Estero (e-STER-ro), town (6 sq mi/15.5 sq km; 1990 pop. 3,177), Lee co., SW Fla., 15 mi/24 km S of Fort Myers, near Estero Bay (a lagoon of the Gulf of Mexico partly enclosed by narrow Estero Isl.); 26°26'N 81°48'W. Grows citrus fruit, vegetables, and bamboo. Bathing beach on Estero Isl. Founded 1894.