ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County commissioners meet Monday afternoon to weigh how to divide $800 million in tourist tax money among 13 projects, and the largest share of Mayor Jerry Demings’ proposal is earmarked for downtown Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
The arts center sought $750 million. Demings has recommended $400 million instead, which would still account for about half of the total package. The commission session is set for 12:30 p.m., and the list is a recommendation, not a final decision.
The money comes from the tourist development tax, a 6% charge on hotel rooms and other short-term rentals. It pays for tourism marketing, venues and projects meant to bring visitors to the county.
Eatonville would see two awards: $20 million for its heritage tourism district and $60 million toward a history and culture museum planned for the Hungerford site. UCF’s share, $46 million, would pay for a bigger soccer stadium and a new track venue, a scaled-back version of a larger request. Also listed are grants for arts and ecotourism, a garage near Camping World Stadium and a museum for children in Winter Garden.
The Dr. Phillips Center’s full master plan carries a $1.4 billion price tag and would add several theaters, a large new venue on the front lawn, parking and more dining. The center says it fills 82% to 97% of its capacity each year and draws about 910,000 visitors. A county task force backed the center’s request but did not endorse the largest ask of all, a proposed Major League Baseball stadium.
Commissioners have the final say on the dollar amounts.
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