ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax Citizen Advisory Task Force is hearing presentations from applicants Wednesday seeking Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funding.

This year, the task force includes more than 30 people from different cities, towns and organizations across Orange County. Former Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin and Lift Orlando President Eddy Moratin are co-chairs.

The task force will recommend how the money should be allocated to the Tourist Development Council and the Board of County Commissioners.

Applicants are presenting proposed projects, requested funding amounts, and the economic and tourism benefits they expect to generate. Task force members can ask questions before making recommendations.

Alcrest Capital, Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community (P.E.C.), Florida Citrus Sports, Orange Audubon Society, Creative City Project, and the Florida Museum of History are scheduled to make presentations to the task force on Wednesday.

Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs, Orange County Eco-Tourism Grant, Orange County Eco-Tourism/Infrastructure Grant, Greater Orlando Sports Commission- Major Events Fund, and the Orange County Convention Center made presentations to the task force Tuesday.

Presentations will continue next week, including one from the Eatonville Community Redevelopment Agency, which is requesting $22.5 million to develop a Historic Tourism District and restore the historic Club Eaton. Eatonville Mayor Ruthi Critton said the city wants to become a destination for tourists interested in history.

“The same way people go to Charleston, the same way people go to Savannah, the same way people go to New Orleans, of course we want people to come to the town that freedom built,” Critton said. “We want people to see the resilience that correctly identifies what Eatonville stands for and what Eatonville is.”

According to Orange County staff, more than 76 million people visit the county each year, which generated a record $385 million in fiscal year 2024-2025.

The task force has more meetings scheduled for Aug. 5 and Aug. 11.