Orange County task force to evaluate $3B in project proposals

Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax Citizen Advisory Task Force has resumed after a two-year hiatus. They have been tasked with reviewing $3 billion in project requests and helping decide how to allocate part of the $433.6 million in the TDT reserve fund. The task force includes over 30 representatives from Orange County and its local cities.Through a series of presentations and meetings, members will recommend to county commissioners and the Tourist Development Council how the funds should be spent. As Orlando continues to thrive as the nation’s most visited destination, many organizations are seeking a share of the funds. Proposals include a new hall for the Orange County Convention Center, a historic tourism district in Eatonville and additional venue development for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The largest request, totaling $975 million, comes from the Orlando Dreamers, who aim to bring Major League Baseball to Central Florida. During the first meeting Tuesday, county leaders reviewed the task force’s purpose, its history, Florida law and TDT oversight. In future meetings, organizations requesting funds will present their cases. The next meeting is scheduled for July 28 at the Orange County Innovation Center at 9 a.m.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. —

Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax Citizen Advisory Task Force has resumed after a two-year hiatus.

They have been tasked with reviewing $3 billion in project requests and helping decide how to allocate part of the $433.6 million in the TDT reserve fund.

The task force includes over 30 representatives from Orange County and its local cities.

Through a series of presentations and meetings, members will recommend to county commissioners and the Tourist Development Council how the funds should be spent.

As Orlando continues to thrive as the nation’s most visited destination, many organizations are seeking a share of the funds.

Proposals include a new hall for the Orange County Convention Center, a historic tourism district in Eatonville and additional venue development for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

The largest request, totaling $975 million, comes from the Orlando Dreamers, who aim to bring Major League Baseball to Central Florida.

During the first meeting Tuesday, county leaders reviewed the task force’s purpose, its history, Florida law and TDT oversight.

In future meetings, organizations requesting funds will present their cases.

The next meeting is scheduled for July 28 at the Orange County Innovation Center at 9 a.m.