With sky-high housing costs in Central Florida, local leaders are trying to create some relief when it comes to housing. They just cut the ribbon on phase three of Emerald Villas - an affordable apartment complex in Pine Hills.

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.