ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The teachers union accuses the school district of not following a memorandum of understanding made last fall with a magistrate.

Researchers predict omicron variant of the coronavirus is on the verge of peaking, but the virus continues to spread.

Avalon Middle named 2021 National Blue Ribbon School Avalon Middle School has earned recognition from the U.S. Department of Education as a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School. (Orange County Public Schools)ORLANDO, Fla. — Avalon Middle School in Orlando has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School. Congratulations to the 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools!🎉NBRS Program honors hundreds of schools annually, saluting school excellence, turn around stories, and closing subgroup achievement gaps. For more information on Avalon Middle School, click here. See a full list of the 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools here.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools and the teachers’ association have finally come to a tentative agreement on teacher compensation. WATCH: OCPS reinstates mask requirement for all adultsThe deal includes wage raises, a one-time district supplement of $2,600 cost-of-living and performance raises, longevity supplements, and new health insurance benefits. WATCH: ‘They just are afraid’: Psychologist says teens in a darker place, driving violenceThis deal must be finalized by the union and the school district. WATCH: Red Sand Project hopes to raise awareness on those lost to human traffickingClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV. ©2022 Cox Media Group

Orange County Public Schools reported more than 1100 COVID-19 cases among faculty, staff and students as schools reopened for their spring semester. The reported cases...

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools is reinstating its mask requirement for all adults including employees, visitors and vendors, Superintendent Barbara Jenkins announced Monday. READ: Seminole County schools providing teachers, staff with COVID-19 testing kits ahead of new semester“As a result of the significant increase in positivity rate, and in an effort to protect our workforce, I have determined that all adults including employees, visitors and vendors, will be required to wear a face mask in OCPS buildings and vehicles through the month of January,” Jenkins tweeted. As a result of the significant increase in positivity rate, and in an effort to protect our workforce, I have determined that all adults including employees, visitors and vendors, will be required to wear a face mask in OCPS buildings and vehicles through the month of January. pic.twitter.com/LQl1wa19Lc — Dr. Barbara Jenkins (@SuptJenkins) January 3, 2022READ: New monoclonal antibody treatment location coming to Central Florida, DeSantis saysMasks will remain strongly encouraged for all students. ©2022 Cox Media Group

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Two local school districts said they received state funding that was previously withheld over their mask policies. Leaders with Orange County Public Schools said they received more than $31,000 from the state Nov. 29. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Read: OCPS responds to state’s threat to withhold funding over mask mandateBrevard County school officials said the state paid them more than $18,000 that same day. The State Board of Education had withheld state funds from several Florida school districts earlier this year after school leaders had instituted mask policies for students. Read: Judge dismisses challenge to ban on Florida school mask mandatesOther school districts sanctioned by the state were Alachua, Broward, Duval, Leon, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.

If you're interested in enrolling your child in an Orange County Public Schools magnet school, the application process is now open.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Last week, incidents at three high schools across Seminole and Orange counties resulted in at least 14 students being arrested for violence or threats. This weekend, Orange County Superintendent Barbara Jenkins issued a message to OCPS families that any violence or threats of violence, real or a prank, will not be tolerated. In early December, a fight led to a shooting outside Carver Middle School in Orlando. On Monday, Orange County Public Schools District 5 School Board member Vicki-Elaine Felder will host a community meeting to address the safety of students in the community surrounding Carver Middle School and Eccleston Elementary. Read: High-speed crash forces Winter Garden Christmas parade to be canceledThe town hall meeting will happen inside Carver Middle School at 6:30 p.m. Monday.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Barbara Jenkins sent a message to families this weekend that making false threats against their schools can have serious consequences. Read: More than a dozen students arrested for violence, threats in Central Florida schools ThursdayJenkins stressed that any sort of threat, real or prank, will be not be tolerated. Read: Omicron variant found in Central Florida wastewater, city manager saysThe full statement reads:“OCPS families,Like many districts across the state and country, in recent weeks we have experienced an increase of students making false threats against their schools. Students or parents should inform school staff immediately if they hear of any threat or suspicious activity. Your partnership will ensure that we maintain an orderly and positive learning environment for our students.

Orange County Public Schools is doing its part to help the county reach its goal to get at least 50% of students vaccinated by January 2022.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools is loosening its face mask restrictions starting Monday. The school district will no longer require adults to mask up on school property. That includes visitors, vendors and volunteers. READ: Face masks optional for all Orange County school employeesEarlier this month, school leaders dropped the mask requirements for students in all district buildings and vehicles. READ: Orange County mayor allows COVID-19 state of local emergency to expireClick 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.

A new club at an Orange County Public Schools elementary school is teaching young students the joy of kindness.

Orange County Public Schools have made masks fully optional for students. The decision comes after the Florida legislature passed a series of laws making it...

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — With COVID-19 numbers down, Orange County Public Schools resumed its annual “Teach-In” event this year. READ: OCPS makes masks optional for students, visitorsThis week is American Education Week, when we honor the teams of people who work in our nation’s public schools. We are... Posted by Orange County Public Schools on Monday, November 15, 2021For National Teach-In Day, Channel 9 News was brought into Dommerich Elementary School in Maitland Thursday. READ: FLOAT on: New device at AdventHealth Winter Park helps patients walk againAmerican Education Week ends Friday. For information about other opportunities to volunteer with OCPS, click here.

Masks will be optional for everyone at Orange County Public Schools, according to the district.

Ron DeSantis’ announcement Thursday, Orange County Public Schools said masks will now be optional for students in district buildings and vehicles. OCPS families, as a result of the passage of a new law this week in Tallahassee, masks will now be optional for students in OCPS buildings and vehicles. 1/4 — ocpsnews (@OCPSnews) November 18, 2021Beginning Nov. 29, after Thanksgiving break, masks will also be optional for all adults on school district property including visitors, vendors and volunteers. “The COVID vaccine is voluntary but strongly encouraged.”Vaccination events will continue at the school district after Thanksgiving break. As of Thursday, school districts may not have school face mask policies and may not quarantine healthy students.

A new partnership is preparing Orange County Public School students for high-paying jobs in the construction industry.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — For the first time, OUC customers and the community can vote on which of their favorite artwork will grace the cover of the 2022 OUC Water Color Project calendar. OUC employees then selected 13 submissions from the 2022 calendar based on originality, artistic skill, water conservation message or slogan and suitability. We’re asking YOU to help us pick the cover of the 2022 Water Color Project calendar. The Water Color Project began in 2006. See all of this year’s finalists in the gallery below:Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 OUC’s Water Color Project "While the time is ticking the earth is dying."

OCPS vaccines Orange County Public Schools is partnering with Health Hero Florida to host vaccine clinics Tuesday through Saturday at 22 high schools. (WFTV.com News Staff)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Following a successful start, Orange County Public Schools will continue hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics at its high schools throughout the holiday season. OCPS high schools will again open their doors for vaccine clinics the week after Thanksgiving, the district said. READ: Orange County offers COVID-19 vaccine for kids at Barnett ParkFive high schools will also host vaccination events during winter break. The district provided 5,635 doses of COVID-19 vaccines at its high schools last week.

Cypress Creek High School placed on lockdown after reports of student with weapon, officials sayOrange County Public Schools confirmed that Cypress Creek High School was placed on a brief lockdown on Friday. School officials said the high school was placed on lockdown at around 1:31 p.m. after receiving reports of a student on campus with a weapon. READ: Woman dies after being hit by several vehicles on State Road 436After an investigation, officials confirmed that no weapon was found. WATCH: Nearly 700 Orange County teachers have left the job since the school year started: Here’s whyOrange County deputies said the lockdown has been lifted. Any parents with questions about the incident and response have been told that they can contact the school.

Students, families, community members and district employees gathered Friday morning as Orange County Public Schools presented its 2021 State of the Schools address, marking the first time since 2019 the address had in-person guests due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Nearly 700 teachers with Orange County Public Schools have left their jobs since the start of the school year. The county teacher’s union says low pay and a high workload are pushing too many teachers out. Several teachers Channel 9 spoke with pointed to hundreds of openings, a lack of substitutes and that they’re overworked. READ: Starting today: Face masks optional for all Orange County school employeesThe frustration is easy to find on the Orange County Classroom Teachers Union Facebook page, with teacher after teacher sharing how they’re burned out and walking out. They hired what they called interventionist teachers, they said about 1,000 of them with CARES Act money, so you can use that money to hire or retain teachers,” Doromal said.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Face masks will be optional for all employees on Orange County Public Schools property and vehicles starting Thursday, the district announced on Wednesday. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<The district said for now, volunteers and visitors are still required to wear masks. Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates. READ: These 22 Orange County high schools will host COVID-19 vaccine clinics this weekClick 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.

Orange County Public Schools announced Wednesday that face masks will be optional for all district employees starting the next day.

In an email to faculty and staff, Orange County Public Schools announced that facemasks would be entirely optional for employees of the district starting tomorrow...

Orange County Public Schools kicked off a five-day vaccination event at the district's high schools on Tuesday.

Orange County Public Schools will begin offering the coronavirus vaccine to students 5 years old and older.

Orange County Public Schools will start administering child COVID-19 vaccinations to families who want them today. Though walk-up clinics will eventually be offered at all...

ORLANDO, Fla. — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have made the COVID-19 vaccine available to children 5 to 11 years old. Orange County Public Schools said it will offer voluntary COVID-19 vaccine clinics next week in hopes of getting students fully vaccinated by winter break. The following walk-up events are open to families of OCPS students and anyone who needs a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot. Orlando, FL 32809Nov. 11 (4 p.m. - 8 p.m.)Winter Park High2100 Summerfield Dr.Winter Park, FL 32792East River High650 East River Falcons WayOrlando, FL 32833West Orange High1625 S Beulah Rd. Winter Garden, FL 34787Cypress Creek High1101 Bear Crossing Dr.Orlando, FL 32824Jones High801 S Rio Grande WayOrlando, FL 32805Wekiva High2501 N Hiawassee Rd.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to greenlight Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 this week. About 15 million doses are already on the move across the country. Orange County Public Schools said it is making plans to offer the vaccine to students once they’re available, just as it did for students 12 and up. READ: IRS launches new Child Tax Credit portal, families can update income before Nov. 15 paymentIt will happen after school at some campuses, and parents must be present. READ: Coronavirus: Global COVID-19 death toll tops 5 millionSee the video above for the full story.

For the first time since the beginning of the school year, parents have the ability to choose if their child wears a mask at Orange County Public Schools.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Police in Orlando are searching for a teenage girl who has been missing since last week. WATCH: Orlando celebrates its one-year anniversary of rolling out electric busesOfficers are asking the public for help in finding Ramos and reuniting her with her loved ones. MISSING JUVENILE: Help us reunite 17-year-old Jiarrah Ramos with her loved ones. Jiarrah was reported missing from her home at S. Semoran Blvd. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools is looking for full-time mechanics and bus drivers, and will offer a sign-on bonus for anyone hired before the end of the year. OCPS will give a bonus of up to $1,000 for those hired before Dec. 31. WATCH: Winter Park unveils new ‘Rhythmic Colors’ art installationThe OCPS transportation job fairs will be held at the following locations:- Pine Hills Compound at 5140 N Pine Hills Road in Orlando on Nov. 1. - Hanging Moss Compound at 6721 Hanging Moss Road in Orlando on Nov. 8. WATCH: Paid leave exclusion projected to cost Florida economy billionsPotential job applicants can call 407-317-3854 for more information.

Students at Orange County Public Schools will be able to opt out of wearing a mask on campus with a note from their parents, starting...

As a volunteer at Sand Lake Elementary where her two children attend school, Victoria Triece has spent hours helping organize class parties and assisting in lab assignments in her older son’s classroom, something she said she wanted to do ever since she became a mom. “I always wanted to be involved in that aspect of life,” Triece said. “My mother did it for me and having her there was the best ...

As a volunteer at Sand Lake Elementary where her two children attend school, Victoria Triece has spent hours helping organize class parties and assist in lab assignments in her older son’s classroom, something she said she wanted to do ever since she became a mom. “I always wanted to be involved in that aspect of life,” Triece said. “My mother did it for me and having her there was the best ...

The current mask mandate at Orange County Public Schools will expire on Oct. 30.

Parents can opt out their children from wearing a mask again at Orange County Public Schools, the district announced Thursday.

, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools will not extend its face mask mandate for students and instead offer a parent opt-out, the district announced Thursday. Beginning Monday, the school will return to required face masks with a parental opt-out provision. Parents or guardians can opt their child out of wearing a face mask based on a signed note delivered to the school. The face mask mandate for all OCPS buildings and buses expires Saturday. Employees, visitors and volunteers will be required to wear a face mask until further notice.

Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Barbara Jenkins says she plans to give word on whether the district's masking mandate will be extended by the end...

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings could announce he’s lifting the county’s state of emergency. The Orange County Public Schools superintendent is also watching the announcement closely. Superintendent Barbara Jenkins said her decision on whether to extend or end the school mask mandate will heavily depend on the county’s announcement. READ: Dozens of Florida entities under review for violating state ‘vaccine passport’ banSome parents want to see the school board extend the mask mandate through winter break. Others would like to see the mask mandate extended for younger students who aren’t yet eligible to be vaccinated.

Orange County Public Schools may stop requiring students to wear masks next month. Though the school district is currently locked in a legal battle with...

The challenge, filed by six school boards, is against Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order over parental opt-outs for student mask-wearing in K-12 schools. WATCH: Florida judge hears debate on school boards’ challenge on masking at schoolsAlong with the discussion over masks in schools is the debate over student quarantines. Marty drew on decades of experience to give her opinion, presented in support of Orange County and five other school boards, as they seek to undo the state’s executive order over parental mask opt-outs. The order also gave parents control over when to send a student without symptoms who was exposed to the virus back to school.

The Florida Board of Education sends a formal notice to the Brevard County School Board, giving the district 48 hours to comply with state student mask mandate rules.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — About three months into the academic year, Orange County Public Schools has about the same amount of COVID-19 cases as it did during the last school year. The Orange County Health Department is launching a new pilot program to help the district make informed decisions, such as when it’s safe to drop its mask mandate. “We are in the process of selecting one school where we will test 10% of the student population weekly,” Orange County Health Officer Dr. Raul Pino said. READ: Chance encounter at sports bar causes anti-vax man to change his mindThe health department will be measuring the level of virus spread without symptoms in students. Pino said the project will be at a high school chosen by the health department and the school board.

The organization that represents Florida school boards has “great concern” for the safety of board members and school officials after recent reports of threats, but...

Orange County Public Schools is facing a deadline to comply with the state’s COVID-19 mask mandate.

After a father called News 6 about school bus delays and no-shows at his son’s bus stop, Orange County Public Schools took action.

On Thursday, Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Barbara Jenkins defended the school district's decision to impose a mask mandate following a spike in COVID-19 cases...

Florida Agriculture Commissioner and gubernatorial hopeful Nikki Fried said that Governor Ron DeSantis is 'lying' about the efficacy of mask mandates in Florida public schools....

State Rep. Randy Fine, R-Brevard County, called Wednesday for an investigation into the chairwoman of the county’s school board, after members of the public were...

The Department of Education will be having a meeting tomorrow with school districts from 11 Florida counties.

4R restaurant group, which operates 4 Rivers Smokehouse and The COOP, is now establishing a scholarship program for Black students in the state of Florida.

The Orange County School Board convened to another room full of hot-under-the-collar anti-maskers on Tuesday. The temperature of the room wasn't helped at all by...

Orange County Public Schools add new protocols ahead school board meeting.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Sunday is the last day COVID-19 testing will be offered at Orange County Public Schools. The site at Rosemont Elementary School is currently open right now and will stay open until 2 p.m. on Sunday. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Starting Monday the Orange County Department of Health will pause the after-school testing at Orange County Public Schools. Read: Orange County deputies search for missing 19-year-old womanThat includes Barnett Park, the Econ Soccer Complex and the former Claracona Elementary School. Sept 27, we will pause after-school COVID19 testing at @OCPSnews testing sites.

Following the passage of a new rule by the Florida Department of Health that allows parents to decide whether to quarantine their COVID-19-exposed children, the...

After dealing with heated hearings around their decision to impose mask mandates and stem the rapid spread of COVID-19 among their students, the Orange County...

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools said the football game between Ocoee and West Orange high schools on Friday has been canceled. The district said the cancellation is due to a lack of practice time for Ocoee High School football players that resulted from COVID-19 cases and ordered quarantines last week. READ: Ocoee-Apopka football game postponed due to possible COVID-19 casesThe district said it is working to schedule an alternative game for West Orange High. Ocoee High doesn’t have another scheduled game until Oct. 8. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<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.

The Friday night lights will be dark at Apopka High School this week after Orange County Public Schools postponed the game with Ocoee High School because of COVID-19 cases.

Orange County hosting another job fair on Monday, this time at Horizon High School in Winter Garden all to recruit bus drivers.

Oranger County father William Harper said once again he had to drive his son to school Friday morning after his son’s school bus never showed up.

Orange County Public Schools is looking to fill about 150 positions next week at their three-day job fair hosted by Food and Nutrition Services, according to a release from OCPS.

Orange County Public Schools is offering a signing bonus for people who wish to work in the district's cafeterias. Food and Nutrition Services in county...

Florida's Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran sent a letter to Orange County Public Schools announcing an investigation into the district after the OCPS School Board...

Orange County Public Schools responded back to the Florida Department of Education regarding its mask mandate.

Growing numbers of children being diagnosed with COVID-19 in Central Florida are putting a strain on the resources used to track them in school.

A majority of school board members in Orange County told the superintendent on Tuesday to require most students to wear masks, and agreed with her recommendation to keep the mandate through Oct. 30. At least 10 school boards making up some of the largest districts in Florida are now defying the governor's attempt to ban local mandates on masks in schools. State officials have threatened to withhold funding equal to school board salaries if a district doesn’t comply. “We will not be pressured by the governor or the state Board of Education when the safety and health of our students is involved. We have a constitutional duty to protect our students,” said Miami-Dade school board member Lucia Baez-Geller.

Orange County Public Schools voted to impose a 60-day mask mandate on all students at their school board meeting on Tuesday. The decision came the...

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools leaders will implement a universal masking policy in schools for all students and staff, with exceptions for medical exemptions, beginning next week. The decision came after a lengthy and often confusing discussion over legalities, district policies and what type of mandate to implement. READ: Celebration K-8 shutting down for the rest of the week due to COVID-19The universal mandate had near unanimous support from the board, citing new research showing the effectiveness of masks at controlling COVID-19 cases in schools. READ: Herd immunity ‘practically impossible’ in Orange County at this point, health experts sayChairwoman Teresa Jacobs said, since the district planned to join Broward County schools and challenge Gov. DeSantis’ anti-mask mandate rule as an illegitimate law, the district would not be breaking any valid state laws by moving quickly.

Orange County Public Schools will mandate masks for students for 60 days.

Orange County Public Schools' teachers union plans to hold a protest before Tuesday's school board meeting. The Orange County Classroom Teachers Association will gather in...

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools updated its COVID-19 dashboard overnight which revealed nearly 400 students and teachers tested positive for COVID-19. The school district reported 381 COVID-19 cases and 484 new student quarantines on Tuesday. It is the highest number of cases the school district reported since it started recording cases more than a year ago. The Orange County Teacher’s Association is pointing to the data to plead for a stronger mask mandate. The teacher’s union said it is far more than it the confirmed number of cases it saw last year.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Two girls varsity volleyball games scheduled at Boone High School Tuesday and Wednesday have been canceled due to COVID-19, Orange County Public Schools announced Monday. “This decision was made out of an abundance of caution due to a confirmed COVID-19 case and five quarantines associated with the team,” the district said. The games were scheduled to be played against Timber Creek and Windemere high schools. All individuals and parents identified as having been in close contact with the potential confirmed cases have been notified. READ: Orange County teachers union pushes for mandatory mask mandate©2021 Cox Media Group

Outside of the Orange County Public School headquarters, pressure is mounting for the school board to enact mask mandates with no option of opting out as parents, teachers and educators call for a mask mandate.

Orange County Public Schools continues to offer free COVID testing at area schools.

Orange County Public Schools took the first step toward a full mask mandate on Thursday, with school board members asking district lawyers to research the...

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order to prevent children from wearing masks in school, several of the state's largest school districts continue to defy the policy.

Orange County Public Schools more than doubled their daily record for COVID-19 cases among students on Monday. 238 new cases of coronavirus were reported among...

Orange County Public Schools will have weekly COVID-19 testing at seven different locations.

When it comes to overcrowded campuses, News 6 investigators found Windermere High is not alone. Enrollment numbers from May show 23 schools at 120% capacity or higher.

The school district says the game was called off due to a lack of practice time for Evans High School.

Orange County Public Schools coronavirus dashboard shows a majority of cases were reported Monday.

With school starting for most Central Florida students on Tuesday, there are still bus driver positions unfilled. So much so in Orange County, district officials are asking parents to forego the busing system if they can provide their own transportation.

Orange County Public Schools and the Florida Department of Health in Orange County are tweaking policies to deal with COVID-19 right before school starts.

Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Barbara Jenkins is ordering all students to wear masks in schools for 30 days starting on the first day of school, Aug. 10.

The impasse came as a result of an unacceptable COVID-19 safety plan while cases of the virus are rapidly spreading.

As the first day of school approaches, some districts in Central Florida are still trying to hire bus drivers to transport students to school.

As hospitalizations and COVID-19 cases continue to surge statewide, Central Florida’s largest school district announced days before students return to the classroom that it will require its employees to wear masks.

range County Public School's school board chair, Teresa Jacobs, said she wants to see the LaunchEd learning option this year.

Orange County Public Schools are offering a $200 incentive for any employee in the district it shows proof they are fully vaccinated.

The union representing Orange County teachers is raising concerns after the school district revised its health and safety recommendations.

Orange County Public Schools will give $200 to any employee in the district who shows proof they have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

The debate over wearing masks in schools continues to be an issue as the beginning of the semester approaches.

Orange County Public Schools announced Thursday it is extending the enrollment period into August for Orange County Virtual School.

Orange County Public Schools’ current mask policy, which is set to go into effect Aug. 2, makes masks optional for the upcoming school year.

Authorities make an arrest in the shooting death of a 15-year-old boy near Ocoee.

A 15-year-old boy was shot to death in Orange County, deputies say.

Teaching water conservation through art is the goal of the Water Color Project.