Table of Contents

Connect with Commissioner Emily Bonilla

Welcome to the 79th 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.

Press conference for Hurricane Idalia, Orange county staff picture

Hurricane Idalia Press Conference

During our press conference, my fellow officials and I delivered a heartfelt message, urging the public to remain vigilant and prepare for potential storms. We emphasized that hurricane season has not yet concluded, highlighting the vital importance of well-thought-out emergency preparedness. Our collective message aimed to inspire everyone to stay informed and take proactive measures to safeguard themselves and their communities from the looming threat of Hurricane Idalia.

I want to stress that the hurricane season is still in progress, and I strongly encourage all of you to stay updated on any upcoming weather events in our area. Your safety is our top priority.

Picture of Board of Commissioners Chambers

Tourist Development Tax
The Board of County Commissioners exercised great diligence in deliberating the allocation of an impressive sum, nearly 2 billion dollars, from the Tourist Development Tax proposals. This approach exemplifies our unwavering commitment to making a thoughtful and prudent investment that will ultimately yield substantial benefits for both the community and the tourism industry. Currently, I am gathering additional information to ensure I make a well-researched and informed decision.

Case Closed!

A constituent reached out, inquiring about the process for requesting a proclamation for their organization. We advised her to contact the mayor’s office. We kept in regular contact with her and eventually received an update confirming that the proclamation had been finalized, and arrangements for its presentation were in the final stages of processing.

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, where you will find episodes of the Emily Tells All talk show. Subscribe to the YouTube Channel to not miss any videos.

Important Updates and Information

BOOST Program for Small Businesses Deadline

The application deadline for Orange County’s Small Business BOOST program for small businesses, home-based businesses, and gig workers is Friday, September 15, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Grant applications that have already been submitted will continue to be reviewed through September 30, 2023. New applications must be completed and submitted by the deadline to be reviewed.

Hurricane Lee

Hurricane Lee has formed in the Atlantic, with predictions indicating a potential Category 4 strength. While the current forecast suggests it may steer north, vigilance is crucial, as tropical systems can bring unexpected impacts. Residents in eastern Orange County and along the coastline should stay alert. Now is the time to review your hurricane preparedness plan, emphasizing the importance of professional tree trimming to prevent damage. Construction firms should also have a job site preparedness plan ready for their crews.

PJI Peace and Justice

This workshop is designed to provide individuals with the necessary tools to implement a trauma-informed approach within organizations. It builds upon the Why PACEs Matter workshop and explores the next steps in the process. During the workshop, participants will examine the three E’s conceptualization of trauma, explore the four assumptions of a trauma-informed approach, learn the six key principles of trauma-informed care, define the stages of development in becoming trauma-informed, and examine various implementation domains for a trauma-informed approach, including the personal/individual, organizational, and sectoral domains. This event is completely free and open to the public and is being held on the Florida-mandated Trauma-informed Care Day.

Past Community Events

International Tour of Taiwan Gourmet Cuisines

At the Taste of Taiwan Gourmet Cuisines event, skilled chefs delighted a captivated crowd by demonstrating the art of crafting authentic Taiwanese dishes. We marveled as we learned the secrets behind traditional Taiwanese culinary delights, immersing ourselves in this vibrant cuisine’s rich flavors and techniques. It was a delectable journey into the heart of Taiwanese food and culture.

Taiwaneese chefs cooking in a commercial kitchen.

Picture of stage with four check recipients

Annual Empowerment Business Conference

The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida hosted the 4th Annual Empowerment Business Conference. It brought together influential leaders, including elected officials, to support minority enterprises and enhance community access to opportunities. Expert panels discussed Central Florida’s economic growth and business development. Author Gerald Hector delivered the keynote speech, highlighting the significance of mentorship. A dedicated luncheon addressed mental health among employees and business owners. The conference was a crucial platform for collaboration, networking, and advancing the Chamber’s mission.

Education Town Hall

Education is the cornerstone of a prosperous society, equipping individuals with vital skills for success, from K-12 through higher education. An event was recently convened to delve into Florida’s public education landscape, encompassing policy shifts in private school vouchers, state funding, public school curricula, and related domains. My heartfelt gratitude goes to all the panelists for generously sharing their invaluable insights regarding the future of education for the next generation.

Picture of 6 panelists speaking at event

Upcoming Events

Final Budget Public Hearing

The adoption of the proposed millage rates and budget for Orange County for Fiscal Year 2023-24 will be held on 9/21/23.

Location: Orange County Administration Center, 201 South Rosalind Avenue, Orlando, FL. 32801, County Commission Chambers, First Floor

Date: 9/21/2023

Time: 5:01 pm

D5 Spooktacular Candy Bash with Commissioner Bonilla

Candy Bash Spooktacular flyers with event information a picture of the moon and a cat

I am organizing a family-friendly event that is suitable for people of all ages. Attendees can put on creative costumes and gather at the Goldenrod Recreation Center, where they will find various themed stations offering candies and treats. We aspire to create a sense of community, encourage creativity, and offer families a chance to celebrate while making lasting memories of spooky fun and togetherness.

Location: Goldenrod Recreation Center, 4863 N Goldenrod Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792

Date: 10/28/2023

Time: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.

District 5 Torchbearer

Torchbearer: a person who leads or inspires others in working toward a valued goal

Photo of Rev. Margalie Belizaire of UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATION

Reverend Margalie Belizaire is the current minister at Orlando’s First Unitarian Church. The core principle of her faith is love. Before moving to Orlando, she served at The Unitarian Church of Rochester, New York. Reverend Belizaire has her roots in Florida and has recently returned to the Sunshine State after spending the majority of her adult life up north.

Reverend Belizaire’s nomination as the District 5 Torchbearer was not a surprise, as she has made remarkable contributions. Her invocation at a BCC meeting on August 22nd was highly praised by those who attended, describing it as a positive and impactful experience that left them feeling relaxed. Throughout her life and ministry, she has been guided by three steadfast values: connection, authenticity, and a willingness to take risks.

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Updates from Past BCC Meeting

08/22/23 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 09/12/23 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

23-1244 Appointment Confirmation of the Mayor’s managerial appointment of Yolanda Reyes, MSW, as Manager, Citizens Resource and Outreach Division, Community and Family Services Department.
23-1245 Agreement/Contract Approval and execution of the minutes of the August 8, 2023 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners (Clerk’s Office)
23-1246 Budget/Funding Approval of the check register authorizing the most recently disbursed County funds, having been certified that same have not been drawn on overexpended accounts. (Finance/Accounting)
23-1247 Budget/Funding Disposition of Tangible Personal Property as follows. (Property Accounting) a. Dispose of assets.
23-1249 Agreement/Contract Approval and execution of Art in the Chambers Loan and Exhibition Agreements by and between Orange County, Florida and J. Joshua Garrick and Orlando Museum of Art (MOA) for the period of September 15, 2023 through January 24, 2024. (Arts and Cultural Affairs Office)
23-1251 Budget/Funding Approval of FY 2023-24 Regular, Administrative and Mayor/Board of County Commissioners (BCC) Staff Pay Plan Structural Adjustment, Salary Increase and Implementation Plan, and Personal Leave Sell Program. (Human Resources Division)
23-1252 Appointment Confirmation of the County Mayor’s staff reappointments for the first quarter, October – December, FY 2023-2024. (Human Resources Division) Beason, Juanita Manager, Inmate Administrative Services, Corrections Best, Yvette, Director, Human Resources, Administration and Fiscal Services Blackadar, Brett, Deputy Director, Public Works Blanc, Eric, Deputy Director, Convention Center Cummings, Mindy Manager, Real Estate Management, Administrative Services Devitt, Terence, Deputy Director, Convention Center Flynn-Kramer, Sara, Manager, Capital Projects, Administrative Services Hill, Sonya, Manager, Head Start, Community and Family Services Kramer, Glen, Manager, Fiscal and Operational Support, Utilities Kunkel, Joseph, Director, Public Works Mena, Rafael, Chief Information Officer, Administration and Fiscal Services Plante, Alan, Manager, Building Safety, Planning, Environmental, and Development Services Quinones Jr, Louis, Chief of Corrections, Corrections Siemen, Iulia, Manager, Water Operations, Utilities Vargas, Alberto, Manager, Planning, Planning, Environmental, and Development Servic
23-1253 Agreement/Contract Approval and execution of Memorandum of Understanding between Orange County, Florida; Adventist Health Systems/Sunbelt, Inc. D/B/A AdventHealth; Embrace Families Community Based Care, Inc.; Embrace Families Solutions, Inc.; State of Florida, Department of Children and Families; Central Florida Cares Health System, Inc.; Federation of Families of Central Florida, Inc.; The School Board of Orange County, Florida; Visionary Vanguard Group, Inc.; and Heart of Florida United Way, Inc. regarding the Youth Mental Health Management Network Consortium. (Mental Health and Homelessness Division)
23-1254 Budget/Funding Approval for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to spend $11,000 from the FY 2023 Law Enforcement Trust Fund-State Forfeitures for eligible contributions to the Florida Crime Prevention Association ($1,000) and Harbor House of Central Florida ($10,000). (Office of Management and Budget)
23-1255 Budget/Funding Approval to pay the first quarter billing for the Orange County Property Appraiser in the amount of $6,741,680.53. (Office of Management and Budget)
23-1256 Budget/Funding Approval to advance $3,894,786 to the Orange County Tax Collector on October 2, 2023. This advance is necessary to maintain the financial operation of the office during the month of October 2023. (Office of Management and Budget)
23-1257 Budget/Funding Approval to make monthly draws to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections as follows: October 2023 and November 2023, equal amounts of $5,475,599.50; and December 2023 through September 2024, equal amounts of $1,095,119.90. (Office of Management and Budget)
23-1259 Budget/Funding Approval to make quarterly payments to Orange County Comptroller from the General Fund, Fire Rescue/911, Parks and Recreation, Public Service Tax, Building, Convention Center/Tourist Development Tax, Water Utilities, Solid Waste/Recycle, and Public Works funds for fees beginning October 2023 through July 2024. (Office of Management and Budget)
23-1260 Budget/Funding Approval to make monthly draws to the Orange County Sheriff as follows: October 2023, the amount of $36,915,131; November and December 2023, equal amounts of $27,976,789; January 2024, the amount of $55,953,578; February 2024 through July 2024, equal amounts of $27,976,789; and August 2024, the amount of $27,976,784. (Office of Management and Budget)
23-1261 Budget/Funding Approval of budget amendments #23-50, #23-51, #23-52, and #23-53. (Office of Management and Budget)
23-1262 Budget/Funding Approval of budget transfers #23-1257, #23-1286, #23-1287, #23-1288, #23-1289, and #23-1290. (Office of Management and Budget)
23-1263 Budget/Funding Approval of Change Order No 4, Contract Y22-765 Installation of Emergency Generator Systems at Various Orange County Emergency Shelters, with Carter Electric Inc in the amount of $52,041.24, for a revised lump sum contract amount of $1,785,083.19. Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6. (Capital Projects Division)

Discussion Agenda

23-1321 Report/Update Pluris Wedgefield Water and Wastewater System Update.
23-1322 Record/Minutes MetroPlan Orlando Board Meeting Briefing. (Transportation Planning Division)

Work Session Agenda

23-1318 Record/Minutes Sustainability and Resilience Emerging Trends.

PZA Recommendations

23-1323 August 17, 2023 Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendations. There are 4 cases in District 5.

Public Hearings

23-1098 Public Hearing Case # SADF 23-03-003 Leonardo Santana and Michelle Rothen, Lake Pearl, permit; District 5
23-1106 Public Hearing Case # VA-23-07-043 Julio Barona, July 6, 2023; District 5
23-1166 Public Hearing Amending Orange County Code relating to the Board of County Commissioners in Orange County, Florida, amending Section 2-30; adjusting the salaries of the County Mayor and County Commissioners; revising the method by which annual salary increases are determined for the County Mayor and County Commissioners; and providing an effective date; All Districts
23-1233 Public Hearing Amending Orange County Code regarding tree protection and removal in Orange County, Florida by amending, creating, and repealing certain provisions in Chapter 15, Article VIII of the Orange County Code; and by creating certain provisions in Chapter 24, Article I related to recommended, replacement, restricted and specimen trees and minimum residential lot trees; and providing an effective date; 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/