Table of Contents
Connect with Commissioner Emily Bonilla
Welcome to the 71st 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.
Commissioner’s Report
To bridge the gap between Orange County services and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Persons and allow consistent service equity across all departments and divisions, I presented a Commissioner’s Report at the March 21st BCC Meeting. After discussion, the Board supported the initiative and will have it reviewed and researched by Orange County staff and will return to the Board in August.
Proclamation – International Day of Multilingualism
A coalition of Language Access organizations, Hablamos Español Florida, approached me for a Proclamation to recognize March 27th as the International Day of Multilingualism. We presented it at the March 21st BCC meeting.
Orange County’s Vision Zero – RCA Scope of Work
In August of 2022, Orange County adopted Vision Zero, a strategy targeting eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, focusing on designing safer roadways. With bike and pedestrian safety being my top priority, I took the opportunity to ensure that the several Roadway Conceptual Analysis (RCAs) in District 5 utilize the strategies behind Vision Zero. I am working alongside County staff to have all RCAs change their Scope of Work to focus on safety.
Wedgefield Pluris Holdings, LLC
Working alongside Orange County Utilities and the residents of Wedgefield, I initiated the process to have Orange County purchase Pluris Holdings, LLC. The process has been on hold due to a water-contamination lawsuit with the residents of Wedgefield, which they have recently settled. For years, the residents have fought against the cost and quality of Pluris’ services. If Wedgefield residents allow, Orange Couty will regulate the Wedgefield Water Utilities in the near future. See our upcoming events section for details of our Community Meetings with the Wedgefield community below to receive the updated information.
Case Closed!
Landstar Boulevard and Wetherbee Road
Left Turn Traffic Signal Request
As you know, safety is my number one priority. Our District 5 office received a constituent requesting to update the Landstar Boulevard and Wetherbee Road left turn lane and traffic signal. This community was facing a dangerous median with a need for a left-turning signal to prevent cars from stopping in the middle of the intersection for a chance to make a left turn. The Traffic Engineering team submitted a work order and completed the request.
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
Earth Week 2023
Earth Week 2023 is quickly approaching! We will have events beginning Sunday, April 16, through Saturday, April 22, 2023. Orange County Government will celebrate Earth Day with activities all week long this year. Through educational events, these festivities highlight the county’s sustainability efforts with residents and employees. https://www.ocfl.net/OpenGovernment/Sustainability/EarthWeek.aspx#.ZC7WoXuSmUk
Orange County Vision 2050
Orange County is continuously growing to become one of the most diverse communities in Central Florida. Orange County Vision 2050 is a comprehensive plan that embodies a community vision for guiding growth in Orange County.
This Plan includes a public engagement process focusing on environmental preservation, community character, and public spaces as guiding principles for future development.
Your engagement is essential. Join the mailing list on my website to be notified of future Vision 2050 surveys, upcoming workshop dates, and public hearings.
Past Community Events
Office of Tenant Services – Grand Opening
We are now addressing our Orange County residents’ and tenants’ needs in one office.
The Office of Tenant Services ensures residents know their rights under Florida law. The office can also investigate complaints and make referrals to other agencies.
I appreciate the board’s support of my request to require this office to collect data and provide reports to the board on how our housing situation is progressing.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration of Winter Park
I would like to thank the City of Winter Park’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Winter Park Rotary Club for the invitation to the 44th Annual Winter Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Orange County Government Pilot Program for onsite ESOL classes – IDrive
UCF Global Educators, Rosen Hotel & Resorts, and other partners teamed up to provide three eight-week sessions that include the Foundational, Beginning, and High-Intermediate English curriculum. We are excited to see our employers invest in the community!
Intuitive Research and Technology Ribbon Cutting
Opening the Intuitive Research and Technology Center in District 5 at Orange County’s Central Florida Research Park was an honor. Their award-winning aerospace and analysis firm provides technical solutions and program management for new clients in Central Florida.
Upcoming Events
Vision 2050 BCC Transmittal Public Hearing
The Board of County Commissioners will have a public hearing on the Vision 2050 Comprehensive Plan.
Community Engagement is crucial as the new land classifications created in Vision 2050 will dictate the future development and growth of Orange County. Staying involved will help us all ensure the quality of life we strive for.
Location:
Orange County Admin. Building
201 S Rosalind Avenue, Orlando, FL
Date: Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Time: 2:00 PM
Vision 2050 District 5 – Townhall
Keep an eye out! Orange County is fortunate to have a great diversity of environments – from urban and suburban to rural and pristine natural areas. As your Commissioner, I understand the importance of maintaining these diverse environments, so I am working to have several town halls throughout District 5 to ensure all residents participate.
Location:
Across District 5
Date: May 2023
Time: Evenings
Community Meeting Notice
Planning, Environmental, & Development Services – Zoning Division
SE-22-08-071 Shawn Casey for Kiwanis Scout House – District 5
Please join the District Commissioner, Orange County staff, and neighbors at an in-person community meeting where the applicant will present their request and answer your questions.
Location:
Killarney Elementary School – Cafeteria 2401 Wellington Blvd,
Winter Park, FL 32789
Date: Monday, April 24, 2023
Time: 6 pm
Wedgefield Community Meeting – Pluris Holdings, LLC
Wedgefield Residents have advocated for safe, regulated drinking water. To ensure all residents’ concerns’ are met, Orange County Utilities and I will host several Community Meetings addressing the possible transition from Pluris Holdings, LLC to Orange County Utilities Department.
Location: Wedgefield School, 3835 Bancroft Blvd, Orlando, FL 32833
Dates:
1st meeting -Tuesday, May 9, 2023
2nd meeting – Monday, May 15, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
District 5 Torchbearer
Torchbearer: a person who leads or inspires others to work 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 Meetings
3/21/23 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 4/11/23 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 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
- 23-577 Administrative Services Department – Approval of Change Order No 5, Contract Y20-773, Courthouse 14th Floor Chamber Buildout, with S A Casey Construction Inc in the amount of $5,119.38, for a revised lump sum contract amount of $2,051,873.91. District 5. (Capital Projects Division)
- 23-596 Administrative Services Department – Approval and execution of Orange County, Florida and Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce Orlando, Inc. Affiliate Service Provider Agreement and authorization for the Real Estate Management Division to exercise renewal options, execute a termination notice, and furnish notices, required, or allowed by the agreement, as needed for Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce Orlando, Inc. – NEC at Fashion Square Mall, 3201 E. Colonial Drive, Suite A20, Orlando, Florida 32803. Lease File #2062-ASP7. District 5. (Real Estate Management Division)
BZA Recommendations
- 23-634 March 116, 2023, Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendations. There are no cases in District 5.
Public Hearings
- 23-394 Lake Pickett, amend for general lake cleaning, maintenance, aquatic plant control, and navigational improvements; District 5
- 23-467 Adoption of Future Land Use Map Amendment, Ordinance, and Concurrent Rezoning Request a. Amendment SS-22-05-047 Thomas Sullivan, Gray Robinson, P.A., for New Life Church of God Medium Density Residential (MDR) to High-Density Residential – Student Housing (HDR-Student Housing); District 5 And b. Ordinance for Proposed Amendment And c. Rezoning LUP-22-07-258 R-1A (Single-Family Dwelling District) to PD (Planned Development District) (Alafaya Trail Student Housing PD); District 5
- 23-535 Amending Orange County Code, Chapter 13 (“Consumer Protection), Section 13-3 (“Findings and Objectives); Section 13-4 (“Unit Established”); Section 13-5 (“Powers and Duties”); Chapter 9 (“Building and Construction Regulations), Article IX (“Contractor Certification, Registration, Licensing”), Section 9-323 (“Code Enforcement Officers”); Chapter 35 (“Traffic”), Article II (“Administration and Enforcement”), Division 3 (“Trespass Towing from Private Property, Nonconsensual Towing, and Vehicle Immobilization”); Section 35-56 (“Prerequisites and Requirements for Immobilization and Trespass Towing of Vehicles on Private Property”); Section 35-58 (“Establishment of Rates”); Section 35-59 (“Enforcement of Violations; Penalties); Chapter 11 (“Code Enforcement”), Article III (“Code Enforcement Citation Program”), Section 11-62 (“Applicable Codes and Ordinances”), pertaining to Orange County Consumer Fraud Investigative Unit; All Districts
- 23-466 Transmittal of Staff-Initiated Comprehensive Plan Map and Text Amendment a. Amendment 2023-1-C-CP-1 An Amendment updating the “Orange County Comprehensive Plan 2010-2030 Destination 2030” and Renaming it the “Vision 2050: Orange County Comprehensive Plan,” including but not limited to revising existing Elements and redesignating them into new Chapters, entitled, Land Use, Mobility, and Neighborhoods; Housing and Community Services; Tourism, Arts, and Culture; Economy, Technology, and Innovation; Natural Resources and Conservation; Recreation and Open Space; Transportation; Public Schools; Community Facilities and Services; and Implementation and Property Rights pursuant to Sections 163.3177, 163.3180, and parts II and Ill of Chapter 369 (Wekiva River Protection & Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act), Florida Statutes, and incorporating the Future Land Use Map Series including a new Sector Map, a new Future Land Use Map, including an expansion of the Urban Service Area (USA) Boundary, and other maps intended for inclusion in the Comprehensive Plan; Countywide
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
- Legislature must stop interfering with local efforts to lower rent: “Meanwhile, the human toll from Florida’s escalating housing emergency is already staggering. More than a quarter of voters polled said they had recently experienced homelessness due to skyrocketing housing costs, or near homelessness such as being forced to sleep in their car or on a friend’s couch. Housing instability profoundly affects our lives, families, communities, and economies. If state lawmakers aren’t going to do something about it themselves, they should at least stop interfering with local efforts to address this crisis,” said Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla.
- Florida’s local elected officials worry state preemption bills could ‘chill’ local policymaking: “As Floridians weather the worst affordable housing emergency of our lifetimes, our state legislature has filed multiple bills that will make it even harder for local governments to help our communities keep a roof over their heads,” said Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla.
- Florida’s Republican-Led, Nearly Unanimous Housing Reforms “What’s happening right now is not the way renting has traditionally been done. We now have these huge corporations that are buying up all these rental properties, even single-family homes,” Bonilla says. “They don’t have any connection with people or their tenants. It’s just about how much money they can make their shareholders.”
- Florida bill guts local governments’ power to protect tenants: “If they want to do our job, they can come and do it,” Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla said. “It seems like they don’t want us doing anything and they’re not helping either.”
