Between 2000 and 2004 the demand and supply of new housing in Estero seemed to be in equilibrium with an average of 1,800 new homes a year, diminishing slightly in 2002 and 2003. However, the year 2004 ranked first of the previous five years in total building value in Estero and was up by more than $100 million from 2003. 2004 had by far the highest building value per unit, up by 17% over the next highest year (2002).
In Villages at Country Creek, Creekside Restaurant went into self-management on January 1, 2004. A Restaurant Operations Committee (ROC) oversaw restaurant operations. Members of the first committee were Chairman Gary Miller, Carmen Arciola, Barbara Litzen, and George Howard. The committee’s mission was “to attract member use of the restaurant by providing affordable good food, served by trained and efficient staff in a pleasant atmosphere.” The chef was Shan Peele and the new restaurant manager was Sandy Johnsmeyer.’’
The second annual Tour of Homes took place March 21, 2004, featuring eight residences and raising $2,453 for Country Creek Charities. The total amount raised for charities in 2004 was $24,808.
Bob Hoffman, elected president of the Master Board in 2003, handed the gavel to Bob Nelson, who began his four-year Master Board presidency in 2004. George Howard, who did so much for Country Creek passed away June 16, 2004. Heman Myers was named to Miamisburg Ohio High School Football Hall of Fame, and Kay Kolb retired from CCTV after volunteering for four-and-a-half years. Men’s Club Champion in 2004 was Jina Kolz; Ladies’ Club Champion was Ava Fleisher.
Socially, Country Creek joined the Kentucky Derby Race Day via television with over 120 attending the First Derby Day party at the clubhouse. Ralph and Ginny Mobley, Kentucky residents, put together a realistic event at which ladies were decked out in their special hats. All enjoyed the frivolity of the race singing “My Old Kentucky Home” along with those at the racetrack. A southern style buffet was served and dancing followed for a celebratory evening.
On May 29, 2004 a fire broke out just south of Florida Gulf Coast University and on the southern end of campus, burning 1300 acres over the five days.
The raging fire was visible at Country Creek and as far away as Cape Coral and Bonita Springs. Black smoke slowed traffic on I-75, and the smell of the burning landscape lingered for weeks.
Year 2004 will be remembered as one of the deadliest and most costly Atlantic hurricane seasons on record in the last decade. This is the only time in recorded history that four hurricanes (Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne) affected Florida. Hurricane Charley hit southwest Florida on Friday, August 13, 2004 and Country Creek saw damage to roofs and pool enclosures, but no serious damage was done to homes. Large trees were blown down, and street signs were downed. There was debris throughout the community, but everyone got together and returned our community to its natural beauty.
Other things accomplished in the community in 2004 included the new erosion protection that was installed on lakes 9 and 10. Additional plantings added to the new look of the site. The golf course extended its putting green, and generally the entire community was getting back to normal after being battered by the three hurricanes that came close to Estero. Everyone hoped that year 2005 would bring gentler weather.
Year 2004 will be remembered as one of the deadliest and most costly Atlantic hurricane seasons on record in the last decade.
