KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) is inviting residents to attend two public meetings this week to discuss State Road 534, a proposed 14-mile toll road connecting Orange and Osceola counties.
📅 Meeting Details
- In-person: Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at Tohopekaliga High School
- Virtual: Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
The toll road, known as State Road 534, would eventually link State Road 417 near Boggy Creek Road to Nova Road once all three project phases are complete.
🌿 Environmental Concerns
While CFX says the project will improve regional connectivity, environmental advocates argue it will disrupt wildlife habitats, particularly within the Split Oak Forest conservation area.
Lee Perry, leader of the Save Split Oak Forest campaign, said the proposal prioritizes urban sprawl over smart growth.
“We are in a housing crisis, but we cannot continue to let that crisis drive destructive, expensive sprawl,” Perry said. “More lanes and more roads don’t mean less traffic — they just lead to more cars and more development.”
🚗 Economic Perspective
Despite opposition, Osceola County has voted to move forward with the plan. Osceola Chamber President and CEO John Newstreet said the toll road is expected to fuel economic growth across the region…