KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Residents at the Ponderosa RV Park in Kissimmee say weeks of turnpike construction next to their homes have left them covered in soot, dust, and diesel fumes.
Multiple residents, including a school bus driver, a theme park worker, and a former law enforcement officer, told Channel 9 that dust and smoke from the construction site are overwhelming their RV and mobile home community, which sits just off the turnpike near Fortune Road.
Surveillance video shared with Channel 9 shows that trucks working to widen the turnpike kick up large amounts of dust.
“The park looks like Desert Storm,” said Ponderosa RV Park resident Darci Combs.
Video obtained by Channel 9 also shows smoke billowing from a burn on the construction site, which sits less than 100 feet from several homes.
“You’ve got their diesel right at your back door. When you lie down, and your quilt smells like diesel, there’s a problem,” said Combs.
Several neighbors said their air conditioning units are no longer working properly and that dust is entering their homes.
Many told Channel 9 they had air quality concerned and believed the construction was making them sick.
On the other side of the park, Roseann DiDomenico said the issue extends beyond dust. She said trucks barreling past her home keep her awake at night.
“Put a barrier up close it off so we can sleep peacefully,” DiDomenico said.
“Help us,” said Combs, “If the crew can have PPE, why can’t we get some protection?”
Channel 9 contacted Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise to ask why a barrier has not been installed and reached out to contractor Jr. Davis to ask what steps are being taken to protect residents while construction continues. Neither responded on Thursday.
According to the Florida Turnpike Enterprise website, the construction will widen the turnpike from two lanes to four lanes in each direction from Partin Settlement Road to Osceola Parkway.
It’s expected to cost $321 million, and construction will continue through 2031.
The project overview page states, construction will occur during both daytime and nighttime hours.
It warns, “Nearby residents and businesses may experience occasional impacts from construction-related light, noise, vibration, or dust. The Enterprise is committed to minimizing these disruptions and takes steps to limit traffic delays and noise.”
Residents shared an email from the community outreach contact directing those concerned about property damage to file damage claims with the contractor.
According to that email, residents should submit details of the damage, cost estimate, and photographs and videos to the contractor, who will investigate claims.
You can find the Community Outreach Specialist’s contact information here.
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