Table of Contents
Connect with Commissioner Emily Bonilla
Welcome to the 74th 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.
Investing in Mental Health!
In February 2022, the Orange County Mental and Behavioral Health System of Care Community Analysis was presented to the Board of County Commissioners in collaboration with the Heart of Florida United Way. Dr. Lauren Josephs led a series of work sessions with key stakeholders, subject matter experts, and community members, resulting in 16 recommendations to enhance the availability and accessibility of mental health services for Orange County Residents. Orange County has invested $10 million new dollars and has started many of the short-term recommendations (approx. $20M+). Orange County is currently providing innovative programs and strategies for the gaps
Case Closed!
One of the constituents contacted the county regarding removing an oak tree in their driveway. The county was unsure about the removal, and the constituent wanted to seek a second opinion from an arborist. However, they were uncertain about who to contact due to time constraints. Fortunately, our team was able to connect with an arborist who evaluated the tree and concluded that it was too premature to remove.
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
Calling All Artists for the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit
The Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County is seeking art submissions from Central Florida artists for an annual exhibit during Hispanic Heritage Month. Artists of all levels are encouraged to submit their original artwork inspired by Hispanic heritage and culture. The deadline for submissions is August 25, 2023, and the exhibition will open to the public on September 30, 2023.
A complete set of rules of entry is available at https://bit.ly/ArtExhibitApplication.
2023 Hurricane Expo
Orange County Government and the Office of Emergency Management are hosting the 2023 Hurricane Expo on June 17th at West Orange High School. It’s free and open to the public, offering one-on-one meetings with responders and safety vendors, tips, predictions, and free preparedness items. It’s important to be ready and informed in case of a hurricane or storm, especially knowing flood zones and when to evacuate. The County has emergency plans, generators, and shelters for pets. Contact 407-836-9140 or ocoem@ocfl.net for more information.
H2O Pipeline Program Puts High School Students on a Promising Pathway to a Lifelong Career
Orange County’s H2O Pipeline Program successfully graduated its first group of students. The program provides an alternative pathway for high school students to enter the water and wastewater industry directly after graduation. All 10 students who completed the program passed the California State University Sacramento Exam and were accepted into an apprenticeship program with Orange County Utilities.
Past Community Events
Juneteenth and Greek Celebration
At the Orange County Administration Building, we celebrated the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative for the “Juneteenth & Greek Day Community Celebration” on June 14, 2023. Live entertainment, food trucks, and a Community Resource and Job Fair were there. Orange County embraces cultural differences and celebrates freedom for all.
Orlando Repertory Theater, Name Reveal
The grand unveiling of the Orlando Repertory Theater was an immensely impressive triumph, leaving all in attendance thoroughly impressed and delighted with the experience.
Orlando Center for Justice Meet and Greet
The Orlando Center for Justice recently hosted a Meet and Greet event in order to introduce themselves to the community and local leaders. The non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting justice and equality in the tri-county area and beyond, with a particular focus on their Hello Immigrant initiative. This program provides education and self-help legal services to immigrants in Orange, Osceola, and soon, Seminole County.
Upcoming Events
Vision 2050 Town Hall
Orange County has diverse environments, such as urban, suburban, rural, and natural areas. The Vision 2050 initiative will decide the county’s future growth for the next 30 years. The plan prioritizes preserving the environment, maintaining community character, and providing public spaces as guiding principles for development, with a focus on involving the community. We want to create a collective vision for Orange County by having open discussions with members of the community like you. Your feedback is crucial in shaping our county and the Central Florida region.
Location: Florida Technical College, 12900 Challenger Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32826
Date: June 22, 2023
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Register: http://www.ocfl.net/vision2050
Vision 2050 Town Hall – Last Town Hall!
Orange County has diverse environments, such as urban, suburban, rural, and natural areas. The Vision 2050 initiative will decide the county’s future growth for the next 30 years. The plan prioritizes preserving the environment, maintaining community character, and providing public spaces as guiding principles for development, with a focus on involving the community. We want to create a collective vision for Orange County by having open discussions with members of the community like you. Your feedback is crucial in shaping our county and the Central Florida region.
Location: Bithlo Community Center, 18501 Washington Ave, Orlando, FL 32820
Date: June 26, 2023
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Register: http://www.ocfl.net/vision2050
District 5 Neighborhood Advisory Council
Each month, the District 5 Neighborhood Advisory Council hosts a virtual town-hall-style meeting in which community members can provide input and share ideas on challenges and initiatives. The Council works together to identify objectives to work towards and goals for the District 5 community. The most recent projects include purchasing environmentally sensitive lands and incentivizing smart development!
Location: Goldenrod Recreation, 4863 N Goldenrod Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792
Date: June 21, 2023
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Register: https://emilybonilla.com/neighborhood-advisory-council/
Charter Review Commission
In 1986, Orange County voters chose to adopt a charter form of government. Every four years, a commission appointed by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) conducts a review of the charter. This commission, known as the Charter Review Commission (CRC), determines which questions will be put to vote. At least 60 days before the election, the CRC publishes a report on the suggested changes. Ultimately, it is up to the voters to decide whether or not to implement these changes.
Location: Meadow Woods Recreation Center, 1751 Rhode Island Woods Cir, Orlando, FL 32824
Date: June 15, 2023
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Register: https://www.ocfl.net/OpenGovernment/BoardsAndSpecialDistricts/CharterReviewCommission.aspx
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
06/06/23 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 06/20/23 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 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
- 23-896 Approval to award Invitation for Bids Y23-772-ZR, East Orange Community Center Generator, to the low responsive and responsible bidder, Eau Gallie Electric, Inc. The total contract award amount is $699,000. ([Administrative Services Department Division] Procurement Division)
- 23-897 Approval to award Invitation for Bids Y23-775-EB, University of Central Florida Alafaya Trail and University Boulevard Pedestrian Safety Improvements, to the low responsive and responsible bidder, Gibbs & Register, Inc. The total contract award amount is $13,211,733. ([Public Works Department Engineering Division] Procurement Division)
- 23-914 Approval and execution of Proportionate Share Agreement for Harrell Oaks Econlockhatchee Trail by and between TLC Partners I, LLC and Orange County for a proportionate share payment in the amount of $34,000. District 5. (Roadway Agreement Committee)
Discussion Agenda
- 23-923 Approval of FY 2023 Cultural Facilities funding recommendations by the Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Council in the amount of $1,572,179. (Arts and Cultural Affairs Office)
- 23-924 2023 Hurricane Season Update. (Office of Emergency Management)
- 23-925 Approval to establish the haulers compensation rates as listed, set the MSBU rate of $290 for Program Year 2024, and authorization to include the Tentative Mandatory Refuse Collection Program Rate of $290 on the 2023 Notice of Proposed Taxes. All Districts. (Solid Waste Division)
- 23-926 Vision Zero Action Plan Update. (Traffic Engineering Division)
BZA Recommendations
- 23-927 June 1, 2023, Board of Zoning Adjustment Recommendations, 2 cases in District 5
Public Hearings
- 23-814 Case # PTV 23-04-016 Carroll and Thomas Etheredge, vacate a portion of a drainage easement; 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 residents asked for feedback on Vision 2050 plan: “District 5 Commissioner Emily Bonilla acknowledged the residents’ frustrations, saying, “I don’t feel that the draft we have right now fully represents what the people of at least east Orange County want.” She encouraged citizens to share their feedback, adding, “We can get to a place where they are being represented.” Bonilla stated that she would not support the current draft of Vision 2050 but expressed hope that more residents would make their voices heard, allowing for necessary amendments. “We want their feedback to be implemented so that it becomes something that really belongs to the people that live here,” she emphasized.”
- Orange County Government Invites Community to Participate in Vision 2050 Town Hall Meetings: “Thursday, June 22, 2023, 6 p.m.Orange County District 5 – Commissioner Emily Bonilla Florida Technical College 12900 Challenger Parkway Orlando, FL 32826
- Monday, June 26, 2023, 6 p.m. Orange County District 5 – Commissioner Emily Bonilla Bithlo Community Center 18501 Washington Avenue Orlando, FL 32820″
