Ponce de Leon‘s adventures to be described at Estero Historical Society meeting on October 21
Popular local historian Jacob Winge will present his history program on Ponce de Leon to the Estero Historical Society from 9:30 – 11 a.m., Saturday, October 21, at the clubhouse at Country Creek Country Club, 21125 Country Club Drive. Most everyone learned that Ponce de Leon was searching for the Fountain of Youth when he came to Florida, but it’s not quite that simple. A lot about Ponce de Leon is explained by how European society worked when he was alive, late 15th – early 16th century. Attendees will learn what motivated explorers of that period by attending this captivating [Read More.]
Lee County Solid Waste asks residents and visitors to “Take Charge” of proper battery disposal
Lee County Solid Waste has launched its “Take Charge” campaign to educate residents and visitors on proper battery disposal. Residents are reminded not to place any batteries in their recycling carts. Household alkaline batteries, AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt and button batteries can be disposed of in your regular garbage can. Any other type of battery (rechargeable, nickel-cadmium, automotive, lithium-ion, lead-acid) should be recycled at the Household Chemical Waste Facility at 6441 Topaz Court in Fort Myers. An increasing number of products contain lithium-ion batteries, which is why Lee County Solid Waste is encouraging residents to be aware of how [Read More.]
Help welcome home our local heroes on September 30
Bring your family and friends to the Collier-Lee Honor Flight, Mission #25, Welcome Home Celebration starting at 8:30 p.m., Saturday, at RSW International Airport. You will find it’s one of the most patriotic events you have ever experienced. You will meet and greet 85 WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans as they return from their trip to Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are both free. Gather at the American Airlines terminal and arrive early to get a good spot. The Collier-Lee Honor Flight’s mission is to transport local veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor [Read More.]
Estero’s tax rate reduced by Council at their meeting on September 20, 2023 Public Budget Meetings
Public Budget Meetings Resolution 2023-23 – final millage rate Council approved this resolution adopting the ad valorem taxes for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 at a millage rate of 0.74 mills, which is a reduction from the prior year’s rate of 0.75. Council has voted to reduce the tax rate every year except the first year following incorporation and in 2020 due to COVID. Estero’s tax rate is the lowest in the region. Resolution 2023-24 – Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget Council approved this resolution adopting the budget for FY 2023-2024 at a total of $46,329,128. The proposed budgeted expenditures are as follows: [Read More.]
Estero’s River Oaks Preserve looking for volunteers
The Village-owned River Oaks Preserve, a 10-acre property at the end of Broadway Avenue East, is now open on Sundays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is managing the property and they have been busy working to prepare the property, restoring gopher tortoise habitat and setting up the nursery operation, and they could use your help. If you would like to get involved with this important volunteer effort, you may either just show up on Sundays or Tuesdays during their working hours or you may call 239-273-8945 to offer [Read More.]
Budget, water monitoring and utility extension projects on the agenda for Council at 5:05 p.m., September 20, 2023
Council will start their meeting at 5:05 p.m., Wednesday, with public hearings to adopt the millage rate and budget for FY 2023-24. There will then be proclamations presented to Pinewoods Elementary Principals Leslie Gunderson and Dr. Denise Carlin acknowledging their many achievements as educators. Action items include setting a budget for the Village’s November 11 Veterans Day event and engaging Horizon Solutions Group, Inc. to provide project management services. Workshops will follow the meeting with an update on the water monitoring project, main building 8801 Corkscrew Road, and utility extension projects on Broadway East and West. The full agenda is [Read More.]
Corkscrew Road Widening Update from Lee County September 15, 2023
Beginning Monday, September 18, crews will be reconstructing the intersection of Midnight Blue Boulevard at Corkscrew Road. During this time, one half of the driveway will remain open to two-way traffic, for both entering and exiting the community. Crews are scheduled to begin work on the east side first. Once the east side (entrance) is completed, crews will shift traffic and begin work on the west side (exit). Motorists should expect an uneven surface when the driveway is re-opened. The work is expected to be completed in approximately two weeks. Please watch for trucks entering and leaving the roadway. The [Read More.]
Estero Historical Society September 16 presentation has been postponed
The history of the Koreshan Unity Settlement program will be presented at a later date. The Society plans a Fall Yard Sale on October 14 and local historian Jacob Winge is scheduled to give a talk on Ponce de Leon on October 21. Check out their website here.
Believe n Books Children’s Book Drive
Join the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Believe n Books to provide children’s books to underprivileged children throughout Southwest Florida. They will be gathering new and gently used books for children and young adults from 5 – 7 p.m., Thursday, September 28, at the LSCO Miromar Outlets Community Outreach Center, Suite 190 at Miromar Outlets. To learn more about Believe n Books, visit their website.
A history of the Koreshan Unity Settlement to be presented at the Estero Historical meeting September 16
Lead docent at Koreshan State Park Ron Wescott will describe how the Koreshan Unity Settlement moved from Chicago to southwest Florida in 1893 and had a profound effect on the development of this area. The presentation plus continental breakfast will start at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, in the historic Art Hall at Koreshan State Park. Register in advance for this presentation plus continental breakfast at the Estero Historical Society’s website. EHS members: $10 each and non-members: $15 each. A $5 entry/parking fee will be collected at the ranger station from each car that enters the park. Koreshan State Park is located at 3800 Corkscrew [Read More.]