At the 6th annual State of the County address, Osceola County was center stage. According to recently released U.S. Census Bureau estimates, Osceola County has grown an estimated 25.25 percent since 2010, making it the second fastest growing county in Florida. If you've read some of our previous blogs you should have noticed how much this county is growing. It's not a small country county it once was.
County Commission Chairman Fred Hawkins Jr. said “Some people want things to stay the same way they are, but at the same time hey want more. Whether it’s a big box store chain or a chain restaurant, those things only come with more rooftops. From the county’s perspective, it’s about compromise.”
Many issues were discussed from new developments such as Magic Place, Sunbridge and Tahowkwa to the population’s impact on roads and transportation. Although standardized lot sizes have been an arguable issue for many residents in rural areas, the chairman said it isn’t an issue. “It’s the quality of the product that’s built on that lot,” Hawkins said. “Things like adding more quality and refined materials to enhance architectural style, so there are not hundreds of identical houses in neighborhoods.”
'Sunbridge is set to become one of Central Florida’s biggest developments, and cover over 37 square miles in both Orange and Osceola County. A road connecting Sunbridge with Osceola has sparked controversy for over a year because the proposed route would go through a large nature reserve known as Split Oak'. Hawkins would not discuss the debated toll road.
Commissioner Brandon Arrington discussed transportation issues in the county and that building and improving new roads will continue to be a vital part of Osceola County’s future. He stated “This board is doing everything it can to make sure people are getting where they need to be in a timely manner".
For the full article by Rachel Christian, staff Writer at Osceola News Gazette visit: aroundosceola.com/local-leaders-talk-growth-at-state-of-the-county
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