Table of Contents
Connect with Commissioner Emily Bonilla
Welcome to the 82nd 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.
Language Access Title VI Nondiscrimination
Previously, during the March 21, 2023, BCC meeting, Commissioner Emily Bonilla took the initiative to propose a Title VI Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Nondiscrimination Administration Regulation. This proposal is geared towards enhancing access to Orange County services for those with Limited English Proficiency. On October 10, 2023, Lucas Boyce delivered an impressive presentation about the Policy and Plan during the BCC meeting. As a follow-up, County staff will arrange a work session to brief Commissioners on the progress of language services initiatives under the County’s Title VI LEP Policy and Plan.
Approval of a Grant Agreement with Bike/Walk Centeral Florida
The Orange County Board of Commissioners is taking an amazing step by partnering with Bike/Walk Central Florida to enhance youth safety. They are launching the Walk-Ride-Thrive Initiative, focusing on improving pedestrian and bicycle safety through education, outreach, and more. This initiative is a testament to their dedication to a safer Orange County.
Approval of Purchase of 145 Acres of Environmentally Sensitive Land
The Board of County Commissioners has carefully considered and approved acquiring 145 acres of environmentally sensitive land in Orange County’s Christmas area. This expansion of the Green PLACE Program demonstrates their commitment to ecological preservation and various environmental goals, including water resource protection and wildlife corridors.
Approval of Agreement to Provide Mental Health Services
The Board of County Commissioners has approved a remarkable initiative: a peer-led respite center in Orange County. This center will provide essential mental health services, addressing the rising needs of residents and funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Funding Digital Devices for Targeted Orange County Recipients
Orange County is set to partner with the Aeras Foundation, Inc. to provide 480 laptops and 1,500 WIFI-enabled tablets to residents in need, addressing the digital divide. This initiative, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, will support seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, job seekers, and others without digital access. It’s a remarkable step towards community inclusion.
Approval of a Contract for a Drug Court Program
The County Commissioners have given their approval for a contract with Recovery Connections of Central Florida (RCCF) to finance Certified Recovery Peer Specialists for the 9th Judicial Circuit’s Adult Drug Court, Opiate Court, and Veterans Court. RCCF will deliver personalized recovery support, facilitate connections to community resources, provide crisis management aid, and offer one-on-one recovery coaching. This endorsement underscores the County’s dedication to strengthening support for these critical court programs.
Case Closed!
In this case, the individual with a service contract for home appliances experienced ongoing problems with their air conditioning unit. Climate-related issues led to a prolonged period without functioning air conditioning. Repair attempts were repeatedly unsuccessful, causing frustration due to service fees and perceived indifference from the service provider. The individual’s disability, stemming from diabetes and visual impairments, added to their difficulties. After several service calls and delays, the issue was eventually resolved with the assistance of Commissioner Emily Bonilla’s office. The individual expressed gratitude for the resolution and noted that they had learned how to proceed legally if similar issues arose in the future.
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.
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Important Updates and Information
Movie in the Park- Goosebumps 2
Get ready for Creepy Fun in October! Join us at Bithlo Community Park, 18501 Washington Avenue, Orlando, on Saturday, October 21, for the FREE Movie in the Park: Goosebumps 2 – Haunted Halloween! The spooky fun begins at 7 p.m. Bring your family and friends, lawn chairs, and snacks. No alcohol or pets, please. See you there!
Orange County Adopt-A-Tree Event
Join our UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener at Dr. Phillips Park, located at 8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd, Orlando, for our Adopt-A-Tree event! Each household can receive two trees, which may only be planted on the resident’s private property. Saturday, October 21, 2023, 8:00 am-12:00 pm or until trees are gone, whichever comes first. No pre-registration or fee to participate.
Backyard Biodiversity Day & Florida Native Plants Sale
Don’t miss Backyard Biodiversity Day on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 9 AM – 3:00 PM! Join us at Mead Botanical Garden for a day of learning, exploring, and connecting with fellow nature enthusiasts. Enjoy wildlife exhibits, guided hikes, expert speakers, kids activities, and workshops. Save the date and get ready for an amazing experience!
Habitat for Humanity and Orange County Government Roof Replacement Program
Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County is accepting a new round of applications for its free Roof Replacement Program funded by the Orange County Government. This crucial initiative, designed to enhance the safety and resilience of homes in our community, opens its fourth year during the peak of hurricane season. The cost of replacing a roof can be a barrier for many homeowners, and it also affects homeowner’s insurance coverage, contributing to the ongoing affordable housing crisis Central Florida is facing. This not only decreases affordability but also raises concerns about the safety of residents. For more information or to apply, visit HabitatOrlando.org/FreeRoof.
Past Community Events
Hand Up Luncheon
Hand UP United Against Poverty’s mission is to improve lives in Central Florida. Their efforts are making a difference: grocery program usage is up 30%, 67 students have enrolled in their job training, and 5,300 services have been provided. In this luncheon, we celebrate those who have made an impact!”
Riqueza Latina
We recently celebrated the vibrant Hispanic culture with lively Mariachis, a captivating Peruvian performance, and delicious Hispanic cuisine. This event was a wonderful showcase of the richness and diversity of Hispanic traditions, bringing us together to savor the beauty of this culture.
Orange County Community Conference
The Orange County Community Conference allows residents to discover innovative neighborhood improvement ideas. Attendees include individual citizens, neighborhood groups, and homeowners associations. This year, Workshops featured fraud prevention, Neighborhood Beautification Grants, and legal advice for association board members. The event culminated in a Community Organizations Awards luncheon.
District 5 Neighborhood Advisory Council
During the D5NAC meeting, attendees engaged in lively discussions while covering CRC topics such as government expansion, term limits, and sustainable growth. There was also a focus on committees like the Initiative Petition and Public Bank. The meeting also addressed the Pluris-Wedgefield Project’s next steps, Clean Water Resolution, TDT, and Rural Boundaries. We hope to see you at the next meeting occurring on November 15, 2023. See Upcoming Events for more details.
Upcoming Events
Please click on the Event Title to find more details about the event.
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.
Turkey &Tips: Navigating your Financial Future
Join us, your friends at District 5, with Commissioner Emily Bonilla, UF/IFAS, and Second Harvest for a friendly get-together to chat about savvy financial moves we can all make. We’re all in this economic rollercoaster together, and sharing knowledge is how we keep our community strong and thriving. Nab a $25 gift card to splash out on your Thanksgiving celebrations. Grab some tasty and nutritious boxed goodies from Second Harvest to take home.
Location: UF/IFAS Auditorium- 6021 S Conway Rd, Orlando, FL 32812
Date: 11/11/23
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
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, Florida Wildlife Corridor, and the development in the North Pickett Area. This event is open to all – Register now to secure your spot.
Location: Orange County Administrative Building- 201 S Rosalind Ave Room 105, Orlando, FL 32801
Date: 11/15/2023
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Pluris Wedgefield Property Owner Public Meeting
Orange County Utilities will be hosting a meeting for residential and commercial property owners who currently receive water and wastewater services from Pluris-Wedgefield, LLC. The meeting will cover updates on Phase III, authorized by the Board of County Commissioners on September 12, 2023, and the system condition assessment being undertaken by Orange County Utilities.
Location: Wedgefield School Cafeteria- 3835 Bancroft Blvd, Orlando, FL 32833
Date: 11/08/2023
Time: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
District 5 Torchbearer
Torchbearer: a person who leads or inspires others in working toward a valued goal
We shine a spotlight on Rachel Allen, our esteemed District 5 Torchbearer. Rachel’s dedicated work has left an indelible mark on Central Florida, making her a beacon of inspiration and positive change. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Peace and Justice Institute (PJI), Rachel has tirelessly championed the values of inclusivity, equality, and unwavering respect for human dignity through PJI’s vision, “All People. All Voices. All Matter.”
Rachel’s leadership exemplifies the power of a united community working towards a common goal. Her unwavering commitment to peace and justice serves as an inspiring example of how change can be achieved with passion and purpose. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rachel Allen, the District 5 Torchbearer, for her exceptional contributions to our community. May her work continue to light the way for us all.
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
10/10/23 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 10/24/23 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
- 23-1494 Approval and execution of Orange County, Florida and University of Central Florida Board of Trustees Funding Agreement in the amount of $500,000 per year for three years. (Innovation and Emerging Technologies Office)
- 23-1501 Approval and execution of Orange County, Florida and FusionFest, Inc. Funding Agreement relating to FusionFest 2024 and authorization to disburse $200,000 as provided in the FY2023-24 adopted budget. (Arts and Cultural Affairs Office) (Pulled for Board Discussion)
- 23-1502 Approval and execution of Contract #Y24-139 Orange County, Florida and United Arts of Central Florida, Inc. Management/Fiscal Agency Agreement for Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Tourist Development Tax (TDT) Revenue – Arts & Cultural Affairs Grants Program in the amount of $8,291,271, and authorization for the Procurement Manager to authorize extensions to the contract. (Arts and Cultural Affairs Office)
- 23-1503 Approval and execution of Contract #Y24-140 between Orange County, Florida and United Arts of Central Florida, Inc. regarding the provision of funding for arts grants and services in the amount of $1,481,321 for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 from the General Fund. (Arts and Cultural Affairs Office)
- 23-1520 Approval of Contract Y23-206, Post-Overdose Response Team Program Evaluation Services, with the University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc., in the non-to-exceed amount of $140,822.50. ([Health Services Department Drug Free Office] Procurement Division)
- 23-1523 Approval of Amendment No. 2, Contract Y20-830, Professional Services for Chuluota Road Roadway Conceptual Analysis Study, with Johnson Mirmiran & Thompson Inc., in the amount of $488,713.99, for a revised total contract amount of $1,038,618.79. ([Public Works Department Engineering Division] Procurement Division)
- 23-1531 Approval and execution of Contract for Purchase and Sale by and between Ronald L. Stucki and Orange County, approval of Warranty Deed, and authorization for the Manager of the Real Estate Management Division to exercise all delegations of authority expressly provided for by the Contract for Purchase and Sale, disburse funds to pay purchase price in the amount of $12,535,751.50 and perform all actions necessary and incidental to closing for Green PLACE Parcel 207. District 5. (Real Estate Management Division)
Discussion Agenda
- 23-1561 Commissioner Wilson wishes to discuss lakeshore enforcement and the Environmental Protection Commission.
- 23-1562 Approval of the Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Council’s funding recommendations for Arts and Cultural Affairs Grants for Cultural Tourism for FY 2024. (Arts and Cultural Affairs Office)
- 23-1563 Approval of 2024 State Legislative Priorities. (Legislative Affairs Office)
- 23-1564 Head Start Annual Update. (Head Start Division)
BZA Recommendations
- 23-1565 October 5, 2023 Board of Zoning Adjustment Recommendations. There is 1 case in District 5.
Public Hearings
- 23-1341 Case # RZ-23-08-062 Jesus Montero Jesus Montero, August 17, 2023; District 5
- 23-1410 Regarding the Disposition of County Properties that are Appropriate for Use as Affordable Housing; All Districts
- 23-1413 Amending Orange County Code Sections 5-29, 5-31, 5-32, 5-32.1, and 5-50 concerning animal services and dangerous dog proceedings in Orange County Florida; 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/
In The News
- Emily Bonilla: Bed-tax funding process must be transparent | Commentary: “My reasons for opposing the allocation to the OCCC are rooted in a commitment to transparency, comprehensive analysis and a genuine concern for the well-being of our community. Before allocating substantial public funds (almost $1 billion) and bonding, it’s essential to perform studies that examine the long-term effects on our tourism industry and local community.”
- Spooktacular Candy Bash coming to Goldenrod Recreation Center: “Get your costumes and trick-or-treating gear ready. Orange County’s District 5 Spooktacular Candy Bash is coming to the Goldenrod Recreation Center on Saturday, Oct. 28.”