Impact Update for Thursday, July 21
“That exposure today was positive. I think in the first half especially, we had a lot of personality. And I’ve gotta say that probably we were the best team on the field. And then we knew who is Arsenal and after that they started getting on top of us.”

-Oscar Pareja
Orlando City SC Head Coach

See Orlando City story below...
Quote of the Day.

"Make sure your worst enemy doesn't live between your two ears."

- Laird Hamilton
American Big-Wave Surfer
Around The Horn.


  • Orlando City played like the better side for 45 minutes in a midseason friendly against Arsenal, but the English Premier League giants took control in the second half en route to a 3-1 win over the Lions at Exploria Stadium.
  • There is no timetable for the ACC to make a final decision on where it wants to move its headquarters, with commissioner Jim Phillips calling the process “tremendous.” The ACC announced last year that it would look into possibly moving its current headquarters from Greensboro, where it’s been since 1953. Orlando is reportedly one of three finalists considered, along with Charlotte and Greensboro.
  • When Arsenal and Chelsea take to the field at Camping World Stadium on July 23 for the Florida Cup, soccer fans worldwide will be tuned in to check out the English Premier League rivals. To capitalize on the anticipation for a pair of FC series matches, 38 women’s soccer players from 10 college programs across the state will participate in a social media campaign highlighting the event. It’s all part of a partnership between Florida Citrus Sports and Dreamfield to capitalize on the growing industry of name, image and likeness (NIL).
  • Following a summer filled with recruiting, prospect camps, team workouts and a quick vacation, UCF football coach Gus Malzahn and his staff returned to the office Monday to prepare for fall camp that starts in 13 days. One of Malzahn’s main objectives during fall camp is naming a starting quarterback early in the preseason practices.
  • The NBA summer league in Las Vegas came to a close for the Orlando Magic with a 2-3 mark after a tough loss in Saturday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. The Magic lost 102-86 in their summer-league finale but continue to look at the bigger picture.
  • Veteran Kyle Rudolph is signing a one-year contact with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday, giving Tom Brady a new tight end target in the wake of Rob Gronkowski's retirement.
  • Clocks have cut the length of minor league baseball games by about 30 minutes this year, and baseball officials appear certain to promote the timers to the majors. Major League Baseball is considering shift limits, larger bases, restrictions on pickoff attempts and - perhaps in 2024 - limited use of robot umpires to call balls and strikes.
  • BJ Taylor was known for making big shots during his basketball career. Now retired from the sport, the former UCF star plans to make a splash in the Central Flordia media market. Taylor is launching an Orlando-themed sports podcast on iHeartRadio, “Big Knight Energy,” that will be produced by 96.9 The Game’s Brandon Kravitz starting this fall.
  • A charity golf tournament featuring professional athletes took place in support of a longtime Orlando Sentinel reporter on Friday at the Dubsdread Golf Course. Seventy-two players got together to raise money for Chris Hays, a sportswriter for the Sentinel who is awaiting a liver transplant. The tournament and subsequent auction brought in more than $5,000 to benefit Hays and his family.
  • The National Women’s Soccer League announced details around the 2022 Nationwide Community Impact Program, a season-long, civically-focused initiative promoting community partners and advancing local service projects chosen and led by each NWSL team. At the conclusion of the 2022 season, the program will culminate with the Nationwide Community Impact Award, where one club and its partner will be recognized for their exemplary commitment off the field at a postseason ceremony.
  • Former world No. 1 Venus Williams will make her singles comeback after nearly a year at the Citi Open, which begins next week in Washington. The seven-time Grand Slam champion accepted a wild card for the July 30-Aug. 7 WTA 250 event a day after announcing she will also compete at next month's WTA 1000 event in Toronto, where she will be joined by her sister Serena.
  • Coming out of the MLB All-Star break, a few teams have all but secured a trip to October, others are in the thick of the playoff hunt and some already have their eyes set on next season. Check out ESPN's second-half preview, rankings, and playoff odds for all 30 MLB teams.
  • Orlando's newest professional sports team, the Florida Vikings are working to hook people on floorball. Some world’s best athletes in their sport will be competing in Central Florida. It is the inaugural season for North American Floorball League and they will have a tournament right here in Orlando.
  • Two UCF running backs landed on the Doak Walker Award preseason watch list Wednesday. Fifth-year senior Isaiah Bowser and junior Johnny Richardson are up for the award that annually honors the nation’s top running back.
  • The Ryder Cup captaincy of Henrik Stenson lasted all of four months. Ryder Cup Europe removed Stenson as captain for the 2023 matches when he decided to choose the guaranteed money of the LIV Golf Series over the Ryder Cup.
In The News.

  • A UCF student was selected for the International Optica Women Scholars Award. Isabella Pardo has been recognized as one of the first 20 Optica Women Scholars in the world. The award supports women majoring in optics, physics, chemistry, math, or engineering who are pursuing careers in optics and photonics.
  • If you’re looking for a shelter pet, Lake County is waiving its adoption fees for a limited time. In honor of National Adoption Weekend, the Lake County Animal Shelter announced it will not charge adoption fees Friday to Sunday. They partnered with Best Friends Animal Society to create this adoption event.
  • Since the late 1980′s, the playground inside Winter Park’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Park has been an iconic part of Orlando-area children’s free time. Just as most castles have long been resigned to history textbooks, Winter Park’s leaders are eyeing a changing of the guard, featuring a new kingdom for kids to roam with a – potentially – very different castle.
  • Congratulations to GO Sports board member Lawrence A. Hatch, CTFA, AAMS, AWMA, who has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
  • Lake County Commission Vice Chairman Kirby Smith was presented with the Certified County Commissioner designation from the Institute for County Government at an award ceremony held at the Florida Association of Counties Annual Conference and Educational Exhibition.
  • Lake County Commissioner Doug Shields was elected to the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Board of Directors on July 1, during the Association’s Annual Conference and Educational Exhibit.
  • UCF’s Big Man Big Heart event that helps bring young adults with disadvantages to a University of Central Florida game is back this year, bringing in even more support. Big Man Big Heart is a nonprofit inspired by Dillan Gibbons that helps college athletes use their name, image and likeness to do something good in their community. This year Burger U kitchen manager Casey Perez is getting behind the campaign.
  • Here's the final group of Orlando Business Journal's 2022 Golden 100, Central Florida's largest privately held companies. These companies — many of which are legacy businesses — have proven their ability to withstand economic crises time and time again. Additionally, newer companies are proving they have what it takes to compete in this new, sometimes uncertain business environment.
  • Students may be eligible for tuition Money-Back Guarantee Program. A new state initiative is now available to incentivize students to get educated and into a workforce in high-demand jobs. Sparks are flying at the Eastern Florida State College shop, home of the school's Welding Technology Program.
  • The Orlando Science Center was selected as one of three educational institutions nationwide to be awarded funding from NASA to support STEM learning programs for youths. The partnership between NASA and OSC will span three years and includes a $795,000 grant that will be allocated to make STEM education accessible to demographics that are underrepresented in these fields.
Stay Engaged.

  • The KidFest Summer Movie Series offers film fans and children of all ages the rare opportunity to experience an exceptional selection of family-friendly movies that are FREE for kids 12 & under! The movie Spirited Away will be playing on July 21 at 11:30 am-2:00 pm.
  • Join GO Sports board member and General Manager of the Grand Bohemian hotel, Justin Williams, for an exclusive red-carpet experience, Boujee Ball, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, July 23. Tickets are on sale here. Proceeds to benefit MAN UP Mentoring Inc. 
  • SummerWeen is taking over Boxi Park in Lake Nona this Saturday and Sunday, July 23-24. Crafts, trick-or-treating and face painting will be offered on both days, with a kids costume parade and adult costume contest on Saturday. On Sunday, bring your furry friend for the dog costume contest at 3 p.m.
  • TPD’s Putt N’ Pour on Saturday, July 23 is part pub crawl, part miniature golf, and all fun! Golfers will be challenged by holes designed and built by multiple Thornton Park District bars and restaurants while enjoying beverage specials and prize giveaways. After the crawl, golfers and spectators converge at Cavo’s Bar & Kitchen for the official post party complete with drink specials, and raffles!
  • Create your own stunning cactus garden to elevate your home decor at The House on Lang. Join designer Pamela Johancsik of Bomb Blooms on July 28 for a unique workshop experience that will make you go crazy for cacti!
  • Ace Cafe's Summer Concert Series is in full effect! Friday, July 29 at 8pm, go back in time to the Totally Awesome 80's Prom Night with live music from the awesome tribute band, SWITCH! Guests are encouraged to dress up in their finest 80's duds.
  • Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has launched an online ticket offer. ​​​For a limited time, the complex is offering visitors a chance to save $7 on one-day admission tickets. The offer, available until August 1, can only be used online for one-day adult and children admission. Kennedy Space Center is also offering a family-friendly scavenger hunt through August 1!
  • Downtown gallery CityArts will host a Bridgerton-themed party on Saturday, September 24 at 7 pm as part of its annual La Maschera party series – its largest annual fundraiser. The evening will feature artwork themed on locations from the show as well as live music by Violectric, dancing, interactive character entertainment, photo opportunities, specialized cocktails, food, and more.
  • HIREpalooza is Central Florida’s premier job fair and career resource, connecting local candidates with Central Florida’s top employers. Through informative career sessions, resume review, supportive resources from community partners, and outstanding local employers, this community hiring event is where talent meets opportunity. It will be held on Friday, August 12, 2022, at the Amway Center from 11am-3pm.
  • The sunshine state just got a bit brighter — this summer, Fun Spot’s Kissimmee and Orlando parks are turning up the heat for Fun in the Sun, now through Sept. 5, 2022! Snap pics at the all-new Foto Spots, explore tropical decor, and take a bite out of seasonal food and beverages, exclusive to the summer season! This family-friendly event is the perfect way to kick back and have some good, clean FUN.
  • Like a passport specially for your palate, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is a magical taste tour—one that whisks you off on a fun and flavorful journey across six continents. So come sip and savor your way through EPCOT, as you delight in some of your favorite flavors, and try plenty of new ones along the way.
  • SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens are now offering military members and up to three guests complimentary one-day admission to the theme park. The offer is valid for qualified service members and veterans, including active, retired, honorably separated officers and enlisted personnel of the U.S. military.
  • Florida residents can save big while visiting Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Click here to view the current list of special offers.
  • Universal Orlando's Florida resident specials include discounts on various vacation packages.
In The Community.
GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the UCF/Coca-Cola Luncheon with special guest, UCF Head Football Coach Gus Malzahn. GO Sports Board Members Derek Frederickson (Coca-Cola Florida) and Jordan Clark (UCF) were also in attendance.
GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended 96.9 The Game's "The Mikey's Awards" ceremony at the Dubsdread Tap Room earlier this week along with Mayor Dyer, Mike Bianchi, and Marc Daniels.
GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the welcome celebration for the Florida Cup's "FC Series" this week, along with GO Sports Board Members Steve Hogan, Caesar Lopez, and Ricardo Villar.
UCF AD Terry Mohajir, McKenzie Milton, and Coach O'Leary also attended The Mikey's Awards ceremony this week.
GO Sports Senior Vice President Brent Nelson dropped by the Orlando Splash girls basketball championship at the Orange County Convention Center last weekend, and visited with event organizer Tucker Neale from OhioBasketball.
The Youth Sports Taskforce met earlier today, with special guest 2022 Special Olympics USA Games CEO Joe Dzaluk providing an update. GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel, Executive Vice President Jennifer Lastik, and Senior Director Shalisa Griffin represent GO Sports on the taskforce.
FUSE Soccer hosted Arsenal Football Development experience camps in Orlando this weekend while the English Premier League team is in town to play in the Florida Cup's FC Series!
GO Sports was excited to donate $500 worth of school supplies to the Orlando After-School All-Stars program for their Rising Stars Backpack Stuffing Event! Senior Director Shalisa Griffin organized the donation.
Local Resources.

  • Visit these pages for the most critical local health and government updates:
  • City of Orlando: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites | Vaccine Sites
  • Orange County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites | Vaccine Sites
  • Osceola County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites | Vaccine Sites
  • Seminole County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites | Vaccine Sites
  • Lake County: Homepage
  • City of Orlando:
  • The Downtown Development Board (DDB) and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) created a webpage to assist with identifying grants and incentives that may be available to downtown businesses.
  • Orlando's City Council approved the Safety Awareness for Everyone (S.A.F.E) Program, creating an incentive for businesses and properties to purchase and install security measures that are intended to help deter crime and provide a safer environment for business owners, employees, and visitors. Entertainment businesses including, but not limited to, bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues located within the City of Orlando’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) footprint shall be eligible for funding to purchase and install security measures which include identification scanners, security cameras, and metal detection systems. Other properties located within the CRA shall be eligible for funding to purchase and install security cameras only. Applicants are eligible to receive up to $10,000 or 50% of the total cost of eligible products, whichever is less. Click here for more info and to apply now.
  • Orange County:
  • Orange County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program remains open for individuals who are behind on rent or at risk of being evicted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, more than $15.3 million have been approved to keep 2,635 families in their homes. Recently, the City of Orlando announced it has depleted its current federal funds dedicated to its Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Orange County is stepping in to bridge the gap and will temporarily offer assistance to Orlando residents, effective now until further notice. Eligible residents include those living in unincorporated Orange County, Apopka, Bay Lake, Belle Isle, Eatonville, Edgewood, Lake Buena Vista, Maitland, Oakland, Ocoee, Orlando, Windermere, Winter Garden and Winter Park. Residents can visit ocfl.net/RentalAssistance to review program details and to check if their address is eligible.
  • CareerSource Central Florida is helping career seekers and displaced workers apply for the Reemployment Assistance program through the Department of Economic Opportunity.
  • Osceola County:
  • 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:
  • For Lake County residents, United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties is able to assist with CARES/ERA/SHIP Federal funds for rent and utilities. For more information on eligibility and documents needed, or to make an appointment, please visit their Family Stability Services page.
  • Seminole County:
  • 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.
  • Additional Resources:
  • 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.