Horizon West Residents Organize Safety Talk with OCSO

September 1, 2022

Residents Organize Information Session with Law Enforcement

Several Horizon West residents recently organized an in-person safety discussion with members of Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO). Horizon Westers Jeff Loeffert and David Terry were among those involved in planning the event, which took place in the evening on Tuesday, Aug. 23 at the Summerport HOA Clubhouse. All Horizon West residents were invited to attend the free event.


Since the event was held in Summerport, presenters largely focused on crime data for Sector III —the OCSO sector servicing that area— but the discussion included various topics relevant to all residents of Horizon West.


Topics discussed included:

  • OCSO Initiative to Redefine the Boundaries of Service Sectors
  • Horizon West population growth from 18K in 2012 vs 70K in 2022
  • School safety
  • Transportation safety
  • Consideration of a OCSO Substation in HW
  • Use of Golf Carts and Low Speed Vehicles
  • Citizens On Patrol Program and other Crime Prevention tactics 

Orange County Sheriff’s Office Sector III Commander Captain Dennis Ela was on hand to present crime data as well as field questions from the event organizers and attendees.


One of the talking points residents were most interest in was the OCSO initiative to redefine the boundaries of existing service sectors. Currently, service for Horizon West is split across two defined coverage areas known as “Sectors” – Sector III and Sector VI. These sectors do not correspond with any particular set of Horizon West villages, but Sector III largely covers HW Town Center, Bridgewater Village and the northern parts of Lakeside Village, while Sector VI includes southern Lakeside Village, Seidel area, Hickory Nut Village and Ovation. (See Village Maps) Both Sectors III and VI also include coverage areas extending far outside of Horizon West, spreading deputies across a large geographic area.


OCSO’s future plans will have Horizon West serviced by only one sector, which would allow more dedicated resources to be focused on Horizon West. The initiative to redefine the sectors and roll out services accordingly has been in progress for several years. This change has experienced numerous delays related to the the enormous amount of data that must be transferred in the supporting IT system as well as ramifications of the pandemic and other factors. While a specific date was not provided, it is expected that the new sectors will be operational in the upcoming year.

Master Deputy Sherrie Lewis from the Crime Prevention Unit was in attendance to provide attendees with Crime Prevention materials and safety recommendations. In particular, she encouraged residents to learn more about how they can take a more active role in helping their

neighborhood through the Citizens on Patrol Program and other crime prevention strategies.


Residents interested in setting up a similar event with Orange County Sheriff’s Office may reach out to M.D. Lewis for assistance by email or phone 321-263-6117.


Stay updated on all of the community news in Horizon West by Signing up for Our eNewsletter >>

 


Share This Story...

By Jen Dixon April 24, 2025
Tips from Artists with Disney, Marvel and More on How to Spark Imagination and Boost Drawing Skills
By Jen Dixon April 17, 2025
With REO Speedwagon’s Bruce Hall and Family On Board, HWTC Cranks Up the Volume
By Jen Dixon March 26, 2025
Your Guide to Celebrating Easter in Horizon West
By Leah Emmanouilidis March 18, 2025
District 1 Safety Expo Brings Fun, Learning and Community Connection to Horizon West
By Marie Robinson March 13, 2025
Hamlin's New Mexican Concept to Open This Summer
By Marie Robinson March 3, 2025
An Exclusive Sneak Peek into Horizon West's Highly Anticipated Hangout
Embark on a journey of discovery and transformation on an Alaskan cruise with fellow Horizon Westers
March 2, 2025
Embark on a journey of discovery and transformation on an Alaskan cruise with fellow Horizon Westers! 🚣‍♀️✨ ONE OF LAST REMAINING BALCONIES + ON-BOARD CREDIT* *$200 on-board credit compliments of Horizon West Magazine
February 21, 2025
Camps with Close-to-Home Convenience in HW!
By Marie Robinson February 6, 2025
Library Pop-up Events Emerge Ahead of Horizon West Branch Opening
By Leah Emmanouilidis January 3, 2025
Auditions for the 2025 Season are Here!
More Posts