Greater Orlando Sports Commission - Impact Update powered by Withum

Impact Update for Thursday, August 26

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

“Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can't.”

- Jerry Rice

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.

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.
Orange County:
Mayor Demings lifts the mask mandate for Orange county.
The #IGotMyShot mobile vaccination trailer continues to visit neighborhoods and businesses throughout Orange County. For next week’s schedule, or for more information about the #IGotMyShot campaign, visit ocfl.net/IGotMyShot.
Orange County Health Services announced its COVID-19 vaccine operations transferred from Barnett Park to Camping World Stadium as of Tuesday, August 10. Camping World Stadium will administer the Pfizer or one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine seven days a week from 9am-5pm.
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.
CareerSource Central Florida is helping career seekers and displaced workers apply for the Reemployment Assistance program through the Department of Economic Opportunity.
The Orange County Library System offers Right Service at the Right Time, a free online tool and 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:
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:
Lake County residents can reach out to the Lake County Department of Housing and Human Services for information on SHIP rental assistance. Click here for more information.
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.
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.

Stay Engaged.

Know someone who's made a positive impact in our community over the last year? Now's your chance to nominate them for Heart of Florida United Way's 2021 Change Maker Impact Awards. The deadline is next Friday, August 27 and there are some new categories this year. Beyond the recognition, honorees will also receive a grant to be donated to the non-profit of their choice!
Help for Haiti: Where to donate goods, supplies here in Central Florida.
Orlando Economic Partnership’s new podcast, Orlando’s Own, is out now! Hosted by Tim Guiliani, the podcast takes listeners behind-the-scenes of the region’s most impactful companies and highlights our region’s diversity of industry through thought-provoking conversations with some of the region’s top business leaders.
Help Orlando Science Center explore the history of American Paleontology and the excitement of the Old West’s Great Dinosaur Rush while celebrating dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes with hands-on activities, dino-mite live programming, and a brand-new fossil display! The party is happening August 28-29 from 11am-4pm!
Museum Day is in September, but it’s never too early to secure your free tickets to your favorite Orlando museums.
Orlando Shakes recently released the lineup for its 33rd season, which has been deemed a “Homecoming” season since productions will once again be held in the Margeson Theater.
The Central Florida Zoo is giving adults a way to start their weekend early and enjoy the zoo for a low cost. Sunset at the Zoo, the after-hours event offered every third Thursday of the month, begins at 5pm for guests 21 and older.
Abstract artists, it’s your time to shine! Ivanhoe Village is looking for abstract art submissions for its street-level art panels.
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.
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 vacation packages as well as select dates for Halloween Horror Nights.

“The state of Florida has been amazing in welcoming our game to the Sunshine State and Governor DeSantis made it clear to us that the state of Florida is indeed open for business. The Governor’s support for Floridians is clear. His team has been so supportive and has connected us with Enterprise Florida, the Florida Sports Foundation, and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission to guide us through establishing a game that brings revenue to the community. We are pleased to bring this legendary game to Florida!”

-Jennifer Logan, Executive Vice President

Hula Bowl

See Hula Bowl story below...

Around The Horn.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida will host the upcoming Hula Bowl at the University of Central Florida’s stadium in 2022. The game, set for January 15, 2022, will be the ninth NCAA bowl game in Florida during the upcoming college football season. The Hula Bowl, which started in 1946, is a postseason “All Star” bowl game, featuring standout NCAA football players from all divisions and international athletes.
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission announced the four local award winners that will be honored during the 2021 Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. Stacey Allaster (USTA), Trish Highland (Orange and Lake County Public Schools), and Kay Rawlins (Orlando City Foundation) will receive the Women in Sports Leadership Award, while Megan Rose (USTA) will receive the Rising Star Award. The 3rd annual luncheon will be hosted on Tuesday, September 28 at Addition Financial Arena on UCF’s campus. Purchase your tickets now!
SportsPro announced its annual list of the 50 Most Marketable Athletes in the world with four Orlando Pride players on the list, including three in the top 10.
The 2021-22 Orlando Magic season schedule is out and tickets go on sale this Friday, August 27!
Tickets are now on sale for the NHL preseason game between the defending back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers on Oct. 5 at the AdventHealth Rink at Amway Center. You can also score tickets to the Orlando Solar Bears home opener against the Atlanta Gladiators on Oct. 23.
Striker Daryl Dike and designated player Mauricio Pereyra both returned to full training with their Orlando City teammates for the first time on Wednesday.
Addition Financial Arena is hosting a part-time job fair on August 31, seeking individuals with the desire to be a part of the sports and entertainment industry to work concerts, sporting events, and family shows at the arena on UCF's campus.
With the 2021 college football season around the corner, ESPN released its top 100 players in the country Monday morning and UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel found his name near the top of the list.
Sanford Seminole and Jones High kick off the 2021 high school football campaign Friday looking to extend lengthy regular-season win streaks as two of the top teams in the Orlando area preseason Sentinel Super 16 rankings.
The USTA announced that the U.S. Open will offer $57.5 million in total player compensation for the tournament, which starts Monday in Queens. It surpasses the record payout of $57.24 million set in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 disruptions.
The UCF men’s basketball program announced its 2021-22 non-conference schedule on Monday, and it’s one of the toughest yet since Johnny Dawkins became the Knights’ head coach.
When the U.S. national women's hockey team takes the ice at the 2021 IIHF Women's World Championships on Friday, it'll be playing under a new one-year contract it signed with USA Hockey last month, USA Hockey confirmed to ESPN.
UCF baseball head coach Greg Lovelady has signed a contract extension that will keep him in Orlando through the 2025 season. This is the second contract extension that Lovelady has had to remain at UCF since he became the Knights head coach in July 2016.
The Jaguars can move forward on building a $120 million football complex after the Jacksonville City Council unanimously agreed in a lightning-fast vote Tuesday to pay up to $60 million of the cost.

In The News.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is asking residents to conserve water because liquid oxygen, used to treat the community's water supply, is needed to treat the surge of Covid-19 patients in the community. To reduce demand, the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) asked customers to immediately limit watering their lawns and landscapes, take short showers, repair leaking faucets and toilets, stop washing their vehicles and performing "non-critical activities."
Check out this first look at the new France pavilion expansion in Epcot, which is currently open for cast previews.
With its autonomous shuttles, smart windows and voice-activated room controls, the Lake Nona Wave Hotel in Orlando may well be the hotel of the future - today - when it opens its doors this fall.
A recent article in Condé Nast Traveler spotlighted 21 of the best restaurants in Orlando. How many have you been to?
According to the Orlando Business Journal, another deal is in the works between developer Tavistock and the Walt Disney Company. This project could become an age-restricted community in Orlando’s Lake Nona area.
Creative City Project is preparing for its upcoming three-day art festival, Immerse, this October, but they will be launching an early activation that’s all about being happy. Joybox, which is sponsored by Orlando Health, will launch on Sept. 17 and run through the end of Immerse on Oct. 17.

Fun & Games.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PAST ISSUES OF THE IMPACT UPDATE