Table of Contents
Connect with Commissioner Emily Bonilla
Welcome to the 84th 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.
Orange County Board Votes to Conserve Split Oak Forest
In December 2019, the Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution endorsing the CFX toll road through the Split Oak Forest. Commissioners Emily Bonilla and Maribel Gomez-Cordero voted in opposition to the resolution. However, in the November 2020 general election, 86% of voters supported a charter amendment for Orange County to preserve Split Oak Forest in its current state. Commissioner Emily Bonilla, over the years, has asked staff for a work session on the issue to no avail. Therefore, she drew attention to an upcoming FWC meeting with Split Oak Forest on the agenda and introduced the topic as a Commissioner’s Report discussion item in our recent Board meeting, aiming to align the board with the voters’ will. She motioned for the Board of County Commissioners to withdraw support for the pending toll road application through Split Oak Forest before the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee meeting. She received a 6-1 vote in favor of preserving Split Oak Forest, Commissioner Moore being the single opposing vote.
Update on the Pulse Museum
On October 27, 2023, the onePULSE Foundation informed Orange County of their decision to halt the construction of a Pulse Museum dedicated to the victims and survivors of the June 12, 2016, Pulse Nightclub tragedy. The Board discussed necessary actions concerning the onePULSE Foundation’s Tourist Development Tax funding agreement before the property reverts to the County’s ownership. Commissioner Emily Bonilla raised critical concerns regarding the foundation’s executive director, Barbara Pomas, who also owns the Pulse Nightclub building, highlighting potential conflicts of interest in the Pomas family’s involvement in financial decisions regarding memorial donations and museum development. Board members reached a consensus that the county Comptroller, Phil Diamond, should conduct an audit of the foundation as a standard practice to review the Tourist Development Tax funds allocated for the incomplete museum.
Approval of Citizen Participation Plan requirement of Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program
The board unanimously voted to secure Orange County’s receipt of Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds. This achievement necessitated the adoption of citizen participation standards, ensuring the engagement of all Orange County residents in planning, executing, and evaluating the CDBG-DR recovery program, as outlined in the updated Citizen Participation Plan approved on August 9, 2022, covering specific requirements tailored for the County’s CDBG-DR program alongside minor adjustments and clarifications to facilitate community involvement in the recovery process.
Update on Our Tourist Development Plan Approved
The board approved and updated priorities within the Tourist Development Plan at our most recent BCC meeting. The revisions to the Plan involved increasing the allocation of the Arts and Cultural affairs tax to 5% from the first through fourth cents and earmarking $10 million annually for nine years for the UCF Sports Football Stadium Tower. These projects hold significance for our district, fostering economic growth.
Update on Orange County’s Dangerous Dog Ordinance Approved
Commissioner Emily Bonilla supported the update of Orange County’s Dangerous Dog Ordinance, aiming to align it with Florida State definitions. Previously, the county had stricter rules for identifying dangerous dogs than the state. The current committee handling this comprises volunteers, but they have encountered challenges when dog owners bring legal representation, sometimes leading the committee to prioritize emotional narratives over legal facts. The proposed changes involve aligning county definitions with the state, eliminating classification loopholes, and suggesting that a special magistrate hear appeals.
Case Closed!
A constituent raised concerns about safety risks associated with on-street parking along Riddle Drive, particularly at the hilltop, where parked cars could potentially impede emergency vehicle access. This issue was highlighted as a potential concern for new families in the area. To address these worries promptly, the District 5 team engaged with the Fire Department and Orange County Traffic Engineering teams to assess the identified safety risks. Following a comprehensive evaluation by the Fire Department, which found no significant obstacles to emergency vehicle movement despite the on-street parking, Orange County Traffic Engineering also conducted a review. Based on their assessment, no parking restrictions were recommended for this location, as there were no identified impediments to emergency vehicle access and maneuverability.
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
Affordable Housing for Silver Lakes Villages Apartments
Orange County, Fla. takes a significant step towards affordable housing! The County Commissioners just greenlit financing for TWO affordable housing projects on the west side. Up to $13.5M for Silver Lakes Villages Apartments & $9.3M for Barnett Villas near Barnett Park.
Orange County Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive
Join the 13th Annual Orange County Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive! Donate new, unwrapped toys for kids under 18 to spread joy this season. Last year, 9,000+ toys went to local families and charities. Drop off donations by December 11 at designated locations – no cash or gift cards. Let’s make this holiday brighter together!
Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela
The Department of Homeland Security and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela for 18 months. Individuals who currently have TPS and Employment Authorization Cards must re-register for TPS and Employment Authorization from January 10 – March 10, 2024.
Past Community Events
Arthur Henry Memorial Dedication Ceremony
Honoring the forgotten story of Henry, a 30-year-old Black man whose tragic fate remained obscured for decades, Harry Coverston and attendees gathered to unveil a memorial marker outside Dr. William Monroe Wells’ former home. The event was attended by Henry’s extended relatives and community members and symbolized the long-overdue recognition of Henry’s life and the importance of sharing his previously untold story.
District 5 Neighborhood Advisory Council Meeting
On December 5, Commissioner Emily Bonilla’s team hosted the last council meeting of the year! These meetings offer an opportunity for all district 5 residents to engage in important issues that impact our district. This week, our community members discussed the Tourist Development Tax, Split Oak Forest conservation efforts, and the Charter Review Commission meetings.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee Meeting
Shoutout to our District 5 aide, Alycia Walker, for reading my statement on my behalf at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting regarding the Split Oak Forest Toll Road. There were over 70 speakers present voicing their opposition to the toll road! 86% of our Orange County residents voted against the proposed toll road through the forest in our 2020 general election. My team was present at the meeting to ensure we represented the wishes of 86% of our voters and the important motion I made during our recent BCC meeting.
Grand Opening of Eola View
The District 5 team joined the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for the grand opening of Eola View. Eola View in Downtown Orlando is the perfect venue for weddings, social gatherings, and corporate events. Timeless elegance in the heart of the city!
Upcoming Events
Please click on the Event Title to find more details about the event.
New Year, New Gear: Supply Restock Giveaway
Join Commissioner Emily Bonilla for the New Year, New Gear: Supply Restock Giveaway! The event, open to all, offers 500+ backpacks, supplies, food boxes from Second Harvest, and interactive tables by local nonprofits. Beyond the giveaways, participants can engage in activities and champion a movement for children’s education, emphasizing community spirit and inclusivity.
Location: Goldenrod Recreation Center, 4863 N Goldenrod Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792
Date: Saturday, January 6, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Register: Click here!
Career Toolkit Workshop: Mastering Resumes & Interviews
Welcome to the ‘Career Toolkit Workshop: Mastering Resumes and Interviews’ – your gateway to unlocking career opportunities in Orange County! Join us for an empowering workshop designed to enhance your job application skills. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a career changer, or looking to improve your employment prospects, this workshop is for you.
Location: Orange County Administration Building, 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL, 32801
Date: Friday, January 12, 2024
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Register: Click here!
District 5 Youth Advisory Board
We welcome all teens to our inaugural meeting of the District 5 Youth Advisory Board! We’re excited to launch this platform for passionate young minds to let their voice be the driving force behind a brighter and more connected future for our county. Join us as we embark on a journey of volunteerism, engaging discussions, and hands-on deep dives into critical local legislative topics. Together, let’s empower the next generation to be active contributors and positively impact our community.
Location: Orange County Administration Building, 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL, 32801
Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Time: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Register: Click here!
Join us for ‘Coffee with the Commissioner,’ a community event offering you a chance to share ideas, ask questions, and gain insights into local initiatives and plans directly from the commissioner. It’s an opportunity to foster connections, voice concerns, and collaborate in a relaxed atmosphere while savoring delightful coffee blends. Come sip and discuss the future of our community!
Location: Orange County Administration Building, 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL, 32801
Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Register: Click here!
District 5 Neighborhood Advisory Board
The Council has been a project near and dear to my heart and four years in the making! Before I was elected, I was a citizen advocating for my community. When I was elected, my goal was to make sure that I created a system where the citizens could be heard and a part of their local government. I am proud and excited for the citizens that took me up on the offer to join the Council and be part of something that is the first of its kind in Orange County. You can be a part of it too. Here’s how:
Location: Orange County Administration Building, 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL, 32801
Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Register: Click here!
District 5 Torchbearer
Torchbearer: a person who leads or inspires others in working toward a valued goal
We shine a light on Élaine Corriveau and Benoit Glazer, our esteemed District 5 torchbearers, for their extraordinary dedication and vision manifested through the Timucua Arts Foundation. The concept was simple: present free concerts at their home. The result: a 100-seat auditorium with two balconies, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and an intimate ambiance, offers a unique experience unrivaled elsewhere. They have presented over 750 diverse concerts and collaborated with many local and national organizations.
What sets Élaine and Benoit apart is their unwavering commitment to accessibility, as most concerts remain free, fostering a communal atmosphere. Through their nonprofit charter and the acceptance of donations, they ensure the sustainability and growth of this artistic haven, inviting all to reserve seats and partake in the enchantment of Timucua Arts Foundation’s transformative performances. Élaine Corriveau and Benoit Glazer, through their boundless passion and commitment, lead the way, illuminating a path of artistic inspiration and cultural celebration for all to cherish.
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
11/28/23 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 12/12/23 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
- 23-1758 Approval of Contract Y24-2001, Provision of Community Services and Facility Use, with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida, Inc., in the total contract award amount of $300,000 for a three-year term. ([Community and Family Services Department Citizens’ Commission for Children Division] Procurement Division)
- 23-1759 Approval of Contract Y24-2002, Provision of Community Services and Facility Use, with Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Inc., in the total contract award amount of $300,000 for a three-year term. ([Community and Family Services Department Citizens’ Commission for Children Division] Procurement Division)
- 23-1760 Approval of Contract Y24-2003, Provision of Community Services and Facility Use, with City Year, Inc., in the total contract award amount of $450,000 for a three-year term. ([Community and Family Services Department Citizens’ Commission for Children Division] Procurement Division)
- 23-1761 Approval of Contract Y24-2004, Provision of Community Services and Facility Use, with Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Inc., in the total contract award amount of $975,000. ([Community and Family Services Department Citizens’ Commission for Children Division] Procurement Division)
- 23-1787 Approval of recommendation by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to name a portion of the Little Econ Greenway Trail after Orange County Deputy Sheriff Thomas A. Ingram. District 5. (Parks and Recreation Division)
- 23-1794 Approval and execution of Subrecipient Agreement between Orange County, Florida and Grace Medical Home, Inc. regarding U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) Program FY 2023-2024 in the amount of $123,048. District 5. (Housing and Community Development Division)
- 23-1801 Approval and execution of Proportionate Share Agreement for Hanging Moss Apartments Colonial Drive by and between Long Lake Development, LLC and Orange County for a proportionate share payment in the amount of $99,709. District 5. (Roadway Agreement Committee)
- 23-1802 Approval and execution of Proportionate Share Agreement for 457 N. Wekiva Springs Rd Wekiva Springs Road by and between Bitton Paal LLC and Orange County for a proportionate share payment in the amount of $67,698. District 5. (Roadway Agreement Committee)
Discussion Agenda
- 23-1806 Selection of one firm and two ranked alternates to provide an Arts and Cultural Master Plan, Request for Proposals Y23-604-JA, from the following three firms, listed alphabetically: AEA Consulting, LLC, DVDL Design Decisions Inc., The Cultural Planning Group, LLC ([County Administration Arts and Cultural Affairs Office] Procurement Division)
- 23-1807 Election of Vice-Mayor for the 2024 Calendar Year.
- 23-1808 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline One-year update.
- 23-1810 MetroPlan Orlando Board Meeting Briefing. (Transportation Planning Division)
- 23-1812 Commissioner Scott would like to discuss Camping World Stadium TDT Recommendation and HR update.
Work Session Agenda
- 23-1811 Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery. (Housing and Community Development Division)
BZA Recommendations
- 23-1813 November 16, 2023 Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendations. There are 0 cases in District 5.
Public Hearings
- 23-1586 Lake Pickett, amend to include Sunset Preserve Phase 2 and 3, for general lake cleaning, maintenance, aquatic plant control and navigational improvements; District 5
- 23-1237 Case # VA-23-08-052 Asima Azam for Barbara Phelps and Antonio Penaroque, August 3, 2023; District 5 (Continued from October 10, 2023 and November 14, 2023)
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
- Split Oak defenders see new hope in toll road fight: “I feel this means the forest is going to be preserved in perpetuity as it always was intended to,” said Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla, jubilant after persuading board colleagues to oppose CFX’s proposed 1.3-mile shortcut through Split Oak.”
- Orange County Board of Commissioners votes to rescind support for Split Oak Forest toll road project: “District 5 Commissioner Emily Bonilla said it was important for county leaders to stand with the voters. “I feel that this board should direct staff to state that we no longer support this toll road through Split Oak Forest because 86% of the voters voted not to do that,” she said. “We can’t continue to have staff go over there and tell them that we support this because that’s what they were told to do in 2019 before the vote.”
- Orange County leaders reverse decision on plan to build toll road through protected forest: “I believe what’s going to happen is that the state is just going to stop altogether because they cannot move forward without an agreement with Orange County,” said Commissioner Emily Bonilla who asked for the county commission to discuss the topic Tuesday. “At this point, I don’t see what FWC has to discuss, because our charter is very clear that we should not enter into any agreements that’s going to harm the preservation of Split Oak Forest in its current form,” Bonilla said. Bonilla says all parties have to be in agreement to move forward with the project.”
- Orange County changes stance on toll road, more than 3 years after Split Oak amendment passed: “Commissioner Emily Bonilla wanted to make sure the county changed its message. “So I feel that this board should direct staff to state that we no longer support this toll road through Split Oak Forest because of the vote,” she said. “86% of the voters voted not to do that.” Her measure passed 6 to 1 with Commissioner Christine Moore voting against it.”
- Orange County does a U-turn on toll road through Split Oak: “The landslide margin was cited Tuesday by commissioner Emily Bonilla, an opponent of the road, who persuaded colleagues to reconsider their support, saying, “no elected official will ever get 86% of the vote.” Bonilla and commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero both voted against the road going through Split Oak Forest, the same stance they took in December 2019.”
- Orange County Convention Center expansion to restart soon: “The expansion was green-lighted, 5-2, by the board — with commissioners Nicole Wilson and Emily Bonilla voting no — despite outcry from some members of a task force Mayor Jerry Demings created to vet requests for a share of the funds.”
- Orange County may be on the hook to pay back OnePulse’s $400,000 in squandered state funds: “Uribe was in favor of moving forward with a museum concept, while Mayor Demings and commissioner Emily Bonilla expressed reluctance…“The salary is very much in line with the revenue of a nonprofit,” said Kalogridis, when questioned by county commissioner Emily Bonilla about Poma’s pay. Bonilla and Uribe pointed out how ridiculous it was that Barbara Poma would refuse to donate the property to an organization she founded and led for years.”
