Impact Update for Thursday, May 27 |
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Each week, we will distribute our Impact Update newsletter on Thursdays. We encourage you to share this information with friends, families, and business owners who may be able to take advantage of the resources, programming options, local highlights and industry news below.
Jason Siegel
President & CEO
Greater Orlando Sports Commission
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“It is wonderful what great strides can be made when there is a resolute purpose behind them.”
– Winston Churchill
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
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Orange County Mayor Demings, Orlando Mayor Dyer and Dr. Pino from the Dept. of Health in Orange County along with partners from the Orlando Economic Partnership, Visit Orlando, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando launched a public safety initiative to combat COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. This is a county-wide initiative to debunk myths, highlight trusted voices and drive home the true benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more at ocfl.net/IGotMyShot. #IGotMyShot
Local Resources.
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Visit these pages for the most critical local health and government updates, as well as COVID-19 Testing Site Locations:
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City of Orlando: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
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Orange County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
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Osceola County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
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Lake County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
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Seminole County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
- City of Orlando Updates:
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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.
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The Downtown Development Board (DDB) and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) created a webpage to assist with identifying incentives that may be available to downtown businesses.
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Park DTO will end on June 13, 2021. The program was established in May of last year to increase visitation and spending in downtown Orlando by temporarily funding parking costs. The program was originally scheduled to end on September 1, 2020, or once allocated funding was expended, whichever occurred sooner. Click here to learn more about Park DTO.
- Orange County Updates:
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COVID-19 vaccinations are still available at Barnett Park. The site will be closed Monday, May 31st in observance of Memorial Day. Any individual age 12 and up is eligible. For ages 12 through 17, a parent or guardian must register them for the appointment and be present during their vaccination. Please visit here for additional information.
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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.
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CareerSource Central Florida is helping career seekers and displaced workers apply for the Reemployment Assistance program through the Department of Economic Opportunity.
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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 open.
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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.
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Osceola County Updates:
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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:
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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
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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.
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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.
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Covering Central Florida offers health coverage and a Special Enrollment Period for individuals who have been laid off related to COVID-19.
- Additional Resources:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Stay Engaged.
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Check out the Orlando Sentinel's full list of events and things to do in Central Florida this week!
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Read Orlando Sentinel's article on How to Celebrate Memorial Day in Orlando this weekend.
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Fireworks at the Fountain is back! The annual free event will be hosted July 4th at Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando and broadcasted live on ClickOrlando.com. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and a 20-minute fireworks finale.
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You can now purchase single match tickets for the remainder of Orlando City SC 2021 season.
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Orlando Business Journal is now accepting nominations for the 2021 CEOs of the Year. Nominations are due by June 24th.
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Registration is now open for the Fifth Annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run & CommUNITY Festival! The race is scheduled for Saturday, June 5 and benefits the National Pulse Memorial and Museum and onePULSE Foundation.
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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.
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The Art and History Museums – Maitland will host a new summer exhibition inspired by the sights and sounds of Spain from May 22-September 19 called On Seeing Segovia.
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“Good Vibrations,” an exhibit about earthquakes, will debut May 28 at WonderWorks Orlando. The display focuses on Tuckaleechee Caverns in Tennessee, which is home to a sensitive seismic station.
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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.
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SeaWorld Orlando's Electric Ocean returns this weekend! The night-time special event will operate Friday – Sunday to start, and then begin daily operations June 18th – August 8th.
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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.
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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.
"It is always an honor to get to represent my country on the Symetra Tour. It is something very special and a big motivation for me to represent my country in the best way possible. I love seeing the Mexican flag by the putting green at every event I play. It’s a good reminder of where I come from and what I stand for while I continue competing in my rookie season on Tour.”
-Ana Ruiz Laphond, Professional Golfer
See Mission Inn Resort & Club Championship story below...
Around The Horn.
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144 players from 34 countries will compete this weekend in the Mission Inn Resort and Club Championship, the eighth stop on the 2021 “Road to LPGA” Symetra Tour.
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The Greater Orlando Sports Commission announced 52 finalists from 33 organizations for the 2021 SPORTYS: Greater Orlando's Night of Champions presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. Click here to view the complete list of finalists by category, and watch the broadcast on Saturday, June 19 to find out who will take home the hardware!
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WWE will return to live event touring with a 25- city tour beginning July 16 through Labor Day.
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30 NFL Teams have the OK to operate at full capacity this season and allow fans to attend training camps.
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Orlando Magic have a chance at the #1 draft pick for next season as the NBA finalizes the 2021 draft order.
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Adam Silver announced the formation of NBA Africa. NBA Africa will conduct the league's business endeavors in Africa, including the new Basketball Africa League (BAL) that kicked off on May 16th.
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Phil Mickelson makes history as the oldest player to win the majors. Mickelson captured his 6th major at the 2021 PGA Championship this past weekend.
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LPGA announces new commissioner, Mollie Marcoux Samaan.
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Orlando City SC extends its club record unbeaten stretch to 6 matches after defeating Toronto FC 1-0 on Saturday night.
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Orlando Pride striker Alex Morgan was called up for the U.S. Women’s National Team. Morgan will participate in a trio of June friendlies against Portugal, Jamaica and Nigeria. The matches will serve as the final tune up period for coach Vlatko Andonovski to select his 18-player roster for the Tokyo Olympics, in July.
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Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride announce new sustainability efforts including a Zero-Waste Initiative at Exploria Stadium.
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Exploria Stadium will reopen to full capacity for Orlando City and Pride matches in June, welcoming a full stadium of fans for the first time since before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Lake County resident Joe West is set to hold the record for most games as a major-league umpire with No. 5,376 after working the Cardinals-White Sox matchup in Chicago on Tuesday.
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Two UCF student athletes were named National Academic Momentum Award Recipients.
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UCF is planning for 100% capacity at home athletic events this fall. They have currently sold 93% of available seats for the 2021 football season. Knight fans can call 407-823-1000 for more information or to buy tickets.
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Since he arrived at UCF, Gus Malzahn has been able to capitalize on the excitement of his hiring by landing several high-profile transfers to the program.
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West Oak Academy's twin brothers Matthew Bewley and Ryan Bewley sign with Overtime Elite, bypassing their last two years of high school and eligibility for college basketball.
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First Academy baseball wins their first FHSAA State Championship.
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In The News.
Fun & Games.
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