The controversy surrounding the Church Street renovation continues to grow as more public records are uncovered, including the original federal grant application letter. This issue really began when Mayor Dyer’s destruction of Parramore continued with the grand theft of the historic Church Street bricks. Since then, City Hall has been… [read more]
As SunRail prepares to officially begin service on May 1, many questions around its potential success or failure remain. But one thing is sure, people need to let go of the idea that SunRail is a mega transportation solution or magical fix for Central Florida and Orlando, as Mayors Dyer… [read more]
Many are starting to take notice that in Orlando, “green space” in renderings is code for “more development.” Two weeks ago, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, and other representatives touted the latest Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center rendering showing the proposed CNL Arts Plaza. The “green space” shown… [read more]
The City of Orlando’s financial pressures are finally forcing Mayor Dyer and the Council to admit the budget crisis is far worse than they have been saying. In fact, Mayor Dyer said in the state of the city address there is a “structural imbalance” in the budget that is unsustainable.… [read more]
Voters are ready for change in Orlando’s District 5. There was big news in yesterday’s Orlando City Council election as Regina Hill came within just 37 votes of Juan Lynum in a three-candidate race including well-respected Cynthia Harris. Juan Lynum decided to campaign solely on the “legacy” of his mother,… [read more]
In a petition to City Hall, property owners are demanding the City of Orlando return historic bricks that were removed by Mayor Buddy Dyer from Church Street. Dyer deviated away from the long-held and public plans when he had the bricks removed in December. This is the latest hot-button issue… [read more]
Once again our community witnessed local leaders put up a façade to cover the real plans for development downtown — this time related to the financially struggling Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center (DPAC). Today, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Commissioners, CNL Executive Chairman Jim… [read more]
When Buddy Dyer “updated” the official City of Orlando website this week, his administration also removed many important documents online. For instance, if you’re looking for the 2006 Orlando Community Venues Master Plan (Phases 1-3) which relates directly to hundreds of millions of dollars of ongoing development in downtown, this… [read more]
Buddy Dyer’s “Creative Village” remains vacant, with the project’s developer admitting that the site would never end up like the proposed renderings and that they are having problems finding potential tenants. But Dyer is busy attempting to lure the University of Central Florida to expand its downtown presence more than 30… [read more]
Yesterday, I was able to get up close and personal with FIFI, the world’s only flying B-29 Superfortress bomber, as well as other historic aircraft that landed in Orlando for the CAF AirPower History Tour. I was lucky to be part of the exclusive event and everything was impressive including the… [read more]