Orlando Sentinel: Pine Hills Neighborhood Guide

Pine Hills Neighborhood Guide

By Michael Candelaria

Correspondent | Orlando Sentinel

Jun 21, 2018

The community sign of Pine Hills greets visitors with its slogan "An Orange County Community with Pride" located on north Pine Hills and Clarcona Ocoee road in Orlando. (Aileen Perilla/ Orlando Sentinel) (Aileen Perilla / Orlando Sentinel)

Pine Hills is one of Orange County’s oldest and largest neighborhoods, with the start of home construction dating to the 1950s. In recent years, significant change has been underway, as county officials and area leaders work together to revitalize and redevelop the area. The results are evident in a generally improved vibe within this diverse community, a stronger retail presence and now-thriving schools.

A claim to fame

In May, college scholarship money totaling $15.3 million was offered to the 537 graduates of Maynard Evans High School, an average of more than $27,000 in scholarships per student, a record for the school. Evans opened in 1955 and was reconstructed in 2012 at a reported cost of $70 million. It is a community school, designed to offer student-centered, family-focused and school-based services to students, their families and community members.

Why I live here

“Pine Hills is a community that is thriving; we are one of the fastest growing in unincorporated Orange County,” says Sandra Fatmi, president of the Pine Hills Community Council. “This is simply a very nice place to live, work and play for several reasons. I am tremendously excited about the growth of our young people and what their prospects are. … We have a lot going on around here.”

Coming soon

A $3 million Lynx Bus Transfer Station is on the way along Belco Drive in a building design that officials say will serve as the prototype for future LYNX transfer centers. It’s expected to essentially become a town center for Pine Hills. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2019.

Don’t miss

• The Central Florida Fairgrounds: Covering 87 acres, it hosts an array of events throughout the year, including concerts at its amphitheater and the Central Florida Fair, as well as a farmers market and flea market. (603 W. Colonial Drive, 407-295-3247; centralfloridafair.com

Members of Lac Hong, a Virtnamese cultural group, perform a New Year dance . The Vietnamese community shared their culture and food during a New Year celebration Sunday at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Tom Benitez / Orlando Sentinel

• Barnett Park: Located behind the Central Florida Fairgrounds, the park provides a wide range of recreational amenities, including ball fields and courts, two areas for fishing, pavilions, playground, dog park and an area for Frisbee golf. It is perhaps best known as for its BMX bike track. (4801 W. Colonial Drive, 407-836-6248; orangecountyfl.net)

Barnett Park located of west Colonial Drive houses a recreation center and gym among other amenities. Aileen Perilla / Orlando Sentinel

• Pine Hills Community Performing Arts Center: Opened in 2011, this facility focuses on the area’s youth and provides programs that encompass theater, dance, visual art and poetry, among other disciplines. The center is based at the Pine Hills Community Church (1305 N. Pine Hills Road) and the Wayne Densch YMCA (870 N. Hastings St.). (407-234-9619; http://www.pinehillsperforms.org)

Dig in!

Dining options from OS Foodie Lauren Delgado:

● 340 Caribbean Restaurant: Cuisine from the Virgin Islands is on the menu here. Look for conch, saltfish and more. (4529 N. Pine Hills Road, Orlando)

● Negril Jamaican Restaurant: Tuck into island fare such as jerk chicken, rice and peas, ackee and more at this small restaurant. Time your meal right to take advantage of the lunch specials. (6301 Silver Star Road, Orlando)