OCOEE, Fla. \u2013 Ocoee has canceled its annual free Music Fest this year, as city leaders prepare for the potential financial impact of a proposed statewide property tax amendment that will appear on the November ballot.<\/p>\n
City officials say the decision is part of a broader effort to reduce spending ahead of uncertainty over future revenues. If voters approve the amendment, Commissioner George Oliver III said Ocoee could lose more than $8 million in annual property tax revenue by 2028.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor more than 30 years, the Music Fest has been an integral part of our community,\u201d said Wallace Phillips, a longtime supporter of the event.<\/p>\n
The two-day festival, traditionally held at Bill Breeze Park, has drawn thousands of residents and visitors each year. But officials say rising costs and declining sponsorships have made the event increasingly expensive.<\/p>\n
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the city contributed about $125,000 toward the festival each year. Since then, sponsorship revenue has declined, increasing the city\u2019s share to between $200,000 and $300,000, Oliver said.<\/p>\n
Entertainment costs have also climbed sharply.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne act we had before might have been $100,000. Now they\u2019re up to $300,000 or $400,000 to bring them in,\u201d Oliver said.<\/p>\n
[WATCH: Ocoee considers fire fee hike to offset potential property tax losses]<\/p>\n
Rather than hold the traditional festival, the city hopes to organize a smaller, lower-cost weekend concert.<\/p>\n
Residents say the cancellation will be felt beyond the stage.<\/p>\n
Wallace Phillips, who works at a nearby middle school, said the annual event brings significant foot traffic that benefits local organizations and businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe middle school makes profit off parking just from the event, so we will feel the brunt of not having the Music Fest,\u201d Phillips said.<\/p>\n
He also said the festival provides opportunities for local student performers and serves as an important community gathering.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it helps us in so many ways. It gives students in the area a chance to perform, as well as the people in the area a chance to get together,\u201d Phillips said.<\/p>\n
City leaders say additional budget decisions could be made before the November vote as they continue preparing for the possibility of reduced property tax revenue. Officials said bringing back the Music Fest in 2027 remains a possibility, depending on the city\u2019s financial outlook.<\/p>\n
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