Table of Contents
Connect with Commissioner Emily Bonilla
Welcome to the 77th 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.
Vision 2050
Major Breakthrough in Vision 2050! Rural hamlets were successfully removed after the decisive July 25th vote. Effective town halls fostered collaborative efforts with staff and allowed us to prioritize the community’s wants and needs. More achievements to come in the next steps!
Shoe and Backpack Give Away
Our shoe drive at Union Park Elementary, in collaboration with the NCF, was a huge success! We provided new shoes and backpacks, uplifting children and their dreams. Together, we’re making a difference in the community!
Case Closed!
Orange County is grappling with a pressing issue of unsafe conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially in East and South Orange County. The problems include unfinished trails, limited access to existing trails, a lack of bicycle lanes and overhead walkways, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws. Efforts are underway, with collaboration between the Commissioner’s team and county resources, to address the concerns and enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
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
The Iconic Art Project Exhibition
Prepare to be amazed as Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs unveils a stunning collection of iconic art replicas from renowned artists worldwide. The Iconic Art Project, curated by Rory Penland, showcases the finest quality replicas from DaFen Painting Village in Shenzhen, China. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or looking for a unique experience, this exhibition has something for everyone. Join us from August 1 to September 14, 2023, at the Orange County Administration Center in Orlando, FL, and immerse yourself in the world of iconic art. Admission is free, so mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable event!
Public Meeting: PD&E Study of FL Turnpike Widening
Mark your calendars for the Public Hearing on Florida’s Turnpike/SR 91 Widening Project in Orange County! The Florida Department of Transportation invites you to join the virtual session at 12 p.m. and the in-person meeting at 5:30 p.m. on August 7, 2023. Learn more about the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study and have your voice heard. Visit https://bit.ly/3KqtvYN for additional information.
Walmart’s 10th Annual Open Call Event
Calling All Entrepreneurs! Don’t miss the chance to pitch your U.S.-made products to Walmart and Sam’s Club at the 10th annual Open Call event. Apply now until August 18, 2023, for a shot at getting your products on their shelves or online. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3Qp4Oju and mark your calendars for October 24-25, 2023, when the Open Call event takes place. Seize this incredible opportunity to showcase your business!
Past Community Events
CRC Listening Session
Recently, we hosted an engaging event at the Bithlo Community Center, where Commissioner Emily Bonilla, provided a comprehensive overview of the Orange County Charter. Topics covered included government powers, legislative and executive branches, planning and zoning, citizen initiatives, and more. A representative from the Charter Review Commission also joined, enriching the discussion with valuable insights.
Rainbow Democratic July Social
We had a fantastic time at Hamburger Mary’s in downtown Orlando, where @flhsdems hosted a monthly social event. We celebrated their recent legal victory against the Florida Republican party’s Drag bill and discussed current events.
Back to School Expo at the Orlando Magic Recreation Center
The Back to School & Wellness Fair at the Orlando Magic Recreation Center was a hit! Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla and Winter Park & Union Park NCFs distributed free backpacks and supplies to the Goldenrod Community. The event also featured Orange County Departments’ exhibitors, offering valuable resources. Free food and water added to the joy. Thank you to everyone who made it possible!
Back to School at Bithlo Community Center!
Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla teamed up with the local football team to distribute free backpacks and supplies to the Goldenrod Community. As students excitedly picked up their essentials, the football team cheered them on, adding to the festive spirit of the event. The expo also featured Orange County Departments’ exhibitors, providing valuable resources to attendees. Free food and water kept everyone energized and hydrated throughout the day. Thank you to all the incredible individuals who made this fantastic day possible!
D5NAC
We had an awesome community gathering at Goldenrod Recreation Center with Commissioner Emily Bonilla and the District 5 Neighborhood Advisory Council. Together, we discussed updates and shared thoughts about shaping our neighborhood’s future.
VIP Florida Cup Reception
Rolling out the Green Carpet: Orlando hosts the VIP Floridia Cup Reception, extending a warm welcome to teams, coaches, and distinguished guests from around the globe. Let the games begin!
Wavelength Coffee Ribbon Cutting
Celebrating together at Wavelength: We were thrilled to join the ribbon-cutting ceremony for our newest downtown Orlando coffee spot. Congratulations to Wavelength, and we wish them all the best for a successful future!
Upcoming Events
District 5 – Charter Review Commission
Get ready for an exciting gathering as the Charter Review Commission gears up for a meeting in District 5! This is a crucial event where they’ll be diving into discussions about potential revisions to the Orange County Charter, which plays a fundamental role as the county government’s constitution.
Location: Orlando Magic Recreation Center, located at 4863 N Goldenrod Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792, USA.
Date: August 21st, 2023
Time: 6 PM
District 5 Torchbearer
Torchbearer: a person who leads or inspires others in working toward a valued goal
Meet Tom Gawronski, our District 5 Torchbearer! With his exceptional service, support, and selfless volunteer efforts at the Winter Park Neighborhood Center for Families, Tom has become a shining example of community dedication. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
Updates from Past BCC Meeting
07/25/23 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 08/08/23 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
- 23-1119 Approval and execution of Agreement between Orange County, Florida and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Inc., and the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation, Inc., – The Plaza Live. (Fiscal and Business Services Division)
- 23-1121 Approval for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to spend $7,500 from the FY 2023 Law Enforcement Trust Fund-State Forfeitures for eligible contributions to Camaraderie Foundation ($7,500). (Office of Management and Budget)
- 23-1140 Approval of Orange County Head Start Disaster Recovery Funding 04TD000150 ACF-PI-HS-19-01 Liquidation Budget Revision in the amount of $1,400,000 to complete playground replacements at South Orlando YMCA, Lila Mitchell, Pine Hills, and John H. Bridges Head Start Centers for an additional 12-month period from September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2024. (Head Start Division)
- 23-1141 Approval and execution of 1) State-Funded Grant Agreement Emergency Preparedness and Assistance Grant Fiscal Year 2023-2024 in the amount of $105,806 and 2) FY 2023-2024 EMPA Agreement Exhibit 2-27-19 Florida Administrative Code EM Director Certification. There is no match required.
- 23-1142 Approval and execution of 1) Agreement between the City of Orlando, Florida and Orange County, Florida for the Administration of the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Grant Program for fiscal years 2023-2026 in an estimated total award amount of $16,634,211 (including the fiscal year 2023 award of $5,544,737); 2) Certification regarding Lobbying Certification for Contracts, Grants, Loans and Cooperative Agreements; and 3) Affidavit Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) and authorization for the Mayor or designee to sign any future amendments of this agreement. No county match is required. (Fiscal and Operational Support Division)
- 23-1154 Approval and execution of the Environmental Water & Reclamation Technology Training Agreement Between Orange County, Florida and School Board of Orange County, Florida. All Districts. (Water Division)
- 23-1103 Receipt of the following items to file for the record: a. Florida Public Service Commission Consummating Order. In re: Petition for approval of renewable energy tariff and standard offer contract, by Florida Power & Light Company.
- 23-1112 Appointment of Ashley C. Mejia to the Library Board of Trustees as a City of Orlando representative with a term effective August 8, 2023 and expiring December 31, 2023.
- 23-1118 Approval and execution of Resolution of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners regarding adoption of the Standard Operating Procedures to implement the requirements of the Live Local Act. All Districts.
- 23-1120 Regional Opioid Settlement Fund. (Drug Free Office)
Work Session Agenda
- 23-1122 Shingle Creek Transit and Utility Community Development District.
BZA Recommendations
- 23-1124 July 20, 2023 Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendations- There are 3 items in Distric 5
Public Hearings
- 23-1043 Case # PSP-22-12-362 Chad H. Moorhead, Madden, Moorhead & Glunt, Inc., Corner Lake Gardens Planned Development / Solace at Corner Lake Preliminary Subdivision Plan; District 5
- 23-1042 Adopting a revised fee structure for solid waste disposal at Orange County disposal facilities; All Districts
- 23-1040 Amending Orange County Code, Chapter 23, Article IV, Section 23-98, impact fees relating to Transportation Impact Fee exemptions; All Districts
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/