Local

$180K fence, plaque honoring Daisy Lynum could go up in Parramore

ORLANDO, Fla. — A former Orlando commissioner could soon get an expensive tribute in her name in Parramore.

Earlier this month, former commissioner Daisy Lynum spent $14,000 in taxpayer money on an 18-page mailer that was sent out to Parramore residents touting her achievements.

Channel 9's Lori Brown has since learned there's a new project to promote Lynum's time in office, a fancy fence leading into Parramore between the Amway Center and Citrus Bowl, which would cost $180,000.

But local families told WFTV they'd rather see the city invest that money into public safety, not a fence.

"To me, it's nonsense," said resident Janet Feliciano.

"The money needs to go into iris cameras to give police the ability to curb crime, stop the drug dealing, prostitution," said resident Beverly Burgess.

The fence would feature a plaque honoring Lynum "in recognition of her distinguished service and loyalty to the Parramore neighborhood."

It would read, "The city of Orlando dedicates the gateway in grateful appreciation for her years of outstanding leadership and devotion to the residents of Parramore."

Burgess thinks there could be less costly ways to honor the former commissioner.

"I would highly recommend they make a small one and give it to her in her hands," she said.

Some say the structure between the Citrus Bowl and the Amway Center might turn out to be a literal brick wall, causing people to turn around instead of walk the area Mayor Buddy Dyer envisions as a sports and entertainment district.

About $125,000 of the money would come from the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency with new District 5 Commissioner Regina Hill's district contributing $75,000.

Hill, who is out of town, said she supports the project because building it will provide jobs for Parramore residents.