By Christine Moore, Orange County Commissioner
As is my practice, I always ponder and consider the successes and failures each year in the Corridor of the Year Program. In 2024, most of the program was a resounding success.
Our four corridor chiefs worked hard to organize volunteers and direct the improvements. We were able to get community buy-in all up and down the corridors. Auxiliary organizations came out to help three of the four teams. The streets are safer, better maintained, and more revered.
The Artistic Corridor of the Year began with financial rewards rather than a competition. The teams truly engaged this new twist to the program. For two projects groups were rewarded with $500 to fund block party in 2025 and for one project $250 was given, also for a block party. We saw murals and roses painted, fences getting stained and fence art added for a nice touch, community gardens garnering supported even from the City of Apopka, and chain link cup art adopted by one people group and elementary school.
Our brain trust was author, Peter Kageyama of St. Petersburg, Florida. Peter wrote several books on the value of art and small projects to gain the love and support of residents. One volume is entitled, Love Where You Live. After all, anyone who throws trash on a local roadway demonstrates no care or concern for their community. But a resident who comes out multiple times to add art or beautify their local corridor demonstrates clearly, they care about where they live. My goal is to engage more of these community lovers.
I failed in engaging about 50% of the mandatory HOAs. I’m not sure why this is. It is a bit mindboggling why someone would serve on the HOA Board of Directors and not care about their entranceway or corridor. Property values, community engagement, and safety are all tied into this level of commitment and involvement by neighborhoods. So, myself, my staff, and four or hopefully five teams are going to focus more on partnering with local businesses. Partnerships between local businesses and “people groups” are vital for longevity and effectiveness.
We were successful collaborating with Orange County Public Works. One department was our partner in picking up debris after tree trimming. Many weeks it was substantial, and the staff had it all removed within days. Another employee hired companies who pressure-washed sidewalks along the four competing corridors. A third manager assisted with the procurement and management of companies to install sidewalks in neighborhoods where none existed. While I must endure significant complaints at the beginning of a project, gratitude and happiness with new sidewalks occurs within a few weeks of seeing the new driveway aprons and fresh sod.
The winner always receives prizes from Orange County Public Works. The 2021 winner receive upgraded LED street lighting. The 2022 winner received resurfaced pavement, while it took about a year and a half, the prize was completed this past summer. The 2023 winner is awaiting roadway safety improvements at one intersection. The 2024 winner is receiving a four-way stop and two raised intersections.
The winner also receives beautiful utility pole banners and congratulatory signage. My staff and I worked diligently from the date the judges selected the winners until now to facilitate the prizes.
Now, that isn’t to say that improvements weren’t scheduled and planned while we worked on all four roadways. They do, but I must say a commissioner is an advocate for her area, prioritizing non-regularly maintained public works improvements closely. While working on Sheeler Avenue I regularly crossed intersections and rode my bike down the roadway to get a better handle on what was needed for improvements. I must say many times I was scared out of my wits at the speeders, lack of sidewalks, and no crosswalks at Sheeler and Apopka Blvd. Even though the team did not win the contest, I am still committed to making the street safer. So don’t be surprised to see more law enforcement in the short term until the safety improvements are constructed.
The Corridor of the Year Program has a multitude of benefits. This column detailed growing the sense of place and love of community. It detailed great collaboration between the neighborhood leaders, commissioner, and public works department. The Corridor Chiefs and the Artistic Corridor of the Year Program were great additions in the success of the Neighborhood Leader Program.
Thank you to the over 400 volunteers who participated in at least one event during 2024. You made a big difference in your community.
