Community Concerns Grow Over Tuscana Development Near Shingle Creek

Earlier this month, Orange County commissioners approved the Tuscana development project adjacent to Shingle Creek, but community opposition is rising. Protect Shingle Creek is organizing a town hall meeting on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Somerset Village, located at 11425 Sandy Hill Dr., Orlando, to inform residents about the next steps and available actions.

This development, set to cover nearly 230 acres north of State Road 417 and south of Central Florida Parkway, proposes the construction of over 4,800 apartments and approximately 1,000 hotel rooms. The decision to approve the land use plan was made by a narrow 4-3 vote, reversing last year’s unanimous rejection. Residents express concerns that the project could harm wetlands, displace wildlife, and increase flooding risks, further noting that Shingle Creek is vital to the Everglades ecosystem.