The Safe Neighborhood Program was adopted by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners to assist residents with reclaiming communities before crime and deterioration create blight. The intent of the program is to assist citizens through partnerships with the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Orange County Planning Division, Orange County Code Enforcement Division, the private sector, and other partners to collaboratively preserve and stabilize neighborhoods.

There are nine designated Safe Neighborhood targeted areas. Orange County staff is responsible for the administration and implementation of the Safe Neighborhoods, while the communities are expected to play key roles in coordinating the development and implementation of their Safe Neighborhoods plans.

Safe Neighborhood residents must commit to:

• Identifying a spokesperson(s)
• Preparing the Safe Neighborhood application
• Working closely with staff for at least three years to develop and implement a Safe Neighborhood plan. This means attending meetings, distributing flyers, attending public hearings, writing letters, reviewing draft documents, etc.

The Crime Prevention Grant was established by the Board of County Commissioners to provide funding to neighborhood organizations for projects designed to enhance safety and security.

Although Crime Prevention grants are funded through Safe Neighborhood, a neighborhood organization does not have to be in a Safe Neighborhood target area to receive a Crime Prevention grant. To learn more, visit the Crime Prevention Grant web page.

The Board of County Commissioners appointed nine targeted communities known as Orange County's Safe Neighborhoods:

1. Azalea Park Safe Neighborhood (District 3)
2. Kingswood Manor/ Lee Road Safe Neighborhood (Districts 2 & 5)
3. Pine Castle/Sky Lake Safe Neighborhood (District 4)
4. Pine Hill Safe Neighborhood Partnership (Districts 2 & 6)
5. Orlo Vista Safe Neighborhood (District 1)
6. South Apopka Safe Neighborhood (District 2)
7. Tildenville Safe Neighborhood (District 1)
8. Bellamy Park (City of Maitland) (District 5)
9. Northwest Winter Park (District 5)

Subsequent to the the Board of County Commissioners appointment of the nine targeted Safe Neighborhood areas, citizens groups completed Safe Neighborhood applications demonstrating the following:

1. An established neighborhood organization, such as a homeowners association and/or other type of community organization and a partnership with Orange County to develop and implement a Safe Neighborhood plan
2. Identified a clear boundary comprised of either 75% residential, or commercial land uses.
3. Obtained crime reports and demonstrated the types of crimes that occur in the community and how often they occur
4. Documented one of the following:

• Minor structure deterioration to homes and businesses
• Code Enforcement violations
• Lack of access to public services such as parks, bus routes, community centers, etc.

For more information about the Safe Neighborhoods Program, please contact the Safe Neighborhoods Program Coordinator at 407-836-5621.