For more than seven years, Central Florida residents, environmental groups, and concerned scientists have voiced strong opposition to a destructive toll road project—and now it's been approved anyway. The Southport Connector, a 15-mile toll expressway through Osceola County, is set to carve through some of Florida’s most sensitive and vital environmental land, including the Florida Wildlife Corridor and the edge of the Disney Wilderness Preserve. We must stop it before irreversible damage is done.

This $2.5 billion project is being pushed forward despite glaring red flags. The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) unanimously approved the road, even though their own toll revenue projections show it will only cover 29% of the cost—far below the 50% viability threshold that caused the project to be shelved back in 2018. That means taxpayers will almost certainly be left holding the bag for a road many of us do not want.

And the environmental cost is staggering. The Disney Wilderness Preserve is home to 3,500 acres of restored wetlands and serves as a model for conservation. But the approved road threatens that work. According to the Nature Conservancy, the project will reduce the number of days they can safely conduct prescribed burns by 34%—a devastating blow to wildfire prevention and wildlife habitat health.

Yes, Osceola County faces real traffic problems. But destroying protected lands and putting wildlife corridors at risk isn’t the solution. We need smarter, sustainable transportation planning—not another highway boondoggle that weakens our environment and strains public budgets.

We call on the Central Florida Expressway Authority and Osceola County officials to halt the Southport Connector immediately. Prioritize alternatives that ease congestion without sacrificing Florida’s natural heritage. Once these lands are gone, they’re gone forever.

Sign this petition to demand a better, greener solution for Osceola County.

Photo via Tampa Bay Times