Orange County Day News

Your Rights As A Victim

Your Rights As A Victim Victim Information We realize that for many persons being a victim or witness to a crime is their first experience with the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems. As a victim or witness, you have certain rights within the system. This webpage is being provided to assist with questions you may have regarding those rights. For further information regarding these rights, please contact the State Attorney's Office (SAO) and/or the appropriate law enforcement agency (LEA) handling your case. Who is a Victim? "A victim is a person who suffers direct or threatened physical, psychological, or financial harm as a result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime or delinquent act or against whom the crime or delinquent act is committed. The term victim includes the victim's lawful representative, the parent or guardian of a minor, or the next of kin of a homicide victim, except upon a showing that the interest of such individual would be in actual or potential conflict with the interests of the victim. The term "victim" does not include the accused." Article I, Section 16 (b) (11), Florida Constitution. Helpful Links VINE is a free service that allows you to anonymously check on an offender's custody status by phone, website, or mobile app. You can also register to receive automated notifications about changes in custody status by phone, email, text, or mobile app. TTY (hearing impaired) service is also available. Additional resources include the Florida Attorney General Application for Victims Compensation Website, 9th Judicial Circuit Website, and Florida Constitution ARTICLE I, SECTION 16 - Rights of Accused and of Victims Website. Supporting Documents Apopka Police Victim Rights Brochure (PDF) with additional languages available through the Translate option Victim Compensation Brochure from the Office of the Attorney General Bureau of Victim Compensation (External Site PDF) Community Resources Community Resource List (External Site PDF) Aspire Health Partners Programs and Services (External Site) Osceola Florida Health Programs and Services (External Site PDF) Victim Advocate Early Victim Engagement (EVE) Program Harbor House of Central Florida is a non-profit agency committed to providing a variety of confidential services to survivors of Domestic Violence and their children, as well as providing education and resources to the Central Florida community. Services provided free of charge include: - Advocacy, information and referrals - Crisis Intervention and Safety Planning - Court accompaniment, emotional support and assistance - Information on how to apply for injunctions against Domestic, Dating, Stalking or Sexual Violence - Confidential, safe shelter housing - Support groups, prevention programs, educational classes and case management - Children's Services If you are in a crisis and need immediate attention, call the Harbor House of Central Florida's 24-hour hotline at 407-886-2856. If you are in an emergency situation, please dial 911. What is Early Victim Engagement (EVE)? The Early Victim Engagement (EVE) Program was created in collaboration with Orange County Government and Harbor House to identify high lethality cases, make contact with survivors/victims in the case in order to reduce domestic violence homicides in Florida by providing intensive advocacy with a coordinated community response (i.e. law enforcement and the criminal court process). EVE advocates seek to address survivors' safety concerns, to offer advocacy and services and to meet face to face with survivors. EVE advocates provide and/or assist with the following services: - Crisis counseling - Case management - Victim compensation - Safety planning - Injunction process, including access to IFP, Injunction For Protection, Attorneys - Victim Information and Notifications Everyday (VINE) Program - Violations of injunctions/criminal no-contact orders Referrals for Early Victim Engagement services are made by Law Enforcement and the State Attorney's Office. There are three locations in the county: the Apopka Police Department, the Booking and Release Center, and the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Police Accreditation

Apopka Police Department Accreditation It is the commitment of the Police Chief and the policy of the department to maintain a system that ensures periodic reports, reviews, and other activities mandated by law enforcement accreditation standards are achieved and all members are familiar with the accreditation process. The Accreditation Manager is empowered with functional staff authority and has direct access to all members whose expertise or authority is needed for the successful implementation and operation of the accreditation process as well as access to any departmental division or function. Those members designated accreditation manager shall be provided specialized accreditation manager training within one year of being appointed.

Crime Analyst

Crime Analyst Apopka Crime Analyst The Apopka Police Departments Crime Analyst position performs intermediate-level work, identifying, analyzing and disseminating data-driven strategies to aid in the prevention and reduction of crime and societal harm in the City of Apopka. The criminal intelligence analyst is an indispensable resource that is integrated into all department levels from administrative staff to road units working consistently, efficiently and collaboratively by providing tactical, strategic, intelligence, administrative and operational analytical support. This is a professional research intensive position which includes the creation of statistical reports, intelligence and threat awareness products and presentations to include the identification and dissemination of emerging trends, patterns and groups; proposing and providing refined recommendations to assist with practical deployment strategies to support the overall mission of the agency. Primary Duties The tasks listed below represent most of the time spent working in this position. Tactical Analysis: Read, review and extract data from police, cad, and intelligence reports, as well as additional law enforcement sensitive sources in order to pull weekly, monthly and yearly statistics, to identify emerging patterns and trends and provide forecast analysis and additional investigative research as needed in order to develop strategies to resolve and reduce the source of harm. Examine, extract and incorporate images from various video sources to include body worn cameras, surveillance systems, and license plate readers to aid in the investigatory process of suspect identification and linking. Creates and disseminates various law enforcement sensitive and public viewing bulletins for the purpose of identifying and linking cases relating to suspect identification, crime series and trends. Bulletins will include wanted and missing persons fliers, attempt to identify bulletins, situational awareness bulletins, requests for information, intelligence sharing bulletins. Completes photographic lineup packets to assist with suspect identification. Conducts investigative research to assist in active investigations through LES and open sources. Creates a weekly snapshot encompassing weekly crime statistics, spatial maps of incidents by crime type, arrest data, field contacts, trespassed subjects, wanted persons, active stolen vehicles and other emerging trends occurring throughout the city in order to provide actionable intelligence to the entire agency to reduce emerging crime trends.

Chaplains

Apopka Police Departments Chaplain Program The Apopka Police Departments Chaplain Program is comprised of experienced volunteer representatives of various religious denominations. They provide spiritual help, guidance, and pastoral counseling, within their realm of expertise, to Department members and their families. The program is intended to provide the services of a chaplain as it relates to calls for service from the Department. The goal of the Chaplain Program is to provide a trusted individual with whom agency members, as well as citizens of the community, may confide or seek assistance. It is the policy of the Department to make readily available pastoral services to agency personnel, their families, and victimized individuals of the community when needed.

Orange County Budget Work Sessions Set for July 15-16; Public Invited to Attend

Orange County is committed to maintaining its fiscal strength by managing resources responsibly and making strategic investments that support the community’s future. The Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will hold upcoming Fiscal Year 2026–27 Budget Work Sessions to provide an overview of the county’s proposed budget and the funding priorities that support the wide range of services residents rely on every day. The public is encouraged to attend the work sessions in person or watch them online to learn about the county’s budget process and how it maintains a balanced budget. The work sessions will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, and Thursday, July 16, 2025, in the BCC Chambers at the Orange County Administration Center, located at 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL 32801. Because the two work sessions are considered one consecutive meeting, public comment will be accepted on July 15. Read the proposed budget. The agenda for the work sessions includes: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 09:00 – 09:05 a.m. Invocation/Pledge 09:05 – 09:20 a.m. Public Comment 09:20 – 10:15 a.m. Countywide Budget Overview 10:15 – 11:00 a.m. Administrative Services 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. Fire Rescue 11:45 – 12:30 p.m. Corrections 12:30 – 01:30 p.m. Lunch 01:30 – 02:15 p.m. Health Services 02:15 – 03:15 p.m. Public Works 03:15 – 04:15 p.m. Community and Family Services (includes Parks) 04:15 – 05:15 p.m. Sheriff Thursday, July 16, 2026 09:00 – 09:05 a.m. Invocation/Pledge 09:00 – 09:30 a.m. Constitutional Offices 09:30 – 10:00 a.m. LYNX 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Library (Convene as Library District Governing Board) 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Planning, Environmental, and Development Services (Convene as Board of County Commissioners) 11:30 – 12:00 p.m. Utilities 12:00 – 01:30 p.m. Lunch 01:30 – 02:00 p.m. Orange County Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) (Convene as Orange County CRA) 02:00 – 02:30 p.m. I-Drive CRA (Convene as I-Drive CRA) 02:30 – 03:15 p.m. Convention Center & Tourist Development Tax (Convene as Board of County Commissioners) 03:15 – 05:00 p.m. Board Budget Discussion Approval of Tentative Millages/Budget Approval of Budget Consent Agenda On the final day of the budget work sessions, July 16, the BCC will approve the tentative millages and budget with any changes they approve. The Property Appraiser will mail in mid-August the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices to property owners letting them know what their proposed property taxes will be if the BCC approves the tentative millages at the final budget public hearings on September 10 at 5:01 p.m. and September 24 at 5:01 p.m., in the BCC Chambers at the Orange County Administration Center. At those two budget public hearings, the BCC will hear from any residents that wish to speak about millage (tax) rates and the budget and approve the final millage (tax) rates and budget for Fiscal Year 2026–27.

government

Winter Garden Code Enforcement: Guide to Common Violations and Compliance

Code compliance is essential in preserving Winter Garden’s charm, ensuring our City stays inviting and beautiful for all. By complying with codes on housing, maintenance, signage, and zoning, we foster a sense of community pride. While the process may seem stringent, it is vital for maintaining our neighborhoods’ integrity. Our committed Code Compliance Officers activity address concerns and assist residents in compliance efforts, enhancing our City’s overall attractiveness.The Code Enforcement Division ensures compliance with the City's codes and ordinances relating to:Disabled and Inoperable VehiclesIllegal SignageJunk, Trash and Debris RemovalMinimum Housing StandardsMinimum Maintenance Standards for Commercial PropertiesNews-Rack PlacementYard Maintenance StandardsZoning EnforcementViolators are provided time to correct violations and administrative hearings are scheduled for those that are not corrected. The Division's Code Enforcement Officers are each responsible for different areas/districts of the city.Did You KnowThe most common code violations are:Illegal parking of inoperable vehiclesFailure to mow the lawnJunk and trash removalTo learn more about the most common code violations, code requirements, and how to report a code violation, please view or download our handy reference brochure:Enhancing Our Community Through Code Compliance: Your Guide to Navigating Common Code Violations and Reporting Processes Any structural repairs, re-roofing and most plumbing and electrical work require a permit. Any business located within the city limits requires City and Orange County Business Tax receipt (Occupational Licenses). A setback is a required between the property line and sheds, air conditioner units, RVs, boats, etc. The City may clean/clear vacant lots after the required legal notification is made to the property owner. The City may demolish unsafe residential buildings under the Standard Housing Code.Have an Officer Attend a MeetingCode Enforcement Officers routinely attend neighborhood association meetings to explain code requirements. If you would like an officer at your next meeting, please call 407-877-5136

Oakland Planning and Zoning Board Meeting Cancelled

government

Oakland Planning and Zoning Board Meeting Cancelled

Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.    Search autocomplete is currently not responding. Please try again later. View All Calendars is the default. Choose Select a Calendar to view a specific calendar. Subscribe to calendar notifications by clicking on the Notify Me® button, and you will automatically be alerted about the latest events in our community. 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} 230 N Tubb StreetP.O. Box 98Oakland, FL 34760-00988:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday - FridayPhone: 407-656-1117 Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead contact this office by phone or in writing.

community

Holy Communion at Transformed Youth Ministry

Be transformed, renewed and refreshed as you join us this Sunday at 9 AM or 11 AM for our Holy Communion Special Service. We participate in this symbolic act together every first Sunday of the month during our English and Spanish services.

Worship Service at Fort Christmas Baptist Church

SundayApril 12

Sunday School at All Saints: 02/28/21

Science & Technology at UCF

UCF College of Sciences Launches Monthly Newsletter

Want to be part of the College of Sciences? Stay in the know by signing up for our monthly newsletter, S.P.A.C.E. It covers events, news and research that you may have missed that month. Sign up below!

Free sports physicals offered for Highlands County student-athletes

Free sports physicals offered for Highlands County student-athletes

Free sports physicals, heart screenings help Highlands County student-athletes prepare for the season Published date: May 20, 2026 | Estimated read time: 2 minutes | Authored by: WFD Corporate Communications Topics: Care Community Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest About 50 student-athletes were able to get the exams during a special event at AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Sun ’n Lake in Sebring. SEBRING, Fla. — As families across Highlands County get ready for a new school sports season, AdventHealth recently partnered with the community to help make sure student-athletes have the care they need to safely take the field.Through a special event in Sebring, families had access to free sports physicals and ECG heart screenings, supporting both students’ health and parents’ peace of mind as they prepare for the year ahead. About 50 student-athletes were able to get the exams during the event at AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Sun ’n Lake, located at 6325 U.S. Highway 27 North, Suite 201, in Sebring. The ECG screenings were conducted by Who We Play For. Sports physicals and electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings are an important step in helping keep young athletes safe both on and off the field. They can identify potential health concerns early, especially heart-related conditions that may not show symptoms.“School sports play an important role in a child’s growth, confidence and connection to their community, and it’s important that families feel supported as their children prepare to participate,” said Dr. Victoria Selley, chief medical officer for AdventHealth Sebring, Lake Placid and Wauchula. “By offering these physicals and heart screenings, we’re helping more students safely take part in the activities they love while giving parents added confidence in their child’s health.” This event also helped make it easier for parents and their children to get ahead of Florida’s new student-athlete safety requirements. Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, the state’s new Second Chance Act will require students to complete an ECG heart screening before participating in interscholastic athletics for the first time. For families who were unable to attend, AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Sun ’n Lake offers sports physicals and ECGs by appointment. To learn more or schedule a visit, you can go to AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Sun N Lake | AdventHealth Medical Group or call 863-382-9600. Contact: John Luti Tel: Call John Luti at863-272-1585 Email: Email John Luti [email protected]

community