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

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.

-Public Transportation - Lynx is nearing completion on a bus transfer station near the intersection of Belco Drive and Silver Star Road. As part of the project, Belco Drive will be reconstructed, and a full-access signal will be installed there; and the Pine Hills Trail will be extended through the site. The project also furthers the vision for town center development by providing additional commercial or office space.

-Beautification initiatives - A new pocket park has opened at the corner of Silver Star Road and Golf Club Parkway. This includes eight new trees that have been planted through the efforts of Orange County, IDEAS For Us, Pine Hills Community Council, and the Nature Conservancy.

-Public Safety - The Pine Hills NID continues to implement additional safety measures by allocating $20,000 annually for off-duty deputies to patrol the NID corridors and maintain a visible presence at community events. The deputies patrol for eight hours during various days and times of the week. They perform business checks, respond to calls and assist citizens within the NID boundaries.

The Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District was created in December of 2011 as a recommendation from the Pine Hills Business Redevelopment Task Force.

The Orange County Board of Commissioners authorized an annual allocation of $125,000 for the PHNID until 2032.

This PHNID focuses on public safety and neighborhood revitalization along the major business corridor within Pine Hills.

Want to learn more? Community meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Pine Hills Community Center, 6408 Jennings Rd., Orlando, FL, 32818, or visit Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District.