VALENCIA COLLEGE

ORLANDO, Fla. — Spring break season is well underway in Florida. If you’re looking to avoid – or join in – the college spring breakers flocking to the coast, Channel 9 compiled a calendar of Florida college spring break dates:March 12 - 18Florida State UniversityUniversity of Central FloridaRollins CollegeUniversity of FloridaUniversity of MiamiUniversity of South Florida TampaUniversity of North FloridaFlorida A&M UniversityFlorida Institute of TechnologyEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityValencia CollegeFlagler CollegeDaytona State CollegeRead: 9 beach safety tips for spring breakMarch 18 - 24New College of FloridaRead: Red tide guide: How to check Florida beach conditionsMarch 27 - April 2Full Sail UniversityRead: New Smyrna Beach police to enforce curfew for minors as Spring Break beginsVideo: Spring Break brings crowds to Volusia County amid a busy Bike Week (WFTV)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. ©2023 Cox Media Group

Creative Village developer joins Justin Warmoth on ‘The Weekly.’

We’ve seen this all before.

A Central Florida student just made history as one of the youngest graduates to receive an associate degree from Valencia College.

During Osceola County’s State of the County address, several recognitions were awarded to businesses that have contributed to the county’s growth, but the highlight of the event was that for a second year in a row, all graduating high school students of the 2023 class will receive a scholarship to attend Valencia College or Osceola Tech at no cost.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Salvation Army volunteers will serve Thanksgiving meals to thousands of people on Thursday. Photos: Salvation Army works with Valencia College to serve Thanksgiving meals for thousands in needExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Salvation Army works with Valencia College to serve Thanksgiving meals for thousands in needThe Salvation Army is teaming up with students and faculty at the Valencia College Culinary Arts program. Thanksgiving 2022: Which grocery stores are open, closed on Thanksgiving? Read: Which restaurants are open on Thanksgiving 2022? Meal distributions start around 11 a.m.Thanksgiving 2022: Quotes – funny and touching – to honor the holidayVolunteers will be serving freshly cooked Thanksgiving meals to more than 8,000 people in need.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — One student from Valencia College’s Culinary Art program plans to give back to the community this Thanksgiving with the Salvation Army. Bruce Dorris graduated from the Salvation Army’s rehabilitation program, where he found a new passion for cooking. “It changed my life forever.”Now, his college is working with the Salvation Army to prepare Thanksgiving feasts for those in need. Read: ‘Paying it forward’: Kissimmee restaurant gives out Thanksgiving resources to those in needCertified master chef Alex Erdmann oversees the culinary program at Valencia. “It’s not a big deal.”Read: Seminole County man accused of animal cruelty after 30 dogs found living in deplorable conditionsHot meals will be handed out at the Salvation Army starting tomorrow morning.

WINTER PARK, Fla. — Several streets in Winter Park were flooded after early morning storms on Friday. Streets in and around North Denning Drive were flooded after the rain moved through the area. Photos: Streets flooded in Winter Park after heavy rain Friday morningExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 Streets flooded in Winter Park after heavy rain Friday morningStrong storms impacted parts of Orange County, including Winter Park for hours. Valencia College sent out an alert Friday telling students its Winter Park campus will open late due to flooding in the area. Watch: Early morning storms flood streets in Orange CountyChannel 9 meteorologist Brian Shields said the increased flooding is due to the water levels being so high in Florida following Hurricane Ian.

Full-time employees at Valencia College earn an average annual pay of $47,428. Read: Victim rode on back of Amazon truck to flee scene after being shot, witnesses sayThe salary average is garnered from the college’s 2,708 employees for which full-time data from Valencia was available. The data also included 2,103 part-time employees -- whose pay depends on hours worked -- with a salary schedule for the 2022-23 fiscal year that can be found here. 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. VIDEO: New program allows Osceola County class of 2022 to attend Valencia, Osceola Technical colleges free VIDEO: New program allows Osceola County class of 2022 to attend Valencia, Osceola Technical colleges free (Chantelle Navarro, WFTV.com/WFTV)©2022 Cox Media Group

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Valencia College’s district board of trustees on Oct. 13 will consider putting two separate pieces of land on the market. A 7.75-acre piece of vacant property located near the office at the northeast corner of South Hiawassee Road and Metrowest Boulevard. The land is made up of two parcels with no address and includes a portion of the office building parking. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.

Many local students have been learning about career options over the summer and earning some cash along the way.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Valencia College culinary students were in for a treat after they had an exclusive tour of a new restaurant. Walt Disney World has also donated $50,000 to Valencia College Foundation to enhance the culinary program. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 ‘Inspired by our future storytellers’: Valencia College culinary students tour Disney restaurant Valencia College culinary students toured Victoria & Albert's, a Disney restaurant. (Courtney Kiefer/Walt Disney World)Read: Disney Cruise Line releases fall 2023 cruise schedule“We’re so inspired by our future storytellers here at Disney and loved welcoming these students for a hands-on learning experience at the ‘culinary crown jewel’ of Walt Disney World Resort,” said Maribeth Bisienere said, senior vice president of operations. Valencia College Provost Wendy Givoglu said immersive experiences like this one help encourage students to reach for their goals.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The bill, aimed at enhancing renter protections, is named for former Valencia College student Miya Marcano, who was found murdered in Orlando in October. Investigators said Armando Caballero, a maintenance worker at Arden Villas Apartments, where Marcano lived, kidnapped and killed her after gaining access to her apartment using his master key. The law, which was sponsored by Sen. Linda Stewart, requires apartment landlords to perform background checks on new employees. It also “reinforces requirements regarding access to individual units” and increases the required notice to 24 hours. Read: Rally underway in Orlando as Florida’s 15-week abortion ban ruling looms“Today is the day we have all been waiting for,” Stewart said.

VIDEO: Free college program for Osceola County students leads to uptick in applications Free college program for Osceola County students leads to uptick in applicationsOSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Hundreds of students in Osceola County are taking advantage of Osceola Prosper, a new program that’s covering their college tuition. Thanks to money set aside from the American Rescue Plan, all Osceola High School graduates in 2022 get a free ride for a two-year degree for either Valencia College or Osceola Technical College. READ: New program allows Osceola County class of 2022 to attend Valencia, Osceola Technical colleges freeValencia College said its enrollment rate has faced a steep decline of 20% since 2020. Osceola Prosper said it’s expected to put hundreds more students in classrooms this fall, while giving many an opportunity they would’ve otherwise written off due to finances. The college also said it has already received applications for more than 800 students since Osceola Prosper was announced in March, making the new total of Osceola County seniors applying to Valencia College more than 1,400.

Leaders in one tourism-dependent Florida county battered by the pandemic are giving graduating high school seniors free tuition at either the local community college or the county technical school.

ORLANDO, Fla. — At 21 years old, Ashley Ortiz Rosario was a year away from graduating from the University of Puerto Rico’s Rio Piedras campus, but in September 2017, Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc in Puerto Rico. “When I came here, there was like this little voice in my head saying, ‘Actually, I think this is it,’” Ortiz Rosario said. READ: Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival: How to watch“It was our job to bring some ease and some hope to the Puerto Rican people,” said Isis Artze-Vega, with Valencia College. READ: Local assistant superintendent to be honored as grand marshal of Florida Puerto Rican ParadeShe was right. READ: ‘Pearl of the south’: Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival to highlight city of Ponce“That is the hardest/best decision I’ve ever made,” she said.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County’s class of 2022 is getting a free ride to higher education. The county announced Monday that all 2022 seniors will get to attend Valencia College or Osceola Technical College completely free as part of Osceola Prosper. The money has been set aside from what Osceola County received through the American Rescue Plan. But now, Frez is planning to go to Osceola Technical College to become a mechanic. READ: “I was not intimidated at all:” Meet trailblazing Osceola County educator Deloris McMillon“I told my stepdad and he was actually really excited for me.

ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s time to vote for Valencia College’s new mascot. Voters can choose between the Valencia College Cardinals, the Valencia College Puma or the Valencia College Orange. “When voting for your mascot, consider the one that best represents the Valencia College community and the qualities we’re known for: perseverance, strength, resilience and the ability to overcome challenges,” the college said on its website. Here’s how to checkThe college said it received more than 650 submissions for the new mascot. READ: iOS 15.4 released today: See what’s newIt's time to vote for our new @valenciacollege mascot, Valencians!

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The people fighting for state-wide change following the murder of Valencia College student Miya Marcano are confused over proposed changes to a bill proposed in her name. A new version of Miya’s Law, which is pushing for greater tenant safety for renters, will be presented to a Florida House comittee on Wednesday morning. The new version is taking away key logs and mandatory background checks for employees that Miya’s family and supporters believe could’ve saved her life. READ: Miya’s Law unanimously passes first committee hearingRep. Robin Bartleman said the changes are part of the legislative process, and she doesn’t think people should lose hope just yet. Miya’s mom, Yma Scarbriel, believes there’s not a single part of Miya’s Law that can be taken out without putting renters at risk.

Orlando-based theatrical boundary-pusher Jeremy Seghers is teaming with Valencia College Theater to stage Tony Kushner's iconic play Angels in America at Valencia College next month....

People are sitting out college in droves. During the pandemic, undergraduate enrollment has dropped nearly 7%. The long-term effects of this decline could have a dramatic impact on the economy.

Police are still waiting on the medical examiner's office to issue a preliminary cause of death.

Police are still waiting on the medical examiner's office to issue a preliminary cause of death.

Police are still waiting on the medical examiner's office to issue a preliminary cause of death.

The Orange County Sherriff’s Office found the body of the apparent person of interest in the disappearance of Valencia College sophomore, Miya Marcano, today. Marcano has been missing since Friday, Sept. 24th, when she was last seen at her home in the Arden Villas apartment complex in Orlando, just off of University Boulevard a mile from the University of Central Florida, Orange County sheriff’s deputies said. The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a report of a possible suicide at 10:30 a.m. at Camden Club Apartments off of Sabal Lake Drive in Longwood, where they found Caballero’s body. Police are asking anyone with information to call the OCSO non-emergency line at 407-836-4357. If anyone sees Miya, the police say to call 911.

The University of Central Florida welcomed leading actor, Chase Stokes (28), of Netflix’s series, Outer Banks, at Saturday night’s football game where the UCF Knights defeated the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 63-14 at the Bounce House. According to a tweet by Stokes, he attended the university for two semesters and “failed out”, but claims to “still love” UCF Football. AdvertisementThe actor moved to Orlando at the age of 13 then later graduated from Timber Creek High School in 2010. Stokes later received his bachelor’s degree from Valencia College where he then continued his education at UCF and Seminole State College, per an Orlando Sentinel article published in April of 2020. Stokes greeted Knight Nation by blowing a kiss to the crowd, then continued to speak to fans, and sign a UCF football.

All employees, students and vendors on campus will be required to wear face coverings when inside a building.

Adjunct professors at Valencia College officially voted to form a union, capping off a years-long push from the institution's contract-worker faculty. Though supporters among the...

The Central Florida community will only have a couple more days to receive the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at Valencia College’s West Campus FEMA-backed site.

The FEMA COVID-19 vaccination site at Valencia College’s West Campus is winding down operations as it plans to shut down in a few weeks. To get ready for the closure, first doses will stop being administered soon.

Turnout was so low following an 11-day pause of the Johnson & Johnson single-shot vaccine at a central Florida FEMA-run site that about 90% of the daily supply went unused.

Officials at the FEMA-backed vaccination site located at the Valencia College west campus said operations have been temporarily paused Sunday due to storms.

Students, staff and other members of the community at Valencia College’s Poinciana location will have the chance to get vaccinated on campus this week.

A man who was already in jail now faces charges for a deadly shooting in Orange County.

This week, first doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be available again at FEMA’s mass vaccination site at Valencia College’s west campus.

A homicide investigation is underway after deputies responded to reports of a shooting near Valencia College Thursday morning, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Across Central Florida, officials at COVID-19 vaccination sites scrambled to adjust operations as federal health authorities called for a temporary pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson formula.

Operations at the FEMA-backed vaccination site located at the Valencia College west campus has been delayed Sunday due to severe weather.

Many people spent part of their Easter morning getting vaccinated at the Valencia College west campus FEMA site as it prepares to open up to people 18 and older Monday.

On Tuesday, the four FEMA-backed vaccinations sites in Florida will no longer offer first doses of the Pfizer vaccine and will switch to Johnson & Johnson.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Those wishing to get the COVID-19 vaccine at one of the FEMA sites across the state will now have longer to do so. Starting Monday, all four sites will offer 3,000 first doses per day at each of the four locations thanks to Gov. Ron DeSantis asking the Florida Division of Emergency Management and Florida Department of Health to reallocate state vaccine supply to those sites. News 6 has contacted the Florida Department of Health for additional information on when first doses will no longer be offered. So far, 300,000 individuals have gotten inoculated at the FEMA sites.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The federally-supported vaccine sites in Florida, including in Orlando, will continue to offer first dose coronavirus vaccines until April 7, the Florida Division of Emergency Management announced Monday. The FEMA-supported sites in Orlando at Valencia College as well as in Jacksonville, Tampa and Miami were set to begin administering only second doses of the vaccine but will continue to offer 500 first doses of the Pfizer vaccine per day from March 24 to April 7, according to a news release. Beginning April 7, these sites will only offer the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine through April 14. Satellite sites associated with each federally-supported hub site will continue only administering second dose shots between March 24 – April 14. The federally-supported sites were only supposed to be open for eight weeks.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – FEMA opened a new mobile COVID-19 vaccination site in Orange County one day before the state expands eligibility requirements. Cars weaved through the cones as the line moved quickly at the new FEMA mobile vaccine site at the South Orange Youth Sports Complex. The site is offering 500 doses of the Pfizer vaccine Sunday through Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This marks the last couple of days FEMA is administering first doses at the main vaccination site at the west campus of Valencia College and its mobile sites. “Now we’ll go back to those same places three weeks later to give the second doses,” Prudhom said.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The COVID-19 vaccination site at the west campus at Valencia College in Orlando will only issue second doses of the coronavirus vaccine starting Wednesday, according to the Florida Emergency Management. FEMA officials said the site was designed to remain in the community for eight weeks. The move to second doses only was made to make sure everyone who has already received the first dose at the FEMA site will get their second dose, according to officials. [TRENDING: Woman arrested in hit-run involving sheriff | Gov: Fla. won’t require ‘vaccine passports’ | Girl missing for weeks]AdFlorida is planning to offer the one dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine from April 14-28 at the Orlando site, according to FEMA. FEMA said state officials will work with the federal government if these sites should remain open after April 28.

click to enlarge Photo courtesy Wikimedia CommonsOrange CountySouth Econ Park GymThis FEMA-run, drive-thru site is operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Mary Jane Arrington Gym & Aquatic CenterThis site is offering 500 vaccinations a day on a first-come, first-served basis.It's located at 625 Country Club Dr, Poinciana. Lake CountySt. Patrick Catholic ChurchThis site is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays on a first-come, first-served basis. Amazon Distribution SiteThis site is open Tuesday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Florida pharmacies and businessesThe state of Florida officially loosened the age requirements to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday.

It was another busy Sunday at Valencia College’s West Campus, with more people getting a chance to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The site able to do 3,250 shots both on Saturday and Sunday, an increase from their 3,000 shots normally given out at the site, which will resume on Monday. But now, there could be more people who are eligible to get a vaccine after stories from people like Dr. Tim Brown. Ad“Absolutely, that’s exactly what it said,” said Morin, who was trying to get the vaccine. Attempts to reach out to the Governor’s office and the Department of Health on Sunday for further clarification were unsuccessful.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Despite the rain on Saturday morning, people still made their way to Valencia College to get their COVID-19 vaccine. Officials at the FEMA site said about 3,150 people were vaccinated there Saturday. It’s worth a mention that Saturday was the last day for the vaccine site at the Englewood Center in Orlando. On Sunday, there’s a new pop-up site opening at Kelly Park in Apopka and able to do 500 Johnson and Johnson vaccines per day. The pop-up site in Apopka will be open from Sunday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and his team have identified underserved communities in the Orlando area that will be the first to benefit from new mobile COVID-19 vaccination units that FEMA is bringing to Central Florida. The two mobile units will operate in conjunction with the federal vaccination site opening at Valencia College’s West Campus starting Wednesday. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said he was glad to see that Engelwood residents will be among the first to benefit from FEMA’s new mobile sites. “On March the 7th, the state of Florida vaccine site will open at Shiloh Baptist Church, which is in Parramore. “With one dose, I think that’s, for many, that’s that’s exciting.

ORLANDO, Fla. – With more people eligible for vaccines, crowds are expected to increase at area vaccination sites this weekend. Both FEMA and Orlando police said Friday that they are planning for the increased amount of people. AdThe Orlando Police Department said that is has been monitoring the traffic flow in and out of federally operated vaccination sites. OCPS encouraged staff to use the Valencia West Campus location because it is open 7 a.m. to 7 pm., seven days a week. The location is currently giving out both the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

A full list of vaccine sites throughout Central Florida can be found here. Ad[READ YESTERDAY’S REPORT: Vaccine eligibility expands as Florida reports 6,144 new COVID-19 cases]Find the state-run COVID-19 dashboard below:Below is a breakdown of Florida COVID-19 data reported by the state on March 5. CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 5,941 new cases on Friday, bringing the state’s overall total to 1,936,207 cases since the virus was first detected on March 1, 2020. HospitalizationsAs of Friday afternoon, there were currently 3,419 people with the virus hospitalized in Florida, according to the state Agency for Health Care Administration. VaccinationsThe Florida Department of Health began releasing a daily report in December on COVID-19 vaccines administered throughout the state.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The second day of Orlando’s FEMA mass vaccination site began with higher turnout after the location failed to reach its 2,000-dose capacity on Wednesday. The site nearly reached 90% capacity on day one, according to officials, blaming the lower-than-expected turnout on the wet weather Wednesday morning and the fact that it was the first day. So, day by day, we’re making improvements to this site to make sure that we can take care of the people of Orlando,” Fisher said. FEMA vaccine site at Valencia College in Orlando (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.) Second day of operation at FEMA site in Orlando saw a higher turnout (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

ORLANDO, Fla. – People 65 and older who cannot drive themselves to the FEMA vaccine site at Valencia College’s West Campus can now hitch a free ride through Lynx. The transportation service will have a driver pick up a patient at their residence, drive them to the FEMA site, wait with them through the vaccination process and then take them back home again. Lynx said it needs at least a two-day prior notice for a ride to the FEMA or OCCC sites. AdNo appointments are needed to receive a vaccine at the FEMA site, but people eligible for a vaccine can pre-register by clicking or tapping here. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter and go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A new federally-run COVID-19 vaccination site opened up at Valencia College’s West Campus in Orlando on Wednesday. FEMA officials are now hoping to get the word out. Officials encourage you to pre-register for a vaccine at https://myvaccine.fl.gov/, officials at the site say you can walk-up and register on-site. Colonel Fisher told News 6 they will begin offering the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine with more details to come within a few days. The fixed FEMA site is located at Valencia College - West Campus at 1800 S. Kirkman Road in Orlando.

Residents line up to get the COVID-19 vaccine at the new FEMA site at Valencia College on March 3, 2021. ORLANDO, Fla. – A new federally supported coronavirus vaccination site opened Wednesday at Valencia College’s West Campus, providing 2,000 shots per day. The Orlando FEMA site is one of four that opened in the state, with the others being in Miami, Jacksonville and Tampa. AdAt the same time, the state released the eligibility form physicians will fill out for “extremely vulnerable” patients to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. VaccinationsThe Florida Department of Health began releasing a daily report in December on COVID-19 vaccines administered throughout the state.

The Orlando FEMA site is one of four opening in the state, with the others being in Miami, Jacksonville and Tampa. The site will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day and is expected to remain open for at least eight weeks, according to the Orlando Police Department. [TRENDING: Massive fire breaks out at Orlando condo complex | 6 Dr. Seuss books canceled | Shaq, the big-time wrestler]AdLt. Col. We can see people lining up outside @fema mass vaccination site at Valencia College West Campus. He said more than 100 Orlando officers have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past year and said they are particularly vulnerable because they can’t always social distance or wear masks.

ORLANDO, Fla. – In a few weeks, four new federally supported COVID-19 vaccination sites will open in Florida’s biggest metro areas, including Orlando. [TRENDING: Florida women dress as grannies to get vaccinated | NASA sticks landing on Mars | Puppy schemes rise during pandemic]The White House COVID-19 Response Team announced the new vaccine sites called Community Vaccination Centers Friday during a news briefing. AdThese sites will act as “hubs” with additional supporting, smaller vaccination centers in nearby communities. 6% of the population has a limited English proficiency, and 6% of households do not have a vehicle,” according to the White House news release. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Defense, the Florida Department of Health, Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida National Guard have formed a partnership to operate the four sites.

Tony Anaya, an 84-year-old former adjunct professor at Valencia College, wasn't planning to submit his letter of resignation to the college last September. In a phone call with Orlando Weekly, Anaya disputed this. As of Jan. 10, 2021, Valencia College has distributed $18,534,080 of emergency grant aid to 24,169 students of the college. Recently, more than 140 adjuncts at Valencia signed an open letter directed to current Valencia College President Sandy Shugart and the College Board of Trustees regarding their concerns. Anaya wants the younger college adjuncts working for the college — and the students who benefit from their instruction — to "not be intimidated."

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Health officials said they moved the COVID-19 testing site from the health department’s main office to Valencia College’s Kissimmee campus due to the high demand following the holidays. The DOH will continue to offer free testing - no appointment needed - in the parking lot of Valencia College’s Kissimmee campus Monday through Saturday through the end of January. Testing will be available 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and as long as you’re in line by Noon, you will get tested. The county’s health department continues to give COVID-19 vaccines at it’s main office located at 1875 Fortune Road in Kissimmee. Those 65 and older are eligible to get the vaccine, but they must make an appointment first.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County has the third-highest unemployment rate in Florida behind Osceola and Miami-Dade, according to CareerSource of Central Florida. In Orange County, the unemployment rate was at 8% in October, according to an Orlando Economic Partnership study. To qualify you must be an Orange County resident over 18 years old with proof you lost your job or hours due to the pandemic. Meaning those free resources available right now to help land you a job are only available for three more weeks. At the Orange County Convention Center 88 students were enrolled so far in programs like Commercial Truck Driving, IT Networking and Clinical Medical Assisting.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Iconic heavy metal band Metallica will be the "Hero of the Day" for more than two dozen Valencia College students who will receive a scholarship from the band to help pay for short-term training in skilled trades. Carolyn McMorran, the assistant vice president of professional continuing education, said Valencia College was one of 15 community colleges across the country to receive the funds through the "Metallica Scholars Initiative." Students in the Accelerated Skills Training Welding program pose for photographs at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center on June 18, 2020 in Kissimmee, Fla. (©2020 Valencia College)The courses are part of Valencia College’s Accelerated Skills Training programs. Before attending Valencia College, he said he worked several jobs to support his family. For Valencia College and Metallica, "Nothing Else Matters" except helping students succeed.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – A man previously trespassed from the Valencia College Kissimmee campus after authorities say he followed a student into the library was arrested Monday for returning to the campus, police said. Jose Diaz, 25, of Kissimmee, was previously trespassed from the college campus on Feb. 28, according to the arrest report. Police said he followed a female student into the library. A member of campus security called Kissimmee police Monday at 10 a.m. to the campus on Denn John Lane to report Diaz had returned to the school and was wondering around the property. Diaz is not a student and has never been one, according to the report.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A man who made comments about wanting to kill people and wanting to be a mass shooter while in the library at Valencia College prompted a lockdown on campus, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Deputies said a student was in the library at the school's west campus Wednesday afternoon when he overheard a man say, "I wanna killer her. I wanna be a mass shooter." The student left the library because he felt uncomfortable then went back and contacted security to report the incident. Burke told investigators he had a lot of anger toward the world, according to the affidavit.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A person is in custody after an incident on Valencia College's west campus that prompted a lockdown, school officials said. Please expect a slight delay as security works to unlock campus buildings and resume normal operations," a tweet posted shortly after 6:30 p.m. read. By 6:45 p.m., school officials said the lockdown was lifted and a person was arrested several miles from campus. "OPD on campus searching for a suspect who earlier was overheard making a statement about killing her and wanting to be a mass shooter. The suspect was last seen leaving the library and (it is) unknown if the suspect is still on campus.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Thousands of University of Central Florida and Valencia College students walked into brand new classrooms Monday as classes began for the first time at the new downtown Orlando campus. University officials said more than 7,000 students have enrolled for the fall semester at the 15-acre campus. You'll want to live by this guide | Students move in to new UCF campus in downtown Orlando]According to the university, UCF Downtown is the home to more than 20 UCF undergraduate and graduate programs, including digital media and communication, health care and legal studies. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer was on campus as classes began and described the new campus as a project that kick starts the Orlando Creative Village. [MORE: UCF police open substation ahead of classes at new downtown campus | Construction continues on UCF downtown campus]With UCF Downtown being built near the neighborhoods of Parramore, officials said it gives families in the community every educational option within walking distance of their homes.

Thousands of University of Central Florida and Valencia College students walked into brand new classrooms Monday as classes began for the first time at the new downtown Orlando campus. Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Hundreds of students moved in to their dorms at UnionWest, the new student housing tower for the University of Central Florida and Valencia College students at the new UCF campus in downtown Orlando. I love downtown and getting situated here is an amazing opportunity," Ricaurte said. The new campus has been years in the making and city officials believe it will bring as much as $1.5 billion to the area. "It's a chance to work with the Parramore community now that we are going to be a part of and also really to plant the seeds for renovation in the middle of downtown, UCF Interim President Thad Seymour said. About 7,000 students have enrolled at the new campus but not all will live at UnionWest.

Hundreds of students moved in to their dorms at UnionWest, the new student-housing tower for UCF and Valencia College students at the new UCF campus in downtown Orlando.

ORLANDO, Fla. - More than 7,000 students are expected to descend on the brand new University of Central Florida downtown campus as a new school year begins. Officials from both UCF and Valencia College said Monday that they're ready for the big opening and the opportunities ahead. One of the goals of the new location is to better connect students with internships and career opportunities from surrounding businesses. [RELATED: UCF police open substation ahead of classes at new downtown campus | Construction continues on UCF downtown campus]Gabriella Briones, a third-year culinary student for Valencia College, is excited for the opening. UCF and Valencia College hope surrounding residents will benefit from the new downtown campus, and that nearby neighborhoods will see the economic impact.

"Fingers crossed, we're (moving) in this week," UCF junior Avery Royston said. "Our new downtown location will enhance academic programs by leveraging proximity to industry, including placing students within walking distance of jobs and internships in downtown Orlando." Preparations are also underway for UCF police officers, who will handle matters at the new campus. "Our officers have been working patrol downtown for a month now to get used to the community and the logistics of the campus," Cmdr. Final inspections of the buildings are underway, as resident assistants prepare for the inevitable growing pains that come with a new building.

They want to go into their job field and not worry about having to pay continuously for student debt loans. She also encourages dual enrollment for high school students. Schools like Valencia College offer college credit in some classes. Joseph says student debt is a reality and will be with us for a while but this graduating class has learned from those before them. I definitely dont think it will be the student debt generation, theyve seen the mistakes of their older siblings or have heard this conversation.