Julien Serrano-O’Neil, a name now synonymous with a new era in Pine Hills, has made history as the y oungest and first Gen Z president of the Pine Hills Community Council in its 54- year history . O’Neil's journey from a young man "counted out" by society to a community leader is a powerful narrative of resilience, higher education , and a deep commitment to his hometown . In my recent interview, O’Neil, who proudly calls himself a "homegrown kid" from Pine Hills, spoke easil

Orange County has appointed Kunal Patel, a well-known technologist and innovator, as Innovation Manager for the new Orange County Innovation Center, a 17,000- to 20,000-square-foot facility expected to open at the end of April. The Innovation Center will open alongside the County’s Multicultural Center and Senior Center, which opened its doors in 2023. The new initiative is designed to promote creativity, workforce readiness, and cross-industry collaboration by providing a sh

As February arrives, communities across the country, and right here in Florida, pause to honor Black History Month, a time to celebrate the strength, brilliance, and enduring impact of Black Americans. In a state as diverse as Florida, where African American history is deeply rooted, this month invites us to reflect, learn, and honor the legacy that continues to shape our shared future. Some may ask, why is it important to celebrate Black History Month? Because Black history

A Nashville-based affordable housing developer has proposed a 138-unit multifamily residential complex in unincorporated Orange County under Florida’s Live Local Act, according to a pre-application recently submitted to county officials. The project, known as Flats on Powers, is being proposed by an entity tied to the Elmington family of companies on a 6+ acre site at 6301 La Jolla St., near the northwest corner of State Road 408 and North Powers Drive. The property is locall

By Ollie Damm In quarter one of 2026, Clarcona-Ocoee Road has become a flurry of activity. Local residents have a lot to look forward to, including sidewalk improvements in and around the Long Lake Hills community, a new Personal Storage Facility coming soon to Powers Drive, and a Wing Stop opening at the intersection of Clarcona-Ocoee and Powers Rd. The sidewalk improvements are well underway, with brand new, dramatically wider concrete footpaths already lining much of Clarc

On a cold but beautiful January Monday, the City of Ocoee hosted its 18th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Parade & Celebration. The parade never disappoints, leaving attendees lining Clark Road inspired and motivated. Festivities continued at the West Oaks Mall with a moving program hosted by Master of Ceremonies Allie Braswell of Braswell Management, LLC, featuring remarks from Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson and Ocoee Commissioner George Oliver III. Congratulations to ev

On Tuesday, October 24, 2025 , Orange County Commissioners selected a new map that will shape the future of representation for county residents. Last November, voters approved adding two new commission seats, expanding the board from six to eight districts . After months of review and public input, commissioners voted to adopt Map 7B as the county’s new district layout. The final decision came after narrowing down 31 initial proposals to just two. Following an extended discus

Two new apartment complexes are nearing key construction milestones, soon adding nearly 500 affordable apartment options to the community. These developments will play a vital role in expanding the housing options available to Pine Hills residents. Whispering Oaks Discover affordable, family-friendly living at Whispering Oaks Apartments, coming soon to Pine Hills! Scheduled to open in Spring 2026, Whispering Oaks is a new community developed under the Low-Income Housing Tax C

If you missed the 5th Annual Pine Hills Day celebration on Saturday, December 6th, you truly missed a great event! The parade route was filled with energy as dozens of residents lined the streets to enjoy a vibrant showcase of performers, decorated trucks, and community groups. This year’s festivities were made even more special with Orange County Commissioner Mike Scott serving as the Grand Marshal. A heartfelt congratulations to all the parade organizers for their hard work

A beautiful Friday afternoon in late October at Barnett Park created the perfect backdrop for the one-year Celebration of Life honoring Mr. Dennis W. Hall . It was heartwarming to see so many friends, family and community members gather to remember and celebrate his legacy. The event featured musical tributes, reflections, proclamations, and a bench dedication and tree planting ceremony led by his incredible wife, Mrs. Sandra Fatmi-Hall.

PHS Thanksgiving Celebration On November 20th the Pine Hills Seniors, Inc ., held their 16th Annual Celebration at the Pine Hills Community Center. The group was treated to a delicious, traditional Thanksgiving feast with all of the fixins, sponsored by the generosity of the men of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc., Orlando Alumni Chapter . In the past, the featured entertainment has always been the highlight of the event, and this year was no different. The event featured a

I truly can’t believe we’ve reached the end of another year. Time has a way of slipping past us quietly, and suddenly we find ourselves looking back, wondering how the months moved so quickly. It feels like only yesterday we were navigating the thick heat of summer, and now we’re surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of the holiday season . This time of year, brings joy for many, but it also carries a heaviness that isn’t always recognized. For some, the holidays highl

What a sight to behold—hundreds of residents, local leaders, and community partners gathered on August 28 to celebrate the grand opening...

On August 23rd our community witnessed an incredible act of service, when more than 2,500 volunteers came together to pack one million...

The community was buzzing, and local streets were packed as hundreds of Orlando residents lined up on Thursday for the grand opening of...

Ask the Expert | By Amanda Mahaleris RDN/LDN Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. However, it can...

JOIN US ON DECEMBER 6, 2025, • 10:30 AM Featuring music, food, and family friendly activities. With special celebration in the Barnett...

Ebony purchased her home from Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County  in 2023. The longtime Orange County employee...

The opening date for the new LYNX Transfer Center located in Pine Hills is set. Service for the highly anticipated project will begin...

As Orange County undergoes a major redistricting effort to adjust for population growth and the e xpansion from six to eight commission...