Table of Contents
Connect with Commissioner Emily Bonilla
Welcome to the 97th 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.
Broadband Internet for Rural Communities
I’m proud to announce that more than 1,340 homes in Bithlo, Christmas, and South Apopka now have access to high-speed internet—a crucial step in bridging the digital divide in our community.
When I first took office as Orange County District 5 Commissioner, I knew that digital connectivity was a pressing issue for many of our residents. My family and I experienced the challenges firsthand, struggling with unreliable internet service that affected our ability to work, learn, and stay connected. This wasn’t just an inconvenience; it impacted every aspect of our daily lives.
Determined to find a solution, I worked closely with our county staff. Through collaboration and with the support of the American Rescue Plan Act, we’ve invested over $5 million to bring reliable high-speed internet to our community.
Film Incentive Work Group
Thrilled to kick off the workgroup for the Orange County Film Incentive! Excited to collaborate with such talented and passionate individuals to boost our local film industry. Looking forward to seeing how this initiative will attract new productions, create jobs, and showcase the unique charm of Orange County.
Pluris Wedgefield First Community Meeting
I recently held the first of three meetings on the updated status of the Pluris Water Treatment Facility. We updated the community on the Phase 3 report findings and answered questions from the community.
Case Closed!
A constituent recently contacted our office to ask for help with a delay in permitting a new home. We put the constituent in touch with our Permitting Department and expedited her case. They are now successfully moved in!
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
An Evening with John Green
Welcome home, John Green! Fans of Green’s fiction, philanthropy and online community will have the unique opportunity to hear from the author when he comes to town Friday, Jan. 24, 2025.
Tickets go on sale Sept. 9 for An Evening with Author John Green, presented by the Lillian Louise Pharr Endowment Fund and the Friends of the Orange County Library System. For more information, visit *ocls.info/JohnGreen
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is a national recognition of the culture, contributions and achievements of Hispanic Americans that takes place September 15 to October 15. Orange County Library System will present events at locations throughout the county to help celebrate including storytimes, musical performances, and virtual cooking classes. Visit ocls.info/hispanicheritagemonth for more details.
Melrose Awards Deadline Extended
The Melrose Awards are back after a five-year hiatus and the submission deadline has been extended to Sept. 15. From music to photography, video game development and more, creative projects made using any Melrose Center resource between Jan. 1, 2020, and Sept. 15, 2024, are eligible for entry. The winners will be announced at the Melrose Awards Presentation on Nov. 9.
The contest is open to all ages. Entries for contestants under the age of 18 must be submitted by a guardian. Participants must have completed the Melrose Center General Orientation.
For more details and to enter, visit ocls.info/melrose-awards-2024/
Past Community Events
International Tour of Taiwan Gourmet Cuisines
I recently enjoyed attending the 2024 International Tour of Taiwan Gourmet Cuisines at the Renaissance Senior Center Ballroom in Orlando. This extraordinary event showcased the rich culinary traditions of Taiwan, featuring 12 exquisite dishes that truly highlighted the vibrant flavors and cultural heritage of Taiwanese cuisine.
F.I.R.S.T. Institute
I recently had the opportunity to tour F.I.R.S.T. Institute and I was genuinely impressed by their state-of-the-art facilities and innovative approach to digital media education.
F.I.R.S.T. Institute is a digital media school that offers hands-on training in various fields, including Digital Filmmaking & Video Production, Recording Arts & Show Production, Graphic Design & Web Development, and Digital Photography. Their programs are designed to equip students with real-world skills in a rapidly evolving industry, ensuring they are career-ready in less than a year.
Orlando Science School Ribbon Cutting
I was proud to attend the ribbon cutting on Orlando Science Schools newest K-8 campus in East Orange County. Orlando Science School is a charter school with 4 campuses across the county specializing in STEM education prepares students for success through innnovative and college ready curricula.
Upcoming Events
Please click on the Event Title to find more details about the event.
Pluris-Wedgefield Community Meeting
Wedgefield Residents: Your input is key as we continue discussions about the future of Wedgefield Pluris.
Date and Time: September 19, 2024 6:00 P.M.
Location: Wedgefield School 3835 Bancroft Blvd., Orlando, FL 32833
District 5 Youth Advisory Council
Empower Yourself Through Engagement
This council is designed to empower you by providing a platform to dive deep into community issues, raise your voice, and take charge of your ideas. By collaborating with other passionate youth, you can help shape the future of our district. Plus, you can earn valuable volunteer hours that count towards graduation and scholarships. This experience will not only enhance your leadership skills but also give you a sense of accomplishment and pride in contributing to the community.
Date and Time: Wednesday September 25, 2024 3:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Location: Orange County Administration, 201 S Rosalind Ave., Room 105, Orlando, FL 32801
Registration Link: https://emilybonilla.com/district-5-youth-advisory-council-september-25-2024/
Coffee with the Commissioner
Engage with Your Community
I cherish these informal gatherings as they allow us to build a stronger community. Let’s talk about your vision for District 5 and how we can achieve it together. Your insights and ideas are vital in shaping the future of our neighborhood.
These meetings provide a relaxed setting where we can discuss various topics, from local development projects to community events. I am here to listen and understand your perspective. By working together, we can create a community that meets the needs and aspirations of all its residents.
Date and Time: Wednesday, September 25, 2024 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: Orange County Administration, 201 S Rosalind Ave., Room 105, Orlando, FL 32801
Registration Link: https://emilybonilla.com/coffee-with-the-commissioner-september-25-2024/
Distrcit 5 Neighborhood Advisory Council
Everyone’s Voice is Important!
Meet Commissioner Emily Bonilla and engage with fellow residents in meaningful conversations. Whether you’ve lived in District 5 for years or have just moved in, your perspective is valuable. We welcome all voices to help us build a stronger, more inclusive community.
Date and Time: Wednesday, September 25, 2024 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Orange County Administration, 201 S Rosalind Ave., Room 105, Orlando, FL 32801
Registration Link: https://emilybonilla.com/district-5-neighborhood-advisory-council-september-25-2024/
District 5 Torchbearer
Torchbearer: a person who leads or inspires others in working toward a valued goal
Do you know a person or organization who is an Orange County District 5 Torchbearer? Nominate them to be featured in our email newsletter.
Updates from Past BCC Meeting
08/27/24 BCC Meeting
Watch the Board of County Commissioners Meeting (BCC) or download the minutes. After the meetings, the e-agenda is updated with the results of the votes.
Upcoming 09/10/24 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 9 AM for the morning session and 2 PM for the afternoon session.
Below are a couple of highlighted agenda items. Click on the agenda number to learn more about the item.
Consent Agenda
- 24-1304 Approval and execution of Grant Agreement by and between Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, Inc. and Orange County, Florida and authorization for the Mayor or designee to execute any other modifications, amendments, or revisions. All Districts.
- 24-1270 Acceptance of the findings and recommendation of the Environmental Protection Division staff and approval of Conservation Area Impact Permit CAI-24-02-010 for John and Bernadine DeMike. District 5. (Environmental Protection Division)
- 24-1321 Approval and execution of (1) Resolution of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners regarding the Local Agency Program Agreement with the State of Florida Department of Transportation concerning the University Boulevard at Dean Road Intersection Project (FPN Number 441490-1-58/68-01) and (2) State of Florida Department of Transportation Local Agency Program Agreement FPN: 441490-1-58-01 and FPN: 441490-1-68-01. District 5. (Transportation Planning Division)
- 24-1298 Approval and execution of Project Sub-Agreement for Cost-Sharing of Wheeling Infrastructure Project Sub-Agreement No.SA-5 (CL1-P-02 and CL2-P-04A). All Districts. (Fiscal and Operational Support Division)
- 24-1299 Approval of funding for the Orange County/City of Orlando Water Conserv II Joint Facilities Annual Target Budget with Woodard & Curran, Inc. The County’s share of the estimated project budget is $6,354,527. All Districts. (Water Reclamation Division)
Discussion Agenda
- 24-1273 Approval and execution of Resolution of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners regarding adoption of Standard Operating Procedures to implement the requirements of the Live Local Act; and Approval and execution of Resolution of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners regarding Adoption of a Form Land Use Restriction Agreement for Affordable Multi-Family Development to be used when the County approves applications filed pursuant to Section 125.01055(7)(The “Live Local Act”). All Districts (Zoning Division)
- 24-1337 – Vision 2050 and Orange Code Update. (Planning Division)
Work Session Agenda
- 24-1211 Chapter 15, Article V – Noise Pollution Control (Environmental Protection Division)
BZA Recommendations
- 24-1275 August 15, 2024 Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendations (Planning Division) There are 2 cases in District 5.
Public Hearings
- 24-1188 – √Case # SADF-24-06-014 Harkley and Stacy Thornton, canal between Lake Sue and Lake Rowena, permit; District 5
- 24-1180 – vCase # CDR-24-05-127 Brittany Eveler, Nvision Development, Silver City Properties Planned Development (PD), amend 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/
In The News
- Orlando Sentinel 2024-25 Arts Season Preview | Film Festivals & Events: “This showcase highlights African American talent and culture by uncovering hidden gems and amplifying the voices of emerging artists, as well as the achievements of established figures in films. This year’s special guest is Emmy award-winning actor Glynn Turman. Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla, who is championing a film incentive program for Central Florida, will give the opening night address.”
- Residents won’t let dogs drink east Orange County water. But it would cost millions to fix, a new report says.: “Commissioner Emily Bonilla, whose district includes Wedgefield, pledged to hold community meetings to lay out options for Pluris customers and potential costs for them.”
- Orlando-area city leaders blast proposed county growth controls: “Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla acknowledged in a workshop earlier this month that the annexation amendment would give the county more control, “If a developer is unhappy with our environmental requirements, they’re just hopping over to a city and that’s just not right. This [Charter Amendment] gives us a little bit more control and makes sure that we have good comprehensive planning and environmental protection of our county,” she said.”
