Florida health officials are considering removing four vaccination requirements for school and childcare entry. Epidemiologist Katrine L. Wallace explains the diseases these vaccines prevent and why declining vaccination rates could put more children at risk.

Orange County has adopted new rules governing e-bike and electric scooter speeds, parking and safe operation. The ordinance requires riders to yield to pedestrians and allows citations and device impoundment for certain violations.

A spooky story that delights one child may terrify another. From “Frog and Toad” to “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” literature professor Liz Rosenberg explores how adults can match Halloween books to a child’s readiness for fright.

Florida’s public school districts are exempt from Amendment 3’s proposed property tax reduction, but programs supporting their students could still face substantial cuts. Children’s services leaders warn that reduced local revenue could mean fewer after-school opportunities, higher family fees and added pressure on school budgets.

A survey from AAA found that 66% of Florida adults have seen children riding e-bikes or e-scooters without helmets, while 83% support helmet requirements. AAA urges riders to wear properly fitted helmets certified for their devices' speed and capabilities.

More than 4,000 Florida children were hospitalized with firearm injuries from 2018 through 2024, with a small number of ZIP codes accounting for a disproportionate share of the cases. Orange County’s 32805 ZIP code recorded the state’s highest rate.

Federal SNAP reductions could affect Florida classrooms by weakening the formulas that fund free school breakfast and lunch programs. Most Orange County Public Schools students remain covered this year, but declining enrollment in assistance programs could reduce future federal reimbursements.

The free Frontyard Holiday Festival will transform Dr. Phillips Center’s outdoor spaces into a holiday destination from November 27 through December 31. Visitors can enjoy nightly snowfall, firepits, movies, live performances, seasonal refreshments, interactive attractions, and the return of North America’s only transportable carillon.

Orange County Fire Rescue and Children’s Safety Village use realistic simulations to teach children how to prevent injuries and respond during emergencies. Lessons in the Fire Safety House help participants practice escaping smoke, checking doors, and following a safe evacuation plan.

Back-to-school preparation extends beyond purchasing notebooks, backpacks and other classroom essentials. A UF/IFAS expert offers practical ways families can prepare healthy, affordable meals in minutes.

AAA is asking motorists to slow down, avoid distractions, and remain alert as students return to school and traffic increases around campuses and residential neighborhoods. The organization is also urging families to review safety practices for walking, riding the bus, and using e-bikes and e-scooters.

Cornerstone Connections has received a $100,000 grant from the Truist Foundation to expand its Connecting H.O.P.E. employment program for non-custodial parents. The funding will enhance career coaching, case management, and wraparound services designed to help participants secure long-term employment and better support their children.

Patmos Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church's Kids at the Well summer camp has doubled in size this year, drawing more than 160 children from 17 communities across Central Florida. Organizers say the expanded program combines STEAM education, athletics, leadership development, and Christian values to prepare students for success both in and out of the classroom.

As families spend more time around water during the summer months, swim instructors are reminding parents that water safety starts earlier — and lasts longer — than many realize. Beyond learning strokes, swim lessons help children develop confidence, awareness, and essential survival skills that grow over time.

Swim lessons are about far more than learning strokes or swimming across a pool. Early lessons help children build confidence, comfort, awareness, and foundational water safety skills that can stay with them for life.

Services includes school physicals, vision and hearing screenings with referrals for glasses, basic  dental services, activities, games, giveaways, and more. 

Summer is the perfect time to power up your child’s literacy skills through playful reading activities that keep their minds active and ready for the new school year. From hopscotch with letter sounds to creating poetic rhythms and imaginary maps, these ideas make reading fun for all ages.

Language is essential for children to express their thoughts and feelings and understand  each other. It supports your child's ability to communicate, express, and understand their  feelings, while supporting their thinking skills and helping them develop and maintain  relationships. 

In this issue, I’ve gathered some of our favorite stories, fun facts, and creative activities to keep your imagination soaring all summer long.