ORLANDO, Fla.,None — The city of Orlando is refusing to back down on plans to put up a controversial fence around the Amway Center for the upcoming NBA All-Star Weekend.
The city plans to to set up an eight-foot tall fence outside the venue from Church Street and Division Avenue, but nearby business owners say the fence will keep out thousands of potential customers.
WFTV's Daralene Jones confronted NBA officials about the fence Wednesday. WFTV just happened to spot them here outside the Amway as they were doing a site visit, and they wanted no part of our story.
NBA officials had referred WFTV to the league's communication office when WFTV spotted them doing a site visit outside the Amway.
WFTV wanted to know why it's so crucial they put up an eight-foot security fence around the Amway during All-Star Weekend, but before WFTV could ask another question, an Orlando police officer told WFTV to leave.
The officer said, "This is a private meeting."
WFTV's Daralene Jone responded, It's not a private meeting. It's on public property."
The attorney representing some of these businesses said since he didn't hear from the city Wednesday, he'll be in Orlando Thursday to file that lawsuit.
They've hired Lorenzo Williams, a partner at the Willie Gary Law Firm in south Florida. He's known for winning a $240 million lawsuit against Disney.
But records show 10 of the 11 businesses are months behind on rent and utilities in the city-owned building. Together they owe $63,000.
WFTV's Daralene Jones asked Lorenzo, "How can you demand the city pay you for the inconvenience when some of your clients out here aren't even paying rent to the city?"
Lorenzo responded, "That's baloney. That's baloney!"
Initially, some of the owners demanded $3.5 million and All-Star tickets.
City officials are offering $3,000 each, but only if they don't sue.
The owners of Draft Global Beer Lounge owe the most in back rent, and are the only tenants not joining the lawsuit.
"If it wasn't for the city, the Magic, the NBA, then none of us would be here. The owners of Draft said they've worked out an aggressive payment plan to catch up on rent," a Draft representative said.
Part of that money will be made during All-Star Weekend because they have several events planned.
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Video: Orlando businesses could be fenced out of NBA All-Star festivities (Jan. 16)
Story: Amway-area business owners may take action over All-Star fence (Jan. 27)
Video: Businesses may take legal action over All-Star weekend fence (Jan. 27) Video: Orlando negotiating with businesses over NBA fence (Feb. 7) Story: All-Star Weekend Amway fence conflict escalates (Feb. 8) Video: All-Star Weekend fence at Amway Center raises controversy (Feb. 8)
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