The Engage Estero Board of Trustees and the Executive Management Team wish you all a Happy, Healthy, and Enjoyable 2026.
THE 2024 ESTERO VILLAGE TRAFFIC STUDY RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS PLUS THE LATEST UPDATE ON THE I-75 EXPANSION.
Over 70 residents attended the Engage Estero Community Meeting held on Dec. 11 at the Estero Recreational Center. The Presentation and Questions from residents can be viewed on YouTube video recording of the meeting can be viewed on this link: https://youtu.be/IjE-YGiM0U0. The PowerPoint Presentation was given by Leah Holmes: a transportation Engineer at Johnson Engineering, who conducted the project. This can also be seen on the Engage Estero website https://esterotoday.com/dec2025.
Other important items covered during the meeting by David Willems, the Estero Village Director of Public Works, included:
• The Septic to Sewer Conversion
• An update on the Estero River Park development.
At the end of the meeting, Allan Bowditch, Engage Estero’s President, shared the recent update on the I-75 widening through Estero.
The update from FDOT, which Don Scott, the Head of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization, shared with Allan, was as follows:
“At this time, there is no confirmed date for the rescheduled Public Hearing (of the postponed meeting that was to have been held in Naples on August 14). Following the hearing (from the new Public Meeting TBD), additional outreach and coordination will occur before any community voting on noise barriers take place. This will potentially extend a year or more beyond that milestone.
We will keep you and other stakeholders informed as new information becomes available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any additional questions in the meantime.”
It would therefore appear that the timing on the proposed project has been pushed back by around a year or more. Given the evidence that has determined the particular benefits of noise-abatement walls, the research conducted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) points to two recommendations for such walls. Namely:
○ Valmont SoundWall™ (North America)
○ Durisol Precast Noise Barriers (North America, including Canada).
In addition, we have also stated that sound-deadening asphalt that reduces tire noise should also be used along the stretch of I-75 through Estero.
Please count on Engage Estero to provide updates as they become known. Engage Estero has expressed the opinion that only two types of barrier walls should be considered.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Gulfshore Opera, FGCU Bower School of Music and D & K Entrepreneurial School Featured at January 29, 10 a.m. Meeting
Join Engage Estero for our January Community & Member Meeting, featuring engaging presentations on how Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and Gulfshore Opera enrich life in Greater Estero—through entrepreneurship, music, and the arts.
Presentations include:
• Dr. Bill McDowell, Dean, FGCU Daveler and Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship, and Mark Ain Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship – on how FGCU’s entrepreneurial programs strengthen our community and economy.
• Steffanie Pearce, Founder and General Director, Gulfshore Opera – introducing the organization’s mission and an exciting new season of performances.
• Victoria (Tori) Kane, Community Engagement Coordinator, FGCU Bower School of Music & the Arts – highlighting the school’s community partnerships and the many ways its students contribute to our cultural landscape.
Estero continues to grow as a vibrant place to live, work, and create. To sustain that momentum, our community must keep supporting innovation, business development, and cultural initiatives that enhance local opportunities. Current discussions include plans for future development in Greater Estero and the potential for a Community Theatre Complex, a project that depends on community support for the arts. Come hear from these dedicated leaders shaping Estero’s future!
The event is at The Estero Recreation Center, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL 33928 at 10 a.m. on January 29.
For more detail and to register for this free event (seating is limited) go to: https://esterotoday.com/event/jan2026
THE DON ESLICK PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD AND BANQUET AT THE ESTERO COUNTRY CLUB IN THE VINES, FEB. 26 AT 6 P.M.
The 2025 Recipient of the Award is Dr Larry Antonucci, President and Chief Operating Officer, Lee Health. Since 2017 he has led the Lee Health team in making many improvements to healthcare in the greater Estero Area and Southwest Florida.
Join us to celebrate excellence in the Estero community. The program includes a performance by Quang Vo from FGCU’s Bower School of Music and the Arts. He is an internationally award-winning pianist from Vietnam and a junior Piano Performance major at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he studies with Dr. Michael Baron.
This unforgettable evening starts with a delightful Happy Hour at 6 p.m., where you can indulge in tables filled with assorted cheese, fresh berries, crisp vegetables, and crackers. Enjoy two complimentary tickets for wine or beer and for those looking for something special, a cash bar will be available for mixed drinks.
At 6:50 p.m., we’ll transition to a sumptuous dinner featuring an exquisite selection of entrees to satisfy every palate. Choose from a combo of Grilled Petite Filet with Jumbo Marinated Shrimp, Stuffed Airline Chicken, or the Vegetarian option of Cauliflower Steak. Each meal is thoughtfully curated, including a fresh Winter Green salad and a decadent dessert.
For details and to register, go to: https://esterotoday.com/2026award
SHAPING ESTERO’S FUTURE! MARCH 17 PUBLIC FORUM AT FGCU’S COHEN STUDENT UNION BALLROOM (SECOND FLOOR) AT 5 P.M.
Engage Estero is hosting a free public forum to help residents understand the plans and ideas being considered to keep Estero a leading municipality for businesses and residents. Prominent Estero leaders will be on the Forum Panel. Details to be announced soon. Join us for this critical Public Forum, where your voice will help shape the direction of our community.
The forum is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. You can reserve your spot on the Engage Estero website at https://esterotoday.com/event/march2026/
