Table of Contents
Connect with Commissioner Emily Bonilla
Welcome to the 88th 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.
Split Oak and Wildlife Environmental Area and the Osceola Parkway Extension
On February 6, the Board of County Commissioners received a presentation from the Environmental Protection Division concerning Split Oak and the Osceola Parkway Extension. Among the stakeholders engaged in these discussions, Tavistock Development has consistently advocated for negotiations between Osceola and Orange County. Their proposal entails conserving an additional 968 acres of land within our county in exchange for 60 acres in Split Oak Forest for the development of the toll road extension. In light of the 2020 ballot amendment, which garnered support from 80% of our voters, I have taken a steadfast position against entering into these negotiations. As your Commissioner entrusted with representing the interests of our constituents, it is imperative that I encourage the adherance to the charter amendment that constrains our Board’s authority to engage in a “land swap” that could significantly impact the lands within Split Oak Forest. I am pleased to report that, following the discussions, the Board refrained from taking any immediate action, and our staff has been directed not to engage in negotiations for the Osceola Parkway Extension and the proposed “land swap.”
Transportation Sales Tax
On February 6, we heard from the county administrator on the mayor’s transportation sales tax initiative. The Board has until April 23, 2024, to decide whether to include the referendum on the upcoming ballot. Notably, the initial attempt to pass this referendum during the 2020 general election fell short, garnering only 42% support from our voters. During our deliberations, I reiterated my steadfast opposition to the idea, a stance I have maintained since 2020. My concern lies in the timing of this proposal, as I believe our county should have initiated discussions last year to engage the community effectively. Furthermore, our developers should receive a more precise transportation impact fee, and our County planning staff should adopt a fiscal sustainability analysis tool for proportionate share agreements. I believe the county shouldn’t endorse a transportation impact fee until I am assured that the County has thoroughly explored all options. The Board opted not to take any action to advance the referendum in this instance.
Creating a Film Incentive Program for Orange County
I have been making significant strides toward establishing a film incentive program for Orange County. Recently, Commissioner Bonilla convened meetings with representatives from Film Florida, Film Commission Council/Orlando Film Commission, and the Orlando Economic Partnership to explore the feasibility of such a program. Discussions have revolved around the potential creation of a Review Commission modeled after the county’s successful sports incentive program. The county’s economic development department has also expressed keen interest in the initiative. Presently, my efforts are directed toward evaluating various funding options before I formally present the proposal to my colleagues. Stay tuned for forthcoming updates on this promising initiative, and keep an eye out for an upcoming public meeting that will delve deeper into this critical topic!
Construction of a Trailhead Facility on the Ken Bosserman Econlockhatchee River Preserve in East Orange County
I am pleased to announce the approval to construct a Trailhead Facility on the Ken Bosserman Econlockhatchee River Preserve in East Orange County. This significant development will enable Orange County to open the preserve for nature-based recreation, offering the community access to the beauty and serenity of the Econlockhatchee River. The preserve, spanning 1060 acres of publicly and privately held environmentally sensitive lands, stands as a testament to our commitment to conservation and public enjoyment of natural spaces in District 5. I am excited to see the trailhead facility and the upcoming trail system that will give visitors a unique vantage point to appreciate the river, its surrounding wetlands, and the diverse natural areas it encompasses. This initiative reflects our dedication to preserving and sharing the rich ecological treasures within our community.
Case Closed!
Our office successfully addressed a constituent’s request to include table tennis in the weekly schedule at the Goldenrod Recreation Center. Following the constituent’s presentation at Coffee with the Commissioner, we promptly engaged with the department manager of Parks & Recreation, ensuring the request was heard. This led to the inclusion of table tennis in the center’s activities and enhanced community engagement. The new hours for table tennis are Tuesdays from 10:30 am to 1:15 pm and Sundays from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Through collaborative efforts, my office continues to meet constituents’ needs, fostering a more vibrant and inclusive recreational environment for all.
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
Lunar New Year Dragon Parade
Join us as we celebrate the most cherished holiday in East Asia with a vibrant parade and festive fun! 
Save the date: Sunday, February 25th at 11 am for the 2024 Dragon Parade. Don’t miss out on the excitement! Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable experience!
Septic Tank Work Group
Orange County Government has formed a Workgroup to address septic tanks within the County. The Workgroup includes participation from several County departments and the Florida Department of Health collaborating to address this complex issue. The Workgroup intends to discuss proposed policy recommendations to be presented to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) in Spring 2024. Register here: https://bit.ly/3uw3mmP
Orlando Game Jam
OCLS invites gamers to create a video game over the weekend, then enjoy mingling with local game studios and educators at the Orlando Game Jam and Gaming Expo from February 22-25. Both events will be hosted at the Dorothy Lumley Melrose Center for Technology, Innovation and Creativity at Orlando Public Library. For details about the Game Jam, please see the attached press release and visit https://bit.ly/49clQrF
Taking the Con Out of Consumer: Safeguard Yourself from Scams
In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week (March 3-9), the Orange County Neighborhood Services Consumer Protection Office will host an outreach event to help consumers understand their rights and avoid scams and fraud. Attendees will learn about common scams and how to avoid becoming victims from State & Local Agencies.
Past Community Events
CRC Government Structure Meeting
During the recent CRC Government Structure meeting, I expressed my views on the structural adjustments within our Board of County Commission. While I advocate for the separation of powers, valuable insights were shared by the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, shedding light on the Mayor’s preferences in our BCC meetings. The committee members are actively refining potential changes to our Commission districts, executive roles, and the legislative branch, addressing pertinent aspects of our County Charter.
Commissioner Emily Bonilla’s Employment Expo: Unlock Your Career Potential!
In collaboration with my dedicated staff, I organized an employment expo for the residents of District 5 on February 2nd. Approximately 30 organizations participated, offering valuable insights into various programs and employment opportunities. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, as your presence and support played a pivotal role in making this event an outstanding success. Your enthusiasm and engagement contributed significantly to fostering meaningful connections and facilitating valuable opportunities for the community. Thank you for your participation!
Upcoming Events
Please click on the Event Title to find more details about the event.
District 5 Youth Advisory Board
We welcome all high school students to our youth in government initiative called the District 5 Youth Advisory Board! This platform is for passionate young minds to let their voice be the driving force behind a brighter and more connected future for our county. Join us as we embark on a journey of volunteerism, engaging discussions, and hands-on deep dives into critical local legislative topics. Together, letâs empower the next generation to be active contributors and positively impact our community.
Location: Orange County Administration Building, 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL, 32801
Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Time: 3:30 pm â 4:30 pm
Register: Click here!
Join us for âCoffee with the Commissioner,â a community event offering you a chance to share ideas, ask questions, and gain insights into local initiatives and plans directly from the commissioner. Itâs an opportunity to foster connections, voice concerns, and collaborate in a relaxed atmosphere while savoring delightful coffee blends. Come sip and discuss the future of our community!
Location: Orange County Administration Building, 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL, 32801
Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Time: 5:00 pm â 6:00 pm
Register: Click here!
District 5 Neighborhood Advisory Council
The Council has been a project near and dear to my heart and four years in the making! Before I was elected, I was a citizen advocating for my community. When I was elected, my goal was to make sure that I created a system where the citizens could be heard and a part of their local government. I am proud and excited for the citizens that took me up on the offer to join the Council and be part of something that is the first of its kind in Orange County. You can be a part of it too. Hereâs how:
Location: Orange County Administration Building, 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL, 32801
Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Time: 6:30 pm â 8:00 pm
Register:Â Click here!
Women’s Annual Self-Defense Class
Commissioner Emily Bonilla and Soul Sisters WEG Corp are hosting an empowering âWomenâs Annual Self-Defense Class 2024â This enriching workshop, led by three expert instructors, invites women aged 18 and above to participate in hands-on scenarios, fostering community connections and boosting confidence. EmpowerHer: more than an event, itâs a lifestyle experience for all women to fortify strength and build enduring connections.
Location: IronLife Athletics LLC, 1235 W Fairbanks Ave, Orlando, FL 32804
Date: Thursday, February 22, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM â 8:30 PM
Tenant to Owner: Navigating Renting and Buying
Discover the keys to rentersâ rights and first-time homebuyer success with expert speakers from the Legal Aid Society of Orlando and Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando and Osceola County. Gain invaluable insights into your rights as a tenant during our Renters Rights Education session. Then, learn more about Homeownership Programs that empower individuals to apply for the purchase of a new home, realizing the dream of homeownership with a mortgage tailored to their financial goals.
Location: Goldenrod Recreation Center, 4863 N Goldenrod Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792
Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM â 8:00 PM
Register: Click Here!
District 5 Torchbearer
Torchbearer: a person who leads or inspires others in working toward a valued goal
Aubrie Depkin, the Executive Director of Senior Helpers in Orlando, is recognized as our District 5 Torchbearer this week! Aubrie began her journey with Senior Helpers in 2012 as a certified nursing assistant and has since ascended through various roles within the company, showcasing exceptional dedication and leadership. With a background in Health Science and a master’s degree in Health Care Administration, coupled with minors in marketing and gerontology, Aubrie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her current position. Her role involves overseeing the daily operations of the office, managing internal staff, and ensuring the quality of care provided by caregivers. Aubrie’s journey exemplifies the spirit of a torchbearer, inspiring others in their pursuit of excellence in senior care.
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
02/06/24 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 02/20/24 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
- 24-301 Approval and execution of License Agreement by and between SWVP Orlando Office LLC, Orange County, and Orange County Supervisor of Elections and authorization for the Real Estate Management Division to furnish notices, required or allowed by the License Agreement, as needed for Supervisor of Elections – Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 800 N. Magnolia Avenue. Lease File #10003. District 5. (Real Estate Management Division)
- 24-303 Approval of the Tourist Development Tax Sports Incentive Committeeâs recommendations for sports incentive funding pursuant to the terms and conditions of funding agreements between Visit Orlando and the following applicants and authorization for Visit Orlando to enter into such agreements as follows: (1) $10,000 per year, for a total amount of $30,000, to GOSC to be used for rental fees for the 2024-2026 Atlantic 10 Conference Menâs and Womenâs Tennis Championships; (2) $25,000 per year, for a total amount of $75,000, to GOSC to be used as bid fees for the 2024-2026 United Futsal Orlando Event Series; (3) $25,000 to the Kindred Pride Foundation to be used for marketing for The Pride Cup 2024; (4) Up to $1,500,000 to FCS to be used as bid fees for the 2024 Florida Cup; and (5) Up to $300,000 to be used as bid fees for the 2024 International Soccer Friendly. (Fiscal and Operational Support Division)
- 24-308 Approval and execution of Satisfaction of Mortgage and Security Agreement and Release of Restrictive Covenant for Mendel Villas. District 5. (Housing and Community Development Division)
- 24-311 Approval and execution of Non-Substantial Deviation Amendment to Development Order for the Quadrangle Development of Regional Impact. District 5. (Development Review Committee)
Discussion Agenda
- 24-318Â Selection of one firm and an alternate to provide Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) and Compliance Services for East Bay Street Phase 2, Request for Proposals Y24-803-MB, from the following two firms, listed alphabetically: -CDM Smith, Inc. -Civil/Site Engineering, Inc. ([Public Works Department Highway Construction Division] Procurement Division)
- 24-319Â Appointment of either Dr. Winston Schoenfeld, Dr. Michael Georgiopoulos, or Dr. David Hagen as the University of Central Florida representative on the Orange County Research and Development Authority with a term expiring August 24, 2025. (Agenda Development Office)
- 24-320Â United Way Update
- 24-321 Direction on reallocation of available American Rescue Plan – State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. (Office of Management and Budget)
Work Session Agenda
- 24-322Â Animal Services New Facility Update. (Animal Services Division)
BZA Recommendations
- 24-323Â February 1, 2024 Board of Zoning Adjustment Recommendations. There is 1 case in District 5.
Public Hearings
- 24-044Â Notice of Intent Resolution to Use the Uniform Ad Valorem Method of Collection of Non Ad-Ad Valorem Assessments; All DistrictsÂ
- 24-018Â Case # SADF 23-06-018 Anthony Daviero, Lake Irma, permit; 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
- Orange County faces April deadline on sales-tax decision: âIn interviews with the Orlando Sentinel on Monday, Commissioners Nicole Wilson, Emily Bonilla and Mayra Uribe expressed varying degrees of skepticism about the wisdom of a 2024 tax campaign, but said they are willing to discuss it.â
- Orange County Mayor Wants to Discuss Raising The Sales Tax for Transportation Again: âIn 2022, the board [of county commissioners] was divided 4-3, when asked to put the tax on the ballot, with commissioners Nicole Wilson, Emily Bonilla, and Victoria Siplin saying no… Commissioner Emily Bonilla, a tax opponent in 2022, said the campaign to pass a tax this November is already behind schedule. âWe should probably have had these discussions last year,â [Bonilla] said, âI wasn’t happy with what the plan was the last time around, and we had time to think and work on it. I just donât think thereâs time to even entertain it right now… Bonilla also said the financial out look for many people in Central Florida hasnât brightened all that much. âPeople are still dealing with rising rents.â
- Lobbyist wrote bill to protect Visit Orlando but sought to hide his role: âCommissioner Emily Bonilla scanned Carmodyâs list of more than two dozen clients. âLooking at all the organizations he represents thereâs just a lot of potential conflicts there,â Bonilla said, highlighting one in particular, the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, which opposed a cut of Visit Orlandoâs budget…[Commissioners] Uribe and Bonilla voted no on the mayorâs plans.â
- Editorial: The Answer to Mayor Demingsâ Orange County Sales Tax Hike Is Still No: ââWhat are we going to do differently? Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero asked. She joined commissioners Nicole Wilson, Mayra Uribe, and Emily Bonilla in bringing forward the fatal flaws that clearly contributed to the 2022 no votes. None of these points were really acknowledged, let alone addressed at Tuesdayâs county commission meeting on Tuesday [sic]. Even those who supported Mayor Jerry Demingsâ desire to put this on the 2020 ballot saw issues that need to be addressed.â
- Group voices concern over proposed toll road project through protected Split Oak Forest: âIn 2020, 86% of Orange County voters approved to protect Split Oak Forest from the proposed toll road. Watch: Orange County leaders reverse decision on plan to build toll road through protected forest. In November, Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla pushed for the commission to vote against supporting the project, reversing a decision the commission made in 2019.â
- To beat Florida developers, community activists learn to be persistent: âI called up Commissioner Bonilla, who verified the story of how her candidacy in 2016 was inspired by Edwardsâ wrong-headed support of The Grow. She also verified that Edwardsâ campaign raised far more money than she didâŠMuch of her opponentâs money came from the development community, she said. Yet she won the most votes…When [Comissioner Bonilla] ran for reelection in 2020, âI still had developers coming after me,â she said. [The developers] again backed a pro-development candidate and, again, he collected far more money than she did. Yet once again, her well-known determination to protect eastern Orange County from sprawl helped her draw more votes…Use the talents of your neighbors. Bonilla had expertise in marketing, for instance, while other Save Orange County board members were versed in biology and other fields that became important to opposing any zoning changes.”