• Visit these pages for the most critical local health and government updates, as well as COVID-19 Testing Site Locations:
• City of Orlando: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
• Orange County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
• Osceola County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
• Lake County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
• Seminole County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
• The FDA is expected to authorize the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12-15 by next week. 
• City of Orlando Updates:
• In an effort to attract quality retail operators to the area, the City of Orlando's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) created the Retail Stimulus Program. Applicants are eligible to receive up to $75,000 or 50% of the total cost of tenant improvement related costs, whichever is less. Improvement related costs include electrical upgrades, plumbing, flooring, lighting, and more. Applicants will also be able to receive a one-time award of up to $25,000 to cover rent expenses.
• Park DTO has been extended through Sept. 1, 2021! Patrons can enjoy FREE parking in on-street spaces and inside specific City of Orlando garages while dining and shopping in Downtown Orlando. Click here to learn more about Park DTO. Eligible business owners can click here to apply for parking validations to provide to your patrons.
• Orange County Updates:
• COVID-19 vaccination appointments are still available at the Orange County Convention Center. Any individual age 16 and up is eligible. For ages 16 and 17, a parent or guardian must register them for the appointment and be present during their vaccination. Please visit ocfl.net/Vaccine for additional information and to make an appointment. If you experience issues booking an appointment online, dial 305-351-9531 or send an email to covid19support@cdrmhealth.com. Residents are urged to cancel any unwanted COVID-19 vaccination appointments to allow others in the community to schedule appointments and help ensure no vaccine doses are left unused.
• Orange County has launched the Emergency Rental Assistance Program with more than $33 million in federal funds to help with rent assistance for predominantly low-income and qualified residents. Program and eligibility details can be found at ocfl.net/EmergencyRentalAssistance.
• Orange County Health Services announced that free testing at Barnett Park has been extended and will remain open from 9am-5pm seven days per week through May 31, 2021.
• Orange County Government is now continuously providing a convenient, drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site at Barnett Park. This site is open seven days a week, 9am-5pm for walk-ups only. Pre-registration is recommended in order to save time onsite. Click here for more information.
• Orange County Government is partnering with CareerSource Central Florida and Valencia College to offer a variety of short-term, vocational training courses at the Orange County Convention Center. Residents can apply for tuition assistance through CareerSource Central Florida’s “Help is Here” grant program.
• Orange County Government has awarded a Community Development Block Grant of more than $570,000 dollars to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando & Osceola County. The grant funding will provide free roof repairs to residents in Unincorporated Orange County, and select municipalities such as Apopka and Winter Park. Applications are currently closed, but check the website regularly for updates as the application program may re-open in the coming weeks.
• The Orange County Library System offers a free online tool, Right Service at the Right Time, which is a public resource that is particularly useful to those who have had their income affected by COVID-19. The service provides a platform to easily find information on government-assistance and community-support programs. 
• Osceola County Updates:
• After receiving $3.2 million in funding from the Federal CARES Act, Osceola County is expanding their program to help small businesses throughout the county, including the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud. Visit WeveOpenedSafely.com for more information and to apply.
• The Osceola County Board of County Commissioners has launched the new Commercial Utilities Assistance Program to help businesses impacted by COVID-19 to meet utility payments. The one-time grant is designed to work seamlessly with Toho Water Authority, KUA, and Duke Energy and will provide assistance to current Small and Large commercial utility clients in good standing prior to March 1, but are now 30 days or more past due.
• Osceola County is currently accepting applications for emergency utility assistance for households impacted by COVID19. Funding is available for electric, gas, and water utilities only. If you reside in Osceola County and your household is impacted, please click here to complete the application.
• Lake County Updates:
• Lake County residents can reach out to the Lake County Department of Housing and Human Services for information on SHIP rental assistance. Email SHIP@lakecountyfl.gov to receive an application and a secure link for uploading their forms and supporting documents. Residents can also call 352-742-6530, fax 352-742-6505 or come by the office, located at 2008 Classique Lane in Tavares. Click here for more information.
• Seminole County Updates
• Seminole County's COVID-responsible business listing site is live for business owners to begin promoting their businesses. Visit SeminoleSafeBusiness.com and click “Submit a Business” at the top of the page to begin. The site is intended to help promote businesses that are taking action to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• If you have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and live in Seminole County, The Sharing Center is currently accepting applications for rent/mortgage and utilities assistance. Click here for program criteria and to learn how to apply.
• Covering Central Florida offers health coverage and a Special Enrollment Period for individuals who have been laid off related to COVID-19.
• Additional Resources:
• The CDC has issued updated COVID-19 guidance, freeing fully-vaccinated Americans to gather indoors in small groups without masks or social distancing, even with unvaccinated people. 
• The US Small Business Association has compiled a database of private funding options to help small businesses. Browse the options available nationally, or input a zip code to explore location-specific funding.
• Orlando Health has a website specifically designed for the business community. The site features tips and best practices from medical experts, including facts about COVID-19.
• AdventHealth CentraCare's Employer Resources hub provides a vast number of resources to assist businesses. Their team of physicians and clinical experts can assist with business re-opening through consultation, comprehensive safety plan development and key services.
• OUC has a Small Business Assistance Fund which provides up to $2,500 in utility assistance for small businesses facing financial hardship due to COVID-19. Aid is in the form of a credit adjustment on your next OUC bill.
• The US Small Business Association is accepting applications for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, which provides critical economic relief program for live venues, museums, movie theatres and more. Businesses interested in seeking assistance can contact Orlando Economic Partnership's BRACE team for guidance.
• The African American Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Enterprise, Inc. to present an 11 session webinar series designed to educate minority and small businesses regarding information integral to growth and success. Each 1 hour long session will provide small business owners, staff and team members who support them with the resources needed to create, maintain and grow a successful business. Sessions are running now through August 25, 2021.

• A new month means a new celebration! Here are all the ways you can celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month around Walt Disney World. 
• In partnership with AdventHealth, Orlando Magic, and the City of Orlando, the Amway Center will be open to provide free Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to all residents 18 and older on Thursday, May 13. A limited number of vaccines will be available and appointments are encouraged, but walk-ups are also welcome. 
• Dress for Success Greater Orlando is now offering free, no-referral interview suiting appointments for all women during the month of May. Interested women can book an appointment and receive a free suit, handbag, pair of shoes, and jewelry to be their best selves before starting a new job.
• The annual "Paws in the Park" festival is this Saturday, May 8 at Lake Eola Park benefitting the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando! Join in the fun for costume contests, dog activities, a pet parade and more beginning at 10am.
• Help the Orlando City SC license plate become a reality by purchasing your pre-sale voucher today! In order to be manufactured, the organization must sell at least 3,000 presale vouchers within 24 months.
• Maybe the best early Mother’s Day gift is an evening without the kids? How about Kids Night at Orlando Science Center on Saturday, May 8 from 6-10 pm? Kids ages 5 – 12 are invited to an evening of exploring exhibit halls, hands-on mess-tivities, dinner, a show, and more while Mom can enjoy a mess and stress-free evening of her own (with no clean-up!).
• Join Bungalower Media for another outdoor movie date night with a screening of “The Birdcage" on Friday, May 7 at Carlotta's Culture Park in Mills 50. Doors open at 7:30pm with the movie starting at 8pm.
• The House on Lang is hosting a Backyard Mother's Day Pop Up on Saturday, May 8 from Noon - 6pm! Listen to live tunes while you shop local jewelers, clothing, art and more, and select fresh flowers from a local floral truck! 
• Orlando Fringe has launched a new "Party Pods" program to help encourage social distancing for VIPs at this year’s festival in Loch Haven Park.
• The City of Orlando, in partnership with United Arts of Central Florida, is looking to appoint Orlando’s next Poet Laureate. The role is a ceremonial appointment serving as a fixture in the city’s cultural, literary, and visual art programming where they’ll present original works of poetry.
• Orlando Shakes is returning to the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park to perform the campy musical comedy Little Shop of Horrors from May 5-23.
• The Colonialtown Neighborhood Association will be hosting a free concert event on the front porch of neighborhood homes. Porch Stock 2021 will feature live bands on the front steps of four homes on the evening of Saturday, May 22.
• Gatorland is reviving its Gatorpalooza Fun Fest as a two-day event on May 15-16. Gatorpalooza will feature live music, artisans, craft vendors, expanded food offerings, games, appearances by the Gatorland Vlog Team and more.
• SeaWorld Orlando is offering free admission to veterans and their families.
• Universal Orlando's latest deals include discounts on four-day theme park tickets, plus three months free on two-park seasonal or annual passes. Florida residents can also get three days at the parks free with the purchase of a one day ticket.
• Florida residents can visit Walt Disney World Resort theme parks with the new Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket. This special offer allows you to visit their four parks through June 18, 2021 (subject to blackout dates), for just under $50 per day + tax.

• UCF Knight Rayniah Jones not only broke UCF's record in the 100-meter hurdles, but has also qualified to compete in this year’s Olympic trials.
• Orlando City striker Pato will be out for 3-6 weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, which he injured in home opener.
• Sports Business Journal announced a field of 88 nominees in 15 categories for the 14th annual Sports Business Awards, recognizing excellence over the past year. Among the finalists being recognized are the Orlando Pride (Best in Sports Social Media) and ESPN Wide World of Sports (Sports Facility of the Year).
• Both the UCF Men's and Women's Tennis teams earned No. 9 national rankings heading into the post-season, which has earned them the right to host first-and-second round matches on their home courts at the USTA National Campus.
• Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford is ready to hit ground running as he returns from his bout with COVID-19.
• UCF athletic director Terry Mohajir and football coach Gus Malzahn will lead a group of Knights coaches and administrators across the state for a series of events as part of the annual ChargeOn Tour.
• Bishop Moore's talented trio of C.J. Smith, Justin Kern and Marc Morrison broke track and field records in region competition last week. Now they have their sights set on the state championships.
• Kissimmee Osceola football coach Doug Nichols is retiring after 11 seasons and three state final appearances.
• From Forbes: Inside Google’s Partnership With The WNBA And ESPN.
• A competitive virtual sports event has been announced by the International Olympic Committee, taking place May 13-June 23, 2021. The Olympic Virtual Series will include five sports - baseball, cycling, auto racing, rowing and sailing. Gaming brands involved in the project include Gran Turismo, Zwift and Konami’s eBaseball Powerful Pro Baseball 2020.
• Dates for the 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas have been set for April 28-30. 
• From the Jacksonville Business Journal: Although Trevor Lawrence’s arrival in Jacksonville was the worst-kept secret in the River City, fans' anticipation before the pick was announced was evident inside TIAA Bank Field.
• UFC announced plans to launch its own blockchain-based fan token with partner Chiliz. Up to 20 million of the $UFC tokens will go on sale, offering holders access to a variety of perks.
• The U.S. media market is in the midst of an international soccer boom, and Fox Sports is the latest player to bulk up its arsenal, having inked a six-year deal for the stateside rights to the South American league CONMEBOL.

• According to Visit Orlando, new research ahead of Memorial Day shows 87% of US travelers are planning summer travel and more than 50% are considering Orlando.
• A partnership between the Orlando International Airport and the University of Central Florida for a high-tech campus at the air hub is taking the first steps toward becoming a reality.
• The City of Orlando is partnering with Miles to help reduce our reliance on single-occupancy vehicles. You'll get rewarded for every mile you travel by walking, biking, carpooling, taking the bus or hopping on the SunRail. 
• Osceola County Manager Don Fisher was recently recognized for 35 years of service to local government by the International City/County Management Association.
• The Disney College Program is relaunching at Walt Disney World in June, the company announced on Monday.
• From Airline Weekly: With much long-haul international travel grounded amid continued Covid-19 restrictions, U.S. airlines are flying more large, twin-aisle jets on domestic flights than they have in decades.
• Cruise companies can speed up their restarts in U.S. waters if they guarantee most crew and passengers are vaccinated against COVID-19, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a letter to companies this week.
• As part of Star Wars Day (May 4th), Disney released footage of the realistic lightsaber it’s been developing. ​First teased last month during a virtual press conference, the lightsaber will debut at Disney's new hotel, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, in 2022.
• What to know about seats, views, lockers and more for VelociCoaster, Universal Orlando's new roller coaster.
• From Orlando Business Journal: UCF wants to be among top 50 public research universities. Here's how it plans to do that.
• The Harvey and Carol Massey Foundation has made a $2 million commitment to Rollins College for a new Crummer School building that will be part of a project called “The Innovation Triangle.”

• Great Reads: Orange County Library System’s May 2021 book selections
• UCF Grad Colleen Thrailkill: What I Learned After 30+ Years of Teaching
• We're still kind of obsessed with these Orlando Solar Bears 'Magic Night' Jerseys
• Orlando Pride's new stadium banners are up (and looking great!)