Impact Update for Thursday, December 17
|
|
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
|
|
“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.”
– Wilma Rudolph
1960 Olympic Gold Medalist, USA Track & Field
|
|
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.
-
The City of Orlando's CRA has also created the Small Business Rental Assistance Program in partnership with the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP). This program allows eligible small businesses in downtown to apply for a rent subsidy for up to $5,000 per month for a maximum of $30,000 per business. Businesses must have been in operation for at least one year as of Oct. 5, 2020, in a physical commercial location with sales of goods or services within the Area (online-only / home-based businesses not eligible).
-
The Downtown Development Board (DDB) Special Event Funding program will now provide up to $3,000 to qualifying downtown businesses to support reopening marketing efforts. Apply for funding here.
-
Park DTO has been extended through Feb. 1, 2021! Patrons can enjoy FREE parking in metered 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 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.
-
To assist low-income Orange County residents with spay/neuter costs, Orange County Animal Services announced a new voucher program making these free services available. Click here for program details and to obtain a voucher for a free spay or neuter service visit.
-
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.
-
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:
-
The CDC will shorten guidance for quarantining after COVID-19 exposure to 10 days, or seven days with a negative test.
-
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 launched the Small Business Assistance Fund, which provides up to $2,500 in utility assistance for small businesses facing financial hardship due to COVID-19. Aid will be in the form of a credit adjustment on your next OUC bill. Click here for more information and to apply.
-
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 from a total pool of $65,000 to develop tech-focused events that unite the local tech workforce and community.
Stay Engaged.
-
As with many other charitable groups this year, Covid-19 has presented challenges for New Hope for Kids' annual toy drive. If you're in a position to give this holiday season, NHFK is seeking additional toy donations to help fulfill wishes of local children. You can drop items off in person, or ship the items directly to NHFK to arrive by this Saturday, Dec. 19.
-
"Picture Perfect Holidays" is a free community event in the Curry Ford West district (Dec. 12-27) that features 5 family-friendly photo areas to celebrate the holiday season on a walkable path. Click here for the map and more info!
-
The annual Oh, What Fun! holiday festival will transform the Lake Nona Town Center into a winter wonderland on select evenings through Dec. 27. Join them for nightly entertainment, outdoor skating, snow, dazzling decorations, festive treats, and one-of-a-kind performances that are sure to spread a little holiday cheer!
-
Orlando Science Center is gearing up for another Kids Night at the Museum, this Saturday, Dec. 19. Youth ages 5 to 12 years old are invited to explore exhibits, experience enhanced programming, and enjoy dinner and a film in age-appropriate small groups to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
-
Kennedy Space Center has created a virtual camp experience to keep kids learning (and having fun) this holiday break. For $65, each participating family will receive a supply pack, a list of needed materials and a Zoom link. Join your kids on an adventure in STEM that they won’t have to leave the house for!
-
With small businesses serving as the backbone of our economy, it is critical to continue to advocate for and support them this holiday season by shopping small. For some retail inspiration, Bungalower has provided an interactive map of local retailers to support this season.
-
The Orange County Regional History Center is hosting an auction featuring one-of-a-kind "Epic Experiences" and gifts you won’t be able to find anywhere else this holiday season, such as behind-the-scenes tours and personal photo preservation.
-
Orlando’s Main Streets are committed to joy this season, moving forward with their normal events and even adding to the list (with safety measures in place, of course.) Find out what’s happening in your neighborhood this winter!
-
The Dazzling Nights holiday event features lights, music, and interactive elements to complete the transformation of the 50-acre, Harry P. Leu Gardens into a stunning holiday wonderland, now through Jan. 3, 2021.
-
Join Give Kids the World for Night of a Million Lights now through Jan. 3 and bask in the glow of more than three million lights while you explore the storybook world that has been the setting of dreams come true for critically ill children and their families for more than 30 years. Here's a preview from the Orlando Sentinel.
-
The fifth annual Orlando Fringe Winter Mini-Fest will be held January 7-10, 2021 featuring online streamed events, live performances, virtual kids fringe and socially distanced hangouts. Click here to learn more about the shows and ticket options!
-
Universal Orlando’s current ticket specials include getting three days free with the purchase of two days, or saving 40% or more off a hotel and ticket package.
-
Florida Residents can save up to 35% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels this fall and Holiday Season.
“I know our guys are looking forward to it. It’s been a long time and we wish our fans could be there, but hopefully, if we play the way I feel that we’re capable of, maybe later in the year we’ll get more people in there.”
-Orlando Magic Head Coach Steve Clifford
Speaking about the Magic's first home game at Amway Center
See Orlando Magic story below...
Around The Horn.
-
For the first time in nearly 9 1/2 months, there will be basketball at Amway Center. The Orlando Magic host their first preseason home game Thursday night against the Charlotte Hornets. The game tips off at 7pm on Fox Sports Florida.
-
LAFC is the final MLS team standing in the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League after the quarterfinals of the tournament concluded last night at Exploria Stadium, nine months after the tournament originally started. Tune in for the semifinal matches on Saturday, Dec. 19!
-
Congratulations to GO Sports Board members, Full Sail University's Garry Jones and Orlando City SC's Alex Leitao, and also to Alex Martins of the Orlando Magic, who were all honored as i4 Business Magazine 2020 Business Leaders of the Year.
-
Another set of congratulations go out to Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride, who were named to Front Office Sports' 2020 list of Best Employers in Sports. Only 25 organizations - the top 5% - received this recognition.
-
And a final congrats to the four local high schools who are advancing to the FHSAA Football Championships in Tallahassee this weekend: Edgewater HS, Lake Minneola HS, Osceola HS, and Seminole HS. Best of luck to all of the teams in their final game this season! Click here for the full schedule and streaming info.
-
Orlando Solar Bears single game tickets for the 2020-21 season are now on sale! Click here to purchase yours today.
-
UCF turned its focus to defense during early National Signing Day, with the Knights signing their top defensive back and linebacker prospects.
-
Members from the Orlando Magic surprised the Taft Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida with a $10,000 donation as well as electronics for their new teen lounge.
-
The NCAA is in preliminary talks with San Antonio to serve as the sole host for the 2021 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.
-
Major League Soccer saw gains for the 2020 MLS Cup. The Columbus Crew’s victory saw a 30% rise on FOX, delivering 1,071,000 viewers to the broadcast channel to rank as the third most-viewed MLS Cup on English language since 2010.
-
Stanford’s Tara VanDerveer became the winningest women’s basketball coach earlier this week, passing the late Pat Summitt with her 1,099th victory.
-
CBS Sports and Nickelodeon are teaming up for the NFL Wild Card Game on Nickelodeon, a special slime-filled telecast tailored for family fun that will air alongside CBS Sports’ broadcast of the game on Sunday, Jan. 10.
-
The ACC has named Northwestern athletic director Jim Phillips as its next commissioner. Phillips will replace John Swofford, the longest-tenured commissioner in conference history at 24 years.
-
ESPN's X Games Aspen, scheduled for January 29-31 at Buttermilk Mountain in Colorado, will be closed to the public.
-
The Tampa Bay Super Bowl Host Committee and Port Tampa Bay leaders are exploring options to host Super Bowl-related events leading up to the game at the port's terminals and outdoor areas.
-
As the NBA season begins and COVID-19 cases increase, it likely will be harder to keep social justice issues front of mind, but San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich told David Aldridge of The Athletic that NBA players, coaches, GMs and owners "will not let this go."
-
Orlando City fans, the wait for a team license plate is almost over, but they need your help! In order for the new license plates to be manufactured, the DMV requires a minimum of 3,000 pre-sale orders. You can purchase your pre-sale voucher now for just $25 plus taxes and fees - click here to learn more!
|
|
In The News.
Fun & Games.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|