In 2013, Estero, still unincorporated, with a significantly smaller population, less traffic and fewer communities, change was on the horizon. Florida Gulf Coast University was growing rapidly, Coconut Point and Miromar Outlets were established and gave the area a progressive feel. The big turning point was the announcement that The Hertz Corporation would move its worldwide headquarters, the hub for worldwide operations, executive management and strategic planning, from New Jersey to Estero, bringing hundreds of jobs and national attention.
In January 2013, the Clubhouse at The Villages at Country Creek consisted of a food and beverage manager and a bartender. There were no social events or entertainment. Barbara Litzen, a VCC resident, volunteered her time and good ideas, suggesting the start of social and recreational activities. She was asked by the Board of Directors to form a committee to assess the condition of the Clubhouse, make a list of needed improvements and design a committee. Early activities/presentations included: an AARP safe driving course, canine language for a better behaved dog, and community awareness of crime prevention.
In February 2014, the Social Activities Committee was implemented and was tasked with planning activities such as Casino Nights, Fat Tuesday, a St. Patrick’s Day Bash and Creekside Theater Nights. There were several milestones during the year, but the biggest was the celebration of The Village at Country Creek’s 25th Anniversary. Activities including History Day and Founders’ Luncheon were part of a week of community celebration. The publication of “The History of Country Creek Commemorative” told the stories and history of VCC, and was available for $10.
In 2014, Estero moved to incorporate. A feasibility study and plan for incorporation was voted on and approved. 10,238 petition signatures were obtained. 1,500 were from VCC residents “which will have a heavy bearing on the vote referendum on 11/4/2014”. Estero was incorporated as a village on 12/31/2014 with an overwhelming vote. In March 2015, Nick Batos was elected as the first Mayor to serve the newly incorporated Estero. At the time, the approximate population of Estero was 24,000. Today’s population is 39,137, a growth of approximately 70%.
During 2013 and 2014 at VCC, the main pool and estate pool were renovated. 2014 also saw the completion of pool renovations of 3 pools: Blacksmith, Condo and Villas. New carpets in the Clubhouse and a new wash-down station for the golf course maintenance facility were installed. Work on safety and accessibility of mailboxes on the cul-de-sacs, replacement of street signs and resurfacing of tennis courts 3 and 4 was completed. In April 2014, a member survey was completed. At the time, there were 966 units in VCC: 220 condos, 210 villas, 82 manor homes and 454 single family homes.
A new lighting project to better illuminate the parking lot, overflow parking and walkway behind the Clubhouse was in the planning phase. Also, a license plate resolution camera project for entrances, new Clubhouse furniture and interior painting were completed by summer 2015.
Following ten years of debates regarding the development process, the Wal-Mart in Estero was finally opened. Residents pushed back over the size and aesthetics, wanting a more Mediterranean-style look. Wall-mart redesigned the project into a smaller design and opened in 2015.
In January 2016, the 10th annual VCC Luminary Night was celebrated. On January 15th, VCC and Estero got 4 inches of rain in 90 minutes. Tornadoes and severe winds were reported, resulting in street flooding that came close to flooding homes, although damage was contained to falling branches. A company called Extreme Divers found that storm drains from the lakes were 90% blocked, causing the roads to flood.
During the summer and early fall of 2016, the 18th hole was rebuilt and the entire greens complex remodeled. The course reopened on October 15 and celebrated with a Grand Reopening. Members of the Chamber of Commerce attended and participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Growth in Estero was fast and furious. In 2017 there were 35 gated communities (that is 11,000 housing units) in Estero, an increase of 23% from 2013 to 2018. From 2000 to 2015, the median cost of a house or condo rose from $118,900 to $310,823.
Much collaboration and work were ongoing regarding the Estero River’s passage through VCC. There were three issues that were under review.
1. Section of Blacksmith Forge that abuts the community to the southwest Estates at the Estero River
2. Research our requirements to maintain the riverbank.
3. Research remedies available to address the longstanding erosion issues in the backyards of property owners residing on Blacksmith Forge and Rivers Ford.
On September 10, 2017, Hurricane Irma struck. Repair needs included perimeter fencing, river clean-up, irrigation repair, tree replacement, and more. The estimate of clean-up and repair cost was $315,000. Lee County agreed to remove 60 trees that fell into the Estero River during the hurricane.
Through celebrations, natural disasters and rapid growth, 2013 to 2017 proved to be a pivotal chapter in the history of The Villages at Country Creek and Estero, one marked by community spirit, resilience and transformation.
