Oath of Office Ceremony
I was filled with gratitude at Orange County’s Oath of Office Ceremony this week. Whether or not your candidate prevailed, Democracy won the day. Democracy is fragile and requires everyone’s participation. It was moving to witness our elected officials peacefully assume such responsibility with solemnity and determination. Congratulations and welcome to our newest commissioner and…
Orange County’s Obligation to Taxpayers
Responsible growth management is a paramount responsibility of Orange County with or without the additional funds promised by the doomed penny sales tax. The cost of infrastructure needed to accommodate new growth shouldn’t be the burden of existing residents and all growth should be evaluated by how it will benefit current communities. Smart growth is…
Tenant Bill of Rights
The Board of County Commissioners recently advanced a Tenant Bill of Rights for Orange County residents. This measure would establish a framework for assisting tenants as well as educate renters of their rights. Almost half (46%) of Orange County rents their home. Everyone benefits when landlords and tenants are knowledgeable about their rights.
Community IDs
This week, the Board of County Commissioners advanced discussion of a Community ID program. Community ID’s are not a substitute for state or federal ID and cannot be used as a drivers license or voter ID but can be used by law enforcement and social service agencies to help identify vulnerable residents. Many victims of…
Reminder of New Watering Rules
We rely on your to help save our aquifer. From now until March 11, 2023, watering residential lawns drops to once a week . Watering between 10:00am and 4:00pm leads to rapid evaporation and less absorption, so try to water overnight and not for more than an hour. Orange County homes with odd-numbered addresses water…
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, connection with loved ones, and full bellies. We reflect on what we have and how to assist those in our community who aren’t so lucky. We must also remember the land we inhabit as we recognize Indigenous Peoples Day. I hope everyone has a safe, happy, and healthy holiday…
Ocoee Massacre
Last week, our community remembered the Ocoee Massacre of 1920. The Ocoee Massacre has been described as the single bloodiest day in modern American political history. The violence perpetrated on black residents in Ocoee was an effort to suppress their votes and preserve white supremacy. We must honor the victims of this horrible event by…
Breathe Through Politics
Regardless of political affiliation, this election was emotionally draining for many people. Our democracy is by the people and for the people, yet insidious conspiracies recently found a foothold in the process giving some folks a reason to stay home on election day. We have to reclaim our democracy and begin to rebuild a civil…
Election Information
Ahead of Election Day, it is important to protect yourself from election misinformation. Ask yourself some basic questions before believing or sharing information. Did the information come from an advertisement? Can it be verified by more than one source? Reliable sources will always be transparent about how they gather information. Distinguishing between opinion pieces and…
Youth Gun Violence
Over the weekend, our community saw several shootings by and between young people. We cannot become desensitized to gun violence tragedy and we have to look for every opportunity to prevent gun violence. Until meaningful gun safety legislation is passed, we should focus on youth and community-based programming as well as mental health resources. It…
Voting
Last Monday was the first day of early in-person voting.Visit a nearby precinct between 8am and 8pm. If you are choosing to vote by mail, I urge everyone to remember to sign your ballot.Voting by mail is a convenient and safe way to vote early. Ensure your ballot is counted by checking your signature. Your…
Yard Waste
A month after Hurricane Ian, Orange County is working hard to get back on track with yard waste and storm debris. Thank you for your continued patience. In the meantime, filing 311 reports has helped the county know where issues exist, and there has been fast response. Be sure to bag or bundle your yard…
Diwali
Monday, October 24th is the start of Diwali, a festival of lights. Diwali symbolizes the sentiment of good over evil. I wish everyone a happy Diwali!
Political Polarization
The political mudslinging is in high gear and we are all tired of the attack ads but we cannot forget that we have more in common than our differences. Our community has shown time and time again that we care about each other. We can be red or blue without forgetting that we are Orange…
Early Voting
Early voting begins October 24th through November 6th. Voting early is a great tool to beat the lines and cast your vote prior to Election Day. Voting is your opportunity to hire or fire the decision makers in our society, and every vote counts. Orange County residents can vote at any early voting site with…
Roads Through Parks
Orange County residents have been clear about wanting to invest in and protect our parks and green spaces. And yet some officials looking for a cheap short cut make our public parks the “preferred route”. Orange County Commission was recently asked to approve a road through Cypress Grove Park, a treasured public green space in…
Yom Kippur
Last week, Jews everywhere observed Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year. It is a day of reflection, service, and betterment. I hope everyone had a meaningful fast!
Hurricane Ian
Before, during, and after Hurricane Ian, Orange County’s first responders were unflinching in their support of our community. Even though Orange County isn’t coastal, we had water rescues all weekend. With unprecedented flooding, the response plan went off without a hitch, but recovery may be slow. Thank you to our incredible first responders who have…
Rosh Hashanah
Tomorrow is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It is a time for those who observe to shake off the past year, reflect, and look ahead at who we want to be in the coming year. Judaism is rooted in public service, good deeds, and compassion. To the Jewish community, L’Shana Tova, may you have…
Climate Migration
Last week, we saw Hurricane Fiona wreak havoc on Puerto Rico and the Caribbean at large. As we consider housing policy, transportation infrastructure, and school capacity, we must keep climate migration and natural disaster resiliency at the top of mind. From a policy standpoint, we must make bold moves on housing supply and meaningfully invest…
Housing Trust Fund
On Tuesday, County Commissioners unanimously approved a plan to create 2,550 affordable housing units in Orange County, along with a separate plan to incentivize the construction of more affordable housing. Despite all the attention on our rent stabilization ordinance, it is not a panacea. Rather, it is one of many ways we can begin to…
Shingle Creek Recap
I get daily calls about flooded streets, backyards and even the parking lot for a high school football field but rarely have immediate solutions. On Tuesday, the Orange County Commission discussed the importance of the Shingle Creek Basin and mapped out an action plan for protection and preservation of this biodiverse environmental system. What does…
9/11
This week we remember the horrors of 9/11 and the heroes who helped our nation get through it. As we reflect on the bravery, hope, and resilience of everyday Americans during that trying time, let us remind ourselves that it is those qualities which will always carry our nation through all trials and tribulations. In…
Shingle Creek
This upcoming week, we are discussing one of the most important water bodies in Orange County, Shingle Creek. You may know Shingle Creek as the Headwaters of the Everglades, from the 528 sign near International Drive. Shingle Creek serves as our quintessential drainage basin in major rain events, water treatment before it touches the Everglades,…
District 1 Powers the County
We recently had a Board presentation on residential development activity using permitting data. The data confirmed what we all know: District 1 is the main recipient of new housing of all types in the County. District 1 is the economic bread and butter of the County from housing to employment. As Labor Day approaches, let’s…
Traffic Safety
Last week, I went out to Apopka Vineland Rd to review traffic safety issues with our residents. Yet again, we saw an example of a flawed process. The way we fund transportation infrastructure is broken: we wait for a development to be built out to evaluate traffic and to build the necessary sidewalks and infrastructure…
High School Parking Spot Art
For those of us with high school seniors, last week was a joy. I love seeing our students back at school, making plans for their future and expressing their individuality with creative and witty parking spot art. It was extra special to see the Horizon High seniors building traditions for their school and setting the…
Transportation Planning
I recently had the pleasure of going out with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to examine a crosswalk on Seidel Road. On my way, I saw a person in neon orange leapfrogging across the street; drivers going 70mph in a 35mph zone; a crossing guard struggling to do her job; and pedestrians chasing shade. This…
TDT Reserves
The Orange County Comptroller recently presented an analysis of our Tourist Development Tax Reserves to the Orange County Board of Commissioners. I am happy to report we have recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic revenue dip with a strong comeback. However, it is critical we build our reserves so that we may stay resilient in the…
Rural Settlements
In Orange County, we have 21 Rural Settlements. As we sprawl out and land values keep skyrocketing, it is crucial that we keep our promise to residents who bought into rural spaces. Rural settlements provide value beyond aesthetics: they serve as critical recharge points for our aquifer, air purification zones, and economic drivers of agriculture.…
Rent Ordinance
Last week, the Orange County Board of Commissioners voted 4-3 to put rent stabilization on the November 8 ballot. Constrained by state law, the associated ordinance has exemptions including affordable housing, mobile homes, luxury rentals, single family homes and accessory dwelling units, properties with 4 units or less, among other exemptions. It will apply for…
Vision Zero
After countless hours of advocacy, Orange County has officially adopted Vision Zero, a formal goal to reduce pedestrian and bike deaths to zero. While this is a crucial step, it is not enough to simply say we want fewer pedestrian and bike fatalities. Transportation engineers must design for all users. As we proceed to consider…
Nazism
At a gender affirming care rally last weekend, hateful individuals displayed signs that said “Stop Grooming Kids” with a Star of David. QAnon and related conspiracies are rooted in the idea that Jews are wealthy pedophiles trying to run the world and that the ‘Jewish/LGBTQ+/immigrant/etc. Agenda’ is out to replace you. There is no ‘agenda.’…
Early Voting
Last week, the County Commission voted to require landlords give 60 days notice before rent increases larger than 5%. This is a small step toward creating a comprehensive tenants’ bill of rights. In August, we will have the final hearing to consider putting a 1-year rent freeze of existing rentals on the ballot. This will…
We Need a Holistic Approach to the Rent Crisis
Last week, the County Commission voted to require landlords give 60 days notice before rent increases larger than 5%. This is a small step toward creating a comprehensive tenants’ bill of rights. In August, we will have the final hearing to consider putting a 1-year rent freeze of existing rentals on the ballot. This will…
Rent Stabilization and Tenants’ Rights
On the 26th, Orange County Commissioners will continue deliberating options to alleviate the rental crisis. Measures being discussed include a notice requirement, tenants’ bill of rights and potential rent freeze referendum. Hillsborough and Miami-Dade Counties recently passed tenant protections, but the rent stabilization question is trickier. Proponents reason that a lack of affordable housing in…
Separation Between Church and State
On July 12, I had the privilege to invite Winter Garden resident Joseph Richardson to give the invocation at the Board of County Commission meeting. Richardson is a founding member of the Central Florida Freethought Community and prominent humanist, and he gave a secular invocation discussing the importance of respecting each other, critical thinking, freedom,…
Dangerous by Design
Last week, Smart Growth America released the 2022 edition of Dangerous By Design, reporting on pedestrian safety nationwide. This year, the Orlando MSA dropped from most dangerous to top ten most dangerous due to a change in methodology. Nevertheless, pedestrian deaths are historically higher than ever. Addressing this, I am proud Orange County is funding…
Antisemitism
The distribution of anti-Semitic literature in neighborhoods in Clermont earlier this month is concerning. According to the most recent FBI statistics, anti-Jewish attacks constitute 60% of religious attacks. We as individuals can fight against this discrimination by speaking out about anti-Semitic rhetoric and advocating for policy to support our local Jewish communities. No Holocaust survivor…
Budget
On July 13 and 14th, Orange County will be evaluating our Draft Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. Orange County’s Budget is approximately $5 billion, 65% of which is restricted money funded by and to be spent towards Municipal Service Benefit Units/Municipal Service Taxing Units (MSBU/MSTU). Please tune in online at ocfl.net for OrangeTV’s live…
Independence Day Gun Violence
As the United States reached another anniversary of its independence, the national zeitgeist fell short of celebratory. Even before the holiday, Supreme Court decisions endangered the rights to clean air and water, to basic privacy, to bodily autonomy. Additionally, numerous shootings marred this July 4th weekend. The specter of ever-present gun violence even triggered a…
Roe v. Wade
Landmark decision Roe v. Wade was overturned last week after several decades of protected reproductive freedom. Throwing away nearly 50 years of precedent not only takes away our power to make personal medical decisions, but it also reveals this Court’s disregard for stare decisis, an essential doctrine guiding decisions for settled legal issues in our…
West Virginia v. EPA
In light of the slew of Supreme Court of the United States Rulings, please take note of West Virginia V. EPA. This case, decided last week, limits the ability of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate air pollution, greenhouse gasses, and power plants. The fully present threat of climate change manifests as a…
Housing
I was excited to dive into policy making last week relating to escalating rental costs and the housing emergency. Decision makers need thoroughly researched and unbiased information. Furthermore, I would like to see more creative thinking employed for our housing and development challenges. Exclusionary zoning, convoluted permitting, and a lack of incentives for quality infill…
Demanding Principled Political Leaders
With elections at every level around the corner, we ask citizens to stay vigilant, research candidates, and vote. The character of our politicians, their willingness to be transparent and what they choose to conceal all matters. Democracy is fragile and requires your participation. Make sure to check your voter registration and vote in the primaries,…
Juneteenth 2022
On June 19, 2022 the United States will officially recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Also known as Emancipation Day, this day in history marks the end of slavery in the US. Commemorative events across our region are important opportunities to understand how far we’ve come and how much work we still have in the…
Public Lands – Protected, Not Plundered
On June 14th, the St. Johns River Water Management District temporarily halted plans to sell over 18,000 acres of public conservation land stretching from Orlando to Jacksonville. “Temporarily” must become “permanently”—the land, which includes Orange County’s Hal Scott Regional Preserve, is not a private commodity. Natural lands are an irreplaceable resource, not a surplus to…
Rent Stabilization and the Need for a More Accessible Code
The Orlando Metropolitan Area, encompassing Orange County, has seen rents rise at an unprecedented rate year over year. On Tuesday, the Board discussed possibilities for rent stabilization, policy requiring rent increase notice, as well as strategies to increase housing supply. Housing issues are urgent. Moving ahead, I look forward to a robust special session relating…
Rural Settlements
Last Tuesday, the Lake Avalon Rural Settlement was protected from a detrimental intrusion. Orange County has 21 rural settlements, and all of them serve essential functions including preserving rurality in the ever-developing corners of Orange County, maintaining green spaces, and facilitating aquifer recharge. These communities are constantly threatened by encroaching development. Large scale projects threaten…
Memorial Day Freedoms
On Memorial Day weekend, we honor those who have served in the United States armed forces and who fought for the freedoms of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Since the Uvalde, Texas massacre, there have been at least 20 shootings. The freedom to live peacefully, send your children to school, go to a…
Pride Month
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+…
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 a…
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 of…
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 a…
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 guardian…
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, and…
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 for…
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 with…
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 on…
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.…
Commissioner Wilson’s Appointment to the Canvassing Board:
The diligent work of a local canvassing board is essential to the integrity of our elections. I am honored to serve on the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Canvassing Board and am reminded that everyone plays a role in the health of our democracy. Democracy is not a spectator sport. Now is the time to…
A Federal Ruling to Support Rural Boundaries, Expanding Protections for the Econ River:.
A federal judge recently gave some hope to beleaguered environmentalists and rural communities in Florida by not only ruling in favor of the County’s rural boundary, but also requiring the developer to pay the county nearly $537,00 in legal fees. The court held that Seminole County Commissioners had the right to reject the plan to…
The Need for Light Rail to be prioritized in the Transportation Sales Tax Work Sessions: 
As we move into the final work session and vote by the Board of County Commissioners, I have to express my disappointment in the absence of any consideration for light rail or some other east – west mass transit option. The U.S. Census was clear: West Orange County added 80,000 new residents yet the only…
Agenda Items Removed from Board of County Commission Meeting!
The purpose of District Commissioners is to ensure stakeholders and residents are informed and have an opportunity to engage with any legislative items which would affect those residents. However, over the last several Orange County Board of Commissioners meetings, items of great importance to Orange County residents have been either removed from consideration, or decided…
Celebrating Passover!
Last week, those in the Jewish community celebrated Passover together for the first time in two years. Passover is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish religion, as it details the Jews’ escape from Egyptian slavery. Growing up, I was always taught that Passover is an opportunity to stand up for all oppressed…
Comments on My January 2022 Memo to the Mayor regarding Split Oak Forest
In one of the most bipartisan, clear-cut decisions of November 2020, 86% agreed to protect Split Oak Forest with a Charter Amendment. I wrote a memo to the Mayor and Commissioners as early as January 2022 asking them to rescind their application which would allow destruction of at least 160 acres of public lands. It’s…
The Florida Community Trust’s Vote against Split Oak Forest
Last week, the Florida Communities Trust (FCT) approved the request for modification to Split Oak Forest submitted by Orange County. The fight to defend our environment put me in my seat today. I asked Mayor Demings and the Board of County Commissioners to bring this item back for a vote in January. My only response…
Environmental Efforts in my First Year as Commissioner
Since my election in 2020, I have worked tirelessly on water quality issues from stormwater retention to the new fertilizer ordinance update and revised wetland code. I championed a more comprehensive tree protection ordinance and GreenPLACE conservation program. All of these efforts are based on the voter support of the charter amendment passed providing for…
Celebrating Ramadan!
To all who celebrate, happy Eid al-Fitr! Congratulations on completing Ramadan, one of the most challenging and important holidays for Islam. I am lucky to have the Islamic Center of Orlando in District 1 as incredible partners in building a safe community. Their recent Interfaith Iftar ceremony was the perfect display of District 1’s solidarity.…
Governor DeSantis is Hurting The Business Community
If the rest of Florida’s business community thinks they are safe sitting idly by as the Governor attacks the state’s largest employer they are missing the larger threat. It was unbelievably irresponsible for the Governor to abolish RCID without conducting a thorough economic study. Orange and Osceola County taxpayers may end up shouldering the burden…
We Must Support Florida’s Teachers!
Florida teachers deserve so much more than a day, week or month of appreciation. They deserve, at the very least, better pay. Our teachers mold the future of America, protect our kids from gun violence, shelter them in storms, care for them in times of need, and show our kids how to think critically. The…
Inconsistencies within the Transportation Sales tax
The Board of County Commissioners narrowly passed the Transportation Sales Tax for the November ballot. This measure was based in part on a report that used Vision Zero as a basis for additional pedestrian and bicycle safety measures. This direct conflict was one of many inconsistencies that ultimately led me to vote no to the…