Featured Stories
A Neighborhood You Should Know: Horizon West Looks to the Past for a Charming, Walkable and Back-to-nature Community
Nestled amongst the lakes of Windermere, the charm of Winter Garden and the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll find Horizon West. It is a neighborhood designed in the image of New Urbanism, a planning and development approach based on how cities and towns had been built for the last several centuries – with walkable blocks and streets, housing and shopping in close proximity, and accessible public spaces.
The genesis of Horizon West lies with the owners of the orange groves that once covered southwest Orange County. After a series of devasting freezes in the 1980s destroyed their groves, they were determined to ensure the area did not develop in a typical urban-sprawl style. They came together to brainstorm, and their ideas led to partnering with Orange County officials to develop a series of villages with high-density activity centers that provide community hubs, walkable conveniences and a sense of space.
Faulty Smoke Alarms “Spark” Fire Safety Program in Orange County
The National Fire Protection Association reports almost three out of five home fire deaths happened in residences with no smoke alarms or no working...
A Neighborhood You Should Know: Built Taft Tough … You Can’t Keep a Good Neighborhood Down.
Approximately eight miles south of Orlando lies the community of Taft, which has a long and storied history of both success and resilience to...
Pickleball is a Big “Dill” at Orange County Parks and Recreation Centers
If you ask people if they have “picked up the paddle” lately, odds are they will think you are referring to ping pong or...
Community & Services
A Neighborhood You Should Know: Horizon West Looks to the Past for a Charming, Walkable and Back-to-nature Community
Nestled amongst the lakes of Windermere, the charm of Winter Garden and the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll find Horizon West. It is a neighborhood designed in the image of New...
Orange County Conducts Public Forums as Part of Customer-First Development Services Initiative
Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings made his mandate clear at the 2019 Regional Economic Summit when he said, “We want Orange County to be known not only as the premier place to do...
A Neighborhood You Should Know: Built Taft Tough … You Can’t Keep a Good Neighborhood Down.
Approximately eight miles south of Orlando lies the community of Taft, which has a long and storied history of both success and resilience to misfortune. Taft has overcome droughts, floods and The Great Depression and today maintains a positive outlook for current and future generations.
The neighborhood currently stands as a testament to its residents...
Public Health & Safety
Faulty Smoke Alarms “Spark” Fire Safety Program in Orange County
The National Fire Protection Association reports almost three out of five home fire deaths happened in residences with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. This troubling statistic “sparked” Orange County Fire Rescue (OCFR)...
Orange County’s Fire Fleet Keeps the Big Rigs Rolling
What has nine bays, 10 technicians, a $9.3 million budget and is responsible for keeping 388 vehicles of all shapes and sizes up and running? If you answered Orange County Fire Rescue Department’s Fleet Services (OCFR), you’re correct. However, there’s much more to keeping the fleet tuned-up than meets the eye.
“The role of the...
Forum on Vaping Highlights Health Risks for Adolescents
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings welcomed doctors from Nemours Children’s Health System during a community forum and panel discussion on vaping, which was held on Monday, January 27, 2020 at the Board of County Commissioners’ Chambers. The event was held to answer questions regarding the health risks, symptoms, and what parents and teens need to...
Business
Top Takeaways: The 2020 State of I-Drive is Dynamic
There is a strong appeal to International Drive, whether it is the impressive economic and tourism impact, its educational opportunities, or its diversity in...
Alexa Users Can Now “Ask Orange County”
Orange County Government in Florida now offers “Ask Orange County Government” app/skill through Amazon’s Alexa –– a virtual assistant capable of voice interaction. The...
Orange County’s Pollution Prevention Champion Spotlight: Hilton Orlando
Orange County Environmental Protection Division is pleased to recognize a local Pollution Prevention (P2) champion.
Hilton Orlando, in partnership with the Surfrider Foundation, is home...
