Protect, Prepare and Play: What to Expect at the District 1 Safety Expo

Leah Emmanouilidis • March 18, 2025

District 1 Safety Expo Brings Fun, Learning and Community Connection to Horizon West

Horizon West residents, get ready! Commissioner Nicole Wilson, our District 1 representative on the Orange County Board of Commissioners, and the Orange County Citizen Corps are bringing something special to our community: the first-ever District 1 Safety Expo!


Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 19th, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. when Horizon High School  will transform into a hub of family fun and essential safety education. This event is FREE and open to everyone.


Addressing Horizon West's Top Safety Concerns

As Horizon West continues to grow, so do the everyday concerns about safety on our roads and in our neighborhoods.


From distracted driving incidents to the challenges of kids zipping around on scooters and e-bikes, many of us have witnessed the need for more awareness and education.


There's also ongoing confusion about where golf carts, bicycles and other wheeled vehicles should be traveling — sidewalk or street? And let’s not forget the importance of being prepared for Central Florida’s hurricane season. These are common questions in our rapidly developing community.


The District 1 Safety Expo is designed to address these concerns while bringing our community together for an informative and entertaining day. You'll learn about topics like community-based safety initiatives, in-home fire safety, bike and pedestrian safety, safe driving practices, hurricane preparedness, emergency response programs and more.


Plus, you'll get face time with the very first responders who serve and protect us every day.


Safety Expo Highlights

Commissioner Wilson, who has long listened to the voices of Horizon West residents, knows how important it is for our community to feel safe, empowered, and informed. The Safety Expo is more than an event—it’s part of an ongoing commitment to fostering a safer Horizon West for all.


Here’s a glimpse at what’s in store:


📺 Special Guest Presentation: WESH Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi will join us for a special presentation on weather preparedness and storm safety in Central Florida!


🚒 Hands-On Demonstrations: Including fire rescue simulations, kitchen fire safety and “stop, drop, and roll” sessions for kids.


🚓 Traffic Safety Focus: Distracted driving awareness will take center stage with a focus on real-life consequences, and education about safe scooter, moped and e-bike use.


🚨 Community Programs: Learn how you can get involved in Neighborhood Watch, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and Citizens on Patrol programs and others.


🐍 Unique Learning Experiences: From snake safety education to pet safety tips, there’s something for every family member (even the furry ones!).


🕹 Family-Friendly Fun: Check out the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Mobile Video Game Theater, and stop by for car seat safety checks, activities from the OCSO Autism Initiative and more.


🩸 Give Blood: The Big Red Bus will be on-site for blood donations.


🧼 Give Back with Kindness: Item donations will be collected for Matthew’s Hope, a local non-profit helping those experiencing homelessness in our community. Let’s lend a hand to neighbors in need! Please refer to needs list.


🍔 Local Eats & Fun Takeaways: Enjoy tasty bites from some of your favorite food trucks while you explore dozens of booths from community partners, ready to share resources and hand out fun souvenirs.


🎟️ Passport Raffle Fun
Complete your Passport card by visiting at least 6 tables to collect stamps—and you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a
FREE full-day rental of a bouncy castle or waterslide!


Together, We Can Make Horizon West Safer!

While events like the District 1 Safety Expo are a great way to learn and prepare, the real strength of a community comes from the residents themselves. What makes a community truly safe and strong isn’t just the resources available, but the collective effort of every individual staying informed, following safety practices and looking out for one another.


When we all do our part—whether it’s driving safely, protecting our kids or being prepared for emergencies—we create a neighborhood that is not only safer but also more connected and desirable for everyone who calls it home.


So come out, bring your family and get involved. Let’s work together to ensure that Horizon West remains a safe and vibrant place to live for years to come.


Mark your calendar:

District 1 Safety Expo

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Horizon High School | 10393 Seidel Road, Winter Garden, FL


This event will be primarily held indoors with additional outdoor activities too! Don't miss the exciting Fire Rescue demo at 12 p.m. in the parking lot.


We look forward to working together to make Horizon West safer—and having some fun while we’re at it. Our Horizon West Magazine team will see you there!


Make sure to stop by the Horizon West Magazine booth for your FREE Horizon West Resource Guide!



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

 


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