The Winter Park Playhouse was one of 11 groups in Central Florida that received grants from the county’s Tourist Development Tax to fund expansions and upgrades, according to a news release.
The funding for tourism development was sourced from a 6% tax on overnight stays in Orange County. These grants will be disbursed over five years. The funding finalized the purchase plan and renovation of the theater’s building.
The Winter Park Playhouse faced uncertainty when the owners of the building on Orange Avenue, where the professional theater had been a tenant for 20 years, elected to sell the space in February 2023.
The city of Winter Park partnered with the nonprofit organization to apply for the TDT funds, citing the $1.9 million and 30,000 guests it brings to the area each year. Art groups are eligible for these grants due to their impact on local tourism, the release says.
The funding was allocated to select community organizations Oct. 29 during a county meeting by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and county commissioners.
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This article appears in Oct 30 – Nov 5, 2024.