Press THE Midtown
The little paper with the big picture!
EDITOR’S CHAIR
OK! I really mean it when I say I can't believe we are in October! Where has the year gone? I had to get some supplies from a home repair store a couple of weeks ago, and while I shouldn't have been surprised, seeing full Christmas decorations and displays in September was a bit too much, even for me, someone who loves the holidays.
Welcome to our "Fall" issue! It will be another month or so before our Florida weather catches up to this. However, in a few short weeks, we will be gathering around the dinner table with friends and family for Thanksgiving Dinner. To help ensure you don't overdo it this year, please check out our holiday eating tips on Page 18
Speaking of eating, we spent some time with our friends from the non-profit organization, Light Orlando, at their one million meals event, which was absolutely incredible, as over 2,500 volunteers showed up to help pack food boxes for food-insecure families in our neighborhood. It was a reminder about the power of humanity and the rewards you get from helping others. You can read more about the event on Page 8
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and we wanted to make sure we did our small part to remind our readers about the power of "pink." We encourage the women in our lives to get their annual mammogram scheduled and provide information about awareness events and health tips.
I spent some time catching up with Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District Executive Director, Tamara Johnson. Now, having been on the job for two years, I was eager to hear from her about her experiences in the role and her thoughts on upcoming projects. Speaking of community projects, have you visited H Mart yet? The new Asian supermarket, located in the former Target building on West Colonial Drive, opened last month to rave reviews and hundreds of eager shoppers. I plan to wait a few
weeks for things to calm down before making my inaugural visit. I am interested in learning more about the direct economic impact on the community, including the number of jobs created and the number of residents employed at the store.
It has been a busy year for just about everyone I speak to, which has me sometimes wonder, what are we doing it for? My wife and I often say it feels like the prepertual rat race. While we are not motivated by material items, if you want a lovely house and drive a decent car, those come with monthly payments that, when combined with inflationary increases in groceries and everything else we don't work to live, we live to work.
The holiday season can be tough for many people. Memories of loved ones who are no longer with us, and the pressure of trying to provide and perform, only add to the difficulty. With all the hustle and bustle that comes with preparing the perfect holiday meal and selecting the ideal gifts for our loved ones, please don't lose sight of what's essential. Take a moment to pause and breathe. Pay attention to how you are feeling, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Over the last year, I have learned to rely on my faith more than ever before.
Lastly, the year isn't over yet. It is never too late to set a goal to kick an old habit or start working on a new project. Don't wait until the new year; if you start now, you will have a head start on achieving your goals.
Until next time, be well!
KNOW THIS!
Orange County Public Art Review Board Request for Proposals: Multicultural Senior Center Artwork
In September, the Orange County Public Art Review Board invited applications from individual artists or artist teams to design and create artwork for the Orange County Multicultural Senior Center, located in Pine Hills.
Artistic Vision
The Pine Hills Seniors are a dynamic and vibrant group whose history and spirit deserve to be honored. The selected artwork should reflect their energy, resilience, and cultural richness, enhancing the environment of the Center while creating a sense of belonging.
Selection Process
A panel consisting of the project manager, stakeholders, and art professionals will review artist qualifications. Several artists will be invited to submit full proposals and will receive a $500 stipend for their submissions. The Arts & Cultural Affairs Director will serve as the non-voting Chair of the selection panel.
Artists will be evaluated based on:
Artistic excellence as evidenced by submitted materials
Professional experience and portfolio
Compatibility with the architectural design, facility environment, and community values
Upcoming Project Timeline
Artist Proposals Due: Monday, November 3, 2025, at 12:00 noon EST
Proposal Review: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 2:00–3:30 p.m. EST
Notification of Acceptance: By or before November 5, 2025
Project Installation: July 2026
Goodwill Industries of Central Florida Unveils Hub for Innovation and Economic Mobility
On September 12th , community leaders, partners and supporters gathered with Goodwill Industries of Central Florida (GICF) at the newly renovated campus located at 7531 South Orange Blossom Trail .
In addition to enhancing the customer and donor experience in the retail space, the facility offers hands-on job training, one-on-one financial coaching and educational support Two key partnerships are operating from the South OBT campus:
The Work Transition pilot program with CareerSource Central Florida provides 12 weeks of paid job training to individuals seeking to move away from public assistance. Project COMPASS offers Orange County Public School students an alternative education program designed to keep them in school and on track to earn a high school diploma – increasing their earning potential by 25% compared to a peer who didn’t graduate.
“Our mission has always been to turn generosity into opportunity,” said Ed Durkee, President and CEO at GICF . “We made a strategic decision to stay in this location, and that investment in this campus reflects our belief that every Central Floridian deserves the tools and access to resources that allow them to reach their full potential.”
Donations not only drive revenue that is re-invested in Goodwill’s community workforce development programs, but they also keep textiles and other household goods out of local landfills. In addition, redesigned drive-through donation lanes at the South OBT campus will make giving to Goodwill easier, helping the organization divert an estimated 27 million pounds of donated items from being trashed. In 2024, the organization repurposed nearly 24 million pounds of materials
For more information about Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, including the nearest store or Donation Xpress, visit www.GoodwillCFL.org .
Building Community, One Meal at a Time: Light Orlando Packs One Million Meals
OnAugust 23rd our community witnessed an incredible act of service, when more than 2,500 volunteers came together to pack one million meals for families facing food insecurity at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. The event, hosted by Light Orlando, filled the room with energy, music, and a spirit of unity that volunteers described as both “addictive” and “life-changing.”
Since launching five years ago, Light Orlando’s meal-packing efforts have grown from small church-based gatherings to large-scale community events. What began with 65,000 meals has now expanded into million-meal builds two years in a row.
“This works because of trust,” explained Troy Wright, Program Officer with Light Orlando. “When people know that we’ve vetted the organizations, that the event is well-run, and that it will truly help the community, they step up,” continued Wright.
On packing day, volunteers stood shoulder-to-shoulder across 90 assembly lines, filling boxes with veggie pasta blends, dried vegetables, and spices. Each case held enough food for hundreds of servings. The meals were then distributed to more than 60 partner organizations, from Family Promise to the Union Rescue Mission, ensuring they reached families, food pantries, and community kitchens across Central Florida.
Food insecurity remains a growing challenge in Central Florida, especially with rising grocery costs. Light Orlando’s mission is to make a tangible impact while giving residents a meaningful way to connect. “It feels like working alongside 2,500 of your closest friends,” said one participant.
Junior Creative
And the service doesn’t stop there. Light Orlando’s next major project will take place on December 13th, with volunteers serving seniors at Salvation Army and assisted living facilities, and families at the Howard Field Center. Organizers expect about 500 volunteers, welcoming individuals of all ages.
When talking about Light Orlando's volunteer initiatives, Program Officer, Camille McCashland added “Come ready to serve, meet new people, and have a great time,” they said. “But be warned—it’s contagious. Once you start serving, you’ll want to keep coming back.”
The Community Celebrates the Grand Opening of LYNX Pine Hills Transfer Station
Whata sight to behold—hundreds of residents, local leaders, and community partners gathered on August 28 to celebrate the grand opening of the long-awaited Pine Hills Transfer Center.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Florida State Senator, LaVon Bracy Davis, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, County Commissioners Christine Moore and Michael Scott, Orange County Clerk of Courts, Tiffany Moore Russell and LYNX Chief Executive Officer Tiffany Homler Hawkins, who hosted the event.
The $18 million project, funded in part by a $1.03 million contribution from Orange County, has been more than a decade in the making. Designed to improve bus service access for Pine Hills residents, the new facility represents not only an investment in transportation, but also in the community’s long-term growth and revitalization.
“This transfer center is more than concrete and steel,” said Mayor Demings. “It’s a promise kept to Pine Hills, providing mobility, opportunity, and connection.”
Guests enjoyed snacks, prizes, and giveaways while touring the new facility. Many praised the project as a cornerstone of the Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District’s mission to foster economic development and enhance quality of life.
Project by the Numbers
- 5.3 million pounds of concrete poured for buses and the passenger platform
- More than 4,100 feet of wiring installed for power and lighting
- 32,590+ pounds of steel used, including the canopy
- New traffic signal and intersection upgrades at Belco Drive and Silver Star Road
- The project was funded by the Federal Transit Administration, Florida Department of Transportation and Orange County.
Photo courtesy of Noel Busch
Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October
is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Orlando is turning pink in support of survivors, patients, and families affected by this disease. Throughout the city, organizations, businesses, and community members are coming together to raise awareness, promote early detection, and honor the strength of those impacted.
From the Lake Eola Fountain glowing pink each evening to local health systems offering free mammogram screenings, the month is filled with opportunities to support and get involved. Events such as the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, hosted by the American Cancer Society, scheduled for Saturday, October 25th, at Lake Eola Park, bring thousands of residents together for a powerful morning of hope, remembrance, and unity.
To help prevent breast cancer, focus on lifestyle changes and regular screenings. While some risk factors like age and genetics can't be changed, modifiable factors like weight, physical activity, and alcohol consumption can significantly lower your risk. Local nonprofits and area hospitals are also providing educational workshops, wellness fairs, and resources to ensure women and men have access to life-saving information and services.
This October, join the movement: attend an event, schedule your screening, wear your pink with pride, and show your support. Together, Orlando is shining as a city of hope, healing, and resilience.
Preparing Your Skin for Fall Weather
Provided by Toni Winters
Kick off fall with a professional facial to refresh your skin. Summer sun, sweat, and sunscreen can clog pores and leave behind dullness or dark spots. A facial help exfoliate dead skin cells and restore your glow. Plus, it’s a great time to consult a skincare expert who can assess your complexion and recommend a personalized routine.
Switch to a Moisturizing Cleanser: As the weather cools, your skin needs extra hydration. Ditch harsh soaps and foaming cleansers that strip natural oils. Instead, opt for a cream or lotion-based cleanser with ingredients including:
• Hyaluronic acid which locks in moisture
• Vitamin E which nourishes and protects
• Fruit enzymes – gently exfoliate, use lukewarm water to cleanse, preserving your skin’s moisture barrier.
Upgrade to a Heavier Moisturizer: Lower humidity means drier skin. Even oily skin types benefit from added hydration—dryness can trigger excess oil production and breakouts. Look for moisturizers with hyaluronic acid or aloe vera to keep your skin soft and balanced.
Don’t Skip Sunscreen: Cooler temps don’t mean UV protection is optional. While UVB rays (sunburncausing) decrease, UVA rays (aging and skin damage) remain strong year-round. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or aloe. If you’re forgetful, try tinted moisturizers or foundations with built-in SPF.
Add Targeted Treatments: Fall calls for more than just a basic moisturizer. Incorporate eye creams and lip balms to combat seasonal dryness. For an extra boost, try a hydrating nighttime serum or face mask to replenish your skin while you sleep.
Scan the QR Code for more information!
Community Spotlight
Tamara Johnson
Executive Director
Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District
The Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District (PHNID) was created in December 2011 as a recommendation from the Pine Hills Business Redevelopment Task Force The Orange County Board of Commissioners authorized an annual allocation of $125,000 for the PHNID.
Want to learn more? Community meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p m at the Pine Hills Community Center
For Tamara Johnson, Executive Director of the Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District (PHNID), the work is personal. Two years into her role, she has become a steady voice for business growth, community pride, and collaboration in one of Orange County’s most diverse neighborhoods
“My job is to support the businesses within the Pine Hills corridor,” Johnson explained “It’s about creating economic opportunities and making Pine Hills a place where people can live, work, and play. Most importantly, we want community dollars to circulate here through employment, spending, and investment ”
Progress You Can See
Over the past two years, several long-awaited projects have come to life in Pine Hills Chief among them is the LYNX Transfer Station, which reduces travel time for residents heading downtown while attracting thousands of visitors to Pine Hills each week
“That station means opportunity,” Johnson said. “People who may have never set foot in Pine Hills are now passing through, and that’s a chance for our businesses to thrive ”
Another milestone is the septic-to-sewer conversion project along Pine Hills Road Long in planning, the project is expected to be completed later this year, connecting local businesses to sewer lines and laying the groundwork for future development
And then there’s the streetscape improvements, which include the now-iconic lighted pillars that mark the heart of P ine Hills Beneath them runs a wall bearing the community’s adopted motto: “Many Cultures, One Bright Future.”
“It speaks to who we are,” Johnson said “No business or community can grow in a silo. Partnerships are the key to building the Pine Hills we all want to see.”
Community Spotlight
Challenges and Opportunities
Not every step has been easy Johnson admits that one of her biggest challenges is earning the trust of local businesses.
“There are so many businesses here that could benefit from learning basic management skills, budgeting, hiring, and meeting the needs of residents,” she noted “But trust is the foundation. Once they trust me, they trust PHNID, and they trust the county ”
To guide the district’s work, Johnson has engaged residents in visioning exercises, asking them to set priorities for the future. The results reflected universal community needs: strong neighborhoods, housing, and opportunities for people While some residents called for a Starbucks, Johnson urged them to think more deeply.
“It’s not just about bringing in a chain,” she said “It’s about supporting what we already have, creating mom- and-pop options, and taking pride in our businesses That’s how we build an environment that attracts and sustains new investment ”
Looking Ahead
Next January, PHNID will host a Community Information Fair at the Pine Hills Multicultural Center, where residents can view renderings of future projects and weigh in on the district’s direction. Johnson hopes it will be a rallying point.
“People here are passionate,” she said “Despite what some may think, optimism far outweighs resignation. Our crime rate is down, and the negative labels often don’t reflect reality Pine Hills is on the rise ”
A Call to Businesses
Johnson is eager for more local entrepreneurs to join the momentum. She points to opportunities near the LYNX Transfer Station, where commuters currently find no food or retail options, as well as in small plazas across the corridor
“I would encourage businesses to hire locally,” Johnson added “It’s not enough to just open your doors When you create jobs here, you’re investing in our future ”
Her message is simple and encouraging: Pine Hills’ future will be written through unity. “In the word ‘community’ is ‘unity,’” Johnson said with a smile. “We all have our individual goals, but when we come together, we make Pine Hills the place where people truly want to live, work, and play Many cultures, one bright future, that’s our story.”
Ask the Expert
| By Amanda Mahaleris RDN/LDN
Holiday Eating: Thanksgiving Tips to Enjoy The Day!
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. However, it can also be a time when healthy eating habits go out the window. With so many tempting dishes and desserts, it's easy to overindulge. Don't worry; there are ways to enjoy the holiday without sabotaging your health goals.
Firstly, don't skip meals leading up to Thanksgiving dinner. Many people make the mistake of "saving" their calories for the big meal, but this can lead to overeating and feeling uncomfortably full. Instead, eat a balanced breakfast and lunch, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, to keep you satisfied throughout the day.
When it comes to the main event, go for lean protein sources like turkey breast without the skin. Fill up on non-starchy vegetables like green beans, Brussels sprouts, and carrots. These vegetables are low in calories but high in fiber, which will keep you feeling full. Avoid heavy, creamy sides like mashed potatoes, and instead go for roasted sweet potatoes or a small serving of stuffing or dressing. However, always keep in mind how these dishes were prepared. When cooking, try using less butter, sugar, and salt to keep things on the healthier side. Don't forget about dessert!
While you can always reach for healthier options like baked apples or a fruit salad instead of traditional desserts like pecan or pumpkin pie, don't feel that you have to avoid these delicious desserts you enjoy year after year. Simply, opt for a smaller slice and skip the whipped cream.
That brings us to our next tip: Portion control.
• Use a smaller plate and fill half of your plate with vegetables, one quarter with your choice of protein, and one quarter with a starch.
• Stick to your plate, avoid fumbling around with plates and bowls on the side, and avoid piling foods sky high. This will help you keep track of how much you're eating and prevent overindulging.
Healthy eating during Thanksgiving is certainly possible. You can enjoy the holiday without sacrificing your health by following these tips. Happy Thanksgiving!
Amanda Mahaleris is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Hebni Nutrition Consultants Inc. With a special interest in community nutrition, Amanda aims to help individuals of all ages reduce their risk for preventable chronic illness through dietary changes by educating using science-based information. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Central Florida and worked in the public-school system before attaining a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Alabama.
Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership Newsletter
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2025
ASIAN SUPERSTORE H MART OPENS ITS DOORS IN A FAMILIAR LOCATION
The community was buzzing, and local streets were packed as hundreds of Orlando residents lined up on Thursday for the grand opening of Florida’s first H Mart. H Mart describes itself as America’s premier Asian food destination that provides groceries and everyday essential needs, as well as upscale products.
Meetings are scheduled for the 2nd Thursday of every month in the Marlin Room Barnett Park 6:00 PM
Beyond the eats, the superstore offers kitchenware, skincare products, and more. Also in-house is K-beauty brand Aritaum, quirky Korean and Japanese lifestyle store Artbox, Dodo Hair & Head Spa, Korean-founded photo studio Haru Film, and Kiddleton’s Japanese-style claw machine games.
H Mart has been working for years to establish a location in Central Florida and opened at the site of a former Super Target, located at 7501 W. Colonial Drive, which closed its doors in 2012.
“It means jobs, it means food, and it means opportunity,” Orange County District 6 Commissioner Michael Scott said. “What H Mart is looking to do is not only just provide a grocery store, but also provide spaces for small businesses you see around, and be a part of the community and invest in it.”
The store will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including holidays.
New Homes with Affordable Mortgages Available near Downtown Orlando
Ebony purchased her home from Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County in 2023. The longtime Orange County employee recently shared how her life has changed since closing on her home almost three years ago.
“Homeownership has been amazing. The journey was amazing. Habitat had the best people to guide me through. Even when I wasn’t confident in myself, they pushed me through,” Ebony said. Since her closing, she has planted both literal and figurative roots in Holden Heights, tending to her new plants while getting to know her neighbors. She hopes that owning her home and going back to school at age 40 will encourage her son and daughter to work hard and not give up, no matter how long it takes.
Owning a home brings stability, pride, and long-term financial benefits. Instead of paying rent that increases year after year, homeowners build equity. Children in stable housing tend to perform better in school, and families experience improved health and well-being. Habitat homes are energy-efficient, which means lower utility bills and a smaller environmental footprint.
How Habitat Orlando & Osceola Helps
Habitat Orlando & Osceola’s mission is to make homeownership affordable for individuals and families who are priced out of the open market. And right now, we are accepting applications for brand-new, energyefficient homes in Holden Heights—just minutes from downtown Orlando, I-4, and 408.
Applicants must meet three main criteria:
• Afford a monthly mortgage. You need a middle credit score of 630. You also need to meet income requirements to ensure that your mortgage stays affordable.
• Current housing is inadequate. Do you live in a home that’s overcrowded, temporary, or unsafe? Or is your household paying more than 30% of its monthly income toward housing?
• Willingness to partner. Our homeownership classes and sweat equity hours give you the tools to be a successful homeowner by walking you through basic home maintenance, budgeting, and more.
The Path to Homeownership
1. Attend a Homeownership Program Orientation: Attend one of our twice monthly sessions to learn about our homes and the program.
2. Apply/Meet with Housing Counselor: After attending an orientation, you’ll get a link to pay the application fee and then fill out the homeownership application. Need help applying or meeting the criteria? Sign up to meet for free with one of our Certified Housing Counselors who can help.
3. Pick Your Lot: After your application is approved, you’ll choose the location, floorplan, and finishes of your home.
4. Fulfill Partnership Requirements: You’ll also start taking classes and can volunteer on the build site.
5. Closing: We’ll work with you to apply for down-payment assistance programs, which can reduce your home’s price by up to $100,000. After closing, you’ll get the keys to your brand new, affordable home!
Learn more and take your first step toward homeownership by visiting HabitatOrlando.org/Homeownership
