Local Businesses Feuding With City of Orlando Over NBA All-Star Weekend


A legal battle may erupt between merchants located near the site of this year’s NBA All-Star Weekend festivities and the city of Orlando. Reports the Sentinel: “Orlando has offered to compensate a row of small businesses that will be shut out of the action during the NBA All-Star Weekend — but the offer is a bit less than the $3.5 million the businesses initially sought. City officials have offered the four largest businesses $3,000 each, and six smaller shops $1,500 each. In exchange, they’d have to agree not to sue the city over an 8-foot fence that will be placed between their businesses and events at the Amway Center during three days of festivities. ‘I believe this is our best effort, and it’s more than anyone could or should expect,’ said Commissioner Daisy Lynum, who represents the area. But Lorenzo Williams, an attorney representing some of the West Church Street businesses, described the city’s offer as ‘chicken feed.’ ‘If they don’t want to reach out in a meaningful way to resolve differences, the only redress we have is the court of law,” said Williams, who works for the law firm of Willie Gary, a high-profile attorney from Stuart.”