Douglas Orr was a private citizen who impacted the lives of so many in Miami Springs. He was a top employer within our community as he built Douglas Orr Plumbing, one of the biggest plumbing companies in Miami-Dade County, right here in Miami Springs. Of course, Orr went beyond just being a great employer by giving back to the Miami Springs Community with his time, and of course, with his financial donations.
To honor his legacy, Miami Springs Councilman Jorge Santin proposed renaming Prince Field to Prince Field at Douglas Orr Park. However, not everyone was in favor of the idea. Mayor Maria Mitchell pointed out that Orr already had a street named after him and was honored within the Miami Springs Hall of Fame at the Rec Center. Mayor Mitchell suggested holding an annual tournament in Orr’s honor. Councilman Victor Vazquez agreed with the Mayor’s sentiment.
Vice Mayor Jacky Bravo was holding the gavel as Mayor Mitchell was attending this portion of the meeting remotely from the airport. Councilman Jorge Santin made a motion to rename Prince Field to Prince Field at Douglas Orr Park. The City Attorney added that a review needed to be made to ensure there were no deed restrictions regarding the renaming of the park. With that caveat, Councilman Walter Fajet seconded the motion. Vice Mayor Bravo called for the vote as follows:
- Councilman Santin: Yes
- Vice Mayor Bravo: Yes
- Councilman Fajet: Yes
- Councilman Vazquez: No
- Mayor Mitchell: No
Again, the renaming won’t be official until the City Attorney reviews the deed restrictions on the property.
What do you think? Do you like the idea of renaming Prince Field to Prince Field at Douglas Orr Park? Should it stay as Prince Field? Let us know in the comments section below or via social media.
Can we stop naming things after people? This is nothing but free advertising by the city to a plumbing company.