News Summary
As Central Florida gears up for the upcoming school year, communities are coming together to support families through various back-to-school events and supply drives. Schools will open their doors soon, with many initiatives aimed at alleviating the financial burden associated with school supplies. Events like the Team Anna Back to School Drive and local school supply drives provide essential support, while a Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday further eases costs. The focus is on ensuring all students are equipped for success as they head back to classrooms.
Orlando, FL – The countdown has begun for students in Central Florida as schools prepare to reopen their doors for the 2023-2024 academic year. Most students will return to classrooms on Monday, August 11, while Sumter County students will start a couple of days later on Wednesday, August 13. These dates align with the state law, which mandates that no school year can begin before August 10. For some local schools participating in a year-round school pilot program, classes are already underway.
With the school year fast approaching, communities across Central Florida have rallied together to support students and families through various back-to-school events and supply drives aimed at alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with the new academic year. Recent surveys have shown that the average family anticipates spending around $900 on school-related expenses this year, highlighting the importance of these community efforts.
Among the numerous initiatives, the Team Anna Back to School Drive will take place on July 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1507 E Concord St, Orlando. Donations are also being accepted for the WTS Back-to-School Supply Drive until July 30, providing additional opportunities for residents to contribute. The Faith Arts Children Orlando will host the FAVO Art Stroll and School Backpack Drive on August 1-2 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 221 E Colonial Dr, Orlando. This event aims to further benefit children in the area.
Winter Garden will host its own Back to School Bash 2025 on August 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Zanders Park & Bouler Pool, where families can enjoy a free event filled with activities and supplies. The Southern Ford Dealers School Supply Drive, running from July 11 to August 12, provides another drop-off location for supplies at 655 W. Church Street, Orlando.
Aiming to support families specifically, the Orlando chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association is accepting school supply donations at the Conti Moore Law Offices until August 6. Similarly, a free event providing personalized book bags and supplies will be hosted on August 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Methodist Church in Apopka. On the same date, Florida Blue will host a back-to-school event in Winter Park, featuring free resources from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
As part of its local initiatives, Kissimmee will hold a Back-to-School Celebration on August 8 from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., which offers free entry to families in need. In Davenport, the Welcome Center is set to hold a Back to School Bash on August 2 from 9 a.m. to noon, stressing that all activities will be free of charge.
In a bid to ease financial strains, Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced that a Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday will take place from August 1-31. During this period, select school-related products will benefit from tax exemptions, further encouraging families to prepare without the added financial burden.
Additional community efforts include Stenstrom Elementary’s initiative, “Stenstrom Styles,” which aims to support students in need by providing clothing. This year has seen an alarming increase in the number of students experiencing homelessness in the area, with 3,586 reported during the previous school year. Events such as a recent “Back to School Bash,” organized in conjunction with the Seminole County Fire and Police Departments, succeeded in providing backpacks filled with essential supplies to over 200 children.
As the academic year approaches, the various events and initiatives throughout Central Florida emphasize community solidarity and the collective responsibility to ensure that all students are set up for success in their educational endeavors.
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Additional Resources
- WESH: Back to School Events
- Wikipedia: Back to School
- My News 13: Sales Tax Holiday
- Google Search: Back to School Sales Tax Holiday Florida
- Click Orlando: Seminole County Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Service
- My News 13: Public School Dates
- Google News: Florida Public School Dates
- WFTV: Back to School Event
- Google Scholar: Back to School Events Florida
- Orlando Weekly: Tax Holiday
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
