Latest news with #TouristDevelopmentTax
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Orange County awards $5.5 million from tourist tax to cultural groups
More than $5.5 million will go toward major projects at six cultural organizations, after Orange County commissioners unanimously approved the annual cultural facilities grants. The grants come as a relief to jittery arts groups grappling with increased uncertainty about public funding. This year's state budget, which in 2024 eliminated four major cultural grants programs via a veto from Gov. Ron DeSantis, is still under debate. And the Tourist Development Tax — which funds multiple local arts-grant programs, including those approved this week — is currently under the microscope as politicians discuss changing its purpose. Revenue from the Tourist Development Tax, a 6% levy on hotel and other overnight stays, currently is directed by statute to tourism-marketing efforts, the convention center and sports and cultural uses. Discussion recently has heated up about permitting it to fund other needs, including transportation and affordable housing, while state lawmakers have floated the idea of using the money to offset cuts in property taxes. The debate has arts leaders worried that cultural organizations will be left out in the cold. 'The TDT debate could be a crisis for the arts,' United Arts of Central Florida president Jennifer Evins told the Sentinel last month. 'We are all very nervous about it.' June arts events: Nat Zegree, 'Stomp,' 'Hamlet' and more The six organizations receiving funding for facilities projects this week are the Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Science Center, Orlando Family Stage, Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden, Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts and the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation. At the county commissioners' meeting, Mayor Jerry Demings underscored the importance of the TDT-funded grants. 'This is truly a community benefit that will pay a return for years to come,' said Demings, pointing out none of the projects would be possible without the funding. Cathryn Mattson, executive director of Orlando Museum of Art, said she 'completely agreed' with the mayor's remarks. In Sanford, an intriguing 'Jesus Christ Superstar' for our times | Review 'There is no way that we could raise millions of dollars so quickly without the county's strong support through TDT funding,' she said. 'Small and medium-sized arts and cultural organizations simply do not have reserves large enough to take on major capital expenditures in a timely way — and, in our case, time is of the essence, given the extent of capital improvements needed to protect the extensive, valuable and irreplaceable art collection that OMA holds in the public trust.' The art museum, in Loch Haven Park, is in the midst of a multimillion-dollar project to replace its leaking roof and aging air-handling system. This latest facilities grant, for $970,000, will help update the technology that runs the air-handling system, linking it with lighting control, security and fire alarms. To receive funding, cultural organizations must show they have raised $1 for every $2 granted by the county. Groups also go through an extensive vetting process, in which a review panel scores them on their project's concept and the organization's management and financial strength. To qualify for funding, organizations must score 80 out of 100 possible points. The county's Arts & Cultural Advisory Council then reviews the panel's recommendations, and the county commissioners have the final say. The five other projects approved for funding are: Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens: $200,000 for renovations and upgrades to the Winter Park facility's roof, air-handling system, windows and doors in preparation for its 65th anniversary. Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts: $1,000,000 toward construction of its new facility in the former Winter Park Library, which will also provide a home to Central Florida Vocal Arts. This funding will specifically be used for a greenroom, jazz garden, signage, lighting and elevator renovations. The venue opens June 22. Orlando Family Stage: $350,000 for energy-efficient LED lighting and signage at its building in Loch Haven Park as it approaches its 100th anniversary. Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation: $1,040,187 for an expansion of The Plaza Live on Bumby Avenue, by adding a Patrons' Room. The money will go toward laying foundations and slabs, moving HVAC equipment and new landscaping in preparation for the addition. Orlando Science Center: $2,000,000 for a renovation of the Loch Haven Park facility's CineDome. The funds will aid in the transition from film to digital movie projection and expand seating in the theater. Follow me at or email me at mpalm@ Find more entertainment news and reviews at or sign up to receive our weekly emailed Entertainment newsletter.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida must stop its war on tourism. It could hurt jobs and communities.
The Florida House of Representatives has advanced two bills, HB 1221 and HB 7033, that threaten to dismantle the very foundation of Florida's economic powerhouse: the tourism industry. These bills propose significant changes to the state's highly successful Tourist Development Tax (TDT), redirecting its funds from destination promotion to property tax credits. The result would be a devastating blow to local businesses, jobs and communities that rely on tourism to thrive. Tourism is the lifeblood of Florida's economy. The TDT, paid by visitors and not by Floridians, is reinvested in destination promotion efforts that attract even more visitors. This cycle generates jobs, fuels local businesses and supports critical public services. Eliminating TDT funding for this purpose would severely hinder our ability to compete for visitors, leading to long-term economic pain. Additionally, reallocating these dollars to provide property tax relief to property owners diminishes the importance of tourism marketing and promotion across the state. With millions of residential and commercial properties in Florida, a reduction of property taxes amounts to a negligible benefit for individual property owners. In contrast, every Florida household is currently saved $1,910 in taxes per year since tourism is one of the reasons why the Sunshine State remains state tax-free. Tourism in Florida is powerful. Millions of visitors support the livelihoods of countless people across the state. Visitors generate billions in direct spending and contribute significantly to the local economy. Tourism connects communities and creates places where people want to visit, live, work and invest. Opinion: I'm a Canadian who lives in Florida. Don't let tariffs ruin our relationship. If these changes to TDT become law, Florida will lose not only the revenue generated by tourism but also the jobs, beach renovations and much more funded by it. The long-term economic damage will be felt across the state as the tourism industry, a key pillar of Florida's economy, loses its ability to thrive. This is a statewide issue that's important to every tourism destination in Florida, including Palm Beach County, where more than 9.9 million visitors in 2024 supported the livelihoods of approximately 90,000 people. Milton Segarra is president and CEO of Discover The Palm Beaches. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida tourism is vital to our economy. Don't stifle it | Opinion
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Orlando Dreamers secure anchor investor Rick Workman in MLB franchise push
The Brief Orlando's bid for a Major League Baseball team now has $2.5 billion in commitments, led by Heartland Dental founder Rick Workman, the organization said. The group aims to acquire a team and build a stadium near International Drive. The MLB and the Tampa Bay Rays have not commented, though Orlando remains positioned amid relocation rumors. ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Dreamers, a group pursuing a Major League Baseball franchise for Orlando, have announced a significant financial commitment totaling $2.5 billion — including $1.5 billion earmarked for acquiring a team and $1 billion for a stadium. On Tuesday, the organization shared more details about the anchor investor. What we know We are now learning more about the financial backers behind efforts to lure Major League Baseball to Orlando. As first reported by the Orlando Sentinel, FOX 35 News has independently confirmed that Rick Workman, founder of Heartland Dental, has been named the group's anchor investor. Workman serves as chair of the Executive Advisor Team at New Harbor Capital, a private equity firm focused on founder-led, growth-stage companies. With more than four decades in the healthcare industry, Workman is considered a leading figure in dental services. A graduate of Southern Illinois University, he also serves on the board of Premier ENT & Allergy and previously held a board seat with PT Solutions. Workman adds heft to the Orlando Dreamers' team of marketers and financial backers. In January, Baseball Hall of Famer, and 12-time MLB All-Star Barry Larkin announced he was joining the organization. "To say that Rick is a massive sports fan would be an understatement. He is extremely knowledgeable about Major League Baseball," The Orlando Dreamers In a February interview with FOX 35's Garrett Wymer, Larkin said the group sees multiple paths forward, whether through an expansion team or moving the Tampa Bay Rays to Orlando if the new stadium situation in St. Petersburg falls through. What we don't know The specific size of Workman's investment remains undisclosed. The Orlando Sentinel also reports that John Morgan, the founder of Morgan & Morgan law firm, has committed "hundreds of millions" contingent on the Dreamers securing a team and a stadium site. FOX 35 has learned of Morgan's interest in the franchise but his full involvement or commitment at this stage has not been confirmed. Other members of the investment group have not been identified, and it's unclear how much political or public support exists for the stadium or the broader MLB bid. The MLB has not responded publicly to the Dreamers, and there is no indication of an active team sale or league expansion at this time. The backstory The Orlando Dreamers effort was spearheaded by Pat Williams, a longtime Central Florida sports executive and founder of the Orlando Magic, before his death last year. The group initially proposed a request for $975 million in Tourist Development Tax funds for the stadium, which the county denied in favor of other priorities. The group has since repositioned its bid with more private capital and is now highlighting high-profile backers to restore momentum and credibility. Dig deeper The preferred location for the stadium is a 35.5-acre parcel of county-owned land next to Aquatica water park on International Drive. The project does not yet have confirmed public funding or explicit support from Orange County's political leadership. In addition to the ballpark, the proposed complex would also include retail shops, restaurants, office space, 1,000 hotel rooms, and parking garages for approximately 6,700 vehicles. The proposed complex, which would be south of the Beachline Expressway (SR 528), would ultimately have a pedestrian bridge and walkway connecting it to a SunRail station, should the commuter rail line be extended to the Orange County Convention Center. What they're saying Orlando has never had a Major League Baseball team, and the Dreamers' campaign represents one of the city's most ambitious attempts to break into the league. "Orlando is prepared to host a major league baseball team from a financial standpoint," said Jim Schnorf, the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer for the Orlando Dreamers. "All we can do is put ourselves in the best position for either a relocation or an expansion," Barry Larkin told FOX 35 in February. "Those are the things that are going to have to happen in the game of baseball. Because one thing about baseball, and a characteristic that I love about the game of baseball, is the stability and the consistency to be successful." "To say that Rick is a massive sports fan would be an understatement. He is extremely knowledgeable about Major League Baseball. Additionally, he has a huge heart for Orlando and shares our vision of the Dreamers having a positive impact on Orange County," the Dreamers told FOX 35 News. "Having Rick Workman as our anchor investor and Barry Larkin as our MLB Ambassador are two major steps in making the Dreamers a world-class organization." Big picture view The plan to bring Major League Baseball to Orlando comes amid speculation that the league might expand or see an existing team, like the Tampa Bay Rays, relocate. However, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has publicly stated his desire to keep the Rays in the Tampa Bay area. Even if the Tampa Bay Rays remain in the Bay Area, Major League Baseball has its sights set on expansion. The league currently has 30 teams and is aiming to grow to 32, with Commissioner Manfred reportedly hoping to finalize an expansion plan before his expected retirement in 2029. That means two new cities could soon be added to the league — with Orlando, Nashville, Montreal and Mexico City among the names floated. Orlando, notably, is the largest media market in the U.S. without an MLB franchise. The Dreamers continue to add investors and is reportedly scouting office space downtown. A team name will also need to be selected if the effort succeeds. Momentum appears to be building. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Orlando Dreamers and New Harbor Capital Management, LLC.
Newsweek
29-04-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Florida Tourism Change Sparks Warning: 'Sounding the Alarm'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Florida's tourism industry leaders are raising concerns over proposed legislation that could dismantle the existing tourism promotion infrastructure. Newsweek reached out to state Rep. Monique Miller, one of the sponsors of the bill, via email on Tuesday. Why It Matters Florida's tourism industry is one of the largest drivers of the state's economy, generating billions in tax revenue and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. Industry leaders are warning that redirecting funding away from tourism promotion could reduce visitor numbers and weaken a vital stream of income for the state. What To Know In Florida the Tourist Development Tax, a levy collected from visitors staying at short-term rentals, has traditionally been used to fund local tourism marketing efforts through Tourist Development Councils. However, two new bills—House Bill 1221 and House Bill 7033—aim to dissolve the Tourist Development Councils and instead redirect the tax revenue to offset property taxes. Tourists relax on the beach in Miami Beach, Florida, on March 18, 2020. Florida's tourism industry is raising concerns over proposed legislation that could affect the industry. Tourists relax on the beach in Miami Beach, Florida, on March 18, 2020. Florida's tourism industry is raising concerns over proposed legislation that could affect the industry. CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images Under HB 1221, counties would have to reapprove their Tourist Development Tax every eight years or lose it, making funding for tourism promotion more unstable or uncertain. Supporters of the proposal argue that shifting the revenue toward property tax relief would ease the financial burden on residents. But tourism industry leaders warn that cutting funding for tourism promotion could hurt the industry and threaten a critical source of income for the state. One industry leader said they are "sounding the alarm" over the bill, while another said the changes could put Florida's tourism economy "on a never-ending treadmill of uncertainty." What People Are Saying Robert Skrob, executive director of the Florida Attractions Association, said: "For weeks, we've been sounding the alarm about House Bill 1221 by Representative Monique Miller (R)—a proposal that would force all Tourist Development Taxes (TDTs) to expire every eight years, placing Florida's tourism economy on a never-ending treadmill of uncertainty." He added that a new amendment "not only maintains the damaging 8-year sunset provision—it completely eliminates the ability of counties to use TDTs for their intended purpose: promoting tourism." Milton Segarra, President and CEO of Discover The Palm Beaches, said: "If we disrupt that balance to the level of what this particular legislation is proposing, to really defund this model, it will have very negative impacts, including the loss of thousands of jobs, not only here in Palm Beach County, but across the state." Rep. Monique Miller told the House State Affairs Committee: "Tourists flock here to spend their money. This bill gives local governments more control over these taxes and the power to use tax revenues to make Florida more affordable for its residents." "People are losing their homes. We have to bring them relief. This is a way to bring them immediate relief." What Happens Next The proposal has been passed by the state House and now faces deliberation by the state Senate. Tourism industry leaders are likely to continue lobbying against the bills and warning lawmakers about the long-term economic risks.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
St. Johns County tourism officials say eliminating tourist councils 'would be devastating'
Earlier this month, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida had reached a milestone in the state's tourism industry to secure "an all-time record 15.5% share of the domestic vacation market in 2024." The Sunshine State even broke its own record by receiving 142.9 million visitors n 2024, a 1.6% increase from 2023. And yet, on April 25, the Florida House under Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, approved HB 7033, a $5.4 billion tax break package, which would eliminate all 62 of Florida's tourist development councils and redirect those funds to reduce property taxes. St. Johns County Reps. Kim Kendall, R-St. Augustine, Sam Greco R-St. Augustine, and Judson Sapp, R-Green Cove Springs, voted for the bill. Emails sent to each representative's office on Monday were not returned by Monday afternoon. Most analysts acknowledge that the House's latest tax-cut provision faces long odds, according to John Kennedy of the USA TODAY Network-Florida. The bill still would need to pass the Senate and survive DeSantis' veto pen. The Florida House has been critical of tourism spending by state and local governments for years, and many state lawmakers and local policymakers have expressed a desire to spend money from the tourism taxes on other priorities. This also comes in a year when DeSantis has pushed hard for property tax relief and even floated the idea of a 2026 ballot initiative to eliminate property taxes entirely. Rep. Wyman Duggan, R-Jacksonville, a sponsor of the TDC cut, said the House plan would put dollars in property owners' pockets fast, according to the USA TODAY Network-Florida report. But the idea of erasing the TDC in America's oldest city has created a fury. St. Johns County's TDC is part of the county's Tourism and Cultural Development Department, which oversees tourism initiatives along with The St. Augustine-Ponte Vedra Visitors and Convention Bureau and the St. Johns Cultural Council. Members of the St. Johns County Tourism Development Council include Chair Irving Kass, who serves as chair, Vice Chair Troy Blevins, St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline, St. Augustine Beach Mayor Dylan Rumrell, St. Johns County Commission Chair Krista Joseph, along with Regina G. Phillips, Charles Cox, Michael Gordon and Michael Wicks. The council is responsible for producing a tourist development plan that outlines how the proceeds from the 5% Tourist Development Tax are allocated. Kass, owner of St. Augustine's St. George Street Inn and the Bin 39 Wine Bar, told the St. Augustine Record that while the amendment may be well intentioned, eliminating the TDC is not a "smart move." "The TDC is designed to increase a return on investments, basically to self-generate the tax, with decisions that improve the tourist experience," he said. "Eliminating the Tourist Development Council will negatively impact businesses across the board as well as the county's tourism industry, which is the county's largest industry." According to Kass, the county takes in approximately $24 million in revenue from tourist development taxes, also known as bed taxes, collected from overnight stays. Those funds are used to promote tourism, which includes advertising events such as music and food festivals, servicing the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, maintaining fishing piers, improving beach access and supporting beach renourishment projects. Kass said his "quick math calculations" show that if 100% of the $24 million collected annually is applied to property taxes, homeowners would save approximately $75 a year. Kass also said that if money currently used for the county's "five buckets" (marketing, the St. Johns County Cultural Council, the St. Johns County Parks & Recreation Department, event administration and beach renourishment projects) is eliminated, the county commissioners will have to find a "mechanism" to generate the missing funds. "We would have to move money around the table," he said. "The economic impact would be devastating. This is not a sound business decision. TDT money is not generated by residents; it's generated by tourists to serve local businesses." Touting 45 years of industry experience, Kass described the current TDC members as "super qualified" with "extensive experience" in the tourism industry and expressed concern with commissioners making decisions formerly made by the TDC. "Meaning no disrespect, they [the commissioners] don't know what they don't know," he said. "They think they're making good decisions but they're actually making decisions with unintended consequences. So, they don't make smarter decisions. "The Tourism Development Council is better experienced to handle the decision-making process when it comes to tourism," he said. Rumrell, the mayor of St. Augustine Beach, said that while he believes "cooler heads will prevail in Tallahassee," removing the TDC would be a significant loss for the county. "Florida's number one economy is tourism," he said. "It's imperative that we continue to collect TDT tax to stimulate our tourism industry, to create jobs and to allow coastal communities to continue beach renourishment projects." Sikes-Kline, the St. Augustine mayor, said that the city was monitoring the bill. Joseph, the County Commission chair, didn't respond April 28 to a text seeking comment. But Commissioner Sarah Arnold, who previously served on the St. Johns County TDC said the bill, if passed, would be bad news for local businesses. "So many small businesses in St. Johns County rely on the success of the tourism industry," County Commissioner Sarah Arnold said. "I hope our legislators are taking into account the impact that this change will have on small businesses." Michael Diaz, co-founder and CFO of the St. Augustine Distillery, said he was blindsided by the bill and said the elimination of the TDC would be potentially crippling. "If you're going to support jobs, businesses, and industries in Florida, supporting the tourism industry is one of the most effective spends one can make," Diaz said. "The TDC is one of the best uses of tax dollars that's working really well. This is not the place to save money or curtail expenses. "It's more efficient for the tourist development council to produce a professional, crafted and consistent message for St. Augustine as opposed to a bunch of disparate businesses sending out disparate messages and disparate channels," he said. "We have relied on the TDC for the entire 11 years we've been in existence. We like many businesses within the county's tourism industry have greatly benefitted from their services. "If passed, a harmful trickle-down effect would impact the entire city," he said. "The perceived benefit is illusory. I believe that St. Augustine would see a massive decrease in its overall economy." Information from John Kennedy of the USA TODAY Network-Florida was used in this report. This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: Bill to eliminate tourism councils raises alarm in St. Johns County
