Work has begun on the implementation of the Environmental Land Stewardship Program (ELSP).  The ELSP is a key requirement of the Innovation Way policies adopted by Ordinance 2006-08.  The Environmental Land Stewardship program was established to ensure that viable networks of environmentally sensitive lands are sustained during and after development of approved sites within Innovation Way.

The Goals of the ELSP program are to:

• Provide additional buffers along the Econolockhatchee River.
• Provide adequate crossings for wildlife and water conveyance.
• Enhance or create existing wildlife corridors.
• Protect habitat on environmentally sensitive lands.

On February 25, 2009 the Environmental Protection Commission held a workshop regarding proposed changes existing Future Land Use Objective(s) 8.4 and 8.5 and a proposed conceptual map.  On March 25, 2009 the Environmental Protection Commission will hold a public meeting to receive community input on these proposed changes.   The public hearing will be held on the 1st Floor of the Orange County Administration Building in the Commission Chambers, 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL beginning at 10:00 AM or as soon thereafter as possible.

Any interested party may appear at the public hearing and be heard regarding the consideration of the above described amendments or submit written comments to the address below prior to the public hearing.

More information about this effort can be obtained on the Environmental Protection web page.

The Planning for Innovation Way to date has included several components, each of which are described in more detail below:

• Visioning Workshops - Conducted during July and August, 2005.
• Community Planning Collaborative - Held October, 2005.
• Innovation Way Study - Conducted concurrently with the Visioning Workshops and the Community Planning Collaborative. The Study formed the basis for Comprehensive Policy Plan Amendments. Completed December, 2005.
• Comprehensive Policy Plan Amendments - Proposed framework policies to guide the future development of Innovation Way based on Innovation Way Study findings. Adopted June 13, 2006.

Two Visioning Workshops were conducted in the Innovation Way area with the community on July 18, 2005, and August 13, 2005. These interactive workshops used facilitated hands-on exercises with local residents, property owners, and business owners in small groups.

Using innovative public participation tools that provided immediate feedback, all participants' comments were compiled and summarized to form a series of vision statements. The community vision statements for Innovation Way guided the Innovation Way Study and framework policies.

Please view the Visioning Workshops Summary Report here. (PDF - 265 KB)

Community Planning Collaborative (CPC) was an initiative among Orange County, decision support tool providers, national experts in democracy and planning, and community members to ensure the integration of good information, comprehensive analysis, and strong civic engagement in planning projects.

CPC used Innovation Way to demonstrate the capabilities of decision support tools in public participation and planning.

The Public participated in two events held as part of Community Planning Collaborative: Democracy and Planning in Action, a national conference.

Please click below for more information about CPC and the national conference public events:

• Community Planning Collaborative
• Public Events held during CPC National Summit

Orange County hired a consultant to perform a comprehensive study to establish policies to balance environmental resource protection with opportunities for sustainable economic development. Officially called the "Avalon South Economic Development and Resource Management Study", the Study Area is a major part of the larger Innovation Way corridor.

The Innovation Way Final Report (12/05/05) is available here. (PDF - 4.83 MB)

You may also email or phone the Planning Division at 407-836-5600 to request a copy of these reports on CD.

Please use the following link for more information about the Study:

Avalon South Economic Development and Resource Management Study

Amendments to the Orange County Comprehensive Policy Plan to implement Innovation Way have been adopted. These CPP amendments are based on the findings of the Innovation Way study. The amendments were adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on June 13, 2006.

• Innovation Way Comprehensive Policy Plan Amendments - Adopted June 13, 2006 (2006-1-B-FLUE-2) (PDF - 1.4 MB)

Innovation Way Study Community Meeting

Wednesday, November 16, 2005
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.              

WordSpring Discovery Center
11221 John Wycliffe Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32832

Community Planning Collaborative: Democracy and Planning in Action
Hands-on Planning Session - Digital Charrette

Saturday, October 29, 2005
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.              

Sheraton World Resort Orlando
10100 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
Click for details

Community Planning Collaborative: Democracy and Planning in Action
Innovation Way Scenario Town Hall Meeting

Thursday, October 27, 2005
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.             

Sheraton World Resort Orlando
10100 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
Click for details

Innovation Way Community Meeting

Thursday, September 15, 2005
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.              

Timber Creek High School
1001 Avalon Park Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32828

Innovation Way Visioning Workshop 2

Saturday, August 13, 2005
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.       

UCF Student Union - Key West Ballroom - 2nd Floor
4000 Central Florida Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32816

Innovation Way Visioning Workshop 1

Monday, July 18, 2005
5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.        

WordSpring Discovery Center
11221 John Wycliffe Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32832

Innovation Way Map - large format (PDF - 977 KB)
Innovation Way Map - 11"x17" format (PDF - 570 KB)
Innovation Way Presentation September 08 (PDF - 5 MB)