News Features

Back To School Season Ramps Up Activities

    Teachers and school staff will return to classrooms next week, in advance of the 2025-26 school year beginning on August 11. Leading up to the big day, a variety of community events designed to help children and parents get ready for school are being hosted throughout the community. The fun actually began this past Saturday in Astor, when the Astor Kiwanis Club hosted a Back To School Bash at the First Baptist Church of Astor, and more events will dot the calendar in the coming days. Most are open to the public, are free, and allow families a chance to gather some needed school supplies before the first bell rings.
   Here’s a breakdown of some upcoming activities:
   - Packs Of Hope at the First Baptist Church of Umatilla. This event will be held on Saturday, August 2, from 10 a.m. until noon at the church, located at 550 Hatfield Drive. The event offers free backpacks and supplies to students, courtesy of the church's congregational donations.
   - Breakfast For Educators: August 5, 8-10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Umatilla. This event, hosted by the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce with broad community support, welcomes the staff from the area's schools to a celebratory kickoff breakfast. Hundreds of educators are expected to be in attendance for this year's "Back To School Fuel Up Breakfast", which offers a chance to celebrate educators ahead of the new school year. A featured activity at the breakfast is the awarding of raffle baskets to teachers, and any area business or organization wishing to support teachers while raising its profile is encouraged to contact the chamber oat 352-669-3511 for more information.
   - Maxy’s Back To School Sales Event: August 4 - 8. Umatilla’s largest retailer is helping families take advantage of the Florida State Sales Tax holiday by offering additional savings on school supplies. Toys, shoes, clothing, and more are in stock, and those spending $25 or more will receive a free backpack as well as an additional 20% off on all school supplies.
   Maxy’s is located in the Save A Lot Plaza in Umatilla. Also in the plaza is Umatilla Pack N Ship, which is offering 25% off shipping and an additional 30% off on banners and signs, a big savings for anyone setting up a classroom or campus decoration.

-      Join the fun at the Back to School Bash and Fundraiser. The event is scheduled for Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Eustis Community Center, located at 601 Northshore Drive, Eustis.
   Free backpacks, free clothes, raffles and giveaways, food, music, and kids’ games are all part of the event.
   Register at www.blakc.org
   The event is sponsored by: Crayola Experience, Chipotle, Gatorland, Everything Food, Publix, and WonderWorks.