“There’s an old saying, ‘Never forget where you came from,’...This is where it all started. All the good and the bad and the trials and tribulations — everything I endured, everything I learned — it all started here.”

- Shaquille O'Neal

NBA Hall of Famer and former

Orlando Magic player

Around The Horn.

• The Orlando Magic retired Shaquille O'Neal's #32 jersey on Tuesday night for the first time in franchise history. O'Neal spent his first four seasons with the Magic and led them to their first Finals appearance. Shaq now joins Pete Maravich and Wilt Chamberlain as the only NBA players in history to have three different teams retire their jersey.
• The NBA trade deadline was last week, and the Orlando Magic are one of three teams across the league to not make a move for this season. Jeff Weltman, President of Basketball Operations, told the media this decision was based on both the present and future of the franchise while also being aware of all the work they have done in the past to reach this point. The Magic will look to close out the remaining 30 games of the season with the group they currently have on the roster.
• UCF's Ricky Barber has decided to return to the Knights for his final season of eligibility. Barber plays as a defensive tackle and battled various injuries for much of last season, leading him to record career-low numbers in sacks, tackles, and tackles for loss. However, Barber states he is eager to get back onto the field and show Knight nation how much he has to offer.
• Slovenian defender David Brekalo has signed a guaranteed contract with Orlando City that keeps him at the club through 2027; the Lions have an option on Brekalo in '28. He comes to Orlando after playing for the Norwegian team Viking FK, and the 25-year-old has made 185 appearances since turning pro in 2017.
• Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero will make his first All-Star appearance on Sunday as the second-year player was selected as a reserve for the Eastern Conference team. Banchero is averaging 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game as the Magic currently sit at 30-25 and are the eighth seed in the East.
• In nearly one month, the Orlando Pride will open the 2024 NWSL regular season on the road before making their debut at home. The Pride have announced their complete schedule which features 26 total matchups, with their first game March 16 at Racing Louisville and their first home opener coming six days later vs. Angel City.
• The Orlando Solar Bears will host the Worcester Railers on Sunday, Feb. 19 at the AdventHealth Arena in the Kia Center. This is one of the Solar Bears' few early games as the puck drop is scheduled for 12pm. Purchase your tickets to the game by clicking here.
• 15-time Major champion Tiger Woods announced he will tee it up this weekend as he committed to playing in the PGA Tour's Genesis Invitational. This will mark Woods' first appearance on Tour since the 2023 Masters which he withdrew from in the third round with an ankle injury.
• The 2023-2024 NFL season has concluded with the Kansas City Chiefs hoisting the Lombardi Trophy once again. The Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 this past Sunday and have now made history as one of eight franchises to win back-to-back Super Bowls.

Be a part of the magic of runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend. As a volunteer, you’d be supporting the runDisney® athletes and the presence of Make-A-Wish® Central & Northern Florida at Walt Disney World® Resort.

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In The News.

• Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom has announced their newest attraction, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, will welcome riders this summer. The attraction is replacing the long-tenured Splash Mountain and will finally bring the film "The Princess and the Frog" to the theme parks. The new water ride features a log-like vehicle that flows throughout the bayous of Louisiana and ends with a 50-foot drop.
• Dr. Phillips High School has been selected as one of only 31 schools nationwide to debut the new school version of Broadway's "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child." The award-winning play will hopefully draw much attention to the school and the production as they are located directly across from the looming Hogwarts towers present at Universal Studios Orlando. After a few test staging's by schools this spring, the official debut productions will take place around the country between Oct. 15 and Nov. 10.
• The third quarter of 2023 saw a record-number of visitors to Florida for the quarter, according to data given by Visit Florida. Although domestic visitors decreased compared to the numbers acquired in 2022, the number of overseas and Canadian visitors grew by 19.3% and 60.3%, respectively. To view more numbers and measure overall impact, click here.
• The wait is finally over as Universal Orlando has released information and pictures about their new Epic Universe theme park. The $1 billion-plus park will open sometime in the year 2025 and will debut with over 50 attractions, entertainment options, dining and shopping venues and more. Epic Universe will be the fourth local park for Universal Orlando and will be made up of five key themed areas based on well-known movies, books, and video games. To view the gallery of pictures and for more information, click here.
• The Florida Blue Foundation plans to give over $1 million to the University of Central Florida to boost healthcare education and services. The gift includes money for UCF's College of Medicine to expand opportunities for medical students and provide access to healthcare for more homeless people. For additional information about how the funding will be dispersed, click here.
• A new attraction appeared this morning at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom as baby elephant Corra made her debut. The 2-month-old African elephant skipped on to the savanna for the first time and could be seen scampering alongside her mother, playing with her food, and rolling around in the hay.
• Five Orlando restaurants have been added to the famous and iconic Michelin Guide, and the winners of the Michelin stars awards will be announced on April 18. The local restaurants were judged anonymously on five separate criteria revolving around flavor, presentation, quality, and consistency upon visits. To view the list of restaurants added and their locations, click here.
• Two local colleges, Seminole State College of Florida and Lake-Sumter State College, are each designing expansions tied to their campuses. Lake-Sumter has put out a bid process for the design of a 50,000 square-foot Workforce Development Center at their Leesburg campus, and Seminole State is focusing on a similar 76,129 square-foot workforce building. The pair of schools both received this funding from the Florida Legislature last year.

Stay Engaged.

• Sideline Wine & Dine presented by OAI on April 26 is a unique food and wine event on the west premium levels at Camping World Stadium, featuring fine wines, craft beers, and delectable dishes from dozens of local favorites. The event supports the Florida Citrus Sports Foundation, with proceeds benefiting the organization's continued K-8 educational efforts in the The Communities of West Lakes. Purchase your tickets for the event by clicking here.
• The City District Main Street is teaming up with the folks from Orlando Credit Union, Keep Orlando Beautiful, and Orlando Solar Bears to host a community clean-up event on Saturday, February 17. Volunteers can join in to pick up litter alongside Gertrude’s Walk and the Orange Avenue corridor in downtown Orlando, and in return for their hard work, they’ll get a free ticket to an upcoming Solar Bears game at the Kia Center.
• The 152nd Silver Spurs Rodeo will take place at Osceola Heritage Park this weekend from Feb. 15-18. The rodeo is celebrating 80 years of tradition honoring the region's agricultural history with cowboys on horseback and traditional rodeo events. This is the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi River, and visitors can witness bull riding, bareback horse riding, steer wrestling, team roping and more. For more information and ticket purchase, click here.
• There are numerous different Central Florida art listings between Feb. 16-24 that feature creative concepts and exclusive artwork. For the full list of galleries and the dates they will be open, click here.
• Keep Orlando Beautiful’s annual fundraiser and fashion show, Trash 2 Trends, is set to return on Wednesday, April 17, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The event features a runway of unique, up-cycled designs made from recycled and discarded materials, created by local artists and makers.
• Universal Studios Orlando has begun their famous Mardi Gras festivities and they will run nightly until its conclusion on April 7. The parade will take place throughout the Universal Studios park, and visitors can try to collect beads from the various different decorated floats. Mardi Gras activities are included with your Universal admission, and select food and beverage are available for purchase.
• SeaWorld Orlando is again offering their Fun Card pass for unlimited entry into their park until December 31, 2024, for $134.99. SeaWorld also has additional options that include entry into the Aquatica waterpark, and a silver or gold pass that comes with free parking, two free guest tickets, and no blackout dates.
• Florida residents can save up to $65 on select multi-day tickets at Universal Orlando theme parks when buying online. Click here for current offers.
• Florida residents can save big while visiting Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Click here to view the current list of special offers.

In The Community.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and wife Sarah were proud to host Orlando Magic forward Joe Ingles and his wife Renae at Orlando Business Journal's Business of Sports panel.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and members of the GO Sports team attended the Orlando Business Journal Business of Sports panel event. GO Sports is proud to be a presenting sponsor of this great event, and Jason Siegel moderated the panel discussion with sports leaders from around the community.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason moderated a panel discussion at Orlando Business Journal's Business of Sports luncheon, pictured with panelists Jessica Beers (Kissimmee Sports Commission), Ryan DeVos (Orlando Squeeze), Steve Hogan (Florida Citrus Sports), Allen Johnson (Orlando Venues), Terry Mohajir (UCF), and Danny Trosset (Seminole County).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel enjoyed an Orlando Magic game recently with advisory board member Justin Kinsey (West Lakes District).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel caught up with Mark Woodbury (Universal Destinations & Experiences), Max Siegel (USA Track & Field), and Maxwell Frost (Congressman, Florida 10th district) at the US Olympic Team Trials - Marathon athlete welcome reception.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel, Executive VP Jennifer Lastik, and Associate VPs Kyle Sturley and Chase DeMayo met with Andrew Metante (State Operations Manager, Florida Senator Marco Rubio) this week, who delivered a congratulations message for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon on behalf of Senator Rubio.

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the recent Hispanic Chamber Annual Luncheon, pictured with Pedro Turushina (Hispanic Chamber Metro Orlando).

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and wife Sarah Grafton attended the 2024 Love Your Library Annual Gala in support of the Winter Park library.

Corporate Partner Spotlight.

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Fun & Games.

• Orlando Sentinel Pictures: NFL Pro Bowl Games
• Orlando Sentinel Pictures: US Olympic Team Trials - Marathon