SERVPRO Of North Seminole And West Volusia Welcomes A New Member To The Team!
We’d like to welcome Marnie Austin to the SERVPRO Of North Seminole and West Volusia family! She will be joining us in an administrative management capacity with her primary focus being in our new Construction Services division. “We are really excited about Marnie joining our team,” says Managing Partner Joe Dalton. “The organizational and administrative management skills she brings to the table are a huge asset to SERVPRO.” Marnie’s addition to our team is another indication of growth for our
Healthier Spaces Safer materials make healthier buildings
Our daily lives are exposed to environmental pollutants that pose some degree of risk, sometimes unavoidable. Some risk we choose to accept because there is no choice. Some risks we can avoid because we have information and can make informed decisions. According to the Center for Disease Control, people spend about 90% of the time indoors, increasing the risk of health issues due to indoor air pollutants. Scientific research evidence indicates that the indoor air can have more pollutants than outdoor air.
Oz Asian Launches Online Ordering for Fusion Bowls and Sushi Rolls
Lake Mary, FL: Now, people wanting great cooked to order Asian Fusion bowls and prepared to order sushi rolls, can order takeout directly from Oz Asian’s website, OzAsian.com. In an easy-to-use menu feature, customers no longer have to use expensive third-party partners or worry about a busy signal when calling. All of our menu items are available online. “This has been a huge milestone accomplishment not only for us but also for our customers as the ability to order online enables a much faster, easier
It’s Time to Satisfy Your Craving for Girl Scouts Cookies
Girl Scout entrepreneurs incorporate creative, socially distant approaches to safely deliver Girl Scout Cookies to the public. Girl Scouts across Central Florida are not letting the pandemic get in the way of managing their 2021 cookie business, which officially begins January 24. Always resourceful, it is not surprising to see that local girls are instilling creativity in this year’s Girl Scout Cookie Program, the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. From setting up online commerce
11,000 Views and Counting
Seminole County, Fla. — January 27, 2021 – It’s no secret that hundreds of thousands of businesses have been squeezed by Covid. As a result, teaching owners how to overcome the downturn has become a mission of Seminole County marketing expert Ken Countess, managing director of The Countess Group. Ken, who was again named Constant Contact’s Top Trainer, recently appeared on the “Coffee with Joe” show on internet streaming service RadioVision Network. During the show, he offered easy to implement
UCF Forum: Shattered Glass Ceilings that Pave the Way to Inspiration
By Seetha RaghavanUCF Forum columnist This year has started with glass ceilings shattered in the highest offices of the country. You cannot hide the powerful feeling that rises from the pit of your stomach and overtakes your entire being as you watch historic “firsts” unfold if you are underrepresented in some way — a woman, person of color, LGBTQ or even a scientist in leadership trying to communicate outside your realm. Every one of us faces such distinct challenges that none of the umbrella
LegalShield Economic Stress Index™ Shows that the Homebuilding Industry Continues To Lead the Economic Recovery
LegalShield Economic Stress Index™ Shows that the Homebuilding Industry Continues To Lead the Economic Recovery Latest stimulus package is working to contain consumer stress (Graphic: Business Wire) January 15, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time ADA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Released today, the December 2020 LegalShield Economic Stress Index™, a suite of leading, near real-time indicators of the economic and financial status of U.S. households and small business, saw its Housing Construction Index spike
City of Sanford Names New Economic Development Director
The City of Sanford announces the hiring of Dr. Tom Tomerlin as Director of Economic Development. Tomerlin will be responsible for guiding and implementing the City’s economic development strategy. He has experience in a variety of fields including economic development, consulting, and economic analysis. Tomerlin brings nearly 30-years of experience, including economic development leadership positions for both Seminole County Government and the City of Lake Mary, Florida. Tom was instrumental in
Sports Heaven Orlando Gears Up for Grand Opening Event with Doc Gooden and other former Major League
WINTER SPRINGS, FL – (January 26, 2021) – Sports Heaven Orlando, a sports training facility featuring batting cages, basketball courts, and open turf field, along with Homers & Hoagies, a new sports café featuring Boar’s Head subs, Philly Cheesesteaks, Hot Subs, Chicken Wings, and more, announces its public Grand Opening event. The event will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 895 W. State Road 434 in Winter Springs, approximately 10 miles northeast of Downtown Orlando, with fun activities for the
Top Questions About Geriatric Mental Health Answered
As families help older loved ones manage physical health conditions, they shouldn’t overlook mental health changes. Depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders are quite common among the older population. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that one in four older adults will experience a mental disorder. Here are a few questions families often ask: Q. Are changes in my loved one’s personality and behavior just a normal part of aging? A. Health problems, the loss of
Central Florida Regional Hospital Earns Three-Year CARF Accreditation
SANFORD, Fla. (Jan. 25, 2020) – Central Florida Regional Hospital, an affiliate of HCA Healthcare’s North Florida Division – Orlando Market, announced today its acute inpatient rehabilitation program has again earned three-year accreditation from CARF International. Central Florida Regional Hospital’s CARF recognition represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an inpatient rehabilitation program, highlighting the hospital’s conformance to CARF’s high standards for continuous
Erin Kamalzadeh with Your Business Photographer Recognized as an Entrepreneur with FLVEC
Erin Kamalzadeh with Your Business Photographer was recently listed and recognized as an entrepreneur with Entrepreneurs on Florida Virtual Entrepreneur Center (FLVEC). Be sure to check it at https://flvec.com/erin-kamalzadeh where she shares how she became an entrepreneur and some insight for other entrepreneurs. Erin, Owner and Operator of Your Business Photographer, is a Central Florida Photographer and FAA Licensed Drone Operator. She provides professional photography and aerial imagery and video
Neota Genske Featured in December's Heathrow Living
Meet Neota Genkse, owner of Genske & Co. Accounting and HR in the December issue of Heathrow Living. Neota and her family are featured on the cover as well as an article about her business. Get to know her on a more personal level in this magazine spread and book a private session with her to discuss opportunities for your small business or nonprofit organization. Is your business getting too busy for you to juggle it all? Do you have a current accountant you’re not crazy about? You’re in luck,
SCPS Launches Second Physics Bus: The Optics Bus
(SANFORD, FL) – Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) will be launching a second Physics Bus at a ribbon cutting event to be held on Friday, January 29, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to noon. This event will be held at Pine Crest Elementary Magnet School of Innovation located at 405 West 27ᵗʰ Street, Sanford, FL 32773. The Optics bus will expand student experiences in physics beyond the Mechanics Bus (launched in January 2020) and will provide students with physics experiences based on 4ᵗʰ and 5ᵗʰ grade
Embrace Diversity for Florida’s Children
By Mike Bryant As a kid, I lived on the “right side of the tracks.” My dad was a lieutenant colonel, one of the only African American officers of that rank in the military base where I grew up – and that meant I was one of the only black kids in my neighborhood and my school. The base wasn’t explicitly segregated by race, but it was segregated by rank. I learned to live with the undercurrents of racism in every part of my life, including seeing the way people would salute my dad with a veneer of
Get the Primary Care You Need with Dr. Jordan Gottschalk:
Dr. Jordan Gottschalk is our newest provider who joined Family Medicine at Lake Mary. Dr. Gottschalk has experience providing osteopathic manipulative treatment and acute and chronic disease management for patients ages newborn and up. For more information or to make an appointment visit: William Jordan Gottschalk, DO | Family Medicine | Lake Mary, FL | AdventHealth Book an appointment to meet your new primary care physician at the following location: AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine
Stacy Cantwell joins Brockman Insurance Group
Brockman Insurance Group www.brockmaninsurance.com is proud to announce the newest addition to our team. We welcome Stacy Cantwell. Stacy bring 22 years of insurance experience and will be able to make an immediate impact to the team. Stacy will hold the position of Customer Service Specialist and will help assist our Personal lines customers. Welcome aboard and let’s enjoy the ride.
Certified Computer Solutions’, Andrea Mahoney, Awarded Zoho Desk Certification
(Orlando, January 29, 2021) Andrea Mahoney, Orlando’s premier Zoho Partner and Zoho Certified Consultant has completed the Zoho Desk Certification. Zoho Desk is a cloud-based customer support and help desk tool which integrates directly with Zoho CRM, Books, Projects, and Social. While this product is mainly used as an IT ticketing system it can also be used as a customer service tool for any business. Zoho Desk allows issues to be submitted via email, online portal or SMS. This tool has many advanced
UCF Forum: In Celebration of Aunts
The guidance from my aunts — some biological and some not — sustained me and gave me what I didn’t know I needed. BY J. RICHELLE JOE, UCF FORUM COLUMNIST | JANUARY 20, 2021 Aunt Vickey: I Googled your name. Me: Oh, yeah? [slight chuckle] Aunt Vickey: Yeah, all these pages of information came up. Me: [still chuckling] Oh, you must have found my CV. Aunt Vickey: I guess so. I don’t know what most of it means, but I’m proud of you. And that is why you answer when
Einstein Advisors Welcomes Chris Lathrop
Einstein Advisors is excited to announce that Chris Lathrop has joined our team of Life and Health Insurance professionals. His experience, integrity, and passion for helping people will be of great value to our agency and to his clients. ____________________________________________ Chris was raised in the Chicago area, and is a lifelong Cubs Fan. He served in the US Air Force for 12 years, prior to making the permanent move to Florida in 2010. He has a strong and impressive background in
Goodwill To Host Free Webinars To Help Job Seekers
Thousands of local workers have been impacted by job cuts, lost hours or furloughs due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the metro Orlando area’s unemployment rate higher than the state’s, Goodwill’s job connection services continue to be a critical resource. Goodwill’s employment specialists also continue to work virtually with job seekers around updating resumes, practicing for interviews and applying for openings online. On Fri., Jan. 22, the team will host a free webinar focused
Get the Primary Care You Need with Dr. Joseph Johnson
Dr. Johnson is our newest team member at AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Tuskawilla, in Winter Springs. Dr. Johnson isn't your average family medicine doc, he is a retired Colonel with the US Army Medical Corps who previously served as a Brigade Surgeon with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC, and earned certification as a Basic Combat Parachutist. For more information and to make an appointment, visit: Joseph Johnson, MD | Family Medicine | Winter Springs, FL |
Ken Countess Earns 2020 Constant Contact Solution Provider Top Trainer Award
ORLANDO, FL — January 17, 2021 – Ken Countess, Managing Director of The Countess Group, has earned the 2020 Partner Top Trainer Award by Constant Contact, a leader in small business marketing solutions. The annual award recognizes the partner who helped the most small businesses and organizations by converting the most customers through events. Ken Countess has more than 30 years of experience and has helped thousands of companies, ranging from small businesses to the Fortune 100, achieve
2021 HR Calendar
Keeping up with all of the reports, tax forms and employment law changes can be a challenge. A handy chart listing the due dates for key reports, forms, and updates can be found at https://eafinc.org/2021-hr-calendar-of-records-reports/. About Employers Association Forum, Inc. (EAF) EAF is a non-profit, corporate membership-based association dedicated to serving the business and HR communities with world-class HR tools, hotlines & legal compliance, news & trends, surveys & economic data, benefits &
COVID-19 Vaccine Site And Scam Update
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (January 15, 2021)- Seminole County and Florida Department of Health in Seminole continue offering COVID-19 vaccines at a fixed Vaccine Site inside the Oviedo Mall, at closed mobile points-of-dispensing and through the homebound senior program. RELOCATED: OVIEDO MALL FIXED VACCINE SITE NOW AT FORMER SEARS Seminole County and Florida Department of Health in Seminole have relocated the fixed Vaccine Site from the previous 12,530 SF storefronts, to the new 46,095 SF location, a former
SCPS to Offer COVID-19 Vaccine to Employees 65+
(Longwood, FL) – Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) will be offering the COVID-19 vaccine to its SCPS employees who are 65 and older. The vaccine is a two-part process that will be administered by SCPS nurses. The first dose will take place on January 20th and the second dose will take place on February 10th. Both doses will be given at Lyman High School (865 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood, FL). The vaccine is free and completely optional. SCPS employees 65 and older who are interested in this
Nemours Launching Youth CARE Art Showcase
Nemours wants to listen, learn and take thoughtful actions toward sustained change. We are hosting a virtual art show, designed for community youth to create art on what racism means to them. We want to help spread our youths’ messages, through art, on what racial justice looks like to them. Join us in being the voice of children’s health by sharing this information with the youth you serve for a chance to be featured in our Nemours Youth C.A.R.E. (Community Against Racism Events) Digital Art
FAIRWINDS is Changing the Way Members Save
FAIRWINDS is now offering members a new way to save more and eliminate debt. ¢hange it up turns everyday debit card purchases into major saving opportunities. Members can round-up spare change on debit card purchases to build up savings or paydown their loan balances. Click here to learn more. About FAIRWINDS Credit UnionFAIRWINDS is a financial institution committed to exceptional member experiences that offers products and services that promote healthy saving and spending habits, providing its
SCPS Breaks Ground On New Casselberry Elementary School
(Casselberry, FL) – Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) will hold a Groundbreaking event for the new Casselberry Elementary School campus on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. The total project budget for the new campus is $24 million utilizing a combination of 1.5 Mil and Sales Tax Funding and includes design for 798 permanent student stations through a combination of new and renovated buildings, site improvements, and removal of the current portables. The original Campus Buildings 1 through 7
You’re Invited! COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Need to Know!
Right now, COVID-19 vaccines are being shipped around the country and healthcare providers and others are rolling up their sleeves to get the first round of shots. Join Nemours doctors for a timely discussion about the science behind the COVID-19 vaccine, the nationwide vaccination effort, and what you and your children can expect when it’s your turn to get protected against COVID-19 Featuring Moderator: Jay Greenspan, MD, Enterprise COVID-19 Incident Commander, Nemours Children’s Health
UCF Forum: Now is Right Time to Heed Washington's 1st Inaugural Address — a Call to Unity
By David Head UCF Forum columnist On Inauguration Day — January 20 — I always think there’s no better time to recommit to the spirit of the man who held the president's office first. George Washington, the man who invented the inauguration speech, crafted an address that speaks to what unites Americans. Washington took office in a precarious moment. The previous government, the Articles of Confederation, had failed and nothing guaranteed there would be a second president if Washington faltered.
Addition Financial Helps Celebrate SCPS Teachers
The past year has been one of the most challenging times in education but yet teachers are rising up to help students succeed.On Friday, February 5, 2021, SCPS will be hold our annual Teacher of the Year Celebration to honor the best and brightest of our Seminole County educators. While this year’s event will be held virtually, it will still be a celebration that showcases each of our SCPS Teachers of the Year who stepped up during a year like no other. The district will also announce the district-wide
Young Life Capernaum Update And Top Golf Tournament
Young Life Capernaum is a ministry to special needs high school students in Seminole County. Capernaum Club meets on the 2nd Friday of each month in Oviedo. They kicked off 2021 last Friday night with outdoor music, games, and a bon fire. Keenan Crowley, along with his team of adult volunteers and high school “buddies” have worked very hard to create a safe environment for our friends to continue be in community with one another and hear about how much God loves them. All special needs high school
Get the Primary Care You Need with Dr. Jubeth Burlison
Dr. Jubeth Burlison is our newest team member at AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Oviedo 8000 Red Bug! She sees patients 6 years and up and believes in providing her patients with evidence-based guidance in order to safeguard their health, improve their function and quality of life, and promote healing. ¡La Dra. Burlison habla español! For more information and to make an appointment, visit: Jubeth Burlison, DO | Family Medicine | Oviedo, FL | AdventHealth Schedule to meet your new
MSL’s Daniel O’Keefe Appointed to Seminole State College Board of Trustees by Governor DeSantis
Orlando, FL – January 12, 2021 – MSL, P.A. a regional certified public accounting and advisory services firm, recently announced that Daniel J. O’Keefe, CPA, MBA, CFE, has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of Seminole State College by Governor Ron DeSantis, effective immediately. O'Keefe is the Central Florida Managing Shareholder and is Vice-Chair of the Firm's Board of Directors. He has extensive experience auditing the financial operations of governmental agencies, not-for-profit organizations,
Speaker Series Announcement - Seminole State College - Dr. Regina Bradley - Wednesday, January 27, 2
The Seminole State College Speaker Series is pleased to announce our final presentation of the 2020-2021 season. In partnership with the 32nd Annual Zora Neale Hurston™ Festival of the Arts and Humanities (ZORA!® Festival), the Speaker Series presents Dr. Regina N. Bradley, who will offer a VIRTUAL discussion on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, 7:00pm, via Zoom Webinar. The event stream will open at 6:45pm at Zoom webinar & seminolestate.edu/live-video
Florida: Let’s Roll Up Our Sleeves and Get Back to Work
The public health and economic challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic continue to test our state’s resilience. Over the next several months, it remains critical that we continue to mask up, social distance and observe the protocols that can keep one another safe and slow the spread of the virus. New COVID-19 cases in Florida rose 26% to more than 90,000 cases last week with 13.1% of test results coming back positive, up from 9.1% the week before. A more contagious variant of COVID-19
Why 2020 Has Made Me a Better Teacher
By Ramona Lataille, Science Teacher at Seminole Science Charter School in Lake Mary, FL Like most teachers, COVID-19 has been the biggest and most unexpected challenge of my career. After 22 years in education, I’ve seen it all, but no experience can prepare you for a global pandemic. Luckily, flexibility is one of the many job requirements of being a teacher. From adjusting to a learning-from-home environment in the spring to balancing a hybrid classroom of in-person and virtual students this fall,
Withum Comes Together for Annual State of the Firm Event and Latest Culture Video
January 11, 2021-- Withum, leading advisory and accounting firm, held its annual State of the Firm event on January 11, albeit virtually. The Firm also unveiled their annual culture video with a fitting message for the times – Stay Connected. This latest edition highlights Withum team members continuing to embrace the family spirit despite remote working environments due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, virtually connecting from home by way of a Withum-branded stress ball being passed from scene to scene. “This
On The + Side: Cartoons, Top Nine and Clean Desks
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your regular serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about organizing your work station, virtual field trips to take in 2021, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
News Release: LegalShield Expands Affordable Legal Services for Small Business Owners Amidst Pandemic
Yahoo Finance has announced the news about LegalShield's new plans for small businesses. Learn More: LegalShield Expands Affordable Legal Services for Small Business Owners Amidst Pandemic Tue, January 5, 2021, 10:15 AM EST·4 min read With millions of small business owners struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic, LegalShield announced today a new suite of small business legal plans; including a business supplement specifically for the growing trend of home-based businesses. These new plans represent
Sheriff Dennis Lemma Sworn in for Second Term
Seminole County (January 8, 2021) - Earlier this week, Sheriff Dennis Lemma was sworn in for his second term as Seminole County Sheriff. A small group of family and colleagues joined Sheriff Lemma as retired Seminole County Sheriff Don Eslinger administered the Oath of Office during a private ceremony held in the Sheriff’s office. A video of the ceremony can be accessed here<https://www.dropbox.com/s/v3sxz3hck41nbrt/Sheriff%20Swear-In.mp4?dl=0>.Sheriff Lemma’s first term started in January 2017, after
Certified Computer Solutions’, Andrea Mahoney, awarded Zoho Expense certification
(Orlando, January 15, 2021) Andrea Mahoney, Orlando’s premier Zoho Partner and Zoho Certified Consultant has completed the Zoho Expense Certification which is part of the Zoho Finance Suite of products. Zoho Expense is a cloud-based expense reporting software that integrates directly with Zoho Books. This product allows you to track, trace, advance proceeds, and reimburse expenses efficiently. This feature packed product offers services like credit card importing, multicurrency, cost allocation, mileage
SCPS Grad Rate Increases To 94.5% For 2019-2020
(SANFORD, FL) – Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) is proud to announce that its Graduation Rate for the 2019-2020 School Year was 94.5%. That’s #1 out of all Central Florida districts, #1 out of the 17 largest districts, and #4 out of all Florida districts. In addition, that’s an increase of 1.7% above the previous year (92.8%, 2018-2019) and remains 4.5% above the state average (90%).
Withum’s Timothy “TJ” Houmes Named Among FICPA Horizon Award Winners
Orlando, FL, January 6, 2021—Withum is proud to announce that TJ Houmes has been honored among the winners of the Florida Institute of CPAs’ (FICPA) Horizon Awards, recognizing young certified public accountants (CPAs) at the forefront of the profession. Through service to the FICPA and our industry, TJ is advancing the CPA profession and working to better his community. “Actions speak louder than words,” says Russell Goldberg, Partner-in-Charge of Withum’s Orlando office. “TJ’s dedicated service hours
J.R. Kroll Starts Tenure as New Seminole County Tax Collector
Kroll sworn-in to office by Judge Mark Herr, along with Property Appraiser David Johnson and Clerk of the Courts Grant Malloy Sanford, Fla. (January 6, 2021) – In an intimate ceremony at the Seminole County Courthouse on Monday, January 4, J.R. Kroll started his first term as Seminole County Tax Collector. Pledging a new atmosphere of transparency and trust, Kroll was joined by his wife, Holly, and other family and friends during the ceremony performed by Seminole County Judge Mark Herr. In addition,
Northwest Library Branch Temporary Closure
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (January 6, 2021)- Seminole County Library’s Northwest Branch, located at 580 Greenway Boulevard in Lake Mary, will temporarily close for parking lot and bathroom renovations beginning Monday, January 11, 2021. The Northwest Branch, which has been operational since 1988, will close for approximately 90 days. RENOVATIONSThe parking lot will be completely renovated with a new design that will nearly double the available parking by adding 35 new spaces. The entrance/exit will be relocated
Don’t Put Your Health on Hold: See Your Primary Care Provider Today
Your primary care provider (PCP) takes care of your whole family. A trusted PCP will build a caring relationship with every family member to help each of you make the right decisions about treatment and care. Learn why it’s important to have a PCP. Whole-Person Care While most doctors are trained in one or two areas of medicine, PCPs train in almost all of them. They can treat acute health problems like sinus infections and perform minor procedures such as draining an abscess. Their training lets
$100,000 Contributed to Crooms Academy
(SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL) Crooms Academy of Information Technology’s (AIOT) Business Advisory Council (BAC) The Crooms AOIT BAC presented a check for $100,000.00 to Superintendent and the Seminole County School Board Members one week ago! This fulfills one of the BAC’s goals with the establishment of a Crooms Scholarship Endowment with the Foundation of SCPS. The Crooms Academy of Information Technology’s Business Advisory Council is dedicated to supporting the goals of the school. The council provides
Karen K Photo Earns Federal Women-Owned Small Business Designation
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL - January 4, 2021 — Karen K Photo was recently awarded a federal Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) certification by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The certification allows the company to compete for government contracts set aside specifically for women-owned small businesses. Each year, the federal government sets aside over $100 million in contracting for small businesses, and five percent of that is awarded to women-owned small businesses
Karen Kurta of Karen K Photo Joins Board of CREW Orlando
ORLANDO, FL - January 1, 2021 — Karen Kurta joined the 2021 board of CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Orlando as Director of Communications and Technology. She is responsible for leading a committee of volunteers dedicated to marketing and promoting the organization. CREW Orlando is the premier business network in commercial real estate, which seeks to achieve gender equity and greater diversity in commercial real estate. CREW Orlando is the local chapter of CREW Network, which has affiliate
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UCF Forum: More than a Quarterback
It is 4,747 miles from Orlando to Kapolei, Hawaii. It is a nine-hour flight. And yet someone who was raised so far from UCF has left a lasting impact on a campus and community. When McKenzie Milton was being recruited, not many schools were knocking on the door of a 5-foot-10-inch, 160-pound quarterback. Even though he was breaking almost every high school passing record in Hawaii, many recruiters had concerns about Milton’s size and throwing skills. The records he was breaking once belonged to former
FAIRWINDS and Orlando Magic Teamed Up for Holiday Toy and Clothing Drive
To help support families in the Central Florida community, FAIRWINDS and the Orlando Magic teamed up with Commissioner, District 6 Bakari Burns and his team to provide joy to those who need it most. On December 19, volunteers distributed holiday gift bags that contained items such as toys and clothing to pre-registered families. Over 200 children and 85 families received gift bags to help ease the hardships during these challenging times. Click here to learn more. About FAIRWINDS Credit
Seminole County FL - DAY ONE VACCINE SITE UPDATE
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (December 28, 2020)- Seminole County took receipt of 8,100 Moderna vaccines on December 22, 2020. The swift timeline for vaccine distribution began the following day, beginning with administering the vaccine to Seminole County’s priority group 1A of healthcare workers providing direct frontline services including COVID testing and treatment, County and municipal EMTs/paramedics, and Florida Department of Health staff. NO DOCTOR’S CLEARANCE REQUIRED (UPDATE) If a patient has concerns
UCF Forum: The Cost of Procrastination is the Life You Could Have Lived
Instead of waiting for signs to do something that you always wanted to do, take the time to design and plan out your life. BY ASHLEY TURNER, UCF FORUM COLUMNIST | DECEMBER 23, 2020 I have always believed that timing is key. My faith even taught me that there is a season for everything and a time for every purpose. Even though those words hold true and are near to my heart, I also believe that waiting too long and waiting for the right moment can cause a missed opportunity. There are moments when
Orlando Market HCA Healthcare Hospitals Receive First Distribution Of Covid-19 Vaccine
ORLANDO, Fla. — HCA Healthcare’s North Florida Division announced today that its hospitals in the Orlando Market have received their first distribution of COVID-19 vaccine to be securely stored and safely administered according to the state and federal prioritization guidelines. The first vaccinations were administered on Monday, Dec. 21 using vaccines from the Pfizer supply that was initially allocated to Central Florida. HCA Healthcare hospitals will also receive the Moderna vaccine in the coming
Seminole County Receives 8,100 Vaccines And Prepares To Dispense
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (December 22, 2020)- Late this morning, Seminole County and Florida Department of Health in Seminole County took receipt of 8,100 Moderna vaccines (VIDEO AND PHOTOS AVAILABLE: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ah8hemzfkty657r/AACITmnaMudQ3QnbbQm-HTwDa?dl=0 ). The swift timeline for vaccine dispensing begins tomorrow with a dry-run of administering the vaccine to Seminole County’s priority group 1A, including healthcare workers providing direct frontline services including COVID testing and
2021 Family Caregiver Resolutions
Today, a record 53 million people in the U.S. are providing care for older loved ones. Caregiving brings with it many emotional rewards, but at the same time caregiving can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Caregivers are stressed as they struggle to balance caregiving tasks with their work and other family responsibilities. They lose sleep worrying about the quality of care they’re pro- viding. It’s no wonder! Today’s family caregivers are asked to perform medical tasks “that would make
Bitman O’Brien & Morat Promotes Kristen Crescenti To Partner
ORLANDO, Fla. (December 21, 2020) — Bitman O'Brien & Morat is pleased to announce Kristen Crescenti has been promoted to partner. Crescenti has worked with Ronnie Bitman since graduating from law school, working as an associate attorney and managing the firm’s real estate department and facilitates residential and commercial transactions. “I am thrilled to announce that Kristen Crescenti has been promoted to partner effective immediately. Kristen is a model of the perseverance, dedication, commitment,
Three Innovation District Companies Partner on eSports Initiative
Player Epic, FLUIX LLC and ViewStub combine efforts to launch Call of Duty Zombies tournament Orlando, Fla. (December 18, 2020) – With more than 100 businesses utilizing the services of the UCF Innovation Districts and Incubator Program, a key aspect is collaboration between the companies. Three companies located in the Downtown Innovation District are showcasing this aspect by launching a Call of Duty Zombies tournament later this month. “At our stage in business, the relationships we’re building
Alumni Recognized For Excellence By Seminole State Alumni Association
SANFORD, Fla. (Dec. 18, 2020) - The Seminole State College of Florida Alumni Association is pleased to announce the 2020 Alumni Legacy Award winners. While not being held in the traditional setting, three alumni were selected as recipients for the Alumni Excellence Honoree recognition.The Alumni Excellence Honoree category, established in 2019, recognizes multiple alumni who exemplify Seminole State’s core values of integrity, respect, excellence, academic freedom and learning. This second class of Alumni
Ways To Keep Kids Entertained During Winter Break
By Becc Lester-Beam, Community Outreach Coordinator at Seminole Science Charter School This year has been tough on all of us, but it has been especially challenging for school children who’ve had to adapt to so much change all at once. While it’s important for children to maintain routines and continue learning during winter break, they – like all of us – also deserve time to rest and relax. With local restrictions in place and safety concerns due to the pandemic, traditional festivities and events may
Erin Kamalzadeh with Your Business Photographer featured in OrlandoVoyager Magazine
Erin Kamalzadeh recently had the honor of being featured in OrlandoVoyager Magazine. Be sure to check it out at http://orlandovoyager.com/interview/community-highlights-meet-erin-martin-kamalzadeh-business-photographer/?fbclid=IwAR0h9qCDPubVrXtQcCZ6d9XpSXHFXUwAU7R4DxW6S2oQ16E0UWi6BCGZK0U Being that Erin, Owner and Operator of Your Business Photographer, is a local hidden gem in Central Florida, OrlandoVoyager reached out to find out more. Erin shared her backstory, how she got started, and her current
Solar Bears Announce Health & Safety Guidelines For 2020-21 Season
Fans planning to attend games this season should read and understandhealth and safety guidelines ORLANDO, Fla. – As the Orlando Solar Bears prepare for their first home game of the 2020-21 ECHL season on Tuesday, Dec. 29 against the Jacksonville Icemen at the AdventHealth Rink at Amway Center, health and safety remain the top priority for a return to play inside the team’s home venue. The Solar Bears have been working in consultation with the Orlando Magic, ECHL, CDC, health experts from AdventHealth, and
Seminole State College Gives Class Of 2020 Graduation To Remember
The College awarded nearly 7,000 degrees, certificates and diplomas to its Spring, Summer and Fall Term graduates.SANFORD, Fla. (Dec. 16, 2020) – With balloon arches, congratulatory signs, applause and honking horns, graduates in Seminole State College of Florida’s Class of 2020 were recognized for their achievements as they crossed the stage during the College’s hybrid, drive-through graduation Dec. 15-16 on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus. The College awarded nearly 7,000 degrees, certificates and diplomas
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UCF Incubation Program Congratulates Sportzcast on Major Achievement
A Leading sports technology company acquired by international sports technology company Genius Sports Group Winter Springs, Florida (December 16, 2020) – Just a few months after graduating from University of Central Florida’s UCF Business Incubator program, Sportzcast has been acquired. Genius Sports Group, a multinational sports technology company based in London (“Genius”), has acquired the local firm with terms undisclosed. Sportzcast will remain in Winter Springs in the same building as the
Five Webinars Kick Off 2021
Orlando, FL – December 16, 2020 – The Countess Group, a strategic marketing and communications consultancy, today announced the availability of its initial 2021 webinars for immediate registration. Ken Countess, managing director, will be presenting the following topics in January:The Perfect Customer LifecycleCreating Facebook AdsPower of Video MarketingHow to Get More of Your Emails Opened10 Tips to Energize Your Marketing These events and more are available
UCF Forum: Not Everything in Today’s Society Needs to be a Competition
By Narvin Chhay UCF Forum columnist I am a competitor. We all are to some extent—some more than others. We all have something ingrained in our primitive brains: We love to win. This is the reason when I wake up every morning that I pick my feet up no matter how heavy they may feel. Whether it’s a game of rock-paper-scissors or a championship game, victory feels so good. It’s like there is a fire within us that can only be fed by one thing: winning. But, is this always really a good thing? The
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Master Sales Results Webinar Series
How were you sales results in 2020? What about that of your team? Want to maximize your marketing dollars and time? Check out my "Master Sales Results Webinar" starting January 18, 2021. This 8-week, Monday evening, program is jam-packed with the stuff you/your team can use to significantly boost your sales results. See attached flyer for more details!Act quickly! Seats are limited and will fill up fast!$798 for 8 weeks - payment options and multi-person discounts are available. See attached flyer for
A News Release from Seminole County FL - COVID 19 AND VACCINE UPDATE
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (December 14, 2020)- Seminole County Office of Emergency Management has been under a Local State of Emergency (LSE) for COVID-19 since March 2, 2020. Current metrics related to the virus as well as updates can be found at PrepareSeminole.org and on the County’s social media channels. PREPARING TO RECEIVE VACCINE Seminole County expects to receive up to 8,000 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine within the next few weeks, as early as December 22 or 23, 2020 in the second delivery of
New Partnership Allows Students To Earn Credits For BSN, MSN Concurrently
SANFORD, Fla. (Dec. 14, 2020) – Thanks to a new partnership with American Sentinel University, eligible students in the RN-to-BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program at Seminole State College of Florida can now move seamlessly into the university’s MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) program to earn credits for both degrees concurrently and entirely online. The partnership makes Seminole State among the first state or community college in the nation to offer a concurrent BSN/MSN program with a
On The + Side: Holiday Lights, Avocados and Local Makers
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your regular serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about holiday light shows, avocado recipes, local makers and businesses to support this holiday season, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
SCPS Free Meals for Students – EXTENDED!
We are excited to announce that breakfast and lunch meals will remain FREE to all Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) children and teens 18 and under through the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. This includes students attending face to face and all remote learners. No application is necessary to receive these free meals. Face to face student guests: for menus and additional information about what makes our campus restaurants unique, visit RedAppleDining.com. Remote learners and guests 18 &
LegalShield Appoints Melvin C. Hall and Deborah D. McWhinney to its Board of Directors
ADA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LegalShield, the world's largest platform for legal, identity, and reputation management services, announced today that it has appointed Deborah D. McWhinney, business leader, board member and champion of financial services innovation, and Melvin C. Hall, civil rights lawyer, author and board member of The Innocence Project, to its board of directors. “This is a compelling business poised for accelerated growth. “LegalShield is driven to create a world where access to
UCF Forum: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Paw Patrol
By Bree WatsonUCF Forum columnist I thought we’d avoid it, but it’s simply unavoidable. The animated allure of talking dogs is just too strong for preschoolers to resist. Yes, I’m talking about Marshall, Rubble, Chase, Rocky, Zuma and Skye — the Paw Patrol. My 2-year-old is hooked on the hijinks of this Nickelodeon cartoon, while I’m stuck with the theme song in my head at all hours of the day and night. I called it junk food television. Because unlike Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and other
Axiom Bank Hires Vanessa Lopez, VP Controller
Vanessa Lopez was appointed VP, Controller, at Axiom Bank, N.A., a Maitland-based, leading community bank. Lopez brings nearly two decades of experience in accounting and banking to her new role. She earned a Master of Science in Public Accounting from Mercy College and is on track to earn an MBA in banking from The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia in June.
National Business Trend Survey Results Summary
Employers Association Forum, Inc. (EAF) in cooperation with the Employers Associations of America has conducted a National Business Trend Survey to gauge executives' perceptions of how their businesses performed in 2020 and their economic outlook for 2021. A summary of the survey results can be viewed at https://eafinc.org/national-2021-business-trends-survey/.EAF is a non-profit, corporate membership-based association dedicated to serving the business and HR communities with world-class HR tools, hotlines
SCPS Named to the 2020 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America List
INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthiest Employers®, the most-trusted U.S. awards program for people-centric companies powered by Springbuk’s Healthiest Employers Index on employee health and wellbeing, announced today the prestigious 2020 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America, highlighting organizations that invested in the health of their people even in the face of a global pandemic. Winners are selected based on their Healthiest Employers Index, which is based on six factors: vision,
You’re invited: Season of Gratitude, A Healthy Holiday Event
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16TH | 1 TO 2 PM | ZOOM Gather your family together, and join us virtually as we ring in the holidays with our Season of Gratitude event. Learn more about heart health tips, ways to combat stress and the art of gratitude. Enjoy holiday tunes from Voctave, ranked in the top 25 on Billboard Magazine’s charts. Create a memorable keepsake ornament. Download a post-event packet filled with important health tips. MEDICAL EXPERTS Amber Orman, MD, DipABLM Board-Certified
COVID-19 and the Holidays Live Q&A with Nemours Experts
Thursday, December 17 | 6 – 7 p.m. EST THIS EVENT IS BEING RECORDED.RESERVE YOUR SPOT Families across the country are rethinking some of their holiday traditions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Our expert panel of pediatricians from Nemours Children’s Health System will host a live forum to address your concerns and share strategies for minimizing risk and helping your kids understand the importance of celebrating safely this year.Featuring Moderator: Dr. Jonathan Miller, Medical Director of
A Beautiful You Customer Newsletter, C-01-2021
Current Brochure? www.youravon.com/mappel Good until 12-22-2020 Special Notice: Hope you’re still maintaining Social Distancing and wearing a mask on leaving your home during Covid-19. We need to be ultra-cautious. Remember, I deliver products to doorsteps with little if any personal contact, wearing my mask. Please put a check or cash under the door mat or in some agreed upon location. You are also welcome to use Venmo (@Howie-Appel) or Zelle (407-373-4293). I will place the bag with
Seminole State’s Emil Buehler Planetarium to host Great Conjunction Event
SANFORD, Fla. (Dec. 9, 2020) – We know that 2020 has already been a rare occurrence, but the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium at Seminole State College of Florida promises that this month will be out of this world. On Dec. 21 at 6 p.m., the planetarium will be hosting the Great Jupiter/Saturn Conjunction Virtual Event where you will see a phenomenon that hasn’t occurred since 1623. This fun, free virtual event will mark an extremely extraordinary astrological meeting of planets Jupiter and Saturn
ACE Human Resources Publishes Multiple Job Postings in Seminole and Volusia Counties
[Lake Mary, FL]: ACE Human Resources published three job postings this week recruiting for multiple clients. The positions range from full-time, part-time to commission-based, and require various skill sets. ACE Human Resources protects and keeps their hiring business' names confidential to avoid candidates not following the appropriate application process. The details of the positions and the application process are located on the Seminole County Chamber website under Job Postings or by going directly
How COVID-19 Changed the Way We Manage Money
The year 2020 has been an active experiment in consumer confidence. Even with new cases of COVID-19 on the rise in the United States and across the world, it seems the holidays will still be merry for some retailers. While it may be hard to predict how Americans will adapt their spending and saving habits in 2021, one thing is clear right now: They overwhelmingly took advantage of Cyber Monday deals, setting a record for the largest Internet shopping day in the U.S.! However, if you compare this year’s
#FollowMeToFinancialFreedom Sweepstakes
FAIRWINDS is hosting a social media sweepstakes encouraging participants to share their success stories of achieving financial freedom. From paying off auto loans to building an emergency savings, FAIRWINDS is celebrating these financial freedom successes by sharing participants’ stories to inspire others. Five entries will be randomly selected to win a $500 gift card. Visit fairwinds.org/2020sweepstakes to learn more. About FAIRWINDS Credit UnionFAIRWINDS Credit Union is a financial institution
Nemours Children’s Hospital Earns 2020 Leapfrog Top Hospital Award for Outstanding Quality and Safe
Orlando, Fla. (December 8, 2020) – Highlighting its nationally recognized achievements in patient safety and quality, Nemours Children’s Hospital was named a Top Children’s Hospital nationally by The Leapfrog Group. This is the fourth time the hospital, which just marked its eighth year, has made the list. Announced today, the Leapfrog Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive awards American hospitals can receive. The Top Hospital designation is bestowed by The Leapfrog
Seminole State College To Honor Class Of 2020 With Hybrid, Drive-through Graduation
SANFORD, Fla. (Dec. 4, 2020) – Seminole State College of Florida’s Class of 2020 will receive a well-deserved celebration when the College hosts a hybrid, drive-through graduation for its Spring, Summer and Fall 2020 graduates Dec. 15-16 on its Sanford/Lake Mary Campus. The event for Spring and Summer 2020 graduates will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 15, with the event for Fall 2020 graduates following from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 16. An RSVP and pass are required to participate. With precautions in place
Certified Computer Solutions’, Andrea Mahoney, Awarded Zoho People Certification
(Orlando, December 11, 2020) Andrea Mahoney, Zoho Partner and Zoho Certified Consultant has completed the Zoho People Certification, a leading global HRMS programs. Zoho People is a complete cloud-based HR solution that helps your take care of your HR activities. Some of its capabilities include onboarding management, leave and attendance management, leave management, performance management, time sheets, travel management, LMS, intelligent workflow and more. If you are a customer of other Zoho Products
Three Ways to Quickly Impress Your Virtual Audience
If you really want to impress and engage a virtual audience, what’s the most critical part of your presentation?Your slide deck.Your clothes (dress to impress).Your opening minute. If you guessed “C”, you’re right! If you’re crunched for time, devote most of your presentation prep time on nailing your opening. Why? If you don’t quickly convince your audience that you’re worth listening to, your clothes or slides won’t matter. It only takes an audience anywhere from 5 to 30 seconds to
UCF Forum: Remember Love
2020 has been quite the year. On top of a viral pandemic, in which people have gotten sick, people have lost their jobs, have lost friends, co-workers and even family members to disease or suicide. Fear has taken root in our society, gnawing on our comforts and dragging our complacencies into the light. Stepping outside your door is mired in even more unknowns these days. Just like that, our world has changed so much. Most will argue that it hasn’t been for the better. Turning on the television only
Holiday Software Offers Up to 100% Off Award Winning Business Software
Orlando, FL – December 2, 2020 – The Countess Group, a strategic marketing and communications consultancy, today announced the kickoff of its annual holiday software specials. Ken Countess, managing director, has gathered up amazing deals on Constant Contact’s digital marketing platform (40% off for 6 months), TechSmith’s Camtasia and Snagit (free trials), Keap/Infusionsoft’s customer management system (50% off for 3 months), GrooveFunnels (free) and the Email Marketing Academy (75% off,
SCPS Announces 2022 Teacher Of The Year Finalists & Grade-level Winners
(SANFORD, Fla.) Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) is pleased to announce its 2022 Teacher of the Year Finalists & Grade-Level Winners: Amy High, K-5ᵗʰ Grade Exceptional Education Teacher, Idyllwilde Elementary Mrs. High has dedicated her teaching career to the students at Idyllwilde Elementary. She shows the utmost respect to the profession by committing herself to the diverse needs of all students. She creates rich, meaningful, and differentiated learning experiences in a loving, supportive
Ways To Support SCPS Students & Families This Holiday Season
(SANFORD, Fla.) As we celebrate #GivingTuesday, Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) has a variety of opportunities for our community to help make a difference in the lives of our students and families this holiday season. This Saturday, December 5, 2020, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Altamonte Walmart (200 S. SR 434, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714), we’ll be joining forces with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office for our annual “Pack the Patrol Car” event benefitting our homeless and economically
Seminole County Sheriff's Office November Dispatcher
1. Passing of Deputy James LaRue - We are saddened to share news about the passing of Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant James LaRue of the Department of Corrections. Sgt. LaRue passed away in the early hours on November 21, 2020, from complications of COVID-19. Sgt. LaRue began his service with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in 1999 as a Detention Deputy Trainee. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2010. During his career, he received many recognitions, including a Live-Saving Award in
Bitman O’brien & Morat Promotes Meghan Keane To Partner
ORLANDO, Fla. (November 30, 2020) — Bitman O'Brien & Morat is pleased to announce Meghan Keane has been promoted to partner. Before coming to Bitman O’Brien & Morat, PLLC, Keane worked as a coverage attorney where she attended over 2,500 foreclosure hearings throughout Central Florida. “Meghan is the first organic, internal partner for the firm - and deservedly so. She has shown the dedication, desire, and results that have elevated her to this point, and is truly a model of what we look
Updating Our Holiday Traditions with Older Loved Ones
Whether your family celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali or another winter celebration, you are probably making preparations right now. Your traditions, special recipes and heirloom decorations may have been handed down from some of the very family members who are now the beloved elders at your celebration. But as the years go by senior loved ones often experience changes in health, and it becomes time to adjust our family traditions. Here are some situations to consider: A loved
UCF Forum: The Benefits of Discovery Through International Collaboration
By Seetha Raghavan UCF Forum columnist When astronauts had their first glimpse of Earth from space, the effect it had on them was more than just visual. They described an intense state of self-transcendent awe, wonder and oneness, called the “overview effect.” Heading to space was not an option for me at the time, so the change in worldview that I sought, as a student, came in the form of studying abroad in Toulouse, France. With no knowledge of French, I was headed for three months of intensive
Markham Woods Neighbors Starts Virtual Food Drive
Markham Woods Neighbors publication has started a Virtual Food Drive for the Holidays to help feed the needy families in our area. If you would like to donate (any amount will do) please click on the link provided. This is through Second Harvest Food Bank and is a great cause. Thank you for participating in Hope for the Holidays! https://lnkd.in/gaU6maB.
5 Tips to Protect Your Joints and Help Your Golf Game
Let's say you are enjoying a nice game of golf with your boss or you have a friendly wager going with a good friend and it’s your turn to knock one out of the park. You approach the ball and take your best swing, then all of a sudden, your ball goes left, your back goes right, your shoulders go up and your knees hit the ground. What are you going to do now? Sometimes, you can treat the pain and discomfort of sports injuries home. But if you need to see a specialist, rest assured that some of the best
Talking to your child about gratitude during a challenging year
By Becc Lester-Beam, Community Outreach Coordinator at Seminole Science Charter School Thanksgiving is a time for us all – little ones included – to pause and consider the many things we have to be thankful for. With the pandemic disrupting our sense of normalcy, limiting our social interactions and cancelling our plans, finding gratitude may be a bit more challenging in 2020. Here are some tips to help talk to your children about thankfulness after a difficult year. Ask Gratitude Questions While
Make Your Holidays Zero-Waste
“Meet the needs of the present without compromising the future generations ability to meet their needs.” Brundtland Commission. This is what we know as Sustainability. In Ana Leal, founder of AMLY Sustainability words Sustainability is to live a prosper, happy and healthy life without damaging natural ecosystems and allowing our children to live in plenitud. Plenitud does not mean excess, it means to live better with less. This is more relevant this year because 2020 brought turmoil and disdain limiting
Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning Named to Bryant Heating and Cooling’s Circle of Champions
LONGWOOD, FL – Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning was recognized for its commitment to excellence with a spot in the coveted 2020 Circle of Champions by Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems, a leading supplier of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, and a part of Carrier, a leading global provider of innovative HVAC, refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation technologies. “Providing outstanding home comfort equipment and service have become cornerstones for the
Perspire Sauna Studio Now Open in Lake Mary
LAKE MARY, Fla. (Nov. 23, 2020) – Perspire Sauna Studio opened its newest Florida location, thanks to owner and Winter Park resident Julie Wordell. The new sauna studio concept is located in Heathrow’s Shoppes at Oakmonte at 1210 S. International Parkway, Suite 138. This is the second Perspire location for the franchise in Central Florida and the state. The first location opened in Winter Park at the end of July. Wordell has plans to open a total of three Perspire locations in the area. “We are looking
Nemours Infectious Disease Doctors Honored Among ‘Change Makers of the Year’ by Heart of Florida Uni
Orlando, Fla. (Nov. 20, 2020) – Heart of Florida United Way has recognized two of the Infectious Disease specialists at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Dr. Kenneth Alexander and Dr. Adriana Cadilla, as “Change Makers of the Year” at a special virtual ceremony today. This year, instead of naming an individual, Heart of Florida United Way honored select healthcare heroes and first responders who served the community during the COVID-19 crisis, coming from Nemours and six other organizations. Selection was
On The + Side: Tiny Owls, Teacher Appreciation and Apple Pie
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about guided gratitude prompts, self-care for empaths during the holidays, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
WELBRO Building Corporation Breaks Ground on the Tom Fellows Community Center
The City of Davenport and WELBRO Building Corporation hosted a groundbreaking on November 10, 2020, for the Tom Fellows Community Center. This event showed our WELBRO team what this community center will mean to the City of Davenport and the dedication that Mr. Fellows has demonstrated to his community. This center contains (2) Gymnasiums, a banquet hall, exercise room, concession area, and kitchen. The building will be located on a 12-acre parcel a mile away from City Hall. We are so excited to be a part
Boston Coffeehouse Nominated for Best Coffeehouse - Help Us Win!
Altamonte Springs, Florida: On November 13, Macaroni Kid Seminole announced round one nominations for their 2020 Golden Daisy Awards. We are honored to be nominated again for Best Coffeehouse in Seminole County. We were finalists last year, and hope to be again this year. Voting is being held on the Macaroni Kid website, linked below. Voting will be open until December 13, 2020. https://seminole.macaronikid.com/articles/582581e8dafd9055309a8f57/2020-macaroni-kid-se
Avon - A Beautiful You Running a Special Promotion on Covid-19 Defense
A Beautiful You Customer Newsletter, C-25-2020 Current Brochure? www.youravon.com/mappel Good until 11-24-2020 Special Notice: My hope (prayer) is that you are maintaining Social Distancing and wear a mask on leaving your home during Covid-19. We need to be ultra-cautious. Remember, I deliver products to doorsteps with little if any personal contact, wearing my mask. Please put a check or cash under the door mat or in some agreed upon location. You are also welcome to use Venmo
UCF Forum: Tell the Truth and Make Space for Hope
Our parents are our first teachers, and in my case they were also my Girl Scout troop leaders. Although I was not the most enthusiastic Brownie or Junior Girl Scout, I endured campsite latrines for the opportunities to sell cookies, accumulate badges and socialize with other girls my age. Having my parents as troop leaders was a bonus — their insistence that I not receive special treatment notwithstanding. The benefit for me was the chance to observe their service to others through which they taught me
Chit Chat with Santa
We have a fun mini fundraiser happening right now in partnership with 82 South (our production company from Mask-R-Aid) titled “Chit Chat with Santa”. This holly jolly virtual experience allows families to bring the North Pole to their living rooms, all while giving back to SH with special code shepherdshope. The Chit Chat costs $28 and every time the special code is entered we receive $5 back. If you are interested visit the link below! https://www.chitchatwithsanta.com/santascheduler
Certified Computer Solutions’, Andrea Mahoney, awarded Zoho Books certification
(Orlando, November 27, 2020) Andrea Mahoney, Zoho Partner and Zoho Certified Consultant has completed the Zoho Books Certification, a leading global accounting programs. Zoho Books is an end to end account platform that replaces outdated accounting programs. Zoho Books integrates with hundreds of banks and credit cards. It also integrates with many other apps, If you are a customer of other Zoho Products like Zoho CRM or Zoho One, permission can be set so that invoices are attached to the appropriate
Seminole Science Charter School Hosting Virtual Open House for 2021-2022 School Year
Seminole Science Charter School (SSCS), a tuition-free, STEM-focused public charter school for Grades K-8, is now accepting applications for its upcoming 2021-2022 school year. While the ongoing pandemic has restricted the opportunity for prospective families to visit the school in person, SSCS welcomes the community to learn more via its online Virtual Open House, which can be found at https://www.seminolescience.org/index.php/enrollment/virtual-open-house. On its Virtual Open House landing page, the
Meals on Wheels, Etc. joins Meals on Wheels America and Subaru of America, Inc. in Sharing the Love this Holiday Season
The 13th annual Subaru Share the Love® Event will help deliver nutritious meals and compassion to Seminole County’s seniors Sanford, Florida (November 20, 2020) – Meals on Wheels, Etc. is proud to announce that it will be participating in the 2020 Subaru Share the Love Event as a member of Meals on Wheels America– one of four national Share the Love charitable partners supported through the campaign. From November 19, 2020, through January 4, 2021, Subaru of America will donate $250 for every new
Farmer's Market on Sunday at Heathrow/Legacy Clubs Athletic Center
Come and join us here at the Heathrow/Legacy Clubs Athletic Center on Sunday from 9am until 2pm for the Farmers Market. Enjoy a fun, safe environment for the entire family including the four-legged members. We will have a variety of vendors so you may start your holiday shopping early. Gift wrapping will be available. Join us for a warm fun, fall environment to kick off the holiday season in a private country club setting. For more information please contact Marie Baita-Juma at
Gynecologic Cancers: What Every Woman Should Know
Due to its complexity, the female reproductive system is at risk for a variety of gynecologic cancers, a risk that increases with age. Since each type of gynecologic cancer has its own unique signs, symptoms, risk factors and prevention strategies, it is critical that women schedule their recommended screenings and see their physician when they notice any abnormalities. While the signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancers can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer, women should be mindful
Email Marketing Campaign Adds $500,000 in Revenue for Small Business Client
Orlando, FL – November 18, 2020 – The Countess Group, a strategic marketing and communications consultancy, recalled today that one of the company’s VIP Partners added over a half million dollars in incremental revenue solely through the use of email marketing in less than a year, several years ago. The consultancy is led by Ken Countess. Countess and his team teach businesses and non-profits how to use email marketing, social media and other marketing tactics as key tools to achieve their goals. A
Shepherd’s Hope and Medek Health Providing Free COVID-19 Antibody Testing in Longwood
Local groups partner once again to provide crucial first step in testing at Shepherd’s Hope Longwood Health Center November 23 For Immediate Release |November 17, 2020 (Orlando, Fla.) – As our region looks for ways to continue keeping the spread of COVID-19 under control, two local organizations are partnering up once more to bring free antibody tests in Seminole County. Back in September, this partnership provided antibody testing out of Shepherd’s Hope West Orange Health Center. On November 23,
Kids Deserve Families – and Futures
By Glen Casel, president & CEO of Embrace Families On any given day in Central Florida, there are close to 3,000 children in the care of our community, many of them in foster care. Kids don’t enter the child welfare system because they have done anything wrong. They are there to make sure they are in a safe place. Sometimes that is to protect them from abuse, but much more often it is to make sure their needs aren’t neglected as their families struggle with circumstances that can lead to abuse or
Seminole County Board of County Commissioners Elects New Chairman, Installs New Commissioner
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (November 17, 2020)- At today’s scheduled Seminole County Board of County Commissioners meeting, District 4 Commissioner Lee Constantine was unanimously elected by his peers to serve as the Chairman of the Board. District 2 Commissioner Amy Lockhart was unanimously named Vice-Chairman. The Chairman presides over all meetings, signs all legal documents, and appoints Commissioners to various committees. The Chairman is the official representative of the Board and retains a vote on all
On The + Side: Cookies for Caregivers, Holiday Saving and Apple Cider
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about how to participate in Orlando Burger Week, a handbag auction for a good cause, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
‘Flip My Florida Yard’ TV show coming to Seminole County
SANFORD, Fla. --- ‘Flip My Florida Yard’ is coming to a backyard near you. Ten homeowners across eight Florida counties were chosen to have their yard “flipped” into a Florida-Friendly paradise - three of them right here in Seminole County. The Florida-based gardening show travels to yards around the state and gives them the ultimate Florida-Friendly makeover. Using the nine principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL), this transformation creates yards that protect and conserve Florida’s natural
Orlando Health Acquires Nearly 80 Acres In Lakeland
Orlando Health successfully completed the purchase of 79.6 acres of land on the south side of Lakeland, Fl. WHEN: Orlando Health closed on the property Tuesday, November 10, 2020 WHERE: The property is immediately south of the Polk Parkway on the east side of Lakeland Highlands Road. BACKGROUND: Orlando Health announced plans to purchase the land in January and has since worked with its previous owner – prominent realtor and land owner, Edward Holloway – Lakeland officials and
Orlando Health Launches Preferred Education Program
Orlando, FL (November 12, 2020) –Orlando Health team members who want to pursue an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or certificate at Valencia College, can do so without incurring any out-of-pocket costs. Effective December 1, 2020, the healthcare system will launch its Preferred Education Program which allows team members to attend Valencia College and pay nothing upfront. Orlando Health will pay 100 percent of the cost of tuition and books directly to the college, up to the annual cap limit for
Addition Financial Launches Season 2 of Making It Count Podcast
Lake Mary, Fla. (November 12, 2020) – To empower the community in times of uncertainty, Addition Financial has launched Season 2 of the Making It Count podcast. Making It Count, which premiered its first season in February 2020, offers practical advice on financial topics throughout each life stage. Local experts share their insights on a variety of subjects, from purchasing a home for the first time to preparing for retirement. Throughout the pandemic, the podcast has explored other timely issues, from
UCF Forum: The Art and Science of Preparing Today’s Students for the Real World
Things have changed in the classroom since I became a professor more than 25 years ago. I love teaching, mentoring, interacting and watching students grow — from undergraduate to graduate to doctoral levels. I love the game. I do not assess today’s changes as better or worse, just different. Society changes, generations evolve, and higher education looks like something else than it did a quarter of a century ago. My goal has always been the same, with one question: How do I challenge today’s student to
SERVPRO Of North Seminole And West Volusia Opens Two New Offices In Sanford And DeLand
SERVPRO Of North Seminole And West Volusia, one of Central Florida’s leading fire and water damage restoration companies, has announced two new offices to facilitate their growing business and staff. These new offices will be home to SERVPRO of North Seminole and West Volusia’s experienced sales team, and their warehouse located at 1980 Dolgner Place in Sanford will continue to be their production hub. Located on Commercial Street in Historic Downtown Sanford, the new expanded office space is home to the
Why Not You?
What are you doing to improve your processes? I know most people don’t think about the processes of their actions. Processes affect your business, your relationships and your overall goals. Don’t stop reading here! This is very interesting and I’m sure it will prick your curiosity. Continue reading and then click the link for a detailed description of our new, revolutionary experience. Notice I said experience and not a program. Hope to see you soon!Have you Heard the Following Statistics: 48% of employees
Seminole State College Hosts Virtual Veterans Day Celebration
Three Veterans Awarded Sgt. Mark Johnson IV Memorial ScholarshipsSANFORD, Fla. (Nov. 11, 2020) - Seminole State College of Florida honored members of the armed forces Wednesday, Nov. 11, with a virtual Veterans Day Ceremony.The ceremony, hosted by Seminole State’s Office of Veteran Student Services and the Office of Student Life, included opening remarks from Seminole State President Dr. Georgia L. Lorenz, the singing of the National Anthem and the Armed Forces salute by SeminoleSound and the presentation
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Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints MSL's Bill Blend, Four Others, to the Board of Accountancy
Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of William Blend, Brent Sparkman, Jason Lafser and Bill Benson to the Board of Accountancy. William Blend Blend, of Orlando, is a certified public accountant and shareholder with MSL, P.A.. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Florida Institute of Public Accountants. Blend is also a member of the Florida Government Finance Officers Association, the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce and
This Weekend's Arts Alive 2020 has Gone Virtual!
Arts Alive 2020 has gone virtual! For the first time in the event’s 24-year history, there’s no limit on seats in the room and it’s completely free to tune in for a fun night showcasing our students, teachers and programs. I invite you to join us this Saturday, November 14th for Arts Alive 2020 on Facebook Live. We look forward to showing you how your support has continued to benefit the students and teachers of Seminole County Public Schools during a year like no other. You’ll be amazed at the student
Ready. Sweat. Go! New Perspire Sauna Studio to Open Nov. 23 in Lake Mary
LAKE MARY, Fla. (Nov. 10, 2020) – Perspire Sauna Studio is preparing for the grand opening of a new Florida location thanks to owner and Winter Park resident Julie Wordell. The new sauna studio concept will open Monday, Nov. 23, in Heathrow’s Shoppes at Oakmonte at 1210 S. International Parkway, Suite 138. This will be the second Perspire location for the franchise in Central Florida and the state. The first location opened in Winter Park at the end of July. Wordell has plans to open a total of three
Why Recycling Matters – and How to Do It Right
Did you know that one recycled tin can saves enough energy to power a TV for three hours? Or that thrifting for a shirt instead of buying one new can save more than 700 gallons of water? If not, don’t worry: November 15, 2020 is National Recycling Day – a time to raise awareness about our environmental footprint and bring attention to the many benefits of recycling. At the most basic level, recycling reduces the amount of total waste in our environment. Although you can’t usually make a 100% recycled
How to Keep Your Bones Healthy
It’s time to stop and think about what your bones do for your body every day. Keeping them healthy and strong should be a priority. After all, they support your entire body weight, protect your vital organs and provide important anchors for the muscles of your body. While bone health is important at every age, it becomes increasingly vital as we grow older. Learn what you can do to fortify your bones for long-term strength and stability. Why Is Bone Health Important? Your bone tissue is
On The + Side: Burgers, Handbags and Happiness Boosts
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about how to participate in Orlando Burger Week, a handbag auction for a good cause, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
Shepherd’s Hope Hosted One-Of-A-Kind Broadcast Event Mask-R-Aid on October 24, 2020
The nonprofit utilized virtual and live elements to raise necessary funding to provide free medical services to uninsured and under-insured patients in Central Florida For Immediate Release |November 9, 2020 (Orlando, FL) – In honor of Healthcare Heroes, Shepherd’s Hope hosted a broadcast event titled Mask-R-Aid on October, 24. This unique hybrid event spotlighted the nonprofit’s mission of providing free quality medical care to those who are uninsured or under-insured in Central Florida. While the event
Seminole CARES Small Business Relief Program to Close November 13
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (November 6, 2020) – Seminole County Government has awarded more than $9 million in small business grants through the Seminole CARES Small Business Grant program. In order to complete the application review and award process within the funding timeline set by US Treasury, the County will close the application portal to new applications at 5pm on Friday, November 13, 2020. Nearly 1,300 small business applications have been approved for funding since the program opened on August 19,
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Volusia/Flagler SCORE Moves into Volusia County UCF Business Incubator
Partnership helps create an entrepreneur hub for growing small businesses Daytona Beach, Fla. (October 27, 2020) – Two of Volusia County’s largest entrepreneur programs have joined forces with the Volusia/Flagler chapter of SCORE relocating into the Volusia County Business Incubator Powered by UCFBIP. With the relocation, the building now has four agencies specifically focused on helping entrepreneurs and businesses grow and create jobs. “Our local community needs to support our business community and
SCPS Names 2022 Teacher Of The Year Semi-finalists
(SANFORD, Fla.) Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) is proud to announce the 2022 Teacher of the Year (TOY) Semi-Finalists: Elementary School Name Title Evans Elementary Courtney Redfield K-5th Computer Science Teacher Idyllwilde Elementary Amy High K-5th Exceptional Education Teacher Lawton Elementary Jennifer Lawrence K-5th STEM Teacher Seminole County Virtual Catalina Bohórquez K-12th Spanish Teacher Woodlands Elementary Amanda Lewis 2nd Grade
Goodwill Hosts Free Webinar For Job Seekers On Nov. 6
Participants to Receive Tips for Answering Common Job Interview Questions WHAT: On Fri., Nov. 6, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida’s virtual job connection team will host a free webinar for job seekers. The latest in a series of virtual presentations, this session will focus on different types of interview questions and provide advice on how to best answer them. Interested participants must register in advance by visiting https://bit.ly/3eaHQam. With more than 750,000
UCF Forum: We Must be Vigilant to Preserve Proper Respect for our Veterans
Americans of the founding generation would be shocked by how Veterans Day on Nov. 11 is celebrated nowadays — and not because it’s become commercialized with sales, deals and discounts. In the days following the American Revolution, most Americans didn’t want to honor veterans at all. Yes, Americans celebrated their independence and they feted leaders, particularly George Washington. But people had little sympathy for the ordinary soldiers and officers of the Continental Army. The gulf between our
On The + Side: Vision Boards, Haute Dogs and Laughter
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about ways to add more humor to your life, how to create an online vision board, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
Is It Heartburn or Something More?
For many of us, acid reflux is an occasional fact of life. Eating a heavy meal or lying down in bed right after eating can send stomach acid up where it doesn’t belong. While painful, some acid reflux — also known as heartburn, even though it has nothing to do with the heart — is normal. But when heartburn happens often, it may be a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, and the damage can add up. Acid can harm the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat and stomach, along with
Seminole State Receives $2 Million Grant From U.S. Department Of Education
SANFORD, Fla. (Nov. 2, 2020) - Awarded with a Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Seminole State College of Florida is as ready as ever to help its students GO Far. The $2,238,000 grant will run over five years and be used to bolster student outcomes, specifically in the health and public safety fields. The Title III Strengthening Institutions grant was created by the Department of Education to help eligible institutions of higher education expand their
Join us for Arts Alive 2020 presented by Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital
Arts Alive has gone virtual! On Saturday, November 14, 2020 we welcome the community to sample our traditional program from the comfort of their own home while raising funds to support the arts and more in Seminole County Public Schools. The evening includes an amazing silent auction, fun interactive activities and of course, an incredible show highlighting our talented students and exciting programs within our schools. We’re excited to have Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital join us as the
Your Local Avon Man is changing Policies....effective immediately!
Current Brochure? www.youravon.com/mappel Good until 11-10-2020 Special Notice: My hope (prayer) is that you are maintaining Social Distancing and wear a mask on leaving your home during Covid-19. We need to be ultra-cautious. Remember, I deliver products to doorsteps with little if any personal contact, wearing my mask. By the way, I do miss seeing you in person!! Please put a check or cash under the door mat or in some agreed upon location. You are also welcome to use Venmo (@Howie-Appel)
Esther Vargas Named Chair of InBIA
Site Manager for UCF Business Incubator to lead international organization Orlando, Fla. (October 27, 2020) – The International Business Innovation Association (InBIA), a global nonprofit network of entrepreneurial support organizations, has installed Esther Vargas as its new board chair. The appointment started October 1, 2020 and runs through September 30, 2021. Vargas has served as a director of InBIA since 2016 and joined the organization in 2007. “I am deeply honored to be elected as InBIA’s
UCF Forum: The Irresistible Draw of Sports
When we read a book or watch a movie, we make a choice to accept the world we are about to enter. We know there will be heroes and villains. They will take us on a journey that will capture our attention and maybe even break our hearts. But the book or movie has an ending already determined by someone else. It is up to us to avoid jumping to the final chapter or fast forwarding to the end to prematurely learn how it ends. I am often asked what I love about my job as director of broadcasting for UCF. Is
Virtual/Online Email Marketing Workshop Scheduled for November 11, 2020
Seminole County, Fla. — October 28, 2020 — Due to high demand, The Countess Group, an Orlando-based strategic marketing and communications consultancy, has opened registration for a 3-hour email marketing workshop to be held online on November 11, 2020. Ken Countess, Contact’s Top Partner/Trainer, will be teaching the class from 1pm-4pm via Zoom. “I can’t wait to teach business owners how to be better marketers,” said Countess, a certified email marketing expert. “With this class being 100% online, I’m
Young Life Seminole County Sponsorship Opportunity
Giving Tuesday is December 1st, and Young Life Seminole County is hosting a Day of Giving to coincide with it. This will be a one-day, online event involving hundreds of people sending emails, text messages, and social media posts encouraging friends and family to give to Young Life through the Day of Giving webpage. Young Life is offering local businesses the opportunity to be a Day of Giving sponsor and receive publicity in several different forms depending upon the level of sponsorship. For more
Tips For Sustainable Habits?
Can our habits be sustainable? Absolutely! Before I share tips on how to have sustainable habits let’s break down the terms. The American Journal of Psychology, defines a "habit, as a more or less fixed way of thinking, willing, or feeling acquired through previous repetition of a mental experience. Habitual behavior often goes unnoticed in persons exhibiting it, because a person does not need to engage in self-analysis when undertaking routine tasks. According to Webster, sustainability is the ability
ASD Adult Achievement Center Named “2020 Top-rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits
Altamonte Springs, Florida 11/01/2020 –ASD Adult Achievement Center announced today it has been named a “2020 Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits. ASD Adult Achievement Center is a non-profit provider of services for adults with ASD in Altamonte Springs, resulting in a sense of pride and helping their participants serve a greater purpose in their community, and thus in their lives. At ASD Adult Achievement Center, we provide
Is It Allergies or a Cold?
Sniffling, sneezing, watery eyes and coughing: We’ve all been there. What starts as a tickle in the throat or a sneeze here or there can quickly turn into symptoms that last for days — sometimes weeks. But as common as these symptoms are, it can be hard to tell what exactly is causing your congestion. You might find yourself asking a very common question: Is it a cold or allergies? Getting to the bottom of what’s causing your discomfort can put you on the path to wellness. Learn more about the
Seminole County Tech Fest XV Sponsorship and Presentation Opportunities
Community Leaders: You have an opportunity to make a difference in our future by making a difference in the lives of our students. Please join our efforts, network with the business community, and meet the future leaders of tomorrow. Annual Seminole County TechFest XVThe Future of IT - The Students of TomorrowMarch 12, 2021 On behalf of the Crooms Business Advisory Council (BAC) and its members, we ask you and others you know to consider being a sponsor and/or speaker. TechFest
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UCF Innovation Districts Partner with YPO for Unique Mentorship Program
Top regional CEOs volunteer time to assist growing companies throughout the system Orlando, Fla. (October 28, 2020) – Being an entrepreneur and growing a business often feels like being on an island. There is a limited number of people who have been through the experience of growing a business to ask for advice. The UCF Business Incubation Program has partnered with the Orlando chapter of YPO to develop a unique system of mentorship for its Innovation District companies. With a wide range of Presidents
Red Ribbon Week and Central Florida Zoo Fundraiser
Seminole Science Charter School, as part of our year-long emphasis on character education and making healthy choices, we will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week at SSCS from Oct. 26- Oct. 30. This year’s theme is: Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free. This theme serves as a reminder that we are all empowered with shaping the communities around us through positivity, courage and strength. Each day of RRW has a theme, character focus and special dress option (above is “Dress like your favorite animal to kick off
On The + Side: Monsters, DIY Costumes and Pumpkin Stencils
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about last-minute DIY costume ideas, socially distanced Halloween events, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
UCF Forum: I am Speaking
Have you ever attended a meeting where you have your notebook, pen and list of ideas that you know will grab everyone’s attention? You have been waiting for the right time to raise your hand and say, “I have a suggestion.” But as you share your concept, you notice that eyes aren’t on you. People are fidgeting and looking at their phones and laptops. You start to think that maybe your idea wasn’t so great. Then when you’re rudely interrupted by a male counterpart with an idea that seems almost identical
Certified Computer Solutions’, Andrea Mahoney, Awarded Zoho Projects Certification
(Longwood, October 30, 2020) Andrea Mahoney, Zoho Partner and Zoho Certified Consultant has completed the Zoho Projects Certification, one of the leading global project management platforms. Zoho Projects keeps track of project tasks, allows stakeholders to collaborate, and tracks milestones. This robust engine delivers features like project forums, project reporting, and time tracking while integrating with Zoho CRM. Zoho Projects is part of the Zoho One package which includes over 45 apps. It offers
Discipline, Discharge & Documentation
Frequently, employers struggle to connect the relationship between discipline, discharge and the documentation necessary to defend itself in a lawsuit. Read our latest blog at https://eafinc.org/discipline-discharge-documentation/. Employers Association Forum, Inc. (EAF) is a non-profit corporate membership-based association dedicated to serving the business and HR community with world-class HR Tools, Hotlines & Legal Compliance, News & Trends, Surveys & Economic Data, Benefits & Insurance, Risk
Tech Rage IT’s Matt Rose partners with CF Foundation for Tech Talk Series
Director of Technology Services will educate “Grampions” on latest technology and security trends. Winter Springs, Fla., October 21, 2020 – Matt Rose is ready to teach your grandmother about technology so you don’t have to. Rose, Tech Rage IT’s director of technology services, is partnering with the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation’s Florida Chapters for a new Tech Talk series dedicated for CF Foundation grandparents or “Grampions.” The first virtual session will be held on Tuesday, October 27,
Panera Bread® Hosts Fall Pumpkin Cookie Campaign Benefiting the Foundation for Foster Children
Orlando, FL – Covelli Family Limited Partnership, part of the largest franchisee of Panera, LLC, is partnering with the Foundation for Foster Children for a special fall promotion throughout 32 bakery-cafes in the Orlando area. From Nov. 2-16, participating bakery-cafes will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from every Pumpkin cookie purchased to the Foundation for Foster Children. The freshly baked all-butter shortbread cookie is shaped like a pumpkin and decorated in orange icing to celebrate the
Florida Orthopaedic Associates Launches Improved Website
Florida Orthopaedic Associates is pleased to announce the launch of our updated website. The new site has been redesigned to offer a user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality. We invite you to explore our new site to learn more about our practice’s 50-year history, our team of top orthopaedic specialists and physician assistants, and our clinical areas of focus. For new and existing patients, appointment requests can be submitted by using our convenient online call back
AMLY Sustainability Awarded an Innovation Award by Avalon Park Group
[Oviedo, FL]: Recognizing the company’s innovation and leadership, Avalon Park Group presented AMLY Sustainability the Collaborator Award as part of its Avalon Innovation Awards. The first-time awards provide funds and resources to support the recognized businesses and a spot in the 5th Floor Pro-Working space of the new Avalon Innovation Center in Avalon Park. Avalon Park Group selected 28 winning businesses from the more than 150 who applied. “AMLY Sustainability is grateful to be among the
Increase Your Knowledge, Increase Your Profits!
Business Process Improvement gets a bad rap. Some consider it industry jargon, others an ineffective management “hack”, and almost all see it as boring. However, there is no better way to increase efficiency and consistency in your business than by managing your processes effectively. It’s not a question of whether or not you should be documenting and managing your processes – you absolutely should in order to avoid catastrophic human error and inconsistencies. You also need to make sure that everyone
On The + Side: Homecoming, Pancakes and Superfoods
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about UCF Homecoming festivities, how to make gluten-free apple cider pancakes, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
Central Florida Zoo Offers New Single-day Admission Discounts
SANFORD, Fla. (October 5, 2020) — Everyone enjoys a fun, safe day at the Zoo with friends and family—and now more special groups can save! The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is now offering discounts on single-day admissions for healthcare workers and college students, as well as increased discounts for military members and teachers. “The Zoo is a fun and affordable place for all residents of Central Florida and beyond to visit,” said Dino Ferri, CEO. “These discounts are a way to say thank you
LegalShield Introduces New Rideshare and Delivery Coverage to Help Drivers Protect Themselves and Their Livelihoods
ADA, Okla. – October 1, 2020 – LegalShield, the world’s leading provider of affordable legal and identity theft protection plans, today released a new Rideshare and Delivery Supplement which provides expanded legal protection and services to drivers who use automobiles, vans or pick-up trucks to support their livelihood. Rideshare and delivery programs such as Uber, Lyft and DoorDash are a great way to earn income; however, they also increase personal legal and financial risk, given the hazards of
Florida Blue Kicks Off New Relationship with Walt Disney World® Resort with a Virtual Taste of EPCOT
ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Blue, one of the state’s leading health insurers, has formed a multi-year relationship as an Official Sponsor of Walt Disney World® Resort to provide engaging and unique experiences to guests at EPCOT® as well as in their homes. The relationship kicks off this month, providing residents of select 55+ communities an opportunity to bring a Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival into their homes through a virtual event featuring culinary demonstrations with a Disney chef,
Florida Blue offering $0 drive-up flu shots on select Wednesdays and Saturdays
Flu vaccines now available to everyone age 3 and older$10 Walgreens gift card to all adults receiving flu vaccines at Florida Blue Centers For the fourth year, Florida Blue and Walgreens are teaming up to provide flu shots and other vaccinations to the public. New this year, the no-cost flu vaccines are available to anyone age 3 and older even if they have health insurance through another carrier or do not have health insurance coverage at all. All adults receiving a flu shot at the Florida Blue Center
New Walt Disney World License Plate Celebrates 50th Anniversary And Can Help A Child’s Wish Come True
Today we are sharing some exciting news for Florida-registered car owners – there’s now a way to be part of history and to help grant wishes for children who need them most. For the first time ever, a specialty Walt Disney World Resort license plate is available for purchase in honor of our 50th anniversary. Proceeds of the license plate will go to Make-A-Wish of Central and Northern Florida. Disney has a longstanding relationship with Make-A-Wish, dating back to 1980, and since then, more than 140,000
Veterans now get an Additional Discount!!
A Beautiful You Customer Newsletter, C-23-2020 Current Brochure? www.youravon.com/mappel Good until 10-27-2020 Attention: All Chamber members will receive a 10% discount on all orders up to $50 when ordering through me. If you order $50 or more you will receive a 15% discount if ordering through me. Attention Veterans Receive an additional 10% discount on all Avon orders when ordering through me. Avon is not providing these discounts. Because I am a veteran, I want to reach out to both Chamber
HCA Healthcare Orlando Market Partners With Local Law Enforcement For Opioid Take Back Day On October 24
ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 13, 2020) – HCA Healthcare facilities in Central Florida are doing their part to “Crush the Crisis,” partnering with local law enforcement for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seven HCA Healthcare Orlando Market hospitals and freestanding emergency rooms will host the events to collect unused or expired prescription drugs while raising awareness about the proper disposal of
Lifetime Access At 75% Savings
$199 Email Marketing Academy Deal Is Available For A Limited Time Seminole County, Fla. — October 14, 2020 — Helping businesses do more business – more easily - is a specialty of The Countess Group, an internationally recognized strategic marketing and communications consultancy, based in the Orlando, Florida area. Did you know that 99% of U.S. adults check their email every day? Or that email marketing consistently delivers over 40:1 ROI? That makes it pretty clear that you need to get into
UCF Forum: We Need to Make Today the New Tomorrow
As I sit and watch a new series on Netflix, I am quickly immersed into whatever world exists on the screen. And I find it happening more and more as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a daily presence in our lives. Whether the show is set in a dangerous world of monsters or the Wild West, I feel like I can’t look away from the television. Every second is filled with the adrenaline of a brutal fight scene or the heat of a suspenseful romance. Every second takes me further and further from the reality of
Young Life Seminole County Launches New Club
The Hagerty High School Community now has a team of 6 Young Life staff and volunteer leaders serving students and developing our newest Young Life Club. This Club is perfect for UCF student volunteer leaders with its proximity to the UCF campus. In addition to starting a new Club, Young Life is also excited to announce the hiring of a new Associate Area Director, Andy Ward. He will be leading the team in the Hagerty Area and overseeing our other ministry teams in Oviedo. Andy comes to us after
ACE Human Resources Launches New Service Offering for “The Underemployed Market”
Beginning Friday, October 16th, 2020 ACE Human Resources will start offering resume review services for individuals embarking on the job application process. Resume review services are the submission and critique of a professional resume and will offer a new way for jobseekers to gain more interview requests by ensuring their resume is reflecting their true potential. “We are launching into an entirely new market of The Underemployed – individuals who are currently unemployed, or who are ‘working at a
WeCare tlc Named To Orlando Business Journal’s Golden 100 List
ORLANDO, Fla. (October 12, 2020) — Leading onsite and near-site health care provider WeCare tlc was recently honored with a spot on the 2020 Orlando Business Journal Golden 100 list. The provider’s mission to transform the way healthcare is delivered is the driving force for the company’s growth. The Golden 100 list features the largest privately held companies in Central Florida, ranked by year-end gross revenue. To qualify for the list, companies must be at least 51 percent privately owned and
On The + Side: Outer Order, Spooky Decorations and Alpaca Yoga
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about alpaca yoga classes, a 30-day decluttering challenge, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
Dan Karas Appointed Executive Vice President At Allied Affiliated Funding
ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 13, 2020) – Axiom Bank, N.A., a Maitland-based, leading community bank, recently appointed Dan Karas as EVP of Allied Affiliated Funding, the Bank’s factoring and asset-based lending division. In this role, Karas will be responsible for guiding the division and driving its initiatives toward continuing growth. Karas’ commercial lending expertise spans nearly four decades with national and regional banks. In his most recent role at a Dallas-based community bank, Karas helped
Seminole Science Charter School is Looking for Dynamic Speakers
Parents, community members, and friends of Seminole Science Charter School, start making plans now to be a part of SSCS’ Virtual Teach-In on Monday, November 9th. We are looking for volunteers to teach at least one class in this community-wide effort. This year’s Teach-In will be virtual so that all students are able participate! If you would like to Zoom with a class and teach a lesson or pre-record a lesson and share it with our students, please let us know by Thursday, November 5, 2020. Please
Interviewing During COVID-19? Here’s How to Prepare
Exciting. Nerve-wracking. Overwhelming. Even at the best of times, a job interview can be a challenge. Now, as employers navigate socially distant hiring and COVID-19 precautions, the process has only become more complex. While many of the golden rules still apply (yes, you still need to send a thank-you note), it’s worth taking the time to revisit and refresh your interview prep routine. Here’s how you can stand out from the crowd: Put your best foot forward. While some dress codes have relaxed
Certified Computer Solutions’, Andrea Mahoney, receives Zoho Campaigns Certification
(Longwood, October 16, 2020) Zoho Campaigns, one of the leading global email marketing automation platforms has been added to CCS’ portfolio of products. 73 % of consumers say email is their preferred marketing channel. Zoho Campaigns helps you deliver the right message to your clients at the right time. This robust engine delivers features like creating activity-based workflows, auto scheduling activities in CRM based on an email action, social media posts, sms campaigns, surveys, and Ecommerce
UCF Forum: Even Virtual Meetings Can Have Powerful Lessons
Virtual meetings are an essential component of just about everyone’s new workday routine. And one recent week was no exception, as each day I attended several of those remote conferences. Two of the meetings, however, surprised me and were quite special because they created opportunities to hear from dynamic speakers who engaged me and the other participants in authentic ways. The speakers led us into their mental spaces and allocated time to connect with each other, reflect on our lives, define and
The Tricks – and Treats – to Halloween at Home
It’s scary to think, but Halloween will soon be upon us – and after a turbulent year, we can all look forward to a bit of fall fun. But depending on the level of COVID-19 risk in your city, neighborhood or family, traditional trick-or-treating may take a back seat to socially distant festivities this year. No fear, though: you can still enjoy the season at home. Here are some tricks for treating in 2020: Skip seasonal sales. While marketers are eager to lure customers back into shop aisles, you don’t
Reliance AV Adds Team Member: Zane Henning - Sales Consultant
Altamonte Springs, Florida, 10/7/20 — RelianceAV would like to announce the addition of Zane Henning to our team as Sales Consultant. Zane will be focusing on House of Worship AVL projects. We are so pleased to welcome Zane Henning to the RelianceAV family. Zane is a kind, honest, warm soul, all the qualities that foster long standing relationships. We are very pleased he will be representing our company in the position of Sales Consultant. Zane was introduced to the world of AV through his
It’s a Tough Time to Talk to Kids About Money. Here’s How to Start.
Teaching kids about finances isn’t easy in the best of times. But these days, many parents face a bigger dilemma: How do you talk to your children about money when you don’t have much of it? It takes courage to admit that money is tight, but it’s also an important learning experience for children. No matter your financial situation, these tips can make the conversation easier: Be Honest. If you’ve lost work or income to the pandemic, it’s okay to say so. Kids are more resilient than we give them credit
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Seeks State Reaccreditation Status
Seminole Co. (Oct. 2, 2020) – A team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) will be conducting an assessment of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office on October 28-29, 2020, to examine specific aspects of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office to include policies, procedures, operations and support services. Due to COVID-19, the assessment will be conducted remotely. Since the agency is already internationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law
Are You Confident in Front of An Audience?
by Rosalyn Gist Porter, Business Communications Coach, Better Speaking Skills Are you sabotaging your presentations, before you open your mouth? If you are, you are sucking the confidence from your mind and body when you need it most—during a sales or business presentation. If you’ve made one or more of the five biggest confidence-killing mistakes, you’re not alone. To boost your confidence as a speaker, identify the ones you make, and try the coaching tips listed below: Mistake #1:
The Sharing Center Recognized During 2020 National Philanthropy Day Celebration
LONGWOOD, FL, October 5, 2020 — The Sharing Center, a faith-based nonprofit organization in Longwood, Florida, is being recognized at this year’s virtual National Philanthropy Day in November for leading continued success and efforts throughout these unprecedented times of a pandemic. For almost 35 years, The Sharing Center has provided hope for the Seminole County community. Through several partnerships and initiatives to raise critically needed funds, The Sharing Center hosted multiple free
Grindle Foundation Honored With Philanthropy Award From Seminole State
SANFORD, Fla. (Oct. 5, 2020) - The Foundation for Seminole State College of Florida presented the Champion of Philanthropy Award to the Art & Phyllis Grindle Foundation on Friday, Oct. 2, in recognition of the organization’s strong support of the College’s programs and services. The Art & Phyllis Grindle Foundation is a family foundation established in 2003 to provide educational opportunities and help to animals in need. Over their 17 years of giving, their support to the College totals over $1.5
Digestive Care: Healing from the Inside Out
Digestive problems can make living life to its fullest difficult. Although work, travel and socializing have changed dramatically in the past few months, don’t let recent circumstances keep you from getting the digestive care you need to stay physically and emotionally healthy. An All-Too Common Problem Nearly one in five of us are affected by some type of digestive disease that prevents our bodies from properly breaking down food into the nutrients needed for energy, growth and cell repair. Common
On The + Side: Flicks and Frights, Zoom Theatre, and Pizza
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about how to get two free trees for your home, the most restorative yoga poses you can do, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
3 At-Home STEM Activities for Families this Fall
By Becc Lester-Beam, Community Outreach Coordinator at Seminole Science Charter School Whether your child is participating in virtual schooling or you’re simply out of ideas to keep them entertained on the weekends, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities are an excellent way to keep students engaged and learning. While we may not feel it here in Central Florida, September 22 marked the first day of Fall. Here are some fun STEM activities your family can do at home to help
Seminole County Youth to Celebrate National 4-H Week: October 4-10
Every year, National 4-H Week sees millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni come together to celebrate the many positive youth development opportunities offered by 4-H. The theme for this year’s National 4-H Week, Opportunity4All, is a campaign that was created by National 4-H Council to rally support for Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program and identify solutions to eliminate the opportunity gap that affects 55 million kids across America. With so many children struggling to reach their full
Seminole State joins Florida Department of Education “Get There” initiative
SANFORD, Fla. (Sept. 24, 2020) - Seminole State College of Florida has partnered with the Florida Department of Education for their Get There workforce education initiative. The initiative aims to bring awareness to Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificates as an alternative to the four-year university track. By connecting students with educational opportunities and career pathways in their communities, the initiative helps students earn their credentials faster and begin their career in an
Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Joins the Orlando Health Family
St. Petersburg, FL (October 1, 2020) –Bayfront Health St. Petersburg is now officially part of Orlando Health Inc. Orlando Health, a not-for-profit healthcare organization headquartered in Central Florida, officially closed on the hospital purchase from Community Health Systems (CHS) on Wednesday, September 30. The City of St. Petersburg, which owns the land that the hospital sits on, approved transferring the lease to Orlando Health in July. Today, Bayfront Health St. Petersburg team members,
Pegasus Insurance Agency’s Owner, Michael Kryger, is Awarded The City of Longwood September Business Person of the Month
At the September 21, 2020, City Commission Meeting, the Longwood City Commission presented Michael Kryger, Owner and Independent Agent of Pegasus Insurance Agency located at 740 Florida Central Parkway, the Business Person of the Month Award for September 2020. Michael has been a Longwood resident since the age of 5! He is a graduate of Lake Mary High School and the University of Central Florida where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a Minor in Sociology. Many in the Chamber
WeCare tlc Launches Healthcare Alternative in Seminole County
New CommunityCare program provides primary care services to Central Florida residents LAKE MARY, Fla. (Oct. 1, 2020) – As the community faces the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of Central Florida residents have been left without healthcare due to layoffs and furloughs. WeCare tlc has a solution to ensure they have access to quality primary care services at one flat rate. WeCare tlc, the leading provider in onsite and near-site employee healthcare, is opening its Seminole County health and wellness center to
Manage Your GERD with Safe, Whole-Person Care
Your stomach is a special place: To digest food, it needs to be so acidic that just a drop of stomach acid eats through wood. Your stomach is lined with special cells to protect you from that acid, but the rest of your body isn’t. That includes your esophagus, a tube about eight inches long that connects your throat and stomach. Usually, a special muscle at the bottom of your esophagus closes off, so stomach acid cannot flow back up your throat. When that muscle fails, the acid irritates the inside
Florida Blue Launches COVID-19 Microsite To Support Local Businesses
COVID-19 has created many challenges for businesses and employees across Central Florida. There are proactive steps you can take to help adapt your company and make sure you, your employees and customers or partners are safely moving forward in our community as you continue to manage your COVID-19 response plan. To help support you and the need for health safety, Florida Blue launched a new dedicated COVID-19 microsite that’s a one-stop-shop for helpful resources and recommendations on: Worksite Safety
Seminole State Wins National Award For Outstanding STEM Education
$50,000 Excellence and Equity in Community College STEM Award honors programs building career pathways for diverse populations Seminole State College of Florida’s Associate of Science Degree in Network Services Technology has been named a winner of the Excellence and Equity in Community College STEM Award by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and the Siemens Foundation. Eight winning programs across the country are receiving the award for not only providing outstanding preparation for
Vivette Montas earns her Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification
I, Vivette Montas, Realtor, have earned the nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR®) certification. The National Association of REALTORS® offers the SFR® certification to REALTORS® who want to help both buyers and sellers navigate these complicated transactions as demand for professional expertise with distressed sales grows. REALTORS® who have earned the SFR® certification know how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale
The Countess Group Partners With GrooveDigital
Seminole County, Fla. — October 1, 2020 — The Countess Group, an internationally recognized strategic marketing and communications consultancy, today announced it has partnered with GrooveDigital, a software development company led by CEO Mike Filsaime. GrooveDigital is focused on creating the most powerful, affordable and simple to use all-in-one software service that you can use to build, grow and manage an online business. Recently, in an effort to help people develop a business from home and do
UCF Forum: If You Don't Take a Risk, You'll Never Know Victory or Defeat
You’ve heard the idea before: The higher the risk, the greater the reward. You’re familiar with those people in your personal and professional life whom you would call risk-takers, the ones who casually skydive on a Sunday afternoon and post their death-defying pictures on their social media feeds. You might also know a few people who avoid taking risks in any aspect of their lives, from their financial investments to trying new foods to getting on an airplane. We call them risk averse. My wife calls
On The + Side: Free Trees, New Emojis and Hercules
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about how to get two free trees for your home, the most restorative yoga poses you can do, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
Collective Bargaining Tentative Agreement Reached 9-29-20
The School Board of Seminole County is pleased to announce that a tentative agreement has been reached with the Seminole Education Association, Inc., regarding contract language and compensation. As agree upon during the 2019-2020 collective bargaining session all teachers (excluding probationary teachers) will receive a 1.25% increase to their base salary for the 2020-2021 School Year.The parties have agreed to a salary distribution plan for the Teacher Salary Increase Allocation (TSIA) from House Bill
Addition Financial and CareerSource Central Florida Expand Partnership
Lake Mary, Fla. (September 28, 2020) – Earlier this year, Addition Financial was named the Platinum Sponsor of CareerSource Central Florida’s Summer Youth Program. Now, in order to best serve the community’s needs, the two organizations have expanded their partnership to serve all age groups. “During this global pandemic, we at Addition Financial know that we have the power to make a meaningful impact during COVID-19. We are proud to work alongside another organization with a people helping people
To Chamber Members from Howie, the Avon Man
Avon has never done this kind of promotion. Avon has responded to the pandemic, Covid 19. And Chamber members STILL get 15% all products. Yes, a Buy One Get One Free of the same item. Text Howie at 407-373-4293 or Email him at hra246@gmail.com with full contact information. Avon Defense Hand Cleansing Wipes - 10 Count - (Item # 070-742) or 50 Count (Item # 070-661) Wipe the day away! These portable disposable cleansing wipes gently and easily remove dirt and germs anytime, anywhere.
Are We As Great If Our Nation is Built On Hate?
Each day as our world evolves, we are witness to momentous, and at times, senseless and detestable moments in our country and the world’s center stage. As some of the more heinous events unfold, we often find the same underlying factor: hate. Ever disheartened by current affairs (and thinking back on a myriad of tragedies bygone) the world seems fairly clear of its feelings with regards to people of color – specifically Black people. The question I pose is why? Brutally forced from African shores into
Tech Rage IT is a Proud Sponsor of the Florida Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence Awards
Florida-based technology firm celebrates the State’s high-performing manufacturers. Winter Springs, Fla., September 30, 2020 – Tech Rage IT will be sponsoring the 2020 Florida Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence Awards celebrating ten Florida-based manufacturing companies named as finalists. FloridaMakes and the Florida Sterling Council collaborated on these statewide awards to recognize Florida’s high-performing manufacturers. The virtual celebration is at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 2, 2020. “We are
Shepherd’s Hope & Sand Lake Imaging “GET A MAMMOGRAM, GIVE A MAMMOGRAM” initiative provides free screenings to women in need during PINK OCTOBER
For Immediate Release I September 11, 2020 (Orlando, Maitland, & The Villages, Florida) – Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Every year, more than 250,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed; an average of one woman every two minutes. Unfortunately, many women in Central Florida will forgo this important annual screening because they lack health insurance. Shepherd’s Hope and Sand Lake Imaging are partnering to provide free mammograms to women in need in our Central Florida
Seminole State To Offer Free Zoom Theatre Productions For Fall 2020
SANFORD, Fla. (Sept. 22, 2020) - No one has been as resilient as the faculty, staff and students of Seminole State College of Florida’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts. The center was forced to relocate its programs due to the sudden closure of their building and then had to transition their classes with the rest of the College to go remote in the face of the coronavirus. They have remained remote during the Fall 2020 semester for the safety of their students, but as the saying goes, the show must go
Oct. 2, Panera Bread Goes Pink for Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center
Orlando, FL — On Fri., Oct. 2, 46 participating Panera Bread bakery-cafes will donate 100% of the proceeds of each Signature Pink Ribbon Bagel sold to Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center. For over a decade, the two organizations have teamed up locally to promote breast cancer awareness and raise money for breast cancer research. “Panera, the Covelli family and Orlando Health Foundation Board member, Annette and husband, Gavin Ford, have generously supported the cancer center through their Pink Ribbon
Arbonne launches new Age Well Skincare Line!
Introducing NEW AgeWell, our most innovative skincare collection that embraces a holistic approach to aging --- starring Bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol. The AgeWell skincare collection offers visibly significant results that work hand-in-hand with your conscious, mindful lifestyle choices. The true secret to aging well is a holistic approach called MIND. BODY. SKIN.™ Dive into this philosophy and learn how the brain, digestive health and skin’s appearance are intricately connected.
Tech Rage IT’s Matt Rose Tapped as a stemConnect Classroom Resource
Director of Technology Services will serve as a STEM expert speaker for the program Winter Springs, Fla., August 16, 2020 – Tech Rage IT’s director of technology services, Matt Rose, will be a STEM expert speaker for stemConnect, a program of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. The program connects K-12 students spanning 23 counties across Florida’s High-Tech Corridor with professionals in areas focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. As a classroom resource, Rose will have the
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UCF Business Incubators Launching Business Modeling Boot Camp
Eight-week course moves entrepreneurs’ ideas into viable business opportunities. Orlando, Fla. (September 23, 2020) – At some point, every great entrepreneur had a great idea that turned into a great company – sometimes even a great industry. But how did they know it had the potential to be a great company? The UCF Business Incubation Program wants to help local entrepreneurs figure that out and move from an idea to a business with its new Business Modeling Boot Camp program. Through a series of
Farmers Insurance® Agent Steffanie Rigetta of Altamonte Springs, Florida Named Among Insurer’s Best
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (Sept. 23, 2020) – Steffanie Rigetta, of Altamonte Springs, Florida, has been named a Topper Club agent by Farmers Insurance® for her outstanding achievement and customer-focused efforts by the Los Angeles-based, multi-line insurer. “On behalf of Farmers®, I’m proud to recognize Steffanie Rigetta as a Topper Club agent,” said Dave Pucci, Farmers Insurance Territory Executive. “Those who qualify as Topper Club agents are among the best in the country and we sincerely appreciate all
Einstein Advisors Welcomes Bruce Weller
Einstein Advisors is pleased to announce that Bruce Weller has joined our team of financial professionals. His impressive life experiences will be of great value to our agency and to his clients. ____________________________________________ Bruce Weller is an amazing individual that we at Einstein Advisors are delighted to bring to our team. He comes to Einstein Advisors with a proven track record of excellence, and a genuine desire to help people. A long-time Central Florida resident, Bruce
Wharton-Smith / Garney JV Project Earns Two Prestigious Award
SANFORD, FLORIDA, September 21, 2020—Wharton-Smith Construction Group announced today that their Joint-Venture project completed for Hillsborough County in Florida with Garney Construction is a double award winner. The Northwest Regional Water Reclamation Facility (NWRWRF) Expansion, located in Tampa, FL, recently received the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Southeast Regional Project of the Year for 2020 and the 2020 Florida Regional Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Water Project of the
Seminole County Fire Department Awarded Department of Homeland Security COVID-19 Grant
Seminole County, FL - September 22, 2020 - Seminole County Board of County Commissioners and Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) was awarded an Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program - COVID-19 Supplemental funding from the Department of Homeland Security in the amount of $185,819.98, including matching funds of $18,582.00 for a total approved amount of $204,401.98. Seminole County Fire Department will utilize the grant funding to enhance its response to the community in the face of the historic
Mammograms Offer the Best Chance of Early Detection
“Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the U.S., so staying on top of your annual mammograms could save your life,” says Leena Kamat, MD, a board-certified radiologist specializing in breast imaging. With getting used to new routines, you may be feeling like days have gotten even more hectic lately. But scheduling important health care appointments, like regular preventive mammograms, should still be a priority. The American College of Radiology (ACR) explains that a
Chair the Love presents Cuisine for the Cause featuring Chef Norman Van Aken
Chef Norman, widely hailed as one of the founders of New American Cuisine and winner of the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the South/Southeast, will guide you through a virtual cooking class to raise money for Chair the Love. Cuisine for the Cause will kick off with an introduction by Chef Norman and a presentation about Chair the Love, followed by a step-by-step recipe and ending with the presentation of the final dish. Guests will have the opportunity to register for extra time with Chef Norman as
Seminole State College Wins National Award For Advancing Diversity
SANFORD, Fla. (Sept. 21, 2020) – Seminole State College of Florida has been honored with the American Association of Community College’s 2020 Award of Excellence for Advancing Diversity. This national award recognizes that the College has contributed significantly, and over a sustained period, to advancing diversity in community college leadership, the community and within education as a whole. “This recognition reflects Seminole State’s culture of student achievement,” said Seminole State President Dr.
On The + Side: Puzzles, Better Breakfasts and Knights Pantry
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about how Knights Pantry has served UCF students during the pandemic, ways to glam up your next cauliflower dish and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
Andrea Mahoney receives new Zoho Analytics Certification
(Longwood, September 25, 2020) Certified Computer Solutions announces a new certification in Zoho Analytics. Zoho Analytics is one of the leading global business intelligence tools. It brings multiple data sources together to a single platform hosting over 50M reports and is used by over 500,000 businesses. Zoho Analytics offers powerful BI tools for over 2 Million users worldwide. Its robust AI tool, Zia, provides predictive analytics bringing everything together from sales, web and marketing reports
Managing Your Finances During a Pandemic
Jim Adamczyk – SEVP/CLO, FAIRWINDS Credit Union, recently shared his expertise with 105.9 SUNNY FM’s Michael Rafferty, regarding whether now is a good time to refinance a mortgage, if zero-percent financing for an auto is the best solution, and overall tips for managing finances during a pandemic. Click here to listen to the interview, available on-demand.About FAIRWINDS Credit UnionFAIRWINDS Credit Union is a financial institution committed to exceptional member experiences that offers products and
HCA Healthcare North Florida Division Expands Internal Medicine Practice in Lake Mary
Lake Mary, Fla., Sept. 17, 2020 –Diana Moldoveanu, MD., Internal Medicine, has joined Primary Care Center at Lake Mary, an affiliate of Central Florida Regional Hospital and HCA Healthcare North Florida Division – Orlando Market. Dr. Moldoveanu provides primary care for adults with a special focus on chronic medical issues and the geriatric population. “As an internist, I am responsible, first and foremost, for helping my patients maintain optimal health to prevent the onset of disease, like diabetes
Shepherd’s Hope Presents Mask-R-Aid, A Broadcast Event Honoring Its Healthcare Heroes
The broadcast event will also raise funds to support the non-profit’s mission to provide free medical care to Central Florida’s uninsured and under-insured For Immediate Release |September 15, 2020 (Orlando, FL) – On Saturday, October 24, 2020, members of the community, business leaders and supporters will gather at viewing locations across the country for an exciting broadcast event to celebrate the Healthcare Heroes of Shepherd’s Hope that will provide the support necessary for maintaining
Seminole County Funding Resident Scholarships to Attend Seminole State
SANFORD, Fla. (Sept. 16, 2020) – Seminole County residents looking to upskill or reskill to advance or begin their careers can take free classes at Seminole State through scholarships provided by Seminole County government. The County is utilizing a portion of its Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funds to pay for tuition, fees, books and instructional costs for current Seminole State College students who are Seminole County residents and can complete a credential at the
7 Years of Free Marketing Help
1,700 Businesses Benefit from Expert Guidance Orlando, FL – September 16, 2020 – The Countess Group, an internationally recognized strategic marketing and communications consultancy, announced today that its VIP Partner Club membership has grown to over 1,700 businesses and non-profit organizations during its 7-year existence. The company’s VIP Partner Club enables its members to receive free expert assistance launching and optimizing their email marketing campaigns and social media marketing
Shepherd’s Hope and Medek Health Providing Free COVID-19 Antibody Testing
Local groups partner to provide crucial first step in testing at Shepherd’s Hope West Orange Health Center September 23 For Immediate Release |September 21, 2020 (Orlando, FL) – As our region looks for ways to continue keeping the spread of COVID-19 under control, two local organizations are teaming up to bring free antibody tests in West Orange County. On September 23, Shepherd’s Hope and Medek Health will be providing free COVID-19 antibody tests for uninsured and under-insured men, women and children
What is the Process?
At Rise and Shine CF, Consulting Firm one common question we ask clients is, what’s the process? Whether you are the owner or an employee that might be a question you get asked often. Let’s face it we are process thinkers. Here’s how you can tell. You go into a local store and on instinct you begin to dissect the store. You inspect the quality of their retail and/or produce, you review the transaction process, was it easy to purchase and finally you look at the speed of delivery. If you have done these
Talos Health Solutions Partners with Seminole County Chamber for Business Resource Showcase
Partner organizations able to premier high-tech solutions for business expos in the COVID-19 worldLake Mary, Fla. (September 18, 2020) – Orlando-based Talos Health Solutions has formed a technology partnership with the Seminole County Chamber to spotlight a new type of trade show perfect for businesses to utilize during COVID-19 and long after.The Business Resource Showcase will launch on Wednesday, September 30 and will bring a significant amount of resources to businesses, without them having to leave
UCF Forum: Each Generation Must Act as a Cultural Bridge to the Next
Our passed-down stories give a sense of belonging, purpose, place and greater meaning. By Chung ParkUCF Forum columnist Of the many things that I thought about during a pandemic — from fear of contracting the illness to instability as an employee to broader societal concerns — my mind kept returning to what our thoughts and actions reflected about our Culture. As T.S. Eliot states with such melancholy in his poem Ash Wednesday — “Because these wings are no longer wings to fly / But merely vans to beat
Seminole State College officially recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution
SANFORD, Fla. (Sept. 15, 2020) – Seminole State College of Florida has been recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). This designation, which notes that a college or university’s Hispanic enrollment makes up at least 25% of its total enrollment, recognizes the rich diversity of Seminole State’s student population. While Seminole State’s Fall 2018 enrollment report to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) showed
Seminole Science Charter Competition Math Students Take Home Honors
In the first month of the Fall semester, Seminole Science Charter School’s Competition Math students participated in their first online qualifying round. Several students placed in the top ten for their grade level, including: Logan C. – 9th Place in 3rd GradeRonit P.- 4th place in 4th GradeAnagha A- 6th Place in 4th GradeNakul K.- 9th Place in 4th Grade Prachi K- 3rd Place in 5th GradeSoham J.- 4th Place in 5th GradeAarush V.- 5th Place in 5th GradeThe students had just one practice before the qualifying
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Downtown Innovation District Nearly Doubles in Size Since January
New client companies prove entrepreneurs still creating jobs and businesses Orlando, Fla. (September 14, 2020) – After launching the Downtown Innovation District in January, targeted companies are flocking to be a part of it. As of September 1, the Downtown Innovation District has nearly doubled in size, with seven companies now committed to the District.Combined, the companies sustain 31 jobs and are planning to hire an additional 30 to 40 employees over the next 12 months. “As the effects of the
SCPS FREE Student Meals Through Dec. 18th
Beginning TODAY, SCPS students 18 and under are now elgible to receive FREE student meals (breakfast and lunch) through December 18th. Please see details below: SCPS Families, We are pleased to announce that all children and teens 18 and under are eligible to receive nutritious breakfast and lunch meals at no charge through December 18th, or earlier as determined by the USDA. This includes student guests attending face to face and all remote learners. Face to face student guests: for menus and
On The + Side: Dinner Shows, Fairy Gardens and Dorm Life
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about ways to observe Hispanic Heritage Month, socially distanced local activities, a free hotline for parents who are homeschooling, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
Seminole State Transforming STEM Through Leaps And Bounds
Seminole State secures National Science Foundation grant for STEM diversitySeminole State College of Florida has secured a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to form the NSF Leaps and Bounds S-STEM Scholarship program. The grant has a maximum award size of $650,000 to be used to improve learning experiences and support programs for student progression. Student scholarships will make up 60 percent of the use of the funding for full two-year scholarships for those pursuing a biology-related
SCPS COVID-19 Dashboard
Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) created a COVID-19 Data Dashboard that will help inform parents, students, staff, and the community about positive cases throughout the school district. The dashboard is live starting today and can be found by clicking here. (or https://www.scps.k12.fl.us/covid19/dashboard.stml) Schools impacted by COVID-19 positive cases will be listed along with the total number of employees and students throughout the district for each campus. The COVID-19 Data
Inspiring Employee Motivation
Employee motivation is important in any business. It can be the difference between an employee that will go above and beyond - when no one is around - and one that will do a poor job, even when someone IS watching. And ultimately, those actions can make the difference between increasing and decreasing business revenue. Of course, hiring the right employee is critical. But even when that is done correctly, it is possible for great employees to lose the fire and motivation they once had. In fact, it's not
Three Central Florida Organizations Receive Seed Money to Address Health Disparities, Earn Opportunity to Win More Funding
Lake Nona, Fla. – Sept. 10, 2020 – Florida Blue’s parent company GuideWell today selected three Central Florida organizations to receive seed money to implement their innovative ideas to address barriers to health access and health literacy. The Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention, the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center and the Center for Quality Medication Management at the University of Florida were selected from a group of 10 regional innovators across Central Florida to receive $5,000
Deborah Moran, REALTOR® with ERA Grizzard wins 'Best of Sanford'
ERA Grizzard REALTOR Deborah Moran was named the Readers' Choice Award Winner, Best Realtor in the Best of Sanford Awards. Hosted by My Sanford Magazine, the award ceremony event highlights the best of the city of Sanford from individuals to favorite businesses in the area. Moran is known for her service and dedication to home buyers and sellers throughout Sanford, Florida, earning her the win for Readers' Choice, Realtor Category."Deborah is a true professional from her commitment to her clients to her
Roger B. Kennedy Construction Wins ABC Eagle Award
Central Florida Contractor Is Recognized by The Associated Builders and Contractors Central Florida Chapter Roger B. Kennedy Construction announces their recognition in the Central Florida Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors Excellence in Construction Awards. The Central Florida based general contractor won the Eagle Award for their ECCO on Orange Apartments project, located in the SoDo District of downtown Orlando. Roger B. Kennedy Construction completed the upscale ECCO on Orange
Florida Blue Deepens Commitment to Coastal Central Florida by Adding Local Executive to Region
LAKE MARY, Fla. – Florida Blue, the state’s leading health insurer, recently named a new executive leader devoted to meeting the needs, challenges and opportunities in Brevard, Volusia and Flagler counties. Tanya Easterling will serve as the company’s Coastal Central Florida Market Leader as part of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan’s efforts to deepen its longstanding and successful local approach to supporting the diverse needs of members and businesses in each of Florida’s communities. This model
UCF Forum: Finding a Sense of Belonging in an Orlando Community
It’s easy enough to miss the unassuming buildings on Parramore Avenue just a few blocks from UCF Downtown. You might walk by on your way to an Orlando City soccer game or overlook the space as your eyes settle on the high-rise apartment towers a few blocks away. But look carefully, and you’ll see the doors to New Image Youth Center. I first saw them myself six years ago, not long after I’d moved to town. *** Less than a year earlier, my fiancé and I had bought a house in Pittsburgh, had a great
A Plant-Based Diet Supports Cancer Prevention
The American Institute on Cancer Research found that approximately 40% of cancer cases might be prevented with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes. For one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., that’s a number so powerful, it’s worth learning more. Supporting research within the study of Lifestyle Medicine indicates that eating a diet rich with whole, plant-based foods shows particular promise for preventing cancers of the digestive tract as well as hormone-sensitive cancers, like breast and
Free Business Software
Orlando, FL – September 9, 2020 –The Countess Group has expanded its product and service offering as an affiliate of GrooveDigital. GrooveDigital, a software development company led by CEO Mike Filsaime, is focused on creating the most powerful, affordable and simple to use all-in-one software service that you can use to build, grow and manage an online business. Recently, in an effort to help people develop a business from home and do their part to respond to the global Covid-19 crisis, GrooveDigital
Addition Financial Opens Branch in Eustis
Lake Mary, Fla. (September 9, 2020) – In order to expand its reach in Lake County, Addition Financial has opened its newest branch in Eustis. This branch is Addition Financial’s third in Lake County, joining branches in Clermont and Leesburg. “At Addition Financial, we’re proud to be a part of the Lake County community. Our mission is to bring financial education and success to everyone, and we look forward to continuing to serve that mission through our Eustis branch,” said Kevin Miller, President and
On The + Side: Change Makers, Cookie Dough and Baby Rhinos
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about Mindfulness Day, mentorship opportunities, what to do with the extra cookie dough from your ice cream, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
HCA Healthcare Named A Best Employer For Veterans By Military Times
NASHVILLE, Tenn., September 1, 2020 –HCA Healthcare (NYSE: HCA), one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers, today announced that it has been recognized by Military Times as one of the country's best employers based on the organization’s military-connected employment programs, benefits and support efforts. Since 2012, HCA Healthcare has hired more than 39,000 veterans, active-duty personnel and military spouses. “HCA Healthcare has a strong and longstanding connection to the U.S. armed
Networking for the “New Normal”
When was the last time you went out with your coworkers for lunch? Or had a breakfast meeting at your favorite spot? Social events have been in short supply these days, but maintaining a social network is still essential – especially as millions of Americans are looking for work. Who you know is a very large part of the job search, so it’s not a stretch to say that networking can be the single most important skill in your repertoire. Most people associate the word “networking” with office parties,
Superintendent Dr. Walt Griffin Announces Retirement
(SANFORD, FL) – Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) Superintendent Dr. Walt Griffin has announced his retirement from the district for the Spring of 2021. Walt has been an educator for 40 years, 37 of those here in Seminole County. Throughout his exceptional career, he has served as a Math Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, High School Executive Director, and for the past nine years, as Superintendent. During his tenure as Superintendent, while working with an extraordinary team and board, there
There’s Still Time to Register for Fall Term at Seminole State
The Fall 12-Week Session begins Sept. 14. Student Services is available virtually to help students get started.SANFORD, Fla. (Sept. 4, 2020) – The Fall Term at Seminole State College of Florida is underway, but there’s still time for students to begin or continue their college education in Seminole State’s 12-Week Session, which begins Sept. 14. Registration is open with space available in nearly 150 courses, so there is plenty to choose from. With most classes being offered in online and remote format and
Andrea Mahoney earns Zoho CRM certification
(Longwood, September 11, 2020) Certified Computer Solutions’ Andrea Mahoney has earned a new certification in top ranked Zoho CRM, one of the world’s leading CRM packages. Zoho offers powerful tools for over 50 Million users worldwide. “Zoho started offering a certification process last year and we are excited to add it to our portfolio”, says Andrea Mahoney. Zoho has been disrupting the CRM space for 16 years and has over 45 apps in its Zoho One offering. It offers the best value for our customers,
Chris Anderson Announces There Will Be A New Early Voting Center In The City Of Altamonte Springs
Sanford, FL (September 3, 2020) – Seminole County voters will now have an additional early voting center located 1140 East Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs FL. Early Voting at Altamonte Springs was once a Party City franchise store and is now a 10,000 square foot early voting center that will keep voters safely distanced while they cast their ballots. “The space comes at no cost to the taxpayers of Seminole County as the property owners, who are in Houston, Texas, understand the importance of
UCF Forum: The Times They ARE a-Changing!
Perhaps Bob Dylan said it best in his 1964 protest song, The Times They Are a-Changin’. If you don’t believe it, let me say the secret to the future IS in the past. With all the current upheaval of racial, political, sexual and anti-violence values, I find that it is all somehow familiar, with some noteworthy differences. I am all for positive change, just as I was in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and still am. I have seen enough of history in 60+ years to see it repeating itself again. Young people and old alike
Seminole State Receives 2020 Heed Award
Seminole State College of Florida has once again received the 2020 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. This is the seventh consecutive year the College has been named as a HEED Award recipient. As a recipient of the annual HEED Award, a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, Seminole State
The Perfect Storm
Rise and Shine, CF invites you to challenge yourself this month. We are in September, the month of self-improvement. What are you doing to improve your health, your finances, your relationships, and your career, your spiritual and mental well-being? Let’s replenish the drive, the creativity, the hopes and the dreams. Let us slow down... so we... can speed up. During this month of self-improvement let it start with our mental well-being. How are you doing? What self-care routine have you maintained or
ACE Human Resources Extends Hot Deal in Gratitude of #SupportSeminole Success
On August 31st, ACE Human Resources announced their decision to extend their Hot Deal for “Ongoing HR Services” through the end of Quarter 3 for small businesses to take advantage of their professional services offered. The Seminole County Chamber’s #SupportSeminole initiative assisted ACE Human Resources’ reach to the community and the company’s owner is grateful. Several small businesses were served in August 2020 by ACE Human Resources with different projects completed under the Hot Deal. Between the
UF/IFAS Extension, Seminole County Accepting Master Gardener Volunteer Applications for 2021 Class
The UF/IFAS Extension, Seminole County, in partnership with Orange and Osceola Counties, will be offering an online 12 week course to those interested in becoming Master Gardener Volunteers starting in January. The deadline for applications is October 12th, 2020 and interviews for prospective Master Gardeners will take place October 12th – October 16th. Master Gardener Volunteers are volunteers who have received roughly 70 hours of training and in their first year give back to the community 75 hours of
Central Florida Regional Hospital Receives Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award
SANFORD, Fla. (Sept. 1, 2020) ― Central Florida Regional Hospital has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. Central Florida Regional Hospital earned the award by meeting specific quality
Former DEA Agent Welcomed As New Dean For The Center For Public Safety
Seminole State College of Florida welcomes Dr. Alex Toth as the new dean of the Center for Public Safety.Toth joined the College in August 2020 following his time as an assistant professor at the University of Tampa in the department of criminology and criminal justice. Prior to his time in academia, Toth built up an extensive background in law enforcement and leadership in the U.S. Army, the Orlando Police Department and over 25 years with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). While at the DEA, he
Seminole Science Charter School wins Seminole Business Award
Seminole Science Charter School was recognized as the winner in the Large Non-Profit category at Seminole County Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Seminole Business Awards. School staff including Executive Director and founder, Dr. Yalcin Akin, and Community Outreach Coordinator, Becc Lester-Beam, attended the awards ceremony on Aug. 27. “Seminole Science Charter has been so blessed by our wonderful staff and families, and to receive this award is truly a humbling experience,” said Becc Lester-Beam. “We could not
On The + Side: Magical Dining, Yoga and Sports Business
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about ways to observe National Yoga Month, scents to help you fall asleep, Magical Dining adventures, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
Einstein Advisors Welcomes Cheryl Blakeney
Einstein Advisors is pleased to announce that Cheryl Blakeney has joined our team of financial professionals. Her remarkable experience in the insurance and financial industry will be of great value to our agency and to her clients. ____________________________________________ Cheryl Blakeney is a truly remarkable woman that we at Einstein Advisors are delighted to bring to our team. She comes to Einstein Advisors with a proven track record of excellence, and a genuine desire to help people. Cheryl
A Statement Regarding the Loss of Utilities Operations Distribution Mechanic Tomasz Sajkowski
The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners and its employees are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Tomasz Sajkowski, Utilities Operations Distribution Mechanic. Tomasz has been part of the Seminole County team since November 2019. He was an experienced utilities professional, a valued team member, and above all, a dedicated husband and father of two beautiful children. Our most heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and prayers are extended to the Sajkowski family and friends. The loss of Tomasz
How To Effectively Personalize Your Brand Experience With Customer Appreciation
Everyone likes to feel appreciated. And when they feel appreciated, they stick around. Imagine you purchase from two brands, both of which have similar products and prices. Company A sends out a generic email after every purchase, asking what you thought of the process and product. You notice the email but rarely fill out the survey. Company B asks about your experience too, but it's different. They personalize the message, they follow-up with a thank you when you complete it and every now and then
Orlando Health selected as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers
Orlando, FL (August 27, 2020) – Orlando Health has been named by Forbes as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2020! The healthcare system came in at number 24 in Florida, out of 100 employers. The rankings were based on feedback from a survey of 80,000 Americans who work for businesses with a minimum of 500 employees. Forbes partnered with Statista, a provider of market and consumer data, to conduct the survey from October 2019 to May 2020. “We are so proud of the culture we have created at
CREATE Event Design & Management launches new website and podcast!
CREATE Event Design Launches BRAND NEW Website & Podcast!CREATE Event Design & Management provides innovative event design expertise for corporate and social events throughout the state of Florida. Headquartered in Central Florida, our team specializes in transformative design for clients looking for environments that showcase their personalized story, style and brand. CREATE’s team incorporates visually stimulating décor, using live or virtual entertainment and innovative personalization to achieve
UCF Forum: Reality of My Daughter’s Home Schooling During Pandemic Has Begun to Sink In
A new semester is upon us, and this past Monday I helped my fourth-grade get ready for her first day of school. As always, we woke up at 7 a.m., washed up, had breakfast, got ready, and I did her hair — but one thing was different. Instead of getting in the car to rush to school, this time, we merely took a short walk from the living room to her in another room. She is doing at-home eLearning because of COVID-19. For the past few weeks, I’ve watched as my friends post pictures of their kids’ first day
Deborah Moran Featured as Top Realtor in My Sanford Magazine
Wherever you look in Sanford,you have new neighbors you can call friends. The real estate market here is booming. Our beloved historic district has become a prime area to not only visit for the day, but to live in forever. Buyers from all around the world can’t help but be attracted to our charming brick roads and picturesque architecture, scenic riverwalk and marina, bustling breweries, cultural restaurants, and small-town vibes. Houses are hitting the market and being put under contract on the same
Focusing on Your Mental Health While Setting Boundaries at Home
Are you starting to feel like your home is turning into more of an office, or a school, or both? The thought of finding tranquility and balance may feel more difficult today than it was before our lives were changed by the coronavirus pandemic. From routines, deadlines and ways of life, for most of us, our day-to-day now probably looks nothing like it did a few months ago. At times like this, it’s more important than ever to focus on your mental health. It is perfectly normal to not feel quite like
RMI Family-Owned Human Resources Company Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary
Resource Management, Inc. (RMI) announces its 25th anniversary as a national, full-service Human Resource Outsourcing & Professional Employer Organization (PEO). The journey started back in 1988, when CEO and Founder of RMI, Rey Lopez changed careers and started his own janitorial business, R&M Maintenance. Owning his own business gave him first-hand experience of being an employer in a highly competitive industry, which he quickly learned lacked profit margin to pay employees well enough to motivate
Tips to Help Seniors Lower Their Fall Risk
Each year 3 million older adults seek treatment at the hospital after a fall. More than 27,000 of them will die as a result of their fall injuries, and many more will experience disabilities that can lead to a loss of independence. Falls are a major health problem according to the CDC. And while the effects of a fall can be life-changing and life-threatening for seniors, the fear of falling is a serious threat. Sometimes, after a fall or being told by their doctor they are at high risk of falling,
Robotic Lawn Mowing Arrives in Orlando
High-tech Mowbot franchise brings future of lawn maintenance to Central Florida June 22, 2020 // Franchising.com // ORLANDO, Fla. - Mowbot, the nation’s premier robotic lawnmowing service, is opening a new location this June, Mowbot of Orlando. Local business owner Tony Smith is partnering with Mowbot, a new, cutting-edge national franchise, and Husqvarna, the world’s leader in outdoor power products, to bring robotic lawnmowers to lawn-loving businesses and homeowners in central Florida. The small bot,
Seminole Cares Update
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (August 25, 2020)— The State of Florida has allocated $82 million to Seminole County in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds, which are intended to address the economic consequences due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners has approved Seminole CARES, a comprehensive relief package supporting County businesses, residents, not-for-profits, and local government entities. Seminole CARES proposes 100% of the initial
SERVPRO of North Seminole and West Volusia Counties Welcomes New Members To The Team!
SERVPRO of North Seminole and West Volusia Counties has announced the following new hires to their Sanford, Florida office. Randy Joseph, Rebuild Manager Randy Joseph has been hired to oversee the new Rebuild Division which focuses on reconstructing a property back to its original condition before any water, fire, or mold damage occurred. Randy is a U.S. Army veteran, and as the Rebuild Division Manager, Randy has established and continues to successfully carry out SERVPRO of North Seminole and West
RB Advisory: Supporting Black-owned Businesses in Central Florida
(Winter Park, FL, August 2020) This month, as we celebrate Black-Owned Businesses, RB Advisory is grateful for the opportunity to service the risk management and cyber compliance needs for companies near and far. We are a proud, Black-owned business, and encourage our clients and friends alike to support the community's other black-owned establishments to stimulate their growth and employ many along the way! It is important for leaders of all colors, creeds and cultures to give back in the way of positive
The Jewish Pavilion Launches Pavilion Pathways and On-line Silent Auction
The Jewish Pavilion seeks to enhance the lives of our elders, of all faiths, in long term care. They provide festive holiday programs and arrange friendly visits so that our aged know that they are not forgotten by the community. Their Orlando Senior Help Desk is their free resource that offers information and referrals to seniors and their family members (407)--678-9363. Like many non-profits, the Jewish Pavilion depends on its fundraising events for 1/3 of its budget, and these events have
“Fore Our Kids” Golf Tournament Will Be Held Oct. 23
WHAT: On Fri., Oct. 23, golfers will tee off in the “Fore Our Kids” tournament to raise money for Embrace Families. The event will support critical services that provide assistance to strengthen families and prevent child abuse. Last year, Embrace Families delivered services to over 9,500 children in Central Florida. Some are in foster care; all are victims of, survivors of, or at risk of abuse or neglect. Funds raised from this event will be used to ensure safety, provide permanency and maintain the
Addition Financial Named a Sponsor of South Orlando Soccer Club
Lake Mary, Fla. (August 24, 2020) – South Orlando Soccer Club has announced Addition Financial as their new kit (uniform) sponsor for their competitive teams. The partnership, which runs from Fall 2020 through Spring 2022, aligns two local organizations that share similar core values. “At Addition Financial, we believe in the profound impact that education has on our community, and sports are a powerful extension of that. We are proud to partner with the South Orlando Soccer Club and to be a sponsor of
On The + Side: Snail Mail, Outdoor Art and Haunted Roads
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about augmented reality art installations, healthy brownie recipes, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
COVID-19 Hits Hardest for Parents with Kids. Here’s How to Help.
Recently, a single mom – let’s call her “Rachel” – reached out, seeking urgent rent assistance. She never thought she would have to do that … until the coronavirus hit. Rachel had a stable job at the start of the pandemic. Unlike many Floridians, she was able to work remotely when offices closed. But Rachel also had a toddler at home, and she didn’t have anyone to help with childcare when she was on business calls. When her boss decided that the background noise was too disruptive, Rachel was let
SCSO Investigates Shooting Incident That Left One Dead, One Injured
Seminole Co. (Aug. 24, 2020) –The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred overnight at 303 Teakwood Lane in unincorporated Altamonte Springs.At approximately 11:30 p.m., deputies responded to the area in reference to a shooting with injuries. Upon arrival, they discovered two males had been shot. One of the victims, identified as Kyle Cornelius Scott, 33, of Longwood, died at the scene. The other victim was transported to a local
Trini Ward Joins Rise and Shine
Rise and Shine CF announces an expansion to our team. Meet Trinealiea Ward, our new social media strategist. Trini has a passion for entrepreneurship and a love for art and creativity. She has finally found a way to combine the two and help businesses create an online presence. Her journey started years ago as a virtual assistant and working with an international marketing strategist, where she not only learned a great deal about social media marketing and the importance of businesses having an engaging
Seminole Cares Small Business Grant Portal Opened
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (August 20, 2020)—As of 7:15a.m. today, more than 2,370 Seminole County businesses have accessed the Seminole CARES Small Business Grant Application portal, of which 1,041 have submitted completed applications and 1,332 applications are saved and in-progress. Applicants who submit a complete application receive a confirmation email shortly thereafter. Applicants who have completed the application process and submitted all required documents but did not receive a confirmation email,
Why Experience Matters Now More Than Ever
We're living in a world today where consumers are facing difficult choices. The normal day to day decisions about a service or product have been replaced with looming concerns about COVID-19, the economy and the future. During this time, companies that focus on experience are standing out and continuing to engage, amid the chaos. Experience matters more than ever and can differentiate you from the competition, gaining coveted business even in our current environment. We are really excited about the
Orlando Health Introduces New Robotic-Assisted Lung Biopsy Technology
New Robot Helps Diagnose Lung Cancer Earlier Orlando, FL. (August 13, 2020) – Patients at Orlando Health are the first in central Florida to have access to exciting, new technology in the fight against lung cancer. Orlando Health is the first in the area to feature Ion by Intuitive, a new lung biopsy system that helps physicians reach further into the lungs to detect lesions and obtain tissue samples. The minimally-invasive technology promises to help oncologists diagnose lung cancer earlier, thus
TaxLeaf Orlando is Growing!
TaxLeaf Orlando is pleased to announce a new edition to its team – Marcio Vaz. Marcio will be our new Field Sales Representative focusing his efforts in Orange, Osceola, and Polk Counties. “I am excited to have Marcio on our TaxLeaf team. His go-getter attitude, willingness to meet new people, and background with the international community will be a huge plus for our organization”, said TaxLeaf Orlando Owner, Rahil Noor. “I expect Marcio to help our company exponentially increase our client base
John E. Polk Correctional Facility Enacting Measures to Minimize Exposure in New COVID-19 Cases
Seminole Co. Fla., (August 19, 2020) – The John E. Polk Correctional Facility in Sanford is implementing additional procedures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 after experiencing an increase in positive cases.Recently, a staff member at the JEPCF reported not feeling well, later testing positive for the virus. Out of an abundance of caution, the JEPCF staff tested all 45 inmates in the pod where the staff member worked. Of the 45 tests, 42 results have been returned positive. The majority of the
UCF Forum: Pets Are Not People
My grandchild is a dog. She is a 1½-year-old Boston Terrier named Margo. My son tells Margo how much he loves her, that she's his baby, that she's the youngest in our family. He praises Margo when she's good, admonishes her when she's bad, sends her to timeout when she's incorrigible. She is, in most every way, his child. To Margo, I'm Grandpa and my wife is Grandma. Neither of my adult children have children. Their reasoning is the same as many in their generation: the expense, the responsibility, the
Fall Term at Seminole State Brings Updates and Opportunities
SANFORD, Fla. (Aug. 19, 2020) – When Seminole State College of Florida’s 2020-21 academic year begins Aug. 24, most courses will be offered in online or remote format with a limited number offered in person on the College’s four campuses. That’s just one of many adjustments the coronavirus pandemic has brought. While change and flexibility have been hallmarks of this period, Seminole State’s commitment to maintain the health and safety of its community while continuing to support students in reaching their
Your Age-By-Age Guide to Vaccinations
Vaccines contain dead or weakened antigens of various diseases. Even this tiny amount prompts your body to develop antibodies that fight disease. The cells remain in your body to combat infection should you come in contact with the germ again in your lifetime. What many don’t realize is that the benefits of being vaccinated can last a lifetime. They’re a key component of good health for all ages, protecting you and those around you by limiting — or in some cases stopping — the spread of very serious
Seminole Science Charter - First day of school photo & reopening guidelines
Seminole Science Charter School faculty and staff were thrilled to welcome students back to school this month under Seminole County Public Schools guidelines. A new year means fresh new textbooks, new teachers, new learning goals and new friends. May it be all you hope it will be! Seminole Science Charter School will offer students a choice of face-to-face Traditional Learning on school campus or Seminole Science Innovative Learning from their homes. SSCS will be open to students five days per week for
This School Year, It’s Okay To Take It Easy
Work. Stress. Socially distant schooling. It’s never easy being a parent, but this fall brings more challenges than most – and right now, one of the toughest challenges of all is helping our kids feel safe in an uncertain world. As the school year begins, here are some ideas designed to reduce the pressure – for yourself and your kids: Create a routine. Adding structure to the day is one of the best ways to feel “normal” –even when the world around us isn’t. For kids who feel anxious, it’s reassuring
Seminole County Museum Presents: Rightfully Hers
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (August 18, 2020) - From August 18th to September 1st, 2020, the Museum of Seminole County History will host a new pop-up exhibition from the National Archives, Rightfully Hers, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Lake Mary resident Rachel Plakon coordinated with the National Archives and the Museum of Seminole County History to bring the exhibit to Seminole County. Plakon serves on the Florida Commission on the Status of Women and was
Central Florida Residents Recognized For Helping Children And Families In Foster Care
Florida Coalition for Children Foundation Honors IndividualsNominated by Embrace Families ORLANDO, Fla. (Aug. 18, 2020) – Central Floridians Diane DeMark and Mike Bryant recently earned statewide recognition for their outstanding commitment to helping families in foster care. Embrace Families, the region’s lead agency overseeing child welfare, nominated DeMark and Bryant for the Florida Coalition for Children Foundation’s George Sheldon Lifetime Achievement and Champion for Children awards, respectively.
On The + Side: Podcasts, Blockbuster and Palonka
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about the perfect app to choose your next hiking adventure, virtual extracurriculars offered by SeaWorld and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
Rinehart Surgery Center Opens in Lake Mary
Adds New Offering to Orlando Health Medical Pavilion Orlando, FL (August 13, 2020) – The Rinehart Surgery Center, an affiliate of Orlando Health, is now open in Lake Mary following a ribbon-cutting earlier today for the new facility. With approximately 10,000 square feet of space, the Rinehart Surgery Center is located on the first floor of the Orlando Health Medical Pavilion – Lake Mary. It will feature three state-of-the-art operating rooms and 12 pre-op/recovery beds for patients. The
Goodwill Hosts Free August Webinar Series For Job Seekers
Online Resource Is an Extension of Nonprofit’s Job Connection Services ORLANDO, Fla. (August 14, 2020) – Throughout the month of August, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida will host a free webinar series for local job seekers. An extension of the nonprofit’s job connection services, the virtual presentations will provide assistance with interview preparation, employment search techniques, exploring career changes and networking. “With more than 3.16 million people in Florida applying for
Experience First Launches IGNITE X ™ to Create a Unique Opportunity for Students to Drive Positive Change in Orlando
Experience First announced a new social impact project today that is bringing big changes to Orlando. The company created IGNITE X ™ to merge business with community interests, offering students the opportunity to get hands-on professional experience while giving back. Experience First is an innovative, action-oriented experience agency that helps companies develop lasting brand loyalty among clients and employees. "We believe in an inside out process," says CEO, Kimberly Kapes. "You have to start with
Preparing Like Never Before for Hurricane Season
One thing that won’t be delayed or canceled by the global coronavirus pandemic: hurricane season. Florida Power & Light Company always prepares for hurricane season and urges its customers to do the same. This year, preparation is more important than ever as hurricane season arrives amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the early days of the crisis, FPL has implemented a robust pandemic plan that has allowed it to continue to safely deliver the reliable, affordable energy its customers expect. As hurricane
Social Story: Wearing a Face Mask at School
Like you, Nemours Children’s Health has spent a lot of time over these past months thinking about how best to keep the children in our communities safe and comforted through the pandemic. As children are returning to school, we know that many families are concerned about their young children being able to tolerate wearing a mask all day at school. To help make it easier for kids to comply with this and other important safety measures, we’ve created a social story about masking at school. The story was
Tech Rage IT Celebrates Five Years Of Preventing Tech Rage
UCF Business Incubation client reaches milestone with $1.5 million in total life sales Winter Springs, Fla., August 13, 2020 – A business’ success or failure can often be determined within the first couple of years. For Winter Springs-based Tech Rage IT, it’s truly been a success. The company recently celebrated its five-year anniversary. Over those years, the company has surpassed more than $1.5 million in combined revenue and has grown from the two founding partners to eight employees and
Experience L.E.A.D: Journey to Self
Do you feel better equipped to handle the daily issues, the goal setting, the performance metrics, the growth and development opportunities at work more than at home? Do you feel like you have more control of your professional life than your personal life? What if you had the opportunity to use the same improvement process system that has made businesses like Toyota, Motorola and Amazon the success they are today? What if this system were to solve your defects and eliminate areas of waste in your life?
Seminole State Awarded ACCT 2020 Southern Region Equity Award
SANFORD, Fla. (Aug. 12, 2020) - The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) has awarded Seminole State College of Florida with the 2020 Southern Region Equity Award. The ACCT’s Regional Awards recognize the tremendous contributions made by community colleges and their leaders to meet the needs of their communities.The Equity Award recognizes exemplary commitment by a governing board and president of an ACCT member two-year postsecondary institution to achieve fairness in the college’s education
Wharton-Smith Hires Bert Fonseca as Central Florida Commercial Project Executive
August 6, 2020-Sanford, FL -Wharton-Smith Construction Group announced today the hire of Bert Fonseca as a Project Executive for their Central Florida Commercial Operation at their Corporate Headquarters in Sanford, FL. Mr. Fonseca brings with him more than 28 years of construction experience and a strong reputation for successfully delivering multi-million-dollar higher education, K-12 education, commercial, airport, healthcare and entertainment projects. Prior to joining Wharton-Smith, Fonseca worked
On The + Side: Hiking Trails, Immune Boosters and Retirement
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about National Black Business Month, underrated hiking trails in Central Florida, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
A Message From Dr. André Hebra: NCH and Local Children’s Hospitals Join on Back to School Guidance
As our children and families prepare for the upcoming school year amid the current state of COVID-19, infectious disease experts from all three local children’s hospitals in Central Florida joined forces to assemble consistent information and resources needed to support our pediatric providers. Our Nemours infectious disease professionals, Dr. Kenneth Alexander and Dr. Adriana Cadilla collaborated with their peers from AdventHealth for Children and Orlando Health-Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital to
iHeartMedia/Orlando Highlights Financial Services Advertisers On 'Financial Fix' Website
iHEARTMEDIA/ORLANDO has unveiled a financial resource website, "Financial Fix," featuring financial business advertisers. The site is being promoted on the cluster's stations, websites, and social media. “‘Financial Fix’ will be an important resource for our community,” said iHEART's CHIANNA RAY. “Many people do not know where to start when it comes to unexpected financial situations such as refinancing, retirement funds withdrawal, grants qualifications and more. This hub will be a great place for
Seeking Laptop Donations for SCPS Students in Need
Do you have old laptops that you don't use any more at home or your business? The Foundation for SCPS is seeking laptop donations that can be loaned to low-income households who've chosen Seminole Connect or Seminole County Virtual School. Laptops can be dropped off at the Educational Support Center Monday through Friday. http://foundationscps.org/foundation-news/seeking-laptop-donations-for-scps-students-in-need/ Participate in a School Supply Drive The Summer School Supply Drive for
Back to School or Not, It’s Time to Budget
August is here, and Florida schools are preparing to welcome students back into classrooms while some families are preparing to continue learning from home. But even as stores market back-to-school deals – on items from whiteboard markers to webcams – things certainly are not back to normal. Nearly 9 in 10 Americans experienced financial stress this past spring, according to a survey from the National Endowment for Financial Education – and while there are some promising signs for the economy, recovery
Bitman O’Brien & Morat Makes Top 100 Best Companies List
The annual Best Companies To Work For In Florida list is featured in the August issue of Florida Trend magazine. One hundred companies are ranked in small, medium and large employer categories.To participate, companies or government entities employ at least 15 workers in Florida and have been in operation at least one year. Companies underwent an evaluation of their workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The process also included a survey to measure employee satisfaction. The
New Home for Premium Content
Orlando, FL – August 6, 2020 – Sometimes you want to attend an online class but the timing doesn’t fit your schedule. That’s why The Countess Group has created a way to watch its premium content whenever you want on an exclusive website. And for a limited time, you can experience a sample of one of the company’s most popular classes, Creating Facebook Ads, for just $1. “I know how tough it can be to learn on someone else’s schedule,” said Ken Countess, managing director of The Countess Group.
New Offerings At Seminole State Support Florida’s Workforce Priorities
SANFORD, Fla. (Aug. 5, 2020) - Focusing on in-demand and essential areas, Seminole State College of Florida sets students up for success through new offerings this fall to reflect the changing priorities and goals of Floridians, including upskilling and reskilling for jobs of the future. Fall Term classes start Monday, Aug. 24, with 12-Week Session starting Sept. 14. Seminole State is offering online or remote classes for Fall with limited face-to-face classes for labs, public safety and other hands-on
ACE Human Resources Announces Recruitment of Home Inspectors
[Winter Springs, FL]: ACE Human Resources published two job postings this week, recruiting multiple Florida-licensed home inspectors for their client. The details of the positions are located on the Seminole County Chamber website under Job Postings. ACE Human Resources provides recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding services for small businesses under 50 employees. The services are offered to assist managers with the daunting and cumbersome tasks involved with the hiring process. Ranging
Seminole State Receives Duke Energy Grant For Workforce Development
Seminole State College of Florida has received a $10,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to empower communities in Central Florida by a workforce jumpstart initiative. The initiative will assist adult education students who will be concurrently enrolled in select non-credit workforce certificate programs. The School of Academic Foundations and workforce development departments have partnered to address the financial, academic and career readiness gaps experienced by students working to obtain their
UCF Forum: A Perspective on Our Most Valuable Natural Resource
By Brenda S. ThompsonUCF Forum columnist What are America's most valuable natural resources and where can they be found? These questions are as important today as they have ever been. Natural resources have essential life-sustaining and economic value. Most reference sources identify examples of them as minerals, water, forests, fertile land, coal and even diamonds, gold and silver. Natural resources benefit all of us and, without a doubt, we know how precious they are. That is why care must be taken to
On The + Side: Sharks and Summer Serenades
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about next week’s Shark Week lineup, recipes for National Peach Month, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
Bitman’s Point of View: Online Notarizations A New And Efficient Way To Close Real Estate Deals
This year, the State of Florida approved a law allowing Florida notaries to perform remote online notarizations. With the global pandemic stifling many legal processes including, closing in-bank services and real estate offices, the state’s timing may seem clairvoyant. The new law helps to eliminate many of the current difficulties closing real estate transactions, as well as notarizing other legally binding documents. Not only is efficient technology being integrated into this important step in the
Seminole County Attorney: Leavitt v. Seminole County
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (JULY 30, 2020)- The Seminole County Attorney's Office issued the following statement regarding Leavitt v. Seminole County case and the Court’s Order: In a lawsuit recently filed against Seminole County by David Leavitt in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court in Seminole County, the plaintiff was seeking the Court to enjoin Seminole County from enforcing the limited mask/facial covering requirement of a Seminole County Executive Order that was issued to protect the health of the
Happy Birthday to Kiddie Academy of Sanford-Heathrow!
Local business owners Ted and Hilda Cockram celebrated the one-year anniversary of Kiddie Academy of Sanford-Heathrow on July 15th and held a week-long celebration with teachers and enrolled families to commemorate the milestone. "It’s been a year like no other and we are so proud of everything we’ve accomplished despite the challenges! We're looking forward to continue serving our community for years to come with an awesome team beside us." The 10,000-square-foot educational child care center located
Summer Skin Care and Safety in a Socially Distant, Outdoor World
With stay-at-home orders being lifted, you may be eager to get outside, especially as we take advantage of summertime. But before you head out for a jog in the sun or a lazy afternoon by the pool, remember that your health needs to remain a top priority. Some of the best parts of summer — like picnics, pool parties and sports outings — present new challenges in the wake of the pandemic. Healthy practices such as social distancing, washing our hands and wearing masks in public may impact our outdoor fun
Don’t Forget Preventative Care
Most seniors have been taking health precautions these days. Handwashing, wearing a mask when advised to do so, and practicing social distancing help protect us from exposure to COVID-19. But this is no time to lose sight of our overall health. Healthcare providers report that many patients are failing to come in for preventative care. This could put them at risk for a host of health conditions-including more serious effects from COVID-19. Today, most healthcare facilities are ready and prepared to
Seminole County FL - JULY 29 COVID-19 AND STORM UPDATE
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (July 29, 2020)- Seminole County Office of Emergency Management has been under a Local State of Emergency (LSE) since March 2, 2020, and continues to monitor COVID-19. There have been 6,272 confirmed cases in Seminole County, and 2,995 confirmed cases are currently active; there have been 71 COVID-19 deaths in the County. Updates can be found at prepareseminole.org and on the County’s social media channels. 2:00PM PRESS CONFERENCE Join Seminole County Chairman Jay Zembower, Seminole
The Circus Is Coming to Town
Before the circus arrives in town, the owners evaluate the demographics of the community to see if there are enough potential customers who are interested in seeing the circus. This is market research. The owners determine profitability by how much the average person may be willing to pay to see the show compared to how much it will cost to run the circus. This is pricing. The owners of the circus have established policies and procedures which outline the order and methods by which the organization
UCF Forum: Some Don’t Realize What a Profound Gift of Time This Pandemic Is
By Peter TelepUCF Forum columnist Which would make you happier: more time or more money? Most people want both and say they’d be happier if they had both. However, most of us spend the majority of our time chasing money and sacrificing our experiences and relationships in the quest for financial security. Our consumer-driven economy supports this notion that more money equals more happiness. Consequently, you need to work more overtime, make more money, and buy more stuff to be happy, right? Suddenly, a
Free Marketing Audits
Get Yours at TheCountessGroup.com before August 15 Orlando, FL – July 29, 2020 – Marketing is a complex animal. What may have worked before may not work now. Simply, it’s easy to fall behind. As a service to Seminole County Chamber members, The Countess Group, an internationally recognized strategic marketing and communications consultancy, is offering free marketing audit. The purpose of the audit is to help members understand how to get better results from their marketing efforts. Members can get
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Duke Energy Florida is awarding $655,000 workforce development and education grants
Duke Energy Florida is awarding $655,000 in grants to 19 workforce development and education programs as the region tackles economic disruptions from the coronavirus pandemic.The grants support education and training programs that address the most pressing skills gaps in communities served by Duke Energy Florida, as well as programs to cultivate the energy sector’s future workforce. Greater Orlando areaLake-Sumter State College Foundation – Increasing Access to Energy Technology Programs and Careers
Perfect Game Partnership Projected to Nearly Double Hotel Room Night Generation
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL. (July 28, 2020) – Today, the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to finalize an agreement making Perfect Game, Inc. an anchor event organizer at the Boombah Sports Complex. Perfect Game, an Iowa based corporation, is the largest amateur baseball scouting and event service in the world, hosting amateur and youth baseball tournaments all over the country. This performance-based agreement, which would commence in January 2021, provides Perfect Game mutually
SCPS Increases AP Pass Rate For 2019-2020
(SANFORD, FL) – Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) is proud to announce that the number of SCPS Seniors who scored 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam at any point during high school increased by 2% (from 41.8% to 43.9%). The percent of exams with scores of 3 or higher increased 4% (from 62% to 66%). The district percent passed average met or exceeded the state percent average on 29 out of 38 AP exams. In addition, the district percent passed average met or exceeded the global percent passed average on
Back 2 School Love for Teachers
Postnet Altamonte is offering all teachers, including home-school parents, low price copies for all of the 2020/2021 school year. 6-cent B&W and 19-cent color copies. Please let your teachers know! Additionally, PostNet will be offering Back 2 School discounts on other printing for August, September, and October.
On The + Side: Blankets, Zodiac Signs and Meerkats
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about how to form healthy habits based on your Zodiac sign, livestream giraffe feedings, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
4 Ways Parents Can Encourage Summer Reading
With students on vacation, many will be tempted to focus all their time on fun – at the expense of those hard-earned reading skills they’ve gained throughout the school year. Parents who want their kids to maintain these critical skills should encourage reading between activities like swimming, TV and playing with friends. Here are a few tips to seamlessly build reading into your family’s summer schedule. 1. Check out your local library The library is a fantastic resource for books, eBooks and even
Are You Boring Your Virtual Audience?
Are you boring your listeners? In a virtual presentation, you may not see your audience, but you can tell if they have tuned you out. Do your questions go unanswered? Are there few comments in the chat box? Are you doing all the talking—even when you unmute your participants? If you answered “yes” to those questions, you may be a “Novocain speaker”. This means, you are knocking out your audience quicker than a dentist numbs your gums before filling a cavity. If your slides are text-heavy and you rely
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Two Orlando Health Hospitals Named Best Places to Work
Dr. P. Phillips Hospital and South Seminole Hospital Earn Award Orlando, FL (July 20, 2020) – Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital and Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital have been named by Modern Healthcare to the 2020 Best Places to Work in Healthcare. The complete list of this year’s winners, in alphabetical order, is available at ModernHealthcare.com/bestplaceslist. Modern Healthcare will publish a special supplement featuring a ranked list of all the winners along with the October 12
ACE Human Resources Signs Newest Client, Proficiency Background Services
Last week, ACE Human Resources signed their newest client Proficiency Background Services with their Hot Deal for “Ongoing HR Support Services”. Proficiency Background Services provides businesses with pre-employment and ongoing criminal background checks, Level 2 fingerprinting, motor vehicle reports, civil court records and a variety of other screening services. Proficiency Background Services currently has an office location in Orlando, FL with one employee and is planning on opening additional office
Celebrating Life’s Special Moments Safely While Social Distancing
Spending most of your time away from others can feel strange. But that doesn’t mean you have to stop having the celebrations that make life joyous and fulfilling. Many of our most cherished traditions have persevered through time. They have adapted and taken on new life amid difficulties. Today, with added stress and social distancing, we’re once again adapting our celebrations to the times. We’re finding new ways to celebrate one another and forging innovative connections between loved ones (and
When “Back to School” Isn’t Back to Normal
Parenting is never easy, but 2020 has been especially taxing. Over the past few months, we’ve learned to navigate closed classrooms, virtual learning, lockdowns, and medical precautions – and, not least of all, the herculean feat of keeping kids entertained at home. But with Florida schools slated to open in the fall, parents face a new dilemma: stick with virtual learning, or send kids back to class? With so many complicating factors – work, health, education, social development, emotional wellness
UCF Forum: Each Human Being is Precious
By Syretta Spears UCF Forum columnist Many have taken offense to the slogan Black Lives Matter. The rebuttal is often that All Lives Matter. They absolutely should all matter, but this reply misses the point: A population of Americans – Black Americans – is in danger due to discrimination and violence. While the intention of the phrase, All Lives Matter, may be to convey a sense of unification and equality, the phrase can be insensitive and divisive as it lessens the focus of real discrimination and
Timely Marketing Info At Your Fingertips
New Curated Content Available Daily at TheCountessGroup.com Orlando, FL – July 22, 2020 – “I know how hard it is to stay up-to-date when you’re trying to run your business,” Ken Countess, managing director of The Countess Group often says. “That’s why we’ve added a daily dose of information you can use to help you run your business.” With so many businesses struggling to stay focused and keep things moving in the right direction, The Countess Group, an internationally recognized strategic marketing and
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Duke Energy Florida Plans Gradual Return To Standard Business Operations While Extending Assistance
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Duke Energy Florida will continue assisting customers experiencing economic hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic as the company begins returning to standard billing and payment practices in mid-August. However, the earliest disconnections for non-payment under regular credit and notice timelines will not begin until Sept. 1 for customers. In March, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company immediately launched a sweeping series of steps to help customers, including
Avon's Response to Covid-19
Do you fall into one or more of these categories: Baby Boomer, 55+, do you have a chronic illness, or are you fearful of the Covid-19? My hope (prayer) is that if you do, you are maintaining Social Distancing and wear a mask on leaving your home. Regardless of the “opening up of Florida” and the opening up of schools, we still need to be ultra-cautious. Much of what I have been doing for 16 years has not changed. I deliver products to doorsteps with little if any personal contact, wearing my
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[Estate Planning] Free Living Wills for Teachers
Orlando, Florida: The Orlando Law Group would like to honor teachers’ commitment to bettering education in Central Florida with an offer for a free Living Will, which allows people to make their own decisions about life support and other life saving measures to help their families and to make sure their wishes are followed. The Orlando Law Group is also offering substantial discounts for school employees on our COMPLETE WILL PACKAGES. The benefits to having a will include: Letting you decide how your
Do you suffer from Zoom Fatigue?
What does your ‘Zoom schedule’ look like? Zoom meetings for your department, your board meetings, committee meetings, those impromptu project meetings, your volunteer organizations meetings and let’s not forget those social zoom meetings after work. Like most, you are properly feeling a mental fatigue that erupts when you see your calendar and say…not another zoom call. Since we have been working remotely and under quarantine, what better way to stay connected... than through zoom. For some, it is an old
On The + Side: Art Therapy, Beluga Whales and Metallica
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about how Metallica is helping students build high-demand skills, what to know before choosing a hotel during the pandemic, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
You Could Save Hundreds, Maybe Thousands of Dollars!
Given our economic environment, this headline sounds great, right? With today’s tax laws and proper accounting and bookkeeping records, I can help you potentially realize this kind of savings for your business, too.Unfortunately, many are unsure the proper tax filing status for their business situation. Couple that with common mistakes made on business tax returns, and that’s money you are paying Uncle Sam instead of putting back into your business or in your pocket. Call me today for a free consultation
RB Advisory Makes The Grade: Listed In Top 12 Cyber And Risk Analytics Companies
(WINTER PARK, FL, July 2020): RB Advisory is proud to announce that we have been added to this esteemed list of cyber and risk analytic companies for July 2020. Together with our partners, WhiteHawk and CyberOne, we are penetrating the Federal contracting industries with our powerhouse approach to CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification). Maintaining a focus on what expertise is necessary for the client, our triple-threat approach helps maximize the client’s security and compliance. CMMC is a
iHeartMedia Launches The “SmartAudio Covid Recovery Program”
iHeartMedia’s SmartAudio COVID Recovery Program Introduces Three New Products To Help Advertisers Leverage iHeart’s Broadcast Radio Stations and Digital Platforms To Reach Their Consumers in a Post-COVID World iHeartMedia, the leading audio company in the U.S. and No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, today announced the “SmartAudio COVID Recovery Program,” a suite of three new innovative SmartAudio products that enable businesses to utilize iHeartMedia’s unparalleled data and scale to re-engage
Florida Blue again named a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion”
Health insurer earns top score on Disability Equality Index for sixth timeJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida Blue, the leading health insurer in Florida, earned a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index (DEI) survey for initiatives to support employees with mental health and caregiving programs while at the same time providing more than $1.5 million in charitable donations to programs that support people with disabilities.Top-scoring businesses are recognized as Best Places to Work for Disability
SCSO Communications Center Accreditation Assessment Team Invites Public Comment
Seminole Co. (July 17, 2020) – The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center is scheduled for a site-based assessment as part of a program to achieve reaccreditation by verifying it meets professional standards. Due to COVID-19, this assessment will be conducted remotely.Administered by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA® ), the accreditation program requires agencies to comply with state-of-the-art standards in four basic areas: policy and procedures,
Tips to Keep Your Family Safe at the Theme Park
Social distancing isn’t something that most kids easily understand, especially at a theme park. It’s vitally important, though, for you and your family to stay 6 feet apart from others while experiencing the fun. Here’s what you should know before you go with tips to help kids feel prepared for a safe day at the park. Why Social Distancing Matters As communities begin to reopen, it’s still important to maintain proper social distancing. Staying at least 6 feet away from anyone outside your
Membership Has Its Benefits With Thousands Of Dollars In Discount Coupons
Sanford, Florida: Harry Parkhurst, president of The Cranefeather Society, announced the addition of a major member benefit. “While joining our Freedom Brigade offers the opportunity to add the power of many voices and votes to compel the cutting of taxes by 40%. As members they will enjoy thousands of dollars in discount coupons to help cut costs at a time when we need it most,” Harry explained. The Freedom Brigade was created to gather voices and votes in a 100 million-member organization. Its purpose
Seminole County FL - JULY 15 COVID 19 UPDATE
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (July 15, 2020)- Seminole County Office of Emergency Management has been under a Local State of Emergency (LSE) since March 2, 2020, and continues to monitor COVID-19. Updates can be found at prepareseminole.org and on the County’s social media channels. 2:00PM PRESS CONFERENCE Join Seminole County Chairman Jay Zembower, Seminole State College President Dr. Georgia Lorenz, and Seminole County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Walt Griffin for a press conference regarding COVID-19
The Countess Group’s VIP Club Reaches 1,800 Member Milestone
Businesses and Non-profits Receive Up To $2,000 in Free Marketing Help Orlando, FL – July 15, 2020 – With its members understanding the value of free email marketing expert help, The Countess Group, an internationally recognized strategic marketing and communications consultancy, announced today that over its lifetime, its VIP Club membership has blossomed to over 1,800 businesses and non-profit organizations. The Countess Group’s VIP Club enables its members to receive up to $2,000 in free services to
SCPS 2020-21 Reopening Plan & Educational Options
Dear SCPS Families, The School Board has finalized our School Reopening Plan and Student Options for the 2020-2021 School Year. Additionally, the Board has voted to delay the start of the 2020-2021 School Year to Monday, August 17, 2020. Please view this important message from Superintendent Dr. Walt Griffin, click here. To assist in making your decision, please see the Student Learning Options & Decision Tree flyers
Registration Closes Soon for the Nemours School Health Conference
School nurses in Florida are invited to attend our virtual School Health Conference, being held Thursday, July 30. This program for school nurses and school health professionals provides 4 CE hours and is free of charge. Learn how to apply best practices in school health, as taught by leading health professionals. Program Schedule: 8:00 a.m. Mental Health, Lisa Spector, MD 9:15 a.m. Food Allergies, Jordan Smallwood, MD. 10:00 a.m. Break 10:15 a.m. Emerging
ACE Human Resources Announces New Contract for Returning Client Pro Inspect Solutions
Last month, ACE Human Resources delivered their customized “Independent Contractor Onboarding Toolkit” for Pro Inspect Solutions. Pro Inspect Solutions is a Florida licensed home inspection company including ancillary inspections in Wind Mitigation, IAC2 Mold and Moisture Intrusion. Currently the CEO Quintavius Bell is the sole inspector of the company with one additional employee, his Administrative Assistant. Quintavius has decided to grow his business by hiring other home inspectors as independent
IDShield Creates First Comprehensive Solution for Consumer Online Privacy and Protection, Offering Reputation Management to Clean Up Social Media Accounts, Profiles and Content
ADA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IDShield, a leading provider of identity theft protection, privacy and reputation monitoring, announced today that it has expanded its suite of product offerings to include proactive reputation management. This feature allows consumers to quickly find and review old social media accounts, delete potentially offensive online content and, ultimately, safeguard their personal reputations. To support its new reputation management solution, IDShield is partnering with
Addition Financial Sponsors CareerSource Central Florida Summer Youth Program
Lake Mary, Fla. (July 13, 2020) – To support local teenagers as they pursue summer internships and professional skills training, Addition Financial has been named the Platinum Sponsor of the CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF) Summer Youth Program through December 2021. The Summer Youth Program is a workforce development program for youth between the ages of 16 and 19 designed to fuel young adult’s career opportunities and educational growth potential. It serves as a unique program that helps young adults
On The + Side: Live Music, Face Masks and Healthy Recipes
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about UCF face masks, socially distanced music events, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
How to Earn (and Save) on a No-Income Budget
If you’re out of work right now, you aren’t alone. Millions of Americans have had their lives and livelihoods impacted by COVID-19. But just because you don’t have an active income doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from a budget: In fact, it’s even more important to have a financial game plan in place as you get back on your feet. Traditional budgeting dictates that you should spend no more than half your income on necessary expenses. But what do you do when that income is zero? Of course, you still need to
Stacy Luna Featured as a 2020 Five Star Mortgage Professional in Orlando Sentinel
Make your way to newsstands to see STACY LUNA featured as a 2020 Five Star Mortgage Professional in the Sunday, July 19 2020 issue of the Orlando Sentinel. STACY is one of a small percentage of professionals in the Orlando area to receive this prestigious award recognizing excellence in client satisfaction. STACY can be found in the Orlando Sentinel and also online on FiveStarProfessional.com. Click through to STACY's social post here to learn more about STACY and share in their
Stacy Luna & Atlantic Bay Help you save up to $1000 with AB Works for all Chamber Members
Maitland, FL – Atlantic Bay Works offers all Chamber members up to $1000 off closing cost when financing a purchase or refinance through Stacy Luna. Both Atlantic Bay and Stacy Luna have been in the mortgage industry providing home financing for over 23 years. As a direct lender, Atlantic Bay offers a multitude of lending products including, FHA, VA, Conventional, USDA, JUMBO. While controlling the underwriting process in house, Atlantic Bay has the unique ability to provide a high level of service
Entrepreneurs Wanted: Apply Now for Walmart’s 7th Annual Open Call for U.S.-Manufactured Products
ORLANDO, Fla., July 10, 2020 – The application process for Walmart’s seventh annual Open Call is open and the company invites entrepreneurs dreaming of landing their U.S.-manufactured products on Walmart shelves to apply for the opportunity to meet with Walmart buyers on October 1, 2020 via virtual pitch meetings. The deadline to apply to participate in this year's Open Call for U.S.-manufactured products is August 10. The application and additional information about the event are available
Tips to Calm Your Child’s Worries About Returning to School
This year, returning to school may look and feel a lot different. And while we may not know exactly how different school will be for kids and families, the usual mixed emotions about returning to school will undoubtedly be met with heightened concerns regarding protecting your family from COVID-19. To ease your minds, we’re here to support you with some general tips on preparing to return to school feeling more empowered as a family. Get Familiar Before School Starts An introduction to their new
Lyman High School CTE Building Groundbreaking
(LONGWOOD, FL) Lyman High School will host a groundbreaking ceremony for their new CTE (Career & Technical Education) Building. The groundbreaking will take place on Monday, July 13, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. behind Building #4 at Lyman High School located at 865 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood, FL 32750. The CTE Building Project is $7,800,000 and is being funded through the voters approved Sales Tax. Construction for the new CTE Building is planned to be completed prior to the start of the 2021/22 school year.
UCF Forum: A Long Walk and the Kindness of Strangers
By Katie PhilpUCF Forum columnistI worked a few years ago in a rural region of Kenya, supporting environmental educators in a small but ecologically important rain forest. Once, after a weekend in a neighboring town visiting friends, I stepped off the bus as close as a paved road could get me to my home and prepared to hire a bicycle taxi to take me the rest of the way on the dirt road. I soon realized with dismay that a recent heavy rain had turned the road back to my village into a red ribbon of mud.I’d
The Sharing Center Launched #GivingIsEssential Initiative to Raise Critically Needed Funds for Families & Individuals in Need
LONGWOOD, FL, July 9, 2020 — Since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, The Sharing Center has remained open to serve every neighbor experiencing the burdens of poverty and personal hardships. It is imperative we continue providing essential resources to our community, especially during these extraordinary times. As the community heads back to work after the COVID shutdown and begins to put the pieces of their lives back together, The Sharing Center has continued to serve an increased number of
St. Petersburg City Council approves Bayfront Health land lease agreement with Orlando Health
St. Petersburg, FL (July 9, 2020) – Today, Orlando Health received approval from the St. Petersburg City Council on a 50-year agreement to lease the land on which Bayfront Health is located. City approval of the land lease was required in order for Orlando Health to move forward with its acquisition of the hospital. In June, the healthcare organization signed a definitive agreement with Community Health Systems (CHS) to purchase Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. “This is an exciting time for the St.
Goodwill Hosts Free Webinar For Job Seekers On July 17
Webinar Series Is an Extension of Nonprofit’s Job Connection Services On Fri., July 17, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida’s Job Connection Center will host a free webinar for job seekers. The latest in a series of virtual presentations, it will focus on effective search techniques. Attendees will also receive advice for avoiding the most common job search mistakes. Interested participants can register by visitinghttps://bit.ly/3iHDolF. With more than 2.4 million people in
The Orlando Sanford International Airport Announces The Hiring of a New President
Sanford, FL- July 7, 2020—The Sanford Airport Authority Board of Directors voted to approve the contract for a new CEO and President of the airport. “After a 6-month long search the board has selected Tom Nolan, who joins us after leading the the Palm Springs International Airport in California for the past 13 years,” said Tom Green, Sanford Airport Authority Chairman. “We had a high quality group of exceptional candidates from across the country, a testament to both our Airport’s past successes and future
COVID - 19 Notice Of Work Session And Special School Board Meeting
The School Board of Seminole County will hold two meetings on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. The Board will meet at 8:30 a.m. for a Reopening Work Session and at 5:30 p.m. for a Special School Board meeting. In consideration of the current health and safety concerns for our community; the various emergency executive and administrative orders entered by Federal, State, and Local Governmental authorities; in order to continue to perform essential functions in a manner consistent with law and board policy; and to
Named a Five Star Professional again this year!
I am so honored to share that I have been named a Five Star Professional again this year for my Real Estate services. There will be an article about this printed in the Orlando Sentinel this Sunday, July 19. I am so excited to be given this designation. If you, or anyone you know is in need of real estate services, please let me know that you want that "Five Star Service" and I’ll give you a DISCOUNT or REBATE.
Spanish Language Radio Station Éxitos 96.5 to Launch in Orlando on Monday June 29
News and Talk Leader WDBO Now Available on AM580 and 107.3 FM ORLANDO, Fla. – Wednesday, June 24, 2020 – Cox Media Group announces it will launch Spanish language radio station Éxitos 96.5 FM on Monday June 29, 2020. The new radio station will serve the burgeoning Hispanic community in Central Florida and bring audiences a new, fresh choice for local music, entertainment and information. Éxitos 96.5 will feature hits from artists like Marc Anthony, Romeo Santos, Juan Luis Guerra and
Seminole County FL - JULY 7 COVID 19 UPDATE
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (July 7, 2020)- Seminole County Office of Emergency Management has been under a Local State of Emergency (LSE) since March 2, 2020, and continues to monitor COVID-19. There have been 3,517 confirmed cases in Seminole County, and 2,570 confirmed cases are currently active; there have been 20 COVID-19 deaths in the County. Updates can be found at prepareseminole.org and on the County’s social media channels. 2:00PM PRESS CONFERENCE Join Chairman Jay Zembower, Emergency Manager Alan
Addition Financial Launches Valencia College Branded Debit Card
Lake Mary, Fla. (July 6, 2020) – To help students and alumni showcase their school pride, Addition Financial has unveiled a new co-branded Valencia College debit card. The card will be available in all Addition Financial branches and can be used anywhere VISA® is accepted. Named the Preferred Credit Union for Valencia College in 2018, Addition Financial offers a variety of specialized products and services for students, faculty and staff. In addition, the credit union partners with Valencia College to
Seminole Science Charter School Student Named State Merit Winner in 3M Young Scientist Challenge 202
Siddharth Kini, an eighth-grade student from Seminole Science Charter School, was named the State Merit Winner from Florida in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge 2020 for his “Gnomer Bot.” As the nation’s premier middle school science competition, Siddharth was one of 27 State Merit Winners to submit outstanding projects utilizing the power of STEM to improve the world. Winners were selected for their passion, innovation, and superb communication skills. Each State Merit Winner receives special recognition on
On The + Side: Wildflowers, Chocolate and Gratitude
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about free digital dance events, the magic of “mundane gratitude,” and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
Seminole County Offers PPE and More for Small Businesses
Seminole County Economic Development has compiled a list of potential personal protective equipment distributors to assist businesses as they reopen. Also, we have reusable cloth masks, "I wear my mask for you" buttons and stickers, and social distancing floor decals available for small businesses (while supplies last). Simply call 407-665-0000 to request and we will deliver. And download your free poster here.
A Safer Home for Senior Independence
Where would you like to live as you grow older? Surveys of people 50 years old and up show that a large majority want to age in place, staying in their own homes even as their health needs change. They want to remain in the surroundings to which they are accustomed, in their established neighborhood with familiar shops and services. Through the years they have grown an informal support system of family, friends and neighbors. Home is where their roots are! But as the years pass, families
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St. Cloud Regional Medical Center joins Orlando Health
Facility is renamed Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital Orlando, FL (July 1, 2020) – Effective July 1, 2020, Orlando Health has completed the acquisition of the 84-bed St. Cloud Regional Medical Center and its associated healthcare operations in St. Cloud, Florida from an affiliate of Community Health Systems. Orlando Health has held a 20 percent minority interest in the hospital for more than 15 years and with this transaction, the facility will now be referred to as Orlando Health St. Cloud
Are You Experiencing Developmental Moments?
Rise and Shine Consulting Firm asks that question to each employee, each leader and each individual. Are you experiencing developmental moments? Developmental moments are those bursts of insight, motivation and training where you can experience it and then immediate use it. It’s an opportunity for you and your team to learn a new concept, get motivated, learn a technique in a few short minutes that will help you during the day. An example of a developmental moment is, “The Rule of 5”. The Rule of 5
Girl Scouts of Citrus Virtual Camp
For the first time in over 49 years, Girl Scout’s camp Mah-Kah-Wee in Chuluota stands empty as girls remain safely at home. But, as Girl Scouts of Citrus (GSC) has demonstrated, the spirit of summer camp cannot be silenced. WFTV recently reported on how summer camp has gone virtual as GSC blazes a new path for girls to experience summertime traditions. GSC’s outdoor program staff showed great creativity as they quickly pivoted into developing virtual experiences that give girls the opportunity to
Easy-To-Use Website Builder Now Available
Seminole County, Fla. — July 1, 2020 – If your company doesn’t have a website, your prospects question your credibility as a business. That’s why The Countess Group now makes a free website builder available to its clients who start a Constant Contact subscription through The Countess Group. And free training is offered, too, so you get it right the first time. “So many businesses are fearful of the cost of hiring a designer to get a new website – or fear it’s too complicated to build one on
Seminole County FL - JULY 1 COVID 19 UPDATE
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (July 1, 2020)- Seminole County Office of Emergency Management has been under a Local State of Emergency (LSE) since March 2, 2020, and continues to monitor COVID-19. There have been 2,735 confirmed cases in Seminole County, and 2,018 confirmed cases are currently active; there have been 17 COVID-19 deaths in the County. Updates can be found at prepareseminole.org and on the County’s social media channels. SOCIAL DISTANCING AND FACIAL COVERING ORDER IN EFFECT TODAY Effective today,
Your AdventHealth News: Tips for Getting Toddlers to Wear Masks
If you’ve ever tried to persuade a willful toddler to wear sunglasses or a hat on a sunny day, you know how tricky it can be to get kids to do something they don’t want to. Convincing a young child to wear a face mask may feel like a similar struggle. But to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that nearly everyone ages 2 and older wear a face mask when they’re out in a public place, such as at the grocery store. But there are an few
Central Florida HCA Healthcare Hospitals Offer Hotline To Help Individuals And Families Find Health Insurance Coverage Amid Economic Impacts Of Covid-19
Orlando, FLA. – As Florida continues to experience a high unemployment rate amid the coronavirus pandemic, the loss of health insurance coverage is also a major concern of those who are unemployed. HCA Healthcare hospitals in Central Florida have made available a free insurance hotline to help individuals and families who have lost health insurance coverage find temporary coverage while they are unemployed. The Health Coverage Hotline is available to anyone needing assistance and is live Monday through
Seminole State Joins First Scholars To Serve First-Generation Students
SANFORD, Fla. (June 29, 2020) - Seminole State College of Florida has been selected to join the inaugural cohort of First Scholars Network institutions after demonstrating a commitment to advancing the outcomes of first-generation students through improving both student success initiatives and institution-wide approaches. First Scholars was created by the Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation. The
On The + Side: Fireworks Shows, Virtual Camps and Journaling Tips
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about virtual 4th of July celebrations, delicious make-ahead cookout dishes, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
Embrace Families Celebrates National Reunification Month
ORLANDO, Fla. (June 25, 2020) – In honor of National Reunification Month this June, Central Florida’s leading foster care nonprofit, Embrace Families, shared statistics that illustrate the importance of reunification programs in building stronger families and communities. Since its founding in 2004, Embrace Families has followed a reunification-first model. The nonprofit seeks to keep children out of foster care – and to limit the emotional and psychological harm of separation – by helping parents build
''The Match'' Golf Tournament Raises Much-Needed Funds for the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
SANFORD, Fla., June 26, 2020—On Wednesday, June 24, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens was presented with a check for $13,000 by former Sanford Mayor, Jeff Triplett, General Manager of Mayfair Country Club, Pete Sands, and Mayor of Longwood, Matt Morgan. During the Zoo's closure, to help slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), Pete Sands of Mayfair Country Club challenged then-Sanford Mayor, Jeff Triplett to a 9-hole game of golf. The Match was promoted through social media and followers were
SHRM, LegalShield Partner to Launch New, Affordable Legal Product to Support Small Businesses: SHRM LegalNetwork
In response to growing demand, SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) today announced a new product offering for human resource professionals working for small businesses. SHRM LegalNetwork provides businesses with affordable, legal resources during a time when many are especially concerned about legal guidance, compliance, and liability issues. The product will be supported through LegalShield, a long-time provider of legal plans for small businesses.SHRM LegalNetwork is available to HR professionals
UCF Forum: A New Kind of Presidency
By Jeff KunerthUCF Forum columnistNobody asked, but I've become a speech writer: Thank you, thank you. I accept the nomination as your presidential candidate. Traumatic times are transformative times. The pandemic and protests have changed us, now and forever. These crises have exposed deep, systemic inequities within our economy, healthcare, education, criminal justice and race relations that will take decades, not years, to fix. But our tradition of electing a new president every four years doesn't
GuideWell Launches $100K Challenge to Address Health and Racial Inequities
-Health access challenge seeks solutions aimed at reducing health care and health literacy disparities - ORLANDO, Fla. – June 24, 2020 – GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (GuideWell), the parent to a family of forward-thinking companies focused on transforming health care including that state’s leading health insurer, Florida Blue, is launching Reshaping Health Access, a statewide challenge to identify solutions focused on addressing health access and literacy to underserved populations in
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LHC Group And Orlando Health Announce Joint Venture Agreement
Partnership to include home health and home and community based services in four Florida cities LAFAYETTE, La. (June 24, 2020) – LHC Group (NASDAQ: LHCG) and Orlando Health have announced signing a definitive agreement to form a new joint venture to enhance home health and home and community based services (HCBS) in the state of Florida. The joint venture will include six total locations – three current Orlando Health providers and three current LHC Group providers in Orlando, Clermont,
Panera Bread Announces #FREECOFFEE4SUMMER!
ORLANDO, Fla., June 24, 2020 – This week, Panera Bread announced #FREECOFFEE4SUMMER—anyone signed up for the MyPanera+Coffee subscription will enjoy free, unlimited premium hot coffee, hot tea and iced coffee until Labor Day. Sign-ups will be open until July 4. Guests can get any size, any flavor once every two hours with unlimited refills in the bakery-cafe—that means plenty of coffee to pair with your favorite bagel, sandwich or afternoon sweet treat. Panera’s drip and iced coffee offerings include
The Countess Group Congratulates Chamber Member Dan Lopez
Seminole County, Fla. — June 24, 2020 – The Seminole County Chamber recently held its annual meeting – this year, virtually. One of the prizes offered was a free month of The Countess Group’s “Marketing Made Easy,” a marketing training membership program which includes live, online, weekly classes via Zoom combined with a website containing archives of calls and resources. Winner of the free month of membership was Dan Lopez, a Seminole County Chamber. Dan is a broker with Legends Realty, a Central
Elevation Health Announces a Workshop on Building a Titanium Strength Immune System
Lake Mary, Florida: Elevation Health will be hosting an online event, the Titanium Immune System Workshop, July 20, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. EST. This online workshop will be focusing on how to support your immune system and protect yourself from deadly viruses and infections. The Titanium Immune System Workshop will be hosted, and facilitated live, by Dr. Dan Yachter. Dr. Yachter has 23 years of experience as a health and wellness expert and is the founder of Elevation Health, a state-of-the-art
Orlando Sanford International Airport Offers a Quicker, Safer Way to Park with Contactless Parking
Sanford, FL, June 23, 2020—Passengers at Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) can park and go with ease using the airport’s new contactless parking system through REEF Technology. REEF Technology is a revolutionary platform that takes the hassle out of parking. With the launch of the new system, the days of grabbing a ticket are over. REEF’s license plate recognition system captures and records a passenger’s plate upon entry of the lot and automatically raises the bar. When leaving the lot, the
Fireworks Safety: 9 Tips From ER Doctors
On the Fourth of July, people across the country will head outside to fire up the grill, cool off in the pool and have a delicious potluck picnic. And what better way to end a long, relaxing day in the sun than lighting up the sky with red, white and blue fireworks? But with those spectacular displays come some real dangers. It’s extremely important to have a safety plan with fireworks of all sizes, as an unexpected injury could mean a visit to your local emergency department. Many emergency doctors
Embrace Families: Graduation Parades
Embrace Families recently hosted three drive-by graduation parades in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties for 40 youths in foster care. All students honored with car honking, sign waving and “contactless” gift delivery either graduated from high school, college or vocational school. According to the National Foster Youth Institute, approximately 50% of youth in foster care complete high school. However, young adults in foster care in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties have a higher success rate of
On The + Side: Fog-Free Glasses, Healthy Recipes and Science Plays
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about workouts designed by Cirque du Soleil performers, healthy summer recipes, ways to keep your glasses fog-free while wearing a mask, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
Bitman O’brien & Morat Announces Cajthaml As Of Counsel For Mortgage Service And Finance Department
Faron Cajthaml adds 30 years of legal expertise to the firm ORLANDO, Fla. (June 22, 2020) — Bitman O’Brien & Morat, PLLC welcomes Faron Cajthaml as of counsel for the mortgage servicing and consumer finance department. His 30 years of experience has been focused in financial services and the banking industry. Cajthaml served as general counsel for industry leaders including Bank of America, Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc., JP Morgan Chase Bank and USAA Federal Savings Bank. He also has
Orlando Magic and Florida Blue Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Baskets for Books Program with
-The Baskets for Books program has donated more than 50,000 books to Early Learning Coalition since program inception- Orlando, Fla. (June 22, 2020) — In a continuing effort to develop lifelong learners through literacy and education, the Orlando Magic and Florida Blue are teaming up to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Baskets for Books program by offering a virtual children's book, STUFF & SUNNY Take Flight. The children's book features the unique, encouraging friendship of STUFF the Magic Mascot
Seminole State Announces Plan For Phased Reopening For Fall 2020
Most classes will remain in online or remote format for Fall Term with limited exceptions. SANFORD, Fla. (June 22, 2020) – Classes at Seminole State College of Florida will continue in online and remote format for Fall Term 2020, but a limited number of classes and services will be offered in person as part of the College’s plan for a phased reopening. The College’s Safe Campus Reopening Task Force, representing all employee groups and the student body, presented the general recommendations to the
CareerSource Central Florida Reopens its Osceola County Career Center At the Valencia College Campus on June 24
Orlando, Fla., - Beginning June 24, CareerSource Central Florida’s (CSCF) Osceola County Career Center will reopen its doors to customers for in-person, by appointment only services between 10 AM to Noon and 1 PM to 4 PM Monday through Friday. The center is located on the third floor of the Careers in Industry & Technology (CIT) building on the east side of the Valencia College campus. CSCF will follow health and safety measures in alignment with the College and official state and local guidelines, ranging
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Roger B. Kennedy Construction starts Wendover’s new Hartland Station Apartments in Atlanta
For Immediate Release June 20, 2020 Contact: Ken Cristol, Cristol Marketing Company 407-774-2515(Authorized agency for Roger B. Kennedy Construction) ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (June 20, 2020) – Altamonte Springs-based Roger B. Kennedy Construction broke ground for Hartland Station Apartments in Atlanta, under an $18 million contract with an affiliate of Wendover Housing Partners. Located at 2060 Fleet Street SW, the three-story, 131-unit project was designed by Slocum Platts Architects,
Are You Shifting Gears with Your Voice?
Protesters are yelling: “Black Lives Matter,” “I Can’t Breathe,” or “No Justice, No Peace”. They are raising their voices to amplify their message. But raising your voice is only one way to get your message across. Many of you are speaking to business audiences who are distracted at home and at work. You need more than one way to grab attention. Your voice is your greatest communications tool. To be heard, you need to master the fine art of shifting vocal gears. Many speakers get stuck in one gear and
Your Business Photographer is now FAA Licensed to Provide Drone Aerial Photography
As of December 31, 2019, there were approximately 160,302 drone certified pilots in the U.S., of those, only 10,818 or 6.7% were women. Erin Kamalzadeh, with Your Business Photographer, has joined this group of individuals and is now FAA licensed to operate a drone. Many are not aware that in order to operate a drone, for monetary purposes, the operator must be licensed through the FAA.Erin is born and raised a Native Floridian and understands the importance of economic growth and development in local
Sweet Bites & Bikes
Sweet Bites & Bikes is a virtually converted event from our annual fundraiser, Sweet Charity to help raise the necessary funds to continue providing essential resources to our neighbors in need. Participants are invited to pledge to bike 34 miles or run/walk 3.4 miles in recognition of the 34 years The Sharing Center has supported our community. Funds raised during this event will help provide urgently needed financial assistance, such as rent and utilities, as well as help our homeless neighbors experience
Seminole County FL - June 19: COVID-19 Update
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (June 19, 2020)- Seminole County Office of Emergency Management has been under a Local State of Emergency (LSE) since March 2, 2020, and continues to monitor COVID-19. There are have been 1,117 confirmed cases in Seminole County, and 521 confirmed cases have been completed; there have been 14 COVID-19 deaths in the County. Updates can be found at prepareseminole.org and on the County’s social media channels. INCREASE IN POSITIVE CASES Over 40 cases populated in the last 24 hours as a
A Safe Place to Receive Care that Can't Wait
Central Florida Regional Hospital and Oviedo Medical Center are staffed with experienced clinicians who are ready to assist patients with health emergencies, whether COVID-19 related or not. As part of their larger network, HCA Healthcare, Central Florida Regional Hospital and Oviedo Medical Center are proactively engaged in the safe management of COVID-19, and have put a strong emphasis on ensuring that protections are in place at all of their ERs and sites of care. This means that the emergency
GuideWell, Florida Blue and Florida Blue Foundation Pledge Support to Tackle Systemic Racism
Launch of Equity Alliance with commitment of $25 million in investments over five years to address racial injustice and health inequities in Black communities ORLANDO, Fla., June 19, 2020 – GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (GuideWell), the parent to a family of forward-thinking companies focused on transforming health care; Florida Blue, the state’s leading health insurer; and Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Florida Blue, today announced $25 million in investments over five years
Free Patient Education Virtual Seminar
Free Patient Education Virtual Seminar Do you feel like you are always running to the bathroom? Bowel dysfunction can affect people of all ages but has an increased prevalence in older adults. Patients are generally embarrassed to discuss bowel accidents, leakage, urgency and frequency issues with their healthcare provider. We Can Help, call us at 407-644-4014 for a consultation
Seminole County FL - June 18: COVID-19 Update
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (June 18, 2020)- Seminole County Office of Emergency Management has been under a Local State of Emergency (LSE) since March 2, 2020, and continues to monitor COVID-19. There are have been 986 confirmed cases in Seminole County, 972 of which are Seminole County residents and 498 confirmed cases have been completed; there have been 14 COVID-19 deaths in the County. Updates can be found at prepareseminole.org and on the County’s social media channels. INCREASE IN POSITIVE CASES After a
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Seminole State’s Emil Buehler Planetarium Co-hosts Nationwide Virtual Solarbration on Saturday
One trip around the cosmos is never enough, that’s why the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium at Seminole State College of Florida is teaming up with astronomers and planetariums from all over the country to host a Solarbration. Telescopes from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, the Central Florida Astronomical Society, the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and the Feynman Observatory will all point to the sky on Saturday, June 20, 2020
Rest in Peace, Mary I. Johnson, VSC's Founder
It is with deepest regrets we share the news of the recent passing of VSC Founder, Commissioner Mary I. Johnson who died earlier this month in her home. Commissioner Johnson was the first Hispanic to be elected to the Orlando City Council where she served three terms between 1980-1992. Then, in 1992 she became the first Hispanic to be elected to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners where she served another 12 years (3 terms) until retiring from public service in in 2004. During her 24 year tenure
Kids House Wayne Densch Children's Advocacy Center Announces New Leadership
SANFORD, Fla., June 17, 2020 – Kids House Wayne Densch Children's Advocacy Center is pleased to announce that Juliette Kong has been named as chief executive officer by the organization’s board of directors, effective last month. Kong previously served as associate executive director and interim executive director. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization, overseeing the executive leadership team and providing oversight, guidance and strategic planning for the organization. “I
Sheryl Mays, CEO of Rise and Shine CF, Speaker at Empowering Women in Industry Conference 2020
“I’m excited to be asked to serve, as a speaker, for the Empowering Women in Industry Conference 2020. Empowering women is a life-long mission of mine. Helping women look inside and realize they have exactly what it takes to sit at the table; and, be accepted on merit and treated with fairness is a role we must all take part in. Leadership is based on empowering, motivating and inspiring. My past has been a woman on an all-male team with a male supervisor. My past has been feeling undeserving of the
84 New Videos and a Free Trial
“Marketing Made Easy” Expands Seminole County, Fla. — June 17, 2020 – The Countess Group today announced availability of 84 more videos on its “Marketing Made Easy” online learning platform. Ken Countess, managing director of The Countess Group, also announced a free 3-day trial of the class. Ongoing membership is month-to-month with no contracts. “Our goal is to give Seminole County Chamber members the tools to be better marketers,” said Countess. “What better way than to offer a 3-day free
UCF Forum: The World is Changing — and I'm Ready to Evolve With It
By Lillian M. Hernández Caraballo UCF Forum columnist “What a long year this week has been,” someone I know posted to Facebook. I’m guessing she had an exhausting day. One so draining that she felt as if she had given more time than she had available to give in a single day. She is not alone. Many people have expressed how emotionally spent they feel lately. Some say they feel hopeless. Even memes have grown rather dark, as each day we wait for the next bout of disastrous events to be announced. A
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Roger B. Kennedy Construction starts UNICORP’s The Avenue on Oakland apartments under a $47M contract
For Immediate Release June 16, 2020 Contact: Ken Cristol, Cristol Marketing Company 407-774-2515(Authorized agency for Roger B. Kennedy Construction) ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (June 16, 2020) – Altamonte Springs-based Roger B. Kennedy Construction broke ground in June for The Avenue on Oakland apartment community under a $47 million contract with UNICORP National Developments, Inc., Orlando. Marking Kennedy’s fifth major project for UNICORP, the upscale 342-unit complex will be located at 17210
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Announces Sustainability Campaign
SANFORD, Fla., June 16, 2020—The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens announced a new sustainability campaign to help combat financial losses in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. The "There Is No Zoo Without You" sustainability campaign launched today with a public plea for support. Though the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has reopened to the public, following a two-month closure to help stop the spread of COVID-19, community support is being sought to bridge the gap of more than
Your Orthopedic Visit at AdventHealth - Protecting You and Keeping You Safe During
Muscle, bone and joint problems might have seemed less important lately — you may have even had an appointment or procedure rescheduled — but your whole health and mobility matters just as much now as it ever has. We’re here to serve all your health care needs safely, and we want to assure you that we’ve taken extra safety measures when you get in-person care. In some cases, you’ll need care that can only be provided in person. We understand if you have questions about coming in for a visit or
Join us to uncover strategies to help you “Structure Your Financial Life”
Join us to uncover strategies to help you “Structure Your Financial Life” where we will be providing valuable information, tips and tools to help you achieve financial security. Attendees will learn how to build a strong financial foundation.Topics covered will address common questions such as:Am I saving enough?Am I covered for that?How can I keep more of what I earn? All while striving to protect against risk and life’s unexpected
On The + Side: Comfort Pies, Baby Koalas and Wellness Sessions
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about free online wellness sessions, children’s books to empower our youth, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
New Cath Lab and Lobby Open at South Seminole Hospital
Orlando Health Continues Investment into Seminole County Orlando, FL (June 15, 2020) – The construction fencing was the first clue that something big is happening at Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital. Now, the fencing has come down to reveal a new cardiac catheterization lab that places South Seminole Hospital among the best in the area for patients seeking top-notch cardiovascular services near their home, along with a new lobby welcoming patients and guests. With the new state-of-the-art
Cutting Edge Signs and Visuals Equips Businesses and Citizens with PPE As the State Continues to Open
The Company Offers Masks, Hand Sanitizers, Sneeze Guards, Social Distancing Signs and Floor Decals to Help Workers Fight the Epidemic. Florida, USA, June, 2020 -- Covid-19 is waging war on social norms and behaviors. It seems difficult to interact with others in markets, offices, theatres, malls and playgrounds. Social distancing is a guideline universally acknowledged by experts. Man, being a social animal, can hardly avoid visiting markets, offices and playgrounds. Cutting Edge Signs and Visuals is a
Talking to Kids About Injustice and Anxiety
As a parent, it can be hard to know what to say to your kids about the civic unrest and protests sweeping our nation. Like many adults today, I never had conversations about police brutality or discrimination with my own parents. But as a biracial woman, as the wife of a black man and the mother of a black child, I need to equip my four-year-old daughter with the information she needs to be safe. I do so with the knowledge that, even if I raise her to be a model citizen, she will face injustice,
Goodwill To Host Job Networking Webinar On June 26
Free Session Will Help Build Connections and Professional Relationships WHAT: On Fri., June 26, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida will help job seekers learn virtually how to use networking to find their next job. The nonprofit’s free informational webinar will teach viewers how to connect professionally and build relationships to help land the job they want. Interested participants can register by visiting https://bit.ly/3hkVPvr. With unemployment remaining at record highs,
Florida Blue triples COVID-19 community investments to over $7 million
ORLANDO, Fla. (June 12, 2020) – Florida Blue, the state’s leading health insurer, announced today it is more than tripling its COVID-19 community investments to over $7 million. In March, the insurer provided an initial $2 million to organizations across the state to address urgent health and safety needs. Florida Blue will invest an additional $2.5 million to provide access to testing and health care, food security and other essential needs for Floridians. Additionally, the insurer plans to contribute more
Florida Blue lowers bills to 22,000 Florida businesses
Florida Blue is helping Florida businesses continue to provide health insurance to more than 600,000 employees by reducing the amount businessowners pay. The July invoices sent out this month to approximately 22,000 Florida-based companies will reflect a 15% reduction in health insurance premiums for the month as well as a 50% reduction in dental plan costs for July. The insurer is also providing businesses with free virtual doctor’s visits through Teladoc as well as waiving costs for virtual behavior
Chamber Members Save 50%
Special benefit for Seminole Chamber members Seminole County, Fla. — June 10, 2020 – Today’s marketing is continually evolving, and it’s tough to stay ahead of the curve. If marketing is not something you do every day, you need a helping hand to get maximum results out of your time and money. Ken Countess, managing director of The Countess Group, recently launched “Marketing Made Easy,” a live, online, weekly class combined with a website containing archives of calls and resources. Membership in the
MLS is Back Tournament | Starts July 8th in Orlando
MLS today announced the league’s plan to restart the 2020 season with all 26 MLS clubs competing in the MLS is Back Tournament. Housed in The City Beautiful, the tournament will take place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in neighboring Lake Buena Vista beginning July 8. For the MLS is Back Tournament, teams will be drawn into one of six groups during a live draw that will take place tomorrow, Thursday, June 11 at 3:30 p.m. EDT. As the host club, Orlando City SC will be
Pam Hargis Receives the FocalPoint International Inc. 2019 Kaizen Award
SANFORD, Fla. - June 10, 2020 - PRLog -- During its 2020 Annual Conference, FocalPoint Business Coaching awarded its annual Kaizen Award to Pam Hargis, a FocalPoint Business Coach based in the Florida area. Kaizen is the Japanese word for constant and never-ending improvement. The Business Coach who wins this award has shown personal tenacity and discipline by consistently working on their knowledge and skills. "Pam has worked diligently to establish herself in her community and add value to every
Recovered by Oils announces new product!
June 9 2020 Recovered by Oils Announces new ProductOviedo— June 9 2020— Today at the Seminole County Chamber Zoom Meeting, Recovered by Oils announced immediate availability of Healy, a Frequency Specific Microcurrent device, and brand new to the US. “Bioenergetic medicine has been widely used for decades in Europe. Electromedicine is truly the wave of the future,” said Laurie Harrington, manager at Recovered by Oils. Innovative TechnologyHealy is a frequency specific microcurrent medical device
Limited Time Left for Youth to Apply to Earn $1,000 and Discover College, Career Pathways
Orlando, Fla., – CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF) is calling on youth, ages 15-19, to now apply to join the Explore and Accelerate tracks for its 2020 Summer Youth Program starting July 6, 2020. Explore helps youth demystify college as CSCF partners with local state and technical colleges to help prospective students explore their options and make an informed choice. With the ability to gain industry experience, build a marketable resume and begin their job search, Accelerate provides youth the power
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Feel So Good at SoFLo
Breathe, Flow, Let Go at SoFLo’s Opening Weekend Lake Mary, Fla (June 10, 2020)—SoFLo Hot Yoga will open its doors to the public for the first time at 8:00 am Saturday, June 13, 2020, in the Crystal Lake Business Center at 187 E. Crystal Lake Ave., Lake Mary, Fla. Given the COVID pandemic, the studio is needed now more than ever since yoga has been proven to improve immune systems and decrease inflammation. Psychological stress can impact many systems in the body, including weakening the immune system
2020 Dream Cup Challenge Golf Tournament Raises Over $44k For Scholarships
SANFORD, Fla. (June 10, 2020) - This year’s Dream Cup Challenge golf tournament players braved the summer heat and worked to stay safe with social distancing measures for the 37th annual tournament on June 1. Thirty-one teams participated and showed their support for programs, scholarships and other areas of need at the College, raising over $44,000. “I’m so grateful that our community and business leaders, as well as our donors, were able to attend and show their support during these unprecedented
UCF Forum: Life Lessons From Baking My Own Bread
By Emma Gisclair UCF Forum columnist No matter where I go on the internet right now—Tik Tok, Instagram, Reddit—I can’t escape it: images of delicious, fresh-baked bread. It seems like everyone is baking during stay-at-home orders. Maybe it’s merely a way to fill the time or the result of bread shortages early in the pandemic. Maybe the methodical tasks of measuring, mixing and kneading give people a sense of comfort or control or accomplishment that is sorely needed at this moment in time. All I know
Summer Internships Are A Win-Win
Elevate your business through our Summer Youth Experience. CareerSource Central Florida invites your business to partner with us and host summer interns for up to 5 weeks at no cost to you. Students participating in CareerSource Central Florida’s Summer Youth Experience track earn wages funded by CareerSource Central Florida, network with professionals and gain hands-on experience working in their field of interest. Rebuild your business and our Central Florida community, while inspiring young
Florida Blue's COVID-19 Resources and Support
Florida Blue, the state’s leading health insurer, is taking additional actions in response to the pandemic, having already made several policy adjustments to combat the spread of COVID-19 while minimizing barriers to testing and treatment. $100 Million in health care cost relief to Florida Blue membersTo continue to support our Florida Blue members during this difficult time, we recently announced programs and policy adjustments to provide $100 million in health care cost relief including extra time to
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Duke Energy pledges $1 million in grants to support social justice and racial equity
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Duke Energy, through its foundation, is pledging $1 million to nonprofit organizations committed to social justice and racial equity. Grants will be distributed across seven states where the company has electric and gas customers – North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. In a first for the company, employees of Duke Energy and subsidiary Piedmont Natural Gas will help identify opportunities and direct grants to their local communities. The
Florida Blue hiring 150 bilingual member care specialists to work from home
Are you bilingual? Do you want to work from home? Would you like to have your summers off with full pay and benefits? Florida Blue has 150 member care specialists roles currently open for bilingual candidates. These positions can work remotely anywhere in Florida and offer a teacher-like schedule where you work nine months and are off for three months during the summer with full pay and benefits. At the end of the three months, you would return for another nine-month rotation. The offer paid training,
Avon - A Beautiful You Announces
Your Local Avon Man is approaching Covid-19 very seriously. When delivering products, I will be wearing a mask and placing products at your door-step. I am asking that all customers leave payment under the front mat, pay by Zelle, or pay by Venmo. Here is Avon’s Answer to Covid-19 Avon Senses Fresh Cucumber & Melon Antibacterial Hand Gel Use it at home or keep it in tow for when you’re on the go. Germs won’t stand a chance. 2.5 fl. oz. Benefits: • Kills 99.99% of bacteria in 15 seconds •
Seminole County Fire Department Firefighter Recruit Class Graduation of 2001
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL - June 5, 2020 - The Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) is pleased to announce the graduation of Firefighter Recruit Class 2001. The 17 recruits graduated today after 10 weeks of orientation training. The firefighter recruits began their career with SCFD on March 30th, 2020. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, they were temporarily reassigned for 5 weeks to meet CDC guidelines and to assist with the pandemic response. Temporary assignments included logistics, technology, emergency
Seminole County FL - COVID-19 Update and Virtual Hurricane Expo Launches
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (June 8, 2020)- Seminole County Office of Emergency Management has been under a Local State of Emergency (LSE) since March 2, 2020, and continues to monitor COVID-19. There are currently 544 confirmed cases in Seminole County, 536 of which are Seminole County residents and 462 confirmed cases have been completed; there have been 12 COVID-19 deaths in the County. Updates can be found at prepareseminole.org and on the County’s social media channels. POP-UP COMMUNITY TEST SITES Seminole
Duke Energy Continues STEM Support for SCPS Students
Thank you to Duke Energy for their $35,000 grant to support critical STEM opportunities for students attending Seminole County Public Schools next year! Their support enhances a number of Foundation and district projects including: Grants for Great Ideas, which is a competitive grant program that funds teacher-led STEM, Literacy, and Art projects; the 2nd SCPS Physics Bus, which will travel to each elementary school to deliver hands-on physics lessons; and the Engineering Program at Lyman High School,
On The + Side: Mr. Rogers, Curator Chats and Free Hugs
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about resources for talking to your children about social justice, self-care tips for even the busiest among us, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Enters ?Phase 2 of Reopening
SANFORD, Fla., June 8, 2020—As part of Florida’s Phase 2 reopening of the state, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has made updates to their modified operations. Zoo operations will continue to be modified, following federal and local guidelines, to ensure the safety of Zoo visitors, annual pass holders, staff, and animals. Modifications will include limiting in-park attendance to 50% capacity, required online timed ticketing for all guests, additional barriers around certain animal habitats, and
WELBRO Transports More Than 25,000 Pounds of Fresh Produce to Local Food Pantries
WELBRO – Making a Difference The past two months have been quite an adventure for all of us. COVID-19 has affected all aspects of our lives. It has changed the way we do things but it has not changed who we are. Knowing that there were some trucks not on jobsites, WELBRO’s leadership team made the decision to utilize the vehicles to support the community. WELBRO partnered with SoSA, the Society of St. Andrew, a non-profit agency that gleans farm fields after the harvest, through the help of
Embrace Families, Inc. Applauds Congressmen Davis and Bacon for Recognizing National Foster Care Month by Helping Foster Youth Gain Independence with Driver’s Licenses
ORLANDO, Fla. (June 4, 2020) - The end of Foster Care Awareness Month brought with it a new beginning for thousands of foster children across America. Embrace Families enthusiastically supports the Foster Youth and Driving Act (H.R. 7042) recently introduced by Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL) and Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) to promote access to driver’s licenses for foster youth. Modeled on the successful Keys to Independence, or K2I program in Florida, the Foster Youth and Driving Act would create
Fertilize With Summer Blends Through September 30
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (June 4, 2020)-- Seminole County Watershed Management advises residents to utilize “summer blend” fertilizers from June 1 to September 30, Central Florida’s rainiest months, in an effort to mitigate pollution in natural water bodies. Fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorous cannot be applied to turf during the restricted season from June 1 to September 30. Fertilizers containing iron, manganese and other "micronutrients" also referred to as "summer blends" can be applied during
Facebook Ads Generate More Visibility For New Client
Business owner benefits from greater visibility at lower cost Seminole County, Fla. — June 3, 2020 – Facebook is well known for its ability to reach new prospects for businesses. But like anything else, you have to know what you’re doing – otherwise it’s like flushing money down the toilet. Ken Countess, managing director of The Countess Group, was recently contacted by an attendee of one of his recent webinars. The business owner, who has been in business for 10 years and has a big store on Amazon,
Axiom Bank CEO Appointed To Florida Bankers Association Board
As a Member, Dan Davis Will Help Define Banking Standards in Florida ORLANDO, Fla. (June 3, 2020) – Dan Davis, president and CEO of Axiom Bank, N.A., was recently appointed to a two-year term on the Board of Directors of the Florida Bankers Association (FBA). The Board is made up of representatives from both national and community banks. As a member of the FBA Board of Directors, Davis will be responsible for setting policy and overseeing the general operation of the Association. Board members are
Florida Blue Parent Company Hiring 1,200
GuideWell, the parent company the state’s leading health insurer Florida Blue, is hiring 1,200 licensed health insurance agents in preparation for fall open enrollment. These are full-time temporary contractor positions will allow agents to work from home starting between June and September and continuing through December. The roles include a $17/hour wage as well as commissions. Candidates must have an active state health insurance sales license (the 215 or 240 license in Florida). Bilingual candidates are
Cookies for Heroes
Thank local heroes for all they do to help our community cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. ORLANDO (June 3, 2020) – With just a few weeks left in the 2020 Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls and troops across Central Florida suddenly found themselves facing an unlikely dilemma. The spread of COVID-19 had led the local council, Girl Scouts of Citrus (GSC), to cancel all Girl Scout activities until further notice – including cookie booths. It was a difficult decision, one that impacted nearly 18,000 girl and
When Your Loved One Receives a Diagnoses of Alzheimer’s Disease: 10 Tips for Family Caregivers
Are you providing care for a loved one who is liv- ing with Alzheimer’s disease or another cognitive impairment? If so, you are not alone. Today, more than five million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and 16 million family mem- bers and friends are serving as their unpaid care- givers.These caregivers share your experiences and concerns, and they are a fountain of valuable information. Here are a few things they can tell
CareerSource Central Florida Receives $20,000 Grant From Dr. Phillips Charities For Summer Youth Program
Orlando, Fla., — CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF) announced that it has received a $20,000 grant from Dr. Phillips Charities for championing opportunities tied with CSCF Summer Youth Program, a workforce development program designed to fuel young adult’s career opportunities and educational growth potential. “CareerSource Central Florida is honored to receive this grant that will be very advantageous to our youth recipients. We believe this endeavor perfectly aligns with Dr. Phillips Charities’ areas
City of Debary's Continuing Professional General Engineering Services
The City of DeBary, Florida, hereby announces that it is accepting written proposals from all qualified firms or individuals interested in providing the services generally described herein and as specified in the “Scope of Services”. The successful proposer(s) must demonstrate their qualifications, experience, availability, approach and work plan which will best serve the overall needs of the City.Sealed proposals on forms prepared by the City will be received by THE CITY OF DEBARY at CITY HALL located at
VSC COVID-19 Procedural Changes for Your Safety
VSC has been and will continue to be open to clients and those that need our free and confidential services. VSC continues to provide virtual telehealth services and going forward may provide in-person services on an as-needed basis when it is safe to do so as appropriate. To make in-person visits as safe as possible we are instituting a few new procedural changes:All clients coming to VSC offices in-person must have a scheduled appointment where an advocate will explain to you what to expect when
On The + Side: Sea Turtles, Drive-In Movies and Crossover Episodes
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about free virtual relationship workshops, how to care for your houseplants, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
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Roger B. Kennedy Construction Ranks 6th Largest Among OBJ’s 2020 Top 25 Construction Companies-Local
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (June 1, 2020) - Roger B. Kennedy Construction prominently ranks 6th largest among Orlando Business Journal’s 2020 Top 25 Construction Companies/General Contractors-Local, based on 2019 revenues of $134.45 million. The Altamonte Springs-based company also currently ranks as Central Florida’s 4th largest Family-Owned Business and 27th largest among OBJ’s Golden 100 top privately-held companies in Central Florida.The Kennedy organization has been in continuous operation as a
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Orlando Health Hospitals Receive “A” Grades From Leapfrog Group
Orlando, FL (May 27, 2020) – The Leapfrog Group has released its hospital Safety Grades for the Spring 2020 rating period and three Orlando Health hospitals earned A Grades: Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital, and Orlando Health South Lake Hospital. Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital received a B and Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital received a C. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to health care
CareerSource Central Florida Reopens its Career Center Locations on June 3, Virtual Services Continu
May 29, 2020, Orlando, Fla., - As the government eases lockdown and the economy begins to rebound from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF) is reopening its doors to customers beginning June 3 for in-person, by appointment services only, between 10 AM to Noon and 1 PM to 4 PM Monday through Friday at its Seminole County, Southeast Orange County and Lake County Career Center. The Osceola County Career Center will reopen when Valencia College opens sometime this summer, and
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Addition Financial Gives Back in LSCU Credit Unions Care Challenge
Lake Mary, Fla. (May 28, 2020) – To support small businesses and give back to local non-profits, Addition Financial recently participated in the “Credit Unions Care Challenge,” presented by the League of Southeastern Credit Unions (LSCU). Through this initiative, Addition Financial purchased lunches for its employees throughout the month of April, encouraging branches and departments to choose takeout options at locally-owned restaurants. In response, LSCU matched these funds to donate back to the credit
A Laugh a Day Keeps the COVID Away
It seems like there’s nothing to laugh about anymore. But maybe we should start. By Peter Telep UCF Forum columnist It’s easy during this global pandemic to become depressed. I’ve watched my daughter reduced to tears because she couldn’t attend her college graduation ceremony at UCF. I’ve heard from friends struggling to teach their kids at home, while other family members and friends lose their jobs. Even worse, I’ve watched news stories about critically ill patients who are denied final moments with
Seminole State Arts, Planetarium partner to present ‘Silent Sky’
SANFORD, Fla. (May 28, 2020) – The Center for Fine and Performing Arts at Seminole State College of Florida will present a live reading of the play “Silent Sky,” in partnership with the College’s Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium, June 4, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. “Silent Sky” tells the true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. In a time of immense scientific discoveries, Leavitt and her female peers work at Harvard Observatory, but find their ideas and theories pushed aside or ignored
Emergency Small Business Grant and Antibody Testing
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (May 27, 2020)- Seminole County continues to respond to COVID-19. Two key takeaways from today’s press conference include the advent of the Emergency Small Business Grant, as well as the upcoming partnership between Seminole County and OneBlood to provide easily accessible antibody testing. Details on both as follows: EMERGENCY SMALL BUSINESS GRANT Seminole County Government announced today that small businesses impacted by COVID-19 can now apply for a one-time grant to help offset
Plans Unveiled for the Phased Reopening of Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks, Resort Hotels and Disney Stores
Throughout these past few months, we’ve been touched by the outpouring of support from our guests and fans around the world who’ve shared their favorite Disney memories and even replicated their favorite attractions at home. Everyone who has ever visited a Disney theme park has their own special connection to these magical worlds and the amazing cast members who bring that magic to life. Following the recent reopening of Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, we’re
Seminole County Sheriff's Office - May Dispatcher
1. Our Six Heroes - In case you missed it, earlier this month we launched a documentary program, “Our VI Heroes," which salutes our six brave deputies who’ve sacrificed their lives while wearing the SCSO badge. Two years in the making, get to know them and their families who’ve also sacrificed so much and help us to honor that sacrifice. We will never forget. 2. Lab Worker Charged - The SCSO Financial Crimes Task Force has charged a local lab worker, 36-year-old Marystely Ortiz of Sanford, with
On The + Side: Blanket Forts, Olympic Workouts and Gratitude
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about virtual tours of Machu Picchu, how Olympic athletes are working out at home, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
SCPS Graduation Plan B in Effect (July)
Due to the current and continuing social distancing guidelines, we will not be able to hold the planned June 11 High School Dances or June 12 (June 13 for Crooms) stadium graduations for the class of 2020. We are, however, still releasing our virtual graduation on or about July 1 and moving forward with our stadium graduation backup date of July 17 (July 18 for Crooms) with High School Dances on July 16th. Graduation Plan #2 *(provided social distancing rules have not been lifted by June) July 16th -
Seminole State’s Virtual Graduation Honors Spring 2020 Graduates
SANFORD, Fla. (May 21, 2020) - Though it may not have looked like how they always imagined it would, graduating students from Seminole State College of Florida had the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends through a virtual graduation on May 20, 2020. On top of their virtual graduation, qualifying Spring 2020 graduates will be invited to participate in the Fall 2020 commencement as well. More than 2,100 degrees and certificates were awarded during the ceremony with students, family and friends
Summer Tips for a Successful Transition to Middle School in the Fall
By: Carmen Malca, Middle School Math Teacher at Seminole Science Charter School After an unexpected switch to distance learning amid the ongoing pandemic, many students are more than ready to complete the 2019-2020 school year and begin their well-deserved summer break. While the fall may seem like a long way off, parents should begin considering how they can assist any children making the transition from elementary to middle school. Think back to your own middle school years and you’ll likely
IMPOWER Granted $600,000 to Provide Telehealth Services for Mental Health/Substance Abuse Treatment
LONGWOOD, Florida, May 21, 2020 – Longwood, FL-based IMPOWER, Inc. has been selected by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to receive a $600,000 emergency grant to provide Telehealth services for individuals across the state that address mental health and substance use disorders brought on my COVID- 19.. The funding is part of a $1.9 million total award, announced Monday, May 18, by First Lady Casey DeSantis, and received by DCF from the United States Department of Health and Human
Axiom Bank, N.A. Donates $10,000 To Hunger Relief Efforts During Covid-19 Pandemic
ORLANDO, Fla. (May 22, 2020) – Axiom Bank, N.A. donated $10,000 to two nonprofits committed to fighting hunger across Central Florida and Tampa. Feeding Children Everywhere, headquartered in Longwood, and Feeding Tampa Bay were each gifted $5,000 to aid in their mission of providing meals to families in need. With the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to stagger the region, both hunger relief groups have reported increased need at levels never seen before. “As a community bank, we
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Sportzcast Graduates from UCF Business Incubator in Winter Springs
Leading sports technology company stays in the city after doubling its size during time in the Incubation program Winter Springs, Fla. (May 22, 2020) – After two years at the UCF Business Incubator in Winter Springs, Sportzcast is graduating the program. The company will remain in Winter Springs, signing a lease for office space in the same building as the incubator for its eight full-time, and one part-time, employees. “Our time at the Incubator has been very productive for our business and we truly
Tech Rage IT Releases Hurricane Preparedness Guide for Businesses
Company provides a plan that includes remote workers ahead of hurricane season Winter Springs, Fla., May 21, 2020 – Businesses in Central Florida are used to the routine of preparing for a hurricane strike after several close calls the past few years. But, are you positive you’re ready for the big storm, particularly with so many people working remotely? Tech Rage IT is here to help you. With hurricane season starting June 1, Tech Rage IT has released its Hurricane Preparedness Guide for Businesses:
Now More Than Ever We Need to be Vigilant for Symptoms of Distress
By Syretta Spears UCF Forum columnist We’ve all heard “April showers bring May flowers,” a favorite quote that reminds us that a new season is upon us and the possibilities of brighter days are just around the corner. But this year is different. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and during this unprecedented time we should all take assessment of our mental well-being and that of those close to us. Living through a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic with so many uncertainties, people may
The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program Announcement A Higher standard of Clean!
SERVPRO of North Seminole & West Volusia Counties has announced the launch of Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned—a cleaning and disinfecting program that SERVPRO offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is a level of clean that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. When businesses choose SERVPRO, their employees, customers, and community can rest assured that they’ve selected a “higher standard of clean”—Certified: SERVPRO
LegalShield Appoints Arnold Blinn as Chief Architect
May 19, 2020 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time ADA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LegalShield, the world’s leading provider of legal and privacy protection plans, today announced the appointment of Arnold Blinn as Chief Architect, effective immediately, reporting to Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bell. “In now our 48th year, LegalShield continues to serve more people with legal and privacy management services. Arnold brings a tremendous amount of technical and large-scale web services expertise, dedicated to meeting
Ken Countess Launches “Marketing Made Easy”
Weekly online class available for business owners Seminole County, Fla. — May 20, 2020 – It helps to have a friend in marketing. Ken Countess, managing director of The Countess Group, has launched “Marketing Made Easy,” a live, online, weekly class combined with a website containing archives of calls and resources. Membership in the class is month-to-month with no contracts. “We’ve had great demand for help with marketing,” said Countess. “During these classes, we answer questions and provide
Majority Of Goodwill Stores And All Donation Xpress Centers Now Open
ORLANDO, Fla. (May 20, 2020) – As of today, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida has reopened 90% of its retail stores and all Donation Xpress Centers across a six-county region. By the end of May, the nonprofit will have rehired approximately 800 of the 1,000 employees who were laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Goodwill’s mission is to ‘build lives that work,’ so we feel fortunate to not only reopen so many of our stores, but also to rehire so many of our employees,” said Kim Praniewicz, senior
Central Florida Business Brokerages adds new Business Broker
Altamonte Springs, Fl. – Central Florida Business Brokerage is pleased to announce that Jayne Santucci is now a Business Broker covering the Central Florida area. Jhayne received her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 1992 and started her career in Tax with the Big 4 CPA firms – PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Arthur Andersen LLP in Chicago, IL. In 2006, Jhayne relocated to Central Florida to join a CPA firm specialized in International Taxation. In 2009, she joined the largest reseller and
Seminole County Burn Ban Enacted
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (May 19,2019) - Today, Seminole County enacted a countywide burn ban in accordance with County Code, Section, 85.24: When dry weather conditions result in a Keetch-Byram Drought Index reading at 500 or higher, a prohibition on all open burning in Seminole County, as defined in Section 85.26 of this code, will take effect upon the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners signing an Executive Order. The burn ban will not apply to burning done by, or under the direct supervision
On The + Side: Harry Potter, Free Donuts and Home Manicures
Addition Financial is back with another edition of On The + Side, your weekly serving of positive stories, ways to stay healthy and of course, adorable animal footage. Our goal is to shine some light in the world during a time that can sometimes feel very dark. Tune into this week’s blog to learn about how to keep produce fresh, “off the bike” workouts, and more! To read the latest edition, click here.
HCA Healthcare Awarded 2019 Eisenberg Patient Safety And Quality Award
National Quality Forum, The Joint Commission recognize HCA Healthcare for its algorithm-driven sepsis early warning technology SANFORD & OVIEDO, Fla., May 14, 2020 – HCA Healthcare (NYSE: HCA), the parent company of Central Florida Regional Hospital and Oviedo Medical Center, as well as one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers, today announced that it has been recognized by The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum (NQF) with the prestigious John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality
AT&T Foundation Contributes $25,000 to Orlando Health Relief Fund to Support Healthcare Heroes
ORLANDO, Fla., May 18, 2020 – The AT&T Foundation is donating $25,000 to the Orlando Health Team Member Relief Fund to support those on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant will be used to provide stipends for living expenses, such as rent and utilities, to healthcare workers most affected by the pandemic. “We are grateful for the AT&T Foundation’s generosity to the frontline healthcare workers at Orlando Health during the constantly evolving COVID-19 pandemic,” said John
Friday May 22 Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (May 18, 2020) – Seminole County is proud to honor the members of our nation’s armed forces and first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty through a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at the Seminole County Heroes Memorial this Friday, May 22, 2020 at 9:00a.m. The Ceremony will feature:Honor Guard presentations from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and Seminole County Fire Department;A reading of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners’ Memorial
Seminole County Sports Hall of Fame Inductions
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (May 14, 2020)-- The Seminole County Sports Hall of Fame will induct seven new members on May 21, 2020. These inductees have contributed to Seminole County sports as either an athlete, coach, official, administrator, financial supporter. The Seminole County Recreation Council will recognize the inductees during Day of Champions, a Facebook Live event, which replaces the annual Breakfast of Champions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual Day of Champions presentation will be hosted
Cut Down On Digital Distractions
SANFORD, Fla. (May 14, 2020) - You have a paper to write and at least three chapters to review, but what is a diligent student to do when all their favorite study spots have been temporarily closed? Taking online classes is an efficient way to get work done, but in a digital world that is clamoring for our attention, these tips can help you stay focused and GO Far! 1. No NetflixWhile many of us feel we work better with background noise, turning on your favorite show to play in the background isn’t going to
Tips For Setting Up Your Home Office
SANFORD, Fla. (May 14, 2020) - Working from home can be a nightmare as much as it can be a dream for some people. For most, it is a mix of both. While favorite cafes, libraries and work spots have closed, we have all faced adjustments while working and studying from home. For many, an expansive home office in a spare room simply isn’t an option, but there are steps you can take to make the most out of the space you have!Location Watching ZOOM lectures in bed or on the couch may seem like a great idea,
Are You Anxious? Four Steps Will Calm You Down
Are you anxious, worried, uneasy or apprehensive about your business, getting sick or an upcoming presentation? You’re not alone. Dr. Richard Zinbarg, chairman of the Northwestern University Psychology Department, said, “Just about all of us have some levels of anxiety and worry.” Good. You’re normal. Now, how do you handle your anxiety? As a speaker and a public speaking coach, there are three anxiety questions I’m often asked: “What should I do if I forget a key point? How can I deliver a presentation