The start of 2022 found the community engaged in projects, social, volunteerism, and a return to normalcy after the COVID epidemic.
The new Hotwire Community TV channel was introduced, updating community events and information accessible on Hotwire TV remotes and on the Hotwire App.
One of several book clubs at VCC read The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. In the book, one of the characters prepared Fettuccine Mia Amore. VCC’s Alice Rintamaa and Joan Meginniss decided to replicate the recipe, sharing the delicious dinner with the members of the book club. Fettuccine Mia Amore is an Italian pasta dish that highlights fettuccine noodles with bacon and onions to make a unique and exciting tomato pasta sauce that is rich and deep with flavor.
Since the 2018 purchase of the 62-acre site on the Estero River, north of Corkscrew Road and east of US 41, the Estero community engaged in considerable debate and discussion with the public and architects about acceptable options for the parcel. The COVID pandemic, unfortunately, slowed this process. However, during the council meeting on March 2, 2022, it was proposed that the roughly 30 acres to the south of the Estero river remain a protected environmental area that could not be developed. The discussion centered around the plan to rezone the property from mixed-use to a public park. This rezoning ensured that the property couldn’t be sold for commercial use in the future. The land south of the river is an area of natural beauty. There are many mature trees of several types, together with a wetland area and a section that is home to gopher tortoises. Work had already started on the first nature trail through the area and was around 80% complete. Plans for a second trail were in the plans to be built within a few months. An attractive open fence along US 41 and Corkscrew Road was also in the plans to provide the property’s boundary. It was anticipated that the area would be open to the public later in the year. “The natural area will offer a peaceful natural environment for everyone to enjoy.” Other building projects and new communities being developed included the Estero Rescue station on East Corkscrew Road, Corkscrew Crossing, Verdana, Edera, Genova, The Colonnade, Via Coconut, The Tides at Pelican Landing, a new school near the Post Office, the Lee Health development at US 41 and Coconut Road and The Brooks Town Center.
On the morning of Sept. 28, a storm intensified into a Category 4 hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph, just shy of a Category 5. Hurricane Ian came ashore near Cato Costa, Florida, at 3:05 PM with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph, tying the record for the fifth-strongest hurricane on record to strike the United States. It was the strongest hurricane to hit Florida since Michael in 2018. It was also the first Category 4 hurricane to impact Southwest Florida since Charley in 2004. Ian thrashed parts of Florida’s western coast, bringing intense winds, heavy rainfall, and catastrophic storm surges. More than 20 inches of rain fell in some areas causing historic flooding. The storm surge with inundation of 12 to 18 feet above ground level was unprecedented. Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach and Pine Island bore the brunt of Ian’s wrath. More than 150 direct and indirect deaths resulted, making Ian the deadliest hurricane to strike Florida since 1935. Estero neighborhoods, businesses, parks, and roads underwent extensive recovery efforts that continued for years. FEMA released updated flood maps affecting many Estero properties, changing flood zone designations for some homeowners and businesses. Residential and commercial development remained strong despite the storm, with new housing, retail, and infrastructure projects moving forward. Recovery from Hurricane Ian reshaped priorities for residents and local government.
VCC experienced relatively minor damage compared to others up and down the coast. One resident said it was almost like VCC was in a bubble. Downed trees and branches, roof damage, and minor flooding brought residents outdoors to clean up together, sharing meals and helping neighbors.
This first person account, published in the Villager, November 2022 edition is an excellent narrative of experiencing Hurricane Ian’s amazing power. It is written by Kristen Elliott:
Tropical storm Ian became menacing as it hit Cuba as a major hurricane. The news inundated us with spaghetti graphs illustrating various outcomes, with Southwest Florida most certainly getting some storm effects. Newscasters warned SWFL to prepare supplies of water, batteries, medicine, gas, and pet supplies.
As the days went on, we watched the weather graphs showing SW Florida getting a direct hit. The level of storm surge predictions rose higher, and the message was clear: Ian is going to be a powerful and destructive storm, and it is time to evacuate while you can. Mandatory evacuations were announced for our area.
On Tuesday, we hunkered down as Hurricane Ian approached. Hurricane shutters were secure, and we had our supplies. I slept surprisingly well Tuesday night, but when I woke on Wednesday morning, I found myself wishing we had evacuated. Although we still had power, watching the news was terrifying as the storm surge predictions grew to catastrophic proportions. It was too late to leave.
The day was long and dark. Our doors and windows shook, and it sounded like a freight train was coming. The power went out at 4pm on Wednesday. Cell phone service was unreliable, but we continued to receive cell phone warnings of flash floods, tornados, and extreme wind. At 7:30 pm Wednesday, the wind finally quieted. We went to bed hoping the worst was over, but still afraid of the storm surges coming while we slept.
In the morning, we woke with relief. The sun was shining, and we were alive. We went outside to survey the damage and walked to our friend’s house with a generator for coffee. It is hard to describe what we saw. The debris from trees and roofs littered the streets and sidewalks. Many roofs were damaged, lanais collapsed or blown away, ponds overflowed, and the river swollen beyond recognition. Some streets were flooded but not impassable by car. Disbelief was what I felt. Not at the extent of damage, but how fortunate we were.
Our friends welcomed us in for a hot cup of coffee and the aroma of breakfast cooking. Many accepted the invitation to stay with them, and the house was full of life. We enjoyed a hot meal and the comfort of being with friends.
Our following days were filled with checking on neighbors, feeding people with no power, and cleaning up. Our group of friends helped dismantle a collapsed lanai, making quick work of it. A neighbor asked, “where did you get this crew?” The answer was, “they are our friends we met at the clubhouse.” These friends, who I might never have met if we didn’t go to the club, would do anything for each other. I feel like we hit the jackpot when we found this community.
We survived Ian. We will clean up and rebuild. While the golf course and clubhouse remain closed for now, we will soon gather at the bar and raise a glass. I hope you join us!
For much of 2023 the focus in Estero was on repairing homes, restoring natural areas, and strengthening infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Ian.
Back in VCC, the CCLGA held its annual charity event, Operation Rebuild Stars and Stripes Forever in March 2023. The donations were used to help rebuild American Legion Post 303, which was extensively damaged during Hurricane Ian.
Discussion and planning for the remodel of the Clubhouse was underway. In April, the Master Board toured the Clubhouse with the design group to view the layout which had been previously submitted to the Board for discussion and presentation to the community.
Also in April, a 15-mile trail, proposed to run from Alico Road in Estero to Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs (BERT), was in discussion. A feasibility study was completed and found that the project was practical and a preferred route was identified. First proposed in 2019, the Bonita Estero Rail Trail is a planned 14-mile paved, multi-use trail that will transform the former Seminole Gulf Railway corridor into a safe route for cyclists, walkers and runners.
What is “The Gutter at Building 11 all about?” During the pandemic, VCC residents frequently met outdoors to socialize at Condo 11. As the group grew, resident Ron Snyder named it “The Gutter,” and the name stuck. During season, Ron found local talent willing to provide musical entertainment, creating a valuable time to sing, dance, eat, drink and enjoy good times with friends and neighbors that has become part of the VCC culture.
The Village of Estero continued attracting new residents, increasing demands for housing, transportation improvements, and public services. The Village continued emphasizing sensitive lands, including planning for improvements around the Estero River and public green spaces.
On December 4, 2023, the vote for the material alteration of the clubhouse was held. The majority voted for the alteration, but not by the two third majority required for the work to move to the next phase. The Board began the process of gathering information and encouraging residents to give their input.
On February 16, 2024, three VCC residents, Terry Burke, Tom Boos and Ray Atherholt, each made a hole-in-one. A hole-in-one is extremely rare, with the odds of an amateur golfer making an ace at 12,500 to 1. Overall, a hole-in-one is scored about once for every 3,500 rounds of golf, and only about 1% to 2% of golfers achieve one in a given year. The odds of THREE golfers, each making a hole-in-on on the same day, on the same course are in the realm of 1 in 1.95 QUINTILLION! (That is one billion billion).
Also in February, the Trust for Public Land reached a purchase agreement with Seminole Gulf Railway for the rail corridor, a major milestone toward making the BERT Trail a reality.
In 2024, the volunteers of VCC, made-up of 125 residents, were recognized in The Villager for completing a vast amount of work over the span of 24 years. Projects included Hurricane Ian cleanup, design and building of the Three Oaks gated entry, golf course retaining walls, re-roofing the pump houses and dozens more. Many of the projects were funded by fund raisers and contributions.
More golf news! On April 11, two months after three residents each hit a hole-in-one, Betsy McCleod, not to be out done, got her own ace on Hole #3.
The summer of 2024 was busy with plans to install a new sound system in the clubhouse, paint the clubhouse exterior, update governing documents, committee charters, and staffing arrangements. In addition, the Ad Hoc Committee tasked with researching the update of the clubhouse was reinstated.
In December, the Village of Estero, City of Bonita Springs and other local governments adopted resolutions supporting the BERT Trail project and seeking funding for the purchase.
Overall Trends for The Village of Estero during 2022-2024 included:
- Recovery from Hurricane Ian reshaped priorities for residents and local government.
- Continued population growth fueled residential and commercial development.
- Ongoing investments improved roads, sidewalks, parks and utilities.
- Environmental conservation remained a defining value, particularly along the Estero River and protected natural areas.
- Estero maintained strong financial management while keeping one of the region’s lowest municipal tax rates.
- Village leaders continued balancing new residential and mixed-use developments with preservation of Estero’s natural character, emphasizing thoughtful planning and environmental stewardship.
