Harmony Middle School’s Kyndall Brown Named Florida’s 2027 Teacher of the Year
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Kyndall Brown, an agriculture teacher at Harmony Middle School in Osceola County, has been named Florida’s 2027 Teacher of the Year, earning the state’s highest honor for public school educators Thursday evening.
AROUND OSCEOLA
Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Underway Through August 20, Saving Money on Many Back-to-school Purchases
Early Voting Begins August 7 in Osceola County; 11 Convenient Locations Available for 2026 Elections
Sheriff’s Office Reminds Families of Autism Initiative
KUA Encourages Residents to Seal Doors and Windows
KUA Chair Manuel Ortega Receives State Award
School District Parent Hotline Opens August 3
Orlando Health Planning Expansion of Osceola ED
Osceola Clerk's Office Offers Passport Services
Harmony Middle School’s Kyndall Brown Named Florida’s 2027 Teacher of the Year
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Kyndall Brown, an agriculture teacher at Harmony Middle School in Osceola County, has been named Florida’s 2027 Teacher of the Year, earning the state’s highest honor for public school educators Thursday evening.
Brown, who was recently named Osceola County’s 2027 Teacher of the Year, was selected from five statewide finalists after advancing from a field of 74 district Teachers of the Year representing more than 170,000 public school teachers across Florida.
Moments after the announcement, Brown thanked the Osceola County community and reflected on the opportunity to represent educators across the state.
“I’m so incredibly honored to support and advocate for the teachers, educators and students across the state of Florida alongside the community of Osceola County,” Brown said. “I’m so excited to represent agricultural education, our students and Osceola County. Thank you, Osceola County, for making me who I am today.”
Joining Brown following the announcement, Osceola County School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff called the recognition a victory not only for Brown, but for educators throughout the district.
“Miss Brown is the best ambassador for the field of teaching,” Shanoff said. “There’s nobody who can represent Osceola County quite the way she can. She’s representing agriculture, she’s representing FFA, and she’s representing an industry that remains an anchor of our local economy. It’s really a victory for teachers across Osceola County.
Osceola County’s Investments in Fire Rescue Could Help
Homeowners Lower Insurance Costs with New Online Portal
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County’s continued investment in new fire stations, emergency personnel, specialized equipment, and advanced rescue capabilities is not only strengthening public safety—it may also help some homeowners save money on their home insurance.
The County has launched a new online Fire Protection Class Letter Portal, allowing residents, property owners, and insurance professionals to instantly generate an official Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) Letter for eligible properties. The new self-service portal replaces the previous manual request process through the Fire Marshal’s Office, giving homeowners immediate access to information that many insurance companies use when determining homeowners insurance premiums.
Las Inversiones del Condado de Osceola en Bomberos y Rescate Podrían Ayudar a los Propietarios a Reducir el Costo de su Seguro con un Nuevo Portal en Línea
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Las continuas inversiones del Condado de Osceola en nuevas estaciones de bomberos, personal de emergencia, equipos especializados y capacidades avanzadas de rescate no solo están fortaleciendo la seguridad pública, sino que también podrían ayudar a algunos propietarios de viviendas a ahorrar dinero en el seguro de su hogar.
KUA Board Chairman Manuel Ortega Receives State Award for Leadership in Florida’s Public Power Utilities
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) Board Chairman Manuel Ortega has been recognized statewide for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of Florida’s public power utilities, earning the prestigious Policymaker Award from the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA).
The award was presented during FMEA’s annual conference banquet in Palm Beach and recognizes a local elected or appointed official who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to advancing public power.
Ortega, who has served on KUA’s Board of Directors since 2015, has been a strong advocate for municipal electric utilities at both the state and federal levels. In addition to representing KUA, he has worked closely with the Florida Legislature and members of Congress on issues affecting community-owned utilities.
Presidente de la Junta Directiva de KUA Recibe Premio Estatal por su Liderazgo en las Empresas Públicas de Energía de Florida
KISSIMMEE, Florida — El presidente de la Junta Directiva de la Autoridad de Servicios Públicos de Kissimmee (KUA), Manuel Ortega, fue reconocido a nivel estatal por su liderazgo y defensa de las empresas municipales de energía eléctrica al recibir el prestigioso Premio al Responsable de Políticas Públicas (Policymaker Award) otorgado por la Asociación Municipal Eléctrica de Florida (FMEA).
Osceola Clerk & Comptroller’s Office Offers Convenient Passport Services with On-Site Services and Appointments
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — As more Osceola County residents plan international vacations, cruises, study-abroad opportunities, and mission trips, the Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller is reminding the community that passport services are available locally at the Osceola County Courthouse in Downtown Kissimmee.
The Clerk’s Office serves as a passport acceptance facility, allowing residents to apply for new passports, obtain passport photos, and receive assistance with the application process without traveling outside the county.
Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Osceola County Courthouse, located at 2 Courthouse Square in Kissimmee.
WHO MUST APPLY IN PERSON?
According to the U.S. Department of State, applicants must complete Form DS-11 and apply in person if any of the following apply:
They have never had a U.S. passport. They are under age 16.
Their most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
Their most recent passport was lost or stolen.
2026 ELECTION DATES: MARK YOUR CALENDAR, OSCEOLA!
2026 Primary Election
Election Day: Tuesday, August 18 (7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
Early Voting: August 7–16, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
2026 General Election
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3 (7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
Early Voting: October 19–November 1, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Before you head to the polls, take a few minutes to:
Check your voter registration status
Update your voter information if needed
Request a Vote-by-Mail ballot
Find your polling place and election information
Visit VoteOsceola.gov for Osceola County election information, or check and update your Florida voter registration through the state’s official portal at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov.
Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Underway
Through August 20
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida families can save money on a wide range of back-to-school purchases as the state’s annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday continues through Thursday, August 20. The month-long tax holiday allows shoppers to purchase qualifying school-related items without paying state sales tax, helping families prepare for the new school year while stretching their budgets.
The tax holiday, approved by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, applies to many commonly purchased school items, including clothing, school supplies, computers, and educational materials, provided they meet specific price limits.
Qualifying Tax-Free Items Include:
Clothing, footwear, and accessories priced at $100 or less per item, including backpacks, wallets, handbags, diaper bags, and book bags.
School supplies priced at $50 or less per item, including notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, rulers, lunch boxes, binders, calculators, and more.
Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles priced at $30 or less per item, including flashcards, educational games, and similar instructional materials.
Personal computers and qualifying computer accessories priced at $1,500 or less when purchased for personal, non-commercial use. Eligible items include laptops, desktops, tablets, monitors, keyboards, mice, and printers.
Orlando Health Planning Expansion of Osceola Emergency Room into Acute Care Hospital
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Families across Osceola County now have access to a new early literacy program designed to help children build reading and language skills before they enter kindergarten.
The Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County, in partnership with Experience Kissimmee, Wild Florida, Osceola Reads, and the Osceola Library System, has launched Read to Rise, a countywide family literacy initiative that provides free educational resources, hands-on activity kits, and learning opportunities for children from birth through age 6.
Orlando Health Trabaja en Planes para Expandir su Sala de Emergencias en Osceola y Convertirla en un Hospital de Cuidados Agudos
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Orlando Health confirmó que está trabajando en planes para expandir el Orlando Health Emergency Room and Medical Pavilion – Osceola y convertirlo en un hospital de cuidados agudos que atendería las crecientes necesidades de atención médica de los residentes del condado de Osceola.
En una declaración proporcionada a Positively Osceola, Orlando Health señaló que la organización mantiene su compromiso de seguir brindando la atención médica compasiva y de alta calidad que sus equipos ofrecen a las comunidades a las que tiene el privilegio de servir.
Seventh-Generation Osceola Native Henry Thacker Elected 2026–2027 Big Boss of the Silver Spurs Club
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Silver Spurs Club has elected seventh-generation Osceola County native Henry Thacker as its 2026–2027 Big Boss, continuing a family legacy of leadership, volunteerism, and dedication to Osceola County’s Western heritage.
Thacker’s election marks a historic first for the Silver Spurs Club. He is the first member whose mother and father, Clarence and Jo Thacker, both previously served as Big Boss, continuing a family tradition of leadership, volunteerism, and commitment to the Western heritage that defines the club.
Before being elected to lead the organization, Thacker served five years as Old Bossy, the club’s treasurer, helping oversee its financial stewardship and supporting its mission of community service.
“It is an incredible honor to serve as Big Boss of the Silver Spurs Club,” Thacker said. “This organization has meant so much to my family and to Osceola County for generations.”
Henry and his wife, Melissa, are raising their sons, Jon and Murray, around the traditions of rodeo, volunteerism, and community service.
As Big Boss, Thacker will lead the organization through another year of rodeos, scholarships, charitable giving, and community events
Osceola Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto’s Office Offers Virtual
Queue System to Improve Customer Service
The Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller has officially entered a new era of customer service with the rollout of its virtual queue system, a modernization effort designed to reduce wait times and improve the overall courthouse experience for visitors.
The system reflects Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto’s continued commitment to efficiency, accessibility, and innovation across county services.
With the virtual queue now fully operational, visitors can join the line digitally using their smartphones upon arrival.
Guests simply scan a QR code located near the elevators on the second floor to enter the queue, eliminating the need to wait in traditional lines.
Once checked in, visitors receive real-time notifications on their phones when a customer care representative is ready to assist them, allowing individuals to wait comfortably in their vehicles, a nearby coffee shop, or designated courthouse waiting areas.
The system also streamlines check-in for residents with scheduled marriage or passport appointments, who are able to confirm their arrival through an email or text message upon entering the courthouse.
Kissimmee Utility Authority Encourages Residents to Seal Doors and Windows to Reduce Summer Energy Costs
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — As Central Florida’s summer heat continues to drive up air conditioning use, Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) is reminding customers that one of the easiest ways to improve home comfort and lower energy bills is by making sure doors and windows are properly sealed.
As part of its Summer Smart Squad energy efficiency campaign, KUA is encouraging residents to inspect their homes for gaps and cracks around doors and windows where cool air can escape.
Even small air leaks can force air conditioning systems to work harder, increasing energy consumption and utility costs during the hottest months of the year.
KUA Recomienda Sellar Puertas y Ventanas para Reducir los Costos de Energía Durante el Verano
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Mientras el intenso calor del verano continúa aumentando el uso del aire acondicionado en el centro de la Florida, la Autoridad de Servicios Públicos de Kissimmee (KUA) recuerda a sus clientes que una de las formas más sencillas de mantener el hogar cómodo y reducir el consumo de energía es asegurarse de que las puertas y ventanas estén correctamente selladas.
Osceola School District
Transportation
Parent Hotline Opens August 3
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Families preparing for the start of the 2026-2027 school year will have additional support beginning August 3 as the Osceola School District launches its Transportation Services Parent Hotline to assist with school bus questions and other transportation needs.
The hotline will be available in both English and Spanish by calling 407-483-3673. Representatives will answer calls Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parents will also be able to view their child’s bus route beginning August 3 through the district’s online Bus Planner eligibility portal.
In addition to the hotline, the district is encouraging families to use its Onflo online customer service platform for back-to-school questions. By selecting the “Contact Us” tab on the right side of the Osceola School District’s website, parents can submit questions in either English or Spanish and receive responses by email.
District officials said both the Transportation Services Parent Hotline and the Onflo platform will remain available throughout the school year, providing families and community members with continued access to transportation information, assistance, and support.
The first day of school for Osceola School District students is Monday, August 10.
Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Reminds Voters to Renew Vote-by-Mail Requests for 2026 Elections
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Office is reminding voters that vote-by-mail requests must be renewed for each election cycle, as required under Florida law.
Supervisor of Elections Mary Jane Arrington announced that the office is mailing notices to registered voters across Osceola County who currently do not have an active vote-by-mail request on file for the 2026 election cycle.
According to the Elections Office, Florida voters who wish to receive a vote-by-mail ballot must submit a new request each election cycle. Officials say the deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is 12 days prior to an election.
Supervisora de Elecciones del Condado Osceola Recuerda a los Votantes Renovar sus Solicitudes de Voto por Correo para las Elecciones de 2026
ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Una investigación de varios meses sobre una vivienda problemática en St. Cloud terminó con el arresto de 11 personas la mañana del jueves, luego de que la policía ejecutara una orden de allanamiento en una casa ubicada en West New Nolte Road.
Según el St. Cloud Police Department, oficiales trabajaron junto al Kissimmee Police Department en la residencia ubicada en 810 W. New Nolte Road, propiedad que había generado más de 40 llamadas de servicio en lo que va del 2025.
Universal Orlando Sets Closing Date for Fast & Furious –Supercharged at Universal Studios Florida (August 16)
ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando Resort has announced that Fast & Furious – Supercharged at Universal Studios Florida will permanently close on August 16, 2026, ending an eight-year run for the attraction inspired by the blockbuster film franchise.
The announcement came in a message to Universal Orlando Annual Passholders, confirming the attraction’s final operating day as the resort continues preparations for its next major thrill ride, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, which is scheduled to open in 2027.
Universal had previously indicated the attraction would remain open into 2027, making the newly announced August closing date several months earlier than many fans expected. The resort has not announced what will replace the current attraction’s location within the San Francisco section of Universal Studios Florida. Fast & Furious – Supercharged opened in 2018, inviting guests aboard a “party bus” for a screen-based adventure through the world of Dominic Toretto and his crew.
The attraction featured appearances by several stars from the film series, including Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and Tyrese Gibson, as riders became part of a high-speed chase through the streets of San Francisco.
Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital ENT Specialist Dr. Thuong Trinh Shares Allergy and Sinus Health Insights on Coffee Talk
ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Residents across Osceola County recently had the opportunity to learn more about seasonal allergies, sinus issues, and ear, nose, and throat health during a special edition of Positively Osceola's Coffee Talk LIVE featuring Dr. Thuong H. Trinh, an ear, nose, and throat specialist with Orlando Health Medical Group.
Joining Positively Osceola Vice President Keith Ronan in downtown St. Cloud, Dr. Trinh discussed one of Central Florida's most common health challenges: seasonal allergies and the impact they can have on daily life.
La Especialista en Otorrinolaringología del Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, Dra. Thuong Trinh, Comparte Información Sobre Alergias y Salud Sinusal en Coffee Talk LIVE
ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Los residentes de todo el condado de Osceola tuvieron recientemente la oportunidad de conocer más sobre las alergias estacionales, los problemas sinusales y la salud del oído, la nariz y la garganta durante una edición especial de Coffee Talk LIVE de Positively Osceola, que contó con la participación de la Dra. Thuong H. Trinh, especialista en otorrinolaringología de Orlando Health Medical Group.
Acompañando al vicepresidente de Positively Osceola, Keith Ronan, en el centro de St. Cloud, la Dra.
Osceola Sheriff’s Office Reminds Families About Autism Initiative Designed to Enhance Emergency Response
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fl. — The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is reminding families of individuals with autism about its ongoing Autism Initiative, a voluntary program designed to provide deputies with critical information before responding to a home or vehicle, helping improve communication and enhance safety during emergency situations.
Available to residents in unincorporated Osceola County, the program provides free autism awareness decals for homes and vehicles. The decals alert responding deputies that an individual with autism may be present, allowing first responders to apply specialized training and tailor their approach to the individual’s unique needs.
La Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Osceola Recuerda a las Familias la Disponibilidad de su Iniciativa para Personas con Autismo
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — La Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Osceola recuerda a las familias de personas con autismo la disponibilidad de su Iniciativa para el Autismo, un programa voluntario diseñado para proporcionar a los agentes información importante antes de responder a una residencia o vehículo, con el propósito de mejorar la comunicación y reforzar la seguridad durante situaciones de emergencia.
Early Voting Begins August 7 in Osceola County; 11
Convenient Locations Available for 2026 Electionse
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — As the 2026 election season approaches, the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections is encouraging voters to make a plan now by taking advantage of Early Voting, which offers registered voters the flexibility to cast their ballots before Election Day at any designated early voting location throughout the county.
For the 2026 Primary Election, Early Voting will be held Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 16, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 18, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
La Votación Anticipada Comienza el 7 de Agosto en el Condado de Osceola; 11 Centros Estarán Disponibles para las Elecciones de 2026
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A medida que se acerca la temporada electoral de 2026, la Supervisora de Elecciones del Condado de Osceola invita a los votantes a planificar con anticipación y aprovechar la Votación Anticipada, una opción que ofrece mayor flexibilidad para emitir su voto antes del Día de las Elecciones en cualquiera de los centros autorizados del condado.
Kissimmee Utility Authority Releases 2026 Hurricane Preparedness Guide Ahead of Atlantic Hurricane Season
KISSIMMEE — As the start of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season approaches, Kissimmee Utility Authority has released its annual 2026 Osceola Hurricane Guide, a free bilingual preparedness handbook designed to help residents across Osceola County prepare for potential tropical weather threats.
The comprehensive guide is produced through a partnership involving KUA, Osceola County, the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud, Toho Water Authority, the Osceola County Property Appraiser’s Office, and UF IFAS Extension.
According to KUA, the handbook includes important information on emergency shelters, evacuation routes, generator safety, disaster supply checklists, power outage restoration procedures, and key emergency contact numbers.
KUA Publica la Guía de Preparación para Huracanes 2026 Antes del Inicio de la Temporada
KISSIMMEE — Ante el inicio de la temporada de huracanes del Atlántico 2026, Kissimmee Utility Authority publicó su Guía de Huracanes de Osceola 2026, un manual gratuito y bilingüe diseñado para ayudar a los residentes del condado de Osceola a prepararse para posibles amenazas tropicales.
La guía integral fue desarrollada en colaboración con KUA, el condado de Osceola, las ciudades de Kissimmee y St. Cloud, Toho Water Authority, la Oficina del Tasador de Propiedades del Condado de Osceola y UF IFAS Extension.
Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital Among Three Orlando Health Facilities Named Best Places to Work
ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Three hospitals within the Orlando Health system have been recognized nationally by Modern Healthcare as part of its 2026 Best Places to Work in Healthcare program.
Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, and Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital, each earned the national distinction, which recognizes healthcare organizations that foster positive workplace environments and employee satisfaction.
The recognition continues a strong streak for the healthcare system. Orlando Health officials said at least one Orlando Health hospital has been named to the Best Places to Work list for six consecutive years. Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital earned the honor for the fifth straight year, while Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute received the recognition for the third consecutive year. Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital has now been recognized six times since 2020.
“Our three selected hospitals are among only 150 healthcare companies and organizations nationwide recognized by Modern Healthcare as best places to work,” said Colleen Harper, vice president of Human Resources for Orlando Health. “This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture where team members feel valued, supported and proud of the work they do.”
Burger King Launches ‘Whopper Guarantee,’ Promises Free Burger if Order Falls Short
Burger King is introducing a new customer satisfaction initiative that promises guests more than just a replacement if their Whopper doesn’t meet expectations.
The fast-food chain announced Monday the launch of its new Whopper Guarantee, a policy that allows customers to have a Whopper remade immediately if it is prepared incorrectly or fails to meet expectations. In addition, guests will receive a free classic Whopper on a future visit as part of the company’s effort to improve the overall dining experience.
The announcement follows Burger King’s “Listening Initiative,” launched earlier this year, during which the company invited customers to share feedback directly with Burger King U.S. & Canada President Tom Curtis through calls and text messages.
Burger King Lanza la “Garantía Whopper” y Promete una Hamburguesa Gratis si el Pedido No Cumple con las Expectativas
Burger King presentó una nueva iniciativa enfocada en la satisfacción del cliente que promete ofrecer más que un simple reemplazo cuando una Whopper no cumple con las expectativas.
MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/45itLmG
Stranger Things Final Season Coming to Life at Halloween Horror Nights 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. — Fans of Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things will once again step into the terrifying world of the Upside Down as Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights unveils an all-new haunted house inspired by the fifth and final season of the acclaimed series.
Developed in partnership with Netflix, the new attraction will debut at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood as part of the 2026 Halloween Horror Nights season. The experience is designed to immerse guests in the climactic battle to save Hawkins, bringing some of the final season’s most memorable scenes, characters, and supernatural threats to life.
La Temporada Final de Stranger Things Cobra Vida en Halloween Horror Nights 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. — Los fanáticos de la exitosa serie de Netflix Stranger Things volverán a adentrarse en el aterrador mundo del Upside Down cuando Halloween Horror Nights de Universal presente una nueva casa embrujada inspirada en la quinta y última temporada de la aclamada producción.
Desarrollada en colaboración con Netflix, la nueva atracción debutará tanto en Universal Orlando Resort como en Universal Studios Hollywood como parte de la temporada 2026 de Halloween Horror Nights.
