a master-planned community in Sarasota and Manatee counties, are growing faster than Horizon West, which is generally defined as bordered on the east by S.R. 535, the north by Tilden Road, the south by Walt Disney World and the west by the Orange County/Lake County line. And it’s a charmingly cohesive place despite its size, and despite the sometimes-confusing fact that residents may have Winter Garden, Windermere or Orlando addresses. There are Horizon West networking groups, book clubs, sports leagues and business groups. The Horizon West Alliance, a volunteer advocacy group of residents, is always finding new ways to create connectivity “Horizon West has seen rapid growth over the last five years, making it one of the fastest growing areas in the United States,” says Orange County Commissioner Betsy VanderLey, whose district includes Horizon West. “Our challenge has been to provide infrastructure at a pace appropriate to that growth. We welcome all of the new Floridians to our community.” Among those feeling welcomed was Jennifer Pelcher and her family — which included her husband, Steve, and their sons, Jaxon and Brycen — who moved to Horizon West from Rochester, New York, in 2013. “Living here allows us to not only enjoy the theme parks, but we have downtown Orlando a short drive away,” says Pelcher, who owns and operates Abbott’s Frozen Custard in Hamlin’s town center. “We enjoy being close to the tourist attractions without living in the tourist area.” Pelcher also appreciates the neighborhood amenities. The family enjoys bike rides on the paths and trails that crisscross the area as well as the playgrounds and events such as neighborhood movie nights, food truck nights and themed events at the community pool. Both the Pelcher boys attend Summerlake Elementary, which
opened this year in Bridgewater Village. “It’s in our neighborhood, so it’s great that the kids are able to ride bikes now rather than ride the bus,” Pelcher says. Sheila Bater, another resident and business owner, moved to Horizon West eight years ago from North Carolina with her husband, Matt. In July 2019 they opened Hotworx, a 24-hour infrared fitness studio in the town center. Residents of Hamlin, they also love biking and appreciate the beautiful landscaping that highlights the community. And being so near, yet so far, Disney World also has its perks: “Watching the Disney fireworks from our house is a nice touch.” Obviously, living so close to the attractions appeals to many. Another advantage is living in a self-contained community where most public services and essential commercial activities are nearby.
HEALTH AND EDUCATION The Horizon West area is served by two premier hospitals, Health Central Hospital, operated by Orlando Health, and AdventHealth Winter Garden. There are also numerous urgentcare facilities. Orlando Health has opened an emergency room and medical pavilion on a 74-acre campus near S.R. 429 and Porter Road. Scheduled to open in early 2021 is a six-story, 214,000-square-foot hospital with 103 beds as well as an onsite laboratory and outpatient imaging services. In 2015, AdventHealth opened a 97,000-square-foot hospital in Winter Garden that features a state-of-the-art emergency department, imaging equipment, lab facilities and an outpatient surgical center as well as rehabilitation and sports medicine services. And in May 2019, AdventHealth opened a 72,000-squarefoot medical office building next to the facility in Winter Garden.
Orlando Health has opened an emergency room and medical pavilion on a 74-acre campus near S.R. 429 and New Independence Parkway. Opening in 2021 is a six-story, 214,000-square-foot hospital with 103 inpatient beds as well as an on-site laboratory and outpatient imaging services.
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