Orange County Redistricting Committee plans to add two new districts

The City of Ocoee's Commission Meeting held on April 1, 2025, featured a significant update regarding Orange County's redistricting efforts. Angel Dela Portia, a member of the Orange County Mid Decennial Redistricting Committee, provided insights into the ongoing changes that will impact local governance.

Dela Portia explained that the redistricting process was initiated following the approval of a ballot measure that expanded the number of county districts from six to eight. This decision, made by voters last year, necessitates a restructuring of the existing district maps to accommodate the additional representation. Currently, each of the six districts serves approximately 250,000 residents, and with the addition of two new districts, the population per district will decrease by about 75,000.

He highlighted that District 1, which encompasses Winter Garden and Horizons West, is the fastest-growing area in the county, currently housing 275,000 residents. As a result, it will lose a significant portion of its population to help balance the new districts.

Dela Portia also informed the commission about the public engagement aspect of the redistricting process. The committee has held three meetings thus far, with more scheduled weekly until September. Residents are encouraged to participate by attending meetings in person or virtually, where they can view proposed maps and provide feedback. A dedicated website has been established for residents to access mapping tools and submit their own district proposals.

The implications of this redistricting are substantial, as it will lead to a complete overhaul of the county commission's structure. With two additional districts and several current commissioners termed out or resigning, the 2026 elections will see a significant shift in leadership, including the election of a new county administrator and attorney.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of community involvement in the redistricting process and the potential for transformative changes in Orange County's governance landscape by late 2026.