Orlando kicks out nonprofits for no good reason

Orlando kicks out nonprofits for no good reason

Scott Maxwell

TAKING NAMES
In the past two weeks, we've learned that Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Hall are booting out nonprofits from one side of the city to the other — literally.

First came news that the city was ready to kick a horse-riding program for the disabled out of Trotters Park on the northwest side.

Then came news that the Florida Safety Council was getting bumped out of its longstanding home east of downtown — so that one of Buddy's top staffers could start her own charter school.

Forget the City Beautiful. Orlando's looking more Brutal-ful.

It's also looking as if City Hall insiders get inside deals.

We'll start with the Safety Council.

For two decades, the council has operated in a city-owned building near Orlando Executive Airport, offering classes on everything from safe driving and workplace safety to victim awareness.

Then somebody else decided they wanted to use the Safety Council's building. And that somebody happened to be a high-ranking city official: Deputy City Attorney Jody Litchford.

Apparently Litchford's co-workers thought her idea was a dandy one. So they booted out a rent-paying tenant — eight years before the lease was up — for one that would move in rent-free for the first few years.
read more here
Orlando kicks out nonprofits for no good reason