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Volunteers help build Transformation Village in Bithlo community

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A community project to revitalize Bithlo has been underway for years, and on Saturday volunteers came together to work on the centerpiece of the project: Transformation Village.

The nonprofit group United Global Outreach has been leading the efforts to transform the Bithlo area since 2009. Several local officials, government agencies, organizations and businesses have been involved in the revitalization projects in the community.

Since the start of the Bithlo initiative a community clinic has opened, more bus routes have been added and residents have found jobs through local employment programs.

On Saturday volunteers and firefighters with Orange County Fire Rescue worked on the centerpiece of the project, an area called Transformation Village. Once completed, the area will include schools, a library, clinics and businesses.

United Global Outreach is also leading a revitalization project in another struggling area of Orange County, Azalea Park.

Related story: Volunteers lead effort to revitalize Azalea Park