PRESS April-May Issue 2025

THE

Midtown

Press

APRIL/MAY 2025 VOLUME XXX NUMBER 2 www.themidtownpress.com

PROUDLY SERVING GREATER PINE HILLS & SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

The little paper with the big picture!

THE PUSH TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE

Know This!

Page 6

The Push Towards Independence Page 8

Pine Hills Community Town hall Page 10

Post Script Page 27 T H E M I DTO W N P RESS / 1

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Midtown

The little paper with the big picture!

In This Issue 6 Know This!

8 The Push Towards Independence 10 Pine Hills Community Town hall 16 Midtown Marketplace 20 Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership 21 Pine Hills Community Council Calenar 27 Post Script

APRIL 2025

Dates to Know

THE

Press

1 April Fool's Day 2 World Autism Awareness Day 11 National Pet Day 12 Passover Begins 18 Good Friday 20 Easter 22 Earth Day 25 World Women’s Wellness Day

maY 2025 1 May Day (Maddie Day) 4 Star Wars Day 5 Cinco de Mayo 6 Teacher’s Day 11 Mother's Day 18 Haitian Flag Day 26 Memorial Day

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Midtown

THE

Press

The little paper with the big picture!

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EDITOR’S CHAIR

I

'll begin this issue with a list of questions for you. When is it going to end? When, as a community, do we become sick and tired of being sick and tired? Yes, violence is all around, but why does it seem to be disproportionately focused on our community? Have we become numb to it, merely accepting it as a way of life? Is this the new normal, and should we just accept it?

What about the children? Don't we want better for them? Should they grow up in an environment where violence and hardship are expected rather than rejected? What about our seniors, the wisdom keepers of our community? Don’t they deserve to live in peace, free from fear and uncertainty? And the bigger question remains: Is it really possible to change a community? If so, where do we start? What is the most pressing need—reducing crime, improving housing, or creating economic opportunities through highpaying jobs? Isn't it all of the above?

My last question is a profound one: Who cares?

I'll let you ponder the other questions, but I will take the last one. We need to care! The future of our community depends on it.

It should come as no surprise that our community is a frequent target of media attention. It often feels as if, when something negative happens in Pine Hills, the media is already there, ready to amplify another unfortunate story. However, the reality is that crime happens everywhere.

So, we must ask: Is there an overreporting of negative events in Pine Hills? Are we unfairly targeted? Or is this a matter of perception? The narrative of our community is shaped not just by reality, but by the stories that are told about us.

We must ask ourselves: Who is controlling the narrative, and how can we take it back?

Pine Hills is not just a statistic, a crime rate, or a headline. It has a rich and vibrant history, one

that deserves to be told and celebrated. It is a community of resilience, strength, and untapped potential.

But change does not happen in isolation. It starts with us—neighbors, educators, business owners, and local leaders—coming together to shape the future we want to see. It begins with reclaiming our community’s story, ensuring that the focus is not solely on the struggles but also on the successes.

So, how do we move forward?

We start by fostering unity, working together to create solutions rather than merely discussing problems. We engage with local government to demand better infrastructure, public safety, and economic initiatives. We support our local businesses, invest in education, and mentor our youth so they can envision a brighter future. And we hold media outlets accountable, ensuring they present a fair and balanced portrayal of our community.

Most importantly, we must believe in the power of change. We must refuse to let others define who we are. We must embrace the fact that our community is worth fighting for, worth uplifting, and worth believing in. Because Pine Hills is more than what the headlines say—it is a place of potential, heart, and hope.

And it all starts with us.

Glen

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KNOW THIS! "Operation Green Light" is BACK!

T

he Orange County Clerk of Courts is hosting Operation Green Light once again. The statewide program will run from March 29 - April 12, 2025. This initiative aims to help thousands of people with overdue traffic tickets or criminal fines whose driver licenses have been suspended.

In Orange County, Operation Green Light will be held on April 9, 2025 with extended hours from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. to help customers with outstanding traffic tickets and criminal fines get on a payment plan as the first step to getting their driving privileges reinstated.

Customers may be eligible to have certain collection agency fees waived, get on a payment plan, and have their suspension reinstated if all requirements are met. A down payment is required for a payment plan and reinstatement fees are applicable. Affordable down payments are available.

No appointment or prior registration is needed.

WHEN: April 9, 2025 WHERE: Orange County Courthouse, Suite 410 EXTENDED HOURS: April 9 from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

If customers are not able to attend this initiative, the Clerk’s Office Compliance Division can assist residents with suspended driver licenses any time of the year with payment plans. Details are available at www.myorangelcerk.com.

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KNOW THIS! Redistricting 2025 Ensuring fair and equal representation through transparency and community input.

B

ack in November of 2024, Orange County voters approved a charter amendment to expand the number of commission districts from six to eight.

To implement this change, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners will undertake a redistricting process to establish new district boundaries and incorporate the two additional districts.

To develop the districts, the Board formed the 2025 Mid-Decennial Redistricting Advisory Committee in January 2025. The committee is responsible for: • Holding public meetings to gather community input • Reviewing census data • Proposing the boundaries for two new commission districts and recommending adjustments to existing districts • Submitting a non-binding recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners for review in September 2025 Orange County’s redistricting process will use a data-driven approach to evaluate current district boundaries, propose alternatives, and recommend two new commission districts to the Board of County Commissioners. The county will utilize Geographic Information System (GIS mapping) to create maps and analyze real-time impacts of boundary changes on key factors like demographics.

Maps for committee consideration and review must be submitted by 11:59 p.m., on July 3, 2025.

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The Push towards Independence Pine Hills Explores Municipal Incorporation

D

iscussions about the future of Pine Hills are happening all around the community. As these talks continue, community leaders and residents are considering major changes that could reshape the area’s identity and governance. Among the key issues being explored are municipal incorporation and a potential name change, both of which aim to foster growth, improve services, and shift public perception.

For years, infrastructure and development projects in Pine Hills have faced delays, with changes often placed on the back burner for decades. Now, as growth accelerates in the area, including the arrival of a massive Amazon warehouse— leaders are pushing for action that ensures long-term investment and local control.

"We start these processes, we start these changes, we start these buildings—but do we finish them?" questioned Dr. Latanya Nichols, President, Pine Hills Community Council, Inc. “We can't wait any longer."

One of the most significant discussions involves Pine Hills potentially becoming an incorporated municipality. While some have wondered whether Orange County officials including Mayor Jerry Demings or other would need to approve the move, legal research suggests that municipal incorporation can proceed via a petition process, requiring approval only from Pine Hills residents rather than a county-wide vote.

"Based on my understanding, it does not need to go to ballot for all of Orange County. Nichols explained. "It can just be the residents of Pine Hills voting on it. And that’s important, because if the entire county were to vote, they may not be in favor of additional taxes or governance changes that primarily affect Pine Hills,” said Nichols.

Another compelling aspect of this transformation is the possibility of a community name change, which some advocates argue could help shift outdated perceptions of the community.

"Think about companies rebranding—during COVID. After the Black Lives Matter movement, we saw brands like Aunt Jemima change to Pearl Milling Company to move past old stereotypes. Pine Hills has long been unfairly labeled ‘Crime Hills,’ but a new name could help change that narrative," they said.

Alternative names like Orlando Hills, Midtown, or simply rebranding within a broader economic revitalization effort are under discussion, similar to what has occurred in other parts of Orlando, such as the West Lakes district.

Incorporation, however, hinges on financial feasibility. A feasibility study would need to be conducted to assess whether Pine Hills has a sufficient tax base to support municipal services such as police and fire departments. A similar study was conducted in the early 1970s but determined that the area did not generate enough tax revenue at the time to sustain municipal governance.

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The Push towards Independence Continued

"That was 50 years ago," Nichols noted. "Pine Hills has changed a lot since then. We now have a population of over 82,000 to 84,000 residents, depending on which census data you use. We easily meet the 5,000-resident requirement for incorporation."

The feasibility study would analyze property and business taxes to determine whether incorporation is financially viable. This process would require community engagement, as residents and businesses would likely see tax increases to fund municipal services.

Under Florida law (Section 165.061 of the statute), the process could begin with a petition from a majority of Pine Hills residents. Community meetings and forums are already being planned to inform residents and gather input.

"The buy-in has to be there," Dr. Nichols emphasized. "It’s up to the people of Pine Hills to decide their future."

As community leaders continue these discussions, questions remain about the status of longdelayed projects, including the town center redevelopment. Residents are eager for updates, as infrastructure issues—such as road construction and septic-to-sewer conversions—continue to be pressing concerns.

When it comes to governance, if Pine Hills were to be incorporated, it would have its own mayor, council, and public services, including a local police and fire department. This could change the relationship with the Orange County Sheriff's Department services, allowing Pine Hills to establish its own branded police force, similar to other municipalities.

Currently, Pine Hills stands as one of the largest unincorporated areas in Orange County, with a population that dwarfs other incorporated neighborhoods like Ocoee, Winter Garden, and Eatonville. While neighboring areas such as Lake Nona are expected to eventually incorporate, Pine Hills remains the largest and most prominent unincorporated community in the region.

The idea of Pine Hills becoming its own municipality raises both excitement and challenges. "There are a lot of factors to consider, but it's clear that Pine Hills deserves the opportunity to govern itself and invest in its future," said Nichols. As the conversation continues, residents and leaders are hopeful that the next steps will bring them closer to creating a Pine Hills that is self-sustaining, vibrant, and self-determined.

The road ahead is not short, but it is a journey Pine Hills’ residents are increasingly eager to undertake. While incorporation and rebranding remain in the early stages, one thing is clear: Pine Hills is at a crossroads, and its residents are determined to shape its future on their own terms.

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pine hills community town hall A Focus On Safety While Remembering Victims Of Community Violence

PHOTO CREDIT: KASSANNDRA MARIA SANTIAGO

P

ine Hills residents gathered in February for a community town hall event focused on making their neighborhood safer. Held at Kingdom Church on North Pine Hills Road, the event came more than two years after a tragic shooting claimed the lives of three people: Natacha Augustin, 9-year-old T’Yonna Major, and Spectrum News reporter Dylan Lyons.

The meeting served as both a space for grieving and a platform to discuss solutions to crimerelated challenges in the community.

A key goal of the town hall was to foster better communication between law enforcement and residents. Attendees sought strategies to enhance preparedness and response efforts during crises. One major concern raised was the delicate balance between over-policing and underprotection in Pine Hills.

Residents voiced their frustrations and desire to feel secure without being unfairly targeted.

Additionally, several attendees noted the absence of visible representation from the Orange County Sheriff's Office at the event, further fueling concerns about community engagement.

Orlando attorney Mark Nejame, who represents one of the victims' families, has filed a lawsuit alleging that deputies were too slow to respond to the scene. "What’s important is that we don’t develop a culture of complacency—where Pine Hills is seen as just another place where violence happens, leading to only minimal efforts instead of real action," Nejame said.

One of the most discussed proposals at the event was the idea of Pine Hills becoming its own municipality (see story on page 8) with its own security force—a topic also explored in this issue. Orange County Commissioner Mike Scott acknowledged the conversation but emphasized that such a change would be complex.

The discussion underscored the need for continued dialogue, more community input, and increased collaboration with law enforcement. Pine Hills's future depends on the collective voice of its residents as they work to shape a safer and stronger community.

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Fresh Stop Mobile Farmers Market Unveils New Truck Over 90,000 people in Central Florida are food insecure. The truck will enable the organization to double its daily stops.

On March 17th Hebni Nutrition Consultants officially unveiled its new mobile market truck, made possible by a $250,000 investment from the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation. This initiative is part of a three-year, $750,000 partnership to expand Hebni’s Fresh Stop Mobile Farmers Market program which delivers fresh produce to food desert communities across Central Florida.

The unveiling ceremony, held at the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center, featured Commissioner Bakari F. Burns of District 6, Commissioner Shan Rose of District 5, Sprouts executives Lyndsey Waugh and Jaysen Pauley, and Glen Providence, Executive Director of Hebni.

Commissioner Burns recognized Hebni's 30-year commitment to the community with an official proclamation declaring March 17, 2025, as “Hebni Nutrition Consultants' 30th Anniversary Day.”

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Lyndsey Waugh, Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation: “I was truly overwhelmed to see Hebni working so deeply and intentionally.

It is about bringing resources to the community and having the community at the table to define the resources they want to see. Now, that's the type of programming that puts dignity on the front lines of how we show up and serve.”

Jaysen Pauley, Sprouts District Director: “Sprouts has a simple mission. We want to help people live and eat better. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission; it is our DNA. We're proud to support Hebni in serving and educating the communities we care about.”

Glen Providence, Executive Director of Hebni: “For Fresh Stop, a question has always been, how do we extend deeper into the communities we serve? How do we reach more people? When Sprouts came to see us and the work we do and said to us, it looks like you need a new vehicle, I said hallelujah, we would love that. This grant has allowed us to go to the drawing board and design a truck that fits perfectly with our vision, plan, and needs.”

For more information about Hebni Nutrition and The Fresh Stop Bus, visit www.hebninutrition.org or www.thefreshstopbus.com.

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New Mobile Clinic Aims to Bridge Healthcare Gaps in Local Communities

A

new mobile clinic is making waves in local communities by bringing healthcare directly to those who need it most. The clinic, which has been in operation for about a year, seeks to eliminate one of the biggest barriers to healthcare access: transportation.

The mobile unit is operated by MetroHealth, Inc., a primary care medical practice for seniors who are insured through Medicare. We have offices in Apopka, Conway, Downtown Orlando, East Orlando, MetroWest, Holly Hill and Ormond Beach. Their team of primary care doctors, physician assistants, and other health professionals are dedicated to providing exceptional medical care and value-added services to our clients.

"Our ultimate goal is to use this mobile clinic almost every day to visit people," said one of the program's leaders said Dr. Stephen Quanning Medical Director and Chief Physician at MetroHealth.

"When we first launched, we thought people would immediately sign up. But we found that many are very loyal to their primary physicians. Still, we know some people need care but just can't get to a doctor."

The mobile clinic operates on a six-week rotation schedule, stopping at designated locations in various communities based on demand. While the schedule is primarily shared within these communities, residents from nearby areas are welcome to visit if the clinic is the most accessible option for them.

Transportation remains a significant hurdle in healthcare accessibility. While some insurance providers offer transport services, the mobile clinic team decided to take a different approach. "Instead of patients finding a way to us, we thought, why not bring healthcare to them?" Dr. Quanning explained.

The program's leaders are considering further developments, such as setting a regular monthly schedule similar to mobile grocery services. However, for now, they remain committed to their current rotational model, ensuring they can reach as many people as possible in need of primary care.

The clinic’s presence has already made a difference in communities such as West Lakes and Lake Lorna Doone Apartments but looking at other communties including Pine Hills.

Residents from surrounding neighborhoods are also encouraged to visit if the clinic is stationed nearby.

As the mobile clinic continues to grow, Metro Health hopes it will become an integral part of community healthcare. "We just want to ensure that those who need care but can't reach it have a reliable option," they emphasized.

For more information about the mobile clinic and its upcoming locations, residents are encouraged to visit the MetroHealth website at www.metrohealthinc.com.

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Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership Newsletter APRIL/MAY 2025

The major press outlets look at the past when Pine Hills was a suburb of Orlando. Now, we are part of the urban growth.

Mid-Century Modern launched subdivisions of curved streets and cul-de-sacs within walking distance to Barnett Park and adjacent Lake Lawn. It describes Pine Hills’ residential and cozy communities, where the one-story home is king.

Gordon J. Barnett, following the success of Fern Park Estates, established Pine Hills in 1952, a neighborhood of minimalist block-built cottages with 2 to 3 bedrooms, 1 to 2 baths, broad-sloped shady roofs (no attic), and attached carports.

Many first-time homeowners, VA loans, Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin), and snowbirds escaping the frigid North were attracted to its positive contemporary charm. Suburban Robinswood, the area south of Silver Star Road, became larger lots and homes with attached garages.

The dawning of entry boulevards paves their way to Hiawassee Rd, standardized housing structures, streets and boulevards, and more curvy roads, circles, and cul-de-sacs (west) with one-way egress/ingress.

Today, the Pine Hills area sits currently at 63% owneroccupied units, 68% single-family homes, and a median house value of $281,500.00

Meetings are scheduled for the 2nd Thursday of every month in the Marlin Room Barnett Park 6:00 PM

For more information, contact: Ken Dwyer, Co-Chair 407-721-5584 kenchrisd2@msn.com Website ocsafeneighborhoods.net/pine-hills Email phsnp.outreach@gmail.com

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2025 MEETINGS AT-A-GLANCE General Board Meeting Date: First Tuesday of each month except January, July, and September 2025 Time: 6:00 – 6:30 PM – “Table Talk” Mix & Mingle Time: 6:30 – 7:45 PM General Meeting Meeting Location: Orange County Multicultural Center - 7149 West Colonial Drive

FEBRUARY

February 4, 2025 PHCC General Meeting – Topic: Arts and Cultural Community Matters Special Presentation by Vicki Landon - Celebrating Black History Month, Feb 1, 2025 – Sat, March 1, 2025

MARCH

March 4, 2025 PHCC General Meeting – Topic: Higher Education & Technical Career Resource Fair

APRIL

April 1, 2025 PHCC General Meeting – Special Topic: What Does It Mean to Incorporate Pine Hills?

Examining its history, the process, and potential impact.

MAY

May 6, 2025 PHCC General Meeting – Topic: Get Hired and Inspired focus on intentional change

JUNE

June 3, 2025 PHCC General Meeting – Topic: Parent Resource Fair: Education, books, technology and more!

JULY

No PHCC Council Meetings (Rest, relax, reflect, and re-energize)

AUGUST

August 5, 2025 PHCC General Meeting – Back-to-School Mindset and Informational Resources for Children and Families

SEPTEMBER

September 9, 2025 PHCC General Meeting - National Clean and Community Clean Up (observed around the third Saturday of September which falls on September 20, 2025

OCTOBER

October 7, 2025 PHCC General Meeting –Topic: National Night Out The 42nd Annual National Night Out

NOVEMBER

November 4, 2025 PHCC General Meeting – Topic: Giving Back To the Community Opportunity Fair

DECEMBER

December 2, 2025 PHCC General Meeting – Topic: Family Matters Game on Community Engagement!

December 6, 2025 Pine Hills 5th Annual Parade

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Ask the Expert | By Maya Sumair

National Minority Health Month

N

ational Minority Health Month is observed the entire month of April.

It is an inclusive initiative that targets the health needs of African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, and other minorities. It builds awareness regarding the unequal burden of preventable death and sickness in these groups. It also promotes action through health education and early management of disease complications. In a multicultural society such as the U.S., access to healthcare for everyone is paramount for the country’s continued progress.

The Kaiser Family Foundation compiled a report presenting essential data on health and healthcare categorized by race and ethnicity. As of 2021, the likelihood of food insecurity among Black (13%) and Hispanic (11%) children was more than twice that of White children (4%). American Indians/Alaska Natives and Blacks had reduced life expectancies at birth (65.2 and 70.8 years) compared to whites (76.4).

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the country's leading medical research organization. NIMHD has several important initiatives aimed at improving the health of racial and ethnic minority populations. These include promoting research to understand and improve the health of racial/ethnic minority populations, advancing scientific understanding of the causes of health disparities, developing and testing interventions to reduce health disparities, and creating and improving scientific methods, metrics, measures, and tools that support health disparities research.

In honor of National Minority Health Month, the NIMHD promotes action via health education, early disease detection, and management of associated consequences. This year’s theme for National Minority Health Month is Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Connections. Around the country, many organizations host health and wellness events in celebration of of Minority Health Month. Cultural connections have been proven to foster an environment of respect, understanding, and inclusivity within healthcare systems, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and well-being among minority populations. Events held during the month are designed to bring health resources and communities together in fun and creative ways.

Locally, Hebni Nutrition, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health, Orange County, is hosting the 3rd Annual Arts & Heart 5K (see ad on page 24) at beautiful Lake Lorna Doone Park in Orlando. In addition to the FREE walk/run activities, participants and community members are encouraged to enjoy local artisans, health resources, crafts, bounce houses for kids, food, and much more following the race. Please enjoy the delicious Rasta Pasta recipe shown on the following page. which originates from the Jamaican culture.

Maya Sumair currently serves as an executive assistant at Hebni Nutrition Consultants. Maya earned her B.S. degree in Health Sciences-Health Promotion Track at the University of Central Florida. Maya’s has collaborated on research projects including a proposal to examine the efficacy of melatonin supplements versus healthy behaviors for promoting sleep patterns, analyzing a clinical trial on Linaclotide for bloating and chronic constipation, and studying the link between obesity and diabetes mortality rates in Florida. Maya is currently pursuing her studies in dietetics and nutrition at the University of Alabama, intending to earn an M.S. degree in Human Nutrition.

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Touch a Truck The Children's Safety Village held another fantastic Touch-A-Truck event at their Pine Hills facility on Saturday, March 8th! It was a fun-filled day for all. A heartfelt thank you to Johnson's Wrecker, the Florida Department of Transportation, and City of Orlando Commissioner Shan Rose for their support.

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How many friends do you have? Not just casual friends but real "Day One" friends who you can trust with your fears, struggles, and joys. I've heard before that your friend circle gets smaller as you get older which saddens me as friendship is one of the most profound gifts we can experience in life.

F

True friends are there through thick and thin, offering support when we need it most and celebrating with us during our happiest moments. The best friendships are built on mutual trust, shared experiences, and a deep understanding that transcends words.

{ PostScript }

The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity says it best: "Friendship is essential to the soul," which also happens to be the group's motto.

What makes friendships so beautiful is their ability to stand the test of time. It's not always about the frequency of contact or the big gestures; sometimes, the small acts of kindness, the inside jokes, and the moments of quiet understanding make all the difference. A true friend sees you for who you truly are—the good, the bad, and everything in between—and loves you unconditionally. You may not see them every day. In fact, you can go weeks, months, or years without seeing them, but when you get back together, it's like no time has passed at all.

F"

The strength of these relationships often grows when they are rooted in shared values and experiences.

Whether it's a mutual faith, common interests, or similar life goals, these bonds provide stability and security that can help us navigate even the most difficult times.

riendship is essential to the soul.

In today's age of social media and virtual connections, it can be easy to get caught up in the superficial. On Facebook, I have over 1,000 "friends." Of those hundreds of people who have hit the friend request button or vice versa, only about five are true friends. Maybe Facebook should change the title from friends to acquaintances because, essentially, isn't that what most of those connections are?

In this digital age, genuine relationships are more important than ever. It is easy to "like" someone's post, but understanding them, listening, and being present takes time, effort, and a willingness to connect at a deeper level. This is the only way to truly value your friendships.

-The Editors T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 2 7

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