SPRING BREAK

Orlando International Airport officials announced six traffic passenger traffic records have already been broken since the start of spring break two weeks ago.

Police in New Smyrna Beach said Monday the largest spring break crowd they’ve seen have finally left town with dozens now facing charges.

Two people were killed on Miami Beach during Spring Break. When is enough enough, the Editorial Board asks.

The City of Miami Beach is taking drastic measures to keep people safe during Spring Break following a pair of fatal shootings.

Leaders at Orlando International Airport said the spring break travel period helped them to break a record number of departing passengers.

The beach and Ocean Drive were packed again Saturday evening.

Orlando International Airport announced that parking was at full capacity Friday afternoon.

Spring break is a week of fun celebrated by many, but where and when did this legendary week get its start?

Spring break is nearing its end and there are still so many exciting things to do while taking a break from school and other obligations.

ORLANDO, Fla. — There are several cool and clear days ahead this week in Central Florida. A front that moved through Monday, and north winds will keep our skies clear and temperatures cooler over the next few days. Read: RIP, Fred: Oviedo community mourns beloved rooster after ‘untimely death’The forecast will be chilly for the Spring Break crowds. Red tide guide: How to check Florida beach conditionsGet caught up on today’s headlines by clicking here. Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:©2023 Cox Media Group

ORLANDO, Fla. — Hundreds of students came out to the South Orlando YMCA Monday for a career and college fair. Some students like Eliana Sterpetti spent the start of Spring Break at the annual Teen Career and College Fair. READ: Downtown Orlando ambassador program adds homeless outreach efforts“I’m here because I want a job, I want to be more well-rounded when I’m older.” She said. The career fair had multiple offerings for any student between the ages of 14 and 19. READ: Crane arrives to tear down Orlando FreeFall nearly 1 year after teen’s death on rideSee the full story in the video above.

Tens of thousands of people are expected at Central Florida's beaches.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — Spring breach is in full swing at New Smyrna Beach, and Volusia County law enforcement has already spread out patrols on the beach. Three teens are accused of dining and dashing from Ocean Breeze Tiki Grill Friday. Read: New Smyrna Beach police to enforce curfew for minors as Spring Break beginsWhile the restaurant declined to comment on the incident, people in the area are happy for the extra eyes around the community. “Anything that can assure people that everyone around the area is safe, anything around the beach and restaurant area (to make it) safer, helps the community grow,” said Chris Doyle, a New Smyrna Beach resident. Read: New Smyrna Beach curfew: Who does it affect?

ORLANDO, Fla. — Showers are hitting Central Florida tonight. The next storm system -- the same one hitting Southern California with rain and snow -- will bring rain to Central Florida on Monday, Terry said. READ: New Smyrna Beach police to enforce curfew for minors as Spring Break beginsAbout 50% coverage is expected, Terry said. READ: 9 things to know about red tide in FloridaTerry said that with Spring Break in full swing, beachgoers will want to take caution of rip currents, and caution swimmers to stay near lifeguards. See his full video on rip currents in the video below:READ: Spring break travel season accelerates at Orlando International AirportVideo: Beach visitors in Southwest Florida deal with red tide conditions If you’re planning a beach trip to Southwest Florida this week, make sure you check the conditions first.

By Friday afternoon, the spring breakers had already made their way to Flagler Avenue but this year, they were met by dozens more law enforcement officers than they may have seen in years past.

Like clockwork, Mother Nature has thrown a curveball into many family staycation plans by reverting the state back into winter during spring break week.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A Central Florida community is hoping to fill more than 100 lifeguard positions, and using incentives such as higher pay and cash incentives. Volusia County needs to fill about 150 open positions by summer. And with Spring Break and Bike Week crowds already making their way to the coast, the county’s beach safety ocean rescue team said it’s already all hands on deck. READ: Red tide guide: How to check Florida beach conditionsNew hires will get a $500 sign-on bonus, and their pay has gone up to $15 an hour. However, hires must first pass a class, and beach safety officials said that has been a challenge for recent recruits.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Just in time for Spring Break, SeaWorld Orlando has announced a special limited-time deal on annual passes and fun cards. For a few weeks, SeaWorld will offer 20% off annual passes and fun cardsREAD: SeaWorld Orlando’s new thrill ride ‘Pipeline’ to debut this springFun cards provide guests with park admission through the rest of the year for one low price. Annual passes provide unlimited access to season events, plus more benefits. Some restrictions and blackout dates apply, SeaWorld said. READ: SeaWorld set to open its first rescue center outside of the United StatesClick here to purchase passes.

If SB 434 passes, don’t be surprised if you show up at your favorite beach spot and you’re confronted with a fenced off beach or no trespassing signs.

Instead of trying to go to a tropical location for spring break, 36 students at Wayne State stayed in their community to serve for an annual occurrence called “alternative spring break.”

Las Vegas is a classic U.S. travel destination. It’s vibrant, usually packed with people, larger than life, and there’s likely something to do for ANY personality type -- even if you’re not all that into gambling or drinking.

Spring Break-Fentanyl-Florida Huston Ochoa, a clinical counselor for The Spot, hands out samples of Narcan, which can reduce opioid overdoses, to spring breakers on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fla., on March 31, 2022. “But the spring breakers have been great. Gentles, who worked as a bartender and bouncer in New York City before moving to Fort Lauderdale, said he appreciates their efforts. The following Monday, more than 100 people representing agencies from law enforcement to social service organizations and hospitals met via Zoom to devise a plan to keep spring breakers safe. Smith, of The SPOT, said spring breakers were “grateful and appreciative” and his group now has to plan how to "keep the momentum going."

Florida Spring Break Crowds fill the sidewalks along Ocean Drive during Spring Break in Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, March 20, 2022. Many longtime residents have learned to treat spring break like a hurricane: Stay inside and hunker down until it's over. Bars and nightclubs flourished as South Beach became a destination for supermodels, musicians and other entertainers. Last call is 5 a.m. throughout most of Miami Beach, and South Beach businesses have been pushing back against the proposed rule that targets only their part of town. “Do you really think they want to shut down the Fontainebleau?”The Fontainebleau Miami Beach is an iconic luxury hotel more than a mile north of the South Beach area.

Miami Beach-Spring Break-Curfew FILE - A police officer on an ATV patrols in Miami Beach, Florida's famed South Beach, Monday, March 22, 2021. City of Miami Beach officials declared a state of emergency on Monday, March 21, 2022, and an upcoming curfew, bidding to curb violent incidents at spring break that saw five people wounded in two separate shootings. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File) (Wilfredo Lee)MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — (AP) — Miami Beach city commissioners agreed to extend an emergency curfew Tuesday, a day after it was announced by the city manager in response to violent spring break incidents that saw five people wounded in two separate shootings. Three people were wounded early Sunday on a street crowded with spring breakers in the city's South Beach neighborhood, police said. Events like the Miami Beach Live concert series have helped control crowds this year, Wallack said.

Miami Beach city commissioners have voted to extend a curfew, a day after it was announced by the city manager in response to violent incidents surrounding spring break.

The busiest day ever could come in the next few weeks, with spring break travel peaking April 9.

It’s no secret: Traveling by vehicle has gotten pretty pricy recently.

Miami Beach-Spring Break-Curfew FILE - A police officer on an ATV patrols in Miami Beach, Florida's famed South Beach, Monday, March 22, 2021. City of Miami Beach officials declared a state of emergency on Monday, March 21, 2022, and an upcoming curfew, bidding to curb violent incidents at spring break that saw five people wounded in two separate shootings. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File) (Wilfredo Lee)MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — (AP) — City of Miami Beach officials declared a state of emergency on Monday and an upcoming curfew, bidding to curb violent incidents at spring break that saw five people wounded in two separate shootings. Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber and City Manager Alina Hudak announced the emergency order at an afternoon news conference. It includes a curfew for the South Beach area that starts early Thursday after midnight and runs through the weekend.

Gunfire on a Miami Beach street crowded with spring breakers has left three people wounded.

Lifeguards in Volusia County have been busy with spring breakers.

New Smyrna Beach commissioners enacted a 60-day curfew for unaccompanied youth under 18 and groups of more than 30 Wednesday in response to reports of disruptive spring break crowds.

If you’re visiting a beach in Florida this week, be aware of mating horseshoe crabs.

Overdose: An Army football player was one of six people who overdosed on fentanyl-laced cocaine at a South Florida rental property on Thursday. >> Read more trending newsThe students were renting a home in the Fort Lauderdale suburb of Wilton Manors, the Sun-Sentinel reported. A West Point official told The Associated Press that one of the cadets who was hospitalized is an Army football player. “It brings great concern that there could be other ODs over the next couple of days,” City of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Stephen Gollan told WFOR-TV. The six victims were found in different overdose states and were all taken to hospitals, Gollan said.

A West Point official told The Associated Press that one of the cadets who was hospitalized is an Army football player. The official said another football player at the house was not hospitalized. The official had no further information and could not give the sickened player’s condition. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the ongoing investigation. Two other victims were in stable condition, one was in good condition and one was released.

A West Point official told The Associated Press that one of the cadets who was hospitalized is an Army football player. The official said another football player at the house was not hospitalized. The official had no further information and could not give the sickened player's condition. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the ongoing investigation. It added, “no other details are available at this time.” The South Florida Sun Sentinel first reported that some victims were West Point cadets.

WILTON MANORS, Fla. — (AP) — The U.S. Military Academy said Friday that cadets from that institution were involved in a situation in which six people overdosed on fentanyl-laced cocaine at a South Florida vacation home during Spring Break. Two of the six were in critical condition, rescue and emergency officials said. The New York academy's public affairs office released a statement Friday afternoon saying its officials are “aware of the situation involving West Point cadets, which occurred Thursday night in the community of Wilton Manors." Two other victims were in stable condition, one was in good condition and one was released. Gollan said that in the 70 days since Jan. 1, his department has responded to 215 suspected opioid overdoses, almost all of them involved fentanyl.

Six people overdosed on cocaine laced with fentanyl and were hospitalized in Fort Lauderdale while on spring break.

With spring break and summer approaching, you may want to spend some time on the water.

With the gas prices shattering a record high on Tuesday, concerns are rising about the impact it will have on Central Florida tourism.

Here is the list of some events happening during Spring Break week March 12-20

The terminals are packed as spring break finally returns to the cruise industry and Port Canaveral says this could be a record year for cruise passengers.

U.S. authorities are urging Americans to "avoid travel to Mexico" for both health and safety reasons, in separate warnings.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's office says she traveled out of state more than a month ago to visit her elderly father, a snowbird who lives in Florida and has a chronic disease.

All rights reserved)Travelers stand in line at a TSA security checkpoint at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Austin, Texas. Temperatures dropped into the single digits this week as snow shut down air travel and grocery stores. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)Anyone who has flown recently is in good company as Sunday set a new record with the highest number of air travelers since the coronavirus pandemic began. AdClose to 10 million people have flown in the last week as spring break continues for students across the nation. The trend is worrying health experts because only 15.5% of the population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

MIAMI – Pointing to over 1,000 arrests in one of the nation’s top party spots, Miami Beach officials warned Sunday that the unruly spring break crowd gathering by the thousands, fighting in the streets, destroying restaurant property and refusing to wear masks has become a serious threat to public safety. AdA military style vehicle was seen rolling down the palm-tree lined Ocean Drive as outnumbered Miami Beach police officers struggled to disperse the raucous crowds Saturday. Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said he has trouble sleeping at night, worried about the out-of-control parties. Several said it was time for a new marketing campaign to help rebrand South Beach’s as a party city, pointing to the small handful of arrests in nearby Fort Lauderdale over spring break. Miami tourism officials say billions of dollars were lost when the pandemic first erupted last year, canceling spring break and forcing beach closures across the Sunshine State.

Florida spring breakers have gone viral in a video after helping a handcuffed man escape a Clearwater police cruiser. The video shows a crowd of spring breakers surrounding a police cruiser on the beach. Asad has been charged with aiding prisoner escape and resisting arrest without violence. Adam Asad, 18, of Oldsmar is the suspect who helped a handcuffed prisoner to escape on the beach. He faces two charges -- aiding prisoner escape and resisting arrest without violence.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Walt Disney World will be a very busy place for spring breakers starting next week. Reservations are available at select parks for theme park ticketed guests and resort guests beginning on March 20. On Sunday, Walt Disney World reopened Blizzard Beach for the first time since it closed last year. AdThe water park is operating in alignment with the health and safety measures implemented throughout Walt Disney World Resort such as enhanced cleaning, temperature checks and physical distancing. Disney's Blizzard Beach reopened March 7, 2021, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The white Lamborghini Huracan roared one more time in a parking lot at the Orlando International Airport before “Fast Rob” rolled it onto a flat-bed truck and drove it back to Miami. A customer flying in from New York ordered it to be delivered at the airport for when he landed. MPH Club is based in Miami but Rob said the Orlando office is growing quickly and demand over the next few weeks is high. Of those who want to travel, Orlando remains one of their top destinations.”Cronk said spring break travel could restore hotel occupancy in Central Florida to December levels. “Compared to last year (spring break) we were looking at 10-12% occupancy in early April,” Cronk said.

It’s almost like pre-pandemic spring break, says Thompson. Another sign that spring break tourism is rebounding is the passenger figures at Orlando International Airport, traditionally one of the nation’s busiest airports during spring break. AdSoft national numbersNationally, however, spring break tourism demand remains soft. Despite the nationwide progress on COVID-19 vaccines, spring break travel intentions actually appear to be dropping. The 12.4% who plan to travel for spring break is down from 16% the week prior, the poll by Destination Analysts found.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The University of Central Florida is preparing for the spring semester as more cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Florida and around the U.S.To help curb the spread of COVID-19 school officials will be moving spring break back a month. “To help limit the spread of COVID-19, we will be rescheduling spring break from March to April 11 to 18,” Vice President of Student Development and Enrollment Services Dr. Maribeth Ehasz said. Students will be able to start registering for spring classes on Nov. 2 as scheduled. School officials will continue to require face coverings and physical distancing while on campus. The school said it is ready to pivot to more remote learning if necessary.

Thankfully, the state and school districts have enacted free meal pickup programs providing at least two meals a day for all students across the state. But we can’t let Florida’s children go hungry in the meantime,” Department of Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said in an email. “That’s why we’re activating our Summer BreakSpot locations, to offer families an alternative way to find healthy, nutritious meals. Families can go to any pickup site, their child does not have to be a student at the school. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.

But starting March 30, they will be learning from a distance, following plans that both districts have yet to explain. Volusia and Flagler school district officials had been preparing for the possibility, but were still finalizing how they would provide instruction to more than 75,000 collective students by Friday afternoon. Volusia County Schools sent a message to staff explaining that district teams have been developing instructional plans for at-home learning. Elementary students can pick up paper packets on March 25-27 from 7-10 a.m. and 3-6 p.m., depending on which school students attend. Middle and high school students can pick up paper packets at their schools on March 26 and 27.

COCOA BEACH, Fla. – In response to the growing number of coronavirus cases in Central Florida, Brevard County government officials said Monday said the county won’t close its beaches. At this point, if Cocoa Beach closed, Ryan Calmont, of Poinciana, and his family, said they wouldn’t know what to do. Instead, Space Coast beaches, restaurants and bars became the substitute for the spring break some cruisers originally planned. While the beaches are open, Brevard County is still advising to listen to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and to avoid large crowds. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.

Businesses hopeful for Spring Break profitPublished: March 15, 2020, 11:33 pmDaytona Beach businesses are concerned about the coronavirus and it's financial impact

Spring Break started Friday for students in Volusia County, and both Volusia and Flagler school districts expect school to resume on March 23 as planned. But in Volusia and Flagler counties, its business as usual. [READ MORE: Coronavirus Volusia schools fears: Teachers clean classrooms, distance learning may be next]"Weve gotten no indication from our health partners that we should change things just yet," said Flagler schools spokesman Jason Wheeler. Wheeler and Chief Operating Officer for Volusia Schools Greg Akin said each district is taking its direction from the health department. As of Friday morning, there are three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Volusia County.

Some Volusia and Flagler families had to cancel Spring Break plans because of coronavirus concerns and school wont resume until March 30. Late Friday afternoon, both Volusia and Flagler school districts announced that they will extend Spring Break by one extra week resuming on March 30 in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus. A release from the Volusia County school district stated testing would be pushed back by two weeks as well, and that the district has distance learning plans in place should it need to cancel school in the future. Until Friday afternoon, Volusia and Flagler school districts were proceeding as if schools would open after Spring Break. Districts prepareOfficials in the Volusia and Flagler school districts are monitoring the situation and are taking other steps to prepare for the worst case scenario.

ORLANDO, Fla. – With students across Central Florida getting ready for spring break next week, airline companies say coronavirus fears are leading to a dramatic drop in travel demand. Officials with Delta Airlines said the company expects as many as a third of seats to be empty this month on flights within the U.S. On Wednesday, travelers at Orlando International Airport said they had discussions about the risk of coronavirus before deciding to board a flight. “There’s always a concern when you’re flying that you’re going to get sick,” traveler Theresa Maksymow said. On Tuesday, Delta Airlines released a video that showed cleaning efforts being made to keep passengers safe.

WEDNESDAY, March 11 The Bunnell Code Board will meet at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 201 W. Moody Blvd. MONDAY, March 16 Flagler County Schools will have Spring Break from March 16-20. Flagler Countys Board of County Commissioners will meet at 5 p.m. in the Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell. Bunnells Planning and Zoning Appeals Board will meet at 6 p.m. in City Hall. Flagler County School Board will meet at 6 p.m. in the Board Chambers of the Government Services Building.

As people take extra precautions against the new coronavirus and the school district reconsiders its relationship with their custodial contractors, Volusia teachers say they have to clean their own classrooms if they want it done. Even before coronavirus became a concern, Volusias custodial services provider was under scrutiny after School Board members publicly decried the cleanliness of the schools. Access to technologyVolusia County Schools is not a one-to-one technology district, meaning it does not have a device for every student. According to tracking by Education Week, more than 100 schools or districts were closed on Tuesday morning as a result of the novel coronavirus. Suspended air travelAs of Tuesday, the Volusia County school district has also suspended all student field trips that involve air travel.

Spring break is right around the corner, and you may be dreaming of a fun family vacation -- but what if a full-fledged vacation is not in the cards or the budget? Spring break is typically right around Easter, which is seen by many as a time of renewal. An Easter morning hike would be a great way to kick off your day, so lace up your shoes and soak it all in. Spring break is a great time for a movie marathon, so queue up your favorite streaming service or break into that stack of DVDs. Hosting a staycation is a great way to spend the Easter break, especially if you can keep the kids entertained and happy.

If I could go anywhere on vacation, I would go back to Daytona Beach with my family. Your friend,Eric Shute, 2nd GradeSouth Ocala ElementaryDear Matt,In Spring Break, I will go to SeaWorld and see the shows. Your friend,Jason Morley, 3rd GradeRomeo ElementaryDear Matt,What Im doing for Spring Break is going to the Gulf of Mexico. We can go swimming at the beach and that is where Im going for Spring Break. Your friend,Bryce Earnest, 4th GradeDr. N. H. JonesDear Matt Manatee,If I could go anywhere on Spring Break that I want to go to I would go to Disneyworld.

Sure, seeing Niagara Falls from either the United States or Canada is awe-inspiring, but what if we said you could experience the beauty of Niagara Falls from up above, like you were a soaring eagle?

Spring break is a great time to cut loose and celebrate the end of winter. There’s a reason why destinations such as Mexico and Fort Lauderdale are so popular for spring break. If you’re going to a popular spring break destination, make your travel arrangements now, as accommodations might sell out. If you're looking to do something really different for your spring break, why not escape spring altogether with a trip to the Southern Hemisphere? From lounging on the beach to skiing to volunteering, these seven spring break ideas offer fun for people of all ages.

Daytona Beach, Fla. -- This area has come a long way since the days of MTV's Spring Break. This Labor Day Weekend, catch free concerts at the Daytona Beach Bandshell on Friday and Saturday. Baseball lovers can watch the Daytona Cubs throughVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - After Hurricane Dorian ruined the holiday weekend, Volusia County businesses like Michael's On the Beach were hoping to see stores are hoping for another shot at Labor Day weekend. Jacklyn Gion and her daughter Rayella spent their day in Ormond Beach playing in the sand and in the water. Volusia County lifeguards said it'll be a good weekend to spend at the beach.

This Labor Day Weekend, catch free concerts at the Daytona Beach Bandshell on Friday and Saturday. Even though Labor Day is still one week out, it's never too early to plan your getaway. And whether you're hauling your family to the beach, a parade or absolutely nowhere, here's what you need to know about what the weather before you knock out one last beach day this Labor Day weekend. As for the West Coast, well, sorry, guys, but Labor Day may be hotter than usual this year. Positioned at the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, Labor Day weekend has seen several severe storms over the years.

Panama City Beach is growing tired of the annual Spring Break crowd. Violence, drinking and drugs have become such a problem that local council members are considering drastic measures to dissuade college students from partying on the beach. But as Mark Strassmann reports, local businesses are worried about the impact that would have on their bottom line.