For all of you that get bent out of shappe by the lovely photos of Bonita Beach in the winter, I give you a snapshot of what pops up for us in the summer. Although the clouds appear formidable, they'll dump rain and the sun will be out in a matter of minutes.  We are the land of rainbows, right?  We are also the lightning capital of the world.  We do have serious weather in the summer.  A lot of the forest and wildfires that make the news are actually started by lightning.  It's a two edged sword:We need the rain due to draught.The grass and trees are so dry the lightning ignites anything it touches.Here are some tips you may find useful:Most lightning strikes occur either at the beginning or end of a storm. The average lightning strike is six miles long.  (who knew)Lightning reaches 50... 07/07/2007

Welcome to Bella Terra!  Enjoy all the amenities this community has to offer, plus the security of a gated entry.  This Foxhall model at Bella Terra is of the most popular floor plans Lennar Homes built.  A great model with and it has a full, head on lake view and no neighbors behind!!  This home has three bedrooms, plus a den, two baths and room for a pool.  Over 2,275 SF of living space.  Offered at $379,900.Features of this home include: 16" diagonal tile throughoutUpgraded carpet in bedroomsKitchen has granite countersRaised panel, staggered cabinet package with crown moldingThere are even cabinets in the utility room. There are only a few Foxhall models left for sale in Bella Terra. This one has the advantage of upgrades and price point!  Be sure to take the visual tour which inclu... 07/03/2007

Any and every style of home is available at Bella Terra in Estero, Florida.  Your choices:  Condominiums, attached villas, villa homes, estate homes.Perfectly located 3 miles East of I-75 in the heart of sunny Estero, Florida.Bella Terra is close to shopping, dining, schools, and entertainment. Northern Italian-style Architecture. Resort-style community with many amenities.Beautiful lush landscaping, water and nature views.Bella Terra is minutes from many of SW Florida's favorite conveniences which include SW Florida International Airport, Gulfcoast Towne Center Mall, Miromar Outlet Malls, the new International Design Center, Germain Arena and only 20 minutes to the white sugar sand beaches of Bonita Springs and Bonita Beach.In addition, the new Estero Community Park and Dog Park is onl... 07/03/2007

Estero Community Park and Recreation Center is the largest within the Lee County Parks and Recreation system.  The community center is located in Estero Florida on Corkscrew Road, midway between US 41 and Three Oaks Parkway.  The Estero Community Park encompasses 55 acres and houses2 bocce courts, 12 horseshoe pits, 3 sand volleyball courts, shelters of varying sizes, a children's play area, 4 lakes, a 5K cross country course, a tortoise preserve, an outdoor amphitheater along with a 40,000 sq/ft. recreation center and an off leash dog park. Those of you who looking for a place to take man's best friend now have a brand new, safe and FREE facility to take the entire family (including Fido) for an afternoon of fun.  The dog area is located near the playground area on the east side of the... 06/29/2007

Located in sunny Estero, Florida, Colonial Oaks is a gated, deed restricted community.   The community Colonial Oaks is:Comprised of only single family homes.Square footage ranges from about 1,500 to over 3,600.Priced From the mid $300'000's.Affordable amenity feeAmenities at Colonial Oaks include:Clubhouse with fitness centerSwimming poolPicnic and barbeque areaHalf court basketballPlayground and sand pitThe central location of Colonial Oaks makes it an ideal location.  It is only minutes from FGCU - Florida Gulfcoast State University, RSW - Southwest Florida Regional Airport, Lee County parks and the new Estero Community Center.  The Lee County South Library Branch is within walking distance.  Bonita Beach is only 20-25 minutes away.Colonial Oaks is on the west side of Three Oaks Park... 06/26/2007

Come on!  What's the big deal?  Cellpan, a local heavy metal act, had hoped to hold an outdoor concert with three other bands on June 30 to celebrate its signing to a Florida-based independent record label.These boys just want a place to practice and show their art!  Apparently, a few folks have their knickers in a twist about Cellpan using the Estero Community Park to play their music. Ok, so that mask is a little scary...hey, Elvis was scaring little old ladies when he was shaking his hips, right?Hopefully the proper permits and requirements will be acquired within the time limits.  Full Story 06/25/2007

Located in the middle of Estero Bay is Mound Key  an archaeological site managed by Koreshan State Historic Site - State Park. Calusa Indians dominated southern Florida for centuries and resisted the Spanish explorers. Mound Key Archaeological Site is believed to be the ceremonial center of Calusa society. The Indian shell mounds at the site rise more than 30 feet high and are estimated to date back nearly 2000 years. The site is only accessible by boat from the southern end of Estero Island.  Review the list of boat ramps in the Bonita Springs and Estero areas.  The closest boat ramp and causeway area is at Carl Johnson State Park at Lover's Key.  Kyaks and canoes are available for rent.Also: Check out this awesome Blueway map for boaters, kyakers and canoers.Be sure to take sunscreen ... 06/21/2007

Fall in love with Rapallo at Coconut Point!Located in the beautiful Estero, a few miles North of Naples, Florida - Rapallo is a resort-style gated community featuring:Condominiums: View available condominiums in Rapallo.Coach homes: View available coach homes in Rapallo.Carriage homes: View available carriage homes in Rapallo.Courtyard villas: View available courtyard villas in Rapallo.Lifestyle:Rapallo has been designed as an old and picturesque Ligurian village in Italy. No monotonous architecture there: Beautiful colors and landscaping make this community very attractive. View Virtual Tour.Located just North of the new Coconut Point Mall in Estero with great shopping.Amenities:Rapallo offers a large clubhouse with gathering room and catering kitchen, an awsome resort-style lagoon poo... 06/15/2007

The best VALUE in Grandezza Golf and Country Club!  Send your investment to college!  $294,900 for this three bedroom beauty, with 1,781 square feet of living space.Estero, Florida.  Just north of Bonita Springs, Florida.  Located in Sabal Palm at Grandezza.  Two Bedroom + Den, two bath, 1 car attached garage coach home.  Enjoy sedond floor views of the lake and golf course from the screened lanai, living room and master bedroom.  Upgrades include: tile throughout the main living area, granite counter tops, vaulted ceilings and raised panel cabinetry.This condominium home is within bike riding distance to FGCU Florida Gulfcoast State University and only 15 minutes to the new Midfield Terminal at Southwest Florida International Airport.Features include:  Raised panel cabinetry, granite c... 06/11/2007

What sort of a dork carries a camera with them at all times?  Don't answer that, you probably have one with you most of the time, too.  What did we do before digital cameras?A random Friday in May and I'm on another Quest for Pin in Bonita Springs Florida.  First, I was on my way to Miromar Outletto get the best pizza in town (Luna Pizza).  I stopped at a red light and then suddenly, massive traffic backup.  Why?  Four of these massive beams exiting the interstate and making a u-turn to deliver the over pass beams for the Alico Road exchange that is being put in on I-75.  This was a phenomenal sight!  These beams are so huge.  I had always assumed the bridges were poured concrete in place.  I guess I was wrong.  The drivers of these trucks must have nerves of steel.  I can't imagine hav... 05/27/2007

The Coconut Point Mall is located just north of Bonita Springs, Florida in the town of Estero, Florida.  The site has been a work in progress and has been shaping up nicely.  There are only a few outparcels that are projected in the future.  Most of the tenant spaces are leased and the tenant build outs are nearly complete.  Below, is a tenant list and map to their locations within the facility.  Check out restaurant row.  Outside seating, dogs are welcome!  To read other articles about Coconut Point Mall, click HERE                                   To learn more about the Estero, Florida and Bonita Springs, Florida area call Chris Griffith, Keller Williams Elite Realty.  239-273-7430   05/23/2007

Attention Investers!  This Rapallo condominium home is loaded with upgrades:Wood cabinetsCorian counter topsUndermount sinksFully AppilancedWork desk in KitchenBerber carpetingUpgraded tile selectionCrown molding in the living RoomTiled LanaiUpgraded glass shower doorsThis very spacious unit, has water view from main lanai and small lanai off fo the master bedroom.Rapallo is walking distance Coconut Point Mall is just minutes to the Miromar Outlets, Germain Arena - Home of the Everblades ,  and the New Ft Myers International Airport.  To learn about additional communities in Estero Florida read also:Copper Oaks - A Residential Community in Estero Florida Colonial Oaks - Estero Florida Community Spotlight: Grandezza Golf & Country Club of Estero Florida Miromar Lakes - Fort Myers, Florid... 05/17/2007

Search Fort Myers Homes   Estero Homes     Fort Myers Beach Homes         Lehigh Acres Homes    My website http://www.clarke-monroe.com/ and http://www.fortmyerstoesterohomes.com/ can provide you with many useful benefits such as: Automated email listings of homes and lotsGoogle Maps of all the homes in Lee CountyVirtual Tours of Featured ListingsFree Buyer and Seller reportsFree Access to Multiple Listing Searches (MLS)Personalized search optionsCommunity information Let me know when you are planning on visiting our area and I will set up a schedule to visit properties that you are interested in.  Please contact me at the phone numbers or email address listed below so that I may assist you in finding your Florida dream home.   I hope to hear from you soon and would like to thank you ag... 04/22/2007

The latest and greatest photos of Coconut Point Mall.  Random Friday evening visit.  I thought I'd snap some photos on the way to see the latest comedy Blades of Glory starring Jon Heder and Will Farrel.  Sophomoric humor, at best, LOVED IT!  The mall is buzzing with activity.  Where do all of these people live?  I've been here over 20 years and can barely imagine where they all live.   My daughter and I visited Doc Greens for dinner.  It was our first visit to a Doc Greens, ever.  It was great - I recommend it highly!  Take a look at the menu here: www.docgreens.com  It is on the side of the mall across the parking lot from Best Buy.  For Doc Greens corporate - they're doing a great job there!  I'll be back and I'll bring customers and friends. 04/20/2007

 Last night was the induction ceremony for the 2007-2008 National Honor Society at Estero High Shool.  The official website of Estero H.S.  HERE.Over the last year I've spent my fair share of time around the campus of Estero High School.  Currently, I have three seniors at Estero High School.  I wonder if it's a record?  Since it was senior year I photo graphed every Estero High School Football game, volunteered for anything they asked me to do and (between three kids) I'm there weekly for one meeting, conference or event.My daughter Jennafer and Viola Garcia, the teacher in charge NHS and the event last night asked me to be the bona-fide, official photographer of the event.  I thought I'd kick it up a notch and get some nice photos of Estero High Shool the way it REALLY looks, before I... 04/17/2007

Below are some of the Estero Communities Excellent Neighborhoods  Estero Condos, Estero Townhomes and Estero Real EstateBreckenridgeGrandeeza  Mirror Lakes Beach and Golf ClubVillages at Country CreekBella TerraCascades at EsteroOsprey CoveWildcat RunVillagioFountain LakesVivaldi Island ClubCypress Bend   The Meadows  Click here to Search Estero homes! 04/17/2007

Marsh Landing is located in Estero, Florida just north of Bonita Springs.  It is situated north of Coconut Road and west of US 41 (Tamiami Trail) directly across the street from the new Coconut Point Mall.Marsh Landing is a quiet, secluded enclave of less than 400 residences.  Home styles in Marsh Landing include coach home condominiums, attached villa homes and single family homes.  Residences in Marsh Landing start in the low $200's.  Marsh Landing is currently built out and only resale properties are available.Amenities and benefits of living in Marsh Landing include affordable fees, no CDD and gated entry.  The community also offers a clubhouse facility with locker rooms, fitness room, coconut palm lined swimming pool, hot tub spa, bocce court and tennis court.Nearby conveniences to... 04/08/2007

Pelican Sound Golf and Country Club is located just north of Bonita Springs in Estero, Florida.  It is situated at the intersection of Corkscrew Road and US 41 (Tamiami Trail).  It is located west of US 41.  It's boarder to the north is the Estero River and Koreshan State Historic site,  to the west is Estero Bay and to the south Williams Road Extension.Pelican Sound is a master planned community which features coach homes, condominium homes, carriage homes and single family villa homes.  New construction is no longer offered, as the community is sold out.  There are resale properties available in Pelican Sound from the high $200's to slightly over $900,000. Sub-Communities and  Condominiums Associations in Pelican Sound Include:  Southern HillsThe MastersSeasideOak RunPalmetto DunesTur... 04/06/2007

Saraceno At Grandezza Golf & Country ClubThis is an exceptional attached villa home and the best buy in Saraceno at Grandezza.  Loaded with upgrades and maintainedlike a model this home has double tray ceilings with triple crown moldings.  Upgraded cabinets, granite countertops, oversize tile installed on the diagonal, upgraded carpet and tile, eat in kitchen, plantation shutters throughout, security system, extended lanai, summer kitchen, two car garage with paver brick walk and driveway.  Take the Grandezza tour and be sure to see the 53000 sq.ft clubhouse with two dinning rooms, fitness center, six Har-Tru tennis courts, pro shop, driving range and putting green.  The subdivision of Grandezza is close to Miromar Outlets, Germain Arena - Home of the Everblades , Coconut Point Mall an... 04/04/2007

Just north of Bonita Springs, Florida is a fresh new neighborhood built for the modern home owner.This residential development is located north of Corkscrew Road on the east side of Three Oaks Parkway . The 29 acre development is a project of Stellar Homes, a first time developer in Estero.Copper Oaks includes two Mediterranean-style housing projects containing 129 single-family homes and 163 multi-family homes for a total of 292 total units. Construction of Copper Oaks began in December 2004. A large portion of the 129 single-family units are currently finished.  Condominium homes are in the process of construction.  There is currently availability for both new and resale homes and condominiums.  The community of Copper Oaks will feature one and two story single family homes with 3, 4,... 03/23/2007