Table of Contents
Connect with Commissioner Emily Bonilla
Welcome to the 69th 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 to learn first-hand about your concerns and priorities. 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.
Investing in Affordable Housing
On September 17, the BCC unanimously approved four new affordable housing developments as part of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Program. Over $13 million in investments by the County will lead to a grand total of 525 affordable housing units. These settlements take place in Pine Hills, Apopka, and Orlando, showing the County’s commitment to solving the area’s affordable housing crisis.
GreenPLACE Advisory Board Resolution
Approved on September 28, the BCC officially established an advisory board for the purpose of recommending and approving environmentally sensitive land purchases! I personally played a role in recommending the first GreenPLACE purchase in over 10 years, a 24-acre property in East Orange County. With the GreenPLACE Advisory Board, generations of families across our County will have many green spaces to enjoy for years to come!
District 5 Neighborhood Advisory Council Seeking Volunteers!
Our D5 Neighborhood Advisory Council is seeking Council Members who are passionate about solving local problems! Whether you have policy experience or not, please consider applying. Our Council is finding ways to incentivize smart growth in the UCF Corridor and protect environmentally sensitive lands! Apply to sit on the Council here or submit your policy idea!
Case Closed!
In this case, a long stretch of road between Maury Rd / Rio Grande did not have any streetlights. Upon inspection, the traffic engineering team installed streetlights with the help of District 5 CIP Funds!
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
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Workshop
On October 26, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, the Domestic Violence Commission is hosting a workshop on the following subjects:
- How to file a restraining order
- Guidance from Harbor House of Central Florida
- Victim Service Center – How to cultivate healthy relationships
- Self-defense class conducted by Orlando Police Department
Orange County Vision 2050
Orange County Government is undergoing a once-in-a-generation process to update its Comprehensive Land Development Plan. Smart growth and Sustainability are two of Orange County’s planning goals. Stay updated and give your input here.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Orange County has disbursed millions in ERA funds to residents who lost income due to COVID-19. Applicants are being encouraged to apply if months of prospective rent were not covered the first time around. If you are behind on rent, consider turning in an application today.
Decennial Redistricting
Members of the Advisory Committee for Redistricting, appointed by the BCC, are currently in the process of redrawing the lines that delineate Orange County’s six districts. If you would like to learn more or submit your own maps, go here.
Past Events: Wrapping Up Hispanic Heritage Month!
Seguimos Avanzando Ceremony
Four years ago, the island of Puerto Rico experienced a devastating natural disaster by the name of Hurricane Maria. Four years later, refugees were honored and celebrated for their perseverance as they became valuable members of our District 5 community! I was proud to be in attendance!
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando and Florida Technical College Hispanic Heritage Month Award Ceremony
It was an honor to deliver an inspirational talk at the HCCMO and FTC Award Ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of Gladys Sherpa for her outstanding dedication to her career in service!
Noche de Esperanza – A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope
My very own high school intern, Estrella Marolla, was recognized as a rising young Hispanic leader at the first annual Noche de Esperanza: A Celebration of Heritage and Hope! A huge thank you goes out to the Orange County Hispanic Heritage Committee for hosting a wonderful series of events this year.
Ocoee Votes to Excuse Pet Store From County Ordinance
Orange County passed a ban on retail pet stores selling dogs, cats, and rabbits. Unfortunately, the Ocoee City Commission voted 3-2 to excuse one pet store in Ocoee from the County ordinance. I showed up to fight for the fair treatment of all living things, along with various animal advocacy groups and fellow Commissioner Nicole Wilson. The fight is far from over!
2021 Orange County Community Conference
Every year, the Orange County government comes together to recognize the brightest minds in our community. I am pleased to announce that I chose the D5 Neighborhood Advisory Council for the 2021 Citizen of the Year for our District! Congratulations to our dedicated group of active citizens!
Redistricting Meeting #5
The 5th Redistricting Advisory Committee for Redistricting took place in the District with the second-highest concentration of Latino voters, District 4. Although only two maps were presented and none were approved, this was a great exercise in recognizing the various elements required for a fair redistricting process.
Upcoming Events
Central Florida Veg Fest 2021
The biggest vegan festival of the year is here! This packed event will include healthy living and eco-friendly exhibitors, speakers, and presentations; non-profits; fun and games for kids; dog and cat adoptions; restaurant booths; food preparation demonstrations, and live music and entertainment. Central Florida Veg Fest is a family-fun event for both committed vegans and those who want to learn more about how to protect our health, the planet, and its inhabitants. All money raised will be used for local vegan education and outreach.
Learn more at www.CFVegFest.org. VOLUNTEER to table with my office by emailing District5@ocfl.net!
Location: 2911 E. Robinson Street, Orlando FL 32803
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23rd, 2021 FROM 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Free Movie in the Park: The Addams Family
Bring your family and friends to Bithlo Community Park, 18501 Washington Avenue, Orlando, on Saturday, October 23 for the FREE Movie in the Park: The Addams Family! This fun animated movie (rated PG, 86 mins.) starts at 7 p.m., shortly after dark. Bring lawn chairs and snacks, or purchase from food trucks. No alcohol is allowed in the park; no pets are allowed in the viewing area. Visit www.OrangeCountyParks.net, email parks@ocfl.net, park phone: 407-254-1905.
Location: Bithlo Community Park, 18501 Washington Avenue, Orlando
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2021 AT 7 PM
Public Hearings: Orlando Speedworld and Student Housing
Here are the following land use cases to be heard on October 26 at 2 pm at the BCC meeting.
- Case # SE-21-07-039
Applicant / Appellant: Kelsey Weiss for Orlando Speedworld, July 1, 2021 - Amendment SS-21-01-090
Applicant: Scott Stuart; Kelly, Collins & Gentry, Inc.
Office (O) to Planned Development – Commercial, High-Density Residential – Student
Housing (PD – C HDR – Student Housing)AndSubstantial Change Request CDR-20-12-340 (Quadrangle Planned Development)
NEOCATS Virtual Meeting
Orange County staff have been conducting a Transportation Study in the Northeast corner of the County!
This area has experienced severe transportation/traffic issues which this study aims to address.
Community members will have the chance to submit questions and provide comments.
Do not miss this chance to change the future of east Orange County for the better!
Register for FREE: bit.ly/3mwUMMD or call (631)-992-3221 (access code: 606-293-831)
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1st, 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Wedgefield Park Dog Park Virtual Meeting
We want to hear from you! Orange County Parks and Recreation and District 5 Commissioner Emily Bonilla invite you to attend the virtual community meeting on Tuesday, November 2, 6-7 p.m., for a new dog Park at Wedgefield Park. Visit the Wedgefield Park web page for details and virtual meeting link: https://tinyurl.com/WedgefieldParkDogPark. Questions? parks@ocfl.net.
Location: Virtual at https://tinyurl.com/WedgefieldParkDogPark
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2021 AT 6 PM – 7 PM
Redistricting Advisory Meeting #9
Join us for our ninth public advisory meeting for redistricting and our first meeting in District 5! The meeting will be held at Goldenrod Recreation Center (4863 N. Goldenrod Road, Winter Park, FL 32792). The committee will be reviewing the district maps.
Residents can attend in-person or stream the meeting on OrangeTV airing on Spectrum 488, Comcast 9, Centurylink 1081, WSWF channel 10.2, as well as online on Orange County’s Facebook, and ocfl.net/OTVLIVE.
Learn more about the redistricting process, meeting dates, and how to submit a public comment by visiting ocfl.net/redistricting.
Location: 4863 N. Goldenrod Road, Winter Park, FL 32792
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2021 AT 6:30 PM
Redistricting Advisory Meeting #10
Join us for our tenth public advisory meeting for redistricting in Orange County. The meeting will be held at the Orange County Administration Building in downtown Orlando (201 S. Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32801). The Committee will be selecting which maps will be discussed at the public hearing.
Residents can attend in-person or stream the meeting on OrangeTV airing on Spectrum 488, Comcast 9, Centurylink 1081, WSWF channel 10.2, as well as online on Orange County’s Facebook, and at ocfl.net/OTVLIVE.
Learn more about the redistricting process, meeting dates, and how you can submit a public comment by visiting ocfl.net/redistricting.
Location: 201 S. Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021 AT 6:30 PM
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
10/12/21 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 10/26/21 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
- 21-1256 – Approval and execution of Orange County, Florida and Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida, Inc. FY 2022 Grant Agreement and authorization to disburse $139,049 as provided in the FY 2021-22 adopted budget. (Office of Economic, Trade and Tourism Development)
- 21-1283 – Acceptance of Criminal Justice Mental Health and Substance Abuse Reinvestment Grant and approval and execution of Grant Agreement Contract No. LH818 between the Florida Department of Children and Families and Orange County in the amount of $400,000 per year for three years, for a total amount of $1,200,000. A match in the amount of $400,000 per year for three years is required. (Mental Health and Homelessness Division)
Discussion/Work Session Agenda
BZA Recommendations
- 21-1310 – October 7, 2021 Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendations. There is 1 case in District 5.
- Case # SE-21-04-008 – Vaishnav Sangh of USA – 5733 N. Dean Rd., Orlando, FL 32817
Public Hearings
- 21-1127 – MSTU – Lake Pickett, amend general lake cleaning maintenance and aquatic plant control
- 21-910 – Case # SE-21-07-039 – Kelsey Weiss for Orlando Speedworld. July 1, 2021; District 5
- 21-1186 – Amendment SS-21-01-090 and CDR-20-12-340 – Scott Stuart for Quadrangle Student Housing DevelAdoption of Future Land Use Map Amendment, Ordinance, and Concurrent Planned Development Substantial Change Request a. Amendment SS-21-01-090 Scott Stuart; Kelly, Collins & Gentry, Inc. Office (O) to Planned Development – Commercial, High Density Residential – Student Housing (PD – C HDR – Student Housing); District 5 And b. Ordinance for Proposed Amendment And c. Substantial Change Request CDR-20-12-340 (Quadrangle Planned Development); 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/.
See Upcoming Land Use Cases for 10/26/2021 here.
In The News
“Those speaking out against the Ocoee measure included Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla, who chastised her Ocoee counterparts.
“We don’t need your interference,” she told them.
Bonilla said the Ocoee ordinance was faulty because it grants Chews A Puppy a monopoly, lacks consequences for the store if it fails to follow the new city rules, and allows the store to self-report violations or complaints filed against it by Orange County Animal Services or other authorities.
“This is one of those ordinances where politicians … pretend to do something good but in fact, it’s a useless ordinance,” she said.”
- The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando in partnership with FTC presented full-ride scholarships during Hispanic Heritage Month: The following local elected officials also delivered special messages to celebrate Ms. Sherpa’s accomplishments and the contributions of thousands of Hispanic professionals to our state’s economy: U.S. Congressman Darren Soto, State Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith, Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla, Amy Mercado, Orange County Controller, Buddy Dyer, Mayor City of Orlando, City of Orlando Commissioner Bakari F. Burns, Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero, Outreach Specialist, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s office, Jeannette Quiñonez, Gary Berrios, Multicultural Outreach Director, Office of U.S Senator Scott, and Ilia Torres, Esq., Special Assistant to Mayor Jerry L. Demings.
COVID-19 Information
For updates on the numbers, public service announcements, and resources, please visit https://emilybonilla.com/coronavirus-covid-19-resources-for-district-5/ We do our best to keep this up to date and translated into Spanish.