Early in 2000, five residents organized a group of volunteers and in 2001, filed Articles of Incorporation with the State of Florida and created a non-profit corporation, Country Creek Volunteers, Inc. The initial focus was on Estero River cleanup, small community repairs and beautification, all with authorization and approval from the Master Board and General Manager for each project. Projects included the concrete pour of 300 feet of sidewalk, east of the Fern Garden. At the time of the VCC anniversary, it was estimated the volunteers had saved the VCC one million dollars in labor costs. In February 2018 proceeds from a special golf event and buffet dinner also raised money to fund future community projects.
The March issue of The Villager featured an article identifying the Five Secret Spots in Country Creek: The Horseshoe Pitt, The Patio behind The Clubhouse, The Clubhouse Bookshelf, The Fern Garden and Community Benches.
The USS Estero, named after Estero Island, served during WW2 for the Army in 1944 and the Navy in 1947. The cargo ship was assigned to support the UN Trust Territories in the war-torn Marshall, Caroline and Mariana Islands. The USS Estero was refitted as an ammunition supply ship and participated in the 1950 Inchon Invasion during the Korean War. The ship received seven battle stars for its service in the Korean War. In 1954, the ship was used to evacuate North Vietnamese refugees in support of Operation Passage To Freedom and received the Vietnam Presidential Unit Commendation, (Ribbon of Friendship). During the Formosan Crisis in 1957-1958, the ship rendered vital support during the crisis with the emergency lifting of ammo from Japan to Taiwan. The USS Estero was decommissioned on 1/22/60.
Back in the VCC, Hurricane Irma cleanup continued. The cost was mounting and was over $300,000 and still counting. In the 6 months following Irma’s destruction, 100 trees were either removed or pruned, 4,000 feet of damaged fencing was removed and new fencing installed, with much more work ahead. In June 2018, preventative maintenance on storm water drainage pipes and riverbanks in preparation of hurricane season was also completed.
In the fall of 2018, our coastline was hit with Red Tide and Blue/Green Algae. The beaches were filled with dead fish, a putrid smell and discolored water. The cause? Red tide and Blue-Green Algae, types of slimy bacteria that both hit the coast at the same time. Red Tide is caused by a naturally occurring microscopic algae called Karenia brevis. When conditions are favorable, such as warm water, sunlight, and nutrients, the algae can multiply rapidly into a harmful bloom. Blue-Green Algae blooms when fresh water becomes overloaded with nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. These often come from fertilizer runoff, sewage and agricultural drainage commonly associated with water flowing from Lake Okeechobee and connected waterways.
Estero continued its rapid growth as a young village, having been incorporated only four years earlier in 2014. The Village focused on implementing its first Comprehensive Plan guiding future development, conservation, transportation, and preserving Estero’s unique character. Planning moved forward for improvements to Estero Parkway, including safer roads, landscaping, and pedestrian and bicycle pathways.
The VCC greeted 2019 with class and charm. The New Years Eve Dinner created by Creekside was an eight-foot ice sculpture, adorned with lobster tails, shrimp and raw oysters along with a display of hats and noise makers to bring in the new year and kick off the 30-year anniversary of our community. A life-sized Cinderella carriage with a photo booth, parked in front of the clubhouse enchanted guests and captured the memory with a keepsake photo.
On March 18, the 30th Anniversary events started with a parade featuring decorated bikes and golf carts, fancy vintage cars and even a backhoe. To mark the anniversary celebrations, polo shirts were offered for sale. Over 200 residents ordered shirts and wore them during the events. Games including bocce matches, corn hole, pickle ball and croquet were enjoyed throughout the seven-day celebration.
Also in 2019, the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC), updated the VCC vision statement as follows, “To be a safe, healthy, and welcoming community, providing enhanced sustainable amenities with a high-quality experience for our residents.” On November 19, the SPC issued its final report to the Master Board. The work was started the previous year and consisted of feedback from VCC residents’ surveys, committees, competitor General Managers, industry trend data and realtors. The findings of the SPC illustrated concerns about the aging of the then 30-year-old community and made the following recommendations. 1. Update the Cabana. 2. Update the Clubhouse. 3. Schedule community engagement meetings to review/comment on developed options. 4. Develop an automation/technology solution that would help address specific problems. 5. Develop a cohesive brand/marketing plan. 6. Develop a wide community maintenance plan.
2019 saw Estero’s population exceed approximately 33,000 residents and continued to grow as retirees and families were drawn to the community. The Village gained national attention when USA Today ranked Estero among the top U.S. communities for home ownership, with about 85.5% of residents owning their homes. Continued emphasis was placed on maintaining strict development standards, attractive landscaping, and protecting natural resources.
2020 saw the start of the COVID pandemic. Several editions of The Villager were canceled. The VCC was described as a deserted city. The Clubhouse offered a limited menu with a take-out option at a time when grocery stores had limited food selections. The Master Board decided to close the Clubhouse down for weeks to keep the community safe. The Pro Shop and golf course renovations were stalled in a time of uncertainty. By mid-March, the restaurant, bar, and all activities and events were canceled. Golf was allowed to continue but limited to members only. Contact with the office was limited to email and phone calls. Residents found safe ways to socialize with friends and neighbors, enjoying cocktails in small gatherings outdoors. In mid-March, our Canadian friends headed home earlier than planned. The borders were later closed, preventing their return in the fall.
When resident Joyce Trost discovered the Estero Fire and Rescue didn’t have sufficient masks, she went into action. Joyce, along with Dennis Fahey, Sharon Pisanchyn and over 40 volunteers, made 697 CDC compliant masks both for the firefighters and VCC residents. Residents also made cash donations to the Harry Chapin Food Bank, all a wonderful example of community spirit and generosity.
In May 2020, all 50 states began progressively lifting their stay-at-home and social distancing restrictions and in December, COVID-19 vaccines publicly became available. The COVID-19 pandemic affected Estero, changing community life, local government operations, businesses, and seasonal tourism. Despite the pandemic, Estero continued to grow, reaching a 2020 Census population of 36,939. Residential and commercial development continued, reflecting Estero’s role as one of Southwest Florida’s fastest-growing communities.
In January 2021, discussions about gating the Corkscrew entrance were underway. It was decided to wait until the end of the COVID pandemic to make the decision. In February, Ray Pothier was awarded the VCC Community Service Award, the first and only recipient to receive the award using Zoom. Shortly after, book clubs also began utilizing Zoom to continue enjoying reading, sharing and remaining social. The Hotwire Internet Provider system was the choice for VCC and the roll-out started in 2021.
Estero experienced a significant jump in population and property values as the Southwest Florida housing market accelerated. Village financial reports show continued increases in taxable property values and community growth. The Village continued investments in infrastructure, parks, roadway improvements, and maintaining the high-quality appearance that defines the community.
From 2018 to 2021, Estero evolved from a newly incorporated village into one of Southwest Florida’s most desirable communities. The period was marked by planned growth, a rising population, improved infrastructure, strong property values, and an ongoing commitment to preserving Estero’s natural beauty and small-town character.
