Impact Update for Thursday, August 11
“I look at it as giving the community what they want. They want to see Central Florida vs. South Florida.”

-Elijah Williams, Jones HS Football Head Coach


See Jones story below...
Quote of the Day.

"Along the way, there's going to be a lot of obstacles, a lot of adversity, a lot of people who will tell you you're not good enough. I'm here to tell you that you are."

- Tim Tebow
Heisman Trophy winning American Football Player
Around The Horn.

  • Jones High football coach Elijah Williams says the school’s fan base has wanted a rematch with Miami Northwestern ever since a Class 5A final loss that drew an overflow crowd too big for Daytona Stadium to handle in 2019. It happens in two weeks when Northwestern nation travels to Orlando to see their Bulls play the Tigers in an Aug. 20 preseason Kickoff Classic game at 65,000-seat Camping World Stadium, which is walking distance from Jones High.
  • A couple of days before Serena Williams claimed the 22nd of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles at Wimbledon in 2016, she was asked what she makes of it when people refer to her as one of history’s greatest female athletes. Her reply: She prefers being characterized as “one of the greatest athletes of all time.”
  • Commentary from the Orlando Sentinel's Mike Bianchi: Hallelujah, Hula Bowl is back in Orlando — maybe permanently.
  • UCF football opened its second week of training camp with practice No. 7 of the preseason on Tuesday. Similar to the first practice last week, the initial 30 minutes included a media-viewing session. This was the second time local reporters could watch a portion of drills.
  • National champ Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter grew up playing in youth football camps as a kid, which helped him become the player he is today. During the offseason, the 2020 Apopka graduate decided he wanted to come back home this summer and put together his first youth football camp. The turnout for this year’s camp was more than what Carter expected.
  • The Magic Volunteer Program (MVP) contributed 3,800 hours of community service for the 2021-22 season. More than 100 employees participated in numerous events throughout the year with a large focus on the Magic’s four areas of interest—child and youth education, the arts, health/wellness and homelessness.
  • Each college football program has a different pitch to recruits as to why they should come to their school. As for the UCF Knights and why they are being successful with their 2023 recruiting class, they certainly have their own set of advantages. It's a well-respected academic institution with a wide range of majors to select from on a large campus in the City Beautiful. Of course, heading off to the Big XII Conference in 2023 is a primary recruiting advantage as well.
  • St. Cloud has been using Turf Tank, a new GPS based technology to paint fields in a fraction of the time. Coach Short decides what the team wants painted, programs it into an iPad and watch the robot from there. Short teaches at St. Cloud High School and easily sets Robbie the Robot up during a break in his day, and walk outside to see the finished product: perfectly straight lines. 
  • The Central Florida Crusaders are the National Indoor Soccer League's newest expansion team, the league announced Thursday. The new team will play in Orlando at Addition Financial Arena on the University of Central Florida campus. According to the league, a men's and women's team will play home and away games on the same day.
  • Carlos Vela scored in the third minute and Raul Ruidiaz converted a penalty kick in the 73rd minute in the Major League Soccer All-Star team’s 2-1 victory over Mexico’s Liga MX on Wednesday night.
  • Host nation Qatar is set to play in the opening game of its own World Cup tournament on a stand-alone day being added to the schedule barely 100 days before kickoff. Soccer's marquee tournament is now set start one day earlier than originally scheduled seven years ago in a move that would allow Qatar to play Ecuador on Nov. 20.
  • According to Knights head coach Gus Malzahn, defense dominated the first scrimmage of UCF football training camp Sunday. The scrimmage in the Knights’ Bounce House, which was closed to the public, was run-oriented by design.
  • When NBA Commissioner Adam Silver spoke at the league’s inaugural Launchpad technology event during last month’s Las Vegas Summer League, his primary focus was unmistakable: using the NBA’s burgeoning realm of basketball-related tech to improve player availability. Silver announced that next year’s program will be exclusively focused on player availability, with an emphasis on preventing soft-tissue injuries and developing healthy habits in youth basketball.
  • The Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) announced that it will add a new tournament to its 2022 schedule, bringing the country’s premier professional beach volleyball tour to Central Florida. The new AVP Pro Series Central Florida Open will be held December 2-4 at Hickory Point Beach on the shores of Lake Harris, replacing a Pro Series event that had been scheduled for mid-September in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
In The News.

  • The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes located in Central Florida announced that the hotel has achieved elite standing as a Five Diamond designated property by the AAA Diamond Program. With this distinction, the recently renovated Ritz-Carlton becomes one of just three hotels in North America added to the list in 2022, and one of only two in the Central Florida area ever included.
  • Every year, August 7 is the official date that National Purple Heart Day is observed throughout the country. Chapter 400 for the Military Order of the Purple Heart represents Central Florida, and each member is a decorated war veteran who has completed military service. On Sunday, the Central Florida chapter had the chance to gather at Mission BBQ in Oviedo to interact with the community and helped familiarize people with the history and purpose of the Purple Heart medal.
  • Universal Orlando Resort's Wizarding World of Harry Potter is all about making guests feel as if they are wizards, and a new patent aims to help them do it with flair. The patent, "Variable Effects Activation in an Interactive Environment," aims to allow an interactive environment activated via a device — such as a sword or wand — to allow for a variety of movements to activate that scenery.
  • This week, Orlando Business Journal features Central Florida's largest modeling, simulation and training companies, ranked by number of local employees. Central Florida’s top five modeling, simulation and training companies' focus includes designing, developing and delivering products in the digital interactive entertainment genre and the governmental realm.
  • Although UCFPD Detective Rick Salcedo is technically retired, he continues to share his expertise which recently earned him an international honor. With decades of expertise, he has presented case studies at conferences around the country. His most recent presentation submission earned him the coveted Champion of Change award from End Violence Against Women International.
  • On Saturday, organizations across Central Florida held back-to-school events to help those in need. At Audubon Village in Orlando, students got free backpacks stuffed with supplies they’ll need to succeed. ​​At the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, the non profit group The Greatest Commandment Inc. handed out school supplies, a $50 gift card per family, and also provided haircuts to make sure students head into the new school year with confidence.
  • KPMG celebrated its 125th anniversary this week by investing in the Greater Orlando area, as the organization announced a $1 million donation benefiting Lift Orlando, a nonprofit that works with residents, business leaders, and community partners on neighborhood revitalization projects in the 32805 zip code, including Holden Heights.
  • The Skoll Foundation and the Johnson & Johnson Foundation announced that they donated a total of $25 million to a new philanthropic project that hopes to invest $100 million in 10 countries, mostly in Africa, by 2030 to support 200,000 community health workers. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, which will oversee the project, matched the donations and hopes to raise an additional $50 million.
  • Early Voting for the August 23rd primary in Orange and Osceola counties began on Monday. Here are the dates, hours and locations of the sites. You can only vote early in the county in which you are registered.
Stay Engaged.


  • 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 at the Amway Center from 11am-3pm.
  • Art After Dark 2022 is the Downtown Arts District’s soiree for young professionals. The evening’s festivities include interactive art experiences, meet and greet opportunities with special guest artists, live music, photo opportunities, a silent auction, craft cocktails and gourmet lite bites from local restaurants on August 13.
  • It's time to count down the 2022 Best Places to Work in Central Florida! See which companies have the best climate, team atmosphere, benefits and most importantly, engaged employees. This event will take place at SeaWorld's Ports of Call Ballroom. All attendees will be given access to the SeaWorld park following the program to stay the rest of the day!
  • Docent touring and art-making are back! Join the Mennello Museum of American Art for free admission all day on August 14, plus a fine art project you can make there or take home! Each Free Family Funday has a different theme based on the current exhibition in the museum.
  • You can join the City District Main Street for the quarterly clean-up in the heart of downtown Orlando. This time they are partnering with the City of Orlando’s Keep Orlando Beautiful and Orlando City Soccer Club to pick up litter and fill planters alongside Gertrude’s Walk with new fresh plants and a new irrigation system.
  • The Alice Cocktail Experience is an immersive cocktail adventure! Go along on a 90 minute topsy-turvy journey into the magical realm of Wonderland. For those both curious and curiouser – this will be the tea party to end all tea parties.
  • Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins on August 12! Join your favorite Disney Characters for an evening of spirited fun, and get your favorite costume ready! Guests can collect candies and treats while Magic Kingdom park thrills and chills you with eerie entertainment, delightful attractions, and some beloved Disney Characters.
  • Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining returns Friday, August 26 through Sunday, October 2 with 102 restaurants offering three-course, prix fixe dinner menus for $40. Celebrating its 17th year, the popular annual dining program supports area restaurants and donates $1 from every meal served to a local nonprofit organization.
  • 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.
  • Universal Orlando is offering Florida residents a free day at the theme park through December as part of a limited time bargain. Florida residents who snap up a '2-park, 2-day' ticket to Universal between now and Sept. 28 can get a third, free day as part of their purchase.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Executive Spotlight.

  • The USTA is looking for a paralegal with exceptional organizational skills and three+ years of experience drafting and reviewing contracts, and intellectual property enforcement, to work in a hybrid/flex environment at the National Campus in Lake Nona, Florida. 
In The Community.
HUGE thanks to Tampa Bay Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford and former GO Sports board chairman/current Bucs General Counsel Dan Malasky for hosting members of our staff and board of directors at the last day of training camp!
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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.