Rep. Carlos Smith, D-Orlando, is set to host an online “community health update” on meningococcal disease and monkeypox outbreaks in Florida.

The number of new COVID-19 infections in Central Florida continues to rise.

Dr. Raul Pino, who led the Florida Health Department in Orange County through the bulk of the coronavirus pandemic, now has a new job.

The CDC extended its national transportation mask mandate only to see it voided by a Florida judge days later.

The director of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County resigned from his position.

Dr. Raul Pino returns to work Friday as the head of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County following an investigation by Florida's inspector general into an email the doctor sent to staff about the rate of vaccinations within his department, according to FDOH.

It’s been a month and a half since the Florida Department of Health relieved its top official in Orange County, pending an investigation the agency says it handed over to the Office of the Inspector General.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings says Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate for COVID-19 is back down to single digits.

Orange County health officer Dr. Raul Pino was placed on paid administrative leave earlier this week, now the case is being referred to the Florida inspector general.

The Florida Department of Health is investigating a health officer for the department in Orange County pending an inquiry involving COVID vaccines.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has tested positive for COVID-19.

Health department statement mentions state ban on vaccine mandates for government workers

Orange County is opening a third COVID-19 testing site Thursday to help meet the demand.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said county COVID-19 testing sites have been flooded with demand amid a wave of new infections and blamed a lack of response from Gov. Ron DeSantis, in part, for the sites being overwhelmed.

At the COVID-19 update on Wednesday afternoon, the 167th for Orange County since the pandemic began, Demings pointed out that there was no presence of omicron in the wastewater only a month ago.

The omicron variant was detected in Orange County based on initial results from wastewater testing, county officials said in a release on Monday.

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

Orange County children ages 5-11 could be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as the winter holiday season, local leaders announced at a Thursday news conference.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings provided a COVID-19 update during a news conference Thursday.

On Monday, health officials in Orange County urged people overdue for their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, to get the shot.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings holds a news conference to discuss COVID-19.

Pfizer booster shots will be available to eligible county residents at Camping World Stadium starting tomorrow, Sept. 28.

August has been named the deadliest month of the pandemic so far, according to Orange County leaders, with at least 388 deaths, and more are expected to be added to the tally.

Orange County leaders announced 56 additional deaths from COVID-19 which had been reported to the county since Thursday, including the death of a baby younger than 1.

Dr. Raul Pino with the Florida Department of Health confirmed 70% of people 12 and older in Orange County have received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Daily data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows there are currently 224 children in the hospital in Florida Monday, the highest reported in more than a year.

Orange County leaders are optimistic that the county has seen its peak for new infections but, at the same time, they are reporting 107 deaths from COVID-19 in August and expect that number to rise.

As the state continues to see high numbers of COVID-19 cases, Orange County health officials said some morgues at its hospitals have hit capacity.

Morgues at some Orange County hospitals have hit capacity amid the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

As school gets underway in Orange County, health officials said the district's COVID-19 positivity rate is 16 percent.

There has been a decrease in emergency room visits in Orange County, according to Dr. Raul Pino with the Florida Department of Health.

County officials said they are working to get more resources.

Orange County officials said Florida will not be fulfilling orders of the vaccine.

Orange County leaders announced 17 new deaths had been reported within the county since they last provided an update on the county’s COVID-19 response on Monday.

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

Students in Orange County return to class on Tuesday and there will be new protocols in place to deal with COVID-19 infections inside schools.

Orange County leaders hold a dour news conference ahead of the first day of school for students in the county district.

As the rising number of COVID-19 cases puts pressure on Orange County's hospitals, the county is also beginning to feel an economic pinch.

Orange County leaders detailed the rising number of COVID-19 cases across the county during a new conference on Monday afternoon.

A $10 grocery coupon will be available to the first 50 people who get the COVID-19 vaccine at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market on Aug. 7.

Monday proved to be another busy day at Barnett Park. The county-run COVID-19 testing site reached capacity around 3:30 p.m. closing early due to the high demand of people wanting to get tested.

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

Orange County leaders gave a somber update on the county’s COVID-19 response Monday.

The Orange County Teachers Union wants the school board to look at universal masking as coronavirus cases increase in Central Florida.

Orange County leaders will give an update on the county's COVID-19 response just days after Mayor Jerry Demings said he was making plans in case it becomes necessary to take action to combat a rising number of coronavirus cases.

A mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinic was parked in the lot Tuesday afternoon at the Rosemont Community Center in Orlando.

Orange County leaders are once again recommending everyone to wear a mask when in crowded, indoor locations regardless of whether they are vaccinated.

As the country is seeing an increase in COVID-19 delta variant cases, Florida is seeing an increase in overall cases and a higher positivity rate.

The mobile vaccine site will make stops in July and August in neighborhoods around Orlando.

Orange County leaders are raising concerns over a rise in COVID-19 infections in the county, which is now seeing a positivity rate above 5% for the first time in weeks.

The World Health Organization and Los Angeles County have issued guidance for vaccinated individuals to wear masks amid concerns of the delta variant.

Orange County leaders are set to give an update on the county's response to the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday afternoon.

Orange County leaders are set to provide an update Wednesday on the county's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Rochelle Walensky says she expects the delta variant will become the dominant coronavirus strain in the U.S. The delta variant, first detected in India, has become dominant in Britain.

The largest school district in Central Florida is continuing its mask discussion, this time allowing the public to chime in on draft policy.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings will provide a COVID-19 update Wednesday afternoon.

Orange County leaders will be providing their weekly coronavirus update Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.

Alvina Chu explains representation builds stronger community.

State health data shows Florida has seen a positivity rate under 5% for over 10 days, leading Orange County health officials to remain optimistic for changes in mask and social distancing guidelines.

Orange County leaders said COVID-19 cases are declining and things are looking a lot better in the county compared to a few months ago.

Orange County leaders are optimistic that the county will reach one of the milestones it set in order to reach phase 3 of the masking and social distancing guidelines.

With COVID-19 cases declining and more people getting vaccinated every day, Orange County leaders are starting to express optimism when it comes to the regional outlook on the pandemic.

Herd immunity to the coronavirus is within reach, health officials say, but the struggle is trying to educate people who have already decided against getting the vaccine and encourage them to change their minds.

Central Florida leaders are putting a focus on increasing vaccination rates among the younger population.

The Florida Department of Health announced the state’s surgeon general expanded vaccine eligibility to non-residents providing goods and services in the state.

To ramp up COVID-19 vaccinations in Orange County, crews have been bringing doses directly into neighborhoods.

Orange County residents who are overdue on their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to complete the series as quickly as possible, especially as the two largest sites in the region wind down operations.

Mayor Jerry Demings announced Orange County's three-phased plan to rolling back its mask mandate.

Those who’d like to get their first dose at the Orange County Convention Center COVID-19 vaccination site only have a few days left to do so.

Orange County health leaders want to help educate and inform those who may be hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine, so they’re hosting a town hall Monday evening to help build trust.

More than 481,000 people have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Orange County and more than 290,000 people have completed their vaccine series, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Orange County health officials are calling for more young people to get vaccinated saying they are driving the spread of the coronavirus in the community.

The pause in use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is doing little to slow Orange County's vaccination efforts.

Orange County leaders and health officials launched a new campaign on Wednesday to combat vaccine hesitancy called the "I got my shot" campaign.

By the end of May 26th, the mass vaccination site at the convention center will close.

The Florida Department of Health reported 7,011 new cases on Friday, bringing the state’s overall total to 2,111,807 cases since the virus was first detected on March 1, 2020.

Central Florida’s busiest coronavirus vaccine site will stop operating under its current plan at the end of May, county officials announced Thursday.

Orange County leaders said adults between the ages of 18 and 25 continue to have high coronavirus positivity rates.

Anyone over 16 years old will be able to register for the upcoming vaccine appointments at the Orange County Convention Center site starting Friday.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Florida Rep. Val Demings hosted a virtual town hall on Wednesday with Dr. Anthony Fauci and local health experts to help answer constituents’ questions regarding the pandemic. They’re all really very good.”AdSome wanted to know how much longer we will have to wear masks and practice social distancing. Fauci said even as more people get vaccinated, the pandemic isn’t over yet. We’re going to be able to pull back on that soon but not quite yet,” Fauci said. Orange County health officer Dr. Raul Pino also joined in on the virtual call, as well as representatives from FEMA and local pharmacies administering the vaccine.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – While spring break in Central Florida has been tame compared to other parts of the state, the region could still see an increase in COVID-19 cases as a result of the influx of visitors. He added that spring break travel tends to be staggered since different schools celebrate it at different times, which is another cause for concern. As was the case during the summer, younger residents are making up a good portion of the new infections. He and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said that making sure those younger residents get vaccinated once they’re eligible next week will be crucial in order to achieve herd immunity. AdDemings expects to use social media platforms and perhaps enlist help from athletes or other high-profile figures to encourage younger residents who may be less willing to get the shot.

Orange County reported on Thursday that people age 45 and under account for one-third of COVID-19 hospitalizations. AdNews 6 asked the Florida Department of Health if they are tracking re-infections and we have not heard back. [READ YESTERDAY’S REPORT: DeSantis announces vaccine eligibility expansion as Florida reports 5,803 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 26. CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 5,759 new cases on Friday, bringing the state’s overall total to 2,033,179 cases since the virus was first detected on March 1, 2020. VaccinationsThe Florida Department of Health began releasing a daily report in December on COVID-19 vaccines administered throughout the state.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Dr. Raul Pino with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said the county is preparing for what is expected to be a busy six weeks. “There’s going to be an initial period where the demand is a lot higher than our ability to fulfill that demand,” Pino said. Orange County reported on Thursday that people age 45 and under account for one-third of COVID-19 hospitalizations. However, the Orange County Convention Center is already offering vaccination appointments for that age group. The decision to part ways from the governor’s order was made by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings earlier this month.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County will soon be back in line with the state guidelines for COVID-19 vaccine eligibility after Gov. “We are pleased to hear that the governor has moved in the direction that we for suggesting, just a week ago,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said Thursday during a briefing. The mayor went on to tout the county’s vaccination efforts, including the recent push to get the vaccine to homebound seniors. “Since Tuesday of this week, state canvassers and firefighter-paramedics shared crucial vaccine information, with some 6,000 households and vaccinated 250 homebound residents. Pino said that so far 416,241 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Orange County.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Anyone 40 and older is now eligible to get the coronavirus vaccine at the Orange County Convention Center. Ron DeSantis will prevent Orange County from making the move. County officials said crews can administer 3,100 COVID-19 doses a day at the convention center. Orange County officials said 57% of people 60 and older in Orange County have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The county also offers free transportation for anyone 60 and older with a scheduled appointment to the Orange County Convention Center and the FEMA site at the west campus of Valencia College.

Dr. Raul Pino, health officer with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, said Monday the county’s virus recovery rate is at 97%, likely the highest it’s ever been. Ad[READ YESTERDAY’S REPORT: 1.4 million more Floridians newly eligible for COVID-19 vaccine; 2.2 million now fully vaccinated]Find the state-run COVID-19 dashboard below:Below is a breakdown of Florida COVID-19 data reported by the state on March 16. CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 4,832 new cases on Tuesday, bringing the state’s overall total to 1,984,425 cases since the virus was first detected on March 1, 2020. HospitalizationsAs of Tuesday afternoon, there were currently 3,052 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.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – In the past week, Florida saw a drop in new COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations. With both St. Patrick’s Day and Spring Break crowds expected this week, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said people still need to take precautions. Ron DeSantis threw out all fines issued by local governments to businesses, Boldig said that his inspectors have law enforcement backup. Dr. Raul Pino with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said that that it’s his understanding the theme parks expect to reach capacity during the next couple of weeks and is hopeful the county won’t see a spike in cases. Orange County said there is a 99% compliance rate with businesses it inspects.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – After a yearlong battle to stop the spread of COVID-19, things may be looking up in Orange County. “I have to say that the county is in very good shape regarding the pandemic as well as the vaccination efforts. AdOrange County has seen a cumulative total of 114,434 COVID-19 cases, 2,386 and 1,104 deaths, according to the Florida Department of Health. Adding to his optimism is the approval of the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine and the governor’s decision to expand eligibility requirements so that teachers and first responders over 50 years old can get inoculated. The county should get doses from Johnson & Johnson this week, though they won’t be administered at the convention center site.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Two women who pretended to be senior citizens so they could receive the COVID-19 vaccine were actually able to get the shots the first time around, even if they weren’t as lucky the second time. Ad[TRENDING: HOA charges family $927 for trash on curb | Doctor faces hate crime charge in social distancing attack | Mandatory vaccines for first responders?] Body camera video provided by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office shows deputies scolding the two women, who did not appear to be wearing disguises as Pino described. You’ve stolen a vaccine from someone that needs it more than you and now you’re not going to get your second one,” a deputy told the pair. Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com Strange Florida newsletter, sent every Friday.

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

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – With bonnets on their heads and bespectacled faces, two young women pretended to be seniors so they could get the coronavirus vaccine, and it seems their ruse may have actually worked at least one time. Dr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said the pair was busted when they tried to get their second shot on Wednesday at the Orange County Convention Center. He’s not sure how or even if the two young women were able to get their first doses but when they showed up Wednesday to complete the series, they presented a valid vaccination card. Ad“People get really, really apprehensive about getting the vaccine, ‘I want it now.’ And some people get really emotional. Still, he knows the two young women aren’t the only ones to slip through the cracks.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell is changing her office’s policy on seeking incarceration for defendants in response to the COVID-19 outbreak at the Orange County jail. The policy comes after an outbreak of virus cases at the Orange County Jail where 83 inmates contracted the virus, according to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. The statement echos Dr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, who referred to jails as a “petri dish” during a news conference last week. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said the jail has about 2,600 inmates housed there. Ad“What we don’t want is people sitting in custody pre trial, because they cant afford to get out of jail,” Worrell said.

The lines looked similar at the statewide testing site at the Orange County Convention Center Thursday afternoon. News 6 asked Mayor Demings if the decrease in the demand for testing could reduce the number of days the site is open. “That may be something we would do going into the future.”AdCounty officials said they will determine to keep Barnett Park open on a month-by-month basis. As for the potential reasons for the decrease in testing demand, Orange County Department of Health’s Dr. Raul Pino said there are multiple factors. “We have seen this before, when we went off the increase from last summer, we saw the decrease in demand.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings expressed some ongoing frustration with the state and its handling of vaccine distribution during a news briefing on Thursday. He said 44.9% of Orange County’s senior citizens have been vaccinated. In all 111,966 people living in Orange County have been vaccinated. Orange County’s online vaccine appointment portal is set to reopen on Feb. 22 at 9 a.m. for the Orange County Convention Center site. The doctor added that a thousand doses that were supposed to be stored in Orange County could not be delivered.

ORLANDO, Fla. – A student at the University of Central Florida has been diagnosed with a variant of the coronavirus first found in the United Kingdom and thought to be more easily transmissible. The unidentified student tested positive this week, Michael Deichen, associate vice president of UCF Student Health Services said Thursday in a statement on the university's website. University officials said the student was isolated and contact tracing measures were taken. AdDr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said the student did not live on campus. Tens of thousands of college students around the nation have tested positive for the virus, and some campuses have seen spikes in cases with students returning to campus.

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

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Vaccination efforts that have now been underway since late last year are starting to reduce the number of new COVID-19 cases being reported among the local elderly population. Dr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said he’s “pleasantly surprised” to see cases dropping already. This chart shows vaccination numbers vs. COVID-19 cases numbers (in blue) for Orange County residents 65 and older. (Orange County government)Though the vaccination process is just beginning, Pino said he likes what he sees so far. Ten U.K. variant cases have been reported in Orange County already and Pino said that number could continue to grow if mitigation measures aren’t followed.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The first case of an Orange County resident with the U.K. COVID-19 variant, B1.1.7, has now been detected. Dr. Raul Pino, with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, announced the recent infection during a news briefing on Thursday. AdRight now, that doesn’t seem to be the case, Pino said, but this isn’t the only genetic modification of the virus. Demings also praised Orange County Fire Rescue for setting up mobile vaccination sites at 12 senior living communities and houses of worship. The Orange County Convention Center remains open for vaccinations as well, 12 hours a day, Monday through Saturday.

(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. – Sumter County is the latest county in Central Florida to report that one of its residents has tested positive for the more contagious U.K. COVID-19 variant. The Sumter County Health Department said Monday that the sole case is the only one detected to date. AdDr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said the best defense against any variant of the virus is to get as many people vaccinated as quickly possible. “So anyone who has access to the vaccine that has the opportunity should get vaccinated. AdThe South Africa and Brazil variants have both been detected in the U.S. as of late January, but not in the Sunshine State.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Florida leads the country in cases of the COVID-19 variant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state has 125 cases of the variant, according to the CDC. Six cases of the COVID-19 variant have been reported in Seminole County, according to the department of health. Two cases were reported in Orange County, according to Dr. Raul Pino with the Florida Department of Health. The variant was also reported in Osceola County, Volusia County, Brevard County and Lake County.