The Prediction We Forgot

The WayneWho Staff must offer its apologies for missing a new year's prediction of an event that has been looming on the horizon since the early 80's. Talk of the Osceola County Convention Center has made it to the top of the junk pile once again, and the usual cast of characters along with some new faces are ready to take a stab at it. We know that our usual readers are thinking, "No way WayneWho, we just voted to approve a property tax cut to reign in wasteful government spending. You are losing it this time." We only wish you were correct in your thoughts.

In today's Orlando Sentinel (which is not considered to be an un-news source), the article headlined "Tourism tax cash going up for bid," made its appearance like the fabled Brigadoon. It seems the County Manager is trying to commit $50 million to $100 million for a 500 room hotel with high-end convention space. The county is willing to make this commitment even though Osceola Heritage Park has not able to turn a profit, and other convention venues such as the Orange County Convention center continue to lose millions of dollars every year. Of course this effort has taken center stage because of the calls to do something with the $12 million in tourist taxes that have been collected under the false promise of building a convention center that was shelved in 2005. The tourist tax money is now burning a hole in the pocket of government and they are feeling the urge to spend.

The mismanagement by the County Manager and the County Commission to push this agenda in a time when the local economy is already on the ropes is so apparent that even some of the members of the tax-hungry Chamber of Commerce are questioning the expense. Duane Winjum, chairman of the Osceola Resort Area Council, the tourism arm of the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce was quoted as saying that "The idea of building a free-standing convention center as a business model is nearly dead."

Of course none of the Osceola County staff will question the Commission or the County Manager for fear of losing their positions. It is apparent by the firing of the Fire Chief that any "philosophical differences" will be dealt with harshly.

It will be interesting to watch how the campaign contributions flow with a project of this size on the verge of being built. It appears that our community will once again be left to pay the bill...