Activists Rally Against Controversial Toll Road Through Split Oak Forest: Ongoing Battle for Preservation

In Osceola County, Florida, the debate intensifies over a proposed toll road that would cut through the heart of Split Oak Forest, a cherished conservation area bridging Orange and Osceola counties. Opponents of the project continue to voice their concerns, rallying for the protection of this natural sanctuary.

The plan in question involves the construction of State Road 534, a project initiated by the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX). The authority argues that this new route is crucial for alleviating traffic congestion in Osceola County. By connecting State Road 417 near Boggy Creek in Orange County, it aims to enhance access to the Orlando International Airport and ease the burden on local roads. The design includes two lanes in each direction and seven interchanges to facilitate a smoother traffic flow.

However, this proposed development has not been met without resistance. Critics of the toll road fear it could have detrimental effects on the region’s wildlife and trigger a wave of urban expansion, threatening the very essence of the forest’s conservation efforts.

At the forefront of this opposition is the group “Save Split Oak,” which has been vocal in its efforts to halt the road’s construction. The group raises alarms over the potential ecological impact and the inevitable development that might follow if the road is built.

Lee Perry, the campaign manager for “Save Split Oak,” is urging both Orange and Osceola counties to reconsider the proposal, emphasizing the need to protect the environment and maintain the integrity of this vital conservation area.

Campaign Manager Lee Perry is calling on both counties to act.

“There is nothing stopping Orange and Osceola from withdrawing the original application today,” Perry said.

The group is bringing those concerns to Osceola County during a public comment meeting on Monday night.

[WATCH: Rally opposes toll road through Split Oak Forest]

In January, the group rallied outside the Orange County administration building. The next day, commissioners voted 4-3 to block the toll road.

Perry said Orange County’s January vote to block the toll road was significant, but believes there are political motivations behind it.

“The win in January was really a reflection of some of the commissioners who have higher aspirations for other things being worried about the public pressure that we created,” Perry said. “They are just now starting to see the light, which you know, who knows what happens next year after the election is over.”

Even with Orange County’s vote, CFX could still obtain the land through legal action.

In February, the CFX filed an eminent domain claim against Orange County, seeking access to land it needs to build the road that Orange County owns. A hearing is set for June.

The disputed land includes environmentally sensitive areas, including part of Eagles Roost Park.

Perry said the land should stay the way it is to provide a critical habitat for Florida’s wildlife.

“When you put land in conservation, it doesn’t mean just for a couple of years — just until all the surrounding land isn’t profitable enough anymore, it’s too expensive to purchase and put in a toll road,” she said. “You conserve land forever.”

Through the project, CFX is committing to double the amount of conservation next to the Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area. According to its website, 1,550 acres previously entitled for development will be set aside for conservation, all managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. CFX is providing $23.9 million to FWC for the long-term management and restoration of the 1,550 acres.

For people like hiker Glenn Knight, the prospect of losing the forest is personal, even if he sees it as unavoidable.

“Well, it’s going to destroy the park, but I don’t know how they can avoid it. Everything here will be gone by the time they get done,” Knight said. “Use it while you can, it’s nice out here.”