Email: PIO@ocfl.net
Orange County Board Votes to Approve Convention Center Expansion, UCF Stadium Tower, ARC and Local Arts & Cultural Affairs Funding With Tourist Development Tax Revenues
Commissioners requested future Work Session to discuss Visit Orlando contract and additional recommendations from TDT Citizen Advisory Task Force
Orange County, Fla. – On Tuesday, October 3, the Orange County Board of County Commission voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funding for four projects: a revised $560M Phase 5A expansion of the Orange County Convention Center, $90M UCF Stadium Tower and to fund Application Review Committee (ARC) and increase funding for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
The nearly six-hour meeting concluded with unanimous support for UCF Athletics, ARC and Arts and Cultural Affairs proposals, initially recommended by the TDT Citizen Advisory Task Force and presented by Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings.
“This is my home, and I feel good about the decisions made that will translate to investments in our community,” Mayor Demings said. “It’s an affirmation that this Board of County Commission also believes in our community.”
District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe made the first motion of the day to move forward the Orange County Convention Center expansion, receiving a second from District 2 Commissioner Christine Moore, which ultimately saw a 5-2 supermajority in support. District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson and District 5 Commissioner Emily Bonilla cast the two nay votes.
There was consensus among the board to table further conversations relating to the Amway Center, Camping World Stadium, Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts projects, and Sports Incentive Fund until further information is gathered, and a work session is scheduled to discuss the future contract with Visit Orlando and how those dollars can be used.
Additional information on approved projects:
Orange County Convention Center ($560M, Bonded)
UCF’s FBC Mortgage Stadium Tower ($90M over 10 years, from excess revenues)
ARC ($75M over 5 years)
Arts & Cultural Affairs (Approximately $69.4M over 5 years)
MEDIA: All presentations and supporting videos can be found at www.ocfl.net/tdt
About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.