An Orlando Sentinel text message to Mayor Buddy Dyer on historic grant funding was obtained and the newspaper actually asked for his permission to share with the news department.
When the City of Orlando decided to benefit developers over historic preservation, the state of Florida warned it could lose millions of dollars in historic grant funding.
The local newspaper, which has long covered for Mayor Dyer’s spin, showed how gently they treat the Democratic elected official even on important matters like possibly destroying downtown historic preservation rules and jeopardizing state funding. The Orlando City Council voted for a three-year moratorium to temporarily allow developers to bypass certain historic preservation rules in the downtown area per Dyer’s desire.
West Orlando News requested all of Dyer’s text mesaages to Sentinel during the time period, and any responses he received. The City of Orlando provided the text thread.
“Sorry to bug you on a Saturday,” the Orlando Sentinel text to Mayor Dyer started, before adding “Yikes” about a letter from the state on historic grant funding due to Dyer’s actions.
Yes, so sorry that the Orlando Mayor is expected to work and be available even on a Saturday.
Buddy Dyer did respond to the Orlando Sentinel, but even after putting his response in writing, the Sentinel asked his permission to share it with the news department. Why would the Orlando Sentinel need the Mayor’s permission to share a written response sent to them with their own news department? Very odd behavior for a supposed news organization who should have the community’s interest and transparency as a higher priority than protecting the Mayor’s feelings.
“Thanks for getting back to me!!” the Sentinel response stated. “Do you mind if I share your text with the news department?”
It shows the influence and power Mayor Dyer has over the Orlando Sentinel and it indicates the local newspaper fears Dyer and wants to stay on his “good side” even if there is a story to report to the community. First, they must receive his permission apparently. Residents should consider that when reading anything reported by the Orlando Sentinel on the city and Mayor Dyer.
Of course, the rubber stamp City Council voted with Mayor Dyer to approve easing downtown historic preservation rules in favor of developers, which will take effect in August. Commissioner Patty Sheehan, who is typically a strong Dyer ally, actually voted against his proposal but despite her efforts, what Buddy Dyer wants, Buddy Dyer gets with the current local elected commissioners – and apparently with the Orlando Sentinel as well.
The post Sentinel Text to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on Historic Grant Funding appeared first on West Orlando News.
Source: West Orlando News
Published: 2026-07-26 10:51:00