Get In The Know
A thriving neighborhood organization is one that comprehensively understands the intricacies of local government. Strong collaboration between neighborhood organizations and local government is crucial for both the effectiveness of the organization and the ability of local government to address the needs of its communities.
- Set Goals
Know what is needed for your community to be all that it can be
- Do Your Homework
Know who is affected by the issues and find out the appropriate departments that can help
- Be Familiar with Local Government
Take the time to get to know what programs are available and who to talk to
- Know Procedure
Attend public meetings and understand how they operate and the pressures the officials are under
- Get To Know Govt Officials
Meet with, call, send letters and/or email govt officials so they know who you are
- Keep Govt Officials Informed
Let government officials know what is going on so they don’t get surprised with unexpected actions or consequences
- Work On Multiple Levels
Speak to officials directly responsible as well as your elected and appointed officials to keep them informed
- Make Sure Officials Know Your Group
Identify your group’s name and purpose and make sure you have the authority to speak for the group
- Get Solid Answers
Do not accept vague responses from govenment officials
- Be Open To Suggestions
Life is compromise and sometimes we have to modify or adjust our final desire to make a positive thing occur
- Follow Up Meetings With A Summary
Create a memo or email summarizing the meeting or discussion that clearly states objectives and decisions made
- Keep You Group Informed
Make sure you are keeping your own group informed of your progress with local officials
Community Connection
These are free workshops that are designed to educate residents about a variety of topics to help make them more effective neighborhood leaders. Additionally, the workshops provide a great opportunity for neighborhood leaders to interact and learn from one another.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Neighborhood Beautification Grants
The purpose and mission of Orange County’s grant program is to provide direct funding to support and assist neighborhoods and organizations in improving the physical and social quality of their community. The grant program is designed to promote partnerships between citizens in the County, while working to beautify those neighborhoods.
Mandatory Neighborhood Grants
- Neighborhood improvement projects for mandatory neighborhood organizations that collect dues from residents.
- The grant allows for projects with a total cost up to $15,000 and requires a 50% match from the neighborhood organization (max $15,000 grant award).
- Examples of projects include neighborhood entranceway signs, entranceway and community lighting, neighborhood playgrounds, pressure washing and painting neighborhood walls, and structural wall repairs. Other projects may be approved at the discretion of the Neighborhood Grants Advisory Board (NGAB).
- Neighborhood organizations may only receive one grant every two years.
- Projects that can be funded:
- Wall pressure washing and painting
- Entranceway sign installation, repair, and replacement
- Reader boards
- Major structural wall repairs
- Minor cosmetic repairs such as minor caulking, and stucco to walls
- Landscaping/hardscaping installation*
- Entrance feature not classified as a perimeter wall
- Ground lighting installation and repair
- Minor repairs to existing irrigation systems
- Playground installation or repairs
- Gazebo installation or repairs
- Common or recreational area improvements
For information, please contact Hayley Black, project coordinator, at 407-836-4213 or [email protected].
Non-Mandatory Neighborhood Grants
- Neighborhood improvement projects for non-mandatory neighborhood organizations that do not collect dues from residents.
- The grant allows for projects with a total cost up to $15,000 and does not require a match from the neighborhood organization.
- Examples of projects include neighborhood entranceway signs, entranceway and community lighting, neighborhood playgrounds, pressure washing and painting neighborhood walls, and structural wall repairs. Other projects may be approved at the discretion of the Neighborhood Grants Advisory Board (NGAB).
- Neighborhood organizations may only receive one grant every two years.
- Projects that can be funded:
- Wall pressure washing and painting
- Entranceway sign installation, repair, and replacement
- Major structural wall repairs
- Minor cosmetic repairs such as minor caulking, and stucco to walls
- Landscaping/hardscaping installation*
- Entrance feature not classified as a perimeter wall
- Minor ground lighting installation and repair
- Minor repairs to existing irrigation systems
For information, please contact Julianna Santiago, program coordinator, at 407-836-4241 or [email protected].
Sustainable Communities Grants
Orange County’s Sustainable Communities Grant Program’s intent is to provide funding to support and assist neighborhoods and organizations working on reducing pollution and carbon footprint. A sustainable community is one that is economically, environmentally, and socially healthy and resilient. By working together, we enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.
Funding is available in the form of grants to help neighborhoods stay safe, healthy, and connected. Grants are available for projects ranging from $500 – $5,000. Eligible projects can address issues such as lighting, watering, community gardens, electricity generation, and pollution reduction. Events are also encouraged to help teach community members about energy efficiency, pollution reduction, and green and sustainable practices.
For information, please contact Seina Gilman, program supervisor, at 407-836-4212 or [email protected].
Neighborhood Information FAQs
Who do I call to replace a burned-out streetlight?
Call your local utility company to report a burned out or defective streetlight. Before calling, make sure you have the pole number or the street address closest to the streetlight.
How do I request streetlights or additional streetlights for my neighborhood?
For Orange County: Streetlights are provided within Orange County throught the MSTU process. A written request t0 establish or amend a MSTU for street lighting is required from a property owner. The request should reference the property owner's name, address, and parcel id number, if available. The letter should be sent to the Orange County Comptroller, Special Assessments, PO Box 38, Orlando, FL 32802-0038. After cost estimates are determined, the property owner is sent a ballot to vote on the streetlight MSTU. At least 66.2/3% of property owners must agree to the MSTU. Contact the Orange County Comptroller's Office at (407)836-5690.
For City of Apopka: Contact the City of Apopka Finance Department for the procedures to follow to request new or increased lighting at (407)703-1725.
Who do I call to report a missing stop sign?
Citizens should report a down or missing stop sign to the following:
- If your street sign has an Orange emblem on it please report it to Orange County Government Customer Service Center at 3-1-1- or (407)836-3111.
- If your street sign has a City of Apopka emblem on it please call (407)703-1731.
A missing sign can create a dangerous situation; once report it will be replaced promptly.
Who do I call if my neighborhood need a stop sign installed?
In Orange County: Stop signs are installed as safety measures. To determine if a stop sign is needed, sites must meet several conditions, including heavy traffic, poor visibility, and a pattern of accidents or proximity to schools. Citizens may call Public Works Traffic Engineering at (407)836-7890. A representative will monitor the location before a determination is made.
In City of Apopka: In the City of Apopka contact the Engineering Division at (407)703-1632.
Who do I call to repair a pothole on my street?
In Orange County: Anyone may report potholes to Orange County Government Customer Service at 3-1-1 or (407)836-3111. An inspector will be scheduled to investigate reported potholes and evaluate the urgency of repair. The pothole will be placed on a list for repair in priority order.
In City of Apopka: In the City of Apopka contact the Streets Division at (407)703-1748.
What can be done when plant or trees are hanging in the street?
In Orange County: To report locations where road visibility is obstructed due to plants or trees, contact Orange County Government Customer Service Center at 3-1-1 or (407)836-3111 with a complete address of the location that needs attention. Blind corners, mid-block obstructions and weeds on the right-of-way should also be reported.
In City of Apopka: In the City of Apopka contact the Streets Division at (407)703-1748.
Are there parking restrictions on residential streets?
In Orange County: In Orange County, parking is permitted on residential streets as long as there is not a sign posted stating "No Parking". If you suspect a violation, contact Orange County Sheriff's Office at (407)836-HELP (4357).
In City of Apopka: In the City of Apopka contact the Apopka Police Department at (407)703-1757.
What can I do about speeding on my neighborhood streets?
In Orange County: Traffic Calming is an important mechanism for neighborhood street safety to deter speeding. In order to ger traffic calming on your street or within your subdivision, contact Orange County Public Works, Traffic Division at (407)836-7890.
In City of Apopka: In the City of Apopka contact the Apopka Police Department at (407)703-1757.
Who do I call to report flooding or drainage problems in my neighborhood?
In Orange County: To report flooding or drainage problems in your neighborhood, report the problem to the Orange County Government Customer Service Center at 3-1-1 or (407)836-3111 with a complete address of the location that needs attention.
In City of Apopka: In the City of Apopka contact Stormwater Management at (407)703-1748.
Who do I call to report an unsafe sidewalk?
In Orange County: Sidewalks, which have become obstructed either by overgrowth, uprooting of tree roots, or physical obstructions within the path can be hazardous. If you believe there is an unsafe sidewalk in your community, report it to the Orange County Government Customer Service Center at 3-1-1 or (407)836-3111 with a complete address of the location that needs attention. The situation will be evaluated and repaired as soon as possible.
In City of Apopka: In the City of Apopka contact Streets Division at (407)703-1748.
What should I do if I see gang activity?
In Orange County: Definition of "gang" accoding to F.S.S.874.03, a "criminal street gang" is a formal or informal ongoing organization, association, or group that has as one of its primary activities the commission of criminal or delinquent acts, and that consists of three or more members who, individually or collectively, engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal street gang activity. Gang growth and gang violence have seen dramatic increases across the nation during the past decade. There are no simple solutions to this problem. Communities choosing to ignore or deny the existence of gangs will face a much tougher battle in the future. For more information call Orange County Sheriff's Office, Gang Enforcement Unit at the nonemergency line (407)836-4357.
In City of Apopka: In the City of Apopka contact Apopka Police at (407)703-1771.
Who do I call to report stray or troublesome animals?
In Orange County: Animal Services enforces Chapter 5 of the Orange County Code, pertaining to animals. Animals Services investigates inquiries relating to animal nuisances and ordinance violations. Report all potential problems to the Orange County Government Customer Service Center at 3-1-1 or (407)836-3111. For 24-hour emergency service on weekends, holidays, and after hours, call the Sheriff's Office non-emergency complaint line at (407)836-4357.
In City of Apopka: In the City of Apopka contact Apopka Police at (407)703-1771.
How can I dispose of hazardous household waste from my home?
In Orange County: Many household products contain dangerous chemicals that require special handling. If not properly disposed of, these chemicals can harm humans, animals, and the environment. The household hazardous waste program provides Orange County homeowners with the opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste safely and properly at no charge. The Orange County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at the Landfill is open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 5pm. The address is 5901 Young Pine Road, Orlando FL 32829. An attendant is present during these hours to assist with unloading. For more information and directions, please contact the Solid Waste Division at (407)836-6601.
In City of Apopka: In the City of Apopka you may dispose of household hazardous waste at the Orange County Landfill defined above. For questions on individual products please contact Orange County's Solid Waste Division (407)836-6601.