Celebrating the Diversity, Culture, and Spirit of Pine Hills Since 2015

Founded in 2015 by the Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District (PHNID), the Taste of Pine Hills was created as a community-centered initiative designed to celebrate the culture, diversity, businesses, and people that make Pine Hills unique. What began as a local community celebration has since evolved into one of Pine Hills’ signature legacy events.

Since 2015/2016, the event has been transitioned from the PHNID to be organized and led by the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. (UFCF) in conjunction with community partners, continuing the original vision of unifying residents while creating positive opportunities for engagement, cultural celebration, youth empowerment, and economic visibility throughout the Pine Hills community.

The inaugural Taste of Pine Hills was held on November 14, 2015, at Barnett Park Pavilion 1 as a fundraiser benefiting JoJo O’Neal’s Let’s Kick Asthma Foundation. The event featured food vendors, live entertainment, health and wellness resources, comedy, music, youth activities, and local organizations under the banner “Taste the Diversity of Pine Hills.”

As the event continued to grow, it expanded into larger community-wide celebrations hosted at locations including Evans High School Stadium and the Silver Star Shopping Center. By 2016 and beyond, the Taste of Pine Hills had become known for blending culture, music, food, family engagement, and community resources into a vibrant experience that reflected the heart of Pine Hills.

Over the years, the event has featured:

• Live musical performances and local entertainers

• Cultural food vendors and restaurants

• Youth activities and family engagement experiences

• Health and wellness resources

• Community exhibitors and nonprofit organizations

• Local business showcases

• Opportunities for residents to connect with services and resources available throughout Orange County

The Taste of Pine Hills has also served as a platform to recognize and uplift individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact throughout the community through the Pine Hills Pillars Awards, an initiative honoring those dedicated to the revitalization, education, leadership, and betterment of Pine Hills. According to the nomination materials, recipients are recognized for inspiring residents and businesses, promoting community revitalization, educating fellow citizens, and demonstrating selflessness and integrity in service to Pine Hills.

Past Pine Hills Pillars honorees include:

• 2015 – Noel & Bertina Busch, Pine Hills Press

• 2016 – Dennis Hall, United Foundation of Central Florida

• 2016 – WellCare Healthcare Services

• 2017 – Tim Haberkamp, Hardee’s

• 2017 – Michael Strayhorn, 6001 Silver Star Partners, LLC

• 2018 – Julien M. Serrano-O’Neil, Morehouse College (First Student Recipient)

• 2019 – Paul Billings, 98.5 The Wire

Since its inception, the Taste of Pine Hills has remained rooted in a simple but powerful mission: celebrating the diversity of Pine Hills while creating opportunities to invest back into the community. Proceeds and partnerships generated through the event have historically supported youth initiatives, performing arts, educational programming, health awareness efforts, and broader community engagement activities throughout Pine Hills.

Today, the Taste of Pine Hills stands as more than an annual event. It is a reflection of community pride, cultural excellence, resilience, and the ongoing effort to tell the story of Pine Hills through the voices, talents, businesses, and families who call the community home.

Past Event Flyers