Neighborhood Watch District 1 Orange County FL

05/17/2025

An Appeal to the Creators of Realaustinarthur . com

To Whomever Is Behind the Site,

The election season has come to a close, and with it, the intensity, strategy, and emotion that campaigns inevitably bring. The purpose of Realaustinarthur . com was clear — to shine a light, to send a message, and to correct the course of local politics. If its intent was to hold certain individuals accountable, to expose what you believed needed to be exposed, then it's safe to say: message received.

But today, we come to you not with opposition, not with anger or accusations, but with a heartfelt request.

The time has come to let this site go.

This was never about causing long-term harm to any individual or business. The Arthur brothers run local businesses, and regardless of political differences, hurting those businesses was never the goal. The website’s existence now — post-election — risks doing just that. It continues to send ripples far beyond its original target.

At the heart of this was a desire to hold former politician Scott Boyd accountable. And truthfully, after two consecutive election defeats, it's fair to say that he has heard that message. Loud and clear. However Scott Boyd is now pursuing legal action related to this website, and unfortunately, that action is creating consequences for people who have no control over the site and do not know who is behind it. Those of us who are now affected are asking for your compassion.

Please consider this appeal not as pressure, but as an invitation to close this chapter. You have done what you set out to do. The point has been made, the consequences delivered.

Now, taking the site down could be a powerful final act — one of grace, maturity, and humanity. We believe in the strength it takes to stop when you’ve won. We believe you have that strength.

This is a personal plea. A genuine one. If you are reading this, know that we are asking with humility: please take the website down.

Thank you for listening — and for considering.

03/16/2025

“State legislators in Tallahassee have filed bills which would destroy Orange and Seminole County's Rural Boundaries.”

THANK YOU to every has already called, emailed, and shared with your friends, families, and neighbors! WE WIN WHEN WE SHOW UP!

Stop Tallahassee's Effort to Destroy the Orange and Seminole County Rural Boundaries

12/03/2024

11/14/2024

OCOM - Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine's benefit concert, featuring renowned jazzman Jeff Rupert, for VoxPopuli is ONE WEEK AWAY!

Join us at OCOM for a fabulous evening of music + silent auction in support of VoxPopuli's fearless brand of independent local journalism.

WHEN: Nov. 16, 6-9 p.m.
WHERE: OCOM - Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine, Atrium Lobby
WHY: Community support provides the essential resources we need to do the reporting you expect from us. Deep community support is also a vital bulwark against those who would label us an "enemy of the people."
HOW: Get your concert tickets at https://voxpopuli.ticketspice.com/jeff-ruperts-quartet-benefit-concert-for-voxpopuli
$100 ticket include concert, food, beverages and 1 raffle ticket.

CAN'T BE THERE? We invite you to support our mission with a tax-deductible donation in any amount. Every dollar helps. And through the end of the year, ALL donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar through NewsMatch.
Donate at https://voxpopuli.fundjournalism.org/donate
We are so grateful to our readers. Thank you.

11/08/2024

In a powerful show of unity, Orange and Seminole County voters transcended partisan lines to protect their communities from unchecked sprawl. Facing proposals to transform open rural lands into expansive subdivisions and commercial developments, residents emphatically voiced their opposition. In Orange County, this vision for responsible growth led to re-electing Nicole Wilson in District 1 and Mayra Uribe in District 3, while newcomer Kelly Semrad’s win in District 5 strengthened a coalition committed to smart development policies. Voters also overwhelmingly supported amendments creating a robust rural boundary and implementing fiscal analyses for new developments, signaling their commitment to preserving both the environment and taxpayer interests. Read more here. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/11/06/editorial-orange-seminole-voters-spoke-up-loud-and-clear-stop-the-sprawl/?utm_email=D441147CC4B5055814C314C8C1&fbclid=IwY2xjawGa_xZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHb9wwvZu_4QYi3zjsBVmJhaR135PgdGZCiaNFJKdnB8sGz5xP5OkJc__lg_aem_Nk5UpTtkIEsU968kjfPEGQ

Orange and Seminole voters recognized the cost of irresponsible growth and howled “not in my backyard” to developers who want to turn vast acres of wild and rural lands into sprawling subdivisions …

11/07/2024

This image highlights the difference in voter patterns between the August primary and the November general election for the Orange County Commission District 1 race. One key aspect is the substantial increase in voter turnout, with 80,000+ more people casting votes in November than in August. Notably, areas that leaned red in August, especially around Winter Garden, shifted to support Nicole Wilson in November—areas that previously favored Austin Arthur.

This shift underscores the importance of understanding voter data and identifying which groups may need more information to make informed choices. By November, it’s clear that Nicole Wilson had gained broad support for her agenda across District 1. This data-driven approach is crucial for any campaign aiming to connect effectively with voters and address their key concerns.

11/06/2024

𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
As a professional reflecting on the recent Orange County elections, it's clear that there are valuable lessons to be learned for future campaigns. The most significant takeaway is the profound impact of perceived connections to developers, particularly former commissioner now developer Scott Boyd. His influence, though a legacy of his tenure as commissioner, now carries a very negative boarderline toxic connotation in large parts of District 1. Any future candidate would be wise to avoid even the perception of association with Developer Scott Boyd; returning any donations from him would demonstrate a commitment to transparency and trust with voters.

In this election, Austin Arthur’s connection to Developer Scott Boyd likely cost him dearly (Internal polling show). Voters saw a candidate aligned with big-money interests, and this eroded trust.

Taking donations from developers or large industry players creates a shadow of “owing favors,” which resonates negatively with the community. If you want a candidate to win in this area, they must work for the people—not for developer interests that often come at the expense of community values and environmental preservation.

The lesson here is simple but powerful: voters want their leaders to represent their interests, not the agenda of those with deep pockets.

The importance of thorough vetting cannot be overstated. Arthur’s background, however much he’s reformed or grown, was a barrier in this race. While he may be making meaningful contributions today, his past is an obstacle to political office. This election underscored that a candidate’s history matters to voters, and no amount of advertising can overcome a lack of credibility in the public eye.

On the marketing front, Arthur’s campaign, despite outspending the other candidate 6 to 1, lacked the substance needed to gain traction. Effective campaigns today need more than budget; they require compelling content, high-quality visuals, and a strong understanding of social platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Voters were reminded of Arthur’s past every time they saw his signs littered on every green space in Orange County, suggesting that no amount of signage or spending can erase public sentiment once it’s shaped by real stories and experiences. The Truth Will Always Set You Free is a Valuable Leason to understand. Carolina Amesty ran into a similar problem onces voters learned the truth.

In future campaigns, I recommend investing in a real marketing agency with experience and expertise in social media engagement and quality content creation. Winning campaigns resonate with truth, transparency, and a commitment to serving the people—qualities that money alone can’t buy.

11/06/2024

𝐀 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲.
A huge congratulations to the people of Orange County, Florida—and a special congratulations to Nicole Wilson for her re-election as District 1 Commissioner!
By taking the time to research candidates and voting for leaders who prioritize the community over big money and developer interests, Orange County residents have shown a powerful commitment to engaged citizenship. The outcome of this election sends a clear message: voters are choosing leaders who place community well-being and environmental protection above unchecked development.

In every County Commissioner race, candidates who refused developer funding emerged victorious. With Commissioners Nicole Wilson, Kelly Semrad, and Mayra Uribe forming a strong coalition, Orange County is now better positioned than ever to stand against overdevelopment and urban sprawl.

Additionally, the passing of Amendment 9, which reinforces the Rural Boundary, and Amendment 10, which establishes a process for the voluntary annexation of rural lands, mark significant wins for the community.

These victories reflect a collective commitment to responsible growth and the preservation of our natural spaces. With these leaders in place, Orange County can look forward to a future where the voices of residents—not developers—shape our environment and quality of life.

Thank you, Orange County, for choosing a path of integrity, stewardship, and dedication to a sustainable future.

11/05/2024

𝐀 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫-𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝.

In the last two weeks, Austin Arthur’s campaign has reached new heights—literally. Aerial banners, a relentless barrage of text messages, and a flood of campaign flyers, all aimed at swaying voters, have cost his campaign a significant six-figure sum. With Election Day nearing, it’s clear Arthur is leaving no stone unturned in his quest for District 1 Commissioner. But there’s a harsh reality behind the spectacle: this excessive spending didn’t just empty campaign coffers; it siphoned away resources that could have been used to support Winter Garden charities—organizations that Arthur himself has touted as part of his community involvement.

Austin Arthur flying a plane over rural areas, disturbing livestock and communities, brings a striking visual element to his campaign’s misplaced priorities. It captures, quite literally, a campaign that has taken off without regard for the well-being of the very people it’s meant to represent.

Flying a banner—one that appears to read, “Austin Arthur: High on Ego, Low on Charity Giving”—over the countryside, where families and livestock alike were disrupted, is a brazen display of self-promotion. His choice to intrude on quiet communities with loud, low-flying aircraft adds an additional layer of disregard for residents’ peace and privacy. This visual only strengthens the argument that Arthur’s campaign is more about feeding an inflated ego than meeting the genuine needs of District 1.

This aerial stunt is a powerful symbol of a candidate who has lost sight of what public service means. We need representatives who are grounded—focused on the real, everyday needs of the people who call our district home—not those more interested in grandstanding from the sky.

Imagine, for a moment, what those six figures could have accomplished if, after the election, that money had gone to those charities. For families struggling to put food on the table, for children needing warm clothing, for community programs stretched to the limit, such funding could have made a tangible difference. It’s frustrating, even infuriating, to realize that money instead went toward an ego-driven campaign blitz.

Arthur’s decision to funnel such immense resources into flashy self-promotion reveals a troubling truth: he is more concerned with securing power than with truly serving those in need. His actions speak loudly and, unfortunately, they paint a portrait not of a community leader, but of a candidate willing to sacrifice his own community's well-being for personal gain.

When a campaign prioritizes power over compassion, it betrays the very people it claims to represent. District 1 needs a leader committed to uplifting and empowering the community—not one willing to undermine it to fulfill personal ambition. We need leaders who view public service as an opportunity to make meaningful contributions, not as a stepping stone to power. We need leaders who will put their constituents first and who will make choices that reflect integrity, humility, and a genuine commitment to service. Arthur’s actions show that he is not that leader.

11/05/2024