Pine Hills Plus Newsletter
|
Setting The PACE for a Better Pine Hills
Participation, Accessibility, Collaboration, Excellence (P.A.C.E.)
"Preserving a Clean, Safe & Prosperous Community.”
|
In This Issue | February–March 2026 At-A-Glance
- February Community Engagement Recap – Setting the PACE for 2026
- March 3, 2026 General Meeting Invitation: Public Safety & Community Partnerships
- Notice: Review of Proposed Amendments to PHCC Articles & Bylaws
- 2026 Membership & Sponsorship Renewal Notice
- Leave Us A Online Review
- Community Clean-Up Honoring Black History Month – February 28
- Upcoming Meetings & Clean-Ups Calendar Snapshot
- Launch of the PHCC 2026 YouTube Channel – Subscribe Today
- Our Social Media Pages | Follow Us Today!
- PHCC & Pine Hills In The Media
- Welcome to Our New/Returning Members that Joined in February 2026
- Legislative & Policy Update
- What’s Happening Around Pine Hills
- Pine Hills Meetings
- Orlo Vista Meetings
- Pine Hills Center Programming
- What’s Happening Around Orange County
- Shred-A-Thon
- Jazz In The Park
- Women's History Month Forum
- Orange County Business Office Launch
- Neighborhood & Youth Sports Grants
- Thanks To Our Sponsors!
|
PHCC FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 UPDATES
|
Dear PHCC Members,
As we close out February, thank you to every resident, partner, volunteer, stakeholder, and sponsor who showed up and leaned in. It was a strong month of engagement and growth.
We were intentional about being present across District 7 meeting with neighborhood leaders, chambers, nonprofit partners, workforce institutions, and public safety stakeholders to strengthen alignment around safety, infrastructure, youth engagement, workforce pathways, housing, and economic opportunity.
Please review the updates in this edition of the PHCC February/March 2026 Update. In mid-March, you will also receive a message from the "President’s Desk or A Message From the President" with additional updates and developments shared after this notice.
We are proud to share that we have reached 81 total memberships across all levels. As we move into March, our focus turns to Public Safety & Community Partnerships at our upcoming General Meeting, alongside the launch of The PACESETTER Movement, encouraging members to personally invite 3 others to engage and join the mission by joining membership and coming to our meetings.
We remain committed to Preserving a Clean, Safe & Prosperous Community, knowing that Together, We Can Make a Difference, as we continue Setting the PACE for a Better Pine Hills.
With Gratitude & Purpose,
|
Julien Serrano-O’Neil, ACNP
President, Pine Hills Community Council, Inc.
|
March General Meeting – Public Safety Focus
|
Join us on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM at the Orange County Multicultural Center (7149 W. Colonial Dr.) for our Monthly General Meeting.
Topic: Public Safety & Community Partnerships – Strengthening Pine Hills Together
We’ll be joined by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Sector 1 Team, Neighborhood Watch leaders, Fire Rescue, and the PHCC Safety Committee to share updates, reporting guidance, volunteer opportunities, and practical next steps to strengthen safety in Pine Hills.
If you care about keeping our community clean, safe, and prosperous, this meeting is for you.
|
👉 To learn more, visit our website by clicking the button below. Together, we can make a difference. 💚
|
Notice: Review of Proposed Amendments to PHCC Articles & Bylaws
|
To: Pine Hills Community Council (PHCC) Membership
From: Julien Serrano-O’Neil, ACNP, President
Date: February 25, 2026
Subject: Review of Proposed Amendments to PHCC Articles & Bylaws
Dear PHCC Members,
Last year, the Articles & Bylaws Ad-Hoc Committee presented proposed amendments to our governing documents. While the notice was distributed, the matter was not formally placed on the agenda for action during the previous administration.
In the interest of transparency and proper procedure, I am re-sharing these proposed amendments for your review ahead of our March 3, 2026 General Meeting.
In accordance with our amendment provisions:
-
The proposed amendments will be formally presented at the March 3, 2026 meeting.
-
They will remain on the table for consideration.
-
A vote for ratification (or non-ratification) will take place at the next regular meeting on April 7, 2026.
-
Adoption requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of members present.
If approved, any amendments to the Articles of Incorporation will be filed with the State of Florida as required by law.
We encourage all members to review the proposed changes carefully and come prepared for thoughtful discussion. Strong governance depends on active and informed participation.
Thank you for your continued commitment to PHCC and to Pine Hills.
|
PHCC Membership & Sponsorship Renewal Notice – 2026
|
The Pine Hills Community Council, Inc., is currently issuing 2026 Membership and Sponsorship Renewal Notices as part of The PACE Administration’s commitment to Setting the PACE for a Better Pine Hills. If you have not yet received a renewal email directly from Info@PineHills.info, this message serves as an official reminder and overview.
Members and partners may renew their membership dues, sponsorship level, or both by selecting the options below. Sponsorship opportunities for 2026 are available at the Bronze ($250), Silver ($500), and Gold ($1,000) levels and directly support PHCC’s advocacy, civic engagement, and neighborhood investment efforts rooted in Participation, Accessibility, Collaboration, and Excellence.
|
In addition to renewing your own commitment, we encourage you to invite colleagues, businesses, and neighbors to join or sponsor the Council. Collective participation strengthens our impact and helps us continue Setting the PACE for a Better Pine Hills.
Please use the buttons below to renew your membership, sponsorship, or get involved.
Together, we move Pine Hills forward.
|
Leave Us An Online Review
|
Have you connected with the Pine Hills Community Council recently?
Maybe you’ve attended a meeting, partnered with us on an initiative, participated in a clean-up, or reached out with a concern we were able to help address.
If you’ve had a positive experience, we’d truly appreciate you taking a moment to leave us a review. Your feedback helps strengthen our online presence, build trust, and show others the impact happening right here in Pine Hills.
Together, we can continue Setting the PACE for a Better Pine Hills.
Drop your review today — and thank you for being part of the movement.
|
PHCC Community Clean-Up | Honoring Black History Month - Saturday, February 28 - Adopt-A-Road Initiative
|
Join the Pine Hills Community Council on Saturday, February 28th at 9:00 AM for our Adopt-A-Road Community Clean-Up as we honor Black History Month and continue our commitment to keeping Pine Hills clean, safe, and welcoming.
📍 Meeting Location: Walgreens – 2550 N. Hiawassee Road
🧤 All supplies will be provided.
🚓 The Orange County Sheriff’s Office will assist with traffic safety during the clean-up.
Let’s come together to strengthen neighborhood pride and set the example for our community.
Thank you for your service to Pine Hills. 💚
|
PHCC General Meetings & Clean Ups
|
PHCC's New Youtube Channel
|
We want to share that there is an older PHCC YouTube channel that we no longer have access to. We are currently working with our Past Presidents to have that account properly disabled. To continue elevating PHCC and Pine Hills, we have launched a new official YouTube channel aligned with this administration’s focus on Accessibility. Our goal is to create a centralized, reliable space where residents can easily access meetings, updates, events, and community content as we continue Setting the PACE for a Better Pine Hills. This platform supports our mission of Preserving a Clean, Safe & Prosperous Community and reinforces what we believe at our core: Together, We Can Make a Difference. Please take a moment to like, share, and subscribe to the new channel so we can grow it into an even stronger resource for our community.
Thank you for helping us move forward together. 💚
|
PHCC's Social Media | Follow Us Today!
|
PHCC & Pine Hills In The Media
|
Pine Hills Community Council Welcomes Youngest President in Organization's 54th Anniversary Installation Ceremony
By The Caribbean American Passport News Magazine
|
Pine Hills Community Council's Youngest President Julien Serrano-O’Neil Charts a New Course
By The Midtown Press
|
Central Florida teen's nonprofit, The Giving Shelf, funds elementary school book fair
By WESH2
|
What's Happening in Pine Hills
|
Community Action Events
Presentation: Signs & Symptoms of Heart Disease and Strokes, presented by: Dr. Fayshonda Cooks, Community & Public Health, UCF
February 27, 2026 at 11:00AM
Location: Pine Hills Community Center
6408 Jennings Road, Orlando, 32818- Building B
HEBNI Nutrition Fresh Stop Mobile
2nd Friday of each month beginning March 13th
12PM to 2PM
Location: Pine Hills Community Center
6408 Jennings Road, Orlando, 32818- Building B
Women's Forum Brunch
March 14th
11AM to 3PM
RSVP by March 7th to 407-254-9107
Location: Pine Hills Community Center
6408 Jennings Road, Orlando, 32818- Building B
Community Network Meeting
March 20, 2026 from 10AM to 12PM
RSVP to 407-254-9107
Location: Pine Hills Community Center
6408 Jennings Road, Orlando, 32818- Building B
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Assimilation: provided by K2 Medical Research
March 27, 2026 at 10:30AM
Location: Pine Hills Community Center
6408 Jennings Road, Orlando, 32818- Building B
Baby Shower Donation Drive
Items accepted from now until May 8th
Contact Ashlei James for more information ashlei.james@ocfl.net
Location: Pine Hills Community Center
6408 Jennings Road, Orlando, 32818- Building B
Contact Onetha Mason at onetha.mason@ocfl.net for more information on any event listed.
|
The Orange County Neighborhood Services Division will be hosting a Community Outreach and Education Meeting for the Pine Hills Community on Wednesday, March 11, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Pine Hills Community Center, 6408 Jennings Road, Orlando, FL 32818. For more information, please contact Tamara Johnson at 407-836-5620 or tamara.johnson@ocfl.net.
This meeting will provide important information regarding:
- Code Compliance processes and common violations
- Available Grant Program opportunities for residents and neighborhoods
Staff will be available to present program details, answer questions, and provide guidance on how residents can remain in compliance and take advantage of available resources.
We encourage all interested residents and community stakeholders to attend and participate in this informative session.
We look forward to seeing you there!
*If there are questions you would like asked during the meeting, please send them to tamara.johnson@ocfl.net
|
What's Happening in Orange County
|
Do you have sensitive documents you need to get rid of? Don't wait until all your paperwork piles up! Come to OCSO’s Central Operations Center for our Shred-A-Thon THIS Saturday, February 28, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (or until the truck fills up) to shred your documents for free!
|
14th ANNUAL MAYOR'S JAZZ IN THE PARK, MARCH 7
Orange County Parks and Recreation presents the 14th Annual Mayor’s Jazz in the Park on Saturday, March 7, 2026, 12-6 p.m., at Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, FL 32839. This is a free event (no tickets or reservations required), emceed by jazz personality Yvonne Loggins Coleman, with support provided by WUCF 89.9 fm.
Performances by:
Guests should bring lawn chairs and picnics, or purchase from food trucks. Alcohol is not allowed in the park and pets are not allowed in the event area. Questions? email parks@ocfl.net or call Parks Marketing at 407-836-6257.
|
JOIN US IN CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH!
Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings is proud to present the fourth annual Women’s History Month Forum.
This year’s event highlights a holistic approach to success — supporting women not only in their careers, but also in their financial stability and emotional well-being.
Attendees can look forward to an inspiring lineup of live performances, interactive sessions, and a special presentation by author Colette Jane Fehr, who will share insights from her new book, “The Cost of Quiet.”
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Time: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Orange County Multicultural Center
Address: 7149 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32818
Admission is free, but seating is limited and expected to fill quickly. Register today to reserve your spot.
|
Orange County has launched a Business Resource Office!
|
Orange County’s new Business Resource Office is now open! This new County service makes it easier than ever for small businesses and entrepreneurs to access the resources, programs, and training they need to grow and succeed. Whether you are a first-time business owner or a seasoned entrepreneur, the Business Resource Office is here to help you save time, avoid common challenges, and feel confident on your business journey. Stop by in person or receive assistance virtually through our Business Resource Office Dashboard.
|
The Neighborhood Services Division offers a number of grants to service residents of Orange County.
Community members are invited to apply for the Neighborhood Beautification Grant Program! This funding tool provides vital support for enhancing neighborhood entranceways, walls, and shared common areas, helping communities create welcoming and well-maintained spaces for all. Neighborhoods are eligible to receive up to $15,000 in funding. We encourage all interested neighborhoods to apply and help bring meaningful improvements to their community! The next deadline is Thursday, April 9, 2026
For more information, call 407-836-4212 or email us at neighborhoodgrants@ocfl.net
The Youth Sports Enhancement Grant provides funding of up to $15,000 to support community-based youth sports organizations in improving the quality, safety, and accessibility of their facilities. Eligible projects include lighting upgrades, turf replacement, and concession stand improvements designed to enhance the overall experience for young athletes, families, and spectators. This grant aims to strengthen community engagement, promote healthy youth development, and ensure that local sports programs have the resources they need to thrive.
Please use the link below to learn more about this exciting program!
|
Setting the PACE for a Better Pine Hills
As we approach the final two weeks of Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session, attention in Tallahassee has shifted squarely to the state budget. The Florida Senate and House of Representatives are currently working through committee conferences to reconcile their proposed budgets for Fiscal Year 2026–2027.
At present, there is approximately a $1.4 billion gap between the two chambers’ proposals. Lawmakers must resolve these differences before a final budget is submitted to Governor Ron DeSantis. The regular legislative session is scheduled to conclude on March 13th, and negotiations are expected to intensify in the days ahead.
In addition, a Special Session has been scheduled for April 20th through April 24th to further discuss one of the most closely watched proposals this year: the potential elimination of property taxes.
Property Tax Proposal Update
Last week, the Florida House passed House Joint Resolution 203 (HJR 203): Phased-Out Elimination of Non-School Property Taxes. The measure now moves to the Florida Senate for consideration. If approved by both chambers, the proposal would ultimately be placed on the ballot for Florida voters to decide.
Why This Matters to Pine Hills
Decisions made during this session have direct implications for:
-
Public safety funding
-
Infrastructure improvements
-
Local schools and community programs
-
Property owners and working families
Under the PACE Administration, we remain committed to ensuring residents are informed, engaged, and prepared to participate in the democratic process.
✨ Preserving a Clean, Safe & Prosperous Community
✨ Together, We Can Make a Difference
We encourage residents to stay engaged, ask questions, and remain active participants in shaping the future of Pine Hills and Orange County.
More updates will be shared as developments unfold.
|
Welcome to Our New/Returning Members that Joined in February 2026
|
Renewed Memberships
Senator LaVon Brady Davis’ Office Senate District 15
Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph
Kenneth Cook
Our Mothers' Village
Christelle Tanis
New Life Ministries World Outreach Center
Patrick Barry
Bertina & Noel Busch
Noel & Beverly Martin
Deidre Graybill
Gordon Russell
Lean Frederic
Evangeline Richardson
Kenneth & Christine Dwyer
Jody Mahonik
Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood Partnership (PHSNP)
15 Student Memberships Were Sponsored This Month
New Memberships
Anthony Jackson
Zachary Heneden
Samendio Mathieu, Esq.
Orlo Vista Chamber of Commerce
Orlo Vista United Safe Neighborhood
Thank you to each of our new and returning members for your continued trust and investment in the Pine Hills Community Council. Your support directly strengthens our ability to serve residents, expand community initiatives, and advance the work of building a clean, safe, and prosperous Pine Hills for all.
|
Thank You To Our Sponsors & Partners!
|
About The Pine Hills Community Council
Pine Hills Community Council, a 501(c) 4 non-profit civic organization has members which represents our community diversity and a broad spectrum of the views and interests. Renowned for investing our efforts directly in our community and also promote its interest at the county, state and national levels.
|
Julien Serrano-O'Neil, ACNP
President & Membership Chairman
Mrs. Sandra Fatmi-Hall
First Vice President
Janai McKissick
Secretary
|
Copyright (C) 2026 Pine Hills Community Council, Inc.. All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email as a part of your interest in the Pine Hills Community!
Preserving a Clean, Safe & Prosperous Community
|
|
