Table of Contents
Connect with Commissioner Emily Bonilla
Welcome to the 98th 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.
Hispanic Heritage Month
I was proud to recognize our District 5 Honoree, Roy Alejandro Rodriguez, for his outstanding achievements as a student for Hispanic Heritage Month. Roy stood above the rest for his dedication to community service as well as an accomplished athlete in Volleyball.
Film Incentive Work Group Session 2
The Film Incentive Work Group met for their 2nd session. This amazing group of staff and community stakeholders continues their service in developing a Film Incentive program for Orange County that will reap huge rewards for our county.
Vision 2050 Update
Thanks to our community’s input, Vision 2050 has been pushed back 180 days so we can continue working on our county’s new comprehensive plan. Key input from our subcommittee helped initiate much-needed review and changes. We will continue to provide input to make Vision 2050 a reality.
Case Closed!
A constituent contacted our office after finding a leak coming from the roadway by their house. They had difficulties getting in touch with utilities. However, we passed the information along, and it was discovered there was a small water main leak. Utilities came out and repaired the leak. A special thanks to our constituent for noticing and reporting the problem!
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
Live Fest
Orange County’s Drug-Free Community Coalition will celebrate 25 years of service to Orange County residents on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Lake Eola Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Live Fest” will celebrate the contributions of community partners in preventing and treating substance use disorders.
Melrose Film Festival
The Fifth Annual Melrose Film Festival announced the 33 films selected to be screened on Saturday, September 28. Screenings will occur from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Dorothy Lumley Melrose Center for Technology, Innovation & Creativity at the Orlando Public Library.
The Melrose Film Festival highlights the work of imaginative filmmakers worldwide. This year’s categories include AI Shorts, Animated Shorts, Documentaries, Micro Short Films, and Short Films. The event is free to attend.
OC Extension – October
Check out OC Extension’s wonderful October events. There are many opportunities both online and in person, and as always, some Master Gardener Pop-Up Plant Clinics!
Past Community Events
Early Learning Coalition
I was proud to celebrate the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County’s 25th year of providing outstanding education to our children. The Early Learning Coalition of Orange County has over 3500 early learning teachers making a difference in more than 30,000 children’s lives each year.
Fish 4 Fun at Blanchard Park
Fish4Fun is a free catch-and-release fishing event for ages 12 and younger that takes place at four parks:
- Blanchard Park, 2451 N. Dean Rd., Orlando
- Saturday, September 14: Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando
- Saturday, September 21: Bear Creek Recreation Complex, 1600 Bear Crossing Dr., Orlando
- Sunday, September 22: Bithlo Park, 18501 Washington Ave., Orlando
Chuluota Rd. ICE Study
The first public meeting for the changes to Chuluota Road between S.R. 50 and Lake Pickett Rd. was held to discuss recommendations and receive input from the community. More meetings and options are scheduled, make sure to make your voice heard!
Upcoming Events
Please click on the Event Title to find more details about the event.
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/
District 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
09/10/24 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 09/24/24 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
- 24-1345 Acceptance of the findings and recommendation of the Environmental Protection Division staff and approval of Conservation Area Impact Permit CAI-24-02-006 for Honey Bee Holdings LLC. District 5. (Environmental Protection Division)
- 24-1382 Approval of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Cooperative Grant Agreement Grant Number (FAIN): 5T-03D14424-0 between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Orange County, Florida with an award amount of $365,500, and subject to availability of funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency relating to support of ambient air monitoring for NAAQS pollutants, and authorization for the Environmental Protection Division Manager to make non-substantial amendments to the agreement, including additional service periods. The grant period is from May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2029. All Districts. (Environmental Protection Division)
- 24-1346 Approval and execution of Project Administration Subrecipient Agreement (#2023-11-07) between Orange County, Florida and Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, Inc. regarding the Emergency Solution Grant (“ESG”) Program FY 2023-2024, awarding $20,000 to provide Homeless Management Information Systems assistance in data gathering and reporting. All Districts. (Housing and Community Development Division)
- 24-1383 Approval of the Bishop & Buttrey Borrow Pit #205 and authorization to issue Excavation Borrow Pit Permit No. 24-E5-0001 to Bishop & Buttrey, Inc. District 5. (Development Engineering Division)
- 24-1367 Approval of commercial refuse license for Central Florida Binsness LLC dba Bin There Dump That to provide solid waste hauling services to commercial generators in Orange County for a five-year term. All Districts. (Solid Waste Division)
- 24-1369 Approval and execution of Memorandum of Understanding for Laboratory Services by and between the Orange County Utilities Department and Orange County Planning, Environmental, and Development Services Department. All Districts. (Water Division)
Discussion Agenda
Work Session Agenda
- 24-1370 Water and Wastewater Capital Charges Update. (Fiscal and Operational Support Division)
BZA Recommendations
- 24-1385 September 24, 2024 Board of Zoning Recommendations. There are 3 cases in District 5.
Public Hearings
- 24-1252 vCase # LUP-23-07-228 Kendell Keith, Oak Hill Planning Studio, LLC, Greenway Automotive Econlockhatchee Campus Land Use Plan; District 5
- 24-1088 Consider a Resolution of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners regarding the approval of the imposition and collection of a Non-Ad Valorem Special Assessment within the County for the purpose of benefiting assessed hospital properties through enhanced Medicaid payments for local services; All Districts
- 24-1325 Adoption of Future Land Use Map Amendment, Ordinance, and Concurrent Rezoning a. Amendment SS-24-04-001 Doug Kelly, Low Density Residential (LDR) to Low-Medium Density Residential (LMDR); District 5 And b. Ordinance for Proposed Amendment And c. vRezoning LUP-24-02-033 R-1A (Single-Family Dwelling District) to PD (Planned Development District) (North Dean Road Townhomes PD); District 5
- 24-1338 Proposed amendments to Chapter 30, Section 30-83 pertaining to Plats; Vertical Construction Prior to Plat Approval; Vacation; All Districts. (Canceled)
- 24-1339 Proposed amendments to Chapter 34, Subdivision Regulations to comply with Section 117.073 Florida Statutes; All Districts
- 24-1101 Adopt final Orange County Library District Millage and Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
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
- Expansion of Broadband Connectivity for Bithlo/Christmas, South Apopka: “These Central Florida projects represent a $5 million investment that will improve the quality of life for residents. Orange County used federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 which designated more than $25 billion to be invested in affordable high-speed internet and connectivity across the country.”
- Orange County to consider opting out of state law providing tax breaks to housing developers: “As county leaders search for ways to bring more affordable housing to those most in need, they are now considering a plan that would allow them to opt out of a controversial part of the state’s developer-backed “Live Local Act” and instead create a local plan that meets local needs.“It’s hurting us, in increasing the rents here in Orange County,” said Orange County commissioner Emily Bonilla during a Board of County Commissioners meeting Tuesday.”
- Judge: Orange County’s growth-control measures can go on November ballot: ” Commissioner Emily Bonilla, whose district includes the Lake Pickett property, said she was thrilled with the ruling. “I’m glad the court upheld the community’s right to be heard by rejecting the Lake Pickett North ballot injunction,” she said. “East Orange County residents deserve a say in decisions that impact their future, and I’ll continue to stand with them.””
- Orange County mulls incentives to woo $75K jobs, $50M investments: “Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla said she would like to see more emphasis on boosting businesses that are already here to grow. She’s concerned that once incentives run out, a company could leave the area for a new location.”
- Orlando pauses new homeless shelter initiative hours after proposing the idea: ““They’re now forcing us to do something about it, but they’re not giving us the funding,” Orange County commissioner Emily Bonilla said of the state, during a county meeting earlier this summer in June.”
