Dyer Lobbies Tallahassee…for Soccer Stadium

Despite all the pressing needs currently facing our community, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer was in Tallahassee today lobbying legislators to support his push to build a new soccer stadium. Dyer visited several local elected officials and other leaders during his time in the Capitol hoping to sure up support for his attempt to bring MLS soccer to Central Florida.

It is unclear what support Dyer is specifically seeking outside the incentive giveaways which took a step forward Tuesday when a Senate committee approved a $2 million package to help local officials build a stadium and attract a team.

There are reports Dyer was pledging his support of various pieces of legislation in return for support for his soccer stadium. One of those pledges of support apparently included a rental car surcharge tax being proposed by Rep. Linda Stewart.

But Dyer was absent from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority meeting yesterday when a key issue regarding a rental car surcharge to fund public transportation like the Lynx bus system was discussed. It was openly noted on many occasions during the meeting that Dyer told Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs that he would not support Stewart’s legislation for mass transit funding unless other fees expired first. The GOAA board wants to extend those fees for 20 years.

Now it seems Dyer is either changing his position or simply telling people what he chooses at any given moment. It is clear that Dyer’s priorities are focused on another new unfunded venue project before any other issues, including dedicated funding for public transportation.