Resolution for Eckenstein: Matthias Eckenstein, the owner of the old Admiral Lehigh Hotel and Golf Course and the Mirror Lakes Golf Course seems surprised when he found out he was the guest of honor at a dinner recognizing him last week. At left is Lee County Commissioner Tammy Hall who read a proclamation honoring Eckenstein. Photo by Mel Toadvine

Matthias Eckenstein, who owned the old Admiral Lee Hotel and Golf Course on Joel Blvd., before he sold it several years ago, and who owned the Mirror Lakes Golf Course, had the tables turned on him on Wednesday night, March 3.

Several people gathered at the Bistro Munich restaurant on Taylor Lane Extended to hear David Deetscreek announce his candidacy for a seat on the East Water Control District Board of Commissioners. And Eckenstein, who is a resident of Switzerland, was in town and was invited to the affair.

But just before dinner, Deetscreek stepped forward and asked Eckenstein to stand up. When he did, Lee County Commission Chairman Tammy Hall read a resolution recognizing him for his interests in Lehigh Acres over the years.

Eckenstein seemed surprised, almost dazed, that the dinner was really for him and not some other affair. It took a few minutes for him to realize he was the guest of honor.

Deetscreek and Michael Swords of SDS Accounting planned the event and it was a secret well kept from Eckenstein, a well-liked gentleman who visits Lehigh every few months, to check his business interests here. He has business investments in other areas of the country, too, but has chosen to remain a resident of his beloved Switzerland.

David Deetscreek, left, is shown with Matthias Eckenstein during a dinner in Eckenstein’s honor. Deetscreek also announced at the dinner that he was a candidate for a seat on the East County Water Control District board. Photo by Mel Toadvine

Eckenstein studied law and architecture in Basel, Switzerland, and at the University of Geneva and the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. He is a director and principal in several privately held companies providing financial consulting services in construction, hotel management and architectural matters.

He purchased the old Admiral Resort Club in Lehigh in 1992 in addition to Mirror Lakes Golf Club and Course.

“He has been a valued employer and member of our community over the past 18 years and it is an honor to publicly recognize him this evening for his contribution to our community,” Swords said.

Several people attended the dinner. They were former employees and associates of both the old Admiral Lehigh and the present Mirror Lakes Golf Club.

David Deetscreek also manages the Mirror Lakes Golf Club and is a partner in the SDS Accounting firm.

Matthias Eckenstein

“When I first came to Lehigh, there were just a stop sign and some houses. I know there was an attempt to incorporate here, but it didn’t happen. I guess it was a complicated issue,” he said, as he thanked everyone for coming.

Eckenstein looked around at all the people who had climbed the steps to the restaurant and said thanks.

“This is for me, that is a surprise. Thanks for all of you coming just to see me,” he laughed.

Meanwhile on Friday, Deetscreek made it official and signed up as a candidate and has opened an an account with the Board of Election Supervisors in Fort Myers.

David Dipstreet and Mike Sword planned the event honoring Eckenstein. Photo by Mel Toadvine

Shown are some who attended Eckenstein dinner where he was honored. Photo by Mel Toadvine