The Midtown Press Aug/Sept 2024

THE

Midtown

Press

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024

VOLUME XXIX NUMBER 4 www.themidtownpress.com

PROUDLY SERVING GREATER PINE HILLS & SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

The little paper with the big picture!

EARLY VOTING HAS BEGUN Page 6

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY Page 10

2024 PINE HILLS NOB Page 16

NEW PINE HILLS SIGN Page 19

T H E M I DTO W N P RESS / 1

2 / THE MIDTO W N PR E SS

Midtown

The little paper with the big picture!

In This Issue 6 Early Voting Begins 8 Unclaimed Checks - Orange Co. Clerk of Courts 10 School Bus Passing Rules 14 Midtown Marketplace 16 Pine Hills Hob Nob 18 Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership 19 NEW Pine Hills Signs

August 2024

Dates to Know

THE

Press

7 Purple Heart Day 11 National Son and Daughter Day 12 Middle Child Day 21 Senior Citizens Day 24 Kobe Bryant Day 30 National Beach Day 31 Eat Outside Day

September 2024 2 Labor Day 8 Grandparents' Day 10 World Suicide Prevention Day 12 National Chocolate Milkshake Day 22 Autumnal Equinox (Start of Fall) 24 National Voter Registration Day 29 National Coffee Day

25

T H E M I DTO W N P RESS / 3

EDITOR’S CHAIR Where has the summer gone? It has been a busy one for sure. There was so much happening around town that it was hard to keep up with all of various events that were scheduled.

As we look forward to the end of the year, there will be even more planned. On top of everything it is election season. Regarding elections, keep in mind that the Primary Election Day is August 20, 2024 and the General Election is November 5, 2024.

While the deadline to register or change party affiliation for the Primary Election has already passed, the deadline for the General Election is October 7, 2024. The bottom line is that no matter whom, or which party you support, please exercise your civil duty and vote!

Check out our story on early voting and area poll locations on Page 6.

By the time this issue is published, the majority of area schools will be back in full swing. With children making the mad dash to catch their bus, I always feel that it is a good time to remind everyone about school bus safety. I have personally witnessed egregious violations by drivers who were impatient or ignorant of school bus laws. For a refresher on the current rules and safety tips, please see Page 10.

I like it when a plan comes together, so I am elated to see the work happening to improve the streetscapes throughout Pine Hills. One example is the newly erected gateway tower signage on Pine Hills Rd. and Silver Star Rd. The towering signage encompasses the entire intersection and is anchored by the phrase "One Bright Future."

4 / THE MIDTO W N PR E SS

Kudos to everyone who played a role in the development of this project!

Last month, I also had the opportunity to attend the 2024 Pine Hills Community Council Hob Nob. I had the opportunity to attend the event back in 2020, and this year's event did not disappoint, with 25 candidates vying for political office in attendance.

In addition to catching up with old friends and meeting new ones, it was a successful event. Please see our story on Page 16, which includes a link to the straw poll results. Congratulations to the Pine Hills Community Council for hosting a great event.

Lastly, it warms my heart when I receive an email or a positive phone call regarding the paper. I received one such phone calls last month when a reader called to compliment me on how impressed she was with the paper. When working on the paper, I could never fully grasp its reach. I appreciate the fact that many residents await its release and even contact me when they don't see it. Your support and feedback mean the world to me. I truly enjoy working on each issue. It is truly a labor of love and consider it my way of connecting and giving back to the community. As this paper is supported by our incredible advertising partners, please do pay extra attention to their ad's and support them as you can.

Thank you for supporting the Midtown Press - The little paper with the big picture!

Glen

Midtown

THE

Press

The little paper with the big picture!

T H E M I DTO W N P RESS / 5

Tidbits

Early Voting in Central Florida Has Officially Begun!

Beginning Monday, August 5 to Sunday, August 18 the Orange County Supervisor of Elections will open 22 locations throughout the county available to all Orange County voters daily from 9 AM – 7 PM for early voting.

“Because these 22 sites are open to every Orange County voter, people can vote near their home, place of work, or whatever location is most convenient during the two weeks of early voting.” said Orange County Supervisor of Elections, Glen Gilzean.

With Orange County now home to more than 812,000 voters, the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office has been working to expand early voting, with the addition of two new sites this year.

In June, Supervisor Gilzean joined representatives from Lift Orlando and the Town of Eatonville to announce two new sites: one at the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center (710 S. Tampa Ave, Orlando, FL 32805) and another at the Town of Eatonville Town Hall (307 E. Kennedy Blvd. Eatonville, FL 32751).

Early Voting is just one of three ways voters can cast their ballot. Voters can still visit their local precinct on election day or request a Vote-By-Mail (VBM) ballot, however, VBM requests must be submitted no later than 5 PM on Thursday, August 8, 2024, for the August Primary Election.

See below for a full list of all 22 Early Voting locations: Alafaya Library 12000 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32826

UCF – Live Oak Event Center 4115 Pyxis Lane. Orlando, FL 32816

South Creek Library 1702 Deerfield Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837

Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex 99 E. Marks St. Orlando, FL 32803

Apopka Community Center 519 S. Central Ave. Apopka, FL 32703

Valencia College – Lake Nona Campus 12350 Narcoossee Rd. Orlando, FL 32832

Southeast Library 5575 S. Semoran Blvd. Orlando, FL 32822

Meadow Woods Recreation Center 1751 Rhode Island Woods Cir. Orlando, FL 32824

Chickasaw Library 870 N. Chickasaw Trail. Orlando, FL 32825

Washington Park Library 5151 Raleigh St. Suite A, Orlando, FL 32811

Southwest Library 7255 Della Dr. Orlando, FL 32819

Orange County National Golf Center 16301 Phil Ritson Way. Winter Garden, FL 34787

Fairview Shores Library 902 Lee Road, Suite 26 Orlando, FL 32810

West Oaks Library 1821 E. Silver Star Rd. Ocoee, FL 34761

Tibet-Butler Preserve 8777 County Rd. 535 Orlando, FL 32836

Orange County Supervisor of Elections 119 W. Kaley St. Orlando, FL 32806

Hiawassee Library 7391 W. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32818

Winter Garden Library 805 E. Plant St. Winter Garden, FL 34787

Town of Eatonville Town Hall 307 E. Kennedy Blvd. Eatonville, FL 32751

Renaissance Senior Center 3800 S Econlockhatchee Trail. Orlando, FL 32829

Lift Orlando 710 S. Tampa Ave. Orlando, FL 32805

Winter Park Library 1052 W. Morse Blvd. Winter Park, FL 32789

6 / THE MIDTO W N PR E SS

US CONGRESS 2024

Information:

I’m an aerospace engineer, IT & Cybersecurity analyst, and entrepreneur in real estate, restaurant and technology. Raised in Pine Hills. Went to Carver middle school and Evans High School.

Valencia, UCF, and Strayer Alumni. I’m Vietnamese American with firsthand experience of communism's detrimental effect, driven to safeguard America’s future. I recognize the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party to national security, economic, and technology. It is time to fix the issues of our country with Economic, Education, and Social Security.

www.tuanleforcongress.com Fb: tuanleforcongress2024

LIVE BOXING/SPARING MEET & GREAT TUAN LE August 17th 2024 @ 5pm to 10pm

Location: 6145 Silver Star Rd, Orlando, FL 32808 Contact Dynamic Ministries for live boxing/sparing

Approval Advertisement and Paid by Tuan Le Campaign & Tuan Le for congress T H E M I DTO W N P RESS / 7

Does the Orange County Clerk of Courts Have Money for You? Many people might not be aware however, the Orange County Clerk’s Office may have some unclaimed money for you! Readers can search the unclaimed checks list at www.myorangeclerk. com. If you see your name on the list, you have until September 1, 2024 to claim your money.

The checks listed are those that were mailed, but never cashed; perhaps because the intended recipient moved away and did not leave a forwarding address or put the check away and forgot about it.

The list of more than 7,000 checks includes uncashed vendor payments, refunds, restitution, and cash bonds from as low as 8 cents up to $10,000. Whether you are an individual, business, or an organization, make sure to view the unclaimed checks list.

“Our customers deserve to receive the money that is rightly theirs,” said Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell. “That is why every year we go above and beyond to spread the word about our unclaimed checks list.”

The Clerk’s Office reminds customers who have restitution owed to them on a case in Orange County to make sure they keep our office updated on any address changes to ensure they receive any payments due to them.

Please keep in mind, if you do not collect your money by September 1st 2024, Section 116.21 of Florida Statutes says it will be forfeited and deposited into the Clerk’s Fine and Forfeiture Fund.

To search the unclaimed checks list, scan the QR Code. If you have searched the list and believe the Clerk's Office is holding a check for which you have a claim, follow the instructions on the website to submit a claim.

8 / THE MIDTO W N PR E SS

T H E M I DTO W N P RESS / 9

KNOW THIS!

Stop When You See "STOP"

T

he new school year is here! As we begin a new school year, it is a perfect opportunity to remind everyone of the rules when it comes to school buses as they transport our most precious commodity, our children. Especially during the first few weeks of school, as kids navigate new routes to school and become familiar with new surroundings, please remain extra vigilant for school buses and crosswalks! It should go without saying however, please know that the inconvenience of an extra few seconds spent waiting for a stopped school bus is insignificant compared to the loss of a child’s life.

Florida Motor Vehicle Laws require that motorists stop upon approaching any school bus which displays its flashing red lights and has its stop signs extended.

The penalty for failure to stop for a school bus is $265, and the penalty for passing a school bus on the side that children enter and exit when the school bus displays a stop signal is $465. Additionally, you will accrue four points on your driver license and be required to complete a basic Driver Improvement Course upon conviction.

Did You Know?

Junior Creative

In a 180-day school year, it is estimated that there are almost two million illegal “passes” of Florida school buses, each representing the possibility of tragic injuries or fatalities to students.

School Bus Passing Rules • • •

All drivers moving in either direction on a two-way street must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal, and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children AND the school bus stop arm is withdrawn. (See diagram, TWO-LANE) On a highway divided by a paved median, all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal, and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children AND the school bus stop arm is withdrawn. (See diagram, MULTI-LANE) The only time traffic approaching an oncoming school bus does not need to stop, is if there is a raised barrier such as a concrete divider or at least five feet of unpaved space separating the lanes of traffic. (See diagram, DIVIDED HIGHWAY)

1 0 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

KNOW THIS!

Stop When You See "STOP"

School Bus Safety Tips for Parents and Children • • • •

•

• • • •

Arrive at the bus stop with about five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

At bus stops, children should wait in a safe place away from the road. Never sit on the roadway or curb while waiting for your bus.

Make sure your children know their bus driver’s name and bus number.

Tell children to never speak to strangers at the bus stop or get into the car with a stranger.

Children should tell parents, the bus driver and a teacher at school if a stranger tries to talk to them or pick them up.

Children should never walk behind a bus and should stay away from bus wheels at all times.

When the bus stops, children should wait for the driver’s signal that it is safe to cross the road or board the bus.

Children should look both ways before crossing the street- look left, right and left again. Tell them to make eye contact to make sure the bus driver can see them as they cross the street.

On the bus, children should remain seated at all times and keep the aisle clear. Tell children not to put their head, hands or arms out the window.

Remind children to stop talking and remain silent when the bus comes to a railroad crossing so the driver can hear if a train is approaching.

Children should avoid any loud or disruptive behavior that could distract the bus driver from safely operating the bus.

SCHOOL BUS CRASH HISTORY FROM 2012 - 2022 ORANGE COUNTY

T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 1 1

Ask the Expert | By Dr. Treshonda Baucom

Back to School: Tips for How Parents Can Ease Their Children Back into the Swing of Things

T

hey say time flies when you’re having fun, and nothing exemplifies this more than summer.

Family vacations, beach trips, pool days, bowling outings, and summer camps make the days blur together. As we step into August, it’s time to shift gears and prepare our children to return to school.

For some, the idea of setting foot on a school campus once more brings joy and excitement.

However, for others, it can stir up stress and plenty of anxiety. Parents often feel overwhelmed by the growing to-do list of back-to-school shopping for clothes and various supplies. Students, on the other hand, may worry about previous negative experiences at school, new routines, making new friends, and becoming accustomed to new teachers. Additionally, some children may be transitioning to new schools or moving to new cities and having to get acclimated to unfamiliar environments.

After a summer of relaxation, it may be difficult for some to get back into a steady routine, leading to a bevy of different emotions. These feelings can significantly impact mental health, influencing how we think, feel, and behave. So, how do parents cope?

Here are some recommendations for parents to help manage this transition: •

•

•

Acknowledge Emotions: Recognize your feelings about the back-to-school season. Employ coping strategies like self-care, meditation, counseling, and exercise. Exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries. Remember, children often mirror our reactions to stress and adopt similar coping mechanisms.

Monitor Changes: As the expert on your child, take note of any changes in their behavior, such as sleeping more or less, withdrawing, sadness, or irritability. Engage in conversations with your child about how they feel about the upcoming school year. You may be surprised at what you uncover. Remember that kind, respectful, and effective communication will only strengthen the bond you have with your child and can help them convey their true feelings about what is bothering them.

Prepare in Advance: Start adjusting routines before school begins. Implement regular sleep schedules and task completion to ease the transition back to everyday school life. This goes for parents too. You don’t want to begin the morning frazzled and with an attitude. Preparation is key. Also, be sure to attend Meet the Teacher events to help your child familiarize themselves with the school and staff.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure a smoother transition and support your child’s mental well-being as the new school year approaches. Life has its share of hurdles, but returning to school doesn’t have to be one of them. By being prepared and being proactive, parents can aid their children in going back to school and set them up for success for the years ahead.

A licensed mental health counselor and professor, Dr. Treshonda Baucom is the founder and CEO of Enriched Life Counseling & Consulting, which provides counseling services to children, teens, adults and parents. As a subject matter expert, thought leader and mother of three children, Dr. Baucom has spoken about parenting and the mental health needs of children and teens on many platforms, including WKMG News 6's Breakfast with Bridgett, Monica May's Point of View, Cox Media’s Retrospect, and WESH 2 Morning News.

1 2 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 1 3

Meds Pharmacy Rx Your Community Discount Pharmacy We accept mostly all insurances and offer FREE home delivery within 24 hours!

Fast & Friendly Service Bilingual Staff Free Aspirin & Vitamins* *For Participating Patients 2751 N. Hiawassee Rd. Orlando, FL 32818 Phone: 407-770-6077 Fax: 321-206-5127

LOCATED IN THE BRAVO SHOPPING CENTER COMPLEX

Two Generations to Serve Your Family Douglas J. Dobbs, Funeral Director Brandon J. Dobbs, Licensed Funeral Director

Professional Service with a Personal Touch

Full Service Burial & Cremation • Religious Rites Including: Protestant, Catholic, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish and other faiths

430 North Kirkman Road  Orlando, Florida 32811

1 4 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

Phone:407-578-7720

Fax: 407-295-5504

info@dobbsfuneralhome.com  www.dobbsfuneralhome.com

Contact us about OUR ADVERTISING SPECIALS IN THE MIDTOWN MARKETPLACE SECTION. 407.504.1695

KENEL Barber

HAIR CUTTING/FADES/SHAVES/BOXTOP EYEBROWS/HOT-TOWEL FACIALS DESIGNS & MORE

PHONE: 321-527-1580

6253 Old Winter Garden Rd. Orlando 32835

6388 Silver Star Rd, Orlando, 32805 | 1603 S. Hiawassee Rd. #105, Orlando, 32835

T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 1 5

2024 Pine Hills Community Council Hob Nob Congratulations to the Pine Hills Community Council for hosting the 2024 Pine Hills Hob Nob & Straw Poll event held on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. The "Hob Nob" brought together candidates and citizens of diverse origins and cultures, creating a truly inclusive and representative event.

Twenty-five candidates for local, state, and national offices showcased themselves and their campaign themes. This event was more than just a voting straw poll; it was an opportunity for candidates to showcase their positions on political topics and issues voters are challenged with today.

The Orange County Supervisor of Elections was present at the event, providing attendees with an opportunity to participate in a voting straw poll during the event. The results of the straw poll, shared at the end of the event, were part of a design to bring the community together with an informative political focus, food, and fun, ensuring everyone left the event more politically aware.

"As much a part of Americana as Old Glory and apple pie, the political Hob Nob presented a unique opportunity for candidates and potential voters to mingle and become personally acquainted with one another," stated Dr. Latanya Nichols, President of the Pine Hills Community Council.

The Pine Hills Community Council would like to thank the many residents and participating candidates, as well as the Central Florida Fairgrounds Inc., Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office, and GGR Consulting & Management, LLC, for helping to make the 2024 Greater Orlando Hob Nob and Straw Poll a successful event!

This event was hosted by the Pine Hills Community Council, Inc. and its community partners, United Foundation of Central Florida, Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, The Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership, and The Midtown Press.

To view the 2024 Hob Nob & Straw Poll results, visit the PHCC website at www.pinehills.info/2024-hob-nob-results or scan the QR Code.

1 6 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 1 7

Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership Newsletter AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024

On behalf of the Pine Hills Safe Neighborhoods Partnership, Pine Hills Community Council, and the Pine Hills Seniors, you are invited to serve on the Pine Hills Establishment Day Parade Planning Committee. At the meeting, we aim to establish subcommittee members during the meeting and discuss the agenda items listed below! With the Orange County Outdoor Assembly Permit having been secured, we will move forward rapidly to finalize parade details and communication efforts.

The parade planning meeting will be held on Thursday, Aug 29, 2024, 6 pm – 7:30 pm Location: Pine Hills Community Church, 1305 N. Pine Hills Rd. Agenda 1. Flash-Rite cost/invoice update 2. Parade route – share with attendees 3. Parade sponsorships update – including budget 4. Parade participants update – only received forms will be part of line up 5. Marketing communications modalities (i.e., flyers, posters, radio, TV-community calendars, communication on the ground, and social media) 6. Volunteer outreach, commitment, and assignments (including day of designation) 7. Vendors including food trucks 8. Day of execution 9. Reflection Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and other detailed items may be added after our “all hands on deck” meeting on Tuesday!

NOTE: We will not be using Zoom for this meeting. If you cannot attend, please send a representative.

1 8 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

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

For more information, contact: Rosemarie Diehl, Chair 407-748-8493 rosemariediehl.phsnp@gmail.com Ken Dwyer, Co-Chair 407-721-5584 kenchrisd2@msn.com Website ocsafeneighborhoods.net/pine-hills Email phsnp.outreach@gmail.com

SIGNS OF PROGRESS: NEW Pine Hills SIGNS

I

love to see signs of progress! So imagine my surprise when driving down Silver Star Rd. one day and seeing these beautiful towering signs, proudly proclaiming that you were in Pine Hills! The signage was the culmination of years of meetings which resulted in a study was undertaken at the Pine Hills Road and Silver Star Road Intersection to identify potential gateway opportunities. The team coordinated with Orange County, FDOT District 5, Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District (PHNID), the Pine Hills Community Council, and Evans High School to complete the project.

Many of the goals proposed in the Community Planning Assistance Team (CPAT) Town Center Report (produced jointly by the American Planning Association and the PHNID) were also met by these proposed gateway improvements. The communities’ unique tag line: “Many Cultures, One Bright Future” and the colorful community logo were incorporated in the gateway and wayfinding signage.

The Pine Hills Road Pedestrian Safety project, from Colonial Drive to Bonnie Brae Circle, will address pedestrian and bicycle safety. The following recommendations from the 2018 safety study will be implemented: • • • • • • •

Reconstructing Pine Hills Road between Colonial Drive and Bonnie Brae Circle with a raised median and dedicated left turn lanes to promote safety.

Widening the existing 5 foot wide sidewalk on the east side of the road, to a 12 foot wide shared-use path from Silver Star Road to Bonnie Brae Circle as part of the Pine Hills Trail.

Adding a 7 foot wide dedicated bike lane in each direction from Colonial Drive to Silver Star Road.

Providing intersection improvements for better access to Pine Hills Road from cross streets.

Adding crosswalk marking and detectable warning pads at intersections, cross streets, and driveways.

Adding a mid-block crossing location to increase safer pedestrian access between intersections.

Improving signage to better warn drivers of pedestrian crossing locations; including adding pedestrian signal at crossing locations.

T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 1 9

Tips for Protecting Yourself from Phishing Scams Courtesy of McCoy – Your Community Credit Union

S

cammers are always switching up their techniques to trick consumers into revealing personal information or downloading malware on their devices. This leaves them vulnerable to identity theft.

One of the most common techniques is phishing scams and email/website spoofing.

In a phishing scam, you receive an email that looks like it’s from a legitimate business. It has a similar logo or other identifying marks. The email asks you to update or verify your account information by clicking a link. When you click that link, you’re directed to a spoofed website that looks identical to the real thing. If you log in to your account on the spoofed website, you have unintentionally provided your information to a scammer.

The same thing can happen via text message. In that case, it’s called smishing.

How to Spot a Fraudulent Email or Text Message It’s full of typos. Communications with misspellings and grammar mistakes are the first clue that you’ve been contacted by a scammer. Legitimate companies proofread communications carefully through multiple people to avoid these types of errors.

The web address is off. Before clicking any links, take a close look at the website provided.

Most scammers will make simple swaps to trick the eye into thinking they’ve shared the company’s actual website. You may think you’re going to a legitimate website when, in fact, you’re being led to a spoofed website. Scammers can steal any information you provide there.

Common techniques include replacing a lowercase "L" with the number one or an uppercase "O" with the number zero. You will know you’re on a company’s secure website if you see a lock icon to the left of the URL and an “https” at the start.

An unprofessional email address is used. Always check the sender’s email address when contacted via email. A representative from a legitimate company will never contact you from a generic email address like Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo.

How to Protect Yourself from Scammers Never click anything in an unsolicited email or text message. If a company reaches out with claims of an account issue, the first instinct is to click the link. Instead, visit the company’s website directly from your browser then log in and look for any notifications in your account. Never click on attachments or download anything from an unsolicited email, either.

Never send sensitive information through email or text message. This includes your Social Security number, usernames and passwords, account numbers, and PIN numbers, just to name a few. Legitimate companies will never ask you to do this.

When in doubt, call. Are you unsure if you’ve been contacted by a scammer? Your best bet is to reach out to the company directly to inquire. Always use the phone number listed on the company website, NOT the one in the email or text in question.

Practicing online safety is more important than ever for your personal and financial formation.

It’s easy to do with these tips.

2 0 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

Get a Checking Account that Pays & Protects.

ID Theft Prevention Credit Monitoring Cell Phone Insurance and so much more!

Now that’s SMARTER! Learn more at McCoyfcu.org or call (407) 855-5452 today!

T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 2 1

Orange County residents have access to free First-time Homebuyer Workshops Today’s ever-increasing cost of living makes the goal of owning a home out of reach for an increasing number of Central Floridians.

Recognizing this reality, Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County stepped up to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and resources they need to prepare for the process of buying their first home. In partnership with Orange County Government, Habitat Orlando & Osceola expanded its First-time Homebuyer Workshop to host classes twice a month, once in English and once in Spanish.

"We are grateful that Orange County partnered with us to educate more residents on all the essential topics of homeownership,” said Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County President and CEO Catherine Steck McManus. "Our program exists to ensure first-time homeowners are successful at both home buying and maintenance so that families can stay in their homes.”

First-time Homebuyers Workshops are HUDcertified, free, and open to all, whether you’re looking to purchase a home through Habitat or on the open market. Attending a First-time Homebuyer Workshop is also a requirement to apply for Orange County’s down payment assistance program. Covering vital topics ranging from understanding credit and navigating down payment assistance programs to understanding property titles, working with real estate agents, and securing homeowners' insurance, the 8-hour workshops provide a foundation of knowledge for those eager to embark on the journey to homeownership.

Habitat Orlando & Osceola housing counselors as well as local community partners including bankers, property inspectors, and title and insurance agents facilitate the workshops. In the first year of the workshop, over 250 aspiring first-time homebuyers attended.

The collaboration between Habitat Orlando & Osceola and Orange County Government to expand the workshops not only showcases the power of public-private partnerships, but also both organizations' commitment to making homeownership accessible to residents. By hosting two workshops a month, the initiative aims to minimize language and accessibility barriers, ensuring that homeownership is within reach for more Central Floridians.

“Our support for first-time homebuyers is not just an investment in homes, it's an investment in the foundation of our community,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “Empowering individuals with knowledge and resources to achieve homeownership strengthens families and builds our region's prosperity and stability."

When the nonprofit originally introduced its First-time Homebuyer Workshops in June 2023, they were originally offered exclusively in English. However, with 26.2% of Orange County residents being Spanish speaking, the nonprofit recognized the need to cater to the growing Latino community.

2 2 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

Habitat Orlando & Osceola recently expanded its impact by offering HUD-certified housing counseling services. This public service enables the organization to reach a broader audience providing crucial guidance and support to more individuals and families in need. Families don’t have to apply for Habitat homeownership or be a Habitat homeowner to receive counseling.

The First-time Homebuyer Workshops are made possible through the invaluable support of partners like Orange County Government as well as the generous community partners who donate their time and expertise to lead these workshops, including: Karen Blandon, State Farm Sandra Cruz & Antonio Bartolomei, Coldwell Banker Eugene Martin III, Chase Jennifer Roy & Byron Barrett, PNC Alan L. Sandler, Esq., Near North Title Group Jackie Robbins, SouthState Bank Fernando Hurtado, Unique Property Inspections

Jo-El Gonzalez, Seacoast Bank Ramon Pleas, City National Bank Michelle Lopez, Farmer's Insurance Mitty Fontanez, Truist Elba Barnaby, Seacoast Bank Alberto Soto, Supreme Lending Gladis Akers, Red Door Title Group

By working together, Orange County Government and community partners amplify Habitat Orlando & Osceola’s ability to for more Central Floridians to have safe, affordable housing and a stable, thriving community to live in.

To learn more or register for the free First-time Homebuyer Workshop or housing counseling, visit HabitatOrlando.org.

First-time Homebuyers Workshop HUD-APPROVED

This FREE workshop covers: Financial readiness Lenders & mortgages Down-payment assistance

In partnership with

And more!

Take the first step into homeownership!

Learn more at HabitatOrlando.org T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 2 3

2 4 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

Helping

Children

Find Hope

Since 1966, Edgewood Children’s Ranch has been helping children who struggle with behavior issues created by past traumatic experiences transform their lives. Our program has helped thousands of children get a second chance for a better future.

We Need Your Help

Give Online

Since our humble beginnings, Edgewood Children’s Ranch has not received State or Federal funding to finance our program. Our program is supported by individuals, families, corporations and local churches. We believe we can maintain our Christian values and serve families well by receiving only private funding. Families throughout Central Florida are invited to be a part of our program regardless of race, religion, ethnic origin, or ability to pay.

Visit EdgewoodRanch.com.

Your gift will help us continue to heal families, mend hearts and provide hope to struggling children. Please donate today.

Call To Schedule A Tour Or Donate Phone: 407295-2464 Ext. 5

Scan the barcode with your phone’s camera.

Mailing Address

1451 Edgewood Ranch Rd. Orlando, FL 32835

T H E M I DTO W N P R ESS / 2 5

Blaze the Trail for Medical Breakthroughs Participate in an AdventHealth Brain Research Study At AdventHealth Research Institute, we have a deep-seated passion for enhancing the lives of people grappling with neurological conditions. Our research focuses on conditions any of us might face one day — if not in ourselves, then in the lives of those we love. Finding a cure and treatment for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia, brain tumors, epilepsy, headaches and migraines, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis and other neurovascular disorders and strokes is at the heart of all we do. However, we can't do it alone. Finding these cures relies on people like you who participate in neuroscience research studies.

Help unlock the mystery of the human brain.

All cures and new treatments result from studies that help scientists and doctors zero in on the ideas that lead to medical breakthroughs. Whether you’re being treated for a diagnosis or have a clean bill of health, research studies can help people at all stages unlock answers to optimal health.

A New Kind of Legacy

Medications and treatments affect everyone differently, making health equity paramount. And that means people of all backgrounds and identities must have fair opportunities for diagnosis and treatment. By participating in research, you can help to bring personalized treatments and cures to everyone that consider not only race, gender, or socioeconomic status, but everything that makes you unique.

Your role in a research project could lead to a medical discovery that changes and saves lives in the future. We invite you to join us in our quest for a future where brain health shines brighter. You, together with our clinical teams in neuroscience, can make a difference in the future of neurological treatments and in the lives of patients.

If you participate, you may have access to groundbreaking therapies not yet available to the public. It's a unique opportunity to contribute to medical advancements that will benefit future generations, and you'll get expert care and support from our compassionate and skilled team. Not only that, you'll receive compensation for your time and travel.

What happens in a neuroscience research study?

All participants work closely with our team of research study coordinators, so you'll always have a guide, support, and someone to answer your questions. They are dedicated to ensuring your seamless experience, from educating you about the process to managing communication and scheduling throughout the study's duration. They are committed to your care every step of the way.

In the study, we work with leading-edge pharmaceuticals, medical devices and bedside techniques to collect the data we need to gain a deeper understanding of neurological conditions and their impact on the brain. Our interdisciplinary team of leading neuroscience physicians, nurses, and researchers spearhead the studies that lead to breakthroughs every day.

JOIN A STUDY Our areas of focus include, but are not limited to: Alzheimer's disease Brain tumors Dementia Epilepsy Headache and migraine Movement disorders Multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology Neurology Neuromuscular medicine Neurovascular disorders Stroke

To learn more about participating in neuro research, visit BrainHealthFlorida.com.

2 6 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS

For the Love of Everything You Are Your individuality and uniqueness are the ingredients for medical breakthroughs. Be part of a research study.

By participating in research, you are helping to bring specialized and personalized treatments and cures to everyone, not without regard to factors such as race, gender, or socioeconomic status, but designed with special attention for everything that makes you unique.

Compensation for your time and participation may be available.

23-CFDNS-05707

To learn more, scan the QR code here or visit WeAreTheBreakthrough.com.

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

5212 SILVER STAR RD. ORLANDO, FL 32818 www.HardeesOrlando.com

2 8 / THE MIDTO W N P R E SS