Blog Post

Horizon West Businesses Offer Safe Places for LGBTQ+ Residents

May 31, 2022

Local Businesses Provide Safety for Bullying or Crime Victims

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Horizon West is a community that welcomes everyone. In order to make sure that all residents and visitors can find solace in safe places throughout the community, several local businesses have registered with Orange County Sheriff's Office's LGBTQ+ Safe Place initiative.

Adapted from the Safe Place Program initially created by Seattle Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) Safe Place initiative provides the LGBTQ+ community with easily accessible safety information and safe places throughout the county they can turn to if they are the victim of a bias crime or student bullying.

The Safe Place program was created to bridge that gap between victims of hate crimes and the police. By clearly displaying the OCSO-provided Safe Place decal at their front entrance, businesses signify they offer safety, protection and support for all, especially those who are the victims of LGBTQ+ bias crime. Anyone who seeks solace in a designated Safe Place location can be assured that police will promptly be called and the employees of the business will offer refuge in the meantime.

Designated Safe Places in Horizon West

ScribbleSpace was the first Horizon West business to register for the program in June 2020. Shortly thereafter, Citrus Church and Warrior One Winter Garden Windermere became official Safe Places as well. All three businesses are located in Horizon West's Village of Bridgewater and are in walking distance of Windermere High School.

The newest designated Safe Place is Gators Dockside Windermere located in the Westside Shoppes. Receiving their decals and designation in April 2022, Gator's extends the program to another Horizon West village — Lakeside Village. This location is also in close proximity to schools including Horizon West Middle and Bay Lake Elementary.

Horizon West's Designated Safe Place Locations:

ScribbleSpace - 13790 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd, Suite 1080, Windermere, FL 34786
Citrus Church - The Grovehouse - 14393 Bridgewater Crossing Blvd Suite 130, Windermere, FL 34786
Warrior One Winter Garden Windermere - 13796 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd, Suite 1040, Windermere, FL 34786
Gator's Dockside Windermere - 6516 Old Brick Rd, Windermere, FL 34786

Register Your Business Today

Becoming a Safe Place is FREE!

Joining this program does two things: First, it lets your patrons know where you stand on bias and hate crimes — that hate has no place in our community. Second, and more importantly, it says to any victim — no matter your background or status you will be heard, you will be treated with care, dignity, and respect from this business as well as from the police officers who respond to investigate.

Detective Mara Everson is the Safe Place Coordinator and also serves as a LGBTQ+ Liaison for OCSO. Liaison deputies are available to work with community members, visitors and business owners to assist in matters pertaining to the LGBTQ+ community. Learn more about the OCSO Liaisons here.

Reporting a Crime

If you are a victim of, or witness to a bias crime (or any crime), please report the incident to law enforcement, either during, or immediately after it occurs by calling 911. If you need help, visit one of the Safe Places mentioned above and they will be glad to support you.

Learn more about Orange County Sheriff's Office Safe Place Program.

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