Greater Orlando Sports Commission - Impact Update powered by Withum

Impact Update for Thursday, March 11

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

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

– John C. Maxwell

American Author and Speaker

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:
COVID-19 vaccination appointments are available at the Orange County Convention Center for any of the individuals listed below. 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.
Florida residents or part-time residents over the age of 65
Educator or staff members at a school/college, including licensed childcare providers (any age)
Sworn law enforcement officers or firefighter (any age)
Health care workers with direct patient contact (any age)
Veterans (any age)
Extremely medically vulnerable/high-risk (any age)
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.
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 March 31, 2021.
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:
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.
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 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.

Harry P. Leu Gardens will host their annual spring plant sale this weekend, March 13-14. Guests will enjoy free admission to the gardens all weekend while shopping with over 40 growers and vendors. Donations will be accepted to help offset the costs of the event.
Orlando Magic fans are invited to participate virtually in the inaugural Orlando Magic 5k and Kids' Run presented by AdventHealth! Join the community of Magic fans known as the team's Sixth Man, and be part of “Magic Together” as we walk or run for a good cause.
The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (AACCCF) and Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts are proud to present the 2021 Eagle Awards on March 25. Though unable to gather in person, they will still celebrate small businesses and entrepreneurs who are enduring challenging times and have made quick adjustments to keep their businesses running.
The Orlando Philharmonic is set to host this year’s Spring Pops event on Sunday, March 14 in Central Park. The "Master of the Movies" concert will feature a variety of music from memorable films. Admission is free, however, guests are required to reserve a 10×10 socially distanced pod prior to the event.
Take a sneak peek at the decorations that will transform Cinderella Castle for Disney World’s 50th anniversary! Cast members are hard at work to build jewels, ribbons, and more with a unique paint finish to celebrate the occasion.
Spring Break is coming up for Orange and Seminole County Schools. Here are some ideas to keep the kiddos busy:
Test their survival skills at an out-of-this-world Orlando Science Center exhibit that showcases what it would take to survive on another planet.
Let your child's imagination shine at these Spring Break camps hosted by the Orlando Rep. There are in-person and online options so your child can take center stage from anywhere!
The Orange County Library System always has a jam-packed calendar of events and Spring Break is no different! Events include everything from a St. Patrick's Day-themed science lab to a stop motion movie workshop.
The Orlando Museum of Art will be saying goodbye to winter and hello to spring at their four-day floral fundraiser, Art in Bloom, on March 25-28. Visitors can expect plenty of flower arrangements, a Bourbon and Blooms opening night reception, an outdoors farmers' market and more.
Central Florida's newest Farmer's Market will take place every Saturday from 9am - 2pm at Barker Park, in the West Lakes community. The resident-run market features fresh produce, prepared foods and other must-have items from locally-owned businesses. Learn more!
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.

“It is a privilege to be part of the Rollins family. I enjoy serving the student-athletes, coaches, faculty and staff, and continuing to enhance the tradition of academic and athletic success at the College.”

-Pennie Parker, Director of Athletics

Rollins College

See Parker story below...

Around The Horn.

The Greater Orlando Sports Commission recently shared our 2020 Report to the Community. Read the full report here, and check out a few of our other marketing videos and past reports here!
Congratulations to Rollins College Director of Athletics Pennie Parker, who was just named a 2021 National Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.
The Lakeland Magic will take on the Delaware Blue Coats in the NBA G-League Finals championship game today at 4:30pm EST on ESPN2.
The National Gymnastics Association (NGA) announced they will host their first annual National Gymnastics Festival at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort on June 9-13, 2021.
It’s official: Orlando City opens the 2021 MLS regular season on Saturday, April 17 at 3pm against Atlanta United at Exploria Stadium. The Lions have never lost on opening day, going unbeaten in six straight home openers.
The Orlando Magic begin the second half of their schedule with a road back-to-back against the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs.
The LPGA's Symetra Tour announced the return of the second annual Mission Inn Resort and Club Championship at Mission Inn Resort and Club in Howey-In-The-Hills, Fla. from May 28-30.
Johnny Dawkins is back in Texas with sixth-seeded UCF Men's Basketball set to take on No. 11 East Carolina in the first-round of the AAC Men's Basketball tournament.
With the Orlando Pride’s four-game NWSL Challenge Cup schedule now available, the club has announced that it will allow fans to the team’s two home games at Exploria Stadium, which will operate at a reduced capacity for the tournament.
No. 2 seed UCF rolled over No. 3 Houston 61-39 in last night's AAC Women's Basketball semifinal. The Knights will now take on USF in the AAC Championship Game tonight in Fort Worth, Texas.
Do you have a special hero in your life? Honor them by nominating them to be a Hometown Hero at an upcoming Solar Bears game!
Florida’s traditional triathlon season gets underway this Saturday, March 13, with two of Florida’s longest running triathlons - the 38th Annual Great Clermont Triathlon and the 37th Annual Florida Challenge Triathlon - combined into one spectacular day of racing at Clermont’s Waterfront Park in Lake County.
Toronto FC will make Florida their home base for the start of the 2021 MLS season. The club will use the facilities at the Omni Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando for training and could play their home matches in both Orlando and Tampa, depending on the MLS schedule dates.
From the Wall Street Journal: He’s Usually Preparing for a Marathon. Instead, He’s Getting People Vaccinated. How Dave McGillivray, legendary road race organizer of the Boston Marathon, pivoted from racing to getting shots in arms.
With her fourth Grand Slam win last month, Naomi Osaka is showing strong form ahead of her Olympic debut on home soil. The Olympic Channel spoke with the Japanese tennis star about the importance of strong female role models and gender equality at Tokyo 2020.
The National Hockey League will return to ESPN after a 17-year hiatus starting with the 2021–2022 season as part of a seven-year broadcasting agreement that will see four Stanley Cup finals over the length of the partnership on ABC as well as more than 1,000 games per season streaming on ESPN Plus.
Global esports revenue is expected to hit almost $1.1 billion by the end of the year, according to Newzoo. Juniper Research expects the global esports and game streaming industry to reach $3.5 billion by 2025.
Fresh off his win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Bryson DeChambeau aims to overpower TPC Sawgrass during this week's Players Championship.
Women’s basketball fans will have the opportunity to be represented at the NCAA Women’s Final Four in San Antonio as part of a new fan cutout program that will support several causes. All proceeds from the cutout program will benefit three nonprofits: the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, the Pat Summitt Foundation, and the San Antonio Food Bank.
The Texas Rangers announced plans to open Globe Life Field to its full capacity of 40,518 for the team’s final two exhibitions of spring training and the home opener on April 5.
Looking back, Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic couldn't believe what was happening as the NBA shut down its season amid the coronavirus pandemic one year ago.

In The News.

Two federal COVID-19 vaccination sites will open this week and next. Barnett Park is open now through Saturday, March 13. Econ Park will open on Sunday, March 14 and run through Wednesday, March 17.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that after the state eventually drops the vaccine eligibility age to 55, the next step will be opening appointments up to all Floridians.
Congratulations to CareerSource Central Florida CEO Pamela Nabors for receiving the 2021 Women's Inspired Leadership Spirit of Progress Award from i4 Business Magazine.
An official grand opening has been set for Friday, March 12 at 10am for the new Jacqueline Bradley and Clarence Otis Family Branch Boys and Girls Club. The new 30,000 SF facility is the largest Boys and Girls Club in Central Florida and is expected to serve more than 250 children between the ages of 6 and 18 every day.
Orlando Regional Chamber Vice President Jo Newell shared with Spectrum News 13 how the BRACE program has assisted roughly 600 business with fewer than 20 employees navigate the complexities of applying for federal aid.
Big Storm Brewery opened in the Amway Center with a ribbon cutting event hosted by Mayor Dyer. With four taprooms open in the Sunshine State since its founding in 2012, Big Storm Brewery is a leader in the craft beer industry and has developed a dynamic lineup of Florida favorites.
For many decades, theme park and resort design was largely seen as a boy’s club, but this was never the case for Disney’s Imagineering. Some extremely gifted female Imagineers were among the first generation recruited by Walt Disney.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida handed out hundreds of pounds of food in Altamonte Springs using a brand-new refrigerated truck donated by Darden Restaurants. Donated back in January, the truck made its first delivery this week.
The City Beautiful is listed as No. 29 on Livability’s list of Top 100 Best Places To Live for 2020.
Adjacent to the UCF College of Medicine, the new UCF Lake Nona Medical Center teaching hospital provides 24/7 emergency care and comprehensive inpatient and outpatient hospital services.
The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando has announced its intention to host this year’s annual Paws in the Park event on Saturday, May 8 at Lake Eola Park.
In cooperation with the Downtown Arts District, the Avrio Foundation, an arm of the Downtown Orlando Partnership, will reveal a new mural this evening at 39 S. Magnolia Avenue, in the CityArts Courtyard.
Walt Disney World reopened one of its two water parks on Sunday, welcoming guests into Blizzard Beach for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic shut them down in 2020.
From Orlando Weekly: As vaccines give us hope for the end of pandemic lockdown, restaurants look at ways to retain outdoor dining options.
Betty, a 1-year-old pet treefrog from Orlando, beat out thousands of other animals to become a top 10 finalist in Cadbury's search for their 2021 Easter Bunny. Cast your vote here to help her (and her UCF graduate student owner) win!

Fun & Games.

UCF Football's new recruiting video is giving us all the feels
Orlando City is counting down the days until April 17
The Orlando Solar Bears are on a 5-game winning streak

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