City of Ocoee raises $680K for local charity

One local nonprofit’s Christmas season is extra bright this year.

A Heart to Give on Tuesday, Dec. 16, received $680,000 from the city of Ocoee to fund its work to provide resources to families in need across West Orange.

The city presented the check during its final City Commission of the year. The funds come from the Ocoee Music Festival Dash of the Century 5K, which took place Nov. 15.

A Heart to Give’s Terrie Scott received the check.

“We help families transition into stable housing by furnishing entire homes, support single parents with essentials like diapers and formula and work with families on budgeting so they can become self-sufficient,” Scott said. 

She was grateful to receive the $680,000 check from the proceeds of the 5K. Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson expressed his thanks to Scott for everything she’s doing within the community. 

The 14th annual Chick-fil-A 5K was announced for April 11, 2026, with the proceeds going to help a local charity. 

WEST ORANGE TRAIL CONNECTION EFFORTS

Patrick Panza, operations director of Bike/Walk Central Florida, provided an update on the Healthy West Orange Trails Connection initiative. It’s a collaborating effort between Ocoee and neighboring municipalities. 

The program strives to improve trail connectivity, safety and access across West Orange. Panza outlined progress made since 2021, including safety audits, trail enhancement projects, community events and the development of trail design guidelines. 

A $5 million fund, originally given by the West Orange Healthcare District, now is being used to move the project forward. Panza announced plans to formalize proposals for a regional trail conceptual master plan. He and his team are working on a study to research the best trail system to develop. 

“We think it’s a phenomenal move forward and we’ll really position these trails for success in the future,” Panza said. 

SEWER CONNECTION FINANCING APPROVED

The City Commission also unanimously approved a resolution allowing the city to use a uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem special assessment fees. It will give property owners flexible options to pay required sewer connection fees. 

There are 41 properties required by state law to connect to available sewer infrastructure as part of environmental protection efforts. Grant funding covers more than half of the connection costs. The assessment option allows remaining fees to be paid over time through property tax bills.