FILE PHOTO/THE NEWS-PRESS…

Plans to recognize the late Jeff Sommer started in early August with an orange blossom tree planted in the center of the Estero High campus.

The dedications for the 58-year-old Estero High athletic director, cross country and track coach who died May 2 in Jacksonville while leading the Wildcats girls’ 3,200-meter relay team to a state championship will continue next month.

On September 5, the village of Estero and its mayor, Nick Batos, will officially mark the occasion “Jeff Sommer Day” during a proclamation at the school’s annual DDD Cross Country Invitational at Estero Community Park, Estero High athletic director David Burns confirmed.

“It’s a great way to honor him I think and it will help ensure everything that he built lives on,” said Estero cross country coach Ben Pignatone, who was an assistant under Sommer. “It’s a great thing and the kids will appreciate it and remember it for years to come.