Osceola County donates $1M for new MLS stadium but what do they get in return?

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Like Seminole County, Osceola County invested in the deal to bring Major League Soccer to central Florida, so Channel 9's Nancy Alvarez asked what the county will get for its $1 million investment.

When Orlando City Soccer announced its official entrance into the MLS, Gov. Rick Scott and the mayors of Orange County and Orlando were there to celebrate. So was Osceola County Commissioner Fred Hawkins.

Claire Dempster, a member of the Osceola County Business and Taxpayers Association, wants answers.

"I have not heard one commissioner tell me how this is going to benefit the residents in Osceola County," she said.

So Alvarez tracked down Hawkins, who said a transportation project is part of the deal.

The Osceola Parkway ends at Boggy Creek Road.  Work to extend it over to Narcoosee Road wasn't going to start for another 20 years, but it could now begin in three years as part of the deal.

"By doing this and Osceola stepping up and making this commitment, the mayors have to commit to help us get the schedule moved up from the 20 years to the three years in the metro plan so that we can benefit," said Hawkins.

Channel 9 called Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer's office to ask how he plans to push the road project up and whether there are any guarantees it will actually happen.  His office is working to get WFTV answers.

Dempster said taxpayers will be waiting.

"We will watch you on every dollar you spend and when you ask for more, you better have a good foundation as to why," she said.

The deal also includes numerous appearances by Orlando City Soccer players at soccer events in Osceola County.

WFTV