Impact Update for Thursday, March 25
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
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.”

– Dolly Parton
American Singer-Songwriter

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 40
  • 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.
  • 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. 
  • 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 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 announced it will begin accepting applications on Thursday, April 8 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.


Stay Engaged.



“It was invaluable. To have the opening and closing and beauty shots looking at the Disney campus, the impressions that were generated… The amount of media attention that we earned as an organic outcome of hosting so many of these events was so positive, it set the tone for our community and the state of Florida.”

-Jason Siegel, President & CEO
Greater Orlando Sports Commission
When asked about the value of the media exposure Orlando saw from the NBA & MLS Bubbles at ESPN Wide World of Sports

See Sports Travel Magazine story below...

Around The Horn.

In The News.


Fun & Games.