Canin Associates to provide professional consulting services to update the Village’s transitional Land Development Code. As part of this process, staff will negotiate with the Number 3 ranked firm, Johnson Engineering, as a sub-contractor to bring increased local knowledge and expertise to the project. The contract will be brought before Council for approval at a future date. There is $250,000 currently budgeted over two fiscal years, starting in 2017-2018. (Summary [Read More.]
Lee Board of County Commissioners closes on Edison Farms purchase
Lee Board of County Commissioners has completed the purchase of about 4,000 acres in southern Lee County – commonly known as Edison Farms – as a Conservation 20/20 preservation site. The $42.4 million purchase ranks as the second-largest single parcel purchased by the Board since the Bob Janes Preserve, which is 5,620 acres. County commissioners have made preserving Edison Farms a top legislative priority for the past two years and voted unanimously for the purchase on Sept. 19. It is an example of the type of environmentally critical land that the Conservation 20/20 program was created to protect and that [Read More.]