ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Enough is enough for people living in the Horizon West Community in Orange County.
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Residents said they have been dealing with the ongoing screeching of tires and mufflers blaring past their homes, with reckless driving and street racing throughout the night.
People said it’s like living next to a racetrack.
Some frustrated residents want a solution to the problem plaguing major roads. They plead for county leaders to put an end to it.
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“It slowly began over the weekend,” Sarah O’Brien said. “And now it’s just unpredictable. It can just be the weekend; it’s a fun school vacation. And now, it’s just Monday through Friday, Saturday (and) Sunday, all hours of the night.”
O’Brien said it usually starts with a gathering in a parking lot, but before long, it turns into burnouts and speeding. Residents said the noise is not what they fear the most.
“If something happened to my daughters, you’re going to change my life forever,” concerned resident Maria said. “If something happened to any of our (children) in the community and I didn’t take any action, it’s regret on me.”
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In 2022, according to Florida Highway Patrol, troopers gave 78 citations for racing on highways and reckless driving.
O’Brien said she had called the sheriff’s office multiple times and sent emails, which have gone unanswered.
“We’re not just sitting with our hands tied on,” she said.
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People have started an online petition to fight for safety in their community. It has garnered nearly 600 signatures.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said it is aware of these issues and is doing everything it can to stop it by ticketing and arresting drivers and spectators.
Residents who spoke with Channel 9 said they would continue to pressure the city and county officials to find alternative ways to solve the problem before more people are hurt.
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