Welcome to the Orange Blossom Trail Development Board
In partnership with local government and Florida DOT, the Orange Blossom Trail Development Board has planned, implemented and managed such projects as South Orange Blossom Trail roadway and right-of-way improvements; entryway features and signage; installation of a sewer system, drainage, sidewalks, street paving and street lights in
Holden Heights; changed legislation and zoning to limit adult entertainment establishments; toughened zoning violations; and facilitated community safety and renovation initiatives. The Board currently focuses on the infrastructure for the North end of Orange Blossom Trail, from I-4 to Highway 50 (Colonial Drive).
The History of the Orange Blossom Trail Development Board
OBT Board Created
Orange County and the City of Orlando establish The OBT Trail Development Board, Inc. to facilitate improvements of the Orange Blossom Trail from Colonial Drive to the Beachline Expressway.
South of I-4 MSTU
Two Municipal Services Taxing Units were created to plan, design, and construct enhancements on the corridor between I-4 and the Beeline Expressway.
Billboard Overlay District
Requested an official Overlay District to restrict additional billboards on OBT and worked with local companies to reduce billboards by 25% and improve the remaining boards.
North of I-4 CRA
Created the first multi-jurisdictional Community Redevelopment Area in Florida, generating tax increment funding for improving OBT from Colonial to I-4.
OBT Safe Neighborhood
OBTDB requests Orange County create Florida’s flagship Safe Neighborhood Program to help combat crime in the area.
Trail Business Association
Organized a group of approximately 100 business owners who met and enjoyed corporate events throughout the construction of the S. OBT. Unfortunately, after construction was complete interest dwindled.
Kaley Square Park
Built community park in Holden Heights featuring green space and recreational equipment
Crime Prevention Fund
Youth Development Program
Spearheaded a partnership with 29 organizations to give inner city youth positive, healthy after-school activities. Awarded $50,000 Juvenile Justice Grant to provide tennis, soccer, golf, and other sports programs at no cost to area youth.
S. OBT Roadway Enhancement
Completion of Phase 1 and 2 of the $78 million project. It included the undergrounding of utilities, new streetlights, traffic signals, sidewalks, trash cans and other ornamental improvements. OBTDB currently maintains these improvements.
Holden Heights Little League
Partnered with the Holden Heights Neighborhood Association to obtain funding to bring Little League Baseball to Holden Heights for the first time.
$300,000 Toolkit Grant
Awarded the grant from the State of Florida for an economic development grant to demolish crack houses, dilapidated structures, and clean vacant lots. Resulted in 30 demolitions in 6 months and the collection of 331 tons of garbage.
CRA Infrastructure Improvements
Successfully lobbied for infrastructure upgrades including sanitary sewers, storm drainage, and sidewalks.
Helping Hands Program
In partnership with the faith-based community and volunteers, provided home improvements to over 110 residents in Holden Heights and Parramore.
OBT N. Improvements
The OBT North Study results in a $2.5 million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation to make infrastructure improvements from Central Avenue to Gore Street. Improvements include new sidewalks, streetlights, traffic signals, curbs and gutters, and aesthetic upgrades in the median at OBT & South Street.
Holden Heights Community Center
Allocated $600,000 of CRA funding for the acquisition, design and planning of a new community center. The center houses social services programs, vocational training, a computer lab, training room, and meeting space.
OBTNEXT
A 21st Century approach to creating an economically viable, sustainable, and safe community for the residents, businesses, and visitors of the Orange Blossom Trail communities. OBTDB received a $500,000 Florida Economic Development Grant with the assistance of Florida State Senator Geraldine Thompson and Florida State Representative Bruce Antone.
Pineloch Elementary Food Drive
Partnered with Pineloch Elementary School and private donors to provide food to elementary school students and their families during the winter break.
Summer Camp Sponsorships
Sponsored 50 youth in the Safe Neighborhood to attend Elite Preparatory Academy Summer Camp at a cost of $45,750
OBTNEXT Awards
Recipient of the Florida Planning and Zoning Association for Outstanding Plan/Study & The Award of Merit by APAFL
Holden Heights Block Party
Community outreach event providing helpful resources and activities in a fun environment. Partnering with local organizations, the event included free health screenings, educational resources, clothing drive, games, food, and prizes.
Prime Time Reading Program
Partnered with GAI Consultants and the Orange County Library System, S. Trail Branch to a family reading program which encourages literacy, family activities, education, and community connections.
Holden Heights Prayer Walk
Served as the facilitator for faith-based community partners and volunteers to engage in corporate prayer for the community.
OBT Safety Task Force
Internal monthly meeting of OBTDB with law enforcement and code enforcement to address community issues
OBT Housing Task Force
Internal meeting of OBTDB with County, City and various professionals to address housing needs
Art in Architecture
Partnering with Orlando Regional Realtors Foundation to develop new housing and renovate existing homes in Holden Heights
Community Resiliency Forum
In partnership with the Peace and Justice Institute and Kaley Square we hosted a community forum on Adverse Childhood Experiences and screening of Resilience: The Biology of Stress and Hope
Join Us
On the journey to reimagine the future of the Orange Blossom Trail.
Plan Implementation Progress.
Six distinctive branded districts will be created to help reposition the trail regionally. This will attract sustainable growth, economic development, academic institutions, food and entertainment business, and bring traditional and non-traditional jobs and industry to the corridor.
The graph represents approximate completion.
What's New
Great things happening at OBTNext. Click an image below and follow us!
OBT Development Board Community Grant
Community Based Projects and Programs
Grant Project Overview:
The OBT Development Board provides funding for community-based projects and programs in the Holden Heights Community and Orange Blossom Trail Development Project area (see boundary map for details).
Apply Now!
Objectives:
- Provide funding to local organizations working with youth, families, business, and other community-based services.
- Connect and create relationships with organizations for continued support to the Holden Heights Community and Orange Blossom Trail Development Project area.
- Create and manage community event(s) related to program requirements.
- Maintain community relationships for long term action and development.
Application Requirements:
- Identify community organization is in the Safe Neighborhood Boundary (see map for details).
- Cover Letter
- Name of Organization
- Address
- Description of community-based program related to families, youth, elderly, housing needs, homeless, cultural activity, or another related program.
- Provide the OBT Development Board with a strategic outlook.
- Staff
- Action Plan
- Objectives
- Evaluations
- Data
- Timeframe
