Pine Hills Community Council

PHCC President's Corner

Since January, the Pine Hills Community Council (PHCC) has experienced a period of historic growth, renewed community engagement, and expanded service as the organization continues "Setting the P.A.C.E. for a Better Pine Hills" through Participation, Accessibility, Collaboration, and Excellence.

Perhaps the clearest measure of that momentum is the people who have chosen to become part of the organization. PHCC began 2026 with a goal of reaching 100 members. By August, membership had grown to 144, the largest membership in the Council's 54-year history, including 38 adult members, 28 seniors, 42 students (from the United Foundation of Central Florida's - Future Leaders United, and 36 businesses and community organizations. Having surpassed its original goal, PHCC is now working toward 200 members. That growth is translating into service throughout Pine Hills.

Through PHCC's Adopt-A-Highway Community Clean-Up Program, residents, students, businesses, organizations, and community partners have worked side by side to beautify the N. Hiawassee Road corridor. Since the program began in 2024, PHCC has completed 14 cleanup activities with more than 262 volunteer participations, removing more than 5,780 pounds of litter and debris while cleaning approximately 14 miles of roadside.

In 2026 alone, PHCC had already recorded five cleanups, 148 volunteer participations, and more than 2,080 pounds of debris removed before its September World Cleanup Day activity. The program has grown beyond litter removal into an opportunity for community service, environmental education, student volunteerism, neighborhood pride, and partnership. PHCC is also expanding its anti-litter efforts through youth-focused education, including the redevelopment of Lucky's Litter Activity Book.

Civic participation has been another major focus. PHCC hosted the 2026 People's Hob Nob & Straw Poll, bringing residents together with more than 45 candidates for public office, and continued its nonpartisan voter education and engagement efforts through candidate forums, voter information, and its Advocacy in Action initiatives. These programs are designed to give residents greater access to information and opportunities to participate in the decisions affecting their community.

Access to PHCC and community information has also been transformed. A redesigned mobile-responsive website now includes a searchable site directory, expanded Pine Hills Resource Hub, public membership directory, P.A.C.E. Administration progress dashboard, newsletter archive, government and civic resources, volunteer opportunities, and easier access to membership and community programs. More than 40 newsletters, public notices, community updates, meeting communications, and special messages have been distributed since January as PHCC works to keep residents informed and connected.

The Council has also reactivated and developed programs designed for Pine Hills' future. The PHCC/Pine Hills Historical Commission is working to preserve the community's history as Pine Hills approaches its 75th anniversary in 2027. A Community Health, Wellness & Resource Ad-Hoc Committee has been established to strengthen connections between residents and service providers. Work is also underway to modernize the Shop Pine Hills initiative and strengthen support and visibility for businesses serving the community.

These efforts are taking place during a significant milestone year. In 2026, PHCC will be celebrating its 54th year of community service and its 50th anniversary as an incorporated organization. Additionally, they are preparing to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Pine Hills Jubilee in 2027, in partnership with the Pine Hills Community Foundation and other partners.

And the year is not over.

This fall, PHCC will continue bringing the community together through the 43rd Annual National Night Out on October 6th, connecting residents with law enforcement, businesses, nonprofits, faith organizations, government agencies, and community partners. The year will culminate with the 6th Annual Pine Hills Parade on December 5th, celebrating the people, schools, businesses, organizations, culture, and community pride that make Pine Hills home.

For PHCC, the progress of 2026 is about more than numbers. It is about rebuilding participation, making community information more accessible, creating meaningful partnerships, strengthening the organization, and giving more people an opportunity to take ownership in the future of Pine Hills.

After more than five decades of service, the mission remains clear: Preserving a Clean, Safe & Prosperous Community.

Setting the P.A.C.E. for a Better Pine Hills. Together, We Can Make a Difference.