The Battle Over High Speed Rail

"Skeptical lawmakers have begun arguing whether to build a $22 billion bullet train, but one issue is not open for debate: If this high-speed rail line is ever built, the first leg will run from Orlando to Tampa. The Orlando-Tampa route gained momentum in Tallahassee even though the ballot initiative approved by voters last November mentioned no cities, but vaguely called for connecting "five urban centers." Train supporters have hitched their hopes on Central Florida clout, including a Disney-backed bid to win the 2012 Olympics and the fact that this route is anchored by the Legislature's most powerful members."