In light of the Florida State House of Representatives’ approval last Friday of a bill related to professional sports venues, Orlando City SC majority owner Flavio Augusto da Silva, OCSC Founder & President Phil Rawlins and City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer ventured to Tallahassee, Fla., on Tuesday to meet with elected officials . The Florida Senate is expected to vote on a separate, but related, bill later this week.

While the House and Senate bills are slightly different, both proposals set forth a comprehensive new process for Florida-based professional sports teams to apply for stadium construction funds in exchange for the teams guaranteeing a specific amount of future new State sales tax generated as a result of the construction.

The 2014 Florida Legislative session is set to end on Friday, May 2.

“This is an important week for not only Orlando City but also for other Florida sports organizations seeking to make an economic impact,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “We had lots of positive dialogue with lawmakers in Tallahassee today and we appreciate them taking the time to meet with us.”

Regardless of the outcome of the Florida Legislative session, Orlando City SC’s new downtown stadium project will move forward. Construction will begin later this year one block west of the Amway Center and is expected to be open prior to the 2016 Major League Soccer (MLS) season.

Please stay tuned to OrlandoCitySC.com and @OrlandoCitySC for additional updates throughout the week!