Estero Life Magazine Celebrates 14 Years!

WOW! I still remember June 2010 and our first round of sales calls to promote a new magazine with the mission of showcasing the people, places, events and lifestyle of a nearly unknown place called Estero!

The initial reaction from business owners was skeptical: “You’re going to start a new magazine in Florida? In the summer? Come back in six months, if you’re still around!”

Back in those days, we still had to explain that Estero was halfway between Fort Myers and Naples. But my friend, Jim Norton, owner of the magazine company that was then based in Weston, encouraged me, saying, “Estero has affluence and influence, but no identity. You will see that, by giving the residents a single focus point, the magazine will make a huge contribution.”

A short four years later, the Village of Estero incorporated as a Florida municipality. Hundreds of cover and feature stories and more than 180 dining reviews later, we still enjoy our role as a leading voice for Estero. We offer gratitude to our many supporters, subscribers and fans, along with the writers, photographers, production partners and thousands of readers in the greater Estero market. We are most proud of our amazing community!

In this month’s edition, we call attention to the growth of early childhood learning centers as Estero’s population expands to include more young families. Ivybrook Academy is the newest center, joining Ocean Academy, Creative World and The Global Child. This month’s cover story compares their programs and explores the impact of early childhood education.

We encourage you to pay special attention to the Village Connection this month, as it explains Estero’s budget process. You are invited to contribute to the process, either in person or virtually, where you will have opportunity to comment and ask questions during two evening meetings in September.

For those who are patrons of our South County Library, we have included an advisory (page 24) as the library will be closing this month for a major renovation. There is a pop-up location just to the north, at Three Oaks Park, which will service our area during the closure.

Don’t worry about being bored in the meantime. 810 Billiards and Bowling has come to Estero! That’s right, here’s a chance to go back in time (remember ski ball?) and enjoy a new-era arcade, ax throwing and darts, along

with bowling and billiards, of course, at this new entertainment destination in Miromar Outlets. It’s great fun for all ages, young and old, also offering lunch, dinner and late-night snack choices. There is even a Mean Mug Milkshake Bar for those with a sweet tooth. So, put your cell phones down and bring the gang out for fun, fun, fun!!

Our dining feature casts a line at the Hooked Island Grill in Gulf Coast Town Center which relocated from Matlacha after being destroyed by Hurricane Ian. This casual dining restaurant serves a plethora of unique seafood delights, from lobster tails to a grouper Rueben (the Grueben) and even New Orleans gumbo. We are sure you will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and amazing array of options.

 

Until next time, remember to…

                                    Enjoy the Good Life, Estero Life!!

 

Gary

Gary Israel, President & Publisher

Estero Life Magazine