Through the years, Estero changed from primarily citrus groves and cattle ranches to small residential communities, including the Villages at Country Creek. However, by the end of 2000, Estero’s commercial corridors, U.S. 41 and Corkscrew Road, also began to see tremendous commercial growth.
The first major Estero commercial development was the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, a four-diamond, 454- room resort which opened September 14, 2001. Four hotels were built in eight years. The Miromar International Design Center on Corkscrew Road opened a few years later.
Along with increased commercial growth came increased residential growth. Soon Estero was adding about 95 residents (about 46 homes) each week. In late 2000, Country Creek single- family homes were selling in the $140,000s. Only one villa remained, selling at $127,900, and one condo remained selling at $99,000.
By 2001, the Villages at Country Creek was built out with 966 doors, and re-sale prices were increasing. A villa was offered for $154,900, and an estate home on Rivers Ford was sold for $274,900. As of January 2002, the Estero population was 14,400 – up 51% from April 2000. Seasonal residents increased the population by another 8500.
Concern for this growth created a need for a plan. Estero’s community plan was citizen-initiated by way of the all-volunteer Estero Concerned Citizens Organization (ECCO). Soon about 200 people who were concerned about Estero’s future, gathered to hear about the Estero Community Plan, “Estero, the Community with a Vision,” and were able to offer feedback.
The Three Oaks firehouse was dedicated on May 21, 2002, and on August 6 of that year, a meeting was called to present the Estero Park plans to the community. The park was to be built in two or three stages with groundbreaking scheduled for some time in 2004. The George W. Horne Fire Reserve station was dedicated August 14, 2002. It was named after Estero’s first fire chief (1954-1981). A third station located near Pine Woods Elementary School was opened in December.
Back in the Villages at Country Creek in 2001, the Men’s Golf Club Champion was John Helm, and the Ladies’ Golf Club Champion was Primo Klint. Bill Martin was Master Board president.
The same year, volunteers who contributed their skills and expertise in restoring and maintaining the infrastructure of Country Creek were incorporated, becoming Country Creek Volunteers, Inc. Joe Boro, Bill Crabtree, Ed Chaplin, Hillard Crowell, Andy Pannunzio, Bill McWade and others were thus able to draft a memo of understanding with the board regarding liability issues. The Volunteers, Inc., got busy cleaning up debris from the Estero River, an extensive project that continued over many months. To this day, tennis players volunteer to clean up litter along Corkscrew Road, and Volunteers, Inc., is still a vital force in the community.
An agreement with S&S regarding subletting the Clubhouse and Golf Course contracts was the project of the Negotiation Committee chaired by Ron Reichert. The contract was accepted in April 2002 giving the Master Board control over the facilities. In 2002, the Men’s Golf Champion was Dick Oelkers, and the Ladies’ Golf Club Champion was Pat Immonen.
In 2003, Phil Norland was Men’s Club Champion, and Ava Fleisher was the Ladies’ Club Champion. Neil Gedderberg was Master Board president in 2003, and Ed Lewis was cast in Oklahoma with the Naples Players.
By the end of 2003, the widening of U.S. 41 was underway. Discussions regarding the development agreement for Coconut Point were progressing. Property acquisition and plans to widen Three Oaks Parkway and I-75 were in process. The Embassy Suites Hotel was proposed.
