Leaders in the tourism community and the governments of Orlando and Orange County are quietly discussing a $60 million or more package to build a soccer stadium, raising money for the Florida Citrus Bowl, the performing arts center and tourism, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
The deal will include:
•$20 million in tourist taxes for a soccer stadium that would cost about $85 million in its first phase. The stadium is meant to bring a Major League Soccer franchise.
•$12 million or more in additional tourist taxes for the Florida Citrus Bowl renovation that was approved in 2007 but still has not begun. Those who champion the Stadium overhaul want to include more amenities with the expectation that more games and events will be held there.
•$25 million in additional tourist taxes for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. While the first phase is currently under construction, no funds have as yet been identified to finish the last of three performance halls.
Read what Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs had to say about the deal here.
