OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Keeping up with rapid growth is no small task, and Osceola County is taking another step toward addressing one of its biggest challenges: transportation.
County leaders are set to vote on a cooperative agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc., a planning, engineering and design firm with a track record of major projects across Florida. The contract, which would not exceed $5 million, would run through Sept. 30, 2030.
Residents may not be familiar with the Kimley-Horn name, but the firm has already left its mark on Central Florida. The company worked on LYNX’s Transit Development Plan, which outlines improvements for the bus service. Kimley-Horn also conducted a study focused on widening a 17-mile section of Florida’s Turnpike in Broward County to help alleviate traffic congestion.
The company also designed the Sunshine Corridor — a proposal to expand the SunRail to Orlando International Airport, the Orange County Convention Center, and the International Drive resort areas.
The agreement would be structured as a Continuing Services contract under the Florida Department of Transportation’s standard professional services framework. Kimley-Horn would provide Project Development and Environment, or PD&E, and Efficient Transportation Decision Making, or ETDM, support services — covering research, field reviews, studies, surveys and transportation management plan designs.
The county would draw on those services on a task-authorization basis, meaning individual projects would be assigned as needs arise countywide.
If approved, the contract would run through Sept. 30, 2030, at a total cost not to exceed $5 million.
For some residents, better transportation options can’t come soon enough. Getting around Central Florida remains a daily struggle — whether due to heavy traffic or limited infrastructure.
“I stopped driving because I started to get cataracts, and I just don’t feel safe. It’s too scary out there,” Stephanie Chewning said.
Others said they are eager for expanded transit options.
“I’ve been wanting to try the light rail. However, I just haven’t gotten a chance to. I think that’s a huge solution,” Chewning said. “More trains, please.”
The county board is scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m.
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