Happy Holidays

From all of us, to all of you!

As we reach the final chapter of 2025, we continue to enjoy the many blessings that God has favored us with here in Southwest Florida. Beautiful weather, the Gulf of America, hiking and natural settings to enjoy — and some of the best dining anywhere in the country!

Speaking of food, we offer you a recap of “The Best of Dining 2025” based on our monthly dining reviews. From Persian to French to Greek to Chinese to Italian, fresh seafood and good ol’ American cuisine, all within a comfortable drive from Estero. Just in case you missed trying some of this year’s favorites, here is a second chance to enjoy these locales for some incredible dining this holiday season and into the new year.

Many of you have probably noticed several new projects breaking ground around the Village of Estero — the walkways along Three Oaks Parkway through the Brooks, the northwest corner of Coconut Road and U.S. 41, and the Southwest corner of Corkscrew Road and Via Coconut — and more progress is forthcoming. One of the most exciting happenings is captured in this month’s Village Connection: the groundbreaking for the future High 5 entertainment facility in Estero’s Village Center Hub at Williams Road and Via Coconut. This is the first of many recreational opportunities planned for our community!

Another blessing for this area is the quality of our schools here in the Estero area. In our cover story, “It Takes a Village,” we highlight Principal Jennifer Seluk’s impact at Estero High. She has completely transformed how the school connects with the community. Students don’t just learn about careers but they live them through the new Career and Technical Education department. Developing partnerships between students and local businesses provides funding, mentorship and on-site experiences that take learning beyond the classroom. Coupled with the Estero Entrepreneurship Academy, which bridges students with local industries and trades, the goal is to enable every student to visualize success after graduation. Working collaboratively benefits both students and the business community.

To help everyone more fully enjoy the holidays, we invite you to “Make Holiday Magic This Year” and discover fun ways to celebrate the season in Southwest Florida. In this feature, you will find 10 family-friendly activities to make your holidays special. We hope you can find one or more that would complement your holiday traditions.

One of the highlights of the holidays in Estero will be the third annual Car Show and Tropical Holiday Celebration at Coconut Point Mall on December 6. This event combines a classic car show on Fashion Drive, a kids’ fun zone from 3 to 5 p.m., Polynesian and tropical dances, and steel drum performances until the grand parade begins at 6 p.m. with a record 55-plus floats, along with several marching bands, all culminating with Santa Claus lighting the Village Christmas Tree. (Details are on the back cover.)

May God keep you and yours safely in his loving hands as we conclude another year. Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish friends and a very blessed and Merry Christmas to those who celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus.

On behalf of my wife, Ann Marie, Managing Editor Cheryl Mandell, Copyeditor Laura Cummings, Art Director Kris Kasten, our editorial contributors and our production partners at Presstige Printing, I wish you all a very healthy, happy and promising New Year!

 

Until next month, remember to…

Enjoy the Good Life: Estero Life!!!

Gary

Gary Israel, President & Publisher

Estero Life Magazine