Estero's bond rating; Bonita gardening workshops; golf event ‘Feeds Dreams'

The S&P has reaffirmed the Village of Estero’s AAA bond rating, “the highest rating available and an achievement attained by few municipalities nationwide,” according to a press release from the Village.

Estero first earned this rating in 2024 and is one of only 12 other municipalities in Florida to earn this high of a rating, placing it in the top four percent in the state.

“S&P rated Estero with this bond rating due to its strong reserves, conservative management, strong policies and planning, and low fixed costs and liabilities,” read the release. “This rating incorporates the Village’s proposed debt issuance and ongoing capital needs, while also reflecting S&P’s view of Estero’s strong local incomes and growing local economy.”

The Garden Place workshops

The Garden Place in Bonita Springs is inviting Southwest Florida residents to “get growing” this October with educational and hands-on workshops for gardeners of all experience levels.

Throughout the month, participants can learn how to create a succulent terrarium, grow vegetables successfully in Southwest Florida, care for vibrant hibiscus plants and keep orchids thriving year-round.

Succulent Terrarium Make and Take, 9-10 a.m. and 10:30-11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7 – Create an easy-to-care-for succulent garden in a glass terrarium during this fun, hands-on workshop. Participants will be guided through assembling their own terrarium to take home. Cost: $40.Southwest Florida Veggie Gardening Basics, 9-10 a.m. and 10:30-11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13 – Learn the basics of successful vegetable gardening in Southwest Florida, including what to plant and when, soil, watering, fertilizing, pest management, and general care. Free.Hibiscus Workshop, 9-10 a.m. and 10:30-11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20 – Learn how to keep hibiscus healthy and blooming with practical guidance on planting, watering, fertilizing, and pruning in Southwest Florida’s growing conditions.General Orchid Care Workshop, 9-10 a.m. and 10:30-11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27 – Learn the essentials of year-round orchid care, including watering, light, fertilizing, repotting, and encouraging blooms. The workshop includes an orchid and a pot, plus step-by-step guidance for repotting.

Space is limited for all workshops, and reservations are encouraged. Workshops will be held at The Garden Place, 20071 South Tamiami Trail in Estero, with each class offered at 9 a.m. and again at 10:30 a.m. To view workshop details and reserve a spot, visit TheGardenPlace.com/events. Cost: $40.

For more information, visit TheGardenPlace.com, call 239-947-9676, or stop by our nursery located at 20071 South Tamiami Trail in Estero.

Treviso golf event ‘Feeds Dreams’

An event Oct. 29 brings together golfers, community leaders and local businesses for a day of golf with a purpose: Supporting Southwest Florida children facing food insecurity and helping students build brighter futures.

The day begins at 7 a.m. with registration and breakfast, followed by an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start and 18 holes of golf at TPC Treviso Bay.

After play, guests will gather for a luncheon with live and silent auctions and an awards ceremony featuring prizes presented in both gross and net categories.

The tournament directly supports Feeding Dreams’ work to help children break the cycle of poverty. Through its weekend meal program, Feeding Dreams provides more than 3.5 million nutritious meal servings each year to children facing food insecurity.

Last year’s tournament raised over $200,000, providing critical funding to expand the organization’s impact across Southwest Florida.

“No child should ever be too hungry to learn, grow or reach their full potential,” said Ed Mullen, founder of Feeding Dreams. “When you feed and support a child, you don’t just fill their stomach-you can change the entire trajectory of their life.”

Live, work or play in Bonita Springs, Estero or North Naples? If so and you have something you’d like featured in Now You Know, send your information to news@naplesnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Estero’s bond rating; Bonita gardening workshops; golf event ‘Feeds Dreams’

Reporting by Will Watts, Special to The Banner / Naples Daily News

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published October 14, 2026 at 5:12 AM.