Orange County votes to demolish former work release center despite shelter advocates’ push to save it

Orange County commissioners voted Tuesday to demolish the former work release center on West Kaley Street, a decision that disappointed advocates who say the closed building could still be used to help people experiencing homelessness.The vote passed 5-1 during a county commission meeting.Support Orlando Shelters, a group that has pushed to preserve the site, recently shared video from inside the building. The video shows areas the group says could be repurposed into a shelter, including sleeping space and other infrastructure.“There’s also bunk beds, washer and dryer hookups, a full-sized commercial kitchen with a huge walk-in refrigerator and walk-in freezer that you could literally fit a car in,” said Lee Perry, a lead volunteer with Support Orlando Shelters.Perry said she was at the meeting when commissioners approved demolition.“I was very disappointed, especially with some of the commissioners that I know really care about the homeless,” Perry said.County staff said the cost of m