County Commission Will Revisit Discussion About Fate of Tinker Field

Update: The original story cited an email from Commissioner Clarke confirming the January 6th meeting for the scheduled discussion on Tinker Field. The agenda item has been pushed back and will be updated as soon as the Mayor’s office and BCC confirm a date.

The year-long controversy surrounding the fate of Tinker Field, the most historic of Orlando’s public venues, will be revisited by the Orange County Commission in an official discussion at an upcoming January meeting.

Last month, members of the public, including myself, urged County Commissioners to revisit the Tinker Field controversy. The urgency of returning to the County Commission came after Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer admitted to local media the City planned to move forward with the demolition of the historic site.

In addition to my remarks to Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Commissioners, I also presented a proposal to invest, preserve and renovate Tinker Field (more on that soon). Copies of the proposal were then delivered to City Commissioners Patty Sheehan, Sam Ings and Regina Hill as they have been vocal in their support of saving Tinker Field. Local community leader Doug Head also spoke about saving Tinker Field to the County Commission at the December 2nd meeting.

After the public comments, County Commissioner Pete Clarke stepped up to the plate and urged the Mayor and Commission to revisit the controversial issue. Last January, Commissioner Clarke first called on Mayor Jacobs to step in and stop the planned demolition of Tinker Field. In February 2014, Commissioner Clarke made it clear in the Commission meeting he differed with Mayor Jacobs and openly pushed a County role in saving Tinker Field.

Commissioner Clarke displayed more leadership at the December 2nd meeting. Mayor Jacobs soon agreed – although seemingly reluctantly – to schedule a full discussion on the fate of Tinker Field at a future meeting. Commissioner Clarke confirmed via email the discussion was scheduled for January 6, 2015 – however, that date has now been pushed back and will be scheduled for a future meeting.

Even if residents are not able to attend the meeting, contact Mayor Jacobs and your County Commissioners about saving Tinker Field ahead of the official discussion.