Impact Update for Thursday, May 13
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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
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“Sportsmanship for me is when a guy walks off the court and you really can’t tell whether he won or lost, when he carries himself with pride either way.”
– Jim Courier
American Pro Tennis Player / Tennis Channel Analyst
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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.
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Visit these pages for the most critical local health and government updates, as well as COVID-19 Testing Site Locations:
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City of Orlando: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
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Orange County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
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Osceola County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
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Lake County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
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Seminole County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites
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The FDA is expected to authorize the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12-15 by next week.
- City of Orlando Updates:
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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.
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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:
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COVID-19 vaccination appointments are still available at the Orange County Convention Center. Any individual age 16 and up is eligible. For ages 16 and 17, a parent or guardian must register them for the appointment and be present during their vaccination. Please visit ocfl.net/Vaccine for additional information and to make an appointment. If you experience issues booking an appointment online, dial 305-351-9531 or send an email to covid19support@cdrmhealth.com. Residents are urged to cancel any unwanted COVID-19 vaccination appointments to allow others in the community to schedule appointments and help ensure no vaccine doses are left unused.
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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.
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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 May 31, 2021.
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Orange County Government is now continuously providing a convenient, drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site at Barnett Park. This site is open seven days a week, 9am-5pm for walk-ups only. Pre-registration is recommended in order to save time onsite. Click here for more information.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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
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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.
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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.
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Covering Central Florida offers health coverage and a Special Enrollment Period for individuals who have been laid off related to COVID-19.
- Additional Resources:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The African American Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Enterprise, Inc. to present an 11 session webinar series designed to educate minority and small businesses regarding information integral to growth and success. Each 1 hour long session will provide small business owners, staff and team members who support them with the resources needed to create, maintain and grow a successful business. Sessions are running now through August 25, 2021.
Stay Engaged.
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Registration is now open for the Fifth Annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run & CommUNITY Festival! The race is scheduled for Saturday, June 5 and benefits the National Pulse Memorial and Museum and onePULSE Foundation.
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Dress for Success Greater Orlando is now offering free, no-referral interview suiting appointments for all women during the month of May. Interested women can book an appointment and receive a free suit, handbag, pair of shoes, and jewelry to be their best selves before starting a new job.
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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.
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Orlando Fringe has launched a new "Party Pods" program to help encourage social distancing for VIPs at this year’s festival in Loch Haven Park.
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The City of Orlando, in partnership with United Arts of Central Florida, is looking to appoint Orlando’s next Poet Laureate. The role is a ceremonial appointment serving as a fixture in the city’s cultural, literary, and visual art programming where they’ll present original works of poetry.
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The Colonialtown Neighborhood Association will be hosting a free concert event on the front porch of neighborhood homes. Porch Stock 2021 will feature live bands on the front steps of four homes on the evening of Saturday, May 22.
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Gatorland is reviving its Gatorpalooza Fun Fest as a two-day event on May 15-16. Gatorpalooza will feature live music, artisans, craft vendors, expanded food offerings, games, appearances by the Gatorland Vlog Team and more.
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SeaWorld Orlando’s Viva La Musica event, celebrating Latin culture and entertainment, will run on Saturdays and Sundays May 15-May 23.
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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.
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Florida residents can visit 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.
“We are extremely pleased to confirm the schedule and venues for this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup, which promises to be a celebration of football in our great region.”
-Victor Montagliani, Concacaf President & FIFA Vice President
See 2021 Gold Cup story below...
Around The Horn.
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This summer’s 2021 Gold Cup, the 16th edition of the competition and a key part of Concacaf’s 60th anniversary celebration, will see Orlando's Exploria Stadium host six matches (June 12, 16 & 20, 2021), joining 10 other stadiums across eight US metropolitan areas in hosting the tournament.
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The Orlando Magic are focused on sustaining play as they face the surging Atlanta Hawks, and inch closer to higher lottery odds.
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Orlando City owner Flávio Augusto da Silva has sold Orlando City, Orlando Pride, and Exploria Stadium to the Minnesota Vikings owners.
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After a years-long production, the life story of NBA Legend John Starks, “Keep Shooting,” will premiere live at the second annual Orlando International Film Festival (OIFF) on May 25, 2021.
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Lake County and the City of Clermont will host the 2021 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Softball State Championships beginning Tuesday, May 18 and running through May 22.
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New UCF coach Gus Malzahn has landed another high-profile commitment from the transfer portal, this time from former Notre Dame receiver Jordan Johnson.
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On Monday, Russell Westbrook’s 28-point, 13-rebound and 21-assist performance against the Hawks marked the 182nd triple-double of his career, surpassing Oscar Robertson for the most in the NBA history.
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The defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers will help kick off the 2021 NFL season against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Sept. 9, and QB Tom Brady gets to face his old team, the New England Patriots, on Oct. 3.
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Apopka’s Petey Vergos now has a college bowling national championship to go with the stack of state titles he won as a record-setting high school bowler.
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American Athletic Conference commissioner Mike Aresco is hopeful that with rising vaccination among the public that we could have full stadiums this upcoming football season.
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Lionel Messi and Barcelona are already negotiating a new contract for the team’s captain and star player, according to a recent report.
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The WNBA’s 25th season tips off Friday with plenty of changes — including Candace Parker joining the Chicago Sky. Here’s what to expect.
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From the Orlando Sentinel: The horse racing world grapples with doping controversy centered on its biggest star, Bob Baffert.
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In The News.
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KPMG, one of the world’s largest audit, tax and advisory service organizations, has doubled down on its investment in Orlando, announcing plans to bring 350 jobs, with plans for more in the future, to its “National Capability Center” in Lake Nona.
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The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation, for a second straight year, to designate the Pulse nightclub as a national memorial.
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From the Orlando Sentinel: ‘Some sense of normalcy’- The class of 2021 readies for high school graduations.
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Established in 1992, the Orlando Fringe International Theatre Festival returns to Loch Haven Park, north of downtown, this month with a 30-year celebration. Here's what is new as the Fringe hits the big 3-0.
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A Central Florida “spring tradition” will return after a 14-month delay as the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is back on May 14-16 with tents full of paintings, photography, woodwork, jewelry and more on Park Avenue.
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Following its sold-out Miami debut in February 2020, the Vibra Urbana Music Festival is coming to Orlando this summer for two days of reggaeton and Latin music outdoors.
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The City of Orlando’s Main Street Program could be getting a new addition in the near future if approved by City Council at an upcoming meeting on May 17.
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U.S. airfares for travel four weeks out increased 63.5% in the beginning of May compared to one week prior, per a report from Raymond James. Fares are currently averaging $25-$50 below 2019 levels.
Fun & Games.
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