PHCC / Pine Hills Historical Commission

Commissioned under the PACE Administration by President Julien Serrano-O’Neil

Preserving Our Past. Protecting Our Story. Powering Our Future.

The PHCC/Pine Hills Historical Commission is a multi-tier initiative of the Pine Hills Community Council dedicated to preserving, documenting, and elevating the history of Pine Hills and the legacy of PHCC.

For over five decades, the Pine Hills Community Council has worked to strengthen civic life, advocate for residents, and preserve a clean, safe, and prosperous community. Yet much of our history lives in personal archives, newspaper clippings, photo albums, meeting minutes, and the memories of longtime residents.

This Commission exists to ensure that our story is not lost, rewritten, or forgotten.

Together, We Can Make a Difference — and that includes protecting our history.

Our Purpose

The PHCC/Pine Hills Historical Commission was established to:

  • Preserve the institutional history of the Pine Hills Community Council (est. 1972)

  • Document the civic, cultural, and social history of Pine Hills

  • Recognize legacy leaders and milestone moments

  • Collect oral histories from longtime residents and community builders

  • Develop educational resources for future generations

  • Create a permanent historical record controlled and curated by the community

History shapes identity. Identity shapes perception. Perception shapes opportunity.

By preserving our narrative, we protect Pine Hills’ legacy and strengthen its future.

A Multi-Tier Historical Initiative

The Historical Commission operates as a structured, multi-phase project designed to create both digital and published historical preservation platforms.

Tier I: Pine Hills Digital Archive

A community-based digital archive that captures the stories, images, documents, and memories of Pine Hills — told by its people.

This digital archive will include:

  • Historical photographs of Pine Hills and PHCC events

  • Archived meeting minutes and documents

  • Newspaper clippings and media coverage

  • Recorded oral histories from residents and leaders

  • Video interviews and community storytelling features

  • Parade, bazaar, festival, and milestone documentation

  • Historical maps and development records

The Digital Archive will serve as:

  • A public-facing educational tool

  • A research resource for scholars, journalists, and students

  • A community storytelling platform

  • A preservation repository for fragile historical materials

Some materials may reflect past social norms or language inconsistent with today’s values. As with all legitimate historical archives, content will be presented in its original context to preserve historical accuracy while clearly communicating that such content reflects the period in which it was created.

We believe in responsible preservation — not erasure.

Tier II: The Official History of Pine Hills & PHCC

The Commission will oversee the development and publication of an official historical volume documenting:

  • The founding of Pine Hills

  • The formation of the Pine Hills Community Council (1972)

  • Major advocacy campaigns and civic victories

  • The evolution of public safety partnerships

  • Environmental and beautification initiatives

  • Economic development efforts

  • The Pine Hills Parade and community festivals

  • The Tulie L. Phillips Scholarship legacy

  • Profiles of past presidents and legacy leaders

  • Milestone anniversaries and turning points

  • The transformation of Pine Hills across decades

This publication will serve as a permanent historical record — ensuring that future generations understand not only the challenges faced, but the leadership, resilience, and vision that shaped this community.

History should not be told about us without us.

Tier III: Milestone & Legacy Recognition Initiatives

In alignment with its logo and founding mandate, the Commission will also:

  • Host Legacy & Milestone Celebrations

  • Honor former PHCC Presidents and civic leaders

  • Recognize multi-decade community contributors

  • Install historical markers where appropriate

  • Partner with schools to incorporate local history into student engagement

  • Coordinate anniversary events (e.g., Diamond Jubilee, 60th Anniversary, etc.)

These events will ensure that our legacy leaders receive flowers while they can still smell them.

Governance & Oversight

The PHCC/Pine Hills Historical Commission operates as an Ad-Hoc Committee of the Pine Hills Community Council.

It works in collaboration with:

  • Local historians

  • Longtime residents

  • Educational institutions

  • Archival partners

  • Civic leaders

  • Community organizations

All materials collected will be handled in accordance with applicable Florida public records and archival preservation standards where appropriate.

Why This Matters

Pine Hills has too often been defined by headlines rather than history.

This Commission ensures that:

  • Our accomplishments are documented.

  • Our civic advocacy is remembered.

  • Our leaders are honored.

  • Our narrative is owned by the community.

  • Our youth understand the foundation they stand on.

Under the PACE Administration — Participation, Accessibility, Collaboration, and Excellence — preserving our story is not optional. It is foundational.

We are Preserving a Clean, Safe & Prosperous Community.

And that includes preserving the memory of how we built it.