Something smells fishy at the Parramore Kidz Zone

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s signature inner-city program – the Parramore Kidz Zone -- has some serious financial accountability questions to answer.

This topic was covered Friday (2/7) in the “32805 Spotlight” radio show, click here for the podcast, by host Lawanna Gelzer, a longtime Parramore activist. Speaking at a recent Orlando City Commission meeting she repeatedly called for a forensic audit of the Parramore Kidz Zone.

Inspired by the Harlem Children’s Zone, the Parramore Kidz Zone says its mission is to “to level the playing field for Parramore’s children, equipping them to become successful, healthy, well-educated adults.”

So why did the Kidz Zone pay $960 monthly rent for a program employee to live in a luxury apartment outside the Parramore?

Through public records requests Ms. Gelzer obtained documents showing that the program repeatedly paid Millenia 700 (apartments) $900 monthly rent for Raysean Brown.

Millenia 700, which offers “luxurious” studio, one- and two- bedroom apartments and sparkling swimming pool near the Mall of Millenia, is more than 5 miles away from the Parramore community.

Kidz Zone offers program participants emergency assistance of up to $400 – once per year.

So why did the Kidz Zone pay almost double that amount for Brown, an Orlando employee who works for the Kidz Zone?

Why did Kidz Zone pay for Brown to live outside Parramore — the community the program is supposed to benefit? Brown has since moved out of Millenia 700.

City records show that Brown -- featured in a video presented during Mayor Dyer’s 2018 State of Downtown Address -- makes more than $40,000 annually.

To see the records, click here.

Who approved these payments?

Who is reviewing the expenses paid by the Kidz Zone?

Has the Kidz Zone made questionable payments to other individuals, organizations or businesses?

City officials ignored Ms. Gelzer’s call for an audit.