Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ocoee public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
49 issues with high priority
CACOFD Board Leadership Election
The citizen advisory board for the fire department will pick new leadership, which shapes how the group voices resident input on fire services. A resignation also leaves an open seat.
Fire Department Advisory Operations & Community Outreach
The board is deciding on polo shirts and promotional items to support recruiting and public events, after supplies ran out following last year's Open House.
Actuarial Valuation and Benefit Change Cost Study
The board is scheduled to review an actuarial study looking at possible changes to retirement benefits for the city's general employees. Any changes could affect future retirement income for plan members and the city's contribution costs.
Police & Firefighters' Retirement Trust Fund Oversight
The board that manages retirement benefits for Ocoee's police officers and firefighters is holding its quarterly check-in, reviewing investment performance, fund activity, and plan administration. These meetings keep the pension fund healthy and accountable for the officers and firefighters who serve the city.
Spring Community Events and Holiday Programming
A proclamation declaring November 2 a day of remembrance for the 1920 Ocoee Election Day violence, and directing that a historical marker be erected in a public space.
Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Amendment and Golf Course Project
Huge win: Orange County approved a $30 million grant for the Forest Lake Golf Course and Conference Center, spread over five years starting 2028. The money will fund the conference center and associated events.
Impact Fee Schedule Code Amendment
The city's update to its impact fee schedule didn't get a hearing this time — the first reading was continued to a later date. Developers pay these fees, which fund infrastructure tied to growth.
B C Terry Road repaving and annexation offer
Residents whose homes are in unincorporated Orange County want the city to repave B C Terry Road — but the road itself is in Ocoee's limits. The mayor tied repairs to annexation, and one resident pushed back saying he doesn't see the benefit. Staff will bring it back as a formal agenda item.
Local Business Tax Compliance for Commercial Establishments
The Special Magistrate reviewed multiple cases involving businesses operating without proper local business tax certificates, change of tenant permits, or engaging in unauthorized outdoor storage and parking. These regulations help ensure local businesses operate safely and in compliance with city zoning laws.
Hazardous Tree Abatement Near Schools
The board addressed a dead and decaying tree at 112 Spring Lake Circle located near an elementary school, posing a direct safety hazard to children walking by. The property management company requested 30 days for removal, though board members expressed concern over the lengthy delay since initial notice in June.
Code Compliance and Property Maintenance Hearings
The Special Magistrate reviewed various code enforcement cases and resolution statements across the city. Property owners faced hearings regarding alleged code violations identified by city officers.
Code Enforcement Modernization and Fine Increases
The city updated its code enforcement code to raise maximum fines and clarify magistrate procedures. Commissioners debated whether the Code Enforcement Board should exercise more discretion and crack down faster on repeat offenders.
Windermere Fire Services and Permit Inspection Interlocal Agreement
The city considered renewing a four-year interlocal agreement with the Town of Windermere to provide fire protection, emergency medical services, and permit review. The arrangement ensures continued regional public safety cooperation with an initial annual fee of $1,100,000.
Fullers Cross Road Drainage and Road Repairs
Orange County is currently completing drainage and roadway repairs following a washout at Fuller's Cross Road, with new 84-inch culverts and full road reopening expected between January 14 and 16.
Residential Property Maintenance & Debris Cleanup
The board addressed multiple properties suffering from accumulated junk, debris, overgrown grass, and unpermitted construction. Enforcing these codes helps maintain neighborhood safety and property values.
Orange County Public Schools Special Millage Renewal
Orange County Public Schools presented information regarding the upcoming November ballot measure to renew the 1-mill property tax supporting teacher compensation and student programs.
Bluford Avenue Streetscape and Utility Undergrounding
Residents expressed frustration over recurring power outages affecting underground home utilities tied to above-ground feeder lines, prompting city staff to coordinate directly with Duke Energy.
Potential Impact of State Constitutional Amendment 3
Commissioners and residents discussed how the upcoming statewide property tax amendment in November could significantly impact city revenues and future public safety funding.
Downtown Septic-to-Sewer Final Assessment Resolution
Marion Park residents highlighted a painful catch-22: state clean-water mandates require expensive $20,000 to $40,000 septic upgrades if tanks fail, but the city's 10-year plan leaves their neighborhood off sewer lines, and county grant rebates exclude them because they live inside city limits.
West Oaks Mall Halloween Attraction Permit Appeal
Event organizers sought a special event permit to host a large-scale theatrical Halloween haunted house inside a vacant department store at West Oaks Mall from September through November. The commission ultimately voted 3-1 to uphold staff's denial due to concerns about the long duration, noise, and lack of advance planning.
Fire Service Assessment Fee
Ocoee is looking to add a new yearly fee of up to $597 for homeowners to help pay for local fire services. If it passes, you'll see the charge show up right on your property tax bill.
Preserve at Crown Point Street Tree Removal and Replacement
The Preserve at Crown Point HOA needs to remove 144 street trees that are damaging sidewalks and utilities, though an HOA rep noted many were never actually planted by the developer. The city is requiring a one-for-one replacement, with trees potentially planted along a community multi-use trail to provide shade.
Surveillance Camera Privacy Concerns
A resident raised privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns regarding automated license plate reader cameras in neighborhoods, asking the commission to review the contract and remove them.
Interim Impervious Surface Policy
Ocoee is considering an interim rule to let homeowners pave up to 75% of their lots for backyards and pools, addressing code violations from post-COVID outdoor upgrades while protecting front yards and drainage.
Clark Road Traffic Safety and 7-Eleven Access
Residents and commissioners raised traffic safety concerns regarding a proposed 7-Eleven at Clark Road and Ocoee Vista Road. Because key off-site improvements like a traffic signal are still being negotiated, an access easement failed on a tie vote.
Fire Fee Hike
Ocoee is considering hiking its fire fees to make up for lost property tax money, which would hit local homeowners with higher bills. If you live in the area, expect your annual costs to go up as the city scrambles to plug budget gaps.
WOKB Radio Station Event Noise Complaints
Residents from surrounding neighborhoods spoke out against loud, bass-heavy outdoor concerts hosted by WOKB radio station on Clark Road, claiming it rattles windows and disrupts the community. City officials noted the property sits in an unincorporated Orange County enclave, complicating local enforcement.
Solid Waste Franchise Expiration and Service Quality
With Waste Connections declining its contract renewal, the city evaluated its trash and recycling collection. Commissioners voiced frustration over inconsistent service and voted to put the franchise out to competitive bid while maintaining two weekly pickups.
Certified Recovery Residences Regulations
Ocoee is updating its land development code to create procedures for certified recovery residences, complying with a new Florida law that allows these facilities to seek code accommodations.
CRA Plan Expansion and Extension Deferred
State-level property tax proposals have caused the CRA to pause its redevelopment plan expansion. Leaders discussed how these legislative changes might impact commercial properties and tax structures.
Fire Fee Model
Ocoee is shaking up how it pays for fire services to keep up with rising costs, which means your utility or property bills could be going up soon. It's a major shift in city funding that's definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Labor Agreement
Ocoee firefighters just scored a sweet 15% pay raise in a fresh labor deal. While it's great news for them, it's definitely going to shake up the city's budget.
Pension Fund Portfolio Performance and Asset Reallocation
The board is actively managing its investment portfolio, shifting funds away from underperforming managers like MFS Growth into index funds, while monitoring market volatility and long-term funding health.
Pension Fund Investment Allocation and Performance
The board reviewed portfolio performance—including underperformance by Brandywine Global—and decided to invest $2 million into a private equity secondaries fund with Capital Dynamics to support diversification.
Student Mental Health and Youth Support
Board member Salhab presented plans for an upcoming youth festival, focusing on youth mentorship and community involvement for local children.
1460 North Lakewood PUD Development and Traffic Mitigation
Residents have raised concerns about traffic impacts from new residential development along North Lakewood Avenue. The city approved a 30-home PUD while discussing future road widening, turn lanes, and coordination with Orange County.
Ocoee Gateway, LLC v. City of Ocoee Litigation
City leaders met behind closed doors with legal counsel to discuss strategy and settlement options for an ongoing lawsuit.
Retirement Trust Fund Legal Representation
The pension board had to decide whether to stick with their long-time attorney who switched law firms or look for a new legal team. Trustees chose to stick with attorney Pedro Herrera at his new firm to maintain continuity and expertise for the city's pension plan.
Pension Board Legal Representation
The retirement board needed to decide whether to keep their longtime attorney after he moved to a new law firm, issue a request for proposals, or stay with the old firm under a new lawyer. They chose to follow the attorney to ensure smooth operations.
Code Enforcement Board Transition to Special Magistrate
The city is moving toward replacing the volunteer Code Enforcement Board with a professional special magistrate system, prompting concerns and requests for dialogue from the current board chair.
Residential Code Enforcement and Foreclosure Policy Overhaul
The city is tightening rules on messy or abandoned properties by setting stricter fine thresholds and moving away from a volunteer board to a professional magistrate to stop fine reductions and speed up compliance.
Retirement Trust Fund Performance and Rebalancing
The pension board reviewed investment performance and rebalanced $4 million into an index fund to better align with asset targets.
Citywide Sidewalk Repair and Speed Table Program
Public Works detailed ongoing sidewalk replacements, new speed table installations across several neighborhoods, and street resurfacing efforts aimed at improving pedestrian safety and traffic calming.
Homelessness Enforcement
Ocoee is cracking down hard on homelessness by increasing arrests for anyone caught sleeping outside. This marks a major shift in public safety policy that will strain local resources and change how the city handles unhoused residents.
Growth Plan Appeal
Ocoee is taking legal action after the state tossed out its 20-year growth blueprint. This fight is a big deal because it dictates how our neighborhoods, traffic, and local businesses will expand for the next two decades.
Fire Service Fees
Ocoee just doubled its fire service fees, so expect a noticeably higher bill on your upcoming property assessment. City leaders pushed through the steep hike even though everyone knows it's going to hurt local wallets.
Election Results
Ocoee voters just decided to keep George Oliver as mayor, meaning city leadership and current local projects are staying put. If you were hoping for a major shakeup at City Hall, you'll have to wait.
Redevelopment Proposal
Ocoee officials just slashed the size of a planned mega-pickleball complex in half, meaning fewer courts and way less chaos for the surrounding neighborhood. It's a major win if you were worried about traffic and noise taking over your block.
Downtown Redevelopment
Ocoee is finally breaking ground on its long-awaited downtown redevelopment project. Get ready for some construction delays as the city transforms its core into a brand-new centerpiece.