Orange County proposes $800 million tourist tax plan for local projects

Orange County commissioners are set to review a proposed $800 million spending plan funded by tourist tax dollars, WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando reported. The plan targets 13 projects across the county, with major investments in the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Eatonville, and the University of Central Florida (UCF).

The largest portion of the funding, $400 million, is recommended for the Dr. Phillips Center in downtown Orlando, nearly half of the total package. This is less than the $750 million originally requested by the center but still represents a significant investment in local arts and culture.

Eatonville would receive $80 million total, including $60 million for a museum of culture and history at the Hungerford property and $20 million for the town’s heritage tourism district. UCF is set to get $46 million to expand its soccer stadium and build a track facility, although other requests like broadcast upgrades and a new softball stadium were not included.

Additional projects in the plan include a children’s museum in Winter Garden, a parking garage for Camping World Stadium, and more grants for arts and ecotourism initiatives. The funds would come from a 6% tourist development tax on hotel and vacation rental stays, which supports tourism marketing and venue projects in Orange County.

The proposal remains under consideration, with Orange County commissioners scheduled to discuss it further. Supporters emphasize the importance of arts and culture to the community and the potential positive impact of these investments.