The Pine Hills Community Update

In This Edition

Community News & Resources

Explore the latest PHCC news, community updates, civic resources, events, and opportunities to stay connected.

From the President

Setting the PACE Into September

Dear PHCC Members and Community,

August demonstrated what is possible when Pine Hills comes together. Our General Meeting created space for residents to envision our community’s future, while our Back-to-School effort placed more than 500 backpacks, school supplies, and resources into the hands of local students and families.

We also launched PHCC’s Membership Experience & Strategic Planning Survey so our members and stakeholders can help shape what comes next. As September begins, I invite you to stay engaged through our September 1 PHCC General Meeting and Candidate Meet & Greet / Forum, World Cleanup Day, and the many opportunities highlighted in this edition.

Thank you for helping us continue Setting the PACE for a Better Pine Hills while Preserving a Clean, Safe & Prosperous Community.

July–August 2026

Setting the PACE Media Recap

A look back at recent PHCC activities, partnerships, and community engagement.

August General Meeting Recap

Envisioning Our Future & Supporting Our Students

Facilitated by PHCC President Julien M. Serrano-O'Neil, our August General Meeting brought residents and community partners together to envision Pine Hills’ future and support local families. Tamara Johnson, Executive Director of the Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District, presented Envisioning the Future of Pine Hills, allowing residents to review conceptual community vision renderings, ask questions, and share feedback.

PHCC partnered with New Life Ministries World Outreach Center to distribute more than 500 backpacks, school supplies, and resources. Special thanks to Senator LaVon Bracy Davis, Asap Fence & Concrete LLC, CoolVu of Central Florida, The Desire Foundation, and Revitalize Care of Central Florida for helping make the effort possible.

The renderings were presented to support community discussion and feedback and do not represent final decisions, approved contracts, or finalized proposals.

September General Meeting

Candidate Meet & Greet / Forum

Meet the Candidates. Hear Their Priorities. Get Informed.

Join PHCC on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 6:00 PM–7:45 PM at the Orange County Multicultural Center, 7149 West Colonial Drive, Pine Hills, FL 32818, for a special Candidate Meet & Greet / Forum during our September Community Meeting.

Pine Hills residents and community stakeholders will have an opportunity to hear directly from candidates advancing to the November runoff election and learn more about their priorities for Orange County and our community.

All qualifying runoff candidates for the featured offices have been invited to participate. All Orange County residents and stakeholders are welcome.

September 19 • World Cleanup Day

Volunteers Needed

Saturday, September 19, 2026 • 9:00 AM–12 Noon
Meet at Walgreens, 2550 N Hiawassee Rd, Orlando, FL 32818, at Hiawassee & Silver Star Rd. For Questions, please email: Lacandria Washington, Chair, Adopt-A-Highway Program: Lwashington@pinehills.info and cc: Info@pinehills.info.

PHCC Adopt-A-Highway Program

Our Impact: 2024–2026

14 Cleanup Activities Completed  •  262+ Volunteer Participations
5,780+ Pounds of Debris Removed  •  14 Total Miles Cleaned

PHCC adopts N. Hiawassee Road from Silver Star Road to Blue Earth Court. Special thanks to Chair Lacandria Washington for coordinating this important work. Cleaner corridors strengthen neighborhood pride, protect our environment, and help create a safer, more welcoming Pine Hills.

Save the Date

43rd Annual National Night Out

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 • 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Central Florida Urban League, 2804 Belco Drive, Orlando, FL 32808. Vendor and tabling participation is free. Sponsorship and in-kind sponsorship opportunities are available. Email nno@pinehills.info.

6th Annual Pine Hills Parade

Be Part of the Tradition

PHCC is welcoming sponsors, partners, volunteers, parade participants, and community supporters as planning continues for this year’s Pine Hills Parade.

Growing Our Council

Membership Update

August 2026 Update. Thank you to both our new and returning members for your continued support of the Pine Hills Community Council. Under the PACE Administration, PHCC currently has 133 paid members.

Our current membership includes 38 adult members, 28 senior members, 42 student members, and 36 organization-level members representing institutions and partners throughout our community. We are also proud to share that all student memberships have been generously sponsored by members and community supporters, ensuring that young people can stay connected to civic engagement and leadership opportunities in Pine Hills.

Your commitment strengthens our ability to serve the community and advance initiatives that help Preserve a Clean, Safe & Prosperous Community. Together, we continue Setting the PACE for a Better Pine Hills, knowing that Together, We Can Make a Difference.

Member Spotlight

A Ray of Light and Positivity, Inc.

Member Since April 26, 2026

A Ray of Light and Positivity, Inc. is a Central Florida nonprofit empowering youth and young adults through group and one-on-one mentoring. Its mission focuses on cultivating positive relationships, meaningful guidance, and a strong foundation for a well-balanced adolescence and adulthood. PHCC is proud to have AROLAP as part of our growing network of community partners.

New PHCC Member Resource

Connect. Collaborate. Grow Together.

Our New Online Membership Directory Is Live

PHCC has launched a new online Membership Directory to make it easier to connect with the people and organizations helping make Pine Hills stronger.

Explore local businesses, nonprofits, civic and faith-based organizations, community leaders, elected officials, and fellow PHCC members. The directory gives our members greater visibility while helping residents discover local services, build new connections, and find opportunities to collaborate.

Support local. Connect locally. Grow together.

Community Spotlight

Delta Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

PHCC proudly recognizes Delta Xi Lambda for its continued stewardship of its adopted Silver Star Road corridor. Their most recent cleanup removed more than 200 pounds of litter and debris, bringing their 2026 year-to-date impact to 1,460 pounds. This sustained service strengthens neighborhood pride, protects the environment, and demonstrates what consistent community ownership can accomplish.

Election Reminder

Get Ready For the 2026 General Election November 3

Voting is one of the most powerful ways residents help shape the future of Pine Hills, Orange County, and the State of Florida. Whether you are participating for the first time or have voted for years, informed and engaged residents strengthen our community. Explore PHCC’s election information hub to learn more about the upcoming election and access helpful resources.

Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District Advisory Council Meeting

Date & Time: September 2, 2026 - 6PM

Location: Pine Hills Community Center - 6408 Jennings Rd, Pine Hills, FL 32818, USA

The NID was created in December of 2011 as a recommendation from the Pine Hills Business Redevelopment Task Force. This NID focuses on public safety and neighborhood revitalization along the major business corridor within Pine Hills.

Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership Meeting

Date & Time: September 10, 2026 - 6PM

Location: Barnett Park - Marlin Room - 4801 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808, USA

For More Information Chairman Kenneth Dwyer at kenchrisd2@msn.com or (407) 721-5584.

Orlo Vista United Safe Neighborhood and Orlo Vista Chamber of Commerce Joint Meeting

Date & Time: September 15, 2026 at 7 PM (arrive early to engage in bonding activities)

Location: Orlo Vista Chamber of Commerce Community Hall - 38 S. HASTINGS ST., ORLANDO, FL 32835

The OVCOC/OVUSN collaborate to strengthen the community by connecting residents with resources, fostering civic engagement, promoting beautification and public safety, and creating opportunities for education, collaboration, and neighborhood pride. Through monthly meetings, partnerships, and volunteer initiatives, they empower residents to shape a cleaner, safer, and more connected Orlo Vista.

Pine Hills Seniors Weekly Meetings

Date & Time: Every Thursday at 10:00 AM Except holidays

Location: Orange County Multicultural Center - 7149 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32818

Founded in 2007, Pine Hills Seniors is an award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering older adults to live active, healthy, and independent lives. Through wellness programs, educational opportunities, social activities, and connections to essential senior resources, the organization helps seniors throughout Pine Hills and Orange County remain active, engaged, and connected to their community.

Unity In The Community

Date & Time: September 10, 2026 - 10 AM - 4PM

Location: Orlo Vista Park - 1 N Powers DR Orlando, FL 32835

North Orlando Seventh-day Adventist Church Community Service Department, we would like to invite Pine Hills residents to attend our upcoming Unity in the Community outreach event.

Sponsor Spotlight

Hardee’s Orlando — Silver Star & Pine Hills Road

For more than six decades, the Haberkamp family has been part of the Pine Hills story. The location at Silver Star and Pine Hills Road, originally a Burger Chef, has been operated by the family since 1959. Today, Tim Haberkamp, an Evans High School alumnus and owner-operator of Hardee’s Orlando, continues that legacy through sustained investment in the community, support of Maynard Evans High School, and employment opportunities for local youth and families. His service has earned numerous community recognitions, including being named an Honorary Grand Marshal of the 2024 Pine Hills Parade. PHCC is proud to recognize Hardee’s Orlando as a Gold Sponsor and longtime community partner.

Together, We Can Make A Difference

Thank you for staying engaged with the Pine Hills Community Council. Through participation, accessibility, collaboration, and excellence, we are continuing to set the PACE for a better Pine Hills.

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Community Resources

PHCC Family Resource Hub

Explore services, public resources, community information, government contacts, schools, transportation, and more—all available through the Pine Hills Community Council website.

Know Who Represents You

Connect with your local, state, and federal elected officials.

About the Pine Hills Community Council

Founded in 1972 , the Pine Hills Community Council (PHCC) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit civic organization dedicated to preserving a clean, safe, and prosperous community. Serving as the voice of more than 85,000 residents, PHCC advances advocacy, civic engagement, community partnerships, and neighborhood initiatives throughout Pine Hills and Greater Orlando. PHCC has helped generate more than $30.53 million in community impact and awarded more than $15,000 in scholarships through the endowed Tulie L. Phillips Scholarship at Valencia College. Guided by Participation, Accessibility, Collaboration, and Excellence (P.A.C.E.), PHCC is committed to Setting the PACE for a Better Pine Hills.

Julien Serrano-O'Neil

President

Sandra Fatmi-Hall

First Vice President

Janai McKissick

Secretary

Lola Battle

First Treasurer

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