The bee is back: Scripps National Spelling Bee returns, final rounds to be held in Orlando this summer

The bee is back: Scripps National Spelling Bee returns, final rounds to be held in Orlando this summer
FILE PHOTO: Confetti falls over Arvind Mahankali of Bayside Hills, New York after the finals of the 2013 Scripps National Spelling Bee May 30, 2013 at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The spelling bee is the latest event to be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
By: Katlyn Brieskorn, WFTV.com
Updated: February 22, 2021 - 9:21 AM

ORLANDO, Fla. — The bee is back.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is returning this year and the final rounds will be held in Orlando this summer.

READ: C-A-N-C-E-L-E-D: Scripps National Spelling Bee canceled because of coronavirus pandemic

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Ten to 12 spellers will travel to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in July.

Due to the pandemic, the preliminaries, quarterfinals and semifinals will be held virtually.

“The decision to limit the in-person portion of the competition to no more than 12 spellers was made in consideration of the health and safety of participants, their families and everyone involved in the event’s production as the country continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic,” a spokesperson said.

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The spelling bee was canceled last year due to the pandemic.

Qualifying school and local bees are underway now and will be completed by early April.

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The Scripps National Spelling Bee finals will be held July 8.

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