Orange County advisory committee rejects first citizen map after residents press to keep Horizon West intact

A majority of the Orange County Mid Decennial Redistricting Advisory Committee voted on April 23 to reject a draft map presented by committee member Mark Arias after extended public comment pressing the committee to keep Horizon West whole and to avoid “packing” Pine Hills.

The vote came after a presentation of Arias’s map, a legal review by county counsel and roughly three hours of public testimony from residents and local elected officials. Committee member Bobby Shevsky moved to reject the map; Jimmy Alfond seconded. The clerk’s roll call recorded 10 ayes and 1 nay; the chair declared the motion passed.

Why it matters: The county’s recent move from six to eight commission districts makes the redrawing of boundaries consequential for representation, services and local planning. Residents at the meeting said rapid recent growth in parts of the county, especially Horizon West, creates different infrastructure and service needs that they want to be represented by a single commissioner.

During public comment, multiple residents said Horizon West’s rapid growth and distinct needs justify a dedicated district. Zach Waxler, who identified himself as a Winter Garden resident, told the committee: “What was once miles of Orange Groves is now home to 60,000 people, and projections say that number could double in the coming years.” Several other speakers made similar pleas; Rhonda (identified in the record only by first name) said…