The Osceola Daily News for June 5, 2026

66th Annual Miss Silver Spurs Pageant Crowns New Court, Honors Deon Kempfer

The 66th Annual Miss Silver Spurs Pageant was a tremendous success Thursday night at the Silver Spurs Arena as 31 outstanding young ladies competed for the opportunity to represent the Silver Spurs Club and Osceola County’s rich Western heritage.

AROUND OSCEOLA

Red, White & Rodeo: 157th Silver Spurs Rodeo Brings Bulls, Broncs & Patriot Pride June 5–6; Tickets On Sale Now

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The iconic Silver Spurs Rodeo returns to Osceola County this summer for its 157th edition on Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, 2026, bringing two nights of high-energy competition, family-friendly entertainment, and a celebration of western heritage to Silver Spurs Arena, with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. each night.

Timed just as summer break begins for many students, the Silver Spurs Club is inviting families from across Central Florida to kick off the season with one of the region’s most anticipated traditions.

As the largest and longest-running rodeos east of the Mississippi, the Silver Spurs Rodeo continues to showcase the sport’s seven classic events: bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and women’s barrel racing. Each event highlights the athleticism, precision, and grit of cowboys and cowgirls competing for top honors and prize money.

Fans can expect heart-pounding moments as riders attempt to conquer powerful bulls, skilled ropers race against the clock, and barrel racers navigate tight turns in pursuit of victory. The event combines professional rodeo competition with a lively atmosphere that has become a staple of Osceola County’s cultural identity.

2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins Today; Osceola Residents Encouraged to Be Prepared

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Today marks the official start of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, and emergency management officials are reminding residents across Central Florida and Osceola County that preparation remains the best defense against severe weather.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the peak of hurricane activity typically occurring between August and October.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released its outlook for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, forecasting a below-average season overall. Forecasters predict between 8 and 14 named storms, with 3 to 6 hurricanes expected to develop, including 1 to 3 major hurricanes reaching Category 3 strength or higher.

Comienza Hoy la Temporada de Huracanes del Atlántico 2026; Autoridades Instan a los Residentes de Osceola a Estar Preparados

CONDADO DE OSCEOLA, Fla. — Hoy comienza oficialmente la Temporada de Huracanes del Atlántico 2026, y las autoridades de manejo de emergencias recuerdan a los residentes del Centro de Florida y del Condado de Osceola que la preparación sigue siendo la mejor defensa ante las amenazas del clima severo. La ceremonia contó con la participación de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado

City of Kissimmee to Celebrate Juneteenth with Community Festival at Lakefront Park

KISSIMMEE — The City of Kissimmee is inviting the community to come together for an afternoon of celebration, culture, music, and reflection during its annual Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 13, at Kissimmee Lakefront Park’s Veterans Lawn.

The community-wide celebration will take place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will commemorate Juneteenth, the historic holiday recognizing the end of slavery in the United States while honoring the history, resilience, and lasting contributions of the African American community.

La Ciudad de Kissimmee Celebrará Juneteenth con Festival Comunitario en Kissimmee Lakefront Park

KISSIMMEE — La Ciudad de Kissimmee invita a la comunidad a reunirse para una tarde de celebración, cultura, música y reflexión durante su Festival anual de Juneteenth el sábado 13 de junio en el Veterans Lawn de Kissimmee Lakefront Park.

La celebración comunitaria se llevará a cabo de 12 p.m. a 4 p.m. y conmemorará Juneteenth, la histórica festividad que reconoce el fin de la esclavitud en los Estados Unidos, mientras honra la historia, resiliencia y contribuciones duraderas de la comunidad afroamericana.

Joey Fatone’s Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice Coming to Universal CityWalk Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando Resort is adding another celebrity-backed dining location to its entertainment district as Joey Fatone’s Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice prepares to open at Universal CityWalk later this year.

The new restaurant, founded by former *NSYNC member Joey Fatone and business partner Joe Mulvihill, will replace the longtime Hot Dog Hall of Fame location at CityWalk Orlando, which is expected to close in July after more than a decade in operation.

According to Universal Orlando and multiple theme park industry reports, Fat One’s will feature “creative, flavor-packed hot dogs, Italian ices, and more” as part of CityWalk’s continuing transformation and expansion of dining and entertainment offerings.

Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice de Joey Fatone Chegará ao Universal CityWalk Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — O Universal Orlando Resort adicionará mais um restaurante ligado a celebridades ao seu distrito de entretenimento com a chegada do Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice, de Joey Fatone, ao Universal CityWalk ainda este ano. Segundo o Universal como parte da contínua renovação das opções gastronômicas e de entretenimento do CityWalk.

Draper Law Office Encourages Safe Driving During Graduation

Season and Memorial Day Weekend

As Memorial Day weekend travel ramps up across Florida and millions of Americans prepare for holiday celebrations, AAA – The Auto Club Group is once again activating its long-running “Tow to Go” program to help keep impaired drivers off the road.

The free and confidential service will be available beginning Friday, May 22 at 6 p.m. through Tuesday, May 26 at 6 a.m., offering safe rides to drivers who may be impaired by alcohol, drugs, or medications and do not have another way home. According to AAA, the program allows a tow truck driver to transport both the impaired driver and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius at no cost. The service is available to both AAA members and non-members.

Draper Law Office Promueve la Conducción Segura

Durante la Temporada de Graduaciones y el Fin de Semana de Memorial Day

Mientras continúan las graduaciones de escuelas secundarias y universidades en Florida Central y aumenta el tráfico por el fin de semana de Memorial Day, familias y líderes comunitarios están recordando a los jóvenes conductores la importancia de manejar de forma segura y responsable.

Con fiestas de graduación, viajes y reuniones familiares llenando las carreteras, expertos en seguridad advierten que conducir distraído o bajo los efectos del

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.

June Brings Rodeos, Festivals, Soccer, Concerts and Family

Fun Across Central Florida

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — As summer arrives in Central Florida, June is packed with opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy everything from rodeos and community festivals to major concerts, sporting events, family attractions, and educational programs.

Across Osceola County and the surrounding region, families can explore local traditions, celebrate holidays, attend live entertainment, and take part in special events throughout the month.

One of the month’s biggest events is the 157th Silver Spurs Rodeo, returning to the Silver Spurs Arena on June 5 and 6. The historic rodeo will feature professional rodeo competition, including bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, breakaway roping, mutton bustin’, patriotic tributes, and performances by the Silver Spurs Quadrille teams.

Junio Trae Rodeos,

Festivales, Fútbol, Conciertos y Diversión Familiar al Centro de Florida

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Florida — Con la llegada del verano al Centro de Florida, junio estará lleno de oportunidades para que residentes y visitantes disfruten de rodeos, festivales comunitarios, conciertos, eventos deportivos, atracciones familiares y programas educativos.

Sunbridge Farmers Market Continues Monthly Community Gatherings

SUNBRIDGE, Fla. — Residents and visitors looking for fresh produce, handmade goods, and an evening outdoors can head to the Sunbridge Farmers Market, held on the third Thursday of every month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Basecamp in Sunbridge.

Located at 6197 Cyrils Drive in St. Cloud, the market brings together local vendors, live music, family-friendly activities, and a focus on zero-waste shopping in a community-centered atmosphere designed to celebrate nature and local living.

Mercado de Agricultores de Sunbridge Continúa Reuniendo a la Comunidad

ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Residentes y visitantes que buscan productos frescos, artículos hechos a mano y una tarde al aire libre podrán disfrutar del Mercado de Agricultores de Sunbridge, que se lleva a cabo el tercer jueves de cada mes de 5 p.m. a 8 p.m. en Basecamp, en Sunbridge.

Ubicado en 6197 Cyrils Drive en St. Cloud, el mercado reúne a vendedores locales, música en vivo, actividades familiares y una experiencia enfocada en compras sostenibles y sin desperdicios, todo dentro de un ambiente comunitario diseñado para celebrar la naturaleza y la vida local.

Kissimmee Secures $10 Million Federal Grant for New Air Traffic Control Tower at Gateway Airport

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The City of Kissimmee has secured a $10 million federal grant to fund the construction of a new air traffic control tower at Kissimmee Gateway Airport, a major infrastructure investment city officials say will enhance aviation safety and support the airport’s continued growth. The funding was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Contract Tower Program for Fiscal Year 2026 and is being administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grant was officially awarded on May 18.

Kissimmee Obtiene Subvención Federal de $10 Millones para Nueva Torre de Control de Tráfico Aéreo

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — La Ciudad de Kissimmee ha asegurado una subvención federal de $10 millones para financiar la construcción de una nueva torre de control de tráfico aéreo en el Kissimmee Gateway Airport, una inversión clave que fortalecerá la seguridad aérea y respaldará el crecimiento continuo del aeropuerto. Los fondos fueron otorgados a través del Programa de Torres de Control por Contrato de la Administración Federal de Aviación (FAA) para el año fiscal 2026 y son administrados por el Departamento de Transporte de los Estados Unidos.

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.”

66th Annual Miss Silver Spurs Pageant Crowns New Court, Honors Deon Kempfer

The 66th Annual Miss Silver Spurs Pageant was a tremendous success Thursday night at the Silver Spurs Arena as 31 outstanding young ladies competed for the opportunity to represent the Silver Spurs Club and Osceola County’s rich Western heritage.

The evening was emceed by 2026 Miss Rodeo Florida RaeLynne Kempfer and Osceola County Commissioner Ricky Booth, who guided the celebration of one of Osceola County’s most cherished traditions.

Special recognition also goes to Tihler Shay Franey, Chair of the Miss Silver Spurs Pageant Committee, along with the many volunteers, supporters, and Silver Spurs Club members whose hard work helped make this year’s pageant another memorable success.

A particularly heartfelt moment came when this year’s pageant was dedicated to the memory of Deon Kempfer, a beloved member of the Silver Spurs family who passed away last year.

Members of the Kempfer family and friends joined together on stage to accept the special dedication in his honor, creating one of the evening’s most emotional and meaningful moments. |

Congratulations to the winners of the 66th Annual Miss Silver Spurs Pageant:

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.

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

From Schools to Roads: Nearly 90 New Florida Laws Take Effect July 1

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida residents will see a wide range of new state laws take effect on July 1, 2026, covering transportation, education, public safety, health care, environmental policy, local government, property development, consumer protections, and more.

87 new laws are currently scheduled to take effect next month, though additional measures could still be added as Gov. Ron DeSantis continues signing legislation.

De las Escuelas a las Carreteras: Casi 90 Nuevas Leyes de Florida Entrarán en Vigor el 1 de Julioica

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Los residentes de Florida verán entrar en vigor una amplia variedad de nuevas leyes estatales el 1 de julio de 2026, abarcando áreas como transporte, educación, seguridad pública, atención médica, políticas ambientales, gobiernos locales, desarrollo inmobiliario, protección al consumidor y más.

Actualmente, 87 nuevas leyes están programadas para entrar en vigor el próximo mes, aunque podrían añadirse medidas adicionales mientras el gobernador Ron DeSantis continúa firmando legislación.

Commissioner Viviana Janer Celebrates Gateway High Senior During Adopt a Senior Event

ST. CLOUD, Fla. — The City of St. Cloud is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day in a big way during its annual “4th on the Lake” celebration on Saturday, July 4, at St. Cloud Lakefront Park.

This year’s event, themed “Celebrating America 250,” will honor the nation’s 250th anniversary with an afternoon and evening packed with patriotic entertainment, family-friendly activities, food, games, and one of the area’s largest fireworks displays.

Festival activities will begin at 4 p.m. at Lakefront Park and will feature live music from Modern Ties, performances by the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, Sami’s Kid Zone, vendors, food and drinks, glow-in-the-dark putt putt, volleyball, yard games, and contests including hot dog and ice cream eating competitions.

The celebration is designed to bring the community together for an evening of entertainment leading up to an extended fireworks show synchronized to music beginning at 9:15 p.m.

The annual waterfront event has become one of St. Cloud’s signature Independence Day celebrations, drawing families from across Osceola County and Central Florida to the city’s lakefront for an evening of patriotic fun and community spirit.

Harmony Wrestling Star Nathan Lyttle Signs with Division I Central Michigan

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The most decorated wrestler in Harmony history will have a chance to add to his legacy at the next level. On Tuesday afternoon, surrounded by teammates, coaches, family and school officials, Nathan Lyttle formally inked a letter of intent to wrestle at Central Michigan University, a Division 1 program that competes in the highly competitive Mid-American Conference (MAC).

“For me the recruiting process started pretty late as I was not sure college was the direction I wanted to go,” Lyttle said. “But in the back of my mind I always felt that I wanted to wrestle in college and do so at the highest level possible. I felt I really worked hard to get to this point and I look forward to where it might take me.”

Lyttle finished his Harmony career last March at the FHSAA State Championship where he finished second – losing a heartbreaking 3-2 decision to Miami Southwest’s Larzaro Soto in the 120-lb. final. In 2025, Lyttle recorded a perfect 49-0 season, winning the 113-lb. state championship and being named Orlando Sentinel Area Wrestler of the Year. He is Harmony’s all-time wins leader with 178. He finished the season ranked in the top 50 in the nation for his weight class. A two-time Osceola County Wrestler of the Year, Lyttle gained additional notoriety on the national and international level the last two months.

Universal, UCF Launch New School to Train Future Leaders in

Themed Entertainment

ORLANDO, Fla. — The University of Central Florida and Universal Destinations & Experiences have announced the creation of the Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation, a first-of-its-kind academic program designed to prepare students for careers in themed entertainment, immersive experiences, hospitality, and attraction management.

The new school will be housed within UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management and is supported by a $10 million investment from Universal. University and industry leaders say the program will help develop the next generation of professionals who will create, manage, and lead the immersive experiences that have become a major part of Central Florida’s economy.

UCF y Universal Lanzan Nueva Escuela para Formar Líderes del Entretenimiento Temático

ORLANDO, Fla. — La Universidad de Florida Central (UCF) y Universal Destinations & Experiences anunciaron la creación de la Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation, un innovador programa académico diseñado para preparar a los futuros líderes de la industria del entretenimiento temático, las experiencias inmersivas, la hospitalidad y las atracciones.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/4fauj4k

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.