Maribel Gomez Cordero From the Desk of Commissioner

Happy June!

June, a month of warmth and vibrant energy, has arrived in our community! As spring moves on and we welcome the summer solstice, our community is buzzing with excitement. With longer days and plenty of sunshine, June is the perfect time to gather with friends and family outdoors. As we embrace the spirit of togetherness, let’s make the most of June by connecting with our neighbors and enjoying the simple pleasures of outdoor living.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the extraordinary graduates of the OCPS class of 2023! May you find happiness and success in all you do in the future! I wish you all the best as you step into the next phase in your lives. Congratulations Class of 2023!

I would like to update you on the status of the approved traffic signal to be installed at Timber Springs Blvd and Avalon Park Blvd. While the light is scheduled to be installed in 2024, my office is remaining in contact with the Traffic Engineering Division to work on temporary solutions while the permanent light is not yet ready. We are hoping to see some changes to this intersection soon.

I would like to extend an invitation to anyone who is in need or knows someone in need of food to attend a food distribution event I will be hosting. The event is in partnership with Advance Community Center and Second Harvest. The location will be Viva Church (653 E Wetherbee Road, Orlando FL 32824) and the distribution event will begin at 9:30am on Friday June 2nd. The event will be in a drivethrough format.

The annual Atlantic hurricane season begins on 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. Thank you again!

June 1. The County’s Emergency Management Division encourages us to stay informed by attending Orange County’s annual Hurricane Expo. Local Central Florida Meteorologist Amy Sweezey will provide updates on this year’s hurricane season. During this free event, residents will also learn storm preparedness and recovery tips and meet in-person with safety professionals. Free preparedness gear will be available for families to pick up while supplies last. The event will take place at West Orange High School (1625 Beulah Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787) on June 17th from 9am to 1pm.

As you may be aware, Orange County is currently in the process of updating its comprehensive land use plan. The new comprehensive plan will be known as Vision 2050. The new plan will be modern in its character and will incorporate elements and objectives to promote sustainability and smart growth. Public engagement is an extremely important part of this process, and as such I have requested that two community meetings be held in my district so that the residents have the opportunity to engage directly with the planning staff and share their thoughts. The first meeting will be on June 8th at 6pm at the Meadow Woods Recreation Center (1751 Rhode Island Woods Cir). The second meeting will be on July 6th at 6pm in the Avalon Park area. The location is not final yet, so please stay tuned for final confirmation. I greatly encourage all residents to participate in either or both meetings. Vision 2050 will be a very significant part of how this County grows going forward, and we want as many residents to participate as possible.

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.

Upcoming Cooperative Extension Programs

Take Control of Your Money for Renters (Online)

Money management, renters’ rights, eviction prevention, and more! Offered via Zoom by a team of UF/IFAS Extension Agents, including Orange County Extension Agent Jenny Rodriguez, this class is for residents looking for incomebased assistance programs or anyone wanting to become a more savvy renter.

Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 2:00pm-5:00pm

FREE! Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200

Guided Garden Tour (In Person)

Come for a guided tour of our UF/IFAS Extension Orange County Exploration Gardens hosted by Extension Agent Clarissa Chairez. See unique plants in our 12 themed gardens and get ideas for your landscape. You will learn about FloridaFriendly Landscaping™ principles, smart irrigation, vegetable gardening, and flower species to attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.

Tuesday, June 13, 2023, 10:00am-11:30am.

$5 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.

Orange County Master Gardener Volunteer Informational Meeting (Online)

Join us for an informational meeting to learn how to become an Orange County Master Gardener Volunteer! The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is an outreach program composed of UF/IFAS Extension certified volunteers who are trained to provide research-based horticultural education to Florida residents. If you are an Orange County resident who is interested in learning more about this program and how you can become a Master Gardener Volunteer, then this informational meeting is for you!

Tuesday, June 13, 2023. 2:00pm-3:00pm.

FREE! Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200

Canning Class (Online)

Learn the basics of water bath and pressure canning. Presented by Orange County Extension Agent Hillary Ayers, this class will cover canning equipment, preserving food, canning methods, and food safety.

Tuesday, June 13, 2023, 6:00pm-7:00pm.

FREE! Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200 gARTening Series: Air Plant Palooza (In Person)

Learn about air plants! These odd-looking plants are eye-catching and very low maintenance. In this class presented by Orange County Extension Agent Clarissa Chairez, you will design an air plant seashell and cork magnet!

Friday, June 16, 2023, 2:00pm-3:00pm OR

Friday, June 16, 2023, 6:00pm-7:00pm.

$15 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com.

407-2549200

4-H Environmental Explorers Camp (In Person)

Our 4-H Environmental Explorers Camp, for kids from 8-12 years old as of 9/1/22, will use fun and engaging activities to discover plants, animals, and their habitats, appreciate Florida nature, and encourage positive changes to better the environment. Registration deadline is June 5th, 2023.

Monday, June 19 - Friday, June 23, 2023, 8:00am 12:00pm.

$75 fee. Scholarships are available for families that qualify.

Registration and information: https://ocextension.eventbrite.com

Backyard Chicken Class (Online)

407-254-9200

Keeping chickens and producing your own eggs in suburban and urban settings has become a popular hobby! Hens in a coop can be a fun and practical addition to your home garden. Learn how to get started and be successful in this program presented via Zoom by Orange County Extension Agent JK Yarborough.

Wednesday, June 21, 2023, 10:00am-12:00pm.

$5 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com.

407-254-9200

First Time Homebuyer Workshop - SPANISH 6/22 & 6/29 (Online)

Learn the steps to home ownership and how to obtain an affordable mortgage in this class offered via Zoom in SPANISH by a team of UF/IFAS Extension Agents, including Orange County Extension Agent Jenny Rodriguez. The homebuyer workshop meets the education requirements for down payment assistance programs.

Thursday, June 22, 2023, 9:00am-1:00pm.

Thursday, June 29, 2023, 9:00am-1:00pm.

$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com.

407-2549200

Orange County Master Gardener Volunteer Informational Meeting (In Person)

Join us for an informational meeting to learn how to become an Orange County Master Gardener Volunteer! The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is an outreach program composed of UF/IFAS Extension certified volunteers who are trained to provide research-based horticultural education to Florida residents. If you are an Orange County resident who is interested in learning more about this program and how you can become a Master Gardener Volunteer, then this informational meeting is for you!

Tuesday, June 27, 2023. 10:30am-12:00pm.

FREE! Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com.

407-254-9200