A New Road Plan for Central Florida: What You Need to Know

Central Florida is planning a new road called the Southport Connector. This road will link Poinciana Parkway to Florida’s Turnpike and Canoe Creek Road. It will run along Cypress Parkway, curve around Lake Russell, and pass by Lake Tohopekaliga. Some people who live nearby are not happy about this plan. They worry the road will bring more noise and cut them off from shops. To address these concerns, the planners have suggested adding bridges at major intersections like Marigold and Doverplum avenues and Solivita Boulevard.The final details of the plan will be ready in early 2026. However, the project needs more money to move forward. The tolls from the road will not cover the entire cost of $2. 5 billion. So, the planners are looking for other ways to fund the project. Brandon Arrington, a county commissioner, grew up in the area. He said the road will be a big improvement but also a huge task. He is glad that the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) is handling it. The Southport Connector is part of a larger plan for a beltway of toll roads. Poinciana Parkway is already part of this plan. It connects Cypress Parkway to U. S. Highway 17-92. There are also plans to connect this road to Interstate 4 and State Road 429.