The Osceola Daily News for Friday May 8, 2026

Brian Wetzel, President of Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, Honored with Scouting America’s Golden Eagle Award

In a night focused on leadership, service, and investing in the next generation, President and CEO of Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, Brian Wetzel, was honored with the prestigious Golden Eagle Award during the Scouting America Central Florida Council’s Golden Eagle Dinner Tuesday at OHP.

Around Osceola

St. Cloud to Honor Fallen Heroes at Mount Peace Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25

ST. CLOUD, Fla. — The City of St. Cloud will host its annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony on Monday, May 25, offering the community an opportunity to honor the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Mount Peace Cemetery, located at 755 East 10th Street. The event will include remarks, tributes, and moments of reflection dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation.

St. Cloud Honrará a los Héroes Caídos en la Ceremonia del Día de los Caídos en el Cementerio Mount Peace el Lunes 25 de Mayo

ST. CLOUD, Fla. — La Ciudad de St. Cloud llevará a cabo su ceremonia anual de conmemoración del Día de los Caídos el lunes 25 de mayo, brindando a la comunidad la oportunidad de honrar a los hombres y mujeres que perdieron la vida mientras servían en las Fuerzas Armadas de los Estados Unidos.

La ceremonia está programada para las 10 a.m. en el Cementerio Mount Peace, ubicado en 755 East 10th Street.

St. Cloud Police Arrest 11, Seize Drugs, and Shut Down

Troubled ‘Nuisance Property’

ST. CLOUD, Fla. — A months-long investigation into what authorities described as a troubled property in St. Cloud led to the arrest of 11 people Thursday morning after police executed a search warrant at a home on West New Nolte Road.

According to the St. Cloud Police Department, officers worked alongside the Kissimmee Police Department to serve the warrant at a residence located at 810 W. New Nolte Road, a property police say had generated more than 40 calls for service so far in 2025.

Investigators said the operation followed an ongoing investigation into alleged criminal activity taking place at the home, which authorities referred to as a “nuisance property.”

Policía de St. Cloud Arresta a 11 Personas, Incauta Drogas y Clausura Problemática “Propiedad Conflictiva”

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.

Brian Wetzel, President of Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, Honored with Scouting America’s Golden Eagle Award

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — In a night focused on leadership, service, and investing in the next generation, President and CEO of Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, Brian Wetzel, was honored with the prestigious Golden Eagle Award during the Scouting America Central Florida Council’s Golden Eagle Dinner held Tuesday at Osceola Heritage Park.

The Golden Eagle Award is among the highest honors presented by Scouting America, recognizing individuals whose leadership and community impact reflect the values of the organization—character, integrity, and service.

Brian Wetzel, Presidente de Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, Recibe el Prestigioso Golden Eagle Award de Scouting America

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — En una noche enfocada en el liderazgo, el servicio y la inversión en la próxima generación, el presidente y director ejecutivo de Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, Brian Wetzel, fue honrado con el prestigioso Golden Eagle Award durante la cena Golden Eagle del Consejo de Florida Central de Scouting America, celebrada el martes en Osceola Heritage Park. El Golden Eagle Award es uno de los más altos reconocimientos otorgados por Scouting America, destacando a personas cuyo liderazgo e impacto en la comunidad reflejan los valores de la organización: carácter, integridad y servicio. La trayectoria de décadas de Wetzel en el ámbito de la salud.

From Kissimmee to Disney: One Mother’s 35-Year Journey

Creates a Family Legacy of Magic and Opportunity

From family days at the parks and water parks to Disney Cruise Line vacations, Connie’s children grew up immersed in the Disney experience while watching their mother steadily build a career she loved.

Today, that story has come full circle.

Both of Connie’s children now work at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort while also attending Valencia College through Disney Aspire, the company’s education investment program.

Her son, Matthew, works in food and beverage, serving guests while pursuing a passion for pastry and culinary arts.

Her daughter, Aiyana, recently began her own Disney journey in recreation while studying business administration, with hopes of eventually stepping into a leadership role.

“Growing up, I always saw how much my mom cared about what she did,” Matthew said. “Watching her build a career here at Disney made me want to find something I’m passionate about too, and Disney has given me the chance to do that.”

For Aiyana, watching her mother’s dedication over the years became a powerful example of what was possible.

Taste of Kissimmee Returns Friday, May 8 to Lakefront’s Ruby Plaza with Food, Music, and Community Celebration

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — One of Kissimmee’s most anticipated community events is set to return as the “Taste of Kissimmee,” presented by the City of Kissimmee and sponsored by Experience Kissimmee, once again delivers an evening of flavor, entertainment, and community spirit along the city’s scenic lakefront.

The event will take place on Friday, May 8, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kissimmee Lakefront Park – Ruby Plaza, located at 201 Lakeview Drive, offering a vibrant outdoor experience for residents and visitors alike.

Taste of Kissimmee Regresa el Viernes 8 de Mayo al

Ruby

Plaza

del Lakefront

con Sabor, Música y Comunidad

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Uno de los eventos comunitarios más esperados de Kissimmee está de regreso, ya que “Taste of Kissimmee,” presentado por la City of Kissimmee y patrocinado por Experience Kissimmee, vuelve a ofrecer una noche llena de sabor, entretenimiento y espíritu comunitario en el pintoresco lakefront de la ciudad.

El evento se llevará a cabo el viernes 8 de mayo de 2026, de 5 p.m. a 8 p.m. en Kissimmee Lakefront Park – Ruby Plaza, ubicado en 201 Lakeview Drive, brindando una experiencia al aire libre vibrante para residentes y visitantes.

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Osceola Arts Lip Sync Battle Brings Local Star Power, Community Spirit, and Support for Arts Education

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis visited Tohopekaliga High School on Thursday morning, where he announced that more than 13,000 Florida families have already enrolled in the state’s new partnership between the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program and the Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans. The announcement, made during a press conference attended by students, educators, and local leaders, highlighted early participation in the initiative just four months after its launch.

El Lip Sync Battle

de

Osceola

Arts reúne talento local, espíritu comunitario y apoyo a la educación artística

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Una sala llena, actuaciones llenas de energía y un propósito poderoso marcaron la noche del sábado cuando Osceola Arts presentó su anual Lip Sync Battle, convirtiendo el escenario en una verdadera celebración de creatividad e impacto comunitario.

Este evento emblemático de recaudación de fondos reunió a líderes locales, profesionales y figuras influyentes del condado de Osceola, quienes subieron al escenario con coreografías, vestuarios llamativos y presentaciones que entusiasmaron al público.

Orlando

Health

Jewett

Orthopedic Institute Making a Positive Impact in the St. Cloud Community with Specialized Care

ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Sitting down over a cup of coffee in Downtown St. Cloud, just a stone’s throw from St. Cloud City Hall and the St. Cloud Greater Osceola Chamber of Commerce, Positively Osceola’s Keith Ronan recently joined Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute Physician Assistant Rick Ordon for a conversation about the value and convenience of having advanced orthopedic care available right in the Greater Osceola County community.

During the discussion, Ordon highlighted how the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute walk-in clinic in St. Cloud is helping patients receive specialized orthopedic care quickly and conveniently, often without the need for an emergency room visit.

Ordon, who has served patients in Osceola County for the past 20 years, explained that the orthopedic walk-in clinic gives residents direct access to orthopedic specialists for a wide range of injuries and conditions affecting all areas of the body.

The clinic commonly treats sprains, strains, sports-related injuries, stress fractures, tendonitis, arthritis, back pain, and sports concussions for both adults and pediatric patients ages 2 and older. One of the clinic’s biggest advantages, Ordon noted, is that patients can walk in without an appointment and begin receiving treatment immediately.

FWC Launches ‘Cast for Cash’ Pilot Program to Study

Recreational Fish Releases

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced the launch of a new pilot research initiative designed to gather critical data on recreational fishing practices, offering financial incentives to anglers who participate.

The program, titled “Cast for Cash: It Pays to Fish for Science,” will enlist private recreational anglers in the Tampa Bay region to assist scientists by documenting their fishing activity—specifically focusing on reef fish that are caught and released Under the initiative, selected participants can earn $250 per recorded fishing trip, with the opportunity to complete up to six trips during a three-month research period. In total, anglers could receive as much as $1,500 for their participation.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — La Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ha anunciado el lanzamiento de una nueva iniciativa piloto de investigación diseñada para recopilar datos clave sobre las prácticas de pesca recreativa, ofreciendo incentivos económicos a los pescadores que participen.

El programa, titulado “Cast for Cash: It Pays to Fish for Science”, invitará a pescadores recreativos privados en la región de la Bahía de Tampa a ayudar a los científicos documentando su actividad de pesca, con un enfoque específico en los peces de arrecife que son capturados y luego liberados.

19-Year-Old Man Arrested After Investigators Link Him to Illegal House Parties Where Two Teens Were Killed in Osceola

Davenport, FL – Osceola County Sheriff’s Office investigators have arrested a 19-year-old Kissimmee man they say organized and promoted multiple illegal house parties tied to two separate deadly shootings involving teenagers earlier this year.

Authorities announced that Jeremiah Kelly-Alexander Richmond, 19, was taken into custody Wednesday in Osceola County by the Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Richmond was arrested on an outstanding warrant connected to an ongoing homicide investigation. Detectives say Richmond played a key role in organizing and operating two large unauthorized house parties where violence turned deadly in recent months. The first shooting happened on March 14 in the Veranda Palms subdivision, where 17-year-old Qvarious McCloud of Orlando was shot and killed during a crowded party.

A second deadly shooting occurred on April 18 at another illegal gathering near Sommerset Hills Drive in Davenport, where Daesean Anthony Moctezuma was killed.

According to investigators, evidence gathered during the investigations identified Richmond as the individual responsible for promoting and hosting both events.

22-Year-Old Kissimmee Man Arrested for Manslaughter After Fatal Shooting of Friend, Deputies Say

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A 22-year-old Kissimmee man has been arrested and charged with manslaughter after investigators say he fatally shot his friend while mishandling a loaded firearm Wednesday night in Kissimmee, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to a residence located at 2691 Chatham Circle at approximately 8:40 p.m. on May 6 in reference to a reported shooting.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they located a man suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was later identified as 21-year-old Orlando Jose Canizales of Kissimmee.

Hombre de 22 Años de Kissimmee Arrestado por Homicidio Involuntario Tras la Muerte a Tiros de un Amigo, Según Autoridades

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Un hombre de 22 años de Kissimmee fue arrestado y acusado de homicidio involuntario después de que investigadores informaran que disparó fatalmente a su amigo mientras manipulaba incorrectamente un arma de fuego cargada la noche del miércoles en Kissimmee, según la Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.

Los agentes respondieron a una residencia ubicada en el 2691 de Chatham Circle aproximadamente a las 8:40 p.m. del 6 de mayo tras recibir un reporte de un tiroteo.

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.

Addition Financial Launches Patient-Designed Debit Card

Supporting Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital

Addition Financial Credit Union has unveiled a new affinity debit card benefiting Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, giving members a new way to support pediatric healthcare in Central Florida simply by using their debit card for everyday purchases.

The co-branded Addition Financial Orlando Health Visa Debit Card was officially introduced in partnership with Orlando Health Foundation and features artwork created by sisters Celeste, 7, and Gabi, 10, both patients at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

Addition

Financial Lanza Tarjeta de Débito Diseñada por Pacientes en Apoyo al Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children y la Atención Pediátrica

Addition Financial Credit Union has unveiled a new affinity debit card benefiting Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, giving members a new way to support pediatric healthcare in Central Florida simply by using their debit card for everyday purchases.

The co-branded Addition Financial Orlando Health Visa Debit Card was officially introduced in partnership with Orlando Health Foundation and features artwork created by sisters Celeste, 7, and Gabi, 10, both patients at Arnold Palmer Hospital

St. Cloud to Host Free CONNECT Business Growth Workshop with LYNX

ST.CLOUD, FlaLocal business owners will have the opportunity to explore new growth and contracting opportunities during the upcoming “CONNECT: Resources for Business Growth Workshop” hosted by the City of St. Cloud in partnership with LYNX.

The free, in-person workshop will take place Tuesday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Cannery Park Building, 901 Virginia Ave.

Designed for both new and established businesses, the session will provide practical guidance on navigating public contracting and working with LYNX. Topics include current and upcoming procurement opportunities, how to register for LYNX solicitations, preparing for public contracting, and partnering as a prime or subcontractor.

St. Cloud Ofrecerá Taller Gratuito CONNECT para el Crecimiento Empresarial con LYNX

ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Los dueños de negocios locales tendrán la oportunidad de explorar nuevas oportunidades de crecimiento y contratación durante el taller “CONNECT: Recursos para el Crecimiento Empresarial”, organizado por la Ciudad de St. Cloud en colaboración con LYNX.

El taller gratuito se llevará a cabo el martes 12 de mayo, de 10 a.m. a 12 p.m., en el Cannery Park Building, ubicado en 901 Virginia Ave.

Charlene Lackey, Once a Kowboy, Always a Kowboy

Osceola County came together Wednesday night to honor one of its most beloved educators, coaches, and mentors — Charlene Elizabeth Lackey, a true Kowboy whose legacy continues to live on across generations.

Charlene, 70, of Kissimmee, passed away on April 10, 2026, leaving a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, and the entire Osceola community. But her impact — built over decades of service, leadership, and love — will never fade.

From the moment she arrived at Osceola High School in 1979, Charlene dedicated herself to shaping young lives. Over a remarkable 37-year career, she served as a Physical Education teacher, volleyball coach, Keyette sponsor, and Dean of Students — always stepping in wherever she was needed, always putting students first.

As the foundation of Osceola’s volleyball program, Charlene elevated Kowboy athletics to a new level.

During her 16 years as head coach, her teams earned multiple Orange Belt Conference championships, district titles, and a regional crown — but more importantly, she built a culture of discipline, resilience, and pride that still defines the program today.

Even after stepping away from coaching, Charlene’s presence never left.

Osceola Council on Aging Calling for Volunteer Drivers to Deliver Meals and Make a Positive Difference for Local Seniors

The Osceola Council on Aging is calling on members of the community to step forward and volunteer as Meals on Wheels drivers, helping deliver nutritious meals and friendly check-ins to homebound seniors across Osceola County.

According to the organization, many seniors in the community are currently waiting for volunteers to help deliver their meals. For those receiving the service, the brief visit from a volunteer driver often means far more than just food—it provides safety, connection, and reassurance that someone is looking out for them.

The Osceola Council on Aging says volunteering requires only a small commitment but can make a significant difference in someone’s life.

Drivers typically spend just 60 to 90 minutes delivering meals, and volunteers can choose to help once a week or even just a few times each month.

Using their own vehicle, volunteers are assigned a route where they deliver meals and check in with seniors who depend on the program. For many of those individuals, the volunteer may be the only person they see that day.

“No special skills are required, and training is provided,” the organization said. “What matters most is having compassionate volunteers willing to give a little of their time.

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.

LEGAL NEWS

Sadly, serious and fatal accidents take place on a daily basis in Central Florida. These crashes can happen in a number of ways and can be caused by not following traffic laws, inexperience, intoxication, distracted driving, fatigue, and medical issues.

Statistics show that fatal car accidents can often occur based on the type of vehicle. You may think that sports cars are most likely to be in crashes due to their speed and performance. However, according to the NHTSA, it’s the everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs on the roadways that are involved more frequently in serious or even deadly accidents, with sedans and pickup trucks accounting for more than three-quarters of fatal accidents.

Teen Shot, Three Arrested in Sheriff’s Office Illegal House Party Crackdown Near Davenport

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office says an illegal house party near Davenport led to a teenage shooting and three arrests over the weekend, including a 19-year-old Orlando man accused of possessing a handgun and prepackaged marijuana inside a backpack.

Deputies were called to a residence on Thunderbird Road in the ChampionsGate/ Four Corners area of southwest Osceola County shortly after 5:20 p.m. on May 3 following reports of a large party taking place at the home.

According to investigators, the first deputy arriving at the scene was speaking with Curtis Security officers outside the residence when a gunshot was suddenly heard from inside the house.

Adolescente Baleado y Tres Arrestados en Operativo Contra Fiestas Ilegales Cerca de Davenport

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — La Oficina del Sheriff del Condado Osceola informó que una fiesta ilegal cerca de Davenport terminó con un adolescente herido de bala y tres personas arrestadas durante el fin de semana.

Los agentes respondieron a una residencia en Thunderbird Road, en el área de ChampionsGate/Four Corners, tras reportes de una gran fiesta.

PARK HOPPING

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A popular Central Florida attraction is preparing to spotlight one of the state’s most recognizable—and often misunderstood—reptiles as Wild Florida Adventure Park gets ready to host its annual Gator Week later this spring.

The weeklong event, scheduled for May 25–30, will take place at Wild Florida Adventure Park in Osceola County, and is expected to draw families, wildlife enthusiasts, and visitors from across the region.

Gator Week centers on education and conservation, offering guests a closer look at the behavior and role of alligators in Florida’s ecosystem.

Through a series of daily programs and demonstrations, park staff aim to dispel common misconceptions about the reptiles while emphasizing safety and environmental awareness.

Among the featured activities are live feeding demonstrations, where visitors can observe alligators up close during scheduled “Feeding Frenzy” presentations. Interactive elements, including a gator call competition and themed trivia, are also planned as part of the event’s lineup.

In addition to alligators, attendees will have opportunities to learn about other reptile species housed at the park, including crocodiles and caimans, as well as participate in animal encounters designed to engage younger visitors.

PARK HOPPING

SeaWorld Orlando Unveils Massive Summer Entertainment

Lineup Featuring New Drone Show, Nighttime Spectaculars

ORLANDO, Fla. — Summer nights at SeaWorld Orlando are about to get louder, brighter, and more electrifying as the park prepares to launch one of its biggest summer entertainment lineups ever beginning June 12.

From an all-new drone spectacular and returning nighttime animal presentations to fireworks, cirque-style performances, immersive lighting environments, and high-energy dance parties, SeaWorld Orlando is transforming its park into a fullscale nighttime celebration for the summer season.

At the center of it all is the return of Electric Ocean, SeaWorld Orlando’s signature summer event that takes over the park after sunset with music, lights, live entertainment, and family-friendly experiences around nearly every corner.

“This summer, SeaWorld is raising the bar across the country—combining really enjoyable and fun nighttime shows and presentations, cutting-edge drone displays, exciting new experiences and nonstop family fun,” said Marc Swanson, CEO of United Parks & Resorts, SeaWorld’s parent company.

One of the biggest additions this summer will be SeaWorld Orlando’s brand-new drone spectacular, featuring hundreds of synchronized drones soaring above the park to create glowing ocean-inspired scenes, sea creatures, rolling waves, and vibrant animations choreographed to music.