Site work and new construction of a mixed-use development in Tavares, Florida. Completed plans call for the construction of a one-story above grade conference / convention center.

Notice is given that the County, following the applicable statutes and Public-Private Partnership (P3) guidelines, has received and accepted an unsolicited proposal for a potential P3 project. During a public notice and competition period, alternative or competing proposals addressing the same project purpose will be accepted for review, but must be received by the specified deadline; late submittals are not considered and proposals will only be evaluated to determine bona fide competition. The project concerns the design, development, construction, joint financing, and operation of a new Sports and Expo Center to be located at the Lake County Fairgrounds property. The unsolicited proposal has met the required criteria under the P3 guidelines and is accepted for further evaluation. The new Fairgrounds location is approximately 68-acres, located on County Road 448, Tavares. Staff has been engaged with a consultant for master site planning of the new Lake County Fairgrounds. Infrastructure Sales Tax funding was approved in Fiscal Year 2021 for $250,000, with an annual allocation of $500,000 approved beginning in Fiscal Year 2024. Legislative funding in the amount of $2,000,000 was approved and funded on September 7, 2023, through a grant from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Staff was contacted by Mr. Corey Warner for a potential partnership for the construction and operation of the new Fairgrounds facility. Interested parties may obtain additional information regarding the project and the submission process by contacting the Office of Procurement Services Director at Ronald.Falanga@LakeCountyFL.gov for submission details. *The value for this project is based on a financial range. The value is listed as the highest possible cost from the range provided by a stakeholder or official project document.