From the City of Apopka and Staff Reports
The City of Apopka’s application to secure Orange County Tourism Development Tax (TDT) funding was recommended for full funding by the TDT Application Review Committee at their meeting held on Friday at the Orange County Commission Chambers.
Apopka’s application titled “Northwest Rec: 2025 and Beyond” outlined a $13.1 million proposal to expand the Northwest Recreation Complex by bringing four new softball fields with associated amenities and expanded amenity upgrades to the Apopka Amphitheater. The application was prepared by the Apopka Parks and Recreation Department and presented to the TDT Application by Apopka Parks and Recreation Director Radley Williams. The application highlighted the existing and future impacts the Northwest Recreation Complex has on Orange County tourism and the local economy. In 2023, the complex hosted over 58,000 visitors across 58 sports tournaments and over 31,000 visitors across 15 concerts.
“We are excited for the TDT grant opportunity to add four additional softball fields and make our Amphitheater more user-friendly, allowing Apopka’s Northwest Complex to be one of Central Florida’s premier outdoor facilities,” says Mayor Bryan Nelson.
Apopka Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez was also pleased with the outcome.
"A special Thanks to Orange County Commissioner Moore, who contacted the Mayors of District 2 and asked them to apply for TDT Dollars (Tourism Development Tax)," Velazquez said. "Apopka’s Recreation Director Radley and his staff put together an excellent presentation showcasing the value of our park amenities and our city’s contribution to the Tourism Industry. The presentation received the highest score on their application. There was competition for those TDT dollars. Apopka won over the other cities. It’s a big accomplishment. The final hurdle is the approval by the Orange County Board of Commissioners. This victory is a good example of collaboration between the city Mayor & Recreation Director working together with the County Commissioner and the Advisory Board members."
"I learned that the City of Apopka secured a top score for Orange County's Tourist Development Tax Funding," said Commissioner Nick Nesta. "Thank you to all City of Apopka employees current and prior who worked in this. I am hopeful any awarded funds will contribute increased amenities for City of Apopka residents."
The final recommendations approved by the TDT Application Review Committee at their September 13th meeting will be submitted and presented to the Tourist Development Council for review and approval at the September 27th Tourism Development Council meeting. From there, the final recommendations will be submitted for final approval by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners at the October 29, 2024, Orange County Commission meeting.
Christine Moore will be part of that final process.
“I’m proud of Apopka’s effort," said Moore, the District 2 Orange County Commissioner that represents Apopka. "While I have been behind the scenes strategizing and working with county staff, the entire BCC is desirous of outlying cities and unincorporated areas receiving more funding. Additionally, my appointee, Beverly Winesburg, was a champion of ensuring a fair committee process which ultimately benefited the City of Apopka. I’m hopeful future cycles will provide the opportunity for funding Orange Audubon’s Birding Museum and other local historical venues.”
About the Orange County Tourism Development Tax Application Review Committee: The ARC reviews grant applications and makes recommendations to the Tourist Development Council, with the final decision being made by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners. The capital project grant request should be for over $2 million and up to $15 million toward a project for the acquisition, construction, expansion, enlargement, renovation, and equipping of eligible facilities.
