Seminole County to press Orange County on McCulloch Road widening after public meeting in Seminole jurisdiction
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Summary
Commissioners directed staff to draft a chair's letter to Orange County after Orange County held a public meeting about widening McCulloch Road that raised concerns the proposed northward widening would fall within Seminole County jurisdiction without adequate coordination; board asked staff to review interlocal maintenance agreement.
Seminole County commissioners agreed to ask the chair to send a letter to Orange County after an Orange County public meeting about McCulloch Road widening was held in Seminole County and included alternatives that would widen the roadway to the north — into Seminole County jurisdiction.
“Orange County staff was insisting that they had full authority to move forward with this project,” Commissioner Dilari told the board after attending the meeting; he said Seminole County staff were not aware of the event and that the proposed alternatives include widening to the north, which places the new pavement in Seminole County.
Public works representatives who attended the meeting said attendance was strong and that roughly 80% of Seminole‑area attendees opposed the widening as presented. Staff also reported Orange County has design funding and intends to carry the preferred alternative to its board for consideration and possible approval to move into design.
Commissioners and staff flagged an existing interlocal road‑maintenance agreement between the counties. County staff said the current interlocal agreement is old and addresses maintenance but is silent on capital projects or design authority, meaning it likely needs modernization to clarify responsibilities for design, right‑of‑way and capital costs. The county attorney's office has reviewed the agreement and advised that it should be updated.
The board directed staff to draft a letter from the chairman to Orange County that spells out Seminole County’s jurisdictional concerns and asked that staff prepare a briefing on the interlocal agreement and next procedural steps before any Seminole County funds or right‑of‑way commitments are made.
Commissioner Zimbower and others urged staff to review prior letters and records related to the area and to request Orange County provide full coordination going forward. No formal funding decisions were taken at the meeting; commissioners reserved the right to approve or withhold Seminole County funding when and if a specific request arrives.
