Orange County Backs Nearly $800 Million in Tourist-Tax Projects. Here’s What’s Coming.

Orange County commissioners voted 6-1 on Monday, October 19, to move forward with nearly $800 million in tourist-tax funding for new theaters, museums, sports facilities, and one very expensive parking garage. The money comes from the county s 6% tax on hotel rooms and short-term rentals, but plenty of the projects could change how locals spend their weekends. The biggest investment is $350 million for a major expansion of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, including a 4,000-person outdoor amphitheater, a new 750-seat theater, additional event space, and more parking. Camping World Stadium is getting another $52.5 million for a parking garage, on top of its previously approved $400 million renovation program, which includes a new multipurpose event center. Other projects receiving funding include $80 million for a new museum and heritage tourism district in Eatonville, $25 million for a children s museum in Winter Garden, $12 million for an Orange Audubon natu