Orange County sheriff introduces 'Pine Hills Proud' campaign

Campaign part of Operation R.I.S.E. introduced in December 2016

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The Orange County Sheriff's Office launched a new campaign Tuesday that's aimed at keeping crime down and encouraging pride in the troubled community of Pine Hills.

At a press conference Tuesday, Sheriff Jerry Demings gave an update on crime statistics and introduce the "Pine Hills Proud" campaign.

"Overall, through the first six months of the year, crime is down by 17 percent in this area," Demings said.

"I believe that bringing everyone together is going to create the opportunity for Pine Hills to become a great place to live, work and to visit," he said.

According to officials with the Sheriff's Office, the safety and well-being of the citizens of Pine Hills has been part of an ongoing effort since Operation R.I.S.E. (Restoration, Inclusiveness, Safety and Empowerment) was announced in December 2016.

In the months following, deputies said they've been working to build trust and improve the quality of life for people who live in the surrounding neighborhoods.

"It's time we take back our community. We're sick and tired of hearing all the crime hills and all the negative news. We want to dispel that, and that means us working together for our community," Sandra Fatmi, chair of Pine Hills Community Council, said.

For more information on the Pine Hills Proud campaign, visit Orange County Sheriff's Office website.


About the Author:

Mark Lehman became a News 6 reporter in July 2014, but he's been a Central Florida journalist and part of the News 6 team for much longer. While most people are fast asleep in their bed, Mark starts his day overnight by searching for news on the streets of Central Florida.

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