Proclamations Mayor Joanne Ribble read a proclamation in honor of Arbor Day, which is April 24, 2026.  The proclamation states that the Village recognizes Arbor Day in Estero and urges all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands. Mayor Joanne Ribble and Councilmembers presented proclamations to Estero High School seniors Madelyn Alaine Millette and Trista Nicole Timm who were congratulated for receiving the Cambridge Merit Award  Brooke Avery Lentz also received this award but was unable to attend the meeting. Included in all of the photos are the parents of the students, [Read More.]

Front: Procurement Manager Steve Gillette, Finance Director Kevin Greenville, Accounting Supervisor Lindsey McNeal and Finance Clerk Beth Shapiro. Back: Councilmembers Jeff Hunt, Lori Fayhee, Jon McLain, Vice Mayor George Zalucki, Rafael Lopez and Jim Ward. Council started their meeting recognizing receipt of the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. This is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. The Village has achieved this prestigious award each fiscal year since inception. [Read More.]

Anny Sanchez (front right) surrounded by her family, Mayor Joann Ribble, Estero High School Assistant Principal, Lee County School District and Lee County School Board members and Council Mayor Joanne Ribble and Councilmembers presented Estero High School student Anny Sanchez with a letter of recognition for her exceptional commitment to academics, athletics, and service.  While balancing cross country and track, she has maintained employment, completed extensive volunteer service, earned her AICE Diploma by the end of her junior year, and secured acceptance into FGCU’s full-time dual enrollment program for her senior year.  She has achieved all of this while earning [Read More.]

Front: Mayor Joanne Ribble and Nancy Stroud Esq. Back row, Councilmembers Jeff Hunt, Lori Fayhee, Jon McLain, Rafael Lopez, Vice-Mayor George Zalucki, Jim Ward Mayor Joanne Ribble and Councilmembers presented newly retired Nancy Stroud Esq. with a resolution honoring her nearly 11 years of service as Estero’s first land use attorney.  Starting in 2015, Stroud assisted with over 800 case reviews and resolutions. The resolution read in part: “Stroud’s broad-based experience as a recognized legal expert in land use in the State of Florida, along with her specific experience in design in the City of Boca Raton, benefited [Read More.]

Kyle Gustave (center) surrounded by his family, Estero High School Principal, Lee County School Board member and Council. Mayor Joanne Ribble presented Estero High School student Kyle Gustave with a letter of recognition as an exceptional student at Estero High School who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and character.  Kyle maintains an outstanding 4.49 GPA while balancing a demanding schedule as a four-year varsity football player, a full-time dual enrollment student at Florida Southwestern State College and working a minimum of 20 hours per week. Aiden Jensen is surrounded by his parents, Bonita Springs High School principal, Lee County School Board [Read More.]

Council will start their meeting at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, recognizing two Estero students and the Village Finance Department for receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by Government Finance Officers Association. Action items include a purchase order for Ditch/Swale Cleaning & Maintenance Services, and a Code Enforcement lien reduction request. There will be public hearings for a rezoning of 4741 Broadway Avenue West and an ordinance adopting revisions to the Land Development Code regarding landscaping requirements and expiration of development orders. This will be followed by Workshops updating Council on development projects in Estero and the Planning, Zoning & Design Board’s [Read More.]

Sydney Ghannam (center) surrounded by her father, teachers, Estero High School Principal, Lee County School Board members and Council. Mayor Joanne Ribble presented Estero High School student Sydney Ghannam with a letter of recognition for her outstanding achievements and positive contributions to the community.  An active member of multiple clubs and a committed athlete, she demonstrates exceptional initiative, collaboration and the ability to balance academics and extracurriculars with maturity. Trey Bronson is surrounded by his parents, Bonita Springs High School principal, Lee County School Board member and Council Mayor Joanne Ribble presented Estero resident and Bonita High School student Trey [Read More.]

Action Items Resolution 2025-27 – reimbursement Tax-exempt bonds are a common option for local governments to fund capital projects.  To preserve the Village’s ability to issue debt on upcoming projects which may be initially paid with funds of the Village, the IRS requires a government to indicate its intention to fund such projects with tax-exempt debt. This Reimbursement Resolution would allow the Village to issue up to $80 million in debt even if the projects were previously funded with cash. Council adopted this resolution. Resolution 2025-28 – amending Resolution 2025-20 updated Community Development fees As a result of implementation of [Read More.]