Keith Laytham

Poinciana is divided. We are split between Polk and Osceola counties. Some of us live in the APV villages, others do not. We have two separate school districts. We are represented by three separate Florida House districts. We even reside in two separate state transportation districts.

There are two things we all have in common, though. The traffic situation is horrendous. There were not enough roads built to support the large population growth of the community. And we all have the same state senator; we are in Paula Dockery’s district 15.

We have discussed the road situation with our local representatives for years. Avatar Properties has tried to build the Poinciana Parkway, which would provide a toll expressway linking Poinciana to the north toward Orlando. Osceola County has looked at building an expressway south of Lake Tohopekaliga connecting Poinciana to the Florida’s Turnpike.

Polk County is discussing plans for a Central Polk Parkway, which would provide a six-lane expressway connecting Poinciana just west of Solivita directly to Interstate 4. None of these roads have yet to happen due to lack of financial resources from the two counties and Avatar.

The state Department of Transportation has money to build new roads from the taxes we pay to the state of Florida. It plans to use this money to build new roads. The question is where in the State of Florida will they build these new roads?

On Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at Palmetto Elementary School in Poinciana, residents will have the opportunity to discuss the traffic situation with our state senator and representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation. They are coming to Poinciana to hear what the residents have to say? All those who have no issues with the Poinciana traffic situation need not attend the meeting. Those of us that do, should take advantage of this opportunity.

The FDOT representatives will be making recommendations to the state as to where these new roads should be built. Our representative from the Florida Senate will have heard our comments. Our elected officials from the state House of Representatives have been invited to attend the meeting as well. The Florida House and Senate, along with the governor, will be the ones making decisions as to where the roads will be built.

Now is the time for the residents of Poinciana to make their voices heard.  Palmetto Elementary on Oct. 11 will be the place. We should all make every effort to be there.

Keith Laytham is a Poinciana resident and a member of Poinciana Residents for Smart Change.