Experience Kissimmee, Osceola County’s tourism marketing arm, recently teamed up with Osceola Arts to create a piece of artwork that best represents Kissimmee. This vibrant canvas shows the symbols and activities of the destination including the lighthouse, a favored landmark of Kissimmee Lakefront Park.
In presenting the gift of art, EK President/CEO D.T. Minich said his organization was looking for “a unique idea to say thank you for all the continued support of the tourism industry through the pandemic … efforts that helped our efforts tremendously.”
It was presented as Minich reported that July 2021 Tourism Development Tax receipts represented the highest July collections amount ever, and the third-highest month since those collections were tracked. July 2021 was up 17 percent from July 2019; Minich noted Orange County was only up 10 percent in that time frame.
Kissimmee artist Alvin Codner supplied the canvas and materials and some of the work. The mural was shared with the Board of County Commissioners at a recent meeting and is now on display as a temporary exhibit in the county office near the Commission Chambers.
“This piece of art perfectly depicts our destination,” Minich said. “We live in a beautiful area, and this mural helps highlight all of Kissimmee’s outdoor activities we have to offer.
“It’s a special thank you to the Commission for everything you’ve done for our industry since the pandemic began. This board has been more supportive of location than any other county in the state, bar none. You guys know how important it is for our community and our visitors.
“We are so happy to hear those numbers are doing so well for us … and better than Orange County,” County Commission chairman Brandon Arrington.
