Orlando Performing Arts Center May Be Back on Track
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
By: Nicole Creston

May 18, 2011 | WMFE - Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced Wednesday that a new funding plan for the Doctor Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will put the project back on track. The plan goes before the City Council Monday night and is expected to be approved.

Construction on the $383 million downtown performing arts center complex has suffered a series of delays, mostly due to the recession. Recently, the project’s been held up by a $16 million shortfall and disagreements over funding between Mayor Dyer and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs.

But Dyer announced Wednesday the city has more than enough money because of a projected increase in taxes based on local tourism. The increase should free up $43 million dollars for the project over the next four years. However, Dyer says if that tax income turns out to be lower than expected, there’s a Plan B – wealthy arts-center donors have signed credit pledges to cover the $16 million dollar shortfall, if necessary.

If the City Council approves the new plan, groundbreaking will be scheduled for June.