Horizon West community changes name

Rather than continuing to fight a losing battle, developers of one of the fastest growing communities in the nation is changing its name.

The area that had been known as Horizon West since the early 1990s shall forevermore be known as Horizons West.

The change comes after years of local leaders, historians, entrepreneurs and, indeed, this publication battling — valiantly but futilely — against the need for so many to pluralize the word “Horizon.”

For those who knew better, it seemed to be an odd mistake. After all, on Earth, there is only one “horizon.” What was causing people to insist on adding the “s”? 

However, much like Merriam-Webster gave in and now considers “irregardless” a word, leaders in the community finally have decided it was a fight no longer worth having. 

In the coming weeks, locals can expect to see all signage within the community changed to reflect the new, grammatically unsettling name. Orange County School District will be changing the names of two schools — Horizon West Middle to Horizons West Middle, and Horizon High to Horizons High. Other community staples, including Horizon West Theater Company and the new hospital, also are expected to announce name changes.

Before settling on Horizons West, leaders also considered several variations, including Horizon Swest, Horizons Wests, Horizonz West and Horizonsssssssss West. 

Leaders in Winter Garden also have indicated interest in changing their city's name to Winters Garden.

To view the details, documents and history of this name change, click here.