Southport Connector community meetings Sept. 16-18

In-person, virtual events available in Poinciana

  • The Southport Connector is slated to eventually connect the south end of Poinciana Parkway to Florida’s Turnpike south of Southport Road. The western end of it is See Page 2 controversially planned for the middle of Cypress Parkway. (Graphic/CFX)
    The Southport Connector is slated to eventually connect the south end of Poinciana Parkway to Florida’s Turnpike south of Southport Road. The western end of it is See Page 2 controversially planned for the middle of Cypress Parkway. (Graphic/CFX)

    The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) will hold a series of public hearings for the Southport Connector Expressway The toll road, controversial to some, will link the south end of the Poinciana Parkway to Florida’s Turnpike, passing south of Lake Tohopekaliga.

    Local residents have chided the segment that would run down the middle of Cypress Parkway, saying the eminent domain needed of a widened road would mean some businesses would have to move, and that a toll road in that segment would not benefit local commuters.

    CFX maintains the project includes local road improvements for congestion relief, including widening Cypress Parkway to six lanes, widening side streets and other upgrades at eight intersections. Officials say making a connection from Interstate 4 to the Turnpike would make area travel easier and more efficient.

    According to CFX, the Preferred Alternative includes a limited-access expressway and, “Local road improvements designed to alleviate traffic backups, improve the reliability of commutes, provide connectivity to major roads, enhance emergency response times, and accommodate projected future traffic growth, including future development planned south of Lake Toho.”

    The public hearing regarding the project’s Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is being held both in-person and virtually April 16-18. All meetings will present identical information and allow for public comment.

    An in-person meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 16 in the Liberty High School cafeteria. Exhibits and staff interaction will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m., with a formal presentation and public comment available from 6:30-7:30. Another meeting will be held at the same times at the Anthony DePalma Events Center (395 Marigold Ave.) and Poinciana Community Center (445 Marigold Ave.).

    A virtual meeting will be held on Sept. 17 from 5:307 p.m. View the presentation and submit written comments and questions via the online meeting platform. To register go to: bit.ly/3HKMuPR.