The DeVos Center. It really wouldn't cost you much more

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

March 17, 1995

IT'S AMAZING to hear that the city will now have a huge surplus of money from the extra 1 percent tourist tax, which was originally allocated for the proposed baseball stadium (now on the ''back burner''), and they don't know what to do with it.
The great sports cities of Atlanta, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, Washington and my old New York are able to host opera, ballets and symphonies.

Here, in our great state of Florida, Miami has a symphony, and Tampa has a limited ballet and symphony schedule. Tallahassee and Jacksonville have no such musical events. West Palm Beach doesn't have any sports but does have the magnificent Kravis Performing Arts Center - that's class!
It seems Orlando has millions of dollars for theme parks and sporting events but nothing for cultural music. Please, Mayor Glenda Hood, Mr. Richard DeVos and Disney, can't you get together to finance a return of the Orlando Symphony?
Or, Mr. DeVos, if it is true that you are planning to build your own structure for the Magic and your new hockey team, why not be the hero and go all the way? Incorporate a symphonic hall and name the complex The DeVos Center. It really wouldn't cost you much more, and you would be adding ''a touch of class'' to Orlando and your name.
Jean Wassmer
ORLANDO