Zach Waxler advocates for redistricting changes in Orange County's District 1

The Orange County Mid-Decennial Redistricting Advisory Committee convened on April 23, 2025, to discuss critical changes to District 1 boundaries in light of the area's rapid growth. The meeting featured public comments, including a notable address from resident Zach Waxler, who emphasized the need for redistricting to reflect the evolving demographics and needs of the community.

Waxler, a resident of Winter Garden, shared his personal experiences living in both Horizon West and Downtown Winter Garden. He highlighted the explosive growth in District 1, particularly in Horizon West, which has transformed from agricultural land to a bustling community of approximately 60,000 residents, with projections indicating that this number could double in the coming years.

During his remarks, Waxler advocated for splitting District 1 into northern and southern sections. He argued that Horizon West should be established as its own district to ensure focused attention on its unique challenges and needs. He pointed out that the northern parts of District 1, which include older municipalities like Oakland, Winter Garden, and Ocoee, have fundamentally different priorities compared to the rapidly developing areas in the south.

Waxler's comments underscored the importance of fair representation for all communities within the district. He expressed concern that the needs of established municipalities could be overlooked if they remain grouped with fast-growing areas. He called for a redistricting plan that acknowledges the distinct characteristics of each community, ensuring that every part of Orange County receives the representation it deserves.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the committee to consider the input from residents like Waxler as they work towards a redistricting plan that reflects the current and future needs of District 1. The committee's next steps will involve further discussions and evaluations of proposed boundary changes to ensure equitable representation across the county.