Home / Business and Economy / Eatonville seeks $53M for Zora Neale Hurston Museum
Eatonville seeks $53M for Zora Neale Hurston Museum
23 Jul
Summary
- Over $3 billion in funding requests for tourism projects are under review.
- Eatonville seeks $53 million for a Zora Neale Hurston museum.
- Orange County has $430 million in tourism tax reserves.
- The task force will recommend funding to the County Commission.
A task force in Orange County is currently reviewing more than $3 billion in funding requests for various tourism-related projects. These proposals encompass a wide range of attractions, from museums and cultural sites to a proposed baseball stadium and a freshwater aquarium. The task force will forward its recommendations to the Tourist Development Council and the Orange County Commission for final decisions.
Notably, the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community is seeking $53 million to help fund the Zora Neale Hurston International Museum of Art, Heritage and Culture in historic Eatonville. This project aims to preserve and celebrate the unique history and culture of the town and its famous resident, author Zora Neale Hurston.
Orange County possesses approximately $430 million in Tourist Development Tax reserves. However, county officials have indicated that a significant portion of these funds is already allocated to bond requirements and prior commitments, such as major sporting events. The exact amount available for new projects remains undetermined as applicants prepare to present their cases to the task force next week.
