ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Orange County Convention Center is breaking new ground in security and robotics. Convention center officials announced they will be using an autonomous security robot to help the center’s security team. Photos: Orange County Convention Center to use autonomous security robotExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Orange County Convention Center to use autonomous security robotOfficials said this machine will help increase surveillance at the convention center. Watch: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to build new safety and research centerThey claim they are the first convention center to use an autonomous security robot. It will be called “B-Bot,” thanks to a third grader at Sand Lake Elementary School who won a naming contest.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. The proposed Sunshine Corridor would provide a new way for employees and travelers to reach local theme parks and the Orange County Convention Center. Read: Jury convicts 3 of murder in death of rapper XXXTentacionThe 17-mile corridor would be shared by Miami intercity rail service Brightline and local commuter rail SunRail, and would run from Orlando International Airport to the Orange County Convention Center and South International Drive. The stops would connect people with Universal Orlando Resort’s and Walt Disney World’s theme parks, in addition to the airport and convention center. Brightline is set to start service to Orlando by the end of June.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — MEGACON Orlando, one of North America’s largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming events is set to open its doors at the end of the month. This year’s event, hosted at the Orange County Convention Center, will take place from March 30 to April 2. Read: Orange County DOH encourages healthier eating habits during National Nutrition MonthTake a look at the show schedule and estimated attendance according to event organizers. 20,901 attendees)Friday, March 31, 2023, 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (est. 28,847 attendees)Saturday, April 1, 2023, 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (est.

The deal includes a historic minimum wage increase, ‘setting a new standard for Central Florida workers.’

MegaCon is starting to round out the guest lineup for its March convention at the Orange County Convention Center.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Universal Parks & Resorts and other partners on Jan. 5 applied to create a special development taxing district to make the planned Orange County Convention Center SunRail station a reality. Read: Damar Hamlin breathing on his own, able to talk after on-field collapseThe theme park giant that operates Universal Orlando Resort filed an application with Orange County to create the Shingle Creek Transit Utility Community Development District. If approved by the county, this quasi-public district would provide a way for the Comcast Corp.-owned Universal Parks & Resorts to finance the construction and operation of a commuter rail station and track that connects the Orange County Convention Center to Orlando International Airport. Video: SunRail meeting shows a new station to come to Orange County (WFTV)©2022 Cox Media Group

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Plans are in the works to bring a SunRail station to the Orange County Convention Center. Officials discussed the big plans to connect Orlando further during Thursday’s public transportation meeting. FDOT said the commuter rail station would connect to the Orlando International Airport. This district will allow the community to build, pay and operate the new SunRail station without relying on taxpayer dollars. Channel 9 has reached out to Orange County but said they do not have a comment currently.

A coalition of International Drive businesses is joining with Universal Orlando to create a SunRail route between Orlando International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings was sworn in for a second term on Tuesday.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Central Florida Auto Show is back in town in Orange County, checking out new cars and taking them on a test drive. But between supply and pricing lately, it’s been a challenge for some to buy a new one. SEE: Central Florida International Auto Show returns to Orange County Convention CenterExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 35 Central Florida International Auto Show The Central Florida International Auto Show is back this weekend with hundreds of new vehicles, test drives, exotics, and more. Experts expect new cars to drop 5%, and used cars to drop some 20% over the weeks and months to come. UPDATE: 2 dead after massive fire breaks out at Orange County fireworks warehouseVideo: Walt Disney World announces final day for Splash Mountain ride before redesign Walt Disney World has confirmed the last day for its Splash Mountain ride.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Convention Center food service workers are days away from a potential strike. The union representing the 230 workers says they need a pay bump in their next contract with Sodexo, which manages food service at the convention center, to keep up with the cost of living. The strike could happen as early as Dec. 1, the day after their contract extension expires. Single mother Jackeline Ponce said she makes $13.40 an hour working in food services at the convention center, and even working doubles, she’s having a hard time covering her living expenses. Union workers said they still hope to bargain with Sodexo to avoid a strike and negotiations are scheduled for Dec. 13-14.

The annual IAAPA Expo opened at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando to showcase the latest innovations in an industry that has to deliver on thrills, chills and spills.

SeaWorld Orlando park leaders unveiled the new ride vehicle for their all new roller coaster, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster.

‘CLERKS III’ INCONVENIENCE TOURYou ARE supposed to be here today. Filmmaker Kevin Smith is taking his latest film, “Clerks III,” on the road with The Inconvenience Tour. In 2006 we made my 7th film Clerks II. This fall, my friends & I proudly present my 14th film - CLERKS III! Come see it with me on CLERKS III: THE CONVENIENCE TOUR!

Tickets for next year’s MegaCon are now on sale.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Kavas Tacos + Tequila, a new restaurant concept from Meraki Food Group, is coming to International Drive’s Pointe Orlando entertainment complex this fall. Read: Man takes plea deal in hit-and-run crash that killed Disney internCo-owner Katerina Coumbaros, who operates three restaurants with her husband Vassilis Coumbaros, wants the 7,000-square-foot restaurant to attract tourist traffic from the nearby Orange County Convention Center. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website. Video: Orange County business owners discuss growth in I-Drive area The I-Drive business improvement district hosted a roundtable to talk about growth in a busy area for tourists in Orange County.

There's fun for the whole family at the Orange County Convention Center this weekend.

Video: Orlando Boat Show cruises into the weekend Courtesy of Orlando Boat Show (Orlando Boat Show)ORLANDO, Fla. — The Marine Industry Association of Central Florida is hosting the Orlando Boat Show this weekend. A total of 22 Central Florida boat dealers will have about 400 boats on display at the Orange County Convention Center, the company said. Read: Orange County Animal Services waives adoption fees as overcrowding continuesThe event will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Read: Pedestrian hit and killed crossing busy Orange County roadParking at the Orange County Convention Center is $10. There are other activities for children to enjoy as well, like a virtual saltwater fishing simulator and a fishing zone. Read: Blue pop-ups with question marks are appearing around Orlando.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Vice President Kamala Harris will be in Orlando on Thursday. She is set to arrive at the Orange County Convention Center at 11 a.m. for the annual gathering of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. After speaking at the conference, Harris will hold a roundtable on reproductive rights with Florida lawmakers. READ: Vice President Kamala Harris visiting Orlando ThursdayThe House is set to vote on Friday on two bills aimed at boosting abortion rights. The “Ensuring Access to Abortion Act” would protect a woman’s right to travel to seek an abortion.

Harris is expected to hold a roundtable on reproductive rights with Florida state lawmakers and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.

Mecum has over 1,500 cars up for auction from July 6-9 at the Orange County Convention Center. Mecum has over 1,500 cars up for auction from July 6-9 at the Orange County Convention Center. (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — This week marks the return of Mecum Auctions to Orlando. Mecum has over 1,500 cars up for auction from July 6-9 at the Orange County Convention Center. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Mecum Auctions returns to Orlando Mecum Auctions returns to OrlandoClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Brightline will no longer have a station at Disney Springs as part of its 320-milehigher-speed passenger train service stretching from Miami to Orlando to Tampa Bay, railway officials said in a statement.

VIDEO: Orange County Convention Center set to host a slate of large sports events The Orange County Convention Center will play host to several large sports events in the coming weeks. ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Orange County Convention Center will play host to several large sports events in the coming weeks that are expected to bring hundreds of millions of dollars to the area. They’re just wrapping up an April that saw them host several cheer, volleyball, and dance competitions. Read more in the OCCC’s online newsroom: https://t.co/MYsU31uTId — Orange County Convention Center (@OCCC) May 31, 2022An estimated 137,000 people are expected to attend creating an economic impact of more than $175 million. “We are thrilled to welcome the strong sporting market back to Orange County and the OCCC,” OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester said.

MegaCon returns Thursday through Sunday in the north/south concourse of the Orange County Convention Center. Here are 9 things to know before you grab your costumes and head out the door. Photos: MegaCon Orlando through the yearsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 MegaCon Orlando MegaCon Orlando returns. (MegaCon/MegaCon)READ: 9 things to know about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindCome in your cosplay best! Costumes are encouraged and, if you’ve been to MegaCon before, you know that attendees go all out.

The convention runs May 19-May 22 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — It’s National Autism Awareness Month, and the Autism Society of Greater Orlando hosted its 17th annual family fun day on Saturday. The event was held at the Orange County Convention Center’s North Concourse. Along with the autism walk, the family fun day included fun activities for every member of the family while raising autism awareness and funds that stay in the local community. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 34 Autism Walk 2022In fact, 100% of the proceeds stay in Central Florida. Read: Florida Keys kicks off 40th anniversary celebration of ‘secession’ from USThe Orange County Sheriff’s Office was celebrated with families as they danced, played games and bonded with the community.

You won’t need to grab your broomsticks or Floo powder to travel into the magical world of Harry Potter.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Utilities will be hosting a large job fair on Tuesday. The job fair is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orange County Convention Center in the in the North Concourse building. Job fair organizers said they will be offering sign-on bonuses for all eight positions included in the event. READ: Valentine’s Day 2022: 5 freebies, deals for sweethearts and singlesOrange County Utilities is looking to hire individuals for the following roles: engineering inspector, equipment operator, field specialist, industrial electrician, industrial mechanic, meter reader, wastewater plant operator and water plant operator. See a map of the job fair location below.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Utilities is hosting a job fair next month featuring same-day interviews and offers. Officials said they will be interviewing for all experience levels. The event is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to apply online before the event to expedite the application process on the day of the fair. The job fair is on Tuesday, Feb. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orange County Convention Center in the North Concourse Building, located at 9400 Universal Blvd. READ: Interested in working the polls next election day?

The Orlando Home & Garden Show will return this weekend for a 13th year of gathering plant parents, novices looking to improve their homes and...

Thousands of dogs across the country are in Central Florida competing for America’s top dog. It’s all part of the American Kennel Club National Championship

Cheerleading took over the Orange County Convention Center this week.

9 things to do this weekend (WFTV.com News Staff)ORLANDO, Fla. — Looking for something to do this weekend? The car show will feature hundreds of new models, electric vehicles, exotic vehicles, an off-road indoor test track, test drives and more. (WFTV.com News Staff)The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit is now open at the Orange County Convention Center. The city of Winter Park will also host its Christmas parade this weekend. To learn more about the parade, click here.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit is now open at the Orange County Convention Center. The exhibit is bringing the impressionist painter’s work to life through Jan. 9. “The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit strives to highlight the unique architecture of its spaces while integrating influences from its history and community,” according to the event’s website. Event officials say the event brings the painter’s work to life with over 90 million pixels of animation. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Calling all car enthusiasts. The Central Florida International Auto Show is driving into the Orange County Convention Center this weekend. The car show will feature hundreds of new models, electric vehicles, exotic vehicles, an off-road indoor test track, test drives and more. Attendees can get an up-close look at cars including the 2022 Nissan Ariya, 2022 Kia Niro EV, Jeep Wagoneer, 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, 2022 Toyota Tundra, 2022 Ford Maverick and more. For more information, click here.

During the IAAPA Expo at the Orange County Convention Center, hundreds of companies from around the globe are eyeing owners and operators of theme parks.

From virtual balloon rides to audio-animatronics, the theme park industry is on full display at the Orange County Convention Center this week.

The all-new Peppa Pig Theme Park will open as a certified autism center, leaders announced Tuesday at the IAAPA Expo at the Orange County Convention Center.

ORLANDO, Fla — It’s Central Florida’s largest expo for families at the Orange County Convention Center! Enjoy 150 interactive exhibits at the Florida Kids and Family Expo on November 13th and 14th. The expo was started in 2014 by two Central Florida moms wanting to find family friendly services, products, and activities. MORE EVENTS AROUND CENTRAL FLORIDAThose attending the expo will have an opportunity for a petting zoo, arts & crafts, sports zones, and a ton more. For more information visit MyCentralFloridaFamily.comExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Florida Kids and Family Expo Florida Kids and Family Expo (My Central Florida Family.com)Do you always want to be the first to know what’s happening in Central Florida?

When word of an immersive Vincent van Gogh experience in Orlando first broke, we admit we were intrigued by the whole "secret location" business. Images...

What had become somewhat of an art venue mystery was solved Monday when ticketholders of the “Immersive Van Gogh exhibit” originally scheduled to open Oct. 7 were advised the presentation will be located at the Orange County Convention Center’s West Concourse with the debut now rescheduled for Nov. 26.

The Orange County Tourist Development Council met on Friday where members received updates and an economic outlook after emergence of the COVID-19 delta variant.

Things to Do Looking for something to do in Central Florida? The event runs from Thursday to Sunday. Click here to learn nine things about the event. SeaWorld’s Craft Beer FestivalSeaWorld is kicking off its Craft Beer Festival on Friday. Orlando Burger WeekOrlando Burger Week returns Wednesday and runs for an additional five days this year, through Aug. 25, offering $6 burgers plus gourmet blends, off-menu specialties and beer pairings.

MEGACON Orlando moves forward as COVID-19 cases rise

MegaCon Orlando returns After a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MegaCon Orlando returns this week to the Orange County Convention Center. It must be MegaCon Orlando time again. Billed as “the South East’s largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event,” MegaCon draws hundreds of thousands of people to the Orange County Convention Center. READ: Nursing conference canceled at Orange County Convention Center as COVID-19 cases surgeDon’t forget your costumes! Check out photos of MegaCon throughout the years below:Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 MegaCon Orlando returns After a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MegaCon Orlando returns this week to the Orange County Convention Center.

The NAFEM Show was scheduled to take place at the end of August.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A big nursing conference at the Orange County Convention Center that would bring in thousands of visitors and millions of dollars to the region has canceled its event. A spokesperson for the convention center said the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses convention was canceled because the nurses need to work right now, but there are dozens of other conventions still in the books. The economic impact of the canceled nurses convention was more than $12 million, and bring about 5,000 people. READ: SeaWorld Orlando updates COVID-19 policy to include wearing masks while indoorsFor more than a year, the convention center was used as a COVID-19 testing and vaccination site. The executive director of the convention center said that’s not being discussed at this point.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its COVID-19 testing guidelines for vaccinated individuals as more data reveals the transmissibility of the delta variant.

Event organizers said cancelation comes as Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings declared area is facing a crisis.

Fans better watch the hair, stars from the popular 90s sitcom “Full House” will at MegaCon Orlando this year.

Did that venerable viral video for "Shoes" pop into your head just now? No? Either way, Sneaker Games Orlando is taking over the Orange County...

‘The Office’ cast to reunite at MegaCon Orlando

Orange County Convention Center officials said June is the busiest month so far this year with more than a dozen events scheduled.

About 36% of the state’s total population is now fully protected from COVID-19, and it seems as if life is getting back to normal at the Orange County Convention Center.

After opening in December to administer COVID-19 vaccinations, the Orange County Convention Center is wrapping up its operations Friday.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The vaccine site at the Orange County Convention Center will close for good on Friday. READ: Ocoee nursing home residents able to hug loved ones for first time in 15 monthsThe site is only offering the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine on Friday. The county is moving away from large mass vaccination sites to smaller pop-up sites and mobile sites. Hundreds of thousands of people have been vaccinated at the convention center since it opened. READ: Incorrect COVID-19 test type forces Lake County couple to quarantine in Hawaii on their honeymoonIf you plan on getting a vaccine at the convention center on Friday, you must make an appointment.

Orange County leaders said COVID-19 cases are declining and things are looking a lot better in the county compared to a few months ago.

The Orange County Convention Center, which has served as both a testing and vaccination site, wraps up testing Sunday as the site prepares to close completely next weekend.

Central Florida’s largest testing site at the Orange County Convention Center will officially close after serving Central Floridians and visitors since the last week of March of 2020.

Lynx will continue offering free rides to seniors to the ongoing vaccination sites.

Free COVID-19 testing is coming to an end at the Orange County Convention Center, according to officials.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — In the early days of the pandemic, the Orange County Convention Center reassigned more than half its workforce as leaders were forced to make nearly $17 million in budget cuts. As convention business bounces back, the convention center is looking to bring back those employees. READ: Orange County ending compliance “Strike Teams”➡️ The OCCC is hiring various on-call positons to support our robust upcoming events calendar. If you have experience in cleaning and facility maintenance, apply today to get in on the first round of hiring. ✅ More info: https://t.co/JEFbb1mffa | Job ID: 26774 @OrangeCoFL pic.twitter.com/9taw7sb5Vi — Orange County Convention Center (@OCCC) May 7, 2021For Hannah Starner, the announcement is good news.

More than 200 Orlando tourism industry leaders met for the first time in-person since the pandemic at the Orange County Convention Center with an update from VisitOrlando on their plan to take Orlando’s $75 billion tourism industry from recovery back to record-breaking.

As the Orange County Convention Center winds down its operations to close at the end of May, the vaccination site offered its last first doses Saturday.

The 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.

Seminole County is adding another option when it comes to getting the coronavirus vaccine.

Orange County health officials are calling for more young people to get vaccinated saying they are driving the spread of the coronavirus in the community.

IAAPA Expo, the global attractions industry’s premier event, will once again return to the Orange County Convention Center this November.

By the end of May 26th, the mass vaccination site at the convention center will close.

Central Florida’s busiest coronavirus vaccine site will stop operating under its current plan at the end of May, county officials announced Thursday.

The portal to make an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the Orange County Convention Center opened Tuesday morning with the site’s new expanded capacity.

Anyone over 16 years old will be able to register for the upcoming vaccine appointments at the Orange County Convention Center site starting Friday.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The Orange County Convention Center was considered as a potential location to provide shelter for unaccompanied migrant children but because the site is so busy, that won’t be happening. The Orange County Convention Center closed for several months last year due to the coronavirus pandemic but started hosting major events again in July 2020. Since then, dozens of shows have relocated to Central Florida and the convention center has a busy schedule through the summer. In August 2019, the Office of Refugee Resettlement was considering a vacant property on Landstreet Road in Orlando, near the Florida Mall, to be used to shelter unaccompanied migrant children. In that same letter, the ORR said that there were 5,400 unaccompanied migrant children in its care spread out across 120 facilities in 23 states.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Convention Center Executive Director Mark Tester said more than a dozen conventions and events have relocated to the OCCC, with a busy summer ahead. According to Tester, spring and summer sporting events at the convention center are estimated to bring in about $123 million with more than 95,000 attendees. Keep in mind, while events and conferences are underway, the convention center is still a regional COVID-19 testing site and vaccination center. The convention center has also undergone some renovations, deep cleaning and reorganization. Tester said he is expecting the convention center to go back to full capacity sometime in June or July.

News 6 wanted to know if other Central Florida counties were considering doing the same thing. Seminole County Emergency Manager Alan Harris said demand for a vaccine is still high, especially since the governor lowered the eligibility age to 50 on Monday. But other Central Florida counties said they aren’t doing that. We want to follow the executive order of the state of Florida,” Harris said. News 6 reached out to the remaining Central Florida Counties.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Anyone 40 and older is now eligible to get the coronavirus vaccine at the Orange County Convention Center. Ron DeSantis will prevent Orange County from making the move. County officials said crews can administer 3,100 COVID-19 doses a day at the convention center. Orange County officials said 57% of people 60 and older in Orange County have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The county also offers free transportation for anyone 60 and older with a scheduled appointment to the Orange County Convention Center and the FEMA site at the west campus of Valencia College.

Anyone 40 or older can get vaccinated at Orange County Convention Center on Monday, mayor saysORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – As the state continues to work its way through vaccinating seniors, Orange County opened coronavirus vaccine eligibility to 40 and up on Monday. Some are finding the eligibility expansion to be a challenge as out-of-county residents book appointments at the Orange County Convention Center, potentially leaving local residents empty-handed. “Unfortunately we are restricted, we can’t exclude another county’s residents from coming here as much as we would like to,” Banks said. Time slots quickly filled up within 13 minutes on the first morning of the new age group, according to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. AdThe expansion has presented ethical questions for officials about whether it’s fair for out-of-county residents to get vaccinated ahead of Orange County residents.

Anyone 40 or older can get vaccinated at Orange County Convention Center on Monday, mayor saysORLANDO, Fla. – Vaccine eligibility expanded across Florida on Monday, allowing anyone 50 and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine. DeSantis issued an executive order, saying anyone 50 and over may get the vaccine as early as Monday. [READ YESTERDAY’S REPORT: Florida COVID-19 roundup: 3,987 new cases, 50+ vaccine eligible starting Monday ]AdFind the state-run COVID-19 dashboard below:Below is a breakdown of Florida COVID-19 data reported by the state on March 22. CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 2,979 new cases on Monday, bringing the state’s overall total to 2,011,211 cases since the virus was first detected on March 1, 2020. VaccinationsThe Florida Department of Health began releasing a daily report in December on COVID-19 vaccines administered throughout the state.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said based on demand at the Orange County Convention Center, lowering the age requirement for the vaccine is the right thing to do. Appointments for anyone 40 and older opens online beginning at 9 a.m. Monday. “Obviously, as the Mayor of Orange County, I have to make decisions in the best interest of the residents here in Orange County,” he said. Demings said he sent this letter to the state last week before he lowered the age requirement to 40. AdDeSantis hasn’t said if he’d try to block the plans in place by Orange County, adding at last check that local officials are expected to follow the state’s executive order.

New vaccine age groups: The vaccine eligibility expansion for 50 and older begins Monday across Florida at all locations. Johnson & Johnson vaccines are coming: It’s been more than two weeks since Florida’s first shipment of the single dose Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine. DeSantis knocks contact tracing as Florida reports 6,044 new COVID-19 case]Find the state-run COVID-19 dashboard below:Below is a breakdown of Florida COVID-19 data reported by the state on March 19. These individuals either received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine or completed a two-shot series. As of Friday, 4,710,033 people have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

click to enlarge Leslye Gale photo via Magic 107.7It goes against state guidelines, but Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has said starting Monday anyone age 40 or above can make an appointment to be vaccinated at the Orange County Convention Center. – LINKA favorite tradition among Central Florida students is returning to the theme parks, but Grad Nite looks a little different in 2021. – LINKYesterday, the union that represents Disney cast members asked Florida's governor for a pass to the front of the line.

Orange County officials announced on Thursday that they would begin vaccinating anyone aged 40 and over next week.The county-led vaccinations are carried out at the Orange County Convention Center and appointments for next week are available now Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said that he made the decision to lower the age requirements in the county, going beyond the current statewide eligibility requirements of 60-plus years of age , and does not expect any resistance from the state.“At the end of the day the Governor wants the best for the residents of Florida and Orange County,” Demings said. “We’ve done a fairly good job with our seniors, and now we have to kind of move to middle young adults. "The Convention Center site administers 3,000 shots per day and Demings hopes to increase that number along with the loosened restrictions.

click to enlarge Leslye Gale photo via Magic 107.7Halloween Horror Nights will back this fall and promises to be bigger and better than ever! – LINKWork has resumed on Universal Orlando Resort's fourth theme park, Epic Universe. We're now learning more about a rescheduled launch date nearly two years later than first announced. – LINKRegulations that kept many vaccine hopefuls away from the vaccination site at the Orange County Convention Center have been lifted. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings yesterday opened up the vaccine site to anyone who qualifies.

click image Photo courtesy Orange County Government, FL/FacebookMayor Jerry DemingsOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility guidelines at the Orange County Convention Center site during a press briefing on Monday.Mayor Demings stated that, going forward, all age requirements would be done away with at the county-run Convention Center vaccination site. Any educator, or support staff member regardless of age, including substitute teachers, bus drivers, day care workers with valid ID, can get vaccinated at this site. Any person who is 65 years of age or older, residents of longterm care facilities and their staff, can get vaccinated,” Demings said. "And some very good news, the Convention Center site can now vaccinate any person who is deemed medically vulnerable by a medical professional. "Demings said the move came both to decrease confusion about differences in federal and state vaccine guidelines, and to better meet the capacity capabilities at the Convention Center site.The Convention Center vaccination site runs on an appointment-only basis as of this writing.

click image Photo courtesy Jurassic QuestHead back to the good old days — thegood old days — at the Orange County Convention Center when the Jurassic Quest Drive Thru hits town later this month.The "world's largest" touring dinosaur exhibition will rampage through the sprawling outdoor parking areas of the Convention Center for just over a week, with more than 70 realistic, animatronic dinosaurs ready to terrify and … hold still for car selfies. And, yes, a 50-foot Megalodon is promised.Attendees will drive through multiple "realistic" scenes during the course of the interactive, socially distanced tour, with an array of dinosaurs roaring and tail-whipping all over the place.Jurassic Quest Drive Thru opens on Friday, Jan. 29, and runs through Sunday, Feb. 7. Tickets can be purchased online and will run you around $49 per vehicle. Various photo add-ons are available.The event is family-friendly, whatever that means.

Moderna is increasing its Covid-19 vaccine production this year, upping the minimum number of doses it expects to make by 20% to 600 million, the company announced Monday. The federal government has agreed to buy 200 million doses of Moderna's vaccine with the option to secure an additional 300 million, the company said. The company has agreed to supply that country with 40 million doses of its vaccine with the option to provide an additional 16 million. The U.S. government under the Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed said it would distribute just under 6 million doses of Moderna's vaccine following the FDA's emergency use authorization. "What we said our goal was, was actually to have 20 million first doses available in the month of December.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. A large event that was set to take place at the Orange County Convention Center next month has been postponed amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. [PREVIOUS: Orange County Convention Center could host big event as early as next month]Since 1888, the AAU has prided itself on providing quality event participation opportunities to millions of athletes in a safe environment, said AAU President & CEO Dr. Roger J. Goudy. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, the decision was made to move the AAU Volleyball event to start July 14. Prior to Fridays announcement, convention center officials were moving forward with a plan to safely put on the large event. The rescheduled AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships event will begin July 14, according to the news release.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. UPDATE: A volleyball tournament expected to bring thousands to the Orange County Convention Center amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has been postponed. PREVIOUS STORY:Officials with the Orange County Convention Center said they have a sporting tournament on the books for the middle of June. The convention center is taking a three-step approach to reopening and bringing back big events safely. From what I understand we will be the first big facility to have an event back, said Mark Kestor, Executive Director of the Orange County Convention Center. Im excited to have them return and am confident they can have a safe and enjoyable event in the Orange County Convention Center.

click to enlarge Photo via MegaCon Orlando/Instagramclick to enlarge Screenshot of Orange County Convention Center's websiteclick to enlarge Screenshot of MegaCon Orlando's websiteMegaCon Orlando, the Southeast's largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming event, was postponed from April to June, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Even newer dates now published on the Orange County Convention Center's website Wednesday night indicated the popular event could be moved yet again, to much later in the year. That sure looks like a new date for MegaCon. (The new Limited Edition attendance limit was lowered to 25,000. In February, they added the voice actors behind "Halo" and "Super Mario Bros."Some of the scheduled stars had been rebooked for June, with MegaCon releasing artwork promoting the newer June dates.

"an expansive, highly themed and immersive land featuring Nintendos legendary worlds, characters and adventures." click to enlarge Artwork via Universal Studios/YouTube"I think the next big thing on the horizon is Nintendo," said executives on the call. Orlando Business Journal After Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan, the Nintendo- themed land is expected to be built first at Universal Hollywood and then Orlando, according to an report . Orlando Informer reports the park will focus first on the "Super Mario Bros" franchise, with attractions based around "Mario Kart" and "Yoshi's Adventure," though these details were not confirmed by the park. Concept art from the call and from Super Nintendo World Japan depict immersive lands themed around various games, described as

But for more than 5,000 very good boys and their handlers, the Canine Extravaganza that takes over 1,000,000 square feet of the Orange County Convention Center, its Miss America, the Super Bowl and high-school graduation all rolled into one. competitions, theres a meet the breeds showcase, a visit from the Beagle Brigade, trick dog displays and a doggie boutique. )8 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 14-15 | Orange County Convention Center, 9899 International Drive | akc.org | $10Consider supporting local journalism. Our small but mighty local team works tirelessly to bring you high-quality, uncensored news and cultural coverage of Central Florida. Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Orlandos true free press

click image Photo via The Stompdown Experience/Facebookclick image Photo via The Stompdown Experience/FacebookNational step showis coming to Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center on Saturday, Nov. 23.The event, which has been around for over three years, will feature middle, high school, independent and college step crews and dance groups competing for the title of Stompdown champions. Scholarships usually worth $500 to $1,000 will also be awarded to some students, president and producer of the event Djuan Ballinger says. "The Stompdown's importance to the community is we want to 'stomp down' the violence in the community, educate, and empower our youth," he adds.The show will start at 7:30 p.m. and run until 10 p.m., and tickets are available on their website tour will continue in Tampa next January and Jacksonville next April.It is one of the many events that are a part of the Florida Classic Weekend.The Florida Classic is a 94-year-old in-state football game rivalry between the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats and the FAMU Rattlers, and is the largest match among historically black colleges and universities in the country.It has been an Orlando institution for 21 years, according to their website . Besides the football game at Camping World Stadium and the official Florida Classic step show,, other events taking place that weekend include the Florida Blue Battle of the Bands, Florida Classic Night of Distinction and performances by artists Megan Thee Stallion, Da Baby, Plies and more.For more information on the Florida Classic Weekend, visit https://www.floridaclassicweekend.com/allevents

President Donald Trump addresses the International Association of Chiefs of Police annual convention at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on October 8, 2018. The stock market hit a new milestone on Monday. Trump, who enjoys touting market gains more than his predecessors, shouted out the new record on Twitter before the market was open: "Stock Market hits RECORD HIGH. The president then tweeted about the Dow record, criticizing the media's focus on the impeachment inquiry. "All-Time High for Stock Market and all the Fake News wants to talk about is the Impeachment Hoax!"

ORLANDO, Fla. - The opening date for Universal's third theme park in the Sunshine State has been announced during a Comcast earnings call. We think the theme park business is a great business for us and we're going to be making the investments to try to grow cash flow aggressively in the future," one executive said during Thursdays call. The opening date comes two months after Universal Orlando announced construction had begun for Epic Universe. Epic Universe is a long-rumored fourth park that executives promised "forever changes theme park entertainment." READ NEXT: Scare scale: An inside look at Halloween Horror NightsCentral Florida theme parks have been rolling out new lands and ride ideas all year.

ORLANDO, Fla. - The opening date for Universal's third theme park in the Sunshine State has been announced during a Comcast earnings call. The opening date comes two months after Universal Orlando announced construction had begun for Epic Universe. https://t.co/Q85QrITn7z pic.twitter.com/KkWhAUkKxC News 6 WKMG (@news6wkmg) August 1, 2019Epic Universe is a long-rumored fourth park that executives promised "forever changes theme park entertainment." In June, Islands of Adventure welcomed its newest coaster, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which has been a hit with theme park enthusiasts and tourists alike. READ NEXT: Scare scale: An inside look at Halloween Horror NightsCentral Florida theme parks have been rolling out new lands and ride ideas all year.

ORLANDO, Fla. - There's a new theme park coming soon to Florida, and this one promises to be epic. Universal Orlando announced Thursday construction had begun for Epic Universe, a long-rumored fourth park that executives promised "forever changes theme park entertainment." The massive new park is the company's first new property since water park Volcano Bay opened in May 2017. CEO Tom Williams said Epic Universe is the "most immersive and innovative theme park" in its lineup, which also includes Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure. Universal execs stayed mum on just which franchises would occupy Epic Universe, but they promised guests would encounter "beloved stories" throughout the sprawling park.

ORLANDO, Fla. - After months of speculation following the company's repurchase of a hefty plot of land, Universal announced plans Thursday to launch a new theme park called Epic Universe. Universal theme park CEO Tom Williams says Universals Epic Universe will be largest, most expensive project and best of all their theme parks around the world. Universal Orlando currently employees 25,000 people and the additional team members hired as part of Epic Universe will include high-tech jobs and culinary and other specialized positions, according to Universal Orlando. CEO Tom Williams says Universals Epic Universe will employ 14,000 workers, base pay will be $15/ hour. We want to create a level of experience that, frankly, forever changes the theme park landscape as you know it today," Roberts said.

click to enlargeUniversal Orlando just announcedits latest theme park in the Orlando area and the first major theme park project built in 20 years.Thursday morning's announcement at the Orange County Convention Center ends years of speculation and digging by bloggers and fans alike. Most significantly, Universal's announcement included a lot of dollar figures.The project is expected to create 14,000 new jobs with a base rate of $15/hour, "an epic investment" in the Orlando economy. Universal Orlando currently has two theme parks, a water park, six hotels and a shopping district.Our own Ken Storey predicted the name would be either "Fantastic Worlds" or "Epic Universe," with the new park serving up a "greatest hits" presentation of NBC Universals intellectual properties. We look forward to Universals continued contribution to our states economic growth and development, said DeSantis said in a statement. And we are especially grateful for Universals partnership in improving Shingle Creek, which plays a critical role in serving the Everglades.

Just north of the parking area is where the new theme park will be located.Rumored to be named "Fantastic Worlds" and Epic Universe, the new theme park will be a "best hits" presentation of NBC Universals intellectual properties. Josh Young, of Theme Park University, has been one of the leading sources for details regarding the new park. Super Nintendo World has already been confirmed for Universal Orlando. Universal Studios Japans Super Nintendo World is well under construction, slated to open just ahead of next years Olympics. The Orlando version was initially slated for Universal Studios Floridas Kids Zone with multiple documents, images, and photos of a model of those plans leaked by various sources.