Table of Contents
Connect with Commissioner Emily Bonilla
Welcome to the 80th 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.
Pluris Wedgefield Water and Wastewater System Acquisition Project
Our dedicated staff provided insights into the Pluris Wedgefield Water and Wastewater System, along with details on the recent terms of a settled lawsuit. Additionally, they shared the results from the June 2023 straw polling. I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the residents who attended the public comments portion of the meeting to share their experiences with Pluris Wedgefield utility and wastewater management. Your input is invaluable, and we greatly appreciate your participation. After careful deliberation, the Board has decided to advance to the next Acquisition phase (Phase III). This step will involve a comprehensive appraisal report of Pluris, marking a crucial move forward in our ongoing efforts. We look forward to continued community engagement as we progress in our decision-making process.
University Blvd Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Study Contract
I am happy to announce the approval of the Contract for the University Boulevard Pedestrian/Cyclist Safety Study. Our partnership with VHB, Inc. is a significant stride toward ensuring safer and more accessible pathways for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. From Semoran Boulevard to Goldenrod Road, we’ll conduct a comprehensive technical evaluation of University Boulevard to identify the need for additional enhancements. The total contract award of $630,628.66 reflects our commitment to creating a community that prioritizes safety and accessibility for all. Let’s pave the way to a brighter, more connected future!
Coalition for Homeless of Central Florida for Empower Housing and Employment Program
We are deeply committed to addressing homelessness in our community, and we’re proud to share the Approval of the Agreement with the Coalition for Homeless of Central Florida for the Empower Housing and Employment Program. This one-year term agreement is a lifeline for Orange County families with children who have recently faced homelessness and are seeking shelter at the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. Not only will we provide housing, but we’re also implementing a 10-week employment program to empower residents on their journey to securing permanent housing. With a total awarded amount of $901,000, we’re determined to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who need it most.
Contract for Mobile Crisis Services and 911 Communication Center Diversion
We are excited to share that the Approval of the Contract for Mobile Crisis Services and 911 Communication Center Diversion has been granted. This partnership with Devereaux Advanced Behavioral Florida is a significant step towards a more compassionate approach to crisis intervention. It will provide face-to-face professional consultation services to children and youth in crisis, helping to divert them away from the criminal justice system and connect them directly with mental health professionals. Moreover, a licensed clinician will now be stationed at the Orange County 911 Call Center, ensuring timely support in critical moments. Together, we’re fostering a safer and more empathetic community.
Tree Protection and Removal Ordinance
I am proud to share the progress on amending the Orange County Code to implement updated Tree Protection and Removal Standards. Our dedicated Orange County staff has worked diligently to align code provisions with the comprehensive plan, all aimed at safeguarding our precious trees and environment. There have been some refinements to the code since its last presentation in May, mainly focusing on process improvements and clarifying definitions. This journey towards new tree removal standards began in 2021, with multiple work sessions to comprehensively address complex issues related to site design and tree preservation. After extensive deliberations, we’re excited to announce that the Board has adopted the amendments to the tree ordinance on September 12. Together, we’re nurturing a greener and more sustainable future for Orange County.
Adjusting the Salaries of the County Mayor and County Commissioners
We’re dedicated to progress and transparency, and that was evident in our discussions about amending the Orange County Code to adjust the salaries of the County Mayor and County Commissioners. During the FY 2023 Budget Work Sessions, county staff presented a comprehensive market compensation analysis of the Board of Commissioners and Mayor’s pay plan structure, a system that was created over 25 years ago. The Mayor was absent from this critical discussion. I expressed my dissent, voting against proceeding with the ordinance change in a 4-2 vote. This decision reflects the diverse perspectives and careful considerations in our commitment to fair and equitable compensation for our dedicated public servants. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue these deliberations.
Case Closed!
A constituent contacted our office seeking guidance on how to get their well water tested and what tests to pursue, along with inquiries about potential reimbursement from the County or Siemens. We reached out to the Environmental Administrator of the Florida Department of Health Orange, who explained that currently, private well testing for 1,4-dioxane is only being conducted in the vicinity of the Siemens event in Seminole County. The results of this sampling will determine if the issue is localized or if a broader plume has formed, necessitating further actions. If the constituent’s address falls within the surveillance area, the Department of Health will contact them for testing. If it’s outside the surveillance area, the constituent can contact Eurofins Flowers or other local or online water testing laboratories for the 1,4-dioxane water test. The cost at Eurofins Flowers is $100 per sample. Regarding reimbursement from Siemens, it is not guaranteed, and homeowners are advised to inquire with Siemens directly for potential coverage of testing expenses.
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
Hispanic Heritage Month 2023
On September 12, the Board of County Commissioners issued a Proclamation in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The proclamation recognized the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and economy of Orange County and the United States. Join me in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County and follow my social media pages to learn more about upcoming events!
LIFE Information for Elders Seminars
Learning about the aging network is easy! On the third Thursday of each month, the LIFE Information for Elders seminar series provides practical tips that help people find answers to their questions about connecting with community resources, healthy living tips, and staying active. Seminars are held from 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. at the Downtown Orlando Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, in the Albertson Room, which is located on the third floor. Register for one class or the whole series – call 407-836-7446 or email officeonaging@ocfl.net. Visit here for more details.
Orange County Corrections Hiring Event
From what was once a handful of cells, the Orange County Corrections Department (OCCD) has become one of the largest county detention facilities in the nation. There is a strong sense of team at the Orange County Corrections Department. Whether an individual is assigned to a unit within the Community Corrections and Inmate Programs Division, the Inmate Administrative Division, or one of the agency’s specialty units, personnel work together to carry the mission of OCCD.
Attend the Corrections Hiring Event on Friday, September 29, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Valencia College School of Public Safety.
Enjoy a Centennial brew, Hispanic Heritage and Halloween fun at Orange County Library System
Hispanic Heritage Month at OCLS continues into October with programs and events that highlight the contributions and culture of Hispanic Americans. October is also the month of Halloween, and the library offers tons of spooky fun at Halloween events system-wide, from scary good recipes to creepy crafts and more. On Saturday, October 28, OCLS will host the annual Trick or Treat Safe Zone. Registration is strongly recommended for all in-person events due to limited capacity.
Renting or Buying Housing Resource Expo
Are you having issues with your landlord, or would like to buy a home and cannot figure out where to start? Check out our Resource Expo on September 23, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the John Bridges Center! Mark your calendar to visit the Renting or Buying Housing Resource Expo! Learn about assistance available in our community and interact with local area vendors. The expo will contain the resources to prepare you for renting challenges and help you plan the steps to buying your first home. We invite you to join us to obtain valuable information that can positively impact your future.
Past Community Events
Central Florida Community Arts Production of Disneys Beauty and the Beast In Concert
Central Florida Community Arts presents “Beauty and the Beast in Concert,” featuring the enchanting music of Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice. This production, originally directed by Robert Jess Roth, offers a magical retelling of the timeless tale with a captivating musical performance, bringing Disney’s classic story to life.
From the Heart: Annual State of the City District Main Street
I am grateful to the wonderful City District family and the Grand Bohemian Hotel for providing a space for me to connect with some pivotal members of our community who are creating positive changes to help revitalize downtown Orlando. We enjoyed sharing ideas about our beloved community’s future. I am excited to see wonderful things happen in the district, and I’m humbled to be a part of the change.
Children & Family Services Department Multicultural Center Grand Opening
My team attended the incredible grand opening of the Orange County Multicultural Center! This long-awaited project is now a reality, thanks to the dedication of Orange County staff, Commissioner Michael Scott, and the entire community. This 17,000-square-foot facility in Pine Hills is a true gem, uniting us through arts, culture, and innovation. It’s not just a building; it’s a hub of opportunities! From job training to youth programs, this center will empower us all.
Small Scale Future Land Use Map Amendment Community Meeting
It was an engaging evening at our community meeting regarding an upcoming small scale future land use map! We heard from the developers of a new UCF student housing project, and our community had the opportunity to share valuable input. Together, we are improving accessibility and transparency within Orange County! Stay tuned for updates at an upcoming BCC Meeting.
Upcoming Events
Please click on the Event Title to find more details about the event.
District 5 Neighborhood Advisory Council
Don’t miss this chance to shape a dynamic and forward-thinking community. Connect with Commissioner Emily Bonilla and fellow community members to discuss crucial topics affecting our district. Some of our most pressing topics are Pluris Wedgefield, Charter Review Commission, and the development in the North Pickett Area. This event is open to all – Register now to secure your spot.
Location: Orange County Administration Building, 201 S Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL 32801 (Room 105)
Date: 09/27/2023
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
District 5 Spooktacular Candy Bash
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
Alejandro Torres embodies the true spirit of a torchbearer, and it is with great honor that we select him to kickstart our Hispanic Heritage Month. This young man’s dedication to serving his community and promoting Hispanic culture in Orlando has been truly inspiring. From volunteering at Orlando Health events designed for the Latino community to tutoring his peers in Spanish, Alejandro has shown exemplary leadership. His journey, from Puerto Rico, to Orlando, is a testament to his resilience, and he has forged deep bonds within the growing Latino community in District 5. Alejandro’s passion for Spanish literature and his role as the president of the Spanish Honor Society exemplify his commitment to preserving and celebrating our heritage. We look forward to seeing Alejandro’s bright future unfold as he continues to exceed expectations. Congratulations to our torchbearer, Alejandro Torres!
Updates from Past BCC Meeting
09/12/23 BCC Meeting
Watch the Board of County Commissioner’s (BCC) Meeting. After the meetings, the e-agenda is updated with the results of the votes.
Upcoming 10/26/23 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
- 23-1348 Confirmation of the appointment of Gregory Ford as the District 5 representative on the Board of Zoning Adjustment with a term expiring December 31, 2024. (Agenda Development Office)
- 23-1349 Approval and execution of Low Income Pool Letter of Agreement by and between Orange County on behalf of Aspire Health Partners, Inc. and the State of Florida, Agency for Healthcare Administration in the amount of $3,611,504 through the Intergovernmental Transfer Program. (Mental Health and Homelessness Division)
- 23-1353 Approval and execution of Service Funding Agreements between Orange County, Florida and the Seniors First, Inc. ($95,418), the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. ($102,228), and the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. ($1,477,397) Fiscal Year 2023-2024. (Office of Management and Budget)
- 23-1363 Approval of Contract Y23-1072, Corrections Academy Training, with Valencia College, in the total amount $109,500. ([Corrections Department Inmate Administration Services Division] Procurement Division)
- 23-1370 Approval of Sub-Recipient Agreement Y23-205, Increasing Access to Evidence-Based Treatment and Recovery Support for Orange County Residents Living with an Opioid Use Disorder (OC PORT Program), with Central Florida Family Health Center, Inc., in the contract award amount of $184,974.40. ([Health Services Department Drug Free Office] Procurement Division)
- 23-1386 Approval of the Tourist Development Council’s recommendation to fund the 2024 Pro Bowl Games as a “significant sporting event” in the amount of $2,700,000 to Florida Citrus Sports to be used for payment of bid fees and approval and execution of Agreement between Orange County, Florida and Florida Citrus Sports Events, Inc. 2024 NFL Pro Bowl Games Funding Agreement. (Fiscal and Operational Support Division)
- 23-1397 Authorization to Record the Plat of Alafaya Trail Retail Center. District 5. (Development Engineering Division)
Work Session Agenda
- 23-1401 Dangerous Dog Ordinance Revisions. (Animal Services Division)
- 23-1402 Wetland Conservation Areas Ordinance. (Environmental Protection Division)
- 23-1406 International Drive Pedestrian Overpass Intersection Analysis and Overpass Conceptual Design Study. (Transportation Planning Division) [Afternoon Session]
BZA Recommendations
- 23-1404 September 7, 2023 Board of Zoning Recommendations. There are 4 cases in District 5.
Public Hearings
- 23-1236 Consider a Resolution of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners regarding the approval of the imposition and collection of a Non-Ad Valorem Special Assessment within the County for the purpose of benefiting assessed hospital properties through enhanced Medicaid payments for local services; All Districts
- 23-322 Adopt final Orange County Library District Millage and Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024
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 Commissioners vote themselves a 25% pay raise: “Bonilla also voted no. According to the county charter, the mayor chairs the commission and is a voting member. Bonilla argued that other mayors across the state with higher salaries than Demings “have a lot more responsibilities. …They don’t really have a County Administrator like we do. They do all the job themselves.”
- Orange County commissioners give themselves a 25% pay raise: “I do not agree with using a percentage of the increase of the commissioners’ pay as what the mayor’s increase should be,” Bonilla explained. “And I felt that some research should have been done on comparing him to the other constitutional officers.” Bonilla’s motion failed to win any support. The pay increases passed 4-to-2, with Bonilla and Commissioner Nicole Wilson voting no.”
- Orange County leaders quietly approve 25% pay boost for themselves: “Bonilla previously told Orlando Weekly that while she wasn’t necessarily opposed to the raise, she voted against the boost largely because of a separate funding request for her office that she felt had been dismissed by Demings and county staff. During Tuesday’s board meeting, Bonilla also expressed dismay with lumping commissioners’ percentage salary increase with the mayor’s.”
- Wedgefield residents brace for water rate hikes as talks continue for a possible Pluris acquisition: “After a lengthy discussion, Wedgefield’s designated commissioner Emily Bonilla motioned to advance the next phase in a potential acquisition. That phase includes an $83,000 appraisal assessment that would start to get at the potential true cost. Commissioners did agree to move forward with that assessment without committing to anything further.”
