ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Today, Visit Orlando defended its handling of funds before the Orange County Board of Commissioners, responding to a recent comptroller’s audit that accuses the organization of mishandling millions in Tourist Development Tax dollars.

Dozens of residents attended the meeting to hear the report and voice their concerns.

“Our taxpayer dollars shouldn’t be misused,” Chared Aguirre, a member of Local 737 — the union representing more than 19,000 hospitality workers — told the board.

Aguirre said the benefits of the region’s thriving tourism economy are not reaching frontline hospitality employees.

[RELATED VIDEO: Visit Orlando faces scrutiny over tax dollar use]

According to Visit Orlando, tourists spent $94.5 billion in Central Florida last year.

Commissioner May

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