LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A path through an unpaved dirt lot has become a popular, and potentially dangerous connection between Lake and Orange counties. 

Area resident Tom Stutesman said drivers take the dead end at Sawgrass Bay Boulevard in Lake County and cross 150 feet of unpaved lot to Flemings Road in Orange County, which is a direct connection to Western Way and the back entrance of Walt Disney World.

“This is what we affectionately refer to as the 'Disney cut-through,'” he said.

Stutesman is urging county leaders to build a proper connection now.

“Right now, for me, it takes me about 35 minutes (to get to work)," he said. "And if this road was all the way through to Western Way, it would drop that by 25 minutes, if not 30 minutes."

Despite the 'No Trespassing' sign, some drivers are daring enough to travel over the bumpy, unpaved lot to cut down on their commute.

“There’s a couple of ways that are so dangerous that you’re literally driving on the edge of the retention pond. And, I mean, somebody is going to fall in the water,” said Stutesman, who also said plenty of drivers get stuck trying to take the route.

Lake County officials said they’ve done all they can until Orange County starts construction. A spokesman for Orange County said a developer will build a four-lane road for Flemings Road to connect to Lake County’s portion of the project, with work starting in late 2025.

“Frankly, to be honest with you, I feel that government should be stepping in and building this thing right now,” said Stutesman. “They’ve waited a long time. They’ve announced it, but it’s needed now.” 

Stutesman says a permanent fix should be built soon, given the popularity of the cut through.

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