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Impact Update for Thursday, June 3

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

“The greatness of a man is not how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.”

– Bob Marley

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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.

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
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 Downtown Development Board (DDB) and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) created a webpage to assist with identifying incentives that may be available to downtown businesses.
Park DTO will end on June 13, 2021. The program was established in May of last year to increase visitation and spending in downtown Orlando by temporarily funding parking costs. The program was originally scheduled to end on September 1, 2020, or once allocated funding was expended, whichever occurred sooner. Click here to learn more about Park DTO.
Orange County Updates:
COVID-19 vaccinations are still available at Barnett Park. The site will be closed Monday, May 31st in observance of Memorial Day. Any individual age 12 and up is eligible. For ages 12 through 17, a parent or guardian must register them for the appointment and be present during their vaccination. Please visit here for additional information.
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 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 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:
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. 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 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.
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.

Watch Mayor Demings’ 2021 State of Orange County address on Friday June 4 at 9 am. The address will stream LIVE on Orange TV’s YouTube channel, Orange TV's Vimeo channel, and Orange County Government's Facebook Page for everyone to view. For more information, visit ocfl.net/SOC.
This weekend is the 2021 Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday. Shop tax-free on certain items through Sunday June 6, as you prepare for hurricane season now. Check out a complete list of qualifying items provided by the Florida Department of Revenue.
onePULSE Foundation Five-Year Pulse Remembrance Week begins this Saturday, June 5th with the CommUNITY Rainbow Run and ends on June 12th with an Annual Remembrance Ceremony. Join them for a variety of community-wide activities all week. https://bit.ly/34bCnvN
SilverSpurs Rodeo is back at Osceola Heritage Park! Buy tickets for this weekend's event here.
Join Mills 50 District as they celebrate Pride Month by wearing their "Love Wins" t-shirt! The shirts are available in adult and children's sizes- in black or white. Shipping is included in the price. Order yours at: bit.ly/LOVEWINSMILLS50
Celebrate the Summer Olympics at Universal Studios! A new nighttime show featuring US athletes competing in the Tokyo Olympics will air before the parks Cinematic Celebration. In addition Olympics-themed food tents that have popped up by the Music Plaza Stage, featuring Japanese fare.
Fireworks at the Fountain is back! The annual free event will be hosted July 4th at Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando and broadcasted live on ClickOrlando.com. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and a 20-minute fireworks finale.
You can now purchase single match tickets for the remainder of Orlando City SC 2021 season.
SeaWorld Orlando's Electric Ocean returns for 2021! The night-time special event will operate Friday – Sunday to start, and then begin daily operations June 18th – August 8th.
Walt Disney World' s Boo Bash tickets will go on sale June 15th. Read more about the Halloween-themed spectacular here.
Orlando Business Journal is now accepting nominations for the 2021 CEOs of the Year . Nominations are due by June 24th.
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.
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 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 so happy to be able to bring such a powerful international lineup to Orlando as we connect Europe and South America once again at this summer’s event. We look forward to delivering an outstanding training experience for our participating clubs, while also providing an exciting week of action and entertainment to local fans and club supporters in Central Florida for the festivities.”

-Ricardo Villar, Florida Cup CEO

See 2021 Florida Cup story below...

Around The Horn.

The 2021 Florida Cup returns to Camping World Stadium July 25 and July 28. The international line up includes Arsenal FC, Everton FC, Inter Milan, and Millonarios FC.
WWE resumes live event touring with a 21-city tour through Labor Day. WWE Raw will return to the Amway Center on August 9, 2021. Tickets go on sale Friday June 11 at 10 am EST.
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission announced 52 finalists from 33 organizations for the 2021 SPORTYS: Greater Orlando's Night of Champions presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. Click here to view the complete list of finalists by category, and watch the broadcast on Saturday, June 19 to find out who will take home the hardware!
Sport Climbing is one of the new sports to watch at the Tokyo 2020 Games next month. Read up on the Top Five Things to Know for the competition and the world's best climbers, vying to become the first Olympic champion.
Duke University's Men's Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski 'Coach K' to retire after the 2021/2022 season. Coach K has been with the athletic program since 1980.
June marked the return of NCAA Recruiting, after a 15 month-dead period in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The NFL will no longer have physical tickets for their games. They made the temporary switch to limit person to person contact during the coronavirus pandemic and plan to continue with the mobile ticketing format.
The French Open continues through June 13. Keep up with the latest news around the tournament.
Helio Castroneves wins the Indy500 making him a four-time winner of America’s biggest motor race.

In The News.

The City of Orlando has partnered with Solar United Neighbors to create a Co-op for city residents, and encourage expansion of rooftop solar projects in support of clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals. Sign up for the co-op here.
Orlando ranks among the top emerging markets for life sciences companies and investors.
5 Crystal Lagoons are planned to open in Greater Orlando, creating a new themed water-experience. Locations are slated for Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Sumter counties.
Clermont is getting a Costco, creating temporary construction jobs and more than 300 jobs once completed.
TogetherHealth is opening a new office in Lake Mary, with plans to hire 300 new employees over the next three years.
Avianca Airlines out of Colombia will begin direct flight services from Orlando International Airport to Cali, Colombia.
Orlando ranks among top 50 cities for Hipsters.

Fun & Games.

Friday, June 4 is National Doughnut Day - check out this Foodie article on the best doughnut spots in town.
Mills District has a new mural! Designed by local artist Kim Murphy, in collaboration with One Orlando Alliance, the mural is a tribute to those who were lost in the Pulse shooting five years ago this month. The mural is located on the side of The Center Orlando, 946 N Mills.

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