ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer delivered his State of the City address Thursday, and despite all the controversy, he said he's still a major supporter of the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center. During his speech, the mayor described the arts center protect as a once-in-a-lifetime project.
Dyer laid out what he thinks has already helped the city during the recession, and what he believes should be done moving forward.
"Despite our progress, it's clear much work remains," said Dyer.
Dyer started off by admitting there is still a lot to do in creating jobs. His big push is the area around the site of the old Amway Arena. He wants to make sure the Creative Village is a priority.
"We will begin transforming the site into a live, work and play industry cluster later this year," said Dyer.
Dyer said he wants to make it an area where people live and work, doing high-tech and digital media-type jobs. He said he believes the new Amway Center has already attracted business downtown.
He also made it clear that, despite the controversy and concerns about money, he wants the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center to be built and wants to see the Citrus Bowl renovated.
Dyer calls them "once-in-a-generation projects" and wants to see them happen.
"Many residents have expressed concern about how our ailing tourist development dollars have left the full Citrus Bowl renovation in limbo. The Citrus Bowl is vital to our community. As our economy recovers, we will do everything possible to see it gets the upgrade it deserves," said Dyer.
To make it happen, the city has borrowed a total of $622 million for the three venues. Broken down, that would amount to more than $2,300 for every person living in the city of Orlando, although most of the money will come from tourist development taxes.
Dyer said he believes as the economy improves, the projects will come together.
Dyer also said he was disappointed that Governor Rick Scott turned down the $2.4 billion in federal high-speed rail money.
Now, Dyer said he's hoping SunRail will go through because he sees transportation as another key to future growth.
WFTV
