PHCC Honoring 53 Years of Service & 49 Years Incorporated
Dear Pine Hills Community,
As we mark a momentous occasion in our journey together, the Pine Hills Community Council, Inc. (PHCC) proudly celebrates 53 years of dedicated service and 49 years of official incorporation in the great State of Florida.
Since our founding in 1972, PHCC has stood as a steadfast advocate for the families, neighborhoods, and future of Pine Hills. Our mission has remained consistent: to preserve Pine Hills as a clean, safe, and prosperous community where all residents can thrive. We have worked shoulder-to-shoulder with residents, local leaders, and partner organizations to shape the Pine Hills we know today.
On May 25, 1976, we were officially incorporated, allowing us to amplify our voice and strengthen our capacity to make lasting change. Nearly five decades later, we continue to serve as a trusted community voice, driving initiatives that matter—from zoning and beautification to safety, education, civic engagement, and economic development.
Throughout the years, PHCC has evolved while remaining rooted in its founding values. From advocating for infrastructure improvements to leading community clean-ups, hosting town halls, and participating in public policy dialogues, our efforts have always centered the people of Pine Hills. We honor the work of those who came before us and recognize that their vision built the foundation we stand on today.
As we celebrate these milestones, we also look forward—with hope, commitment, and shared purpose. The challenges of today demand collaboration, and our future depends on engaged residents, forward-thinking leadership, and sustained advocacy.
We invite you to join us in continuing this legacy. Whether you are a lifelong resident, a newcomer, or a community partner, your voice, your gifts, and your presence are vital to the progress of Pine Hills.
Together, we will shape the next 50 years with the same passion and resilience that defined our first.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
"Preserving a Clean, Safe & Prosperous Community"
Rooted in Purpose. Fueled by Dedication.
Latanya Nichols, Ed.D.
PHCC 2025 President
Pine Hills Community Council, Inc.
Info@Pinehills.info
#PineHillsStrong #CommunitySafety #OrangeCountyFL #PHCCOrlando #SafeNeighborhoods #EngagePineHills #CivicPride #StrongerTogether #SafetyMatters #PineHillsProud
PHCC Logos Throughout The Years
About The Pine Hills Community Council
Pine Hills Community Council, a 501(c) 4 non-profit civic organization has members which represents our community diversity and a broad spectrum of the views and interests. Renowned for investing our efforts directly in our community and also promote its interest at the county, state and national levels.
Dr. Latanya Nichols
President
Mrs. Sandra Fatmi-Hall
First Vice President
Julien Serrano-O’Neil, ACNP
SVP & Council Services Officer
'It takes a movement': Pine Hills advocates revisit idea to become an independent municipality
By: Senait Gebregiorgis | Reporter Updated: 11:20 PM EDT Mar 9, 2025
PINE HILLS, Fla. — Places like Ocoee and Winter Garden in Orange County have their own government, and now some people in Pine Hills want the same independence.
"This conversation started because we felt that it's something we needed to do, and we met the criteria, which is number one, of being over 40,000 residents," said Sandra Fatmi-Hall, vice president of the advocacy group Pine Hills Community Council.
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The community council says becoming an independent municipality is something they’ve been trying to bring to fruition for more than 20 years, but the topic was recently brought up at a meeting.
"Yes, this is what we want, but it takes a movement and a momentum to get it going," said Fatmi-Hall.
There are more than 80,000 residents in Pine Hills and advocates believe having their own mayor and law enforcement could make a difference and carve out a path towards a brighter future.
"You have to work towards that collectively," Fatmi-Hall said. "We can't get anything done unless we're working together."
Among several things, increasing safety is a priority. Some residents want to create local policies that cater to their needs.
"I understand that there's feelings and I understand that there's hurt, but that conversation needs to take place so that when we go at this, it is effective," Fatmi-Hall said. "It doesn't just happen overnight. We have to follow the Florida law. We have to follow the statutes."
The president of the community council, Dr. Latanya Nichols, says the process will be challenging.
"There are lots of pros; however, there are other aspects of it, such as the local businesses have to buy in," Nichols said. "We've been to the board of county commissioners, in the past and have solicited to have our own municipality as well as it's been on the ballot in the past, several times has been on the ballot."
Pine Hills Community Council will continue the conversation and hold a meeting every first Tuesday of the month at the Orange County Multicultural Center.
Residents consider incorporating Pine Hills as own municipality
PINE HILLS, Fla. — Pine Hills residents gathered Monday at the Orange County Multicultural Center to discuss the possibility of incorporating their community as its own municipality.
The meeting was hosted by the Pine Hills Community Council (PHCC). It examined the potential benefits, challenges, and necessary steps for incorporation.
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“Municipality may not be our best option. We don’t know yet,” said Dr. LaTonya Nichols, PHCC president. “There are some pros and cons we have to look at and identify what the residents want to see come out of this.”
Attendees expressed a desire for improved services such as law enforcement, sanitation and fire protection. Proponents argued that incorporation would allow residents greater control over these services rather than relying on Orange County.
“Residents would have direct control over services and policies instead of being governed by Orange County,” said PHCC member Sandra Fatimi-Hall. She also pointed out a significant drawback, “Let me go over some of the cons… higher taxes.”
Several steps must be taken to move forward with incorporating, including assessing population size, conducting a feasibility study, gathering public input and establishing local leadership.
Pine Hills resident Cheryl Soriano said, “I see both positive and negative aspects. The biggest concern, of course, is finances—being able to earn and sustain the community. It’s important that we know ahead of time, as much as we can, about how much it will cost us. A lot of people say they want it, but when it comes to the pocketbook, that’s another story.”
Orange County Commissioner Mike Scott, who represents parts of Pine Hills, said he supports ongoing discussions about the future of the community. “A lot of this work is going to happen at the local level, but once the local work is done, they’ll have to lobby the legislature for it,” he said.
The Pine Hills Community Council plans to continue discussions in future meetings as residents weigh the potential impacts of incorporation.
Article Linked Here: https://www.wesh.com/article/residents-incorporating-pine-hills-municipality/64357919
Pine Hills Community Council demands action on stalled revitalization projects
March 27, 2025 | Orange County, Florida | By: Citizens Portal
Thanks to Republi.us and Family Scribe , all articles about Florida are free for you to enjoy throughout 2025! This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting
The recent meeting of the Orange County Mid-Decennial Redistricting Advisory Committee highlighted pressing concerns regarding the Pine Hills community and the broader implications of redistricting efforts. As community members voiced their frustrations, the discussions underscored a desire for immediate action and equitable representation in the face of changing demographics and stagnant development.
Key speaker sentiments emphasized the need for a strategic focus on revitalization projects in Pine Hills. Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress on infrastructure improvements, such as roadways and revitalization programs, which have remained unfinished despite plans in place. The call for action was clear: community members want to see tangible results, not just promises of change over the next decade. This urgency reflects a broader concern that Pine Hills has been left behind as surrounding areas like Lake Nona and Winter Garden experience growth and development.
The meeting also addressed the importance of using updated demographic data in the redistricting process. Several speakers pointed out that relying on the 2020 census data is inadequate given the significant changes in household incomes and community demographics since then. The call for equity in representation was a recurring theme, with residents urging the committee to consider the unique needs of unincorporated areas like Pine Hills, where many prefer to maintain their community identity rather than assimilate into larger municipalities.
Hattie Bryant, another speaker, criticized the committee's consideration of outdated census data, likening it to ignoring new scientific findings. Her remarks highlighted a broader frustration with the potential for decisions to be made without the most current information, which could lead to ineffective or misguided redistricting outcomes.
As the committee continues its work, the discussions from this meeting signal a critical moment for Pine Hills and its residents. The community is seeking not only representation but also a commitment to follow through on revitalization efforts that have been promised for years. The outcome of these discussions will likely shape the future of Pine Hills, making it essential for the committee to heed the voices of its residents and prioritize their needs in the redistricting process.
Converted from 2025 Orange County Mid-Decennial Redistricting Advisory Committee | March 27, 2025 meeting on March 27, 2025
Link to Full Meeting
PHCC Mourns the Passing of Mr. Dennis Hall
The Pine Hills Community Council
mourns the passing of our dear
friend and community leader, Mr. Dennis Hall
Another angel went to be with the Lord.
Dear Pine Hills Community, Community Partners, and Friends:
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of longtime Board of Director, Mr. Dennis Hall. Dennis passed away on Thursday, October 31st, 2024, after succumbing to a battle with Cancer, with his family by his side. Mr. Hall was a valued Pine Hills Community Council Board Member who served his community with dedication and passion for over 20 years (with the PHCC). His resilience in addressing the need for positive change in the Pine Hills community serves as a testament and we are thankful for his outstanding leadership, friendship, guidance and wisdom throughout the years. Mr. Hall upheld a strong focus on community growth, care, and a passion for paving the way for underserve youth to excel in leadership and mentorship opportunities through, the Future Leaders United.
Mr. Hall leaves behind his wife, Sandra Fatmi-Hall, his children Tenille, Sandra, Lisa, and Tony, and his granddaughters Njani, Nakari, and Nyala. We will deeply miss Mr. Hall’s presence on the board and the positive impact he had on our organization, community, and everyone that had the opportunity to know him. His smile lit up the room and will continue to be part of our memory for years to come. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
The family is asking for your patience as arrangements for the wake and funeral are being made and will be shared when made available from the family.
With profound sympathy,
The Pine Hills Community Council, Inc.
Board of Directors
Note: If you would like to send messages of condolences to the family and Mrs. Sandra, Click this email, it will automatically fill in the subject line and the email recipients sections: Info@unitedfoundationcf.org. All you need to do is type your message. The United Foundation of Central Florida will share these messages with them when most appropriate. Thank You
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About The Pine Hills Community Council
Pine Hills Community Council, a 501(c) 4 non-profit civic organization has members which represents our community diversity and a broad spectrum of the views and interests. Renowned for investing our efforts directly in our community and also promote its interest at the county, state and national levels.
Dr. Latanya Nichols
President
Mrs. Sandra Fatmi-Hall
First Vice President
Julien Serrano-O’Neil, ACNP
SVP & Council Services Officer
PHCC 2023 Tulie Phillips Scholarship Recipient: Shekina St Louis
This Year the Pine Hills Community Council, Inc., awards the Annual Tulie L. Phillips Endowed Scholarship to Shekina St Louis, Evans High School graduate class of 2023.
This Year the Pine Hills Community Council, Inc., awards the Annual Tulie L. Phillips Endowed Scholarship to Shekina St Louis, Evans High School graduate class of 2023. Shekina graduated Evans High School with a 4.3 GPA and will be attending Valencia College in the Bridges to Success Scholars Program majoring in Criminal Justice with the desire to attend Law School following her undergraduate experience.
Shekina is a active student leader as a member of the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. - Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring Program, National Society of High School Scholars, Elevate Orlando, Evans Senior Class, Gospel Choir, Evans High Marching Band, just to name a few.
About the Tulie L. Phillips Endowed Scholarship
Tulie Lucretia Phillips (1931-1997) was secretary and then president of the Pine Hills Community Council. Her energy and focus helped to revitalize the Council, giving it a sense of purpose and tangible objectives. She was a tireless community advocate. She tended the Pine Hills booth at the Central Florida Fair, worked as a realtor in her brokerage firm (Contemporary Real Estate and Investments, Inc.), and was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church. She served on the Orlando-Winter Park Board of Realtors as chair of the Professional Standards Committee and the Committee on Equal Opportunity. Tulie was named to the Princeton Hospital Council on Aging in 1996 and then to the Orange County Code Enforcement Board. She coordinated numerous community events bolstering pride among the residents of Pine Hills. She remains a positive force for improvement in the community and a continuing source of inspiration.
About The Pine Hills Community Council, Inc. (PHCC)
PHCC was founded in 1972. We are a 501(c)(4) nonprofit civic organization. We invest our efforts directly in our community and promote its interests at the county, state, and national levels to assure the continued vitality of a unique, family-friendly, safe place to live, work, and play.
The Midtown Press Article: 2023 Pine Hills Global Earth Day Community Clean Up
On April 22, 2023, The Pine Hills Community Council (in partnership with local community organizations) gathered over 70 volunteers at Barnett Park. The mission of the day was simple: To clean up Barnett Park and to do it together.
By Kassandra M. Santiago
On April 22, 2023, The Pine Hills Community Council (in partnership with local community organizations) gathered over 70 volunteers at Barnett Park. The mission of the day was simple: To clean up Barnett Park and to do it together.
The 2023 Global Earth Day Community Clean Up and Family Fun Day, where youth volunteers, families, church leaders, and other excellent organizations were given the opportunity to have fun while making a difference. This event brought together energetic and motivated volunteers who were eager to help keep their environment clean and healthy. Global Earth Day is a perfect example of a positive initiative that not only benefits the community but also empowers everyone to roll up their sleeves and do their part. Their energy and enthusiasm were contagious, and it was clear that they took great pride in their work.
The groups behind this event did an outstanding job of organizing the day and providing the necessary tools and resources to make it a success. The volunteers were given gloves, trash bags, and cleaning supplies and were then divided into teams to tackle different areas of the park. The experience also provided valuable life lessons for the young volunteers from the Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment & Mentoring Program. They learned the importance of working together towards a common goal, the value of community service, and the impact that small actions can have on a larger scale. It was heartening to see young people taking an active role in making their community a better place and an opportunity for them to see a great example of what can be achieved when a community comes together for a common goal. They also gained valuable team-building skills and learned the satisfaction that comes from giving back to the community.
If you would like to learn more about the organization or get involved in future efforts, you can visit their website at www.pinehills.info
The Midtown Press Article: Treesilience Demonstration Project: Experience Christian Center
In a region grappling with environmental challenges, every small step toward sustainability counts. One such heartwarming initiative recently occurred in our community.
By Kassandra M. Santiago
In a region grappling with environmental challenges, every small step toward sustainability counts. One such heartwarming initiative recently occurred in our community. The Experience Christian Center Church and several non-profits joined hands to facilitate a remarkable moment for the once eye sore. The event brought the community together and served as a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and a commitment to creating a greener future for all. Residents, leaders, and volunteers gathered to enhance their surroundings and foster a greater connection.
The event injected new life into the urban landscape, transforming it slowly into a vibrant area of greenery. The impact of this transformation on the neighborhood's aesthetic appeal cannot be understated, as it offers residents and those passing by a daily visual reminder of the power of small revitalization efforts that can occur alongside our roadways. The ceremony, led by the Orlando Metro Treesilience (and its partners) served as a platform for community members to connect, exchange ideas, and enjoy refreshments before planting along the building.
Beyond the benefits of shade and beauty, the tree planting ceremony on Hiawassee Rd. holds long-lasting environmental advantages. The new plants and more will improve air quality, reduce carbon dioxide levels, and support local biodiversity. This event has sown the seeds of a greener future alongside one of Orlando’s busiest streets, one that deserves our attention.
The warm weather, coupled with the opportunity to actively participate in the ceremony, ignited a renewed sense of collective responsibility. The ceremony was a testament to the strength of collaboration between The Experience Christian Center Church, residents, and the community organizers that serve us. Each partner brought their unique expertise and resources to the table. We applaud The Experience Christian Center Church, Orlando Metro Treesilience initiative (by The Nature Conservancy), and the rest of the organizing partners for planting seeds in Pine Hills.
PHCC Receives Treesilience Orlando Metro Program Grant
Treesilience provides preventive tree maintenance for low-income homeowners in under-resourced communities and offers plantings of wind-resistant trees to restore tree canopy.
Orlando Metro Cities Program
OVERVIEW
Once lakes and pine forest wilderness, and then farms, ranches and citrus groves, today Central Florida is home to the Orlando Metropolitan area. Stretching across six counties—Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia—the Orlando metro area is a diverse and beautiful region with both natural spaces and growing urban development. As the fastest growing metro area in Florida and the third fastest-growing metro in the nation, the population of metropolitan Orlando is increasing and the urban footprint is expanding further into environmentally sensitive lands to meet the needs of ongoing growth.
Often as cities grow, natural systems degrade, greenspaces disappear, temperatures increase and communities become more vulnerable to climate change impacts. The Orlando Metro area is faced with the need to balance rapid development and controversial proposals that impact regional ecosystems, the habitats that help supply our drinking water and support iconic wildlife and biodiversity in Florida. The time is now to guide a bright future for the region, to ensure that valuable greenspaces and sustainable practices are at the forefront of urban planning.
TNC is committed to making that vision a reality, keeping nature in focus as a solution to challenges and a valued asset, so that both nature and people can thrive. We are focused on integrating conservation in urban planning to transform city landscapes for the benefit of people and nature, and to advance urban resilience.
But what exactly do we mean by urban conservation?
Urban conservation is the active management of the natural resources and systems of a city to preserve, maintain and restore their functions; deliver a wide array of benefits to protect biodiversity; and enhance the well-being of residents, while ideally prioritizing the needs of under-resourced and frontline communities. Urban conservation focuses on protecting nature for cities, thereby improving the functions of the systems on which cities rely, as well as improving the lives of people in cities.
TNC is playing an important role connecting scientists, decision makers, community members and nonprofit organizations in the Orlando Metro area so that, together, we can find solutions to development challenges and threats to natural ecosystems. Here at TNC, we know urban conservation has the potential to strengthen the bond between cities, nature and people by deploying nature-based solutions that protect biodiversity and improve the quality of modern urban life, while informing the next generation of environmental stewards.
Program Priorities
TNC has identified various areas in which we can lend our expertise and energies to the most impactful use. Our goals include efforts to:
Mitigate hazards & improve disaster preparedness
Alleviate extreme heat & urban heat islands
Connect greenspaces & increase urban forests
Connect people with nature & protect biodiversity
TREESILIENCE PROJECT
Trees in urban areas provide many benefits that help alleviate urban environmental challenges. Trees reduce heat, provide shade, block wind and provide habitat. They also reduce flooding, capture and store carbon, boost physical and mental health and provide aesthetic value.
However, when a storm hits the Orlando metro area, severe winds and wind-born rain create hazards such as flooding and downed trees in inland and coastal areas across the region. Damage caused by uprooted or falling tree limbs is one of the most severe impacts of hurricanes and tropical storms—causing power outages, loss of property and infrastructure and even fatalities. And the loss of tree canopy reduces available shade and decreases heat and pollution absorption.
Local governments frequently encourage homeowners to prepare for hurricane season by trimming trees, but communities that are more vulnerable to, and disproportionately impacted by extreme weather events often lack the resources for preventive tree maintenance. This increases their risk of damage caused by unhealthy or dying trees.
Enter Treesilience, a national TNC initiative focused on creating a resilient tree canopy in urban areas. In Orlando, we are working in vulnerable communities to maintain mature trees, plant new ones and a long-term goal of recruiting youth from underrepresented backgrounds for jobs in urban forestry and conservation. Thanks to a generous grant from Walt Disney World Resort, Treesilience provides tree health assessment and maintenance, dead tree removal and replacement and new plantings of Florida-friendly shade and fruit trees to address heat and food insecurity concerns.
In an effort to support our goal to mitigate hazards and improve disaster preparedness, we are partnering with the Pine Hills Community Council, Infinite Zion Farms, IDEAS For Us, and Davey Tree Experts on the Treesilience project. Treesilience provides preventive tree maintenance for low-income homeowners in under-resourced communities and offers plantings of wind-resistant trees to restore tree canopy.
Conventionally, the notion of maintenance in many cities has focused on the built environment, specifically bridges, roads and power lines known as gray infrastructure. Treesilience draws attention to trees as a key part of natural infrastructure, which can be susceptible to costly failures, when not maintained. The Treesilience project emphasizes safeguarding our natural infrastructure, moving us toward our goal of building sustainable and resilient communities.
SURBURBAN SPRAWL This aerial photo depicts new housing development in Reunion, Florida sprawling outward from Orlando. © Carlton Ward Jr.
Orlando Development Facts
Facts about growth and development in the Orlando Metro area in Florida.
Florida's Population
Florida is the third most populous state in the nation with multiple large and fast-growing metro areas.
Orlando Metro Growth
A large portion of this growth occurs in the Orlando Metropolitan area, the fastest-growing metro area in Florida and the third fastest-growing metro area in the U.S.
Central Florida Development Projections
Orange County is projected to be the fastest-growing County by 2030, while Osceola County will increase in population by more than 50%. Brevard County is projected to undergo concentrated development along the Indian River Lagoon with profound implications on natural lands and lagoon health.
Orlando Metro Natural Areas
The Orlando Metro area is comprised of multiple regional, state, and national parks including the Wekiwa Springs State Park, Blue Spring State Park, Charles H. Bronson State Forest, Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park, Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, and Canaveral National Seashore.
Orlando Metro Growth Projections
The Orlando Metro area is currently facing the fastest sprawling development patterns in the state and projected to experience explosive growth in the future.
THE MONARCH INITIATIVE Educating Central Florida on the importance of pollinators. © Full Sail University
The Monarch Initiative
Launched in 2018 with the support of Full Sail University, The Monarch Initiative is focused on the iconic and imperiled monarch butterfly, a symbol of the many conservation challenges that pollinators and wildlife, natural systems and people face in Florida and around the globe. The unique program aims to increase awareness of the value of nature in our lives and encourage conservation action by educating the Central Florida community on the importance of pollinators and healthy natural systems through outreach and collaboration. This project moves TNC toward our goal to connect people with nature and protect biodiversity.
WHY MONARCHS?
The iconic monarch butterfly’s recognizable and beautiful appearance make it the perfect pollinator to start a conversation about the connections between people and nature.
Monarchs are known for their impressive multigenerational migration, spanning from Mexico to Canada. However, they have suffered a severe decline in population—decreasing from approximately one billion in 1996 to only about 100 million in 2016.
The monarch’s decline highlights the important role insects, pollinators, and natural systems play in our daily lives and the urgent need for protection efforts. It is thanks to pollinators that we have honey, potatoes, tree fruits, berries, grapes, avocados, coffee, tomatoes, chocolate, sugarcane, agave and other dietary staples.
Florida is home to both migratory and non-migratory populations of monarchs. This is believed to be caused, at least in part, by abundant evergreen milkweed. Milkweed is the only plant that monarch caterpillars can eat, and the only plant upon which adult monarchs will lay their eggs, making its prevalence critical to the monarch’s survival.
VISIT THE MURALS IN ORLANDO
A series of murals created by Ink Dwell studio as part of their Migrating Mural series highlight threatened and endangered wildlife along the migration corridors they share with people. These murals expose the public to endangered, elusive and transient animals that may otherwise go unseen.
MILKWEED GALAXY Mural is located on the campus of Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. © Full Sail University
The premier central Florida mural, titled Milkweed Galaxy, features monarchs painted in exacting detail and spectacular color and appears on the campus of Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. The mural appears across the entire front façade of Full Sail Live 3 located at 3150 University Boulevard in Winter Park. It is surrounded by butterfly-friendly landscaping. The mural is highly visible to the public from University Boulevard, where approximately 40,000 viewers pass by each day.
MIDNIGHT DREAM Mural located in downtown Orlando, Florida. © Full Sail University
The second mural, titled Midnight Dream, is located in downtown Orlando across the entire rear wall of 520 South Magnolia Avenue, next to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and across the street from City Hall. Facing Orange Avenue, the arresting and dramatic mural highlights monarch butterflies among their essential milkweed.
MONARCH LIFECYCLE Progression of the monarch from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. © Full Sail University
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MONARCHS?
Visit one of the Migrating Murals in Florida or beyond.
Explore nature at a one of our two preserves in Central Florida—Disney Wilderness Preserve and Tiger Creek Preserve. Here you can experience old Florida restored to its natural beauty just a short drive from Orlando.
Explore TNC's work to support monarchs in Oklahoma and Nevada.
Plant a pollinator garden on your lawn or patio.
Learn about the Monarch Joint Venture, a partnership of federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, businesses and academic programs working together to protect the monarch migration across the United States.
Support science education in your schools. Nature Lab provides standards-aligned curriculum to help students learn the science behind how nature works for us and how we can help keep it running strong.
Take action and advocate to keep nature on the federal agenda. Share your concern with your elected officials and urge them to act to protect people and nature.
Encourage your friends, family and community to speak up for nature. Share your commitment. Ask people to join you. Speak up for science-based solutions that support nature and people.
Support our work in Florida and around the globe.
2023 Oath of Office & Open House
On Tuesday, January 10th, 2023, the Pine Hills Community Council held its 2023 Oath of Office Ceremony at the Pine Hills Community Center.
On Tuesday, January 10th, 2023, the Pine Hills Community Council held its 2023 Oath of Office Ceremony at the Pine Hills Community Center. The "changing-of-the-guard event" saw the organization's leadership change from outgoing President Patricia Rumph to Sandra Fatmi-Hall. The Honorable Monique H. Worrell, State Attorney, administered the ceremony.
The Pine Hills Community Council is a volunteer civic organization that advocates for the people of Pine Hills. Board members and Directors-at-Large are committed to making a difference through community action.
1st Vice President Dr. Latanya Nichols shared some exciting news regarding a grant for which the Council applied. The group received word in December 2022 that they were being awarded a $5,000 grant aimed at focusing on tree health and tree canopy in the unincorporated Pine Hills area. The Council is proud of being a grant recipient and looks forward to working with The Nature Conservancy, and its partners (Davey Trees, Infinite Zion Farms, and IDEAS For Us) collectively on the Treesilience Orlando Metro Program 2023! Mrs. Nichols encourages residents and citizens, whether they live in the Pine Hills community or not, to get involved and to be part of this exciting journey as we work together to positively impact the change we want to see in our neighborhoods and community.
PHCC 2023 officers: President Sandra Fatmi-Hall, 1st Vice President Dr. Latanya Nichols, 2nd Vice President Melissa Service, Secretary Bertina Busch, Treasurer Evangeline Richardson; Trustees: Noel Martin, Pastor Joseph 'Joey' Boston, Dennis Hall; Past President, Patricia Rumph; Directors-at-large: Kenneth Dwyer, Dr. Idler Bonhomme, Erica Atterbury, Julien M. Serrano-O’Neil
Orlando Sentinel: Pine Hills Neighborhood Guide
Pine Hills is one of Orange County’s oldest and most prominent neighborhoods, with the start of home construction dating to the 1950s. In recent years, a significant change has been underway as county officials, and area leaders work together to revitalize and redevelop the area.
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The community sign of Pine Hills greets visitors with its slogan "An Orange County Community with Pride" located on north Pine Hills and Clarcona Ocoee road in Orlando. (Aileen Perilla/ Orlando Sentinel) (Aileen Perilla / Orlando Sentinel) In May, college scholarship money totaling $15.3 million was offered to the 537 graduates of Maynard Evans High School, an average of more than $27,000 in scholarships per student, a record for the school. Evans opened in 1955 and was reconstructed in 2012 at a reported cost of $70 million. It is a community school, designed to offer student-centered, family-focused and school-based services to students, their families and community members. “Pine Hills is a community that is thriving; we are one of the fastest growing in unincorporated Orange County,” says Sandra Fatmi, president of the Pine Hills Community Council. “This is simply a very nice place to live, work and play for several reasons. I am tremendously excited about the growth of our young people and what their prospects are. … We have a lot going on around here.” A $3 million Lynx Bus Transfer Station is on the way along Belco Drive in a building design that officials say will serve as the prototype for future LYNX transfer centers. It’s expected to essentially become a town center for Pine Hills. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2019. • The Central Florida Fairgrounds: Covering 87 acres, it hosts an array of events throughout the year, including concerts at its amphitheater and the Central Florida Fair, as well as a farmers market and flea market. (603 W. Colonial Drive, 407-295-3247; centralfloridafair.com • Barnett Park: Located behind the Central Florida Fairgrounds, the park provides a wide range of recreational amenities, including ball fields and courts, two areas for fishing, pavilions, playground, dog park and an area for Frisbee golf. It is perhaps best known as for its BMX bike track. (4801 W. Colonial Drive, 407-836-6248; orangecountyfl.net) • Pine Hills Community Performing Arts Center: Opened in 2011, this facility focuses on the area’s youth and provides programs that encompass theater, dance, visual art and poetry, among other disciplines. The center is based at the Pine Hills Community Church (1305 N. Pine Hills Road) and the Wayne Densch YMCA (870 N. Hastings St.). (407-234-9619; http://www.pinehillsperforms.org) Dining options from OS Foodie Lauren Delgado: ● 340 Caribbean Restaurant: Cuisine from the Virgin Islands is on the menu here. Look for conch, saltfish and more. (4529 N. Pine Hills Road, Orlando) ● Negril Jamaican Restaurant: Tuck into island fare such as jerk chicken, rice and peas, ackee and more at this small restaurant. Time your meal right to take advantage of the lunch specials. (6301 Silver Star Road, Orlando)A claim to fame
Why I live here
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Evans High School student group pushes for change in Pine Hills
The sirens heard outside of Evans High School are drowned out inside by young voices who are ready for change.
Students from Future Leaders United at Evans High School attended the Pine Hills community meeting Tuesday and engaged Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph on taxes and the budget. (Erin Murray, Staff)
By Erin Murray, Reporter
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 08, 2017, 11:02 AM EST News 13 Article Click Here
ORLANDO --
The sirens heard outside of Evans High School are drowned out inside by young voices who are ready for change.
Evans High School group gets involved in community
Future Leaders United attended Pine Hills meeting
Young people engaged local leaders
"What do you guys want to be?” asked Kedrine Gayle, to another student. “You look like a business man.”
Gayle is a senior at Evans High School and the president of the after school program Future Leaders United (FLU). On Tuesday, she and other club members worked on homework and discussed local government.
“Our goal is to really engage with the community, to really understand where Pine Hills is at,” said Gayle.
The students in FLU understand well the stigmas and issues that surround the area of Pine Hills.
“Pine Hills is known as 'Crime Hills,'” said Gayle. “It’s known as a place with a lot of food deserts and so on, and the incarceration rates are up, as well as we have a lot of unemployment.”
But the students also understand that creating change means getting involved. So after their FLU meeting ended, the same young students attended the Pine Hills community meeting a few hours later.
Tuesday’s main topic on the agenda was the budget for the next year and how it works. Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph, Orange County District 6 Commissioner Victoria Siplin, and Orange County Budget Manager Kurt Petersen all took turns fielding questions and sharing information.
Many people in the crowd asked questions, including three FLU students.
“Is there a specific time for that money to be used up or is it automatically go into the next budget year?” asked Gayle. She and her fellow students left inspired and with ideas about how to apply for grants. “I do believe we shouldn’t let finance be an excuse for not achieving our goals, for not achieving our dreams,” said Gayle. “So I do believe this money will be used in a very good way.”
“News 13 Reporter Erin Murray”