http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/index/ en rob@brushfiredigital.com Copyright 2011 2011-03-18T15:43:30+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/yankees_idol_in_orlando/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/yankees_idol_in_orlando/#When:15:43:30Z Freelance writer and photographer Aris Sakellaridis is at Yankees Spring Training to assist community advisor and author Ray Negron, bringing you stories about heroes and unsung heroes that surround the Yankees Universe. Aris visited Apopka, Fla., a suburb of Orlando, last Saturday to report on a movement led by local businessman Armando Gutierrez to possibly relocate the Class-A Tampa Yankees to the area by 2013. The Yankees organization showed the town of Apopka, Fla., that they are serious about bringing a pro ball club to town. A team of Minor League players and coaches, along with staff members and team mascot Blu, took the long hike from Tampa. They put a whole new meaning into the phrase, “If they build it, we will come.” As a full house was enjoying the opener of the Yankees 2011 Spring Training season in Tampa, over 1,000 baseball fans showed up in Apopka at the Orange County Northwest Recreational Facility to support the return of pro baseball to Central Florida. The starving fans started entering the facility at 7:30 a.m. with a hunger for baseball, as Yankees community advisor Ray Negron kept them entertained with a Yankees version of “American Idol.” Negron gave young fans a chance to step up to the stage and belt out a tune for a prize of a replica 2009 Championship ring. The lesson here was to instill confidence that you can become anything you desire if you focus your mind to it. Thanks to the Yankees, there were plenty of rings handy as the crowd was entertained by over a dozen talented singing hopefuls. Just like that, a “Yankee Idol” was created. An introduction of future Yankees were greeted with wild applause as bobble heads, bats and pins were handed to everyone in sight. Legendary Mayor John Land was introduced and shared his memories of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio. He was taken aback when he was presented with a replica 2009 ring, and wanted to earn it by singing a song. A clinic followed with fielding drills, baseball IQ and advice for life skills. With 15 million tourists and a huge residential following, the ball is on your side of the fence, Orlando. Armando Gutierrez Jr., president of Baseball Enterprises in Central Florida, deemed the three-hour affair a success. “The impact of the community was felt today.” said Gutierrez. “The kids were on top of the world, and the rest of the world that we attract will recognize the Yankees emblem and flock to games.” Yankees vice president Felix Lopez is excited about the potential move of the Tampa Yankees. “An extension of our team to the Orlando area will mean more fans representing us,” said Lopez, also stressing the importance of the impact it will have on youths. “They will focus on working to become Yankees in various positions like scouting directors or front office personnel.” It is a real-life “Field of Dreams” and with the Yankees’ desire to relocate, Orlando owes it to their taxpayers, but more importantly to its future leaders, the children. With the NBA's Orlando Magic being the only sports team in its radius, it’s a win-win situation for everyone. *Credit - Yes Network http://www.myyesnetwork.com/12461/blog/2011/03/01/yankees_idol_in_orlando 2011-03-18T15:43:30+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/potential_orlando_yankees_owner_armando_gutierrez_jr._is_a_dreamer_and_doer/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/potential_orlando_yankees_owner_armando_gutierrez_jr._is_a_dreamer_and_doer/#When:15:32:06Z Armando Gutierrez Jr. is aggressively pursuing the relocation of the New York Yankees' minor-league team from Tampa to Orlando, just seven months after he withdrew his name as a candidate for the U.S. Congress in Florida's 8th district in February. As if attempting to bring a baseball team to Orlando isn't challenging enough, Gutierrez is proposing the construction of a privately financed multimillion-dollar stadium and baseball-themed museum. The vision is grand, and even grander when you consider the efforts are being led by a 28-year-old. So who exactly is Armando Gutierrez Jr.? "He's just a bigger thinker than most people," said Adam McKinnon, a close friend of Gutierrez. "When I see a beautiful hotel, I say, 'Man, that's awesome. Harris Rosen is a lucky guy.' And Armando says, 'Man, that's awesome. I cannot wait to build that myself.' " Dreaming big isn't a new concept for Gutierrez. Both sets of grandparents fled Cuba, leaving behind family and friends to escape the regime of Fidel Castro and create a better life for their families in America. Though he grew up poor and could not afford to complete college, Armando Gutierrez Sr. fashioned himself into a South Florida political heavyweight as a consultant. His opportunities to expand his reach into politics came while serving as a vice president at Central Bank, a position he worked nine years to attain. "Both of his parents are hard workers with big hearts who give a lot to their community," said Brian Graham, Gutierrez Jr.'s former campaign manager. "And Armando has inherited the work ethic of both of them and he wants to make a difference in the community." Like his father, Gutierrez Jr. ventured into commercial real estate purchases shortly before graduating from the University of Miami in 2003. In 2002, he completed a 48-unit condominium with partners Martin and Michael Margulies. He sold most of the 750 units priced from $185,000 to $320,000, according to the South Florida Business Journal. "He bought land in neighborhoods when nobody wanted to buy in and then they turned into the best neighborhoods in town because they were close to hospitals and areas like that and made a lot of money," Gutierrez Sr. said. Gutierrez Jr. sold off some of his properties as the real estate market started to founder. He went back to school to obtain two masters degrees in management, one from the University of Miami and one from the Harvard University Extension School, which he completed in 2009. He kept one foot involved in politics through his involvement with the Young Republicans, which allowed him to keep multiple contacts throughout the state, including Orlando attorney and noted lobbyist Fred Leonhardt, who now serves as Gutierrez's attorney. Though Gutierrez has never held elected office, he leaped at the chance to challenge U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson and moved to Orlando in 2009. "He's been in Central Florida a lot and he has ties throughout the state of Florida and he saw a congressional seat with someone who most see as an embarrassment," Graham said. Leonhardt said Gutierrez also has interest in creating real estate opportunities in Central Florida, though a public-records search indicates most of his current investments are tied to South Florida. The key property for Gutierrez right now is finding a home in Orlando with his wife of six months, Annette. The couple, who has known each other since first grade, live in a downtown condo and are looking to purchase their first home. They plan to make Orlando their permanent home, Annette said. "The people here are so nice and friendly," Annette said. It didn't take long for Gutierrez to introduce himself locally. He thrust himself into meet and greets, shaking hands, creating new relationships in the community and even helped lead fund-raising efforts to save the Lake Eola's water fountain, previously damaged when it was struck by lightning last August. One of Gutierrez's focuses during his short campaign run was to create jobs in Central Florida, so when a group of investors contacted him about purchasing the Tampa Yankees and moving the team to Orlando in January, he found himself at a crossroads. "He never intended to take it on himself and buy a sports team, he intended to push for sports teams to come here," Graham said. "They offered up a significant amount of capital and he realized he could do it himself, so that's the path he chose." Even Gutierrez's friends and business associates warned him he could be risking his reputation by choosing the baseball venture over his campaign. "I called after that and I said, 'Armando, I think it's a great idea.' But I said, 'The City Beautiful can turn into a pretty ugly place if you don't do what you say. Just keep that in mind with this whole baseball deal,' " McKinnon said. "He said, 'Adam, it's gonna happen.' " Gutierrez is swinging for the fences. He says his minor-league baseball bid is "the first step" in bringing Major League Baseball to Orlando. Striving for anything less would go against his early lessons. "Always go for the highest and shiniest star that you can grab," Gutierrez's mother Maritza would tell her son. "And once you've achieved that one, there's another one waiting for you." If you have a news tip, e-mail Shannon Owens at sjowens@orlandosentinel.com. *Credit - Orlando Sentinel http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-09-10/sports/os-armando-gutierrez-yankees-20100902_1_armando-gutierrez-dreamer-and-doer-thinker 2011-03-18T15:32:06+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/a_message_from_armando_gutierrez/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/a_message_from_armando_gutierrez/#When:17:22:01Z Dear Friends, I wanted to thank you for all the encouragement, well wishes, and prayers I have received over the past several months. As you may have heard, I've withdrawn my name as a candidate for U.S. Congress in Florida's 8th Congressional District. The decision hasn't been easy, but when I first mentioned bringing a baseball team to Orlando, I knew it would become an important economic driver and tax base for Central Florida. What I didn’t realize was the underlying hunger and fan fever for a team. Instead of running for Congress, I will dedicate all my energies to bringing baseball to Orlando. Far too many people are hurting and in need of jobs. I’ve heard the cries. A new, viable economic base for Central Florida is more important now than ever. At this point, I feel I can do a tremendous amount of good for the Central Florida economy by bringing a baseball team to the community. As the 2010 Campaign progresses, I urge you to get involved and support candidates who share our values: Less Taxes, Smaller Government, and Fiscal Responsibility. This year more than ever we can all make a difference in steering our nation in the right direction. Please keep in touch. Sincerely, Armando Gutierrez 2010-03-08T17:22:01+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/central_florida_conservatives_rally_around_gutierrez/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/central_florida_conservatives_rally_around_gutierrez/#When:04:08:06Z ORLANDO, FL -- Orlando businessman, and congressional candidate, Armando Gutierrez had one of the strongest first financial quarters of any rookie congressional candidate in history. Conservatives from across the country have answered the call to defeat Alan Grayson. Gutierrez raised over $210,000 from hundreds of donors throughout the country. As Gutierrez committed, he also put $100,000 of his own money into his congressional campaign. The campaign only spent a little over $10,000, leaving the campaign with $300,000 Cash-On-Hand. Gutierrez Finance Committee Co-Chairman Fred Leonhardt stated, "Armando Gutierrez has proven that he is the strongest Republican to take on Alan Grayson. He can raise the necessary funds to defeat Grayson and has the ability to reach out across the community to bring Republicans, Independents and conservative Democrats together behind his campaign to bring integrity and true leadership to District 8." "I am humbled by the vast support our campaign has been receiving," stated Armando Gutierrez. "We will continue to work hard to raise funds and earn the votes of the citizens of District 8." 2010-01-10T04:08:06+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/former_florida_cfo_tom_gallagher_endorses_gutierrez/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/former_florida_cfo_tom_gallagher_endorses_gutierrez/#When:18:26:22Z ORLANDO, FL - Republican leaders continue to line up to support businessman and congressional candidate Armando Gutierrez. Today, Tom Gallagher announced his endorsement of Gutierrez. "Armando Gutierrez is a bold fresh face for the conservative movement," said Tom Gallagher. "As a hard working and successful businessman, Armando Gutierrez understands that to grow this economy we need to lower taxes and decrease burdensome regulation. A tireless advocate for conservative candidates and causes, Armando Gutierrez will make a great Congressman for Florida." Tom Gallagher was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1974 and served until 1987. Gallagher served as the Secretary of the Department of Professional Regulation in the administration of Governor Bob Martinez. He served in the elected cabinet position of State Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner, and Fire Marshal from 1989 to 1995, and then in the elected cabinet position of Education Commissioner from 1999 to 2001, and again as Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner and Fire Marshal from 2001 to 2003. After the cabinet position of Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner and Fire Marshal was abolished, Gallagher became the Chief Financial Officer, with the additional duties of Comptroller. Gallagher served as Florida's Chief Financial Officer from 2003-2007. Armando Gutierrez is endorsed by a growing number of Republican leaders, such as former RPOF Chairman Al Cardenas, George P. Bush, Justin Sayfie, Congressman Tom Rooney, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Congressman Aaron Schock, State Senator Steve Wise, State House Majority Whip Carlos Lopez-Cantera, State House Deputy Majority Leader Anitere Flores, State Representative Chris Dorworth, State Representative Bryan Nelson, State Representative Charles Van Zant, State Representative Jennifer Carroll, State Representative Erik Fresen, State Representative Mike Weinstein, former State Representative Randy Johnson, former Orange County Commissioner Tom Dorman, GOAA Board Member Jose Colon, and the Florida Federation of Young Republicans. 2009-12-15T18:26:22+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/representative_carroll_endorses_gutierrez_for_congress/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/representative_carroll_endorses_gutierrez_for_congress/#When:05:19:27Z ORLANDO, FL -- State Representative Jennifer Carroll announced her endorsement of businessman Armando Gutierrez for Congress today. "The Republican Party has been searching for innovative young leaders, and we have found one in Armando Gutierrez. He's what the GOP needs in Washington to bring fresh ideas and strong conservative leadership," stated Representative Carroll. "We need a bold and aggressive leader to take on Alan Grayson. Armando Gutierrez has what it takes to win." "Jennifer Carroll is a true asset to the Republican Party," said Gutierrez. "She's a businesswoman, a veteran, a mother, and a role model for our youth. I'm honored to have her support as I fight to bring common sense leadership to Florida's Eighth Congressional District" Representative Jennifer Carroll was elected in 2003 as the first African American female Republican elected to the Florida House of Representatives. Carroll serves as Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida African American Republican Leadership Council. She enlisted in the United States Navy in 1979 and served for 20 years. Carroll served as a jet mechanic and worked her way up through the ranks to retire as a Lieutenant Commander Aviation Maintenance Officer; receiving Meritorious Service Medal; two Navy Commendation Medals; two Navy Achievement Medals; National Defense Service Medal; Overseas Ribbon; two Coast Guard Special Operation Ribbons; and Expert Pistol Medal. Carroll also served as Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs under Governor Jeb Bush and was appointed by President George W. Bush to the Veteran’s Compensation and Disability Commission. Armando Gutierrez is endorsed by a growing number of Republican leaders, such as former RPOF Chairman Al Cardenas, George P. Bush, Congressman Tom Rooney, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Congressman Aaron Schock, State Senator Steve Wise, State House Majority Whip Carlos Lopez-Cantera, State Representative Chris Dorworth, State Representative Bryan Nelson, State Representative Charles Van Zant, State Representative Erik Fresen, State Representative Mike Weinstein, former State Representative Randy Johnson, former Orange County Commissioner Tom Dorman, GOAA Board Member Jose Colon, and the Florida Federation of Young Republicans. 2009-11-17T05:19:27+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/florida_cant_afford_graysons_job-killing_healthcare_agenda/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/florida_cant_afford_graysons_job-killing_healthcare_agenda/#When:05:12:32Z Orlando, FL - Florida is in the midst of one of the deepest recessions in recent history, but Nancy Pelosi and Alan Grayson are advancing the most liberal anti-job agenda in recent memory. From the recent healthcare bill in the House of Representatives to the climate change bill they passed earlier this year, it is obvious that Alan Grayson and Nancy Pelosi do not understand that Americans and Central Floridians in particular are suffering. Alan Grayson is out of touch with Florida’s voters on healthcare. A recent poll showed that a plurality of Floridians do not support the public option, and as unemployment hits 11% in Florida and 10.2% nationally, it is clear that Floridians cannot afford his job-killing agenda. Small business in Florida is already struggling, but the Grayson-Pelosi agenda and yesterday’s healthcare bill only makes things worse. “We should be focusing on growing our economy,” said Armando Gutierrez. “The disastrous healthcare bill that Alan Grayson and Nancy Pelosi passed yesterday will only cost Floridians more jobs.” Gutierrez continued, “I would have voted against the House bill and spoken out demanding that the Congress focus on a plan that makes Floridians’ lives better and creates jobs. We should be working to bring Americans more opportunities, not higher taxes and fewer jobs.” 2009-11-17T05:12:32+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/grayson_out_of_step_with_floridas_8th_district/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/grayson_out_of_step_with_floridas_8th_district/#When:21:48:43Z Orlando, FL - Alan Grayson, has become the poster-child for all that is wrong with Washington. From runaway spending to hyper-partisanship, Grayson has demonstrated in just 9 short months in office that he is among the worst members of Congress. His statements are just the face for a Congressman that has run amuck. After all, he is the one that said that the Republican healthcare plan was for people to “die quickly.” He followed that up by saying that Republicans deserved the Nobel Prize for “fear, hatred and racism” and that we were “knuckle-dragging Neanderthals.” Mr. Grayson‘s overblown rhetoric demonstrates that governing is not his forte. Listening to trial lawyer Alan Grayson talk almost makes you feel embarrassed for him. “He just doesn‘t get it. He’s out of touch,” stated businessman and congressional candidate Armando Gutierrez. “His values are not in line with the values of Florida voters and the people of the 8th district. People didn’t send him to Washington so he could make offensive statements and go on the Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow and Bill Maher television programs. They sent him to work for them,” Gutierrez continued. “He‘s failed, and it‘s time for him to go. Leadership is about more than just going on television and spewing insults. It‘s about fighting for the people of Florida.” Gutierrez spokesman Brian Graham commented, “Armando Gutierrez understands that these are serious times for America. Serious times require serious leaders. The government is getting too big, spending is out of control, and the only thing that our representatives in Congress seem to want to do is spend more of our money.” Graham continued by saying, “as a business and community leader, Armando can bring to the table what Alan Grayson has forfeited: credibility and a willingness to work in a professional way to improve the lives of Floridians.” 2009-11-09T21:48:43+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/congressman_aaron_schock_endorses_republican_gutierrez_for_congress/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/congressman_aaron_schock_endorses_republican_gutierrez_for_congress/#When:04:05:28Z Illinois Congressman Aaron Schock will fly political wingman for Armando Gutierrez Jr. in his Republican bid to take on U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando, next year. The youngest member of Congress said he likes Gutierrez's "can-do job creating expertise" and conservative principles. Schock said in a press statement that Gutierrez is also "gifted with the ability to communicate our conservative message in an appealing and compelling manner." Schock was profiled this fall by GQ as one of the new conservative voices in Congress. Gutierrez is 28-years-old, too, and he's trying to grab that same New Face of the GOP mantle. Gutierrez keeps pulling in near-daily endorsements, from former state party Chairman Al Cardenas to Apopka state lawmaker Bryan Nelson. 2009-11-06T04:05:28+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/alan_grayson_unfit_to_serve/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/alan_grayson_unfit_to_serve/#When:08:41:32Z Grayson’s remark describing a Fed Official as a “K-Street Whore“ shows that he is "One Fry Short of a Happy Meal." Orlando, FL - Most in Florida have known for a long time that Alan Grayson is unfit to represent the people of the 8th Congressional District in Washington. Today it was revealed that Grayson referred to Linda Robertson, an official in the Federal Reserve, as a “K-street whore.“ The tragedy of this is that the gross recklessness of statements such as this seems to be lost on Grayson. From accusing Republicans of murder on the scale of Holocaust to labeling an honorable public servant a “whore,“ Grayson has once again shown America that he is, to borrow the words of his fellow Democrat, Rep. Anthony Weiner of New York, “one fry short of a happy meal.“ "The people of the 8th District deserve better than Alan Grayson,“ said businessman and congressional candidate Armando Gutierrez. “I am embarrassed that he represents the good people of Central Florida." Armando Gutierrez is a common-sense conservative who is not afraid to reach across party-lines to make the lives of the people of the 8th District better. As opposed to Grayson, Armando isn‘t as much concerned about getting on MSNBC as he is with making a difference. “These are serious times for America,“ said Gutierrez. “Alan Grayson has shown us once again that he is unfit to lead.“ 2009-11-02T08:41:32+00:00