Orange County development may increase flooding risk in Osceola

A developer plans to build the Tuscana project in Orange County, which includes over 1,600 hotel rooms and 5,200 housing units near Shingle Creek. This area is crucial for wetlands that help manage stormwater and prevent flooding. The developer has reduced the wetland area to be removed from 58 to 36 acres. However, the project is still under relaxed regulations from 1987, allowing for higher density without a cumulative impact analysis. Environmentalists express concern that the development could worsen flooding in Osceola County, especially after Hurricane Ian caused significant damage. The project will be reviewed again on April 2, with a final decision expected on May 20.