Breaking: Commissioner Pete Clarke Calls on Mayor Jacobs to Stop Tinker Field Demolition

Orange County Commissioner Pete Clarke is calling on Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs to halt the planned demolition of historic Tinker Field. Since the announcement this week by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, there has been fallout and many new questions. In the memo, just released and published first here, Commissioner Clarke states:

It has been brought to my attention that Tinker Field is scheduled to be demolished, in order to make way, for the renovations of the Citrus Bowl. This venue has hosted a variety of iconic events, specifically Dr. Martin Luther King, in 1964. Since we are upon the eve of Black History Month, perhaps we should pause and reflect on how this moment can be preserved. In addition, I have received numerous inquiries, regarding our County’s ability to retain this venue as a member of the National Register of Historic Places. Any consideration provided, given public interest in Tinker Field, would be deeply valued.

Commissioner Clarke is taking a major step in representing the interests of our community and our local history. This is breaking news, and now the public will wait to hear from Mayor Jacobs and the other Commissioners.

Mick Dolan says:

January 31, 2014 at 2:01 pm

Kudos to Commissioner Clarke for speaking up first—now Mayor Jacobs and Mayor Dyer have to come around

Mike Cantone says:

January 31, 2014 at 2:04 pm

This is great news indeed about Commissioner Clarke speaking up first. I’ve been talking with him this week and continue to be impressed that he is genuine and wants to do the right thing. Now we will see what Mayor Jacobs and Dyer do — but also the other local elected officials. Again, it is the local Democrats who are remaining silent on the issue, sadly…

Also thanks for posting earlier on this issue and urging people to contact their Commissioners. It is working folks!

Creed Halbert says:

January 31, 2014 at 2:10 pm

Hear Hear.. Commissioner Clarke!

Beverly Burgess says:

January 31, 2014 at 2:29 pm

Go Commissioner Clarke!!!

Susan Arline Williams says:

January 31, 2014 at 3:01 pm

Thank you Commissioner Clarke! As a fifth generation citizen of Orange County and former history teacher it is so important to me that we preserve our landmarks for posterity.

Cathryn Buchanan says:

January 31, 2014 at 3:09 pm

Thank You Commissioner Clarke for stepping up and representing those of us that Grew up with Tinker Field as a Landmark and a Large Part of many families History and Family Memories.

Margaret Mosholder says:

January 31, 2014 at 9:38 pm

yes!!!!!!! THANK YOU

Judy Roberts Horne says:

February 2, 2014 at 9:11 pm

Please reconsider the demolition of Tinker Field. It played an important part of my childhood. I’m a native Orlandoan and have many good memories of this historic field. In 6th grade I competed in
the Junior Olympics there. Attended many Little League games also. We have to be good stewards for the very few remaining historic sites in Orlando.

County Watch Sends Letter Demanding Preservation of Historic Site says:

February 3, 2014 at 6:14 pm

[…] Friday, Commissioner Pete Clarke issued a memo becoming the first local official to publicly call on Mayor Jacobs to step in and take action to […]

Jackie Carnahan says:

February 4, 2014 at 8:56 am

Commisioner Clarke , I ask you to become involved in the preservation of this historic landmark. I attended graduation ceremonies for my sister at Tinker Field when I was a small child. I was born and raised in Orlando and have wonderful memories of “The City Beautiful”. Please help save some of the history of Orlando. Thank You

Records Confirm Mayor Dyer Responsible for Deterioration of Historic Tinker Field says:

February 8, 2014 at 2:34 pm

[…] over 500 members and no one in that group is planning on backing down. Orange County Commissioner Pete Clarke wrote a memo to Mayor Jacobs asking the County to step in, and Clarke was one of the deciding votes which […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply