Impact Update for Thursday, June 23
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“There had to be legislation that opened the door and changed the mind-set. Because of Title IX, there is a Serena, there is a Simone Biles.”
-Dr. Courtney Flowers
Sports Management Professor
Texas Southern University
See Title IX story below...
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Quote of the Day.
"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do."
- Pele
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Around The Horn.
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From the New York Times: It took just 37 words to change the course of education for millions of women and girls in the United States. Yet the succinct language in Title IX, the landmark education law that was signed in 1972, has origins in even fewer characters.
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Sports leaders in the Orlando community are set to be honored at the 2022 SPORTYS. The 2022 SPORTYS presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute will air at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 on WKMG-TV News 6, which will once again honor sports business professionals and their impact to sports in the greater Orlando area.
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The Orlando Magic are on the clock for the NBA draft's No. 1 pick. Who should they draft? Paolo Banchero? Chet Holmgren? Jabari Smith? Take a look at the Orlando Sentinel's NBA Draft Preview.
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This summer's US Open will be a historic one for wheelchair tennis as the USTA announced: The 2022 US Open Wheelchair Championships presented by Deloitte will not only boast the largest player field in Grand Slam history, but will also feature a junior competition—a first for tennis' four biggest events.
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Though separated by 5,200 miles and a language barrier, Special Olympics Florida is leading what has become a national effort to help athletes with intellectual disabilities forced to flee the war in Ukraine. Since the partnership, other state Special Olympics programs have followed suit, helping the displaced athletes in both Slovakia and Poland. Donations help pay for uniforms, training facilities, equipment and other operating costs.
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For the second straight offseason, UCF softball coach Cindy Ball-Malone has signed a contract extension, the program announced Wednesday. The latest version keeps her in Orlando through the 2027 season and financially restructures her current contract, the release said.
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Celebrating the top Central Florida athletes in the 2021-22 high school spring sports season, the Orlando Sentinel presents its picks for 14 All-Area teams, including the selections for athletes of the year.
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Cedric Baxter Jr. is what you call a two-highlight player. It takes two clips on his tape to realize he's a special talent. At 6'2, 215lbs Edgewater's rising senior running back is one of the most coveted recruits in the state. Ranked the 11th best prospect in Florida by 24/7 Sports, he's whittled his list of potential landing locations down to five.
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Austin Ewing received a hero’s welcome on his return home Sunday. A parade was held through Springfield to welcome Ewing who won four gold medals at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando.
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Daniel Suarez had tears in his eyes for so many reasons Sunday after he realized a lifelong dream by crossing the finish line first at Sonoma Raceway. While Suarez was overjoyed to become the first Mexican-born driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race, he quickly felt overwhelmed with gratitude and memories of his motor-sports journey.
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In The News.
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Orlando police Chief Orlando Rolón recognized commendable officers and community members at the department’s Quarterly Awards Ceremony Wednesday afternoon. Among the praise lauded on the group, Rolón handed out the Good Citizenship Award, Unit Citation and Life Saving Award.
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Leigh Shannon is an actor, comedian, entertainer and small business owner. The iconic Bette Midler impersonator has starred in sold-out comedy performances at Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando for many years. He decided to bring in medical-grade wigs to his consignment shop, and shortly after it was renamed “Ritzy Rags Wigs & More Orlando.”
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We don’t talk about Bruno, but very soon, everyone at Walt Disney World will be talking about Mirabel. That’s because the popular character from the film “Encanto” will be making her official debut in the “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade” on June 26.
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The Conservancy of Southwest Florida discovered and captured the largest python yet found in the state, measuring nearly 18 feet long and weighing 215 pounds, according to a Wednesday news release. The female Burmese python, an invasive species in Florida, was found by a team of wildlife biologists at the conservancy.
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Sparta Science, a movement performance company specializing in force plate data, has partnered with seven healthcare organizations. The most recent addition is Orlando Health, who are the official medical provider for MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays, Orlando City SC of MLS and NWSL’s Orlando Pride.
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Kids and teens can train shelter dogs to help find ‘furever’ homes at Doglando. For two weeks, campers house and train a dog they are paired with, using strategies honed by the owner over many years to helps pets thrive in a home.
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As the population in Seminole County keeps growing, the Seminole County Public Library System is looking to meet the booming demand. That’s why the library system is launching a 10-year master plan. The library system is gathering feedback from residents and hiring consultants to look at what improvements could be made, including upgrades to facilities, services offered and locations.
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iHeartMedia’s Florida Division has new leadership as the company announced that Kim Guthrie would be taking over the president position from Linda Byrd, who will retire effective July 15th. As part of her new role, Guthrie will oversee the operations of the Florida Division for iHeartMedia and report directly to the president of iHeartMedia Markets Group.
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U.S. Travel Association’s IPW 2022, that took place last week in Orlando, will go down in history in more ways than one.
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EA Orlando partnered with local artist Andrew Spear to design a five-story art piece that includes a Madden mural that pays homage to the iconic NFL coach, broadcaster and namesake of the EA Sports Madden NFL video game. The artwork spans five floors and works up the main staircase in the new EA Orlando studio in downtown Orlando’s Creative Village.
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A multi-million dollar program is being developed to make accessing mental health care easier for residents of Orange County. In February, a Heart of Florida United Way audit of mental health services exposed a $49.7 million gap between the services that were available to residents and the services that were needed.
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Stay Engaged.
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You can join the Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs on Saturday, June 25 at 9:15 a.m. as they explore the art created through the I-4 Art Endowment Program. Hop on the Free luxury bus tour to see all the new artwork along I-4, starting with the ribbon cutting for 'Family Tree' by Jefrё.
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The Diversitastic Dining Fusion Cooking Contest, in partnership with Fusion Fest and Downtown Valencia Campus, is coming up on June 27-28. Chefs will combine ingredients, spices or preparation techniques from different continents of the world to compete for a chance to win $1,000 prize. Alongside the judges, you will get exclusive access to tasting these unique *fusion* dishes.
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Milk Mixer is a quarterly business-after-hours networking event where you can rub shoulders with Milk District members! Network and meet new business owners & residents at H20 Church.
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Head to Winter Park for a Midweek Movie and Food Pop Up! This month's flick is Thor Ragnarok, along with Bruja’s Table Puerto Rican Street Food! The free FREE movie screening beginning at sunset.
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Get fired up for the City of Deland's most anticipated event. Firecracker Festival on Friday, July 1. The fun starts at 6:00pm with games, live music, Food Trucks, vendors and a kids zone. The event will conclude at dusk with the best Fireworks anywhere.
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Baldwin Park Independence Bash will take place on July 3 from 6–10 pm. This annual, free, family-friendly event will include music, dancing, a beer garden, food trucks, balloon artists, face painters, and plenty of photo ops! There will be a 15-minute choreographed firework display to end the night beginning at 9:15 pm.
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Move your feet to some of the hottest beats during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Concerts take place at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion. Make a date to catch one of the various artists live at a Garden Rocks concert.
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SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens are now offering military members and up to three guests complimentary one-day admission to the theme park. The offer is valid for qualified service members and veterans, including active, retired, honorably separated officers and enlisted personnel of the U.S. military.
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Florida residents can save big while visiting Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Click here to view the current list of special offers.
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Universal Orlando's Florida resident specials include discounts on vacation packages.
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Orange County Commissioners Cordero and Uribe, along with Mayor Jerry Demings and GO Sports Board Member Jesse Martinez joined President & CEO Jason SIegel at the opening ceremonies for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games
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GO Sports Senior Vice President Brent Nelson attended a CFHLA Community Event with President/CEO Robert Agrusa and other CFHLA members
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AAU hosted the Junior National Volleyball Championships at the Orange County Convention Center. Senior Vice President Brent Nelson was in attendance
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AAU hosted the Wrestling Scholastic Duals National Championships at the Orange County Convention Center. Senior Vice President Brent Nelson was in attendance
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GO Sports was a proud sponsor of Mayor Demings' State of Orange County, GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel is pictured here with Robert Stuart from GrayRobinson, P.A.
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The GO26 World Cup Pursuit partners hosted a watch party for the FIFA selection show. Representatives from GO Sports, the City of Orlando, Orange County and Orlando City Soccer Club are pictured here
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The GO26 World Cup Pursuit partners hosted a watch party for the FIFA selection show. Chief Rolon, Mayor Jerry Demings, Byron Brooks, and GO Sports Board Member Latria Graham are pictured with President & CEO Jason Siegel
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The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games closing ceremonies and dance party took place at ESPN Wide World of Sports, marking the end of the largest USA Games in history hosted at venues throughout Greater Orlando
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Local Resources.
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Visit these pages for the most critical local health and government updates:
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City of Orlando: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites | Vaccine Sites
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Orange County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites | Vaccine Sites
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Osceola County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites | Vaccine Sites
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Seminole County: COVID-19 Homepage | Testing Sites | Vaccine Sites
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Lake County: Homepage
- City of Orlando:
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The Downtown Development Board (DDB) and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) created a webpage to assist with identifying grants and incentives that may be available to downtown businesses.
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Orlando's City Council approved the Safety Awareness for Everyone (S.A.F.E) Program, creating an incentive for businesses and properties to purchase and install security measures that are intended to help deter crime and provide a safer environment for business owners, employees, and visitors. Entertainment businesses including, but not limited to, bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues located within the City of Orlando’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) footprint shall be eligible for funding to purchase and install security measures which include identification scanners, security cameras, and metal detection systems. Other properties located within the CRA shall be eligible for funding to purchase and install security cameras only. Applicants are eligible to receive up to $10,000 or 50% of the total cost of eligible products, whichever is less. Click here for more info and to apply now.
- Orange County:
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Orange County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program remains open for individuals who are behind on rent or at risk of being evicted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, more than $15.3 million have been approved to keep 2,635 families in their homes. Recently, the City of Orlando announced it has depleted its current federal funds dedicated to its Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Orange County is stepping in to bridge the gap and will temporarily offer assistance to Orlando residents, effective now until further notice. Eligible residents include those living in unincorporated Orange County, Apopka, Bay Lake, Belle Isle, Eatonville, Edgewood, Lake Buena Vista, Maitland, Oakland, Ocoee, Orlando, Windermere, Winter Garden and Winter Park. Residents can visit ocfl.net/RentalAssistance to review program details and to check if their address is eligible.
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CareerSource Central Florida is helping career seekers and displaced workers apply for the Reemployment Assistance program through the Department of Economic Opportunity.
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Osceola County:
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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:
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For Lake County residents, United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties is able to assist with CARES/ERA/SHIP Federal funds for rent and utilities. For more information on eligibility and documents needed, or to make an appointment, please visit their Family Stability Services page.
- Seminole County:
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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.
- Additional Resources:
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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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