Engage Estero’s January Community & Member Meeting features presenters on how FGCU’s entrepreneurial school benefits greater Estero, and how our cultural experiences are enriched by Gulfshore Opera and FGCU’s Bower School of Music & The Arts.
FGCU
The meeting, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Estero Recreation Center on Thursday, January 29, at 10 a.m. The address is 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., located inside Estero Community Park & Recreation Center, Estero, FL 33928.
Dr. Bill McDowell, Dean, FGCU’s Daveler and Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship and Mark Ain Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship will share how the school benefits our community and economy.
GULFSHORE OPERA
Steffanie Pearce, Founder and General Director, Gulfshore Opera will introduce its goals and the exciting upcoming season of performances.
Victoria (Tori) Kane, Community Engagement Coordinator, FGCU’s Bower School of Music & the Arts will share the school’s goals and the broad range of arts available to our community from their students.
Most residents are excited that they chose this area to live and work in. But we also need to ensure that we keep providing new opportunities and support for everyone trying to improve what is available.
Several plans and proposals are being considered for the future development of Greater Estero. There is a need for the Village, local businesses, and the public to support new business ideas that would have a positive commercial impact and prevent skilled workers from leaving our area!
Discussions are ongoing about establishing a Community Theatre Complex in Estero. However, this is unlikely to happen without support for the many existing musical genres that need backing.
Please come and listen to these dedicated individuals who are thinking of our future.
Seating is limited, so reservations are required for all attendees. Visit https://esterotoday.com/jan2026 to RSVP.
The meeting will be recorded and posted to our YouTube channel @EngageEstero, so subscribe to be notified if you cannot make it.
FINAL RESULTS ON TRAFFIC STUDY, UPDATES ON SEPTIC TO SEWER AND ESTERO RIVER PARK – DEC. 11 AT THE ESTERO RECREATION CENTER AT 10 A.M.
At this meeting, we will have several important updates from Village Management.
The Meeting Agenda
1. Final Results of the Village of Estero’s 2024 Traffic Study
2. Update of the Septic to Sewer Program.
3. Update of the Estero River Park Development.
https://esterotoday.com/dec2025
THE 2025 DON ESLICK ESTERO PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD
LEE HEALTH
Celebrate excellence in the Estero community as Engage Estero presents the prestigious Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award. This annual event pays tribute to Don Eslick’s remarkable qualities and outstanding service to Estero. This year’s recipient is Dr. Larry Antonucci, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Lee Health.
A special dinner honoring Dr. Antonucci will be held at the Estero Country Club at the Vines on the evening of February 26, 2026. Join us for a memorable evening of recognition and community spirit. To see more details and to register for the event click on this website:
https://esterotoday.com/2026award
Since 2017, Dr. Antonucci has led the Lee Health team in implementing numerous improvements to healthcare services in the greater Estero Area and Southwest Florida. These enhancements encompass Lee Health Coconut Point, the University Highlands facility, Bonita Health Center, and SWFL Proton Center. Beyond facilities and equipment, these improvements include additional services and staff to enhance the quality of healthcare provided to our residents. Furthermore, Lee Health remains committed to planning future improvements in the greater Estero area as our community continues to expand.
In thanking Engage Estero’s President, Allan Bowditch, for the award, Dr. Antonucci said, “The mission of Lee Health is to be a ‘trusted partner,’ and our relationship with Estero is proof that we continue to invest to keep Estero a great place to live, work, play, and retire. As citizens of Estero ourselves, we remain committed to growing with the community.”
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PROTON CENTER OPENS IN ESTERO, LEGAL CHANGES FOR HOAS AND EAST CORKSCREW ROAD UPDATES COVERED IN RECENT COMMUNITY MEETING – SEE THE VIDEO AND SUMMARY
Dr. Shannon MacDonald, Medical Director at Southwest Florida Proton shared her knowledge and insights on the latest cancer research and new treatment options at the October 28 Engage Estero Community Meeting. This center is opening in December in Estero. You can see the video, summary and slides by clicking on this link: https://esterotoday.com/oct2025/
Also, at the meeting and on this video, Andy Provost, General Counsel and Overseer of Operational Aspects of Resort Management, provided homeowners and property managers with essential information about the legal changes that impact HOAs and Condominiums in Southwest Florida.
Mark Novitski is a consultant for Engage Estero and a member of the East Corkscrew Alliance. Mark spoke about matters related to East Corkscrew, including the latest road development news, mining and trucking traffic and safety issues regarding children attending local schools.
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At Engage Estero, we believe in the strength of the community. As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical nonprofit, we utilize evidence-based research to provide impartial facts and information about community issues that can improve your quality of life.
“Be Informed, Get Engaged, and Make an Impact!”
