ORLANDO, Fla. -- Eyewitness News exposed Tuesday that Orlando's mayor and city leaders have been enjoying the Magic in the NBA Finals from a luxury skybox and taxpayers footed the bill.
Eyewitness News' investigation showed Orlando city leaders use their SkyBox at Amway Arena, but Orange County's government gives its tickets away to charity. On Wednesday, Eyewitness News asked Orlando city leaders, several times, why they're keeping their SkyBox seats for themselves and WFTV reporter Mary Nguyen got some answers.
Wednesday, Eyewitness News confronted Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and he said he's going to buy his own seats for the next game, but he wouldn't say who he was giving his SkyBox tickets to.
Mayor Dyer used his free luxury SkyBox tickets for Tuesday night's game and was scheduled to use another pair for Thursday's game, but now he's changed his tune.
On Tuesday, Mayor Dyer said, "Well it's the city box and those are available to the city staff."
On Wednesday, he said, "I don't have tickets for Thursday. I'm not using the tickets for Thursday."
City leaders came under fire for using the Magic tickets after Eyewitness News first reporter Orange County leaders donated their seats to charities. Orlando Union Rescue Mission got some and is auctioning them off. The mission is down by $100,000 in revenue this year. If the organization is able to raise just $1,000, it could serve an extra 252 meals.
"We operate on 100-percent contribution," said Don Moody, Orlando Union Rescue Mission.
