Local News in Orange County
Community news from our local sources
Orange County 18 storiesWiden to Greater Orlando
OCPS reduces school bus fuel use amid gas price hike
With diesel prices averaging a little over $6 a gallon in Orlando, Orange County Public Schools is taking steps to reduce how much fuel its transportation fleet uses.
Central Florida Public Media
Published September 23Nearly 100 OCPS teachers face layoffs and district weighs future school closures
Six weeks into the school year, nearly 100 Orange County Public Schools employees are facing possible layoffs as the district grapples with the financial squeeze of shrinking enrollment.
Bungalower
Published September 22Winter Park Library Has 56 Free Book Club Kits Ready to Check Out
Book clubs already come with enough logistical challenges, like finding a night everyone can actually make it. Tracking down 10 copies of the same book doesn’t need to be one of them. Winter Park Library is highlighting its free Book Club Kits, a collection of 56 titles packaged…
Central Florida Public Media
Published September 16Florida approves statewide AI rules for K-12 schools and colleges
The Florida Board of Education voted Wednesday to require public school districts and charter schools to add artificial intelligence requirements to their internet safety policies.
Central Florida Public Media
Published September 14Nearly 600 books were banned from Florida schools last year
The removals were reported in just 10 of Florida’s 67 school districts. Three are in Central Florida: Orange, Polk and Sumter counties.
Central Florida Public Media
Published September 09OCPS approves $7.9 billion budget amid enrollment decline
The budget passed Tuesday after a public hearing during which teachers, community members and board members raised concerns about teacher pay, class sizes, insurance costs, vouchers and how the district is managing its money.
The Apopka Voice
Published September 03UF/IFAS invites public to explore plant research at Apopka field day
UF/IFAS will host a free Landscape, Nursery, and Controlled Plant Production Field Day on September 16 at its Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka. Visitors can tour the facilities, meet researchers, and explore work involving horticulture, controlled-environment…
Central Florida Public Media
Published September 03OCPS cuts $8.5 million after enrollment falls nearly 8,000 students
In a memo sent to families Tuesday night, Orange County Public Schools said it is making another $8.5 million in budget cuts after its 10-day enrollment count last week showed about 7,672 fewer students than projected.
The Apopka Voice
Published September 03Federal SNAP cuts put free school meals at risk across Florida
Federal SNAP reductions could affect Florida classrooms by weakening the formulas that fund free school breakfast and lunch programs. Most Orange County Public Schools students remain covered this year, but declining enrollment in assistance programs could reduce future federal…
Central Florida Public Media
Published August 31At 75 and 76, they’re back in the classroom
Linda and Scott Ebner are back in the classroom at UCF, taking a history course alongside students decades younger.
The Apopka Voice
Published August 28New ESL Instructor Brings Free English Classes to Apopka Library
Orange County Library System offers free ESL classes, conversation groups and online resources for English learners at its North Orange Branch and other locations.
The Apopka Voice
Published August 27OCPS VPK programs outperform the state in the latest ratings
Ninety-six percent of Orange County Public Schools' 91 Voluntary Prekindergarten sites were rated above expectations or excellent in the state's latest accountability results. That exceeded the 88% achieved by public-school VPK programs statewide and in Florida's other large…