Impact Update for Thursday, February 18
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 and programming options listed below.

Jason Siegel
President & CEO
Greater Orlando Sports Commission
“Good leadership requires you to surround yourself with people of diverse perspectives who can disagree with you without fear of retaliation.”

– Doris Kearns Goodwin
American Biographer

Local Resources.

  • Visit these pages for the most critical local health and government updates, as well as COVID-19 Testing Site Locations:
  • City of Orlando: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
  • Orange County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
  • Osceola County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
  • Lake County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
  • Seminole County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
  • Facial Coverings Executive Orders are still in effect for both Orange County and Seminole County, as this protective measure prevents the spread of COVID-19.
  • City of Orlando Updates:
  • 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.
  • Park DTO has been extended through Sept. 1, 2021! Patrons can enjoy FREE parking in on-street spaces and inside specific City of Orlando garages while dining and shopping in Downtown Orlando. Click here to learn more about Park DTO. Eligible business owners can click here to apply for parking validations to provide to your patrons.
  • Orange County Updates:
  • Orange County’s COVID-19 Eviction Diversion Program will close on Friday, Feb. 19 at 6pm. Applications will still be processed after Feb. 19, but no new applications will be accepted past this deadline. For more information, visit ocfl.net/EvictionDiversion. Since the program’s launch in 2020, the program has provided over $11 million dollars in assistance and helped over 3,600 individuals and families stay in their homes.
  • The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) reopened online registration for COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals who are 65+ years old. Please visit ocfl.net/Vaccine for additional information and to make an appointment. Individuals experiencing issues booking an appointment online can dial 305-351-9531 or send an email to covid19support@cdrmhealth.com.
  • Residents are urged to cancel any unwanted COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Cancelling unwanted appointments allows for others in the community to schedule an appointment, while also ensuring no vaccine doses are left unused.
  • Orange County Health Services announced that free testing at Barnett Park has been extended and will remain open from 9am-5pm seven days per week through February 28, 2021.
  • Orange County is slated to launch a new Emergency Rental Assistance Program on March 1. The new Emergency Rental Program has more than $33 million in federal funds to help with rent assistance for predominantly low-income and qualified residents. Program details and updates will be posted at ocfl.net/EmergencyRentalAssistance.
  • Orange County Government is partnering with CareerSource Central Florida and Valencia College to offer a variety of short-term, vocational training courses at the Orange County Convention Center. Residents can apply for tuition assistance through CareerSource Central Florida’s “Help is Here” grant program.
  • 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 closed, but check the website regularly for updates as the application program may re-open in the coming weeks.
  • Orange County Health Services Department is providing free flu vaccinations. Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during a pandemic because it can save resources for the care of patients with COVID-19. Click here to book an appointment.
  • 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. 
  • Osceola County Updates:
  • After receiving $3.2 million in funding from the Federal CARES Act, Osceola County is expanding their program to help small businesses throughout the county, including the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud. Visit WeveOpenedSafely.com for more information and to apply.
  • The Osceola County Board of County Commissioners has launched the new Commercial Utilities Assistance Program to help businesses impacted by COVID-19 to meet utility payments. The one-time grant is designed to work seamlessly with Toho Water Authority, KUA, and Duke Energy and will provide assistance to current Small and Large commercial utility clients in good standing prior to March 1, but are now 30 days or more past due.
  • 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:
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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:
  • Orlando Health has a website specifically designed for those in the business community returning to normal operations. 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 as they reopen. 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.
  • OneBlood is testing all blood donations for the COVID-19 antibody. The test is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the virus, regardless of whether they ever showed symptoms. Appointments to donate are required. Click here for more information.
  • The Orlando Technology Community Support Grant Program expands the City of Orlando’s continued commitment to creating an environment for entrepreneurship as a critical component of the region’s innovation ecosystem. Organizations and companies are invited to apply for lump sum, matching grants of up to $10,000 to develop tech-focused events that unite the local tech workforce and community. 
  • 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.


Stay Engaged.

  • WISE Greater Orlando has partnered with US Soccer and their #SheBelieves program to host a free virtual workshop on Monday, Feb. 22 at Noon. Register now for the interactive session on pursuing career goals and building confidence.
  • Looking for career advice? Orlando Business Journal's annual (and this year, virtual) BizWomen Mentoring Monday on Feb. 22 is your chance to get it from more than 30 local mentors. 
  • On Thursday, March 4, join Executive Director Thomas C. Chatmon Jr. and the Downtown Development Board for a virtual panel on the state of empowerment and growth of African American entrepreneurs. Click here to register now!
  • Leu Gardens is hosting its popular Dinosaur Invasion exhibit that features life-sized dinosaur sculptures now through April 18. The exhibit features 20 dinosaur installations, and guests will be given a treasure hunt map to guide them during their visit to find all of the critters lurking in the bushes.
  • Bungalower has a new interactive map of restaurants with patios and outdoor dining spaces across Orlando.
  • Grab a mimosa and sing your heart out at this new dueling pianos sing-along brunch that's coming to The Boathouse at Disney Springs.
  • Disney's Animal Kingdom is adding new experiences based on the movie Raya and the Last Dragon, including a 40 ton sand sculpture. 
  • 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.
  • Florida residents can get their new year off to a magical start with a visit to the 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.


“I’m thrilled to be the head coach at UCF, and I’m truly looking forward to being part of Knight Nation. It’s exciting to be head of a program where the future is extremely bright. I will be hitting the ground running in terms of getting to know our team and everyone else connected with UCF. Our goal is to be ready to win championships.”

-Gus Malzahn, Head Football Coach
UCF Knights
See Malzahn story below...

Around The Horn.

In The News.


Fun & Games.