Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: October 29, 2025
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
THROUGH: Carla Bell Johnson, AICP, Deputy County Administrator
FROM: Vicki Landon, Administrator
CONTACT: Vicki Landon, Administrator
PHONE: 407-836-3873
DIVISION: Arts and Cultural Affairs Office
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval and execution of Agreement between Orange County, Florida and Orlando Science Center, Inc. (Unlock Science Expansion Campaign). (Arts and Cultural Affairs Office)
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PROJECT: Orlando Science Center, Inc. (Unlock Science Expansion Campaign)
PURPOSE: On November 29, 2016, the Board adopted Ordinance No. 2016-30 (“Ordinance”), which amended the County’s Tourist Development Plan to authorize funding from available unallocated Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenue for legally authorized capital projects and events pursuant to a grant application process set forth in Section 25-147 of the Orange County Code (Code). Pursuant to the Ordinance, on October 31, 2017 the Board adopted Resolution No. 2017-M-44, which established the Tourist Development Tax Application Review Committee (ARC) to serve in an advisory capacity to the Board by evaluating applications for excess TDT revenue funding pursuant to established application review criteria and to make recommendations on same. At the September 13, 2024 ARC meeting, the ARC considered an application from Orlando Science Center, Inc. for excess TDT revenue and performed an evaluation of the proposal. The Orlando Science Center, Inc. requested up to $14,000,000 for the expansion and improvement of the Orlando Science Center (the "Science Center" and collectively, the "Science Center Project") each of which are authorized expenditures pursuant to the Local Option Tourist Development Act,§ 125.0104, Florida Statutes (2024). Following its evaluations of the grant application, the ARC approved recommending the funding request to the Tourist Development Council (TDC). On September 27, 2024, the TDC recommended the funding request to the Board. On October 29, 2024, the Board approved the funding request recommended by ARC and TDC and directed staff to develop funding agreements. The Orlando Science Center, Inc. has executed the agreement, which will allow the Orlando Science Center, Inc. to access these previously granted funds which are Board approved. The use of TDT revenues for auditoriums and museums is authorized pursuant to section 125.0104(5)(a)1.b. and c., Florida Statutes, respectively. If approved, the Comptroller will disburse TDT funds in accordance with the terms of the funding agreement.
BUDGET: N/A