Pine Hills, October 26, 2025
News Summary
Community leaders and residents in Pine Hills are advocating for incorporation to improve public safety and governance following recent tragedies. The movement, led by local resident Moliere Dimache, aims to create a separate municipality with its own city council and police force. This initiative reflects ongoing concerns over crime and public safety in the area, especially in light of a recent shooting anniversary. Local organizations are also stepping up community services to support residents during this difficult time.
Orlando — Community leaders and residents in Pine Hills are stepping up calls for incorporation as concerns over public safety and recent tragedies continue to shape local priorities. Advocates say forming a new municipality would give Pine Hills its own city governance and a dedicated police force, while community groups continue outreach and services in the neighborhood affected by ongoing grief and litigation.
Key developments and immediate impacts
A movement is growing in Pine Hills advocating for the community to break away from Orange County and form its own municipality. Local resident Moliere Dimache is a leading advocate for the incorporation movement and has stated that Orange County has been ineffective in managing the Pine Hills community. Dimache plans to file paperwork to initiate the annexation process, which would eventually go to a vote. Supporters of incorporation believe a dedicated police force could help reduce crime in the area. There are concerns about potential increases in property taxes to fund city services if incorporation is approved.
Community outreach and services
Second Harvest teamed up with local non-profits in Pine Hills, Orlando, to provide essential resources to the community. Residents received health screenings from Orange Blossom Family Health. Food was distributed by Second Harvest Food Bank during the event. Residents had the opportunity to interview with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Organizers highlighted the importance of the event for underrepresented communities.
Public safety and recent tragedy
This month marks two years since the Pine Hills shooting that claimed the lives of 9-year-old T’Yonna Major, TV reporter Dylan Lyons, and Nathacha Augustin. In response to the shooting, Major’s family is leading a walk to combat gun violence, organized by the nonprofit Yaya’s Dream. Families of the shooting victims are suing the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, claiming wrongful death and civil rights violations due to inadequate response to catch the killer. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office states that Keith Moses is solely responsible for the violent acts and intends to contest the lawsuit.
Governance, timeline and potential consequences
Proponents of incorporation say creating a Pine Hills municipality would allow residents to elect a city council, create local policy tailored to neighborhood needs, and establish municipal services, including a police department. University of Central Florida senior lecturer, Jim Clark, noted that discussions about Pine Hills incorporating have been ongoing for nearly 60 years, indicating a long-standing interest in local self-governance. Opponents and some residents warn that funding new city services could lead to higher property taxes and added financial burdens for homeowners.
Next steps proposed by advocates
Moliere Dimache and local organizers plan formal steps to advance the incorporation idea, beginning with filing annexation paperwork to start a legal and administrative process that would ultimately require voter approval. If the annexation move gains enough traction and meets legal requirements, residents would vote on whether to form the municipality and approve related budgets and charter provisions.
Ongoing legal actions and community response
The families of those killed in the Pine Hills shooting have filed a lawsuit against the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, alleging wrongful death and civil rights violations tied to an inadequate response. The sheriff’s office has issued a statement attributing responsibility for the killings to Keith Moses and signaling an intent to contest the legal claims. Meanwhile, community groups are continuing outreach efforts and remembrance activities while local leaders push for policy changes and improved public safety.
Background and context
Pine Hills, a neighborhood in western Orange County, has for decades been the focus of discussions about local governance, safety and service provision. The current incorporation movement follows long-standing local debates about whether separation from Orange County governance would improve outcomes for residents. Community service events and public health efforts continue alongside political organizing, reflecting a combination of immediate needs and longer-term civic goals.
What this means for residents
- Residents may see a formal vote on incorporation if annexation paperwork and legal requirements proceed.
- Potential benefits cited by advocates include local control of governance and a dedicated police department aimed at addressing crime.
- Potential drawbacks include possible increases in property taxes to fund municipal services.
- Legal proceedings related to the Pine Hills shooting continue and may influence public trust and policy debates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What community support event took place in Pine Hills?
Second Harvest teamed up with local non-profits in Pine Hills, Orlando, to provide essential resources to the community.
Which health services were available at the community event?
Residents received health screenings from Orange Blossom Family Health.
Who distributed food during the event?
Food was distributed by Second Harvest Food Bank during the event.
What is the main goal of the local movement in Pine Hills?
A movement is growing in Pine Hills advocating for the community to break away from Orange County and form its own municipality.
Who is leading the incorporation effort?
Local resident Moliere Dimache is a leading advocate for the incorporation movement.
What are the planned next steps from the incorporation advocate?
Dimache plans to file paperwork to initiate the annexation process, which would eventually go to a vote.
What is the anniversary mentioned in the article?
This month marks two years since the Pine Hills shooting that claimed the lives of 9-year-old T’Yonna Major, TV reporter Dylan Lyons, and Nathacha Augustin.
Are there legal actions related to the shooting?
Families of the shooting victims are suing the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, claiming wrongful death and civil rights violations due to inadequate response to catch the killer.
Key features chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Community Services | Second Harvest, Orange Blossom Family Health, local non-profits providing food and health screenings |
| Incorporation Movement | Local push to break away from Orange County and form a new municipality with local council and police |
| Local Advocate | Moliere Dimache leading effort and planning to file annexation paperwork |
| Public Safety Concerns | Calls for a dedicated police force to reduce crime; recent shooting anniversary and related lawsuits |
| Financial Concerns | Potential increases in property taxes to fund new city services |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WFTV: Second Harvest partners with local Orlando nonprofits
- ClickOrlando: Could Pine Hills become its own city?
- Fox 35: Local news video coverage
- WESH: Pine Hills community rallies against gun violence
- ClickOrlando: Illegal dumping problems persist in Pine Hills
- Wikipedia: Pine Hills, Florida
- Google Search: Pine Hills incorporation
- Google Scholar: Pine Hills community services
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida
- Google News: Pine Hills
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
