APRIL FOOLS': After soccer stadium debacle, city to consider new uses for land

After Winter Garden residents made it clear they did not want to see a 5,000-seat soccer stadium built on 70 acres on Plant Street near State Road 429, several businesses have proposed alternatives for the land.

Global Motorsports LLC emerged as an early frontrunner. The entity has proposed constructing a half-mile street-racing facility on the premises. There, West Orange- and Southwest Orange-area youth will be able to wreck their cars without bothering residents along State Road 535 and Reams Road in Horizon West, company officials said.

The track will be open to anyone 16 and older; those seeking to race will need to sign a waiver and held-harmless contract.

“The way we see it, this is a win-win,” Global Motorsports spokesman Jeff Tate said. “Winter Garden doesn’t have to put up with yet another arena dedicated to the most boring sport on the planet, and Horizon West residents don’t have to hear the street racing every night. And because this is right by the 429, the sound will just blend in with the existing traffic noise. Anyone who lives in that area should be used to it.

“Actually, now that I think about it, that makes this a win-win-win,” he said. “Even better.”

The city also has received several other proposals for the land, including a professional wrestling arena; a hall of fame for World Chase Tag (professional tag mixed with parkour); and a museum dedicated to fan-created wax statues of the rock band KISS. 

No matter what project is selected, city officials said one thing is for certain: A portion of the land will be reserved for the world’s largest barnyard petting zoo. So cow fans, rejoice: The milk-makers are not going anywhere.