The Pasco County Commission approved an amount not to exceed $250,000 in tourist development tax dollars to be used for a visitor’s information center, in Dade City.
The county board approved the action during its Oct. 12 meeting.
The vote follows a previous agreement between the Dade City Commission and Pasco board to partner with the Destination Management Organization, known as Florida’s Sports Coast, to develop a visitor information center.
The idea, according to the county board’s agenda backup materials, is to take advantage of the strategic location of Dade City and its trail system.
The Tourist Development Council recommended funding of up to $250,000 for the project, which was approved by the county board.
COVID-19 issues delayed the full execution of the agreement, as well as the project itself.
When the project is completed, Dade City will send the county a written “Notice of Work Completion,” and the county will pay Dade City up to the approved amount.
If the project costs less than $250,000, the county has the discretion to transfer the remaining funds to Dade City for uses that are consistent with a specific section in state statutes, according to the backup materials.
The aim of the visitor’s center is to be a cyclist-friendly visitor center — within a trail system and a downtown area — in order to welcome trail users and visitors, and to promote downtown commerce and tourist amenities, both on and off the trail.
The money is being provided through the Pasco County Tourist Development Council, which receives its funding from taxes that visitors pay on accommodations.
Plans include a 1,380-square-foot open floor plan and two family bathrooms that meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
The center will be situated on the south side of Church Avenue, near the Hardy Trail multi-use trailhead.
Published October 20, 2021
