First off, my condolences on your unfortunate trip to that horrible purgatory of a place instead of one of the most beautiful places on the planet. If it was me, I'd tell the family adios and hit the road in the opposite direction post haste.
We lived in Western Springs for 4 years and used to drive to the Keys each spring using regular old highways.
As to your question, I never use toll roads. On principal alone. In at least some cases, the money goes to foreign companies or investment groups that have no interest in our nation's infrastructure or well being. My taxes pay for public roads and highways, so by Zeus, I use them.