Stoneybrook Estero
Stoneybrook Happenings
DENIS OLDANI, PRESIDENT HOA
Greetings Neighbors,
As the vibrant summer sun continues to shine over Southwest Florida, we enter a pivotal time, marked by both the bustling return to school and the peak of hurricane season. Your safety and well-being remain our utmost priority.
With mid-August upon us, our thoughts turn to the excited chatter of children and the yellow school buses appearing on our roads once more. We extend a warm welcome back to all students, teachers, and school staff. As our young ones embark on a new academic year, let’s all commit to ensuring their safe journey.
Please pay extra attention to children walking or biking to school. We encourage parents to review safe drop-off and pickup procedures with their children and discuss stranger danger. Our community’s collective effort will make this a safe and successful start to the school year for everyone.
As September approaches, we also look forward to celebrating Labor Day. This holiday, falling on Monday, September 1, offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends, perhaps with a backyard barbecue or a relaxing day at our beautiful beaches. Remember to practice water safety if you’re heading
to the beach or a pool, and always stay hydrated in the Florida heat. Many local businesses and services may have altered hours on Labor Day, so it’s wise to check ahead if you have plans.
Speaking of local treasures, our farmers’ markets continue to thrive, offering an abundance of fresh, produce and artisanal goods. These markets are fantastic places to support our local farmers and businesses while enjoying the freshest ingredients for your table. Keep an eye on local announcements for specific market dates and times in your area throughout August and September. They’re a perfect
spot to find fruits, vegetables and unique crafts as we transition into the slightly milder fall weather.
While we hope for a quiet hurricane season, remaining vigilant and prepared is essential during this time of year. Please ensure your hurricane preparedness kits are fully stocked, and you have a clear understanding of evacuation routes and local shelter information. Stay informed through reliable local news sources and official weather updates. Your proactive steps are the best defense against severe weather.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District has us to send this friendly reminder about the Preserve (Conservation Area). This is what is stated in our CC&Rs:
5.3 Conservation Area. The CDD shall be responsible for the maintenance and regulatory compliance of all Conservation Areas, regardless of where located, in accordance with rules, regulations and permitting requirements set forth by the County and other permitting agencies, including the South Florida Water Management District. No person shall undertake or perform any activity in
Conservation Areas described in the approved permits and Plats of the Community, or remove native vegetation that becomes established within the Conservation Areas. Prohibited activities within Conservation Areas include the removal of native vegetation, excavation, placement or dumping of soil, trash or land clearing debris, and construction or maintenance of any building, unit or other structure.
“Removal of native vegetation” includes dredging, application of herbicides, and cutting. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to prohibit the CDD from exercising its park, recreational, cultural or educational powers in conservation or preservation areas or easements, subject to other applicable governmental approvals.
Stay safe.
4th Of July Parade
The weather may not have been the best but rain or shine our Stoneybrook families show up!
The Following Ladies’ Luncheons Have Been Scheduled:
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 41 Bistro 19050 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 33908
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 TBD
You may sign up for all luncheons at the community center to have your name placed on the list. If you sign up and later cannot attend please notify us at
least 24 hours in advance. Carpooling is encouraged. If you have any questions or need a ride match, please contact Chris Costello at (774) 573-7064.
MORNING STRETCH
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY –
There are two, half-hour stretch segments. It’s an excellent way to work all the different parts of the body while improving your balance, coordination and strength. It uses your own resistance as we strive for total body toning and fitness. Each class is a cross between tai chi, yoga and Pilates. This is a great class to achieve a full stretch.
You can come to one session or both, depending on what works for you. Come and join us!
For any questions call: Linda Masters, (740) 361-4088.
of Estero, Stoneybrook a Golf Community
THE LATEST NEWS ON THE EXPANSION OF I-75 FROM SIX LANES TO 10 THROUGH ESTERO
The Engage Estero executive management team would like to thank the 146 residents who provided their details at the end of the article on this topic that was published in June. Ref: https://esterotoday.com/i-75 –add your voice!
In the meantime, Allan Bowditch, president of Engage Estero, has received a reply from Nicole Harris encouraging those who have concerns to attend the public meeting on August 14 (See details in Nicole’s response below.)
“ Thank you for compiling and forwarding the list of residents who have expressed concerns regarding potential noise impacts from the I-75 widening.
The list has been sent with a covering note to Mayor Joanne Ribble, David Willems, Estero’s Public Works Director, and Nicole Harris, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Southwest ConnectTM Project Manager. Both Mayor Ribble and David Willems have expressed their concerns and empathy with the concerns of the public and have indicated that they will express the Village’s concern to FDOT.
“As part of the ongoing Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for the I-75 South Corridor, from Golden Gate Parkway to Corkscrew Road, FDOT is conducting a comprehensive traffic noise analysis in accordance with federal and state guidelines. This includes evaluating existing conditions and predicting future noise levels under the proposed improvements to determine whether noise barriers are warranted, feasible, and reasonable. Public Works Director.
“Preliminary results of the noise study will be shared at the upcoming Public Hearing on August 14, 2025, Open House at 4:30 p.m.; Formal Presentation at 6 p.m., at North Collier Regional Park, and materials will be posted online in advance at: www.swflinterstates.com/ i75-south-corridor/452544-1”.
THE COMMUNITY AND
MEMBER
MEETING COVERING
“
DEVELOPMENTS IN ESTERO AND TITLE FRAUD” ON SEPTEMBER 26
This “ not to be missed” meeting will be held at the Estero Recreation Center on Friday, September 26 at 10 a.m. The location is 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd. (inside the Estero Community Park), Estero, FL 33928.
Production Directors
Stephen Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Sales Department
Tom English
Margo Williams
Laura Berrio
Bret McCormick
Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban
Justein Matthias
Anissa Stender
Webmaster
Selina Koehler
Production Manager
Lee Nostrant
Production Department
Elaine Donholt
Ruth Nekoranec
Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout
Karen Kalisz
Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds
Mary Gibbs, the Estero Community Development Director, will discuss the difficulties that the Village ’s PZDB has to face when balancing the demands of developers and, on occasion, their legal threats with those of the Village code and residents’ concerns. She will also address some of the larger developments that are underway or about to start, and what they will eventually look like.
Clerk Karnes, Lee County ’s Clerk of the Court & Comptroller, will discuss the issue of title fraud. It is a scam that involves criminals stealing your home, then borrowing against it or selling it behind your back.
PLEASE PUT THE DATE IN YOUR CALENDAR. REVOLUTIONIZING HEALTHCARE: WHY THE INTERNET OF MEDICAL THINGS (I o MT) WILL SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE DELIVERY AND PATIENT OUTCOMES If
Medical and wearable devices, sensors, and other healthcare technologies integrated with cloud systems (referred to as the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)) have the potential to revolutionize healthcare by improving both care delivery and patient outcomes.
The aging population in the USA is already increasing the demands on an already stretched physician workforce. Additionally, the projected decline in the number of physicians and nurses per capita over the next few years is
expected to increase demand further. The introduction of IoMT and its components, such as medical and wearable devices, sensors, and other healthcare technologies integrated with cloud systems, will be crucial in helping to offset the potential decline in healthcare quality forecasted. The real potential lies in its ability to reshape healthcare, making it more proactive, precise, and accessible for all. But the question remains – will this be enough to offset the declining numbers of doctors and nurses?
WRITING BY HAND, IS IT LOST FOREVER?
Once when visiting family and friends in Illinois (outside of St. Louis), a cousin’s daughter shared that at her high school, they are all issued laptops on which to take notes in their classes. They also had all their textbooks loaded which was probably a positive thing. She shared that she doesn’t like taking notes that way and asked a teacher if she could take them by hand and was told that it would take too long. To what end, then?
At other times, I have been engaged in discussions about the elimination of cursive penmanship instruction. And some younger people are seeing this as a plus in their world of the smartphone with its amazing technology for instant and realtime voice-activated communication.
When I attend professional meetings, networking is a key component of these events. Following up with new and former contacts is crucial. I’m sure that many with whom I meet exchange business cards with at least 50 individuals or possibly more over the course of a multi-day conference. Developing a strategy for follow up in a timely fashion and knowing
Monthly Motivation
JOSHUA A. SKY, CAREER COACH AND LEADERSHIP TRAINER
that I was going to need some material electronically, I began thinking about how I could do something to help me to stand out. After all, isn’t being different what gets noticed?
Thinking creatively about how I could be noticeable, I decided that my first contact after the conference would be with a handwritten note. It takes a little longer, but I thought that it would be worth the effort. So, I broke out the note cards and began addressing personalized notes in my own hand, and already received some positive feedback about how refreshing it was to receive my card.
Here’s what one person said: “Thank you sooooo much for the beautiful thank you note. It is always a treat to receive something handwritten. You are simply a treasure filled with class and elegance. There is no doubt in my mind that what you give to your clients is a beautifully wrapped package. I hope we get to work together on a project.”
So, I am thrilled that cursive writing was taught when I was in school. In fact, having been a teacher myself, it was something that I integrated for my 4th grade students, but that was quite a while ago.
So, do we as a culture eliminate penmanship and teaching our youth to write in their own hand? To what end?
“Sending a handwritten letter is becoming such an anomaly. It’s disappearing. My mom is the only one who still writes me letters. And there’s something visceral about opening a letter – I see her on the page. I see her in her handwriting.” –Steve Carell
SEEKING MAH-JONGG AND PINOCHLE PLAYERS!
Hellen will teach mah-jongg. Anthony will teach pinochle. If interested, please call Hellen at (239) 247-0756 or Anthony at (239) 247-0736.
TLP Tidbit$
THOMAS L. PATRICCA, CFP ® , CEPS, AEP ®
DANCING WITH THE FED: HOW INTEREST RATES CHANGE YOUR FINANCIAL LIFE
You’ve probably heard his name. Maybe seen his photo on the news, or heard it spoken with the same gravity as a weather warning: “Jerome Powell speaks at 2 p.m. today.” As Chair of the Federal Reserve, Powell doesn’t command armies or throw first pitches—but his decisions can move markets, shift your mortgage rate, and quietly tap the brakes or gas on the economy.
So what exactly does he do, and how does it affect you?
What Is The Fed, Anyway?
The Federal Reserve (a.k.a. “the Fed”) is the central bank of the United States, created in 1913 to provide stability after a series of banking crises. Its main job today? Keep inflation in check and employment healthy—essentially, make sure the economy doesn’t overheat or freeze up.
One tool used to accomplish this is the adjustment of the federal funds rate —the interest rate banks charge each other for overnight loans. That may sound far removed from daily life, but this rate
affects almost everything: mortgages, car loans, credit card rates, business lending, and savings yields.
The Powell Playbook
Jerome Powell and the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meet regularly to decide whether to raise, lower, or hold interest rates. They look at all kinds of economic indicators—jobs, inflation, growth, global trends—before deciding which way to nudge.
Yes, nudge is the key word. Changes are usually in 0.25% increments. Why? Because the U.S. economy is like a cruise ship, not a jet ski—it takes time to respond. Large, sudden moves could startle markets, shake consumer confidence, or swing us into a recession. Gradual changes allow the Fed to steer with precision.
What Tariffs Have To Do With It
You might be wondering, where do tariffs fit in?
While the Fed doesn’t set trade policy, tariffs can indirectly affect its decisions. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods—and
they often raise prices for consumers. When the price of goods goes up across the board, inflation can rise. And when inflation rises, the Fed may respond by increasing interest rates to cool things down. Or, the Fed may not lower interest rates in anticipation of inflation tied to tariffs.
So, even if the Fed didn’t cause the inflation, it may still have to react to it. Think of tariffs turning up the economic heat—and Powell adjusting the thermostat in response.
What This Means For You
If you’ve noticed your mortgage rate rising or your savings account finally offering more than pocket change, that’s the Fed at work. Higher rates tend to:
• Make borrowing more expensive (mortgages, credit cards, business loans)
• Boost savings yields (your high-yield savings account is smiling)
• Rattle stock markets (higher rates can reduce corporate profits)
• Affect bond prices and yields (as prices drop, yields increase and vice versa)
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® , I monitor these shifts closely—not to predict the future, but to help ensure that my clients’ financial plans are built to flex with changing conditions. Whether we’re in a low-rate environment or rates are on the rise, your financial strategy should be able to ride the waves.
Final Thought
Jerome Powell isn’t out to wreck your budget or flatten your 401(k). He’s steering a massive, complex economy using the best tools available—and he’s doing it in quarter-percent increments for a reason. Whether it’s tariffs, inflation, or market volatility making noise, the Fed’s slow-andsteady approach helps prevent overcorrections.
And remember: Your financial plan shouldn’t be built around just one interest rate cycle. Working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® can help you ensure that it’s designed to weather many of them—gracefully and intentionally.
Catch The Action
CAPT.
BILL RUSSELL
AUGUST ON THE WATER
On the water around Southwest Florida in August means dealing with steamy hot weather and the possibility of daily thunderstorms. Fishing can be good for the month If you don’t mind working around the weather.
Summer days give us flat calm seas over the morning hours, perfect for running offshore. Our coastline is dotted with man-made artificial reefs, many well within sight of land with GPS coordinates available to the public. If you are an inshore angler, it’s a nice change of pace to make a short run offshore, especially during the heat of summer when the inshore water temperatures are so high.
Fishing around the reefs, you never know what you might hook into. Everything from tasty snapper to huge goliath grouper call the reefs their home. To get the most out of the day you want an assortment of tackle that can manage the fish you target and any surprise guest. Obviously with snapper you do not need super heavy tackle, the lighter the better for the best action. But, if you want to attempt to pull a big goliath grouper from his home you will need an extra heavily rig, we are talking 2- to 400-pound line. And many times, that’s not heavy enough. Big goliaths are protected and must remain in the water and released unharmed.
In between snapper and goliaths is the possibility of Spanish and king mackerel, cobia, permit, barracuda, snook, grouper, sharks of all sizes, plus many other species. A common method is to anchor up, deploy a chum bag, and fish several different line class rods and baits for a variety of fish.
Inshore sea trout fishing is good through the summer. Look for larger trout over areas of open water where shallow sandbars transition to deeper grass flats from 3 to 6 feet deep with good water movement. Schools of small baitfish concentrate in these areas. Trout, plus Spanish mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish, and sharks are located around the bait. Diving pelicans, terns, and gulls often give up the location of schooling bait.
Mangrove snapper fishing is a good choice throughout the inshore and nearshore waters. They gather around structure with good water movement; this could include any of the Gulf passes, docks and jetties, bridges, piers, and natural or man-made reefs. For bait, live shrimp, pilchards, and small pinfish are the ticket, plus small pieces of cut bait. Snapper have excellent vision, a small circle hook with 3 to 4 feet of 10- to 20-pound fluorocarbon leader will put the odds in your favor. Snapper are hard fighting for their size and are
one of the absolute best tasting fish in our waters. If you have visitors over the summer, snapper can make a great target and reward you with a fine dinner.
Good numbers of snook are roaming the surf along the Gulf beaches throughout the summer and are a sight fishermen’s dream. Most snook are under 26 inches, but there are much bigger fish mixed in. Pilchards, herring, small pinfish, one-eighth, or quarter-ounce white bucktail jigs, and a variety of small white flies are top baits. Look for the fish right off the edge of the beach in the surf or near any type of submerged structure. Remember, snook are
catch and release only, quickly return them to the water. Snook, like most fish, are most active early and late in the day over the summer months.
Stay up to date with fishing regulations by visiting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission at: www.myfwc.com. Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone. It has current regulations with pictures to help identify fish. If you turn on your GPS location the Fish Rules app updates to your location. In my opinion, it is more accurate and up to date than FWC’s website.
Whatever type of fishing or water activity you choose, be smart, drink plenty of water, and watch those thunderstorms.
For charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service and “Catch the Action” with Capt. Bill Russell, call or text (239) 410-8576, website: www.fishpineisland.com , email: gcl2fishlive.com .
Capt. Bill Russell is a native and lifelong resident of Pine Island who has spent his entire life fishing the waters surrounding Pine Island and Southwest Florida. For the past 29 years, Bill has been a professional fishing guide who takes pride in customizing each trip to ensure everyone on board has a great time and will return again. Come join us and “Catch the Action.”
Katie’s Kitchen Creations
KATIE HEYSTEK
BACON CHEESEBURGER
CASSEROLE (LOW CARB/KETO)
It’s back to school time! With school-aged kids we have a very busy weekly schedule; work, school, football practice, games and more. Somehow, I also must fit dinner in everyday too! Meal prep is great; casseroles are even better! My family absolutely loves this recipe; like most of my others it’s very versatile. You can experiment with different meats, cheeses and seasonings to suit your family’s tastes! This can also be made the night before, leftovers are awesome and it fits into a low-carb, gluten-free lifestyle. Happy eating!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 pounds ground beef (Ground chicken, turkey, pork and venison work as well.)
• 1 onion chopped or sliced
• 1 clove garlic, crushed (I use Jarlic.)
• 2 ounces full-fat cream cheese, cubed
• 4 slices bacon, diced (more if you love bacon too)
• salt/pepper to taste (seasonings to your liking)
• 3 large eggs
• 4 ounces heavy cream
• 8 ounces shredded cheese (We like Colby-Jack, but a sharper cheese works very well too.)
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 2 to 4 baby dill pickles, sliced or chopped
• salt/pepper to taste
• 4 ounces shredded/grated cheese to sprinkle over the top (My family loves cheese.)
INSTRUCTIONS
Beef Layer
1. Fry the bacon pieces until cooked then remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the onion, garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until thoroughly browned, add salt and pepper to taste while cooking. (Drain excess grease if necessary.)
3. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and well combined.
4. Pour the beef layer into a 9x13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the bacon pieces over the beef. Set aside.
In A Separate Bowl
1. Beat the eggs, heavy cream, 6 ounces of shredded cheese, mustard and salt and pepper together.
2. Pour the mixture over the beef and bacon.
3. Place slices of pickles all over the top then cover with the remaining 4 ounces shredded cheese.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cheese is golden and crispy.
5. Serve with salad or a green vegetable.
RESOURCE HUB
STONEYBROOK OF ESTERO
STONEYBROOK MASTER ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President:
Denis Oldani
Vice President:
Melissa Mahmoud
Secretary:
Daniel “Todd” Madden
Treasurer:
John Detterbeck
Directors:
Darrell Grigg
Matthew Reed
Elizabeth Hanson
The Board of Directors meets on the third Tuesday of the month in the Community Center. Meetings are open to all community members. Residents may address the Board during Residents’ Open Forum which begins at 6:30 p.m. At the end of the Residents’ Forum the general meeting begins.
Front Gate
STONEYBROOK COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DISTRICT (CDD) BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Eileen Huff - Chairperson
Chris Brady - Vice Chairperson
Phil Olive - Assistant Secretary
Phil Simonsen - Assistant Secretary
Adam Dalton - Assistant Secretary
The Board of Supervisors meets at 9 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the Community Center. Exceptions are: November and December held on the second Tuesday because of holidays, and February, May, June and August held at 6 p.m. Meetings are open to all community members. Agendas, minutes and other information can be found on the CDD website: www.stoneybrookesterocdd.com.
STONEYBROOK – A GOLF COMMUNITY
949-4965
DwellingLIVE Guest Registration(888) 994-4117
Community Center 948-1787
Community Center Fax 948-1786
Pro Shop 948-3933
Golf Course Superintendent 948-9057
Main Line Irrigation Problems – during normal golfing hours 948-9057
Alliant Property Management LLC 454-1101
Alliant Property Management Fax 454-1147
Lennar (formerly US Home) 278-1177
Lee County Sheriff’s Office 477-1200
Poison Control (800) 222-1222
Alligator Hotline (866) 392-4286
Animal Control 432-2083
Mosquito Control 694-2174
Comcast 432-9277
Florida Power & Light
334-7754
Lee County Utilities 936-0247 – to report “Lift Station” alarm 479-8700
Sunshine Before You Dig (800) 432-4770 (Underground Cable Locating Service)
Waste Services of Florida 332-8500
Free Residential Appliance Pickup 337-0800
– please do not dispose in community Dumpsters
MASTER BOARD
Contact us on the Home page on the Website: www.stoneybrookestero.org
ALLIANT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC
Emergency (24-hour) Number: (239) 454-1101
www.alliantproperty.com 13831 Vector Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907
COMMUNITY CENTER
E-mail: stoneybrook.office@alliantproperty.com