Category Archives: Uncategorized

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,Continue reading “Demanding Principled Political Leaders”

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 theContinue reading “Juneteenth 2022”

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 toContinue reading “Public Lands – Protected, Not Plundered”

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 relatingContinue reading “Rent Stabilization and the Need for a More Accessible Code”

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 threatenContinue reading “Rural Settlements”

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 aContinue reading “Memorial Day Freedoms”

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”

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”

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”