OP-ED: Local Volunteers Are the Reason to Give Thanks

By Christine Moore, Orange County District 2 Commissioner

 

Happy Thanksgiving! As we gather to celebrate this season of gratitude, I'm reminded of the enduring spirit of our community, much like the Pilgrims and Native Americans who came together centuries ago.

 

In Orange County's District 2, our volunteers have been the cornerstone of numerous initiatives. From the Corridor of the Year contest to the Maine & Old Dixie cleanup, their dedication has transformed our neighborhoods.

 

Over the past five years, we've seen a surge in community engagement. Monthly, over a hundred citizens join forces to pick up trash, report code violations, and enhance public spaces with art installations.

 

In Lockhart, major corridors have been revitalized, and events like the Easter Egg and Fall Festivals have become annual highlights. Regular training sessions at Lockhart Baptist Church further strengthen our community bonds.

 

The Clarcona-Ocoee group has made significant strides, notably with their Coast-2-Coast mural at Pine Hills and Clarcona-Ocoee roads. Their efforts have been recognized with the state funding the Clarcona Connector Trail, linking our community to the prestigious trail spanning from Titusville to St. Petersburg.

 

Southern Apopka residents have beautified Sheeler and Clarcona roads, maintaining a vibrant garden at Sheeler and Apopka Boulevard. Their hard work is being rewarded with new sidewalks, crosswalks, and a roundabout.

 

Our newest team, People of Northern Apopka, is seeking more volunteers. If you're interested, please call us at 407.836.5850.

 

Pastor Larry of Dayspring Church, Jason and Merry Lovern, and Robert Woods have led remarkable efforts on Old Dixie/Highland, including tree trimming, building painting, and fence upgrades.

 

Clerk of Court Tiffany Moore Russell's volunteers have supported our PONA team at Maine and Old Dixie. Together, we've collected nearly a hundred bags of trash and improved the area behind the Wawa at Maine and New Hampshire along Old Dixie Highway.

 

At my final quarterly meeting as your District 2 County Commissioner, I had the honor of awarding teams from Lee Road, Lockhart, North Pine Hills, Southern Apopka, and Northern Apopka. Stay tuned for the announcement of the winners in next week's column or look for celebratory signage along their routes.

 

District 2 has never looked better, thanks to the partnership between residents and Orange County government.