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Mayor Buddy Dyer wins re-election, 3 council members keep seats

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer won his third full term, with only 15 percent of the city's 130,000 registered voters casting votes on Tuesday.

Dyer told WFTV that he has a lot of plans for the next four years.

“We're going to make sure we finish the Performing Arts Center, SunRail and get Creative Village going and make sure Medical City is on good footing,” said Dyer.

Complete Orlando election results

The old Amway Arena came down and the rubble is being cleaned up to make way for Creative Village, which will also include new housing for seniors.

Dyer also said he wants to meet with county leaders and fashion a new financial agreement to jump-start renovation of the Citrus Bowl.

“We're going to keep the city headed in the same direction. I think tonight was a show of approval by the citizens of Orlando saying they like where we're headed,” said Dyer.

The crowd was much more subdued at challenger Phil Diamond's camp.

The former city commissioner and frequent critic of the mayor was disappointed by the weak voter turnout. He said he congratulated the mayor and will support Dyer's efforts for the city.

WFTV Channel 9 reporter Kathi Belich asked Diamond if he is done with public office.

“I think it's just too soon to really answer that question, Kathi. I want to keep you and the viewers of Channel 9 guessing for a while,” said Diamond

Three of Dyer’s biggest supporters on the city council also won re-election Tuesday night.

Tony Ortiz will keep his District 2 seat on the council. He took 81 percent of the vote, easily beating Vienna Avelares.

District 4 Commissioner Patty Sheehan rolled to victory, taking 77 percent of the vote in her race with Aretha Janine Olivarez.

And District 6 Commissioner Sam Ings grabbed 71 percent of the vote in his race with Lawanna Gelzer to keep his seat on the council.

In District 1, Jim Gray grabbed 55 percent of the vote. He’ll take the seat vacated by mayoral candidate Phil Diamond.