On Tuesday, 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:
