JANUARY 2026! New Developments and Old Friends

Let me get straight to the point. I want to wish everyone in our Village, from our mayor and village council, village manager and staff, to Estero business owners and every Village of Estero resident (both year-round and seasonal), a very happy and prosperous New Year!

Secondly, I would like to congratulate our entire staff and thank our contributing writers, graphic designers, story subjects, advertising partners, production partners and our loyal readers as I celebrate 10 years of owning and publishing Estero Life Magazine! We have actually been publishing since 2010; however, I acquired the magazine in 2016 and protected our Southwest Florida market, rebranding as Estero Life Magazine. It has been one of the great joys of my life!

Our January issue is typically the favorite for our faithful readership as this is the month that contains our annual Economic Outlook. This year will be no exception as we again look to the near future and answer the many questions our residents have on their minds about our area and community. In “Aiming for Advancement,” we cover regional growth such as the origins of incoming new residents, an update on the terminal expansion project at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and the expansive renovations of the South County Regional Library on Three Oaks Parkway.

Local advancements include, but are not limited to, the completion of the Corkscrew Road widening from Ben Hill Griffin Parkway to Bella Terra, Phase 1 of the Estero RiverPark, progress on the Estero Sports Park infrastructure, further development in the Estero Village Center, Lumio (across from Genova) and River Oaks. The story examines the health of our local economy, along with the challenges we face, and concludes with the stabilizing of the local real estate market. We know you will enjoy reading the details of what all is taking place here in our slice of paradise!

Before we get too far down the road into 2026, our Village Connection this month is a review of the many Village accomplishments of 2025 — quite a remarkable list of highlights in which we should all take great pride.

For our dining review this month, we are revisiting an “old friend,” Ted’s Montana Grill. Coconut Point Mall opened in 2006, and Ted’s was the very first restaurant to open in November of that year. That means this year will be their 20th anniversary! Known for serving healthy, classic American fare, bison is their

specialty. Why bison? Discover the benefits in our dining feature. If you haven’t ever tried bison, you are really missing something delicious! We are certain that you will be able to find a couple of our favorites to your liking.

Finally, on a more personal note, I would like to congratulate my friend and Stoneybrook neighbor, Michael Fattah, chef/owner of Ristorante Farfalla (which means “butterfly”) who celebrates his 28th season here in Estero in the Publix plaza at the corner of Corkscrew Road and U.S. 41. What a tremendous accomplishment! In my opinion, Farfalla has the best veal anywhere!

You won’t be disappointed when you dine at Estero’s longtime favorite restaurants.

 

Until next month, remember to…

Enjoy the Good Life: Estero Life!!!

Gary

Gary Israel, President & Publisher

Estero Life Magazine