ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

The public will have the chance to learn more about plans to expand SunRail to Orlando International Airport and the International Drive corridor next week.

MegaCon Orlando is back early next year.

Chances are you have seen one of the nighttime spectaculars at one of Central Florida’s theme parks.

The world's attractions industry converged into the Orange County Convention Center Tuesday as IAAPA, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, kicked off its 2023 expo.

Universal Destinations & Experiences and Wendover Housing Partners have taken a significant step toward addressing Central Florida’s affordable housing crisis.

Mark Tester with the Orange County Convention Center calling the 2022-2023 fiscal year a solid year with nearly 160 events at the venue.

Take a step back in time and admire the giants that once walked the Earth.

Orange County leaders are expected to discuss how to spend millions in tourism tax dollars on Tuesday morning.

Orange County’s comptroller has a big warning for if — and when — the county decides to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in tourism tax revenue.

Central Florida’s favorite playdate of the year will return to the Orange County Convention Center on Aug. 12 and 13, just in time for one last adventure before the beginning of the school year.

A citizen task force examining the most responsible ways to spend millions of dollars generated by Orange County's tourist development tax produced a ranked list of recommended projects Monday.

Four days of comics, sci-fi, anime, and humor wrapped up at MegaCon Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center.

One of the largest conventions in the southeast United States returns this weekend at the Orange County Convention Center.

MegaCon has come back to Orange County, and officials, as well as local vendors, are looking to get results as they hope the event brings a positive economic impact.

One of the largest conventions in the southeast United States returns this weekend at the Orange County Convention Center.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

MEGACON Orlando moves forward as COVID-19 cases rise

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

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.

‘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 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.

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.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis is taking exception with Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ plan to expand vaccine eligibility at the Orange County Convention Center to anyone 40 and older starting on Monday. DeSantis did not say whether he would try to prevent Orange County from going through with its plan. “At the end of the day the governor wants the best for the residents of Florida and Orange County,” Demings said. “I was elected to work on the behalf of the citizens of Orange County and I take that responsibility seriously.

ORLANDO, Fla. – There’s nothing special about this article, it’s just a timeline outlining the process of getting my COVID-19 vaccine. AdBy the way, that visit which, start to finish took longer than the process of getting my shot, cost me $68. (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.) (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.) (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Employees of any law enforcement, corrections and fire departments will be able to get the coronavirus vaccine at the Orange County Convention Center site beginning this week, Mayor Jerry Demings said Monday. The Orange County mayor said this happened after he submitted a request to the Florida Department of Emergency Management on Friday asking to be able to vaccinate these workers. At OCFL.net/vaccine there is no age requirement listed now for K-12 teachers, child care workers or law enforcement and fire department employees. Firefighters, paramedics and canvassers contracted by the county are working to identify vulnerable neighborhoods with people who want to get the shots. Dr. Raul Pino, Orange County health officer with the Florida Department of Health, said the county had 3,000 appointments for shots this week and there are still times available as of Monday evening.

Seniors who were eager to protect themselves against COVID-19 formed long lines snaked around Orange County Convention Center’s north concourse for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine appointments on Tuesday. ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Educators, school staff, law enforcement officers and firefighters of any age as well as those who are medically vulnerable can now get the COVID-19 vaccine at the Orange County Convention Center site after the mayor announced the new expanded eligibility on Monday. Orange County officials said the registration portal operated by CDR Maguire is being updated with the new eligibility. AdDemings said the expansion at the convention center should help alleviate some confusion about where to get a shot. A news release from the county clarified that college professors are allowed to get vaccinated at the convention center.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Mayor Jerry Demings announced more residents are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine in Orange County. Demings said the Orange County Convention Center will administer vaccines to law enforcement officers of any age, as well as people deemed high risk by their doctor. Orange County officials said appointments weren’t reaching capacity at the convention center. Orange County teacher Christine Quintana said she was thankful the convention center expanded its eligibility. Orange County said its goal is to administer 3,000 shots a day at the convention center.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – For the first time since Orange County’s tourism development tax collection hit rock bottom during the pandemic, Comptroller Phil Diamond said January’s numbers did not increase like the previous months but instead took a downturn. Speaking from the Orange County Convention Center on Monday, Diamond announced the latest tourism development tax, or TDT, dollar intake for January, which is collected from hotel, resort and motel stays. This is the lowest amount the county had collected in tourism tax dollars in any December since 2005, according to the TDT report. “That shows that the business community has confidence and optimism about Orange County, to long term economic outlook,” Diamond said. The funds go toward tourism projects within the county, including the convention center and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – All kindergarten through 12th grade educators and child care workers can now get vaccinated at the Orange County Convention Center, according to the county. Under the expanded eligibility requirements, shots will now be available to educators regardless of their age. “All pre-K through 12 educators, staff and childcare workers are now eligible to get a vaccine without an age requirement. Orange County officials said during a news conference on Thursday that the vaccination site at the Orange County Convention Center had not been meeting its full capacity lately and has the resources to vaccinate more residents than they have been in recent days. AdThe vaccine site at the Orange County Convention Center has the resources to offer up to 3,000 shots per day and vaccinations are done by appointment only.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The appointment website to schedule a shot at the Orange County Convention Center reopened Monday and more than 24 hours later, there were still appointments available, according to county leaders. “Thousands of appointments will be available to anyone who is 65 years or older and who is a Florida resident,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said during a news conference last week. 🍊@DohOrange reabrirá las citas en línea para las vacunas contra COVID-19 en el @OCCC, el lunes 1ro. ✅ Configure su cuenta con anticipación: https://t.co/CfkLO1Squh pic.twitter.com/IdANUeUa7M — Orange County FL (@OrangeCoFL) February 25, 2021Anyone who is able to secure a vaccination appointment but doesn’t have a means of transportation to the Orange County Convention Center can dial 311 or call 407-836-3111 to coordinate with LYNX for a possible free transportation option, county officials said. Click here for a full list of vaccination sites in Orange County.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – As Florida works to vaccinate people 65 and older, the Orange County Convention Center celebrated a new milestone: vaccinating its 100,000th person. Hill posed for photos with the mayor, Orange County health department staff and site operators. AdThe Orange County Convention Center started vaccinating seniors in late December 2020 and can provide about 2,500 shots a day. pic.twitter.com/WI3pHbsJJn — Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings (@OCFLMayor) February 24, 2021According to the Florida Department of Health vaccination report released Tuesday, 117,432 people have received at least one shot of a coronavirus vaccine in Orange County. The Orange County Convention Center is currently vaccinating people 65 or older by appointment.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Starting Monday, Orange County will serve 3,000 appointments each day at the Orange County Convention Center. The increase in capacity for Orange County comes as Florida is set to receive a boost in doses after Pfizer and Moderna upped their production of the COVID-19 vaccine. “We’ve been able to get 2 million of those 6 million doses out. AdWhile the delays impacted Flagler and Volusia counties, there were no issues with Orange County getting the vaccines they need to keep up with their appointments. “We’re seeing people from Palm Beach County, Lee County, Lake County, The Villages have been well represented here, but also Orange and Seminole counties.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Body camera video released Friday shows deputies scolding two women who tried to pose as seniors so they could get the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Orange County Convention Center site. Dr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said two women came to the site Wednesday “dressed up as grannies” so they could receive their second shot. Right now, Florida is only vaccinating those 65 and older, as well as health care workers. You’ve stolen a vaccine from someone that needs it more than you and now you’re not going to get your second one,” a deputy told the pair. He said it’s possible the women may have known someone at the site who allowed them access.

For many Orange County residents and leaders, more vaccines is good news. “We should see increased distribution within the next few weeks,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. He said it’s all thanks to the state department of health in Orange County, which has more information on its site. This also happening as Publix stores are expanding its vaccines at select stores in Orange County and across Central Florida. As far as the Orange County Convention Center drive-up site, seniors who can’t drive themselves can dial 3-1-1 to see if they qualify for a free Lynx bus ride.

Seniors who were eager to protect themselves against COVID-19 formed long lines snaked around Orange County Convention Center’s north concourse for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine appointments on Tuesday. ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The portal reopened Monday to allow residents to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at the Orange County Convention Center, but it closed less than an hour later, officials said. Those who do get an appointment will receive a QR code that they are asked to bring with them to the convention center along with proof of residency. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has reached capacity for the COVID-19 vaccination appointments at the @OCCC. Dr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County reminded those who are unable to attend their appointment to cancel it online.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Seniors needing a ride to their vaccine appointment at the Orange County Convention Center can ride for free with Lynx. Anyone in Orange, Osceola or Seminole with a vaccine appointment can call 311 to schedule a pickup, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said Thursday during a coronavirus update. Deming said 311 will coordinated with the Office of Emergency Management to arrange the ride. “When a ride is scheduled you’ll get a ride from home to the Convention Center,” Demings said where a “Lynx driver will wait with the senior for entire process then take them home.”Masks must be worn the entire time. The program is for the Convention Center vaccine site only.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The Orange County Convention Center started 2021 with the Surf Expo, bringing in 3,000 exhibitors and visitors in January. “That was the largest business-to-business trade event since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Mark Tester, executive director of the Orange County Convention Center. Ron DeSantis and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings allowing for the convention center to operate at a limited capacity. Because of that, convention center officials say 11 new shows have decided to relocate from other venues to Orlando. According to records provided by the convention center, shows have relocated from Las Vegas, New York, Houston, Baltimore and Vancouver.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County is allowing Florida residents to pre-register for coronavirus vaccine appointments online to allow for quicker sign up when shots are available. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said the appointment portal for the Orange County Convention Center site will open again Friday (Jan. 29) at 8 a.m. with a number of new appointments for the shots but he encouraged anyone who is eligible to go ahead and register at OCFL.net/vaccines. Meanwhile, personnel at four community centers around Orange County are standing by to help residents who don’t have a computer and/or smart device and may need help signing up for a shot. Staff at Holden Heights, Pine Hills, East Orange and Taft community centers will be available Friday to help seniors register for the vaccine. So the number should be very close to a little bit over 8,000.”The county is providing vaccine updates via text if people text OCFLCOVID to 888777.

Seniors who were eager to protect themselves against COVID-19 formed long lines snaked around Orange County Convention Center’s north concourse for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine appointments on Tuesday. ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – So far, no dose of the COVID-19 vaccine has been thrown out due to expiration concerns at the Orange County Convention Center site, according to Dr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County. About 3% of the Orange County population has been vaccinated thus far but Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said there are plans to ramp up those efforts as quickly as possible. Anyone who has contracted COVID-19 will need to wait at least 90 days after their diagnosis before getting the vaccine. When more appointments are available at the Orange County Convention Center, registration information can be found at OCFL.net/vaccine.

Dr. Norman G. Einspruch, 88, receives the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020, in Miami. We will get there.”Below is a breakdown of Florida COVID-19 data reported by the state on Dec. 31:CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 16,653 new cases on Thursday, bringing the state’s overall total to 1,323,315 cases since March. Editor’s note: Along with the resources previously utilized by News 6 (state and county-by-county data), as of Dec. 7, WKMG has added state data pulled from the Florida Department of Health’s Florida COVID19 State Testing Totals. This reflected the 16,653 positive cases reported out of 143,927 tests reported to the state. VaccinationsThe Florida Department of Health recently began releasing a daily report on COVID-19 vaccines administered throughout the state.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The Orange County Convention Center which has offered coronavirus testing to tens of thousands of people for months is now also providing the county’s first large-scale vaccine site, causing confusion for some who arrive seeking either tests or the shots. To help you navigate the testing site News 6 drove the route to the convention center and created a detailed map. Before heading to the convention center for the COVID-19 vaccine there are several things people must do. Orange County Department of Health spokesperson Kent Donahue said the goal is to get the wait time down to under an hour. Direction to the vaccine site lineOnce arriving in the area of the convention center you will follow signs leading along the route to the North Concourse for vaccines.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Seniors who were eager to protect themselves against COVID-19 formed long lines snaked around Orange County Convention Center’s north concourse for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine appointments on Tuesday. “The process was fine, it took about three hours for me, but the consequences are certainly worth it,” Don Lavery said. “It took about three hours, but we were open for if we had to wait for five or six, so we are fine,” Ryner said. Ryner waited inside one of more than 300 cars to be inoculated with Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. “We reached out to our partners, Orange County government and the Orange County Convention Center, they are going to install digital signs to give more directional information, so they don’t have that confusion,” he said.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – On the first day that COVID-19 vaccinations began for elderly residents at the Orange County Convention Center, officials made a big change that will open the site up to more people. The director of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County Dr. Raul Pino was adamant late Monday afternoon when plans were unveiled for the site that only Orange County residents 65 and older would be able to get shots there. The site opened up for vaccinations for the first time at 9 a.m. Tuesday and by about 1 p.m., the county announced that it will no longer just be restricted to Orange County residents. No reason was given for the change but Pino did mention Monday that there could be some logistical problems with only allowing Orange County residents. “The Department will provide an update when the system reopens.”Osceola and Seminole county vaccine sites are also open to non-county residents.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County leaders revealed the plan to vaccinate older residents and keep the community informed on broader COVID-19 vaccination plans that include a website, app, text, email and community centers. The Orange County Department of Health began administering shots to EMTs and paramedics at the Orange County Convention Center on Saturday. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said beginning Tuesday, people 65 and older can begin getting their vaccines at the Orange County Convention Center between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Appointments will be required and the site is open to anyone, not just Orange County residents, according to county officials. “Wear your mask, help stop spread.”The goal is to vaccinate 1,500 residents per day at the Orange County Convention Center.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The first day of vaccinations for Central Florida seniors began Tuesday morning at the Orange County Convention Center. [TRENDING: How to get vaccine in Florida | Will vaccine work on new strains? The vaccine site is also open to be who reside outside of Orange County, according to the county website. “As you know, this is the Moderna (vaccine), so there’s a window of time for the first dose and the second dose. On that 29th day, they should automatically get that second appointment through the system itself,” Donahue explained.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – About 200 Orange County paramedics and EMTs received their first dose of Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine at the Orange County Convention Center Saturday. The vaccines are the first to be distributed by the Florida Department of Health in Orange County. “It’s a major turn in the shift of the pandemic,” said Kent Donahue, spokesperson for the Florida Department of Health in Orange County. “Now we can take the offense and fight this virus.”The administration of the vaccine comes after Orange County received 16,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine in a shipment last week. Paramedics and EMTs will have to come back for their second dose in order for the vaccine to be fully-effective health leaders say.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – After testing sites closed for Christmas, Floridians were eager to get tested when the sites resumed testing. According to the Florida Association of Public Information Officers, wait times at the Orange County Convention Center were around two hours. According to officials, the testing site is open until 5 p.m. but the gates may close early. Orange County Health Services extended free COVID-19 testing at Barnett Park through Jan. 30 on Saturday. New patients at the @OrangeCoFL COVID testing site at Barnett Park will not be accepted after 3:45 p.m. today due to reaching capacity.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Convention Center officials said they’re having their comeback as the site hosts two major events this weekend. Crews loaded in vehicles and gear on Thursday as they get ready for this weekend’s Central Florida International Auto Show. Central Florida International Auto Show President Evelyn Cardenas said many people will watch to see how this weekend goes. Just the ticket sales, the entrance, putting people to work and everybody coming in to put on this auto show,” Cardenas said. Convention center officials said the competition is estimated to have a $7.7 million economic impact.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Visit Orlando touted two campaigns it’s pushing ahead of the holiday season during an Orange County Tourist Development Council meeting Friday morning. The Orange County Convention Center also gave a presentation in which leaders discussed the current state of tourism. But officials highlighted bright spots and talked about some convention center events that have already kicked off, such as Winterfest. Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond said the convention center is vital to the economy. During the first quarter of the new fiscal year, the Orange County Convention Center said they will play host to 18 events, with 65,000 expected attendees and $42.5 million in economic impact.

ORLANDO, Fla – The Orange County Convention Center is counting down the hours until it opens the Orlando Winterfest and Holiday Market. Kick up the Holiday Beat with Live Music at Winterfest! Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow! ❄️❄️❄️ Orlando Winterfest's snow zone will be FREE to all Winterfest guests.... Posted by Orlando Winterfest on Monday, November 23, 2020Orange County Convention Center officials say they’re committed to putting safety ahead of everything and have implemented a number of COVID-19 safety and health guidelines. The Orlando Winterfest and Holiday Market will run through Sunday, Dec. 6. and will be located in the OCCC West Concourse.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Drivers began lining up in their cars outside the Orange County Convention Center before 6 a.m. on Monday to get tested for COVID-19. Emergency management officials said long lines are expected again this week as millions prepare to travel for Thanksgiving. “Since the Orange County Convention Center test site opened back in spring, they conducted over 137,000 of the PCR test, almost 35,000 of the antigen test and that was up until Saturday, actually,” Mike Jachles with the Florida Division of Emergency Management said. He’s urging people to plan ahead and have a full tank of gas and use the restroom before arriving to the testing site. Another recommendation for people planning on getting a test at the convention center is to preregister at patientportalfl.com.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Cars lined up at the Orange County Convention Center Saturday morning as hundreds of families received free Thanksgiving meals. Heart of Florida United Way gave out free meals to 1,500 pre-selected families in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. Michael and Patricia received the free meals through the non-profit’s second annual Thanksgiving Project. Heart of Florida United Way President and CEO Jeff Hayward said they provided families everything they need for the meal. He adds the meal giveaway is just another way they’re doing their part.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Mike Jachels with the State Division of Emergency Management said for those looking to get a COVID-19 test at the Orange County Convention Center, expect wait times. He said Friday saw wait times of at least 90 minutes. There are two different tests offered at the convention center, according to Jachels. He added that this week with the Thanksgiving holiday just around the corner, they are seeing another spike in testing demand. Also in Orange County, the drive-thru testing site at Barnett Park will now be open seven days a week instead of five through Dec. 30.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The state-run coronavirus testing site at the Orange County Convention Center is shifting to offering 15-minute rapid COVID-19 antigen tests only and also asking people to bring proof of insurance. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced Monday the testing site, one of the busiest in the state, will now use the 15-minute rapid antigen tests starting this week. In all, Florida is set to receive 6.4 million rapid testing kits in 400,000 increments. The regional drive-thru testing site on Destination Parkway is open seven days a week beginning at 9 a.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis. People who are tested at the site do not have to live in Orange County.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Most free COVID-19 testing sites in Florida don’t come with the same crowds they once saw at the beginning of the pandemic. “There’s certainly not demand for that many tests right now,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said at a news conference in Clearwater on Sept. 29. Mike Jachles serves as the spokesperson for the testing site at the Orange County Convention Center, where they’re now averaging about 500 people tested a day. A spokesperson for the Florida Department of Health told News 6:While the number of tests per day has fluctuated with demand, testing remains widely available for Floridians throughout the state. “The City of Orlando will continue to do COVID-19 testing sites throughout Orlando neighborhoods as long as the state and the county provide testing kits and lab resources.”At the state-run site at the Hard Rock Stadium in South Florida, they continue to see record testing including more than 2800 tests done on Friday.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Officials announced changes to the coronavirus state testing site in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center. This helps health workers when temps hit 100 degrees or when it rains. COVID-19 tests and antibody tests are free and anyone can get one. The DOH has also reported 41,374 hospitalizations and 12,642 COVID-19 deaths. Health officials said 4.9 million COVID-19 tests have been administered in the state.

It was all part of the “iCan!” bike camp put together by the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida. “We wanted to be able to help families with those things that we felt helped our children,” Gardiner said. Gardiner says the bike camp is her favorite event of the year because she’s able to get to know the families and be part of their progress. Burns says the camp has changed their lives and she wanted other families to know it’s an option. bike camp happens every summer and is scheduled around space availability at the Orange County Convention Center.