Latest news with #OrlandoCityCouncil
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pulse memorial gets $5 million pledge from Orange County
Orange County commissioners unanimously pledged $5 million today to support the city of Orlando's plan to build a memorial to Pulse, honoring its victims and survivors at the site of the former LGBTQ nightclub as the ninth anniversary of the horrific massacre approaches this month. The decision followed a presentation of the proposed memorial, on which construction would begin next summer. It marked another step forward for a remembrance effort that began as a privately led campaign, collapsed amid infighting and misspending, and is being carried forward now by government agencies and public dollars. 'It's time that there is a memorial,' said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who was the sheriff when a lone gunman opened fire during Latin Night at the club on Orange Avenue on June 12, 2016. 'None of us thought that it would take nine years to get to this point and we can't go back and relitigate all of the failures along the way that have happened, but what we can do is control how we move forward together.' Demings said he did not want the county to be an obstacle to a memorial. The rampage at the club killed 49 people, wounded 53 others and at the time was the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Demings asked the capacity audience inside the commission chambers Tuesday to pause for a moment of silence at the beginning of the meeting, then described the proposed memorial as an appropriate tribute to the people and the diverse communities affected by tragedy. Heather Fagan, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer's chief of staff, lauded the county's pledge as another step in the healing process. Orlando City Council welcomes new design for Pulse Memorial Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan urged her counterparts on the county board to help the community move forward. 'I can never forget the screams of the relatives on Orange Avenue as they found out their children and family members were victims. It haunts me to this day, but I also remember how our community came together, city and county to assist the victims and their families,' she told county commissioners. 'I got to know 38 of the 49 families, and they want their loved ones remembered.' As she spoke, Sheehan clutched a rainbow rosary, a gift from Teresa Jacobs, county mayor when the tragedy occurred. 'You have an opportunity to be part of the healing,' Sheehan said. 'This didn't just impact the gay community. There were members of the LatinX community, the African-American community, there were straight allies who were murdered that day. It's important for us to remember all those beautiful people who simply wanted to dance.' The city sought county funds to help design and build a memorial — estimated to cost $12 million — and has itself pledged more than half the anticipated bill. Orlando took over the memorial effort in late 2023 amid the messy collapse of the private onePulse foundation, oversaw a recently concluded citizens' design process, and has promised to complete the structure by the end of 2027. Created to design a memorial, the onePulse Foundation shut down after spending most of the millions it raised to defray its own lavish expenses, including hundreds of thousands of dollars paid to high-priced architects and consultants. Orlando seeks $5 million from Orange County for Pulse memorial; some commissioners are hesitant Mayra Alvear, whose daughter Amanda, died at Pulse, said a completed memorial has much to offer Central Florida. 'This memorial will provide solace, a place for reflection, contemplation…a special place for years to come,' she said. shudak@
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida attorney general threatens 'removal of office' for Orlando mayor over immigration policy
The Brief Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is sending a warning to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, saying Dyer could face consequences if Orlando sticks with its immigration policy. Uthmeier has threatened legal action and Dyer's removal from office, claiming the policy designates Orlando as a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants. Dyer responded to Uthmeir with a letter stating the city takes Florida law and federal immigration law "very seriously." He added that Orlando police officers are currently undergoing training by ICE to provide assistance as directed. ORLANDO, Fla. - Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is warning Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer that he could face consequences if he continues to enforce the city's current immigration policy. Uthmeier has threatened legal action, claiming the policy designates Orlando as a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants. The backstory According to the attorney general, Dyer reportedly stated during an April 7 Orlando City Council meeting that the Orlando Police Department would not be proactive in immigration enforcement, and will instead adhere to the Trust Act, a policy implemented in 2018, which prohibits city employees and police officers from inquiring about a person's immigration status. What they're saying In a letter to Dyer, which Uthmeier posted Monday night on the social media platform X, Uthmeier stated that the Trust Act policy is void under a 2019 law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, and warned that the state could pursue legal action if the city does not make changes. You can read Uthmeier's full letter in its entirety below: "This letter serves as notice that this office will take legal action against the City of Orlando and any city employee or agent thereof that violates chapter 908 of the Florida Statutes," Uthmeier stated in the letter. "By prohibiting law enforcement officers from inquiring about a person's immigration status, the City of Orlando is unlawfully implementing a sanctuary policy and blatantly violating the law," the letter continued. Uthmeier also added that Dyer could potentially be removed from office for violating a state law. The attorney general ended the letter with: "Sanctuary policies are not tolerated or lawful in Florida. Failure to abide by state law may result in the enforcement of applicable penalties, including but not limited to being held in contempt, declaratory or injunctive relief, and removal from office by the Governor pursuant to section 908.107, Florida Statutes and the Florida Constitution." The other side Dyer responded to Uthmeir with a letter stating the city takes Florida law and federal immigration law "very seriously" and that he and the Orlando Police Department do not "have any intention of violating federal or state law." Dyer's letter included a copy of the 287(g) Task Force Model Memorandum of Agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He stated that Orlando police officers are currently undergoing training by ICE to provide assistance as directed. Read Dyer's letter in its entirety here: Click to open this PDF in a new window. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on X and the City of Orlando.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Kia Center's $226M upgrade plan advances with LED display move
Editor's note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. The Kia Center is ramping up work tied to $226 million in upgrades. Orlando City Council on April 7 approved negotiating with Purchase, New York-based ANC Sports Enterprise for turn-key LED display upgrades at the 20,000-seat arena. The terms for the two-year contract include $9.66 million for equipment and more, as well as seven one-year options. Upgrades will include the LEDs on the center scoreboard, other screens and lit signage, such as the arena's prominent O-Zone sign. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal's website. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Orlando nightlife faces financial challenges with restrictions and tariffs
Downtown Orlando bars are facing new financial challenges between the city's new restrictions and tariffs on alcohol. While it might look like a typical Friday night in downtown Orlando with people enjoying an end of week cocktail, some say things aren't the same. 'It was booming. A lot of different things open, a lot of things to do,' said Deandre Barksdale. Orlando City Council put restrictions on bars including how close one bar could be to another, and an alcohol permit for sales after midnight. Adding to an already financial strain. Deandre Barksdale says it's putting a chokehold on tourism. 'I get they want to make things safer, and make it more of an attraction, but if you take out the bars, take out the lounges, what is there to be attracted to. That's what people want, to come out and have fun,' said Barksdale. On top of that, President Donald Trump's tariff on imported liquor and beer is packing a punch. Some bars are going up on prices. 'I feel like Corona's you used to could get for five bucks, and now I'm paying seven or eight at the same place,' said Madeline Perras. Some people say they're already feeling the hole in their wallet. 'Going out we used to be able to have a good night and spend like maybe $30 or $40,' said Lexi Gilmore. I was going to say $50. Now it's like $100 if you want to get a couple drinks. Especially mixed drinks,' said Mackenzie Rice. The higher prices are keeping people home rather than spending a night on the town. 'I have to pregame more at home because I can't have a good time out at the bar because it's too expensive,' said Gilmore. When it comes to the restrictions bars now have, a group of bars is involved in a lawsuit with the city. The city says it hopes to continue to collaborate with businesses to make safety a shared commitment. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Orlando considers ‘Dignity Buses' for homeless after dropping plans for SODO shelter
The City of Orlando said it is not actively looking for potential brick-and-mortar locations for a homeless shelter. The news comes on the heels of Mayor Buddy Dyer confirming on Monday that the city has dropped plans for a proposed homeless shelter in SODO. SODO is an Orlando neighborhood whose name was derived from its location 'South of Downtown.' City leaders were looking to partner with Orange County to convert a former work release center on Kaley Street into a 300-bed homeless shelter. The Mayor said the location was ultimately 'not feasible.' The proposal also came with overwhelming opposition from many living in the SODO neighborhood. 'For those communities that don't want shelters in their backyard, they need to start preparing for tents in their front yard,' said Eric Gray, executive director of the Christian Service Center. City officials will now consider implementing a shelter on wheels concept, also known as a 'Dignity Bus.' The city is considering the purchase of two 45-foot buses that would house roughly 20 beds each and also include bathrooms. 'It's innovative and we need to try new things and because it addresses the 'not my backyard problem,' because we can move it if we need to,' Gray said. Commissioner Patty Sheehan said the proposal is better than nothing. 'But it's not as good of a solution as getting people off the street, having them in a building, getting the medical care, all the wraparound services that we were really hoping to provide,' Sheehan said. Orlando City Council is set to discuss the buses at its March 24th meeting. Gray told Channel 9′s Ashlyn Webb that the buses would take at least 40 people off of the streets at any given time. Because the city said the plan could benefit approximately 407 people over three years' time, officials plan to brand the proposed bus project as '407 Connect.' If approved, the buses could be up and running by the end of June. Be sure to monitor in the coming weeks for the latest developments on this story. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
