WEATHER ALERT
Orange County Commission to discuss money fight with supervisor of elections Tuesday
Read full article: Orange County Commission to discuss money fight with supervisor of elections TuesdayOrange County commissioners on Tuesday will discuss what, if anything, can be done regarding $4 million in surplus funds that the supervisor of elections spent on a scholarship and training programs.
‘400 years of life:’ Que Throm and Cicero Greathouse defined querencia
Read full article: ‘400 years of life:’ Que Throm and Cicero Greathouse defined querencia"Querencia" is a Spanish concept with meanings as vague as a place of belonging to as specific as the spot in an arena where a wounded bull rests. Read about how the relationship and adventure shared by artists Que Throm and Cicero Greathouse impacted Orlando and why their life together can be described by no better word.
The culinary arts program getting results for people with cognitive disabilities
Read full article: The culinary arts program getting results for people with cognitive disabilitiesHome Of Bright Choices holds a monthly cooking club, promotes the members’ cottage food businesses, and now, partners with Valencia College to offer a certificate program for young adults with disabilities.
Valencia College offers new apprenticeship program to tackle Florida teacher shortage
Read full article: Valencia College offers new apprenticeship program to tackle Florida teacher shortageOfficials from Valencia College and Orange and Osceola County schools unveiled the details of a new apprenticeship program for college students who want to become elementary school teachers.
‘Shows what’s possible:’ Osceola County 4th in the state for sending students to college thanks to program
Read full article: ‘Shows what’s possible:’ Osceola County 4th in the state for sending students to college thanks to programOsceola County is celebrating a big achievement when it comes to increasing the number of high school seniors attending college after graduation.
Graduating students showcase grand buffet at Valencia College’s culinary arts program
Read full article: Graduating students showcase grand buffet at Valencia College’s culinary arts programIt's a twice-yearly tradition at the Walt Disney World Center of Culinary Arts and Hospitality on Valencia College's Downtown Campus.
Valencia College’s East Campus offers film production degree for less than $10K
Read full article: Valencia College’s East Campus offers film production degree for less than $10KDid you know a film school once called “one of the best in the country” by Steven Spielberg is located in east Orange County?
With Kissimmee building destroyed, Salvation Army to bus needy to Orlando for Thanksgiving dinner
Read full article: With Kissimmee building destroyed, Salvation Army to bus needy to Orlando for Thanksgiving dinnerThe Salvation Army is changing their plans this Thanksgiving to meet the needs of people in Osceola County.
Food pantry expands for students with food insecurities at Valencia College
Read full article: Food pantry expands for students with food insecurities at Valencia CollegeThe food pantry at Valencia College west campus expanded in a different way to give students in need a chance to shop for groceries at no cost.
Your Florida Daily: Accused rapist locked up, former WWE star pleads ‘no contest’ in deadly crash
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: Accused rapist locked up, former WWE star pleads ‘no contest’ in deadly crashThe man charged with kidnapping and raping a woman near Valencia College will not be released from jail any time soon.
‘Part of the plan:’ 14-year-old graduates from Valencia College with psychology degree
Read full article: ‘Part of the plan:’ 14-year-old graduates from Valencia College with psychology degreeA Central Florida student just made history as one of the youngest graduates to receive an associate degree from Valencia College.
Graduating high school students in Osceola County to receive college scholarships, commission announces
Read full article: Graduating high school students in Osceola County to receive college scholarships, commission announcesDuring Osceola County’s State of the County address, several recognitions were awarded to businesses that have contributed to the county’s growth, but the highlight of the event was that for a second year in a row, all graduating high school students of the 2023 class will receive a scholarship to attend Valencia College or Osceola Tech at no cost.
Disney gives $50k surprise donation to Valencia College’s culinary program
Read full article: Disney gives $50k surprise donation to Valencia College’s culinary programLast week, culinary students from Valencia College were among the first to see the newly reimagined dining room at Victoria & Albert’s.
After pandemic battered workforce, Osceola County offers tuition to graduates
Read full article: After pandemic battered workforce, Osceola County offers tuition to graduatesLeaders in one tourism-dependent Florida county battered by the pandemic are giving graduating high school seniors free tuition at either the local community college or the county technical school.
Florida sees 3,916 new COVID-19 cases as Orlando FEMA site prepares to stop first doses
Read full article: Florida sees 3,916 new COVID-19 cases as Orlando FEMA site prepares to stop first dosesThe Central Florida community will only have a couple more days to receive the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at Valencia College’s West Campus FEMA-backed site.
FEMA COVID-19 vaccination site at Valencia College to stop offering first doses soon
Read full article: FEMA COVID-19 vaccination site at Valencia College to stop offering first doses soonThe FEMA COVID-19 vaccination site at Valencia College’s West Campus is winding down operations as it plans to shut down in a few weeks. To get ready for the closure, first doses will stop being administered soon.
Super low turnout: 90% of Johnson & Johnson vaccines unused at Central Florida FEMA site
Read full article: Super low turnout: 90% of Johnson & Johnson vaccines unused at Central Florida FEMA siteTurnout was so low following an 11-day pause of the Johnson & Johnson single-shot vaccine at a central Florida FEMA-run site that about 90% of the daily supply went unused.
Valencia College FEMA vaccination site resumes operations after short pause due to weather
Read full article: Valencia College FEMA vaccination site resumes operations after short pause due to weatherOfficials at the FEMA-backed vaccination site located at the Valencia College west campus said operations have been temporarily paused Sunday due to storms.
Mobile vaccination bus to administer shots on Valencia College’s Poinciana campus
Read full article: Mobile vaccination bus to administer shots on Valencia College’s Poinciana campusStudents, staff and other members of the community at Valencia College’s Poinciana location will have the chance to get vaccinated on campus this week.
FEMA mass vaccination sites to offer first doses of Pfizer again this week
Read full article: FEMA mass vaccination sites to offer first doses of Pfizer again this weekThis week, first doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be available again at FEMA’s mass vaccination site at Valencia College’s west campus.
Homicide investigation underway after shooting near Valencia College, deputies say
Read full article: Homicide investigation underway after shooting near Valencia College, deputies sayA homicide investigation is underway after deputies responded to reports of a shooting near Valencia College Thursday morning, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Publix, Orlando-area COVID-19 vaccination sites modify operations as J&J use is paused
Read full article: Publix, Orlando-area COVID-19 vaccination sites modify operations as J&J use is pausedAcross Central Florida, officials at COVID-19 vaccination sites scrambled to adjust operations as federal health authorities called for a temporary pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson formula.
‘We anticipate a large crowd:’ Valencia College FEMA vaccination site prepares for expanded eligibility
Read full article: ‘We anticipate a large crowd:’ Valencia College FEMA vaccination site prepares for expanded eligibilityMany people spent part of their Easter morning getting vaccinated at the Valencia College west campus FEMA site as it prepares to open up to people 18 and older Monday.
Florida FEMA-backed vaccine sites to switch to Johnson & Johnson starting next week
Read full article: Florida FEMA-backed vaccine sites to switch to Johnson & Johnson starting next weekOn Tuesday, the four FEMA-backed vaccinations sites in Florida will no longer offer first doses of the Pfizer vaccine and will switch to Johnson & Johnson.
Florida’s FEMA COVID-19 vaccination sites get extension to continue operations
Read full article: Florida’s FEMA COVID-19 vaccination sites get extension to continue operationsORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Those wishing to get the COVID-19 vaccine at one of the FEMA sites across the state will now have longer to do so. Starting Monday, all four sites will offer 3,000 first doses per day at each of the four locations thanks to Gov. Ron DeSantis asking the Florida Division of Emergency Management and Florida Department of Health to reallocate state vaccine supply to those sites. News 6 has contacted the Florida Department of Health for additional information on when first doses will no longer be offered. So far, 300,000 individuals have gotten inoculated at the FEMA sites.
Florida FEMA-supported vaccine sites to offer first doses until early April
Read full article: Florida FEMA-supported vaccine sites to offer first doses until early AprilORLANDO, Fla. – The federally-supported vaccine sites in Florida, including in Orlando, will continue to offer first dose coronavirus vaccines until April 7, the Florida Division of Emergency Management announced Monday. The FEMA-supported sites in Orlando at Valencia College as well as in Jacksonville, Tampa and Miami were set to begin administering only second doses of the vaccine but will continue to offer 500 first doses of the Pfizer vaccine per day from March 24 to April 7, according to a news release. Beginning April 7, these sites will only offer the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine through April 14. Satellite sites associated with each federally-supported hub site will continue only administering second dose shots between March 24 – April 14. The federally-supported sites were only supposed to be open for eight weeks.
New FEMA mobile vaccine site opens in Orange County
Read full article: New FEMA mobile vaccine site opens in Orange CountyORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – FEMA opened a new mobile COVID-19 vaccination site in Orange County one day before the state expands eligibility requirements. Cars weaved through the cones as the line moved quickly at the new FEMA mobile vaccine site at the South Orange Youth Sports Complex. The site is offering 500 doses of the Pfizer vaccine Sunday through Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This marks the last couple of days FEMA is administering first doses at the main vaccination site at the west campus of Valencia College and its mobile sites. “Now we’ll go back to those same places three weeks later to give the second doses,” Prudhom said.
FEMA Orlando site to issue second COVID-19 vaccine doses only starting Wednesday
Read full article: FEMA Orlando site to issue second COVID-19 vaccine doses only starting WednesdayORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The COVID-19 vaccination site at the west campus at Valencia College in Orlando will only issue second doses of the coronavirus vaccine starting Wednesday, according to the Florida Emergency Management. FEMA officials said the site was designed to remain in the community for eight weeks. The move to second doses only was made to make sure everyone who has already received the first dose at the FEMA site will get their second dose, according to officials. [TRENDING: Woman arrested in hit-run involving sheriff | Gov: Fla. won’t require ‘vaccine passports’ | Girl missing for weeks]AdFlorida is planning to offer the one dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine from April 14-28 at the Orlando site, according to FEMA. FEMA said state officials will work with the federal government if these sites should remain open after April 28.
UCF professors among those getting vaccine on busy day at Valencia College site
Read full article: UCF professors among those getting vaccine on busy day at Valencia College siteIt was another busy Sunday at Valencia College’s West Campus, with more people getting a chance to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The site able to do 3,250 shots both on Saturday and Sunday, an increase from their 3,000 shots normally given out at the site, which will resume on Monday. But now, there could be more people who are eligible to get a vaccine after stories from people like Dr. Tim Brown. Ad“Absolutely, that’s exactly what it said,” said Morin, who was trying to get the vaccine. Attempts to reach out to the Governor’s office and the Department of Health on Sunday for further clarification were unsuccessful.
Residents pleased with relatively smooth process at FEMA vaccine site
Read full article: Residents pleased with relatively smooth process at FEMA vaccine siteORLANDO, Fla. – Despite the rain on Saturday morning, people still made their way to Valencia College to get their COVID-19 vaccine. Officials at the FEMA site said about 3,150 people were vaccinated there Saturday. It’s worth a mention that Saturday was the last day for the vaccine site at the Englewood Center in Orlando. On Sunday, there’s a new pop-up site opening at Kelly Park in Apopka and able to do 500 Johnson and Johnson vaccines per day. The pop-up site in Apopka will be open from Sunday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mobile COVID-19 vaccination sites coming to Engelwood, other underserved Orange County communities
Read full article: Mobile COVID-19 vaccination sites coming to Engelwood, other underserved Orange County communitiesORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and his team have identified underserved communities in the Orlando area that will be the first to benefit from new mobile COVID-19 vaccination units that FEMA is bringing to Central Florida. The two mobile units will operate in conjunction with the federal vaccination site opening at Valencia College’s West Campus starting Wednesday. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said he was glad to see that Engelwood residents will be among the first to benefit from FEMA’s new mobile sites. “On March the 7th, the state of Florida vaccine site will open at Shiloh Baptist Church, which is in Parramore. “With one dose, I think that’s, for many, that’s that’s exciting.
COVID-19 vaccination sites in Orlando could see big crowds this weekend
Read full article: COVID-19 vaccination sites in Orlando could see big crowds this weekendORLANDO, Fla. – With more people eligible for vaccines, crowds are expected to increase at area vaccination sites this weekend. Both FEMA and Orlando police said Friday that they are planning for the increased amount of people. AdThe Orlando Police Department said that is has been monitoring the traffic flow in and out of federally operated vaccination sites. OCPS encouraged staff to use the Valencia West Campus location because it is open 7 a.m. to 7 pm., seven days a week. The location is currently giving out both the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
Florida reports 5,900 new virus infections, state begins administering Johnson & Johnson vaccine
Read full article: Florida reports 5,900 new virus infections, state begins administering Johnson & Johnson vaccineA full list of vaccine sites throughout Central Florida can be found here. Ad[READ YESTERDAY’S REPORT: Vaccine eligibility expands as Florida reports 6,144 new COVID-19 cases]Find the state-run COVID-19 dashboard below:Below is a breakdown of Florida COVID-19 data reported by the state on March 5. CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 5,941 new cases on Friday, bringing the state’s overall total to 1,936,207 cases since the virus was first detected on March 1, 2020. HospitalizationsAs of Friday afternoon, there were currently 3,419 people with the virus hospitalized in Florida, according to the state Agency for Health Care Administration. VaccinationsThe Florida Department of Health began releasing a daily report in December on COVID-19 vaccines administered throughout the state.
Second day for Orlando FEMA vaccine site sees higher turnout
Read full article: Second day for Orlando FEMA vaccine site sees higher turnoutORLANDO, Fla. – The second day of Orlando’s FEMA mass vaccination site began with higher turnout after the location failed to reach its 2,000-dose capacity on Wednesday. The site nearly reached 90% capacity on day one, according to officials, blaming the lower-than-expected turnout on the wet weather Wednesday morning and the fact that it was the first day. So, day by day, we’re making improvements to this site to make sure that we can take care of the people of Orlando,” Fisher said. FEMA vaccine site at Valencia College in Orlando (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.) Second day of operation at FEMA site in Orlando saw a higher turnout (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)
Lynx offering free rides for seniors to FEMA vaccination site in Orlando
Read full article: Lynx offering free rides for seniors to FEMA vaccination site in OrlandoORLANDO, Fla. – People 65 and older who cannot drive themselves to the FEMA vaccine site at Valencia College’s West Campus can now hitch a free ride through Lynx. The transportation service will have a driver pick up a patient at their residence, drive them to the FEMA site, wait with them through the vaccination process and then take them back home again. Lynx said it needs at least a two-day prior notice for a ride to the FEMA or OCCC sites. AdNo appointments are needed to receive a vaccine at the FEMA site, but people eligible for a vaccine can pre-register by clicking or tapping here. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter and go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.
4 things to know from Day 1 at FEMA’s new COVID-19 vaccination site
Read full article: 4 things to know from Day 1 at FEMA’s new COVID-19 vaccination siteORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A new federally-run COVID-19 vaccination site opened up at Valencia College’s West Campus in Orlando on Wednesday. FEMA officials are now hoping to get the word out. Officials encourage you to pre-register for a vaccine at https://myvaccine.fl.gov/, officials at the site say you can walk-up and register on-site. Colonel Fisher told News 6 they will begin offering the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine with more details to come within a few days. The fixed FEMA site is located at Valencia College - West Campus at 1800 S. Kirkman Road in Orlando.
Federally backed vaccine site opens in Orlando as state reports 5,555 new COVID-19 cases
Read full article: Federally backed vaccine site opens in Orlando as state reports 5,555 new COVID-19 casesResidents line up to get the COVID-19 vaccine at the new FEMA site at Valencia College on March 3, 2021. ORLANDO, Fla. – A new federally supported coronavirus vaccination site opened Wednesday at Valencia College’s West Campus, providing 2,000 shots per day. The Orlando FEMA site is one of four that opened in the state, with the others being in Miami, Jacksonville and Tampa. AdAt the same time, the state released the eligibility form physicians will fill out for “extremely vulnerable” patients to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. VaccinationsThe Florida Department of Health began releasing a daily report in December on COVID-19 vaccines administered throughout the state.
Turnout lower than expected as FEMA COVID-19 vaccine site opens in Orlando
Read full article: Turnout lower than expected as FEMA COVID-19 vaccine site opens in OrlandoThe Orlando FEMA site is one of four opening in the state, with the others being in Miami, Jacksonville and Tampa. The site will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day and is expected to remain open for at least eight weeks, according to the Orlando Police Department. [TRENDING: Massive fire breaks out at Orlando condo complex | 6 Dr. Seuss books canceled | Shaq, the big-time wrestler]AdLt. Col. We can see people lining up outside @fema mass vaccination site at Valencia College West Campus. He said more than 100 Orlando officers have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past year and said they are particularly vulnerable because they can’t always social distance or wear masks.
New federally supported COVID-19 vaccine sites coming to Florida, including Orlando
Read full article: New federally supported COVID-19 vaccine sites coming to Florida, including OrlandoORLANDO, Fla. – In a few weeks, four new federally supported COVID-19 vaccination sites will open in Florida’s biggest metro areas, including Orlando. [TRENDING: Florida women dress as grannies to get vaccinated | NASA sticks landing on Mars | Puppy schemes rise during pandemic]The White House COVID-19 Response Team announced the new vaccine sites called Community Vaccination Centers Friday during a news briefing. AdThese sites will act as “hubs” with additional supporting, smaller vaccination centers in nearby communities. 6% of the population has a limited English proficiency, and 6% of households do not have a vehicle,” according to the White House news release. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Defense, the Florida Department of Health, Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida National Guard have formed a partnership to operate the four sites.
Osceola County COVID-19 testing site moves due to high demand, vaccines
Read full article: Osceola County COVID-19 testing site moves due to high demand, vaccinesOSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Health officials said they moved the COVID-19 testing site from the health department’s main office to Valencia College’s Kissimmee campus due to the high demand following the holidays. The DOH will continue to offer free testing - no appointment needed - in the parking lot of Valencia College’s Kissimmee campus Monday through Saturday through the end of January. Testing will be available 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and as long as you’re in line by Noon, you will get tested. The county’s health department continues to give COVID-19 vaccines at it’s main office located at 1875 Fortune Road in Kissimmee. Those 65 and older are eligible to get the vaccine, but they must make an appointment first.
These free resources to help you land a job expire in 3 weeks
Read full article: These free resources to help you land a job expire in 3 weeksORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County has the third-highest unemployment rate in Florida behind Osceola and Miami-Dade, according to CareerSource of Central Florida. In Orange County, the unemployment rate was at 8% in October, according to an Orlando Economic Partnership study. To qualify you must be an Orange County resident over 18 years old with proof you lost your job or hours due to the pandemic. Meaning those free resources available right now to help land you a job are only available for three more weeks. At the Orange County Convention Center 88 students were enrolled so far in programs like Commercial Truck Driving, IT Networking and Clinical Medical Assisting.
Metallica scholarships helping Valencia College students learn short-term job training skills
Read full article: Metallica scholarships helping Valencia College students learn short-term job training skillsORLANDO, Fla. – Iconic heavy metal band Metallica will be the "Hero of the Day" for more than two dozen Valencia College students who will receive a scholarship from the band to help pay for short-term training in skilled trades. Carolyn McMorran, the assistant vice president of professional continuing education, said Valencia College was one of 15 community colleges across the country to receive the funds through the "Metallica Scholars Initiative." Students in the Accelerated Skills Training Welding program pose for photographs at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center on June 18, 2020 in Kissimmee, Fla. (©2020 Valencia College)The courses are part of Valencia College’s Accelerated Skills Training programs. Before attending Valencia College, he said he worked several jobs to support his family. For Valencia College and Metallica, "Nothing Else Matters" except helping students succeed.
Man accused of following Valencia student into library found wandering on campus --again, police say
Read full article: Man accused of following Valencia student into library found wandering on campus --again, police sayKISSIMMEE, Fla. – A man previously trespassed from the Valencia College Kissimmee campus after authorities say he followed a student into the library was arrested Monday for returning to the campus, police said. Jose Diaz, 25, of Kissimmee, was previously trespassed from the college campus on Feb. 28, according to the arrest report. Police said he followed a female student into the library. A member of campus security called Kissimmee police Monday at 10 a.m. to the campus on Denn John Lane to report Diaz had returned to the school and was wondering around the property. Diaz is not a student and has never been one, according to the report.
High school seniors wary of student debt
Read full article: High school seniors wary of student debtThey want to go into their job field and not worry about having to pay continuously for student debt loans. She also encourages dual enrollment for high school students. Schools like Valencia College offer college credit in some classes. Joseph says student debt is a reality and will be with us for a while but this graduating class has learned from those before them. I definitely dont think it will be the student debt generation, theyve seen the mistakes of their older siblings or have heard this conversation.