Headline Surfer photo by Henry Frederick / The 2013 Daytona 500 was full of thrills as shown here, with the race won by Jimmie Johnson.PORT ORANGE -- State Senator Dorothy Hukill was able to get her Bill 1394 relating to Motorsports Entertainment Complexes approved today by colleagues in the Commerce and Tourism Committee, a big step in gaining eventual sales tax incentives for a private $250 million modernization of Daytona International Speedway.
"The bill will spur economic growth throughout the central Florida region and create thousands of new constructions jobs and nearly 1,300 permanent jobs," Hukill said in a press release, adding, "For 50 years the Daytona International Speedway has attracted millions of visitors to the state bringing new tax revenue each year, in addition to filling hotel rooms in Volusia and surrounding counties.
"The bill will spur economic growth throughout the central Florida region and create thousands of new constructions jobs and nearly 1,300 permanent jobs," Hukill said in a press release, adding, "For 50 years the Daytona International Speedway has attracted millions of visitors to the state bringing new tax revenue each year, in addition to filling hotel rooms in Volusia and surrounding counties.
Senate Bill 1394 would allow the Daytona International Speedway, home of NASCAR's signature race, the Daytona 500, to modernize its facility. International Speedway Corp. would first have to invest $250 million of its private dollars into the project before eligibility for any incentive. Although the Daytona 500 is a major event held at the speedway, the track is open year-round and is host to many other events.
It mirrors a bill working its way through the House sponsored by State Rep. David Santiago, R-Deltona.
In her press release, Hukill echoed what local politicians and business owners like former Daytona Beach Mayor Glenn Ritchey and Daytona Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce Chairman Phil Maroney have been touting.
"With this economic opportunity we have the chance to reshape our region and provide much needed jobs, especially in the construction industry,” Hukill said. “This is an investment into the future of how tourism is done in the state and will help meet the needs of our tourists who are constantly looking for bigger and better. For over six decades fans have visited our state and now is the time to support this very good project.”
The bill moves on to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Finance & Tax.
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