Improvement project update gives Pine Hills community hope

PINE HILLS, Fla. — On Wednesday, for the first time, community members got a glimpse of what a re-imagined Pine Hills community it might look like.

Orange County held two sessions to show off new renderings and get more feedback to continue work on the long-awaited improvements to Pine Hills.

“I think this gives us hope for the future,” said Julien Serrano-O’Niel, the Pine Hills Community Council President.

Community members say they are ready for change.

“We have heard so many negative things about our community and I am always one that is, ‘no, Pine Hills is a great community to live in.’ So I am excited. I am so excited to see what I see today,” said Jacqueline Taylor who lives in Pine Hills.

The renderings show what Orange County hopes to accomplish in Pine Hills.

“Why can’t we have areas where we are safe where we can walk? Why don’t we have a coffee shop here? Why can’t we have a smoothie place here?” Taylor said.

More community spaces, economic development, multiple transportation options and more housing are priorities.

“They are also looking at more homeownership. The goal is to reduce apartment style living and increase the expansion of homes,” Serrano-O’Niel said.

The new LYNX SuperStop in Pine Hills could be a hub of activity, that way the city is more accessible.

It’s also important for residents that the community expand without losing its identity.

“I want to make sure that businesses, citizens, residents alike have a voice,” said Tamara Johnson, the Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District Executive Director. “We want to support what is existing here and help it be better.”

Pride in Pine Hills is strong, and no matter what new buildings and businesses come, that will never change.

“Pine Hills is Pine Hills; Pine Hills don’t need to be like anyone else but Pine Hills,” Taylor said.

All the information gathered at the two sessions on Wednesday will be put together in a report and presented this summer. Then, based on that, the county can work to bring more investment and development to Pine Hills.