Green PLACE Program Adds Greeneyes Wildlife Preserve to List of Conserved Lands

As the population in the region continues to grow, Orange County is committed to providing a balance between the built environment and the natural environment through conservation efforts. The County’s goal is to conserve ecosystems that strengthen climate and biodiversity resilience, as well as safeguard habitats for wildlife. In that vein, local nature lovers now have a new place to explore. Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and District 2 Commissioner Christine Moore recently hosted a grand opening ceremony for Apopka’s Greeneyes Wildlife Preserve, one of a series of land acquisitions made by the County’s Green PLACE Program. “It’s critically important we use our resources to preserve natural spaces for future generations,” said Commissioner Moore. “These land acquisitions will continue as we keep the momentum going.” An award-winning initiative that preserves, enhances and restores environmentally sensitive lands, the Green PLACE program, which started three decades ago, has bought 25,758 acres of property, many of which are now open to the public for activities such as hiking, fishing and birdwatching. “Orange County is leading sustainability efforts to preserve the natural beauty of the region, and we want to double our protected acreage in the next 10 years,” asserted Mayor Demings. “Last year alone, we purchased over 1,300 acres of environmentally sensitive lands.”

Historic Pine Hills Community on the Move: Pedestrian Safety Improvements, Beautification Efforts, a

Tamara Johnson never misses an opportunity to talk about the exciting things happening in Pine Hills. She’s so eager to spread the news that she often goes door-to-door in the community, encouraging residents and business owners to attend monthly meetings to engage, ask questions and learn. Johnson is passionate about this area of West Orange County for many reasons. With family residing in Pine Hills, she’s been a frequent visitor since childhood. Today, she’s the executive director of Orange County’s Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District, a position she’s held since 2023. “I do have a fondness for Pine Hills,” she said. “And now, I’m in a unique opportunity where I can make an impact. We want people to know that [Orange County] is here and we are committed to this community.” Over the past several years, Orange County has invested more than $67 million in Pine Hills, one of Orange County’s oldest and largest neighborhoods. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening in Pine Hills: –Bicycle and pedestrian safety efforts – Four new sidewalks will be added in the next five years while 35 additional sidewalk projects are in the pipeline. Meanwhile, pedestrians and cyclists will see other changes in the community, including the addition of a 7-foot-wide dedicated bike lane from Colonial Drive to Silver Star Road. Pine Hills Road, located between Colonial Drive and Bonnie Brae Circle, will be reconstructed with a raised median. –Economic Development – The County is undertaking a major project to convert up to 93 parcels from septic tank to county sewer along Pine Hills Road from W. Colonial Drive to Golf Club Parkway. This project includes 70 percent commercial and 30 percent residential parcels within the project space. The utility improvements began in September 2024 and the project is scheduled for completion January 2026. This will create redevelopment opportunities along Pine Hills Road.

Affected by Hurricane Ian? There’s a Homeowner Program for Those who Qualify

Orange County Recovers is aimed at Property Owners Although Hurricane Ian steamrolled through Central Florida more than two years ago, many residents are still recovering from the damage the storm dealt. To help these families, Orange County is administering the Orange County Recovers Program (OCRP), which assists property owners by providing funding to repair, reconstruct or replace single-family homes that suffered storm damage. The program, federally funded by the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR), is designed to ensure that the unmet housing repair needs of the low- to moderate income homeowners and vulnerable populations are addressed to the greatest extent possible. Its primary objective is to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing to eligible applicants. “We’re very proud to launch this program,” said Mitchell Glasser, manager, Orange County Housing & Community Development. “We know the road to recovery from that particular storm has been difficult for many residents, and we want to make the recovery process extremely accessible and get the work completed as quickly as possible.” In order to qualify for the program, the following must apply: Owned the damaged property at the time Hurricane Ian made landfall Currently own the damaged property Property was your primary residence at the time of Hurricane Ian The damaged property is in Orange County and its municipalities The damaged property must not be subject to active bankruptcy proceedings or in foreclosure Additionally, applicants need to have the following documents:

Pinellas County urges residents to safely dispose of household hazardous waste ahead of hurricane se

Image of various household chemicals (cleaners, gasoline, paint, pesticides) Chemicals, cleaners and gasoline are all appropriate items to bring to the HHW and collection events. As hurricane season approaches, Pinellas County is encouraging residents to safely dispose of household hazardous waste as a part of their spring cleaning. Each year, a last-minute rush to get rid of old gasoline and other hazardous chemicals overwhelms drop-off centers as residents prepare for incoming hurricanes. This surge often leads to long lines and fills the centers’ bulk fuel tanks quickly — sometimes forcing staff to turn residents away. To avoid delays and ensure safe disposal, residents are encouraged to drop off these chemicals now, well ahead of the June 1 start of hurricane season. “Many of these chemicals are fire hazards and could pollute your home and neighborhood during a hurricane,“ said Pinellas County Solid Waste Director Paul Sacco. “You’ll have enough to worry about as you prepare for a storm. Don’t wait till then to clear out these hazardous chemicals.” Pinellas County offers two free drop-off sites for household hazardous waste such as gasoline, oil, paint and rechargeable batteries: Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Center, 2855 109th Ave. N., St. Petersburg; open Tuesday through Friday and the first and third Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. HHW North, 29582

County extends compliance deadline for storm-damaged properties

Man wearing yellow vest writes on a clipboard. Another man wearing a white shirt and holding an electronic tablet stands next to him. The photo does not show the men's faces. Pinellas County has extended its compliance deadline for property owners in unincorporated areas who received notice that their property was substantially damaged by recent storms. The new deadline is June 1, 2026. The extension is part of the County’s ongoing effort to support those impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene and ensure residents have adequate time to fulfill recovery requirements. For residents seeking to a have their initial substantial damage determination potentially reversed through a reassessment application, the deadline to file is May 31, 2025.

County completes purchase of West Klosterman Preserve

Joint effort protects a 14-acre environmental sanctuary Pinellas County has finalized the acquisition of the 14-acre West Klosterman Preserve near Tarpon Springs, further demonstrating its commitment to environmental conservation. The County entered into a contract to acquire the preserve from the Pinellas County School Board last December for $3 million, with the County and WK Preservation Group Inc. each contributing $1.5 million. The nonprofit and local residents worked for five years to see that the property was saved for conservation. ? The newly acquired area will be incorporated into the Mariner’s Point Management Area, enhancing the County’s network of protected environmental lands managed by Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources. This area serves as a sanctuary for protected plant and animal species, ensuring the preservation of local biodiversity.?