Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Orlando public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues with medium priority
Tree Removal Mitigation Surety Process
A resident said the Leu Gardens master plan would remove about 88 mature trees for parking and a splash pad, and proposed alternatives like a parking garage on Forest Avenue land or shared Audubon Park parking.
Downtown Accent Lighting Contract Appeal
ZIO Group, LLC is appealing the award of the downtown accent lighting design-build contract. The Council will hear the appeal and separately consider executing the contract with top-ranked firm Albu and Associates, Inc. — deciding who lights up downtown.
Synthetic Turf Rules for Residential Yards
A state preemption forces the city to allow synthetic turf treated as a permeable surface in residential landscaping. Commissioners Sheehan and Rose squared off over whether it will worsen drainage problems or reduce maintenance costs for homeowners.
Econlockhatchee Trail widening
The Dewberry Engineers amendment keeps the Econ Trail expansion project moving into design — a four-lane divided highway with bike lanes, drainage upgrades and Lee Vista Boulevard intersection changes. It's still a few years out.
Two-way conversion of Orange and Rosalind Avenues
The CRA approved $1.67 million for Kimley-Horn to design the downtown DTO 2.0 street conversion — traffic analysis, concepts and early schematic drawings for turning Orange and Rosalind back into two-way roads from South Street to Colonial Drive.
Transit funding agreement with LYNX
Sunrise Movement Orlando asked the Council to back a county ordinance creating transit corridors with 15-minute-or-better service, funded by TIF districts. Commissioner Ortiz noted the bus rapid transit work already underway on the SR 436/Semoran corridor.
Code enforcement retaliation complaint
A condo owner told council that code enforcement is threatening a lien on her unit to force her to accept an unpermitted contractor she says created a hostile situation. She asked the city to halt enforcement until her public records request is fulfilled; the mayor said her request would be answered.
RoseArts transit system
A public-private partnership will build a transit system inside the RoseArts development — the largest in-fill development in Orlando history — connecting it to the Rosemont Lynx SuperStop.
Wastewater and utility infrastructure investments
The council approved a batch of sewer investments: contracts with five firms for wastewater repairs, Lift Station 249 reconstruction engineering, Conserv II treatment improvements, Lift Station 85 easements, and more. These keep the sewer system reliable and protect water quality.