Hernando County's new shopping center is coming to life. Several stores are now open for business at Cortez Commons in Spring Hill and others will open soon.

Locals like Boni Howell are happy to have more options.

"I think it's exciting that there are a bunch of different places to go to," Howell said.

Bob Evans has opened up shop and so far the popular restaurant is drawing lots of attention.

"I'm happy it's here," Howell said.

But not everyone is happy. The shopping center sits right at Mariner Boulevard and State Road 50 in Spring Hill, which is part of a big construction project.

Drivers say traffic has gone from bad to worse with the opening of the new shopping center.

"It's horrible," said Meghan LaLiberte.

LaLiberte uses State Road 50 all the time. She says she gets stressed out behind the wheel these days.

"It's getting too congested with the cars, sitting at the lights, people have road rage," she said.

County leaders are aware of what is going on and say several things are in the works to help drivers. For example, one plan is to finish the Frontage Road behind Cortez Commons, but county officials say the main thing is to be patient.

Once all the construction is done, things will get better.

"That would be good, really good," LaLiberte said.

We're told it will be another eight to 10 months before the State Road 50 project is done.