Coucil has an economic impact worth millions of dollars

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The Pine Hills Community Council, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, has served its namesake community in Orange County for more than 50 years. Dedicated to advocacy and community enrichment, the Council’s focus spans civic engagement, support for homeless residents, neighborhood revitalization, beautification projects, and safety awareness.

Sandra Fatmi-Hall, vice president of the council, emphasizes its inclusive mission: “We advocate on behalf of everything here, everything under the sun.”

Collaborating with law enforcement, government agencies, and businesses, the council seeks to uplift the more than 87,000 people who call Pine Hills home. That number has increased by 6.96% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 81,415 in 2020.

A significant challenge they face is economic.

“Over 40% go outside of here just to work in the hospitality industry,” Fatmi-Hall noted, pointing to the Council’s focus on attracting new businesses to increase local job opportunities. The council welcomed a new “Badcock Home Furniture & more” in January of 2020 and a new Dunkin’ on Clarcona-Ocoee Road in August of 2023.

The council’s economic impact has been sizeable, Fatmi-Hall states, “through the Pine Hills Community Council and through our nonprofit United Foundation of Central Florida. We have an economic impact of over $20 million to this community.”

Council President Dr. LaTanya Nichols highlights the dedication of the Council’s volunteer board, which she describes as “all service from the goodness of our hearts.”  

Recent projects include the new Orange County Multicultural Center, part of a broader revitalization effort that aims to transform Pine Hills’ image. Dr. Nichols encourages people to “take another look at Pine Hills because we are changing for the better.”

The council organizes a range of community events, from National Night Out and community cleanups to food drives and hiring events.

On Dec. 7, the council will host the fourth annual Pine Hills Parade, an event that showcases the cultural diversity of the area through dance, art, music, and floats. Described by the council as a day of “family, food, and fun,” and an opportunity to celebrate the bright future of the Pine Hills community. The parade is free and open to all, welcoming attendees from Pine Hills and beyond.

The council seeks additional sponsorships for the parade, stressing the value of “visibility, marketing, and the opportunity to grow your network.” .