June marks the beginning of pride month, a month of celebration and reflection for the LGBTQ+ community. This designation commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Riots and first Pride march in 1970. Here in Orlando, this month also marks the anniversary of the Pulse massacre, reinforcing the need to keep marching, organizing and advocating for our LGBTQ+Continue reading “Pride Month”
Author Archives: honorablenicolewilson
Long Awaited Bird Island Protections
Last week, we passed a safe swim area ordinance for Bird/Egret Island located on Lake Butler. What was meant to be a sanctuary protected by the Audubon Society has for years been disturbed by people skirting the rules around trespassing and playing loud music. After more than a year of effort, we have passed aContinue reading “Long Awaited Bird Island Protections”
Hurricane Season Prep
June 1st marks the beginning of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season. For Floridians, preparation is paramount. From May 28th to June 10th, residents can stock their shelves during a sales tax holiday on items ranging from batteries and generators to pet food and smoke alarms. The full list can be found at the State ofContinue reading “Hurricane Season Prep”
Caring for our youth:
According to the United States Census Bureau, twenty-two percent (22%) of Orange County’s population is under the age of eighteen. As our children’s intellectual and mental safety is under attack by the State, it is more important than ever to foster a safe place for our youth. To this end, I am setting up aContinue reading “Caring for our youth:”
Discussing the Harmful Don’t Say Gay bill:
This week, Governor DeSantis is likely to sign the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill, HB 1557, into law. The bill is among many this Legislative Session which are unconstitutional and unrepresentative of Floridians. HB 1557 limits the ability of schools to discuss sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender. It also allows teachers to tell the legal guardianContinue reading “Discussing the Harmful Don’t Say Gay bill:”
Celebrating International Women’s Day:
International Women’s Day was adopted by the United Nations in 1977, dedicating March 8 to celebrate the work women do every day to make this world better. It is a time to honor the strong female role models in our lives, including my fellow Commissioners Christine Moore, Mayra Uribe, Maribel Gomez Cordero, Emily Bonilla, andContinue reading “Celebrating International Women’s Day:”
COVID-19 Remembrance:
This week marks the second anniversary of our local response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We expected COVID-19 to bear similarities to the flu and yet here we are two years later. I am grateful for the community leaders who made unprecedented decisions for the sake of public health and safety. I am beyond grateful forContinue reading “COVID-19 Remembrance:”
Celebrating Orlando Sentinel Central Floridian of the Year Nominee: Steve Meyers:
March 2022, I was honored to join my friend and Orlando Sentinel Central Floridian of the Year Nominee Steve Meyers at the eponymous Awards Ceremony. Congratulations to Richard Lapchick for his recognition and Steve Meyers, Mae Hazelton, Marucci Guzman, and Eric Camarillo for their nominations. I am so proud to live in a community withContinue reading “Celebrating Orlando Sentinel Central Floridian of the Year Nominee: Steve Meyers:”
A first look At the Transportation Sales Tax initiative:
Last week (Mid March 2022) , the Orange County Board of Commissioners had a Public Work Session regarding the Transportation Sales Tax. Next steps are another Public Work Session and a vote on April 26. The one cent sales tax increase is intended for more reliable public transportation options as well upgrades and improvements onContinue reading “A first look At the Transportation Sales Tax initiative:”
Introduction to Commonsense Childbirth Inc.
A west Orange County nonprofit health clinic, Commonsense Childbirth Inc., was recently recognized by Time Magazine. Founder Jennie Joseph was part of Time Magazine’s inaugural Women of the Year. This birth center and clinic gives pregnant persons prenatal and postpartum support in an effort to level the healthcare playing field and eradicate black maternal mortality.Continue reading “Introduction to Commonsense Childbirth Inc.”