Lake County invites tourism businesses to apply for funding

The Lake County Economic Prosperity Office of Visit Lake will host an application learning session for the tourism Capital Projects Funding Grant program at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17 at 20763 U.S. Hwy. 27 in Groveland.

The program, which is funded through the Lake County Tourist Development Tax, allows local organizations owned and operated by not-for-profit organizations and open to the public for recreational activities, cultural events and performances, to apply for funds for capital infrastructure projects that will enhance Lake County as a tourist destination.

Applications are due Friday, Aug. 24 by 5 p.m., with the first preliminary hearing scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, and the second hearing set for 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29. Both hearings will take place at the Lake County Administration Building Board Chambers, located at 315 W. Main St., Tavares.

Requirements to be eligible for the Tourist Development Capital Project Funding Program include the following:

• Projects must be located within Lake County and serve to establish new or expand existing facilities for recreational activities, cultural events and performances that host and promote events in Lake County that will bring substantial numbers of overnight tourists/visitors to the county.
• Applicants must provide a 50 percent match of the budget for the total cost of an approved capital project. Examples of in-kind match are: donated goods and services, land, facilities, etc. Value estimates must be verifiable. Land value, whether purchased or in-kind, may only account for 25 percent of the total project cost or 50 percent of the applicant match, and all land value must be verified by a certified appraiser. Applicant must submit proof of other sources which, when combined, provide total funding for the full capital project. 

There are no guarantees that applicants will be awarded funding. Even though a project may qualify, decisions regarding the award of the funds and the amount awarded are at the sole discretion of the Lake County Board of County Commissioners.

To obtain an application for the Capital Projects Funding Program, or for more information, contact the Office of Visit Lake at 352-742-3918 or visit https://lakecountyfl.gov/agencies/economic_prosperity/visit_lake/capital_projects_funding_program.aspx .