Volusia County students return to school, SpaceX targets next launch: Here are 9 things happening this week

ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida’s last school district is returning to school on Monday and SpaceX is targeting its next Starlink mission this week.

Here are nine things happening this week:

1. Volusia County students return to school

Students in Volusia County are returning to school Monday after schools were closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Parents chose to have their children go back to the traditional classroom, participate in real time from home or do it virtually at their own pace.

Volusia County is the last Central Florida school district to return to school.

Read: Volusia County School District says parents won’t be informed if someone contracts COVID-19 at school

2. SpaceX to launch Starlink satellites

After its mission was postponed due to inclement weather, SpaceX said it is targeting 9:29 a.m. Tuesday for its next launch of Starlink satellites.

The launch is part of a larger mission by SpaceX to provide high-speed internet access around the word.

You’ll be able to watch the launch LIVE here.

Read: SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rocket after scrubbed Starlink launch Sunday

3. Gov. Ron DeSantis to host education roundtable

Gov. Ron DeSantis will be hosting an education roundtable discussion Monday.

The discussion will begin at 9 a.m.

Click here to watch it live.

4. Free COVID-19 testing available at South Orange Youth Complex

Orange County health officials are offering free COVID-19 testing at the South Orange Youth Complex Wednesday through Friday.

The testing site will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Officials said testing will be available to all residents, including those 12 years and older with a parent or guardian present.

To make an appointment, click here. Organizers said the site is pedestrian-friendly and walk-ups are allowed.

5. COVID-19 testing available at Camping World Stadium

The city of Orlando said a new and free mobile COVID-19 testing site will open Wednesday at Camping World Stadium.

The testing site will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Health officials said the site will offer a nasal swab test that will allow medical first responders from the Orlando Fire Department to administer the test while individuals remain in their vehicles.

6. Osceola County offers free COVID-19 mobile testing at several locations

The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County said free COVID-19 mobile testing will be available throughout the week.

Here are the testing times and locations:

• St. Rosa Lima Catholic Church, 3880 Pleasant Hill Road, Kissimmee from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday.
• Community Hope Center, 2420 Old Vineland Road, Kissimmee from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday
• First United Methodist Church, 1000 Ohio Avenue, St. Cloud from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday

Health officials said appointments are not required for these mobile testing events.

Click here for more information.

7. City of Ocala to paint mural for first responders

The city of Ocala said it will begin painting a mural on a basketball court Thursday.

“The project is being completed in collaboration with the development of the MLK First Responder Campus and will provide an enhancement to the community-centered project,” said Laura Walker, cultural arts and sciences division head. “This project in particular will be the first of its kind in Ocala and will incorporate the idea of community engagement and relationship building.”

The concept for the mural “draws on imagery, symbols and the color palate relating to first responders and the city of Ocala,” officials said.

The mural will feature an “illustration of two hands engaged in a common greeting known as a “fist bump” and is surrounded by representations of the seals associated with first responders.”

8. First Friday Art Walk returns to Ocala

The First Friday Art Walk is scheduled to return to downtown Ocala on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

The art walk occurs on the first Friday of each month from September through May.

September’s event will feature hands-on art activities, which are provided by the participating community arts organizations. These will be one-use, make-and-take items.

Organizers said, “Sanitation protocols will be in place at each art station, and each activity provided will be health and safety conscious.”

Anyone who attends is encouraged to wear a face covering, maintain social distancing, frequently sanitize their hands, and use cashless payments when possible.

9. International Bacon Day

Everything is better with bacon and Saturday is International Bacon Day.

Celebrate the day by eating bacon at home or consider dining out at your favorite local restaurant.

Do you always want to be the first to know what’s happening in Central Florida? Download the WFTV news app and watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News.

You can also click here to have updates sent straight to your inbox.