Group Chides Mayor Jacobs for Being Flip Flopping

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs is the target of a new campaign ready to expose the two-faced positions she has taken ahead of her re-election in August 2014.

TypicalTeresa.com launched this week with the message “Here we go again. Typical Teresa says one thing, but then does something else.” In what appears to be the first of many to come, the campaign also released a video calling out Mayor Jacobs’ latest flip flop: a proposed $110+ million stadium in downtown Orlando. Yes, another one not counting the millions, Jacobs has already allocated for Citrus Bowl renovations and the injection of funds the Performing Arts Center recently needed from the County.

Just weeks ago, Jacobs was publicly hesitant on another major venue. She cited she was concerned about the estimated cost, the city’s fast-paced construction timeframe, and the proposed finance plan in an official memo. That fits the image Jacobs wants, a watchdog of our tax dollars. But then, something changed.

After just one meeting with team representatives – and no meetings with members of the community – Jacobs shifted positions quickly and indicated last week she intends to “fast-track” the stadium. In a letter to the team’s owner, Jacobs wrote, “We are very sensitive to the ownership position, and the new sense of urgency attached to your negotiations.”

Say what? Flip meet flop.

The move also seems to counter much of what Mayor Jacobs told WONO in an exclusive interview. During that interview, she expressed concern over the city of Orlando’s credit and financial status.

Jacobs’ actions also put her in the gentrification issue flaring up in historic Parramore. Just two weeks ago, Parramore residents gathered for a Fish Fry to stop gentrification – specifically aiming to stop the new proposed soccer stadium in addition to Dyer’s “Creative Village.”