Table of Contents
Connect with Commissioner Emily Bonilla
Welcome to the 75th edition of the Newsletter!
I am honored to serve the people of Orange County District 5. From College Park to Christmas, our office is here to represent your interests. We are working tirelessly to meet with as many constituents and community groups as possible in order to learn about your concerns and priorities first-hand. We encourage you to stay informed and voice your opinions as we move forward to improve the quality of life in our district.
Noteworthy
Visit our timeline to see many of our past accomplishments for District 5.
Vision 2050-FTC
We are thrilled to share that our Vision 2050 Town Hall Meetings were a tremendous success. Over the four meetings, we had a high turnout of engaged citizens who actively shared their comments, concerns, and visions for the future of Orange County. Our dedicated staff is reviewing their input and will contribute to the amendment recommendations for the Vision 2050 document, which will be presented to the board on July 25th, 2023.
This journey isn’t over yet! We need your continued engagement and voice to truly shape our county’s future. Attend the July 25th board meeting and continue participating in this important conversation. Your participation is invaluable as we together work towards creating a vibrant and sustainable Orange County.
Emily Tells All Gets an Award!
I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you! Emily Tells All has recently been honored with the esteemed NACo Award for our exceptional work in the media industry. This prestigious recognition serves as a testament to my unwavering dedication and commitment to keeping you, our valued constituents, well-informed.
I am truly grateful for your continued support and engagement, which has made this achievement possible. My utmost priority is to provide you with important and relevant information through the Emily Tells All platform. I am committed to delivering insightful interviews, thoughtful discussions, and valuable updates empowering our community.
If you haven’t already, I invite you to tune in to the latest episode of Emily Tells All on our YouTube channel.
Thank you once again for your ongoing support. Together, we will continue to inform, inspire, and positively impact our community.
Watch our Emily Tells All : https://www.youtube.com/c/emilytellsall
Tour of the UCF Athletic Department
I had the opportunity to partake in a tour of the esteemed University of Central Florida Athletics Facility. It was an enlightening experience that allowed me to explore the various amenities and areas within the facility.
District 5 Neighborhood Advisory Council Meeting
Are you passionate about shaping the future of our district? Join our District 5 Neighborhood Advisory Council (D5NAC) and be part of a collaborative community effort. Share your insights, contribute to decision-making, and make a positive impact. Whether you have expertise in urban planning, environmental sustainability, or public safety, your voice matters. Together, let’s create positive change and foster a strong sense of community.
Case Closed!
We are pleased to share a success story that highlights the positive impact of our dedicated team and the importance of timely assistance. One of our constituents recently reached out to us seeking help with swapping a container. Despite their efforts to connect with the appropriate person for a month and a half, they were unable to make progress.
Our team stepped in and provided guidance, ensuring that the constituent was directed to the right department. We followed up with the constituent, and we are thrilled to report that they have now received the replacement container they needed.
This accomplishment exemplifies our commitment to effective communication, prompt action, and ensuring that your concerns are addressed. We are grateful for the opportunity to assist our constituents and make a meaningful difference in their lives.
If you ever need support or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. We are here to serve you and work towards resolving any issues you may encounter.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. Together, we can create a stronger, more responsive community.
CASE CLOSED!
If you have an issue that needs to be resolved, use our contact form and we will connect you with the right people and resources.
District 5 Videos
You can watch our videos on the YouTube Channel or special content only available on our Roku Channel where you will find full episodes of the Emily Tells All talk show and bonus segments.
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to not miss any videos and Install the “Emily Tells All” channel on your Roku.
Important Updates and Information
Back to School Shoe Drive Fundraiser
Support the D5 Back-to-School Shoe Drive! Help low-income children with brand-new shoes for a successful school year. Proper footwear promotes safety, posture, and comfort. Join us at the Back-to-School Expo, where children receive backpacks and supplies, empowering them to excel in their studies. Let’s equip them for a bright future!
Date: Donations by July 27th
Donate: https://bit.ly/2023shoedrive
Vision Zero
Introducing Vision Zero: Our mission is to create a safe and unified transportation system countywide. By 2040, we aim to eliminate all fatalities and serious injuries. Join us in enhancing safety measures for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians on our roadways. Together, we can make a significant impact on our community’s well-being.
Past Community Events
World Ballet Competition
The World Ballet Competition at the Orange County Convention Center showcased incredible talent this year. The dedication of these talented performers was evident in every breathtaking performance they delivered on stage.
Florida Festival – Winterpark Playhouse
The Winter Park Playhouse is a year-round musical theatre that specializes in producing lesser-known and new musicals. They strongly believe in nurturing the growth of new works, which led them to initiate The Florida Festival of New Musicals in 2017. This international festival is held annually to promote and elevate the original American art form of musical theatre by supporting the development of new musicals and fostering the artistic growth of writers and composers.
American Red Cross Greater Orlando Chapter Annual Meeting
Our team had the privilege of attending the event, where we honored Presidential Lifetime Achievement awardees, volunteers, and community partners. Robbie Sofaly, Director of Hurricane Ian Long Term Recovery at the American Red Cross, delivered an inspiring speech, highlighting the organization’s impactful work. The event offered a glimpse into future initiatives, and our representative actively participated, sharing our vision for a brighter future.
Upcoming Events
District 5 Neighborhood Advisory Council
Each month, the District 5 Neighborhood Advisory Council hosts a hybrid virtual/in-person town hall-style meeting in which community members can provide input and share ideas on challenges and initiatives. The Council works together to identify objectives to work towards and goals for the District 5 community. The most recent projects include purchasing environmentally sensitive lands and incentivizing smart development!
Location: Goldenrod Recreation, 4863 N Goldenrod Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792
Date: July 31, 2023
Time: 6:00 pm
Register: https://emilybonilla.com/neighborhood-advisory-council/
District 5 Sustanee Community Meeting
Join us at the Susantee Community Meeting on Saturday, July 15th, at Corner Lakes Middle School, 1700 Chuluota Rd, Orlando, FL 32820, in the Cafeteria. Stay informed about critical topics such as Stormwater Management, Transportation Planning, Traffic Safety Plan, Environmental Protection, and Vision 2050. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and get valuable updates from department representatives. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference in our community. Save the date and be part of the conversation!
Updates from Past BCC Meeting
06/20/23 BCC Meeting
Watch the Board of County Commissioner’s (BCC) Meeting or download the minutes. After the meetings, the e-agenda is updated with the results of the votes.
Upcoming July 11, 2023, BCC Meeting
View the e-agenda of the next Board of County Commissioner’s (BCC) Meeting. The e-agenda for each BCC meeting is usually available online on the Thursday before the meeting.
As always, we do have time before the meeting starts for Public Comment, and for Public Hearings there is also an opportunity to speak. For more information and how to sign up to speak, please go to https://www.orangecountyfl.net/BoardofCommissioners/BoardAppearanceandpubliccomment.aspx#.XppXRFNKgWo
This meeting will start at 1:00 PM for the afternoon session.
PLEASE NOTE! There will be budget meetings.
They will be held Wednesday, July 12, 2023, Morning Session at 9:30 am and the afternoon session at 1:30 pm. Public Comments will be held at the beginning of the morning Session. Link to e-agenda.
Thursday, July 13, 2023, Morning Session at 9:00 am and afternoon session at 1:30 pm. Link to e-agenda.
Below are a couple of highlighted agenda items. Click on the agenda number to learn more about the item.
Consent Agenda
- 23-962 Appointment Confirmation of Commissioner Bonilla’s reappointment to the Lake Pickett Advisory Board of Dan G. Washburn with a term expiring December 31, 2025; the appointment of Bill Moorefield and Joshua J Velazquez with terms expiring December 31, 2025; and the appointment of Eduardo Bertot and Jeffrey A. Shaffer with terms expiring December 31, 2026. (Agenda Development Office)
- 23-986 Budget/Funding Approval of Amendment No. 2, Contract Y22-103, Flygt Pumps, Parts, and Repairs, with Xylem Water Solutions, USA, Inc., in the amount of $2,382,854, for a revised estimated contract amount of $6,728,720. ([Utilities Department Field Services Division] Procurement Division)
- 23-988 Budget/Funding Approval of Purchase Order M111360, Mental Health First Aid at Work, with National Council for Mental Wellbeing, in the not-to-exceed amount of $349,700. ([Administration and Fiscal Services Human Resources Division] Procurement Division)
- 23-999 Agreement/Contract Approval and execution of Contract for Purchase and Sale by and between Jisheng Song, Lihua Wen and Yang Song and Orange County, approval of Warranty Deed and authorization for the Real Estate Management Division to exercise all delegations of authority expressly provided for by the Contract for Purchase and Sale, disburse funds to pay purchase price in the amount of $1,675,037.88 and perform all actions necessary and incidental to closing for Green PLACE Parcel 185. District 5. (Real Estate Management Division)
- 23-1000 Agreement/Contract Approval and execution of First Amendment and Renewal of the Interlocal Agreement between The School Board of Orange County, Florida and Orange County, Florida, and authorization for the Real Estate Management Division to exercise renewal options and furnish notices, required, or allowed by the agreement, as needed for OCPS at Bithlo Community Park (Parks and Rec) Bithlo Community Center 18501 Washington Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32820. Lease File #10068. District 5. (Real Estate Management Division)
- 23-1016 Agreement/Contract Approval and execution of Resolution of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners regarding Creating the Lake Sue Advisory Board to Advise the Board of County Commissioners in the Administration and Operation of the Lake Sue Municipal Service Taxing Unit. District 5. (Environmental Protection Division)
- 23-1017 Recommendation Approval of the Neighborhood Grants Advisory Board recommendations for May 2023 Neighborhood Beautification Grants to Plymouth Community Improvement, Inc. ($15,000), Quail Ridge ($15,000), Tangerine Improvement Society ($1,300), Lynnwood Estates ($15,000), Avalon Park Property Owners Association ($15,000), Pennsylvania Place Homeowners’ Association, Inc. ($15,000), Winter Park Estates Community Association ($15,000), and Hiawassa Highlands Neighborhood Association ($10,000) and authorization for the Director of Planning, Environmental, and Development Services to execute the associated grant agreements. Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. (Neighborhood Services Division)
- 23-1018 Recommendation Approval of the Neighborhood Grants Advisory Board recommendations of the May 2023 Sustainable Communities Grants to Pine Ridge Estates ($5,000), Winter Park Pines Community Association ($5,000), and Joslin Grove Park ($5,000) and authorization for the Director of Planning, Environmental, and Development Services to execute the associated grant agreements. Districts 2, 5, and 6. (Neighborhood Services Division)
Discussion Agenda
- 23-1023 Appointment to the Orange County Canvassing Board.
- 23-1024 Report/Update MetroPlan Orlando Board Meeting Briefing. (Transportation Planning Division)
Work Session Agenda
- 23-1025 Report/Update Update on Section 125.0156, Florida Statutes Impact on Community I.D. Programs.
BZA Recommendations
- 23-1026 Recommendation June 15, 2023, Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendations
Public Hearings
- 23-879 Public Hearing Case # PTV 21-06-039 Karington and Kyle Turner, vacate a portion of a drainage easement; District 5
- 23-878 Public Hearing Case # DP-23-01-003 Jonathan Martin, Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc., Fifty South Student Housing Planned Development / Fifty South Student Housing Development Plan; District 5
Upcoming Land Use Cases in District 5
You can find a list of upcoming land use cases and the dates for their community meetings and public hearings at this link: https://emilybonilla.com/blog/upcoming-land-use-cases/
