Orlando Standard

The City of Orlando, in collaboration with the Orange County Library System and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, is set to commence construction on a new community and government center in Southeast Orlando. The Southeast Community and Government Center (SCGC) aims to bring essential city services closer to local residents and businesses.

Scheduled for completion by spring 2026, the SCGC will cover approximately 15,000 square feet. It will serve as a regional police substation to improve coordination among the 17 police districts in Southeast Orlando. The facility will also house a satellite office for the District 1 City Commissioner and provide access to various city services such as Permitting, Code Enforcement, Communications and Neighborhood Relations, and Families, Parks and Recreation.

Additionally, the center will feature public meeting rooms for community gatherings and meetings. It will also be home to the newest branch of the Orange County Library System, known as the Lake Nona library.

The project is funded by a $1 million grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2022 Community Project Funding Grant. The land for the SCGC is leased from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, District 1 City Commissioner Jim Gray, Orlando Police Chief Eric D. Smith, Orange County Library System Board Trustee Ashley Cisneros Mejia, and Greater Orlando Aviation Authority CEO Kevin Thibault are expected to attend the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at McCoy Community Park.

This initiative promises significant benefits for Southeast Orlando residents by enhancing service efficiency and fostering stronger connections between local government entities and community members.