The Vision | Photos | Purpose | Board of Directors | Map of Site/Venue

HISTORY
In 1972, the Civic Center Authority was created. Many thought the Civic Center was going to include a Performing Arts Center. Unforturnately, that did not happen. And, over the past 30 years, a Performing Arts Center has been the highest cultural priority identified by citizens in city surveys. In 1993, a referendum (without a public information campaign) to support an arts center failed by just under 500 votes.

2002
City and County Commissions Appointed a committee to develop a Cultural Plan for the community

2003
As part of the Cultural Plan Advisory committee, a facilities committee studied all the facilities in the region and recommended a Performing Arts Center Committee be appointed.

2004
City and County Commissions appointed Performing Arts Center Committee

June - Downtown CRA Interlocal Agreement calls for imposition of the 4th cent of tourist tax for the sole purpose of supporting the Performing Arts Center

October - 4th cent of Tourist Tax imposed November - Funds authorized for hiring of Theatre Projects Consultants (To view their report, click this link)

December - County Commission directs staff to work with City and Performing Arts Center Committee to evaluate sites for the Performing Arts Center and review funding options to support the overall construction of the facility.

2005
1) A two venue Performing Arts Center was recommended to best serve this community

2) Johns Building site unanimously recommended for the Performing Arts Center

2006
April - City Commission reserves Johns Building site accepted for Performing Arts Center June - County Commission accepts Johns Building site for the Performing Arts Center July - The Florida Center for Performing Arts and Education, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) corporation was formed.

2007
July - City Commission grants 5-year Option Agreement for the JohnsProperty The Florida Center must raise $10 Million by July 2012; overall private sector goal is $20 Million.

2008
The Florida Center hired a Campaign Executive Director Jean
Frey, opened an office, achieved its goal of 1000 members, and began
preparations for a major fundraising campaign.

2009
The Leon County Commission imposed a fifth cent of the tourist tax and
designated half of the proceeds for The Florida Center beginning in 2012.

The Florida Center completed a three year strategic plan, conducted a
campaign planning study and raised $1.5 million in private funds.