Split Oak Forest was meant to be protected forever. Now, a powerful toll road agency is trying to carve a highway through it—and Orange County is being forced to fight in court just to defend the land it owns.

The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) wants to take 46.7 additional acres of county-owned land, including 24 acres officially labeled “environmentally sensitive,” for a 1.3-mile toll road segment through Split Oak Forest. The land even includes part of Eagles Roost Park, a beloved natural area. On January 13, 2026, Orange County commissioners narrowly voted 4–3 to stand their ground and reject CFX’s offer. Now the toll road agency is threatening to sue.

We’re standing with the commissioners who stood with us.

This fight isn’t just about trees and trails—it’s about power, accountability, and who benefits. While CFX claims this road serves the public, even the commissioner leading the charge, Kelly Semrad, pointed out the truth: “There’s nothing out there but a swamp.” The route isn’t meant to serve existing residents. It’s designed to “unlock” massive undeveloped tracts owned by private developers, including Tavistock Development Company and Deseret Ranches, owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Let’s be clear: this toll road would destroy protected land, funnel taxpayer money into sprawl, and violate public trust. And it’s happening despite the fact that Orange County voters already approved a charter amendment to protect Split Oak in 2020.

We call on the Central Florida Expressway Authority to immediately withdraw plans to build through Split Oak Forest, and on state and county leaders to back Orange County’s legal fight and defend our conservation lands.

This is our land. These are our values. Sign now to demand CFX stop the road through Split Oak—and let protected land stay protected.

Photo by David Moynahan