About the Council
Participation · Accessibility · Collaboration · ExcellenceSince 1972, the Pine Hills Community Council has been the voice, the backbone, and the heart of Pine Hills — advocating for 85,000+ residents across the unincorporated community of Orange County, Florida.
Every resident's voice matters. We create space for the community to engage and be heard.
Expanding access to resources, government, and opportunities for every family in Pine Hills.
Uniting residents, businesses, and organizations to achieve measurable, lasting impact.
Holding ourselves to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and service.
Coordinating. Advocating. Serving.
The council assumes the responsibility of acting as a coordinating agency and serves as an advocate for its community membership in civic, social, economic, cultural, political, and citizenship needs and matters.
A Cleaner, Safer, Stronger Pine Hills.
The Pine Hills Community Council is organized to enhance overall community pride, living standards, health and well-being, and economic growth for those persons living or working in this community.
Preserving a Clean, Safe & Prosperous Community
We invest our efforts directly in the Pine Hills community and promote its interests at the county, state, and national levels — ensuring the continued vitality of a unique, family-friendly, safe place to live, work, and play. Pine Hills is the most diverse community in Orange County, Florida, and we are proud to represent every resident who calls it home.
How We Started
The Pine Hills Community Council has been at the center of community life for over five decades — born from the grassroots determination of Pine Hills residents to shape their own future.
Pine Hills Women's Club Establishes the PHCC
In 1972, the Pine Hills Women's Club established the Pine Hills Community Council, Inc. (PHCC), a 501(c)(4) Nonprofit Organization. The Council served as the catalyst for convening civic groups, churches, and neighborhood representatives to address community-wide issues. Growing concerns about governance — whether through annexation into the City of Orlando or by pursuing incorporation — were among the primary drivers of its formation.
Election of the Council's First President
After months of informal discussion, the Council's founding was accelerated with the election of William "Bill" Arthur Farmer as the Council's first Chair and President. According to a July 1972 Orlando Sentinel article, Farmer's election marked a key turning point — legitimizing the Council's organizing efforts and moving it toward action-oriented goals. The Council's first priorities included establishing a neighborhood post office box, creating a sewerage policy, and assisting Orange County in the development of a county park on Lake Lawne, now known as Gordon Barnett Park.
Incorporated with the State of Florida
In 1976, the PHCC received its official incorporation with the State of Florida Department of Corporations — formalizing its place as the leading civic organization for the Pine Hills community and cementing its legal standing to advocate at the county, state, and federal levels.
Long-Term Development Within Pine Hills
From its incorporation in 1976 through 2024, the Pine Hills Community Council, Inc. (PHCC) has driven tens of millions of dollars in economic impact while serving as the leading civic voice for Pine Hills. Its advocacy has secured key investments including a $2,000,000 state appropriation to transform the Orlando Sunland Hospital site into a community park, $250,000 in Silver Star Road beautification funding, and $180,000 to establish the Pine Hills Safe Neighborhoods Partnership, contributing to sustained crime reduction. PHCC has also supported major development projects such as the $27,000,000 Hawthorne Park senior housing community and helped secure $250,000 for Valencia College and $850,000 for the Orange County Innovation Center. Through its leadership in advancing the Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District and the nationally recognized Town Center Master Plan, alongside ongoing scholarships and civic engagement efforts, PHCC has consistently leveraged public investment and community partnerships to strengthen and revitalize Pine Hills
Continuing the Legacy of Pine Hills
In 2025, the PHCC has maintained its community engagement for over 53 years, including renewed discussion on incorporation, community revitalization, and public safety. After years of dedication from its members, the Council enjoys the support of the community and the respect of our County, State, and Federal Government.
Continuing the Legacy of Pine Hills
In 2026, PHCC elected its youngest and first generation z president, Julien Serrano-O'Neil.
What We Do
We are a 501(c)(4) nonprofit civic organization. We invest our efforts directly in our community and also promote its interests at the county, state, and national levels to assure the continued vitality of a unique, family-friendly, safe place to live, work, and play.
Who We Are
We are your neighbors. We are healthcare workers, law enforcement officers, trade persons, teachers, and construction workers. We are in every imaginable occupation and of multiple origins — native-born and immigrant.
We are the most diverse community in Orange County, Florida. We are dedicated volunteers who take pride in our community and devote our time and talents to improving the quality of life for all Pine Hills and Orange County residents.
Be Part of Pine Hills
Whether you want to sponsor the parade, participate as a community member, or learn more about the Pine Hills Community Council's work — we'd love to hear from you.