Table of Contents

Connect with Commissioner Emily Bonilla

Welcome to the 83rd 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.

Commissioner Bonilla at the TDT BCC Discussion Agenda Nov. 14, 2024

Board Guides Visit Orlando Contract and TDT Funds
Commissioner Emily Bonilla took a decisive stand at our recent BCC meeting, proposing a reduction in Visit Orlando’s budget to either $75 million or 25% of tourist tax collections, prioritizing a balance between marketing efforts and local initiatives. Beyond this, Commissioner Bonilla actively advocates for flexible fund reallocation, aiming to create higher-income opportunities in diverse industries, moving away from a sole focus on hospitality jobs. She emphasizes supporting community theaters for youth engagement and highlights the importance of a Film Incentive program to generate high-paying jobs beyond the hospitality sector, showcasing a commitment to both tourism and community development.

Board Champions $750,000 Investment in Transformative Youth Safety Programs
In 2020, Commissioner Emily Bonilla appointed Ruben Saldana to the Citizens Safety Task Force because of his experience with at-risk youth and the Credible Messenger program. The task force accept his proposal of implementing the Credible Messenger program in Orange County. In a remarkable move, the Board of Commissioners has approved $750,000 in contracts with New Image Youth Center, She-Lion Foundation, and SOS by Urbander for Credible Messenger Programming. Focused on at-risk youth in high-crime Orange County areas, these three-year initiatives showcase the board’s commitment to breaking the cycle of justice system involvement and violence through transformative mentoring.

Orange County Expands Green Initiative with 745-Acre Land Purchase

Commissioner Bonilla takes a leading role in the acquisition of three parcels, totaling 745 acres, for $12.5 million. These strategic additions, located in Orlando and Christmas, fortify the Environmental Protection Division’s Green PLACE Program. This initiative safeguards natural and water resources in Orange County while enhancing opportunities for nature-based recreation.

Commissioner Bonilla Champions STEM Investment for Future Talent

Commissioner Emily Bonilla plays a pivotal role in approving Fiscal Year 2024 grant agreements between Orange County and key STEM programs, totaling $219,250. These grants support organizations like FIRST, Collegiate Pathways, and the University of Central Florida, fostering diversity in regional industries and investing in future talent. Commissioner Bonilla’s active involvement underscores the county’s commitment to advancing STEM education and workforce development.

Water Bill Assistance for Low-Income Families

In a proactive move, Commissioner Emily Bonilla leads the approval of a partnership between Orange County Utilities and the Promise Network. This collaboration aims to efficiently manage delinquent water bill payments for low-income families through the federally funded Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). Having already allocated $593,206 to aid 284 families, Commissioner Bonilla’s initiative underscores her commitment to providing essential support where it’s needed most.

$438K DOJ Grant for Crime Prevention

In a collaborative effort, Orange County has been awarded a $438,256 grant from the Department of Justice through the JAG Grant program. Commissioner Emily Bonilla, recognizing the importance of these funds for law enforcement and crime prevention initiatives from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2026, commends the collective efforts to enhance community safety.

Case Closed!

Photograph of a silhouette biking on a trail during sunset

Commissioner Emily Bonilla’s office played a crucial role in resolving the prolonged closures of parts of the Little Econ Greenway trail after hurricanes Ian and Nicole. Liaising with Parks and Recreation, the office ensured timely updates and communication. Through proactive advocacy, the team’s efforts led to the successful reopening of the “Horseshoe Bridge,” ensuring safety and convenience for trail users. The Commissioner and her team are committed to promptly addressing and resolving community concerns.

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 full episodes of the Emily Tells All talk show and bonus segments.

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Important Updates and Information

Community Collection Event Dec 2 at East River High School from 8 am - 1 pm

Clear the Clutter: Orange County’s FREE HHW Collection Event

Start gathering your household hazardous and electronic waste items — Orange County Utilities is hosting a community collection event on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at East River High School (650 E. River Falcons Way, Orlando, FL 32833). Staff will be present to help residents unload their materials. No commercial waste is accepted and there is a paint and chemical limit of 25 gallons per vehicle. Learn about accepted items and limits at www.ocfl.net/HHW.

Call for Artists: Public Art Opportunity for Orange County’s New Innovation Lab

Calling all artists! Orange County’s Innovation Lab is seeking creative minds to bring art and innovation together. Imagine your work showcased in this cutting-edge space, shaping the future of STEM programs with art—STEAM! Submit your entry by Dec 27 for a chance to win a $77,600 commission. Details at the link: https://bit.ly/3SoeDiC

Stock photo of graphic designer at her desk

Make the Season Special at Your Library This December

Celebrate the holidays with Orange County Library System in December! Enjoy Victorian festivities with Phantasmagoria’s “A Most Haunted Victorian Holiday” on December 3 and holiday songs by the Orlando Dickens Carolers on December 17 at Orlando Public Library. Join craft activities at Melrose Center, drop off toys for the Holiday Toy Drive until December 11, and explore literary events like an Author Talk with Victoria Aveyard. Limited capacity— for details, visit ocls.info.

Orange County ESOL Pilot Success Leads to Program Expansion

Orange County’s ESOL pilot success leads to a full program expansion in Jan 2024! Tailored English language instruction for working adults within I-Drive CRA is set to grow due to its impact: increased learning gains, high satisfaction from employees, employers, and guests. This program benefits workforce growth and tourism. UCF Global leads the charge for accessible, quality language learning. Education transforms lives!

Teacher and student at an ESOL Pilot Course

Past Community Events

District 5 Spooktacular Candy Bash

Commissioner Emily Bonilla’s District 5 Spooktacular Candy Bash, held on October 28, 2023, at the Goldenrod Recreation Center in Winter Park, FL, was a spooktacular success! Families enjoyed a day of free Halloween festivities, including games, a selfie station, lively music, food trucks, and a booth decorating contest. From immersive activities to delightful treats, the event created lasting memories for participants of all ages, making it a truly enchanting Halloween celebration.

Turkey & Tips: Navigating Your Financial Future

Hosted by District 5 in collaboration with Commissioner Emily Bonilla, UF/IFAS, and Second Harvest, was a resounding success! Participants gathered on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the UF/IFAS Auditorium in Orlando, FL, for an engaging session on financial savvy, community bonding, and Thanksgiving cheer. Attendees not only shared valuable financial insights but also went home with a $25 gift card for their Thanksgiving celebrations, reinforcing the spirit of unity and prosperity within the local community.

Central Florida Reentry Simulation

The Central Florida Reentry Simulation, held on November 14, 2023, from 9 am to 12:30 pm, was a powerful and impactful event. The Commissioner’s team and other attendees engaged in a structured activity that allowed them to experience the challenges faced by individuals returning home from prison, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of reentry. The simulation prompted a guided discussion, creating awareness about the barriers to reentry, cultivating empathy, and inspiring a collective commitment to positive change within the community.

Community Giveback Opportunity: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert

On November 20, 2023, Commissioner Bonilla’s office brought 10 orchestra students to enjoy an unforgettable experience at the ‘Gratitude in Every Beat’ event – Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert, hosted by the Doctor Phillips Center for Performing Arts. This celebration of diversity and creativity was a superhero classic for a new generation, showcasing the power of music to inspire. A heartfelt thank you to the Doctor Phillips Center for providing this incredible opportunity, fueling our students’ passion for the arts!

Upcoming Events

Please click on the Event Title to find more details about the event.

District 5 Neighborhood Advisory Council

Don’t miss this opportunity to actively participate in shaping our dynamic and forward-thinking community! Join Commissioner Emily Bonilla and fellow community members for a discussion on crucial topics impacting our district. Updated agenda items include the Charter Review Commission (CRC) updates, the latest on Split Oak Forest, developments on the Borrow Pits, and important updates on Tourist Development Tax (TDT) allocations. This event remains open to all community members. Register now to secure your spot.

Location: Orange County Administrative Building – 201 S Rosalind Ave Room 105, Orlando, FL 32801

Date: 12/5/2023

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

District 5 Torchbearer

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

We are excited to feature Jeanetta Bryant, the Founder and CEO of Abilities Workshop, Inc., as our District 5 Torch Bearer. Dedicated to empowering families navigating the special needs journey, Abilities Workshop provides invaluable resources, information, guidance, and encouragement at no cost. Jeanetta’s leadership is a beacon of support, ensuring that every individual, especially children with autism, can thrive. Join us in celebrating Abilities Workshop for their commitment to making a positive impact on our community, embodying the spirit of unity and empowerment.

Do you know a person or organization who is an Orange County District 5 Torchbearer? Nominate them to be featured in our email newsletter.

Submit an Entry

Updates from Past BCC Meeting

11/14/2023 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 11/28/19 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

23-1666 Approval and execution of Orange County, Florida and The School Board of Orange County, Florida FY 2024 Grant Agreement authorizing disbursement of $52,500 as provided in the FY 2023-24 adopted budget. (Innovation and Emerging Technology Office)
23-1668 Approval and execution of Orange County, Florida and University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc. FY 2024 Grant Agreement authorizing the disbursement of $566,500 as provided in the FY 2023-24 adopted budget. (Office of Economic, Trade and Tourism Development) 23-1669 Approval and execution of Orange County, Florida and University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc. FY 2024 Grant Agreement authorizing the disbursement of $311,544 as provided in the FY 2023-24 adopted budget. (Office of Economic, Trade and Tourism Development)
23-1673 Approval of renewal of the Orange County Transportation Plan in accordance with Florida Statute 394, Florida Mental Health Act Florida Statute 397, Hal S. Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act Three-Year 2023-2026 to allow law enforcement to bypass the nearest Baker Act Receiving Facility and take individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders to the Central Receiving Center at 1800 Mercy Drive, Orlando, Florida with reevaluations of the plan as needed per Florida Statute. (Mental Health and Homelessness Division)
23-1674 Approval for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to spend $25,000 from the FY 2024 Law Enforcement Trust Fund-State Forfeitures for an eligible contribution to Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida. (Office of Management and Budget)
23-1687 Approval of Contract Y24-2209, Provision of Funding of the Executive Leadership, with Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, Inc., in the estimated contract award amount of $136,006.80 for a one-year term. ([Community and Family Services Department Mental Health and Homelessness Division] Procurement Division)
23-1692 Approval of Funding Agreement Y24-169, The Expansion of Integrated Behavioral Health Care and Primary Care in Orange County, between Orange County, Florida and Community Health Centers, Inc., in the contract award amount of $1,200,000 for a one-year term. ([Community and Family Services Department Mental Health and Homelessness Division] Procurement Division)
23-1698 Approval and execution of Fourth Amendment to Lease by and between Weingarten Nostat, LLC and Orange County, Florida and authorization for the Manager of the Real Estate Management Division to exercise renewal options and furnish notices, required, or allowed by the Lease, if needed for Clerk of Courts – Winter Park Corners, Fourth Amendment to Lease 450 North Lakemont Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32792. Lease File #2030. District 5. (Real Estate Management Division)
23-1700 Approval and execution of Contract for Purchase and Sale by and between NIT Management, LLC, formally known as 4186 Dairy Ct, LLC, 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 $302,618, and perform all actions necessary and incidental to closing for Green PLACE Parcel 204. District 5. (Real Estate Management Division)
23-1701 Approval and execution of Resolution of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners regarding repudiation of any interest in that certain Quit Claim Deed recorded as Document Number 20210552636 of the Public Records of Orange County, Florida and authorization to record instrument for Richard Crotty Parkway Parcel Conveyance (Harrell Oaks Plat). District 5. (Real Estate Management Division)
23-1702 Approval and execution of Orange County, Florida and Florida State University Affiliate Service Provider Agreement and authorization for the Manager of the Real Estate Management Division to exercise renewal options, execute termination notice, and furnish notices required, or allowed by the Agreement, as needed for Florida State University Board of Trustees – National Entrepreneur Center at Fashion Square Mall 3201 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, Florida 32803. Lease File #2062-ASP8. District 5. (Real Estate Management Division)
23-1711 Approval of Orange County Citizen Participation Plan to include the requirements associated with the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program. All Districts. (Housing and Community Development Division)
‘23-1714 Approval of Change Order No. 1 Contract No. Y23-774 Cady Way Trail over State Road 436 Bridge Deficiency Repairs with Southern Road & Bridge LLC in the amount of $82,763.28, for a revised total contract amount of $584,285.20. District 5. (Roads and Drainage Division)
23-1714 Approval of Change Order No. 1 Contract No. Y23-774 Cady Way Trail over State Road 436 Bridge Deficiency Repairs with Southern Road & Bridge LLC in the amount of $82,763.28, for a revised total contract amount of $584,285.20. District 5. (Roads and Drainage Division)

Discussion Agenda

23-1717 Selection of one firm and an alternate to provide Design Services for Utilities Central Laboratory Renovation and Expansion, Request for Proposals Y24-800-RC, from the following two firms, listed alphabetically: – Architectural Design Collaborative, Inc. (ADC) – KMF Architects ([Utilities Department Engineering Division] Procurement Division)
23-1718 Update on the Pulse Museum
Board discussion of Split Oak Forest

Work Session Agenda

23-1719 Disparity Study Update. (Business Development Division)

BZA Recommendations

23-1720 November 2, 2023 Board of Zoning Adjustment Recommendations. There are 0 cases in District 5.

Public Hearings

23-1571 Case # 23-08-029 Timothy G. Clark, 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

Visit Orlando defends work, $100M budget but Orange County plans ‘haircut’: “Commissioner Emily Bonilla said $75 million a year or 25% of hotel-tax collections — whichever was less.”
Orange County to seek reduction in TDT funds for Visit Orlando for other projects: “Bonilla wanted a separate meeting to hear about other projects that may receive TDT, including the reconstruction of Camping World Stadium, upgrades to Amway Center and a third phase for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.”
Letters: Bonilla was right | DeSantis ignores education | Jordan’s bid for Speaker was doomed: “Too bad there aren’t more elected officials who would be brave enough to vote in favor of her constituents, and do what’s right by them.”