The Central Florida Expressway Authority’s controversial proposal to construct a toll road through Split Oak Forest is advancing despite considerable opposition. Advocates for the forest, including Orange County commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad, have expressed dismay at the progress of the project. Semrad, who represents east Orange County, recently sought clarification on the toll road’s status following reports from constituents that ground stakes marking the highway’s route had been placed within the preserve, which spans both Orange and Osceola Counties.
Semrad had held out hope that efforts to block the road could still be fruitful, considering a county charter amendment passed in November 2020, which added layers of protection to the 1,700-acre forest. This amendment was backed by an overwhelming majority of voters. However, a comprehensive response from the Orange County Environmental Protection Division has indicated that no further action can be taken by Orange County to alter the road’s path. According to the memo, Osceola County reached a separate agreement with the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX), excluding Orange County from the decision-making process. The 1.3-mile section of the road lies entirely within Osceola County’s jurisdiction, where Orange County holds no regulatory authority.
Substantial financial commitments by the CFX have been noted, including the donation of 1,550 acres of land adjacent to Split Oak Forest to the state and a $23.9 million investment in habitat restoration and wildlife protection. Additionally, CFX has promised $18 million for acquiring more environmentally sensitive lands.
Valerie Anderson, founder of Friends of Split Oak, has raised concerns about the legality of the new agreement that excludes Orange County, given the forest’s original acquisition in 1991 involved public funding and both counties as partners. Her group is considering legal options, though Anderson acknowledges the complexity of such a challenge.
The route through Split Oak has garnered support from Tavistock Development Co., known for developing Orlando’s Lake Nona community, and Suburban Land Reserve, a major landowner associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Osceola County is also in favor of the project.
The CFX appears to be moving forward with confidence, having addressed potential obstacles. Spokesperson Brian Hutchings confirmed that the project is on track, with no anticipated hindrances to its continuation.