Commissioner seeks injunction to stop toll road through Split Oak Forest; county attorney says legal path limited

Commissioner Martina Simrad urged the Orange County Board of County Commissioners to seek a legal injunction and a declaratory judgment to halt work related to a proposed high‑speed toll road alignment through Split Oak Forest, saying survey stakes have been placed and the county should enforce an earlier interlocal agreement.

“I'm seeking consensus for a legal review to file for an injunction and a declatory judgment,” Simrad said, asking that the county attorney either handle the work or authorize outside counsel if necessary. She said the 1994 interlocal agreements and later documents require all parties to agree before modifications and that Orange County’s rights may be at risk if it does not act.

County attorneys and staff responded at the meeting that the legal picture is constrained by state law and by which entities hold title and management authority for portions of Split Oak. The county attorney’s…