This class has provided me with opportunities to visit places I have heard of but never been to before. Just like Echo, I had never been to the Estero Island Cottage or Matanzas Pass Preserve. I think that this place is a great way to preserve the history of Fort Myers Beach as it once was in lieu of the changes that are taking place. I am thankful that there is an historical society that has dedicated their effort to protect the Matanzas Pass Preserve from developers, preserving even a small portion of the island’s natural beauty. The Cottage, being in its original state of wood walls and floors, adds to the character of the small historic landmark. Walking into that cottage is like walking through a time machine, seeing the artifacts from the early 1900’s up to the 2000’s.
Some of the artifacts are pictures of the island as it progressed from year to year and how the shape and development of the island has changed, as shown in the photo to the right. This photo is displayed in the cottage and was taken by Jay Ursoleo looking South from the North end of the island. Alongside this photo there were similar photos but taken in different years.
Surprisingly, as we took our walk through the actual preserve, there was little sign of civilization, other than the occasional can or cup from previous visitors. There were many types of trees within the preserve that I was unfamiliar with, which I was able to see because of the boardwalk going through the middle of it. One thing that stood out to the entire class was the amount of mosquito’s that were in the Preserve. They were biting us like crazy, but that is because Mosquito Control is not allowed on or over the Preserve to keep the vegetation and ecosystem safe. I never realized how big of a difference that Mosquito Control makes. The local quality of life is being enhanced by the Preserve and historical society. The historical society is trying to preserve Estero Island so it can continue to provide people with a beautiful and enjoyable place to live and visit. However, it is also being enhanced in a different way by developers. Developers have built many condos and larger businesses and shops that have created a very large tourist area, which has boosted the local economy but is overrunning the original history and community of the island.
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| If you are wondering what these are they are old swimsuits that they had displayed in the cottage. I thought they were interesting and good pieces of history to share with you. |
I know my own hometown, Fort Myers, has changed tremendously since I was little. The development that has taken place is unbelievable. I can count at least 4 shopping center constructions I have witnessed, roads have been widened, and the population has definitely increased. I do think the sense of community has decreased as things have grown. When communities grow, it is difficult to keep tight-knit relationships. If a developer offered me 300% of the market value of my childhood home to develop condos I would probably take the deal. I don’t plan on living in my childhood home forever. I would take the money from the developer and start my own life and find a new home that would be my own children’s childhood home. There is a program known as the 20/20 program where the county buys land and does not use it for development purposes but uses it as land that is to be preserved. If the county approached me about purchasing the same land under the 20/20 program, for only 80% of its market value I would be in a dilemma. I could either sell my land for more money, but have condos on it taking away from the actual piece of land, or sell it for less money and have it preserved for years to come. I think the deciding factor would have to be which offer I got first. Both would seem convincing so it would definitely be the timing with this situation.
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