From the Desk of Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero

Happy June!

This month will mark the beginning of summer, starting on the 21st. As the schools break for summer vacation, everyone is starting to plan their vacations and other activities. It is important then for us to reflect on the significance of Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865, two years after President Abraham Lincoln enacted the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth serves as reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality. It is a time for celebration, education, and reflection on the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. As we honor Juneteenth, let us embrace its spirit of resilience and unity, and commit to fostering a more inclusive and just society.

June is also National Caribbean American Heritage Month, a time to honor and recognize the rich cultural contributions of Caribbean Americans to the United States. As stated by the White House: “During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we celebrate the achievements and dreams of the millions of people of Caribbean origin now living in the United States while honoring the shared history of joy and perseverance that has united and enriched life across our region for centuries. There is no single Caribbean American identity. The mix of cultures, languages, and religions alive across the United States and the islands reflects the diversity of spirit that defines the American story.”

I would like to extend an invitation to anyone who is interested to attend the upcoming Orange Code Town Hall meeting later this month in June. Orange Code/Vision 2050 will be the new land development regulations that focuses on placemaking standards and context-based regulations. This Form-Based Code relies on desired development characteristics rather than what communities seek to avoid. To learn more, please attend the town hall meeting later this month. A specific time and location will be announced in the coming days and weeks. Please stay tuned to our social media ( Facebook.com/OrangeCountyDistrict4 ) to see this announcement.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to receive my newsletter, you can email me at district4@ ocfl.net or call my office at 407-836-5881. You can also meet me in person at one of my two satellite office locations. On the first Wednesdays of the month, you can meet me at the East Orange Community

Center (12050 E Colonial Dr) or on the Third Wednesdays of the month at the Meadow Woods Recreation Center (1751 Rhode Island Woods Cir). My time at both locations is from 10am to 12pm.