Experience Christian Center Pastor Derrick L. McRae, based in Pine hills, joined Orange County Sheriff John Mina and other community leaders Wednesday to officially break ground on what will soon be the church’s new location on North Hiawassee Road, near Silver Star Road.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Nearly 100 new units at the Preserve at Emerald Villas in Pine Hills will now be the home to dozens of seniors in Orange County. The $19 million project was designed to help seniors who earn from 40% to 60% of the area median income. “This is an opportunity for us to have a public, private partnership to address the deficit of affordable housing here in our community,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said. The property was bought back in 2011 and was in deep foreclosure then became the second phase of development at Emerald Villas affordable housing. Pozzo said less than 20 units are still available for seniors at the Preserve at Emerald Villas.