UCF

After initially planning to resume classes Monday, UCF changed its position and announced that the university will resume classes Tuesday Oct. 4 after growing complaints from the student body over the response to the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. #UCFAlert In response to additional last-minute closures and to further support our students and employees, UCF will now re-open Tuesday, Oct. 4. Students who have already returned to campus will have access to dining, recreation and wellness, and other student services. @UCF expects students to show up to classes on Monday when so many student apartments and cars are UNDERWATER due to #HurricaneIan. pic.twitter.com/Aqw7FwEhv4 — UCFCAPS (@UCFCAPS) October 2, 2022Whether students are ready or not, the university’s regular operations and classes are set to resume Tuesday Oct. 4.

A UCF football game previously rescheduled for Sunday has been moved to next week in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

The American Athletic Conference announced Friday that SMU and UCF would play on Wednesday night. SMU’s trip to Orlando was originally scheduled for Saturday but the game was pushed to Sunday earlier in the week because of Hurricane Ian. UCF’s next game after the SMU matchup is Friday, Oct. 13 while SMU plays on Saturday, Oct. 14. The Wednesday game also means there will be an FBS game on Wednesday nights every week of the season outside of Oct. 26. The AAC matchup was not the only college football game forced to be rescheduled because of Hurricane Ian.

The University sent out a statement this afternoon letting students know that another day of classes has been cancelled due to the aftermath of damage and flooding around the UCF community from Hurricane Ian. We will provide additional updates on Friday, Sept. 30, on our reopening plans. Read the full update 👇 — UCF (@UCF) September 29, 2022The UCF Police Department sent out a #UCFAlert this afternoon letting students know that all classes on Saturday Oct. 1 are now canceled. UCF said the university is currently reviewing a timeline of when to resume classes and are planning to provide additional updates at some point Friday Sept. 30 what the reopening plans look like. All academic assignments from both in-person and online classes will be suspended until classes resume.

Arden Villas, an apartment complex off University Boulevard was left damaged and flooded after the impact of Hurricane Ian when Orange County Fire Rescue officials evacuated about 200 UCF students and residents Thursday night. Images submitted to KnightNews.com shows the complex surrounded in water with several cars submerged in the floodwaters as the complex experienced extensive damage. AdvertisementExtensive water damage and flooding around Arden Villas, about 200 residents evacuated to facility in Altamonte Springs. Fire Rescue Officials responded to the scene to help evacuate over 200 residents from the swamped apartment complex to relocate to a facility in Altamonte Springs. Some cars at #UCF area apartment Arden Villas are submerged in flood waters from #HurricanIan.

Orange County Fire Rescue officials responded to Arden Villas Apartments near University Boulevard Thursday night to help evacuate about 200 residents to a sister facility in Altamonte Springs.

Full update 👇 — UCF (@UCF) September 27, 2022Family Weekend, which had a list of scheduled activities for Friday September 30 through Sunday October 2 have now all been cancelled according to a statement by UCF. Advertisement“As of today, September 27 at 2:00pm EST, all Family Weekend activities are now canceled,” the University said in a statement. Please refer to the Emergency Closure knowledge article for instructions and graphics related to how to report emergency closure time off in Workday. Exempt/salaried employees (including faculty) do not need to report emergency closure time off. Exempt essential workers must use the Emergency Closing Worked category to track time worked during the emergency closure.

The University of Central Florida announced that its football game against Southern Methodist University that was originally scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1 has been moved to Sunday, Oct. 2.

The American Athletic Conference announced that Saturday’s home football matchup of UCF vs SMU will be moved to Sunday Oct. 2 due to the projected impact of hurricane Ian. The AAC announced that the kick off time of the Knights’ conference opener will be changed to 1 p.m. and that broadcast coverage will be on an ESPN family of Networks and will be announced at a later date. Advertisement🚨Sunday Knights Football🚨Due to Hurricane Ian, this week’s matchup with SMU has officially been moved to Sunday at 1:00PM📺 = TBD on an ESPN network pic.twitter.com/vArhj2WfLq — UCF Football (@UCF_Football) September 27, 2022Any game and parking tickets purchased for the originally planned Oct. 1 matchup will be for admission to Sunday’s game. Free student tickets are still available to be claimed at the following website.

UCF took to its social media to announce that all classes will be cancelled with the university closing its campuses from Wednesday Sept. 28 through Friday Sept. 30 in anticipation of Hurricane Ian. Hurricane Ian Update:Classes are canceled Wednesday, Sept. 28, through Friday, Sept. 30. The university will close for operations Wednesday, Sept. 28, and Thursday, Sept. 29. For students, this means that all assignments from in-person and online classes are be suspended beginning Sept. 28 until classes resume. If you need more information on how to prepare for Hurricane Ian and keep up to date with its projections click on the two websites below.

With Hurricane Ian now out of the way, colleges are assessing any damage and looking at when they will reopen.

Georgia Tech is reportedly moving on from Geoff Collins. Georgia Tech lost to UCF on Saturday and is the third Power Five coach fired over the last three weeks. After going a combined 9-25 in Collins’ first three seasons, Georgia Tech is off to just a 1-3 start in 2022. Following Saturday’s loss to UCF, Georgia Tech has lost nine consecutive games against FBS opponents. If Stansbury is dismissed as expected, the new Georgia Tech athletic director will be tasked with identifying a new coach for the football program, beginning in 2023.

ABC’s The Bachelor took to their social media to release the contestants who might appear on this season’s show which includes a former UCF Zeta Tau Alpha member. Ready for a sneak peek at the women who may be on this season of #TheBachelor? https://t.co/Atnlhx1QUz pic.twitter.com/Sz8F0wyLa4 — The Bachelor (@BachelorABC) September 23, 2022Katherine Izzo, who received a BSN from UCF in 2019 and is a former Zeta Tau Alpha member was released as a potential contestant for the 27th season of The Bachelor. “We are giving you an early look at the women who may be on this season of The Bachelor! Courtesy: The Bachelor Facebook PageJust this week ABC confirmed to Variety magazine that 26-year-old tech executive Zach Shallcross will be the Bachelor for the season that will premiere Jan. 23, 2023. on ABC.

University of Central Florida professor Dr. Sean Snaith addressed members of Orange County’s Tourist Development Council on Friday to discuss how a potential recession could impact the area’s booming travel industry.

After firing its lowest round in program history, the UCF men’s golf team won the team title at the Hartford Hawks Invitational for the fifth year in a row. AdvertisementThe Knights’ total is tied for the best ever in the history of the event. The Knights also picked up the individual title with fifth year Senior Luis Carrera shoot a 16-under-par 200 to dominate the field winning by five strokes. Carrera didn’t look back by shooting a four under 68 to complete the sweep for the Knights. 👑 𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓜𝓟𝓘𝓞𝓝 👑Luis finishes 1⃣6⃣ under at the Hartford Hawks Invitational to claim the individual title!

In the wake of devastation left from Hurricane Fiona, the Puerto Rican Student Association at UCF held a remembrance event at the main campus reflecting pond for Hurricane Maria’s 5-year anniversary of making landfall to the island. To this date, Puerto Rico has suffered an estimated 43 billion dollars in damage to the island which is still recovering with a fragile power grid. AdvertisementCourtesy: Instagram @ucfprsaThe student association held a remembrance event Tuesday afternoon to reflect on the country of Puerto Rico’s resilience after the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. The UCF group released a statement on the event beforehand:“We will be reflecting on Puerto Rico’s resilience and powerful optimism that keeps our island going,” The UCF student association said in a statement. “Hurricane Maria destroyed houses, schools, roads, but our people brought it back up with hard work and perseverance.”UCF has reported 345 students who have benefited from an approved special wavier to receive in-state tuition rates after coming to the University because of the effects of Hurricane Maria.

The UCF volleyball team has now entered into the latest ranking polls after going undefeated in non-conference play for the first time in program history. AdvertisementThe Knights were led by graduate student Mckenna Melville who was named American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week. A historic weekend culminates in @American_VBall Offensive Player of the Week!#ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/RiVgxyaCq2 — UCF Volleyball (@UCF_Volleyball) September 19, 2022With the undefeated start to the season, the Knights check in at No. This is the first time UCF has been ranked since Nov. 26, 2018, where the Knights checked in at No. The Knights will open conference play this Friday against the Memphis Tigers at 7 p.m.

UCF has now been recognized by the INSIGHT into Diversity magazine for its eighth consecutive Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award for the University’s commitment to inclusion and diversity. For the eighth year running, UCF has been honored with the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award. — UCF (@UCF) September 20, 2022As recipient of the HEED Award, UCF will be featured in the November 2022 issue of INSIGHT into Diversity magazine alongside 102 other recipients. AdvertisementAndrea Guzmán, the vice president for the UCF’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion said she believed the award reflects the university’s commitment to provide students of all backgrounds the tools they need to succeed. According to Washington Monthly, UCF is ranked 37th among national universities for Social Mobility, up 21 spots from the previous year.

A day after being named the AAC Offensive Player of the Week, UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee was selected to the Davey O’ Brien Great 8 List and has been added to the watch list for best national quarterback award. The Davey O’ Brien Great 8 List recognizes the top quarterback performances in the nation for the week and has now put Plumlee on the watch list for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award which is presented annually to the best of all NCAA quarterbacks. The players recognized are judged by the Davey O’Brien Foundation and the annual awards dinner and trophy presentation is held usually in February. So far this season, UCF is the only FBS team to accumulate over 600 yards of total offense within their first two games. Plumlee will return to FBC Mortgage Stadium Friday to take on ACC foe, Georgia Tech at 4 p.m.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Hurricane Fiona is bringing back haunting memories in Puerto Rico of Hurricane Maria that ravaged the island five years ago. University of Cental Florida alumnae Katina Rentas remembers Hurricane Maria like it was yesterday. She transferred to UCF from the University of Puerto Rico in 2018, a little less than a year after Hurricane Maria. WATCH: ‘Hurricane Maria: Power & Perseverance’Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Photos: Hurricane Fiona slams Puerto Rico A man walks down a flooded street in the Juana Matos neighborhood of Catano, Puerto Rico, on September 19, 2022, after the passage of Hurricane Fiona. (AFP via Getty Images)WATCH: ‘Hurricane Maria: Power & Perseverance’ Five years have passed since Hurricane Maria ravaged the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, but the storm’s lasting effects are still felt to this day.

Students and staff at the University of Central Florida will take a moment of silence to reflect on those who passed away during Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017.

One of UCF’s biggest traditions dating back from 1995 is back with Spirit Splash being set for next month during this year’s homecoming week. The UCF Homecoming team took to their social media accounts to announce that this year’s spirit splash will take place on Friday Oct. 28 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.AdvertisementCourtesy: Instagram @ucfhcUCF students will be able to take part in one of the university’s longest traditions, Spirit Splash where thousands of participants will rush the reflecting pond to catch one of the few elusive ducks at the annual event. As always there will be special guest speakers, and performances for the cheer team, Knightmoves and the Marching Knights. Spirit Splash has been recognized as the best university tradition in the state of Florida by the National Association for Campus Activities and has even be featured in a special segment on ESPN in 2017.https://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=21028249Students typically start gathering for the event in past years by as early as 6 a.m. for a chance at catching one of the rare ducks so make sure to plan accordingly and only wear and bring things that you are comfortable getting wet!

Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee is already having an impressive start to his UCF career, earning AAC Offensive Player of the Week after his impressive performance in the Knights’ win over FAU Saturday. AdvertisementPlumlee led the Knights to a much-needed victory, with a career-high 339 yards completing nearly 70% of his passes thrown. Plumlee led the team yet again in rushing for the game, picking up 121 yards on the ground, adding two touchdown runs. hurdlin’ the competition⭐️ 25/36 for 339 passing yds⭐️ 121 rushing yds⭐️ 3 total TDs pic.twitter.com/rhxsKHo0dA — UCF Football (@UCF_Football) September 19, 2022With the honor Plumlee has become the first Knight since QB Dillon Gabriel on Oct 19, 2020, to earn AAC Offensive Player of the Week. You can catch Plumlee and the rest of the UCF football team this Saturday as they head back home to challenge the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at 4 p.m. inside FBC Mortgage Stadium.

Game and Broadcast times are set for the Knights’ next two games FBC Mortgage Stadium, starting this Saturday with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the start of conference play next week against the SMU Mustangs. The UCF football team returns home to Orlando, FL for a three-game stretch starting this Saturday where the team will face the likes of Georgia Tech, SMU, and Temple. AdvertisementGame time is set for this Saturday’s game against the Yellow Jackets that will take place at 4 p.m. and the matchup will broadcast on ESPNU/FM 96.9 THE GAME. kickoff is 𝙨𝙚𝙩 for family weekend‼️ pic.twitter.com/ZAWSF7oLPk — UCF Football (@UCF_Football) September 19, 2022The Knights will proceed to return the very next Saturday on Oct. 1 to kick off UCF’s final season in the American Athletic Conference taking on the SMU Mustangs at 3:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on either ESPN2 or ESPNU with the designation being set after the conclusion of this Saturday’s games.

Last year, Louisville knocked UCF starting quarterback out of the game. Friday night, the Cardinals did the same to the Seminoles' Jordan Travis.

UCF alum Sean Barakett, A.K.A “UCF problems” on Twitter, was kicked out of this past Friday’s home football game by Kissimmee Police working the stands — and was threatened to be charged with trespassing if he returned — after refusing to sit during the game. AdvertisementOfficial statement:Yea, I was told to sit down, didn’t realize it would result in a fucking trespassWas just trying to hype everyone up. Go Knights — shareholder sean ✌🏼 (@ucf_problems) September 10, 2022According to the police report, Barakett was seen “hugging random people and running back and forth” throughout the game. Go Knights.”Barakett proceeded to respond to fans on his social media who saw the UCF donor being escorted out of the game. Thanks @UCFPolice — shareholder sean ✌🏼 (@ucf_problems) September 10, 2022There it is https://t.co/lM61KzbLKr — shareholder sean ✌🏼 (@ucf_problems) September 10, 2022The removal was just for one game as Barakett will be able to reenter FBC Mortgage stadium for the Knight’s next home game against Georgia Tech on Saturday Sept. 24.

Perla and Isabella left their countries at 16 without their parents to follow their dreams. That journey led them to UCF where their work is being recognized internationally.

A local Boys and Girls Club Clubhouse has been gifted more than 30 laptops after a team member makes a half-court shot during a challenge by NBA legend Shaquille O'Neil.

McKenzie Milton is one of the greatest players in UCF history. Now, the quarterback who led the Knights to unprecedented heights is one of the program’s biggest cheerleaders.

After multiple catalytic converter thefts earlier this year, the UCF Police Department is offering free forensic marking for converters on vehicles belonging to UCF students and new ProtechDNA kit next week. With a recent uptick in catalytic converter thefts around the nation, UCFPD wants to ensure students have a way of claiming their property if they are a victim of theft. A free ProTechDNA kit will be available to students at next week's event. After Sponsoring with State Farm, a free ProtechDNA package will be offered to the first 100 UCF students attending the catalytic marking event on Thursday Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Garage A on UCF’s main campus. Students who aren’t able to attend next week’s event can still request a free ProtechDNA kit on their website here.

The UCF Police Department will host an event to offer free forensic marking for catalytic converters on vehicles belonging to students at the university, the school announced in a partnership with ProTechDNA and State Farm.

UCF Students will get to take a break from the books to brave a visit to SeaWorld Orlando’s 2nd annual Howl-O-Scream event for an exclusive College Student discount. For current UCF college students, you will be able to access an exclusive discount of $39.99 per single-night ticket for any Thursday, Friday and Sunday for the entire run of the event. AdvertisementAn official synopsis of this year’s event was released on the SeaWorld Orlando website:“Terror has resurfaced at SeaWorld Orlando. With five haunted houses, seven scare zones, three live shows, interactive bars, roller coasters in the dark and other terrifying surprises there is nowhere to hide.”Current college students will need to present a valid student ID at the entrance of the park in addition to having a ticket. Howl-O-Scream Orlando will run on select nights from Sept. 9-Oct.31Check out our full preview video and article below:Video: https://fb.watch/fwwElimjBg/Article: Howl-O-Scream returns with More Scares in Second year at SeaWorld Orlando

According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Colleges in the country rankings, UCF received its highest ranking as a top public university for its innovation and higher education. 64 ranked Public School in the nation moving up three spots from last year. 137 ranked school out of 443 national universities both private and public. 20 in the Most Innovative Schools in the nation category leading the way as the top ranked Florida public school in the country. The Innovative ranking was based on:“Identifying institutions in their Best Colleges ranking category that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities

The UCF Knights lost their pivotal match Friday evening against the Louisville Cardinals in a 20 - 14 upset.

After a dominant start to the season, the Knights will get the opportunity to take down old ACC rival, the Louisville Cardinals at home on Friday. Here’s what every fan in Knight Nation needs to know and experience for the second game of the season against Louisville. As any UCF fan whose lived in the central Florida area for a period of time knows that when its hot, it often rains a lot every other day. The weather for Friday’s game is looking quite rainy at 60% so be prepared for possible game delays and pre-game festivity cancellations/postponements. Some students were turned away last week for the Knights season opener against South Carolina State as it reached capacity for the student section before the game started.

After battling fueling issues Saturday, Artemis I did not launch for the first leg of its historical journey, disappointing diversified spectators, including UCF fans. The Artemis I stack, which includes the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, stood on Launchpad 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, facing new leak problems on its second launch attempt. Working on the Artemis I project are several UCF students and staff members who weighed in on the risk of spaceflight. With the decision to scrub, Artemis Mission Manager Mike Serafin said, the launch is practically postponed until October. According to the Artemis I Mission Availability calendar, there are still eight launch opportunities in October, one in November and only two in December.

As the campaign trail ramps up, the post-Labor Day race for governor starts here in Central Florida.

ORLANDO, Fla. — UCF police officers are seeing an increase in extortion cases targeting college-aged men. The police said the goal is to get the men to send sexual videos or photos of themselves to the scammers, who will then threaten to send these materials to the men’s family and friends unless the men send money or gift cards. Police said that in most cases, even if the men pay up, the perpetrator will demand more money or release the photos and videos anyway. To file a report with the police, call the UCF Police Department’s non-emergency number at 407-823-5555. Read: Central Florida law enforcement kicks off Pride Month with Safe Space Initiative meeting#UCFAlert Crime Awareness: UCFPD Alerts You to Extortion TrendUCFPD is making you aware of an increase in extortion cases reported to us and law enforcement agencies around the country that primarily target college-aged men.

John Rhys Plumlee threw four touchdown passes, the UCF defense allowed less than 100 yards, and the Knights defeated FCS South Carolina State 56-10 in a season opener.

The sound of applause filled the halls inside UCF’s Nicholson School of Communication and Media Thursday for Allison McGinley, who we lovingly call Al.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The University of Central Florida Knights will open their 2022 college football season at home Thursday night. Watch: UCF football kicks off 2022 season against South Carolina State in OrlandoFans will notice some changes to the game day experience. College football fans can now purchase alcohol stadium-wide. Read: 9 things to know: UCF football Game DayThere are rules, of course. Read: UCF reaches 400K degrees conferred with summer commencementsAlcohol sales will be cut off at the beginning of the fourth quarter.

Homecoming is right around the corner and UCF has set designated times for a limited number of tickets to experience Concert Knight and Knight of Comedy featuring Marlon Wayans. AdvertisementUCF Homecoming took to their social media accounts to release the set dates that students can pick up their free tickets to this year’s Concert Knight featuring T-Pain and Knight of Comedy featuring Marlon Wayans. Ticket Distribution Dates:Day Location TimeOct. 11 Student Union Patio 6 p.m.-9 p.m.Oct. 12 Student Union Patio 11 a.m.-3 p.m.Oct. 14 RWC Patio 11 a.m.-3 p.m.Oct. 17 Student Union Patio 6 p.m.-9 p.m.Oct. 18 RWC Patio 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.Oct. 19 Student Union Patio 6 p.m.-9 p.m.Oct. 20 Student Union Patio 11 a.m.-3 p.m.Oct. 21 Lake Claire 8 p.m.-11 p.m.Tickets for both events will be very limited with only a certain number of tickets available for pickup on each day. Students will have to bring their Student UCF IDs in order to pick up a complimentary ticket. General admission will be allowed at both events with tickets being set at $25 dollars each.

After Months of patiently waiting, Football season is back! We have what every fan in Knight Nation needs to know and experience for the season opener against South Carolina State. AdvertisementBut with any good tailgate there needs to be some equally good planning involved to get ready for the big day. Concert:As a part of the 2022 UCF Tailgate Concert Series the headliner for the Sept. 1 matchup will be G.W. Welcome back to a new semester and season at UCF.

For the first time at UCF, all home football games will feature a Spanish radio broadcast that fans can access through a link on the Knights’ athletic website. Bohorquez previously has served as the NFL’s Spanish Radio play by play voice for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2018. Torres is currently the Spanish radio play by play voice for the MLS Orlando City SC. “We are excited to add Spanish broadcasts for all UCF football home games this season,” Daniels said. We are thrilled to add Carlos and Sergio to our broadcast team of talent.

That’s a wrap on season tickets for the 2022 season, as UCF sold out its season ticket allotment for the upcoming Football season making it the third time in the last four years. SOLD OUT of @UCF_Football season tickets 27,000+ strong!! FBC Mortgage Stadium is going to be ELECTRIC all season long!! “Sold out of UCF football season tickets 27,000+ strong! The Knights are set to kick off their final season before they transition to competing in the Big 12 where they will take on the South Carolina State Bulldogs at 7 p.m. at FBC Mortgage Stadium.

Man walking in parking garage F was hit by a UCF student looking for a parking spot and eventually died according to the University of Central Florida Police Department. AdvertisementAccording to authorities the driver responsible for hitting the Addition Financial Contract worker was a UCF student who was looking for a parking spot at the time of the crash. Police say the student was up a ramp from the first to the second floor of the garage when the pedestrian was at the same time, walking down the ramp. UCFPD officers reported that the student driver was seen as visually “distraught” and “did not observe any signs of impairment”. Police say the victim was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition but later died from his injuries.

New Netflix documentary, Running with the Devil: The Wild World of John McAffee dives into the life events of antivirus software founder’s life on the run after allegedly killing UCF bar owner Gregory Faull. Some ask me to respond to the Netflix documentary. Faull’s family filed a suit against McAfee for wrongful death in Orlando of November 2013, one year after Faull’s murder. While always denying involvement the death the Faull’s murder, McAfee was eventually arrested in 2020 while trying to board a plane in Spain due to tax evasion. McAfee previously said in 2019 that he did not pay taxes for the past eight years because, “taxation is illegal”.

A man died in a crash Thursday after a University of Central Florida student searching for a spot in the school’s parking garage struck him, according to police.

Iryna Usova is grateful to her University of Central Florida music family for a concert in support of her after leaving her country, Ukraine.

American Business magazine Forbes, has ranked UCF the No. 20 best-in-state employer in Florida, making it the only university to do so in the sunshine state. Forbes ranking comes after considering thousands of institutions and companies that were considered for each state including NASA, Google and Lockheed Martin. Respondents were also asked how likely they would recommend the employers they work for to others. “We want UCF to be the best place to learn and work, and that starts with a culture of compassion, inclusion, respect and free expression.”

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — NASA and Boeing will update the progress of the Starliner spacecraft on Thursday. Watch: UCF partnering with NASA to help with astronauts’ return to moonOfficials are also expected to announce when Starliner will launch on its first crewed mission to the International Space Station. The Starliner launched on an Atlas V rocket from Florida’s Space Coast in May, without any astronauts onboard. Starliner’s crewed launch should happen later this year from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Watch: James Webb Space Telescope photos: NASA releases amazing images of JupiterChannel 9 will have a crew at the news conference at 1 p.m. and provide updates on Eyewitness News.

Shaquem Griffin, who played with twin brother Shaquill during his time with UCF, announced he is retiring from the NFL after 4 seasons. “The time has come for me to retire from professional football,” Griffin said. Griffin makes this decision after missing the opportunity to play with his brother Shaquill who plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Griffin hasn’t played on the same team as his brother since his time at UCF. UCF legend ➡️ NFL legendProud of you @Shaquemgriffin ✊ https://t.co/9HpIaIuDn3 — UCF Football (@UCF_Football) August 24, 2022“All this traveling around, working out for teams, trying to catch on somewhere, trying to hang on — it wasn’t what I wanted,” Griffin said.

Boardwalk Bowl’s College Knights Kick-Off Party is back, and UCF students will be able to start the new school year right with free bowling, live music and much more this Thursday. As of Boardwalk Bowl’s month-long celebration for its 20-year anniversary, College Knights will return to kick-off the new school year Thursday Aug. 25 starting at 9 p.m.AdvertisementStudents can head over to Brooklyn Bar South (located at 10749 East Colonial Dr.) where there will be music from a live DJ, raffles and giveaways, food and drink specials throughout the night and free bowling for students with a valid college ID. The Party won’t stop this Thursday though as students can stop by Boardwalk bowl throughout the semester with every Thursday for Thursday Knights. Students will be able to enjoy $3 games, drafts and shoes on Thursdays from 9 p.m. to close.

University of Central Florida researchers have discovered one of the simplest stress relievers for families, now and during the height of the pandemic, is plain old child’s play.

Fire rescue responded to a small plane falling from the sky and crashing onto university Boulevard and into fencing near UCF Friday afternoon. A plane crashed down near the intersection of University Boulevard and North Econlockhatchee trail just before 4 p.m. according to Orange County Fire Rescue Officials. Advertisement#AircraftEmergency: Intersection of University Blvd and N Econlockhatchee Tr. Raiah Collins and her friend were driving to Costco when they saw this plane CRASH onto University Blvd in Orlando. Debris are still on the runway with some eastbound lanes of University Blvd closed.

A new breakfast and brunch spot with the eye-catching name Bacon Bitch is set to open up near the campus of the University of Central Florida.

FBC Mortgage Stadium, home of the University of Central Florida Knights football team and formerly known as “The Bounce House,” will now serve alcohol stadium-wide.

With the fall semester starting next week at University of Central Florida, officers on campus are getting trained on how to breach locked doors in case of an emergency by using a breaching kit.

After weeks of anticipation the time has come, Halloween Horror Nights released the full line up of haunted houses, scare zone and shows for this year’s event along with a preview video including UCF graduate Phillip Wright. Halloween Horror Nights 31 will take place at Universal Studios Florida featuring 10 Haunted Houses, 5 bone chilling scare zones and 2 heart pounding live shows. Horror Nights unveiled that there will be 6 brand new original Houses that will complete the 2022 lineup in a preview video below featuring UCF Broadcast Journalism graduate Phillip Wright. Superfans, screamers, selfie queens and skeptics summon your scream squad to Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights with 10 haunted houses, 5 scare zones, 2 live shows, and exciting attractions. Halloween Horror Nights 31 will run on select dates from Sept.2 through Oct. 31.

Attorneys for the state are trying to convince a federal judge to reject a University of Central Florida professor’s arguments in a battle about a new state law that restricts the way race-related concepts can be taught in classrooms.

Check out this week's Sonic Prep Player of the Week featuring John Walker of Osceola High School.

UCF has announced its lineup of events and performances for this year’s Pegasus Palooza, including the headliner for the Knight of Comedy, Joe Gatto. 🤣CAB Presents: Pegasus Palooza Knight of Comedy! 🤣Join us for an evening full of laughs headlined by none other than Comedian 🤩 Joe Gatto! AdvertisementThe event will be free for UCF students with a valid UCF I.D. 🎤CAB Presents: Pegasus Palooza Concert Knight!🎤Come celebrate the start of an incredible Fall semester with our concert headliners, Bea Miller and B.o.B!💫The doors will open at 7PM and the show starts at 8PM at the Addition Financial Arena!🎟B(o.B.)

Officials with the Central Florida Crusaders divulged details about Orlando’s new indoor soccer team during a news conference on Thursday morning.

As a recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, Melani Candia did not qualify for federal aid when she was at the University of Central Florida.

During the month of August, News 6 is recognizing our hardworking, Central Florida teachers and asking them to tell us their "why" — as in, why they teach.

I believe there is.”Using prepared remarks in a nearly half-hour statement at the start of his league's football media day, Aresco addressed key issues facing college sports. Aresco said football “is clearly a separate and distinct entity within the NCAA” that could benefit from its own governance structure. He said that makes sense because of the interconnection with the regular season and the College Football Playoff, but has to include all 10 FBS conferences, not only the Power Five leagues. “College football is entertaining and fun. ”__More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25Copyright 2022 The Associated Press.

The commissioner of the American Athletic Conference says athlete compensation, the transfer portal and conference realignment have created a perfect storm for an unsettled situation.

UCF’s College of Medicine, Rosen College of Hospitality, and College of Engineering and Computer Science have received $4.5 million for a research initiative aimed at lessening future damage to hospitality and small businesses like health crises like the Covid-19 pandemic. To bring travelers and those who serve them closer to science, bridging the gap between basic science and behavioral science. To create a resource for small to medium-sized businesses in tourist areas to help them manage future health crisis situations that may arise. The Infectious Disease and Travel Health Initiative research project received funding in the Academic Excellence Category of the UCF Strategic Investment Program. Work on the Infectious Disease and Travel Health Initiative will be later this summer.

The UCF men’s basketball team announced they will compete in the 28th annual AutoNation Orange Bowl Basketball Classic on December 17, 2022, where they will take on the Missouri Tigers. AdvertisementThis will mark the second appearance for the Knights in the Orange Bowl Classic as they also competed in 2010 where they defeated the Miami Hurricanes 84-78. The Orange Bowl Classic will serve as Holiday destination event for families and friends to enjoy festivities and entertainment throughout the event during the day. More details will be announced later via the classic’s social media accounts, @OrangeBowl. UCF fans wanting to travel south to Broward County this holiday season to cheer on their Knights, can purchase tickets at orangebowl.org/basketball or by calling the Orange Bowl ticket box office at (305) 341-4701.

Former UCF greats, McKenzie Milton and George O’Leary were honored at the 10th annual Mikey Awards at the Tap Room at Dubsdread in Orlando for their impact on UCF Football. Milton said he wasn’t always keen on coming to the 407 to play college ball, but his experience with former head coach Scott Frost made all the difference. “Freshman year was up and down; got booed in my last game at the Cure Bowl. “I hate that I did not get a look during the NFL draft, but I can’t change nine knee surgeries,” Milton said. The first time I watched a game was Florida against UCF, and I honestly enjoyed that way more than playing.

David Hollenbach is the first to admit life after more than 20 years of serving with the Orange County Fire Department Is a work in progress.

UCF students and professors are speaking out after the school changed its approach to how it addresses race and inequality. They say the university rolled out new changes without even consulting them.

UCF has now removed statements about expressing the need for anti-racism after house bill HB7 went into effect on July 1. Assistant Vice President Chad Binette said the removal of the statements were due to the statements being seen as creating a potential unwelcoming environment for all the University’s faculty and students. “UCF is committed to building a culture that values respect, civil discourse, and creating a sense of belonging,” Binette said. “This is a complete infringement of academic freedom,” Gleig said. “The statement was crafted over a period of time with dialogue and input across a twenty person plus faculty trained in philosophy, religion and cultural studies and the humanities.”

The industry feeling the greatest impact of inflation in Central Florida is the housing market, according to an expert on the subject.

Several University of Central Florida scientists were selected to conduct research projects using NASA’s most powerful telescope ever.

Check out the Sonic Prep Player of the Week featuring Kaven Call from Apopka High School.

The UCF Police Department hosted an event Tuesday to help combat catalytic converter thefts.

The UCF Police Department said catalytic converter thefts are once again on the rise around the country and they are offering up a way to at least make it easier to get the crucial car part back if it’s stolen.

The UCF Football team has landed a commitment from Lake Brantley High School twins, Michael and Andrew Harris. The 6’1 linebacker twins originally grew up playing soccer in Kingston Jamaica, have called Central Florida home after playing American football for the first time for Lake Brantley High School in 2020. AdvertisementThe twins only took offers from schools that were interested in having both Harris brothers as a package deal. The Harris brothers made their commitment official just down the road from Lake Brantley High School at the indoor trampoline center, Rebounderz in Apopka, FL. With the addition of the Harris twins, the Knights now have a total of six high school commitments with four of those commitments coming from sunshine state.

The former Clemson and Gator RB has committed to playing for UCF after entering the NCAA transfer portal Friday. Advertisement“Orlando vs. Everybody,” Bowman tweeted in a statement where he tagged head coach Gus MalzahnBowman, who is a former five-star prospect, is transferring from Florida after limited playing time with the Gators in the 2021 season. Bowman was utilized very sparingly, only receiving 14 carries for 81 yards for the Gators in four games during his 2021 campaign. UCF defeated the Gators 29-17 in the Gasparilla Bowl game in December for the 2021 season. This was Malzahn’s first season with the Knights as head coach where the team finished 9-4.

Starting on July 1, UCF will eliminate physical parking permits and decals in favor of virtual ones on all campuses. New technology implemented by parking services will be able to eliminate the need for physical permits, with Driver’s license plates acting as their permit instead. “UCF’s transition to virtual permits using LPR technology will simplify the process for parking access while promoting safety, convenience, efficiencies and sustainability,” Rampersad said. All students will need to purchase virtual permits to park on-campus starting this fall semester. Students can purchase the virtual permits starting July 1 on UCF’s parking website.

Today after a 6-3 majority vote, Roe V Wade will be overturned after 50 years, and the decision will be left in control of each individual state. Conservative Justice Samuel Alito said he believes that ‘Roe V Wade’ was a bad decision and needed to be overturned due to years of damaging results of unborn deathsAdvertisement“Roe V Wade was egregiously wrong from the start,” Alito said. “We are overfilled with joy as life begins to be sanctified,” UCF GOP wrote in a statement. We will continue to pray for the unborn and fight to protect life,” UCF GOP wrote in a statement. “College Democrats at UCF stands with the millions of Americans who oppose the overturning of Roe V Wade,” the College Liberal group wrote in a statement.

It was an emotional day for Sierra McClintock of Osceola County as she officially became mom to a 10-year-old boy, who was also joined by his favorite football team.

Following the pandemic — and now concerns regarding inflation — economists expect the already-low birth rate in the U.S. will continue to decrease.

Many are in mourning after the death of 22-year-old Nic Thomas, who was killed in a four-vehicle crash early Tuesday morning.

The University of Central Florida is the first in Central Florida, and the first public university in the state, to give students and staff the power to save their own lives if they’re overdosing.

The University of Central Florida Police Department held a training session Monday designed to help identify and support young people facing mental health challenges.

News 6 political expert and UCF history professor Dr. Jim Clark joined anchor Justin Warmoth on “The Weekly” to break down some of the key races heading into Florida’s primary election, including the matchup to see which Democrat will challenge Gov. Ron DeSantis in November.

UCF and the nation’s Space University signs partnership agreement to develop technology for the U.S. Space Force. According to UCF Today, the two organizations signed an educational partnership agreement after three members spent a day at UCF learning about the university’s space-related research. AdvertisementThe agreement will focus on six of the following areas:Improving freedom of action in, from and to the space domainImproving the survivability and resilience of space systems and architecturesDigital engineering and model-based system engineeringIncreasing responsible artificial intelligence, machine learning and autonomyImproving space access, mobility and logisticsEnhancement and integration of existing services from and through an expanded space domainThe agreement also states there may be opportunities for faculty exchanges, for collaborative research projects and for student internship opportunities. Grace Bochenek, the director of UCF’s School for Modeling, Simulation and Training said she believes the new agreement will allow the flexibility needed to bring the type of results the Space Force is looking for. “We have a lot of strengths in areas that are of interest to Space Force such as modeling and simulation, engineering and interdisciplinary research,” said Bochenek “The EPA allows us a lot of flexibility so we can work together and help drive the kind of innovation that the Space Force is looking for while also developing an agile workforce that’s got the right stuff and is ready to go.”

Former Auburn linebacker DeShaun Davis is rejoining Gus Malzahn on UCF coaching staff as a graduate assistant coach in first college coaching job. Blessed to have @_Davis_Boy12 working with the @UCF_Football linebackers as a graduate assistant! 🤞🏾 🤞🏾 pic.twitter.com/u4LZfD4psF — Coach T-Will (@T_WILL4REAL) June 13, 2022Davis played at Auburn for five seasons (2014-2018) under UCF head coach Gus Malzahn who saw Davis become one of the best defensive players in the SEC. AdvertisementDavis was named to the All-SEC Team during his Senior Season in 2018, where he amounted 116 tackles (57 solo) 3.5 sacks and four passes broken up. Davis produced 266 tackles during his four years playing for Auburn, including 261 over his last three years as a starter.

A University of Central Florida nonprofit, clinical research center and trauma treatment clinic received $1.4 million to expand its peer support and suicide prevention training for first responders.

The murder trial of a woman accused in the stabbing death of her husband, a UCF executive, is set to resume.

In a Facebook post, The Knight’s Pub announced the pub’s “final days,” although didn’t specify in the post an official last day.

The American Athletic Conference has reached an agreement with Cincinnati, Houston and UCF that paves the way for the schools to join the Big 12 in 2023.

The second day of testimony is set to get underway Friday in the trial of Danielle Redlick, who is accused in the 2019 stabbing death of her husband.

Opening statements will begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the trial for Danielle Redlick, accused of fatally stabbing her husband in their Winter Park home in 2019.

The University of Central Florida community teamed up with OneBlood Wednesday for a blood drive to honor the lives lost in the 2016 mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

University of Central Florida researchers have developed a new tool for Florida homeowners to help them determine how vulnerable their homes are to hurricanes.

Jury selection is set to begin for Danielle Redlick.

McKenzie Milton announced Thursday his “playing days of football have come to an end.”