Photos by FGCU Athletics   One would be hard-pressed to find a young university in any 20-year stretch achieving the athletic accomplishments of Florida Gulf Coast University: $5 million from a philanthropist to build a basketball arena in its first year of existence Millions more from another philanthropist for its baseball and softball complexes A…

Up, up and away…Estero’s home prices & tourist traffic soar into the new year   Marlene Fernandez has lived in Estero since 1956. Her husband was from a pioneer family that moved here in 1898. “We had no phones, no air conditioning, very rural, but it was a very close-knit, caring community,” she said. In…

As a smiling Don Eslick ambled his way to the front of the Grande Ballroom at The Club at Grandezza, the crowd rose and gave a warm ovation for the man known as “Mr. Estero.” Eslick was one of 25 people recently honored for their influence in shaping Estero’s identity over the years. As founding…

Local church finds new home in the heart of Estero By D.K. Christi Photos by Samantha Clements   Rev. Kevin Morris had just arrived at Hope United Presbyterian Church in San Carlos Park when Hurricane Irma struck their two already aging buildings. “Irma took the steeple off and severely damaged the roof,” Estero Mayor Katy…

By D.K. Christi   The Gulfshore Opera was birthed the same year as the Village of Estero. It’s only fitting these two young and growing institutions—both about 7 years old now—would call the same community home. “Estero is the geographical center of the three counties where Gulfshore Opera performs—from Marco Island to Port Charlotte,” explained…