We have all been required to make adjustments in our everyday lives due to COVID-19, but one area you may not have considered is the nation’s vital blood supply.

As social distancing has become the norm and people are staying home, there have been an unprecedented amount of blood drive cancellations. Luckily, local Florida blood center OneBlood has not given up. Instead, by taking the necessary precautions to help prevent further spread of coronavirus, OneBlood has continued to make donating blood a safe and comforting process.

JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic were proud to have recently partnered with OneBlood to host the Big Red Bus for a blood drive. They have always been dedicated to giving back to the community and there’s no better time than now.

“Blood is our lifeline; it courses through each and every one of us and has an unfortunately short shelf life, so I encourage those who are eligible to donate to please do so, especially during this time of uncertainty,” said Scott Archey, Preconstruction Manager at JK2.

These facts underscore just how vital your donation is.

• Blood donations have an expiration date of 42 days.
• 4.5 million Americans would perish each year without lifesaving blood transfusions.
• 43,000 pints of blood are used daily in North America.
• One pint of your blood has the potential to save up to three lives.

It is equally important for those who have already contracted the coronavirus and have recovered to reach out to their nearest blood center and make their donation. With support from the American Red Cross, OneBlood has been resolute in supporting Convalescent Plasma therapy (CP), an experimental treatment approved by the FDA to aid those who are experiencing life-threatening coronavirus infections. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, CP is obtained by collecting whole blood or plasma from a patient who has a survived a previous infection and developed humoral immunity against the pathogen responsible for the disease in question.

We at JK2 are proud to stand with the heroes in our community who continue to push for the life-saving gift of blood and we encourage you to join us.

For more information on how you can host the Big Red Bus, please contact Annette Prause at Annette.Prause@oneblood.org or visit oneblood.org to find a blood donation center near you!

Both divisions honored by Associated Builders and Contractors

APOPKA, Fla. – JK2 has once again been recognized for its outstanding work in the construction industry in Central Florida—this time with an incredible eight Eagle Awards from a top trade organization.

JK2 Scenic received five awards for Excellence in Construction with two merit awards. Three of the four projects considered for the “Project of the Year” award belonged to JK2 Scenic. JK2 Construction received three awards for Excellence in Construction.

The awards, known as Eagle Awards, are given by the Central Florida Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.  They are presented annually to members of ABC Central Florida, recognizing top workmanship that raises the level of construction standards.

The company’s two divisions worked together on two of the projects—Universal CityWalk’s Voodoo Doughnut and the Orlando Science Center’s collaborative workspace, The Hive: A Makerspace.

On the Voodoo Doughnut project, JK2 Construction handled the demolition and interior build-out, including a fully operational kitchen. JK2 Scenic then added finishing touches, from the decorative props to the famous rotating doughnut cabinet.

On the Orlando Science Center project, the two again worked together to transform a space. JK2 Construction managed the entire design and renovation of the project, completing the demolition and interior build-out. JK2 Scenic manufactured custom millwork, including storage cabinets, work spaces countertops, bins and wall art.

JK2 Scenic also won Eagle Awards for its work on SeaWorld Orlando’s Sesame Street Neighborhood, Novel Lucerne apartments, and a Lake Nona office project. The company received merit awards for work on Margaritaville Resort Orlando and for the retail space at Universal’s Aventura Hotel.

JK2 Construction received another Eagle Award for its work on the Jack Nicklaus Clubhouse in Reunion. For this project, JK2 Construction built an underground cart storage, fully-equipped fitness center, full-service restaurant and bar, golf pro shop and a member sales center. It was completed after just 11 months, three months ahead of the already tight deadline.

The awards ceremony took place on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando.

This year’s awards add to an exemplary track record for JK2, which received four awards in 2018, three in 2017 and another in 2016.

For more information about both divisions of JK2, please visit www.jk2.com.

About JK2 Construction

JK2 Construction, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has become a leader in the construction industry. The company specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity and time share projects.  JK2 Construction has completed projects throughout the nation, including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. The company is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit jk2construction.com.

About JK2 Scenic

JK2 Scenic focuses on building dreams and bringing unique construction visions to life in a creative way. The company specializes in themed architectural millwork, custom props and specialty items for retail, attraction, entertainment, hospitality and restaurant clients. Founded in 2008 as part of the JK2 family of companies, JK2 Scenic became its own company in 2017. Led by President Julie Holmes, the company has seen amazing growth and has been honored numerous times, receiving multiple Associated Builders and Contractors Eagle Awards and making the Orlando Business Journal’s Fast 50 list. JK2 Scenic provides creative solutions to uncommon ideas and has worked with world-class theme parks and national brands. For more information about JK2 Scenic, visit jk2scenic.com or call (407) 880-8400.