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The Osceola Daily News for Saturday April 4, 2026

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Harmony Claims 4th Straight OBC Title as Trevin Bean

Dominates in Championship Win Over St. Cloud

Junior Trevin Bean allowed one run and scattered seven hits over six innings of work to lead Harmony to the 2026 Orange Belt Conference baseball championship with an 8-1 win over rival St. Cloud on Friday night. Bean gave up three hits and a run in the 1st frame, but was masterful the rest of the way.

Around Osceola
Caribbean Fusion Back to Kissimmee April 26
Sheriff’s Office Leads “Operation Catch a Con"
Osceola Arts Unveils Vibrant Four-Artist Mural
Osceola Magic Punch Their Ticket in Friday Thriller
County Funds Fifth Year of Osceola Prosper Program
Osceola Showcases Future of Innovation at NSTEM Day
St. Cloud Chamber's 44th Annual Golf Tournament
Wild Florida’s Gator Week Returns May 25–30
Spring Brings Earth Day Celebration to St. Cloud

New Westside Boulevard Extension Opens, Aims to Ease

Traffic in Osceola’s Fast-Growing Corridor

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A new stretch of Westside Boulevard is now open in Osceola County, following a ribbon cutting ceremony held Monday led by Osceola County Commissioner for District 1 Peggy Choudhry, creating a key northsouth route intended to ease congestion in the rapidly growing Four Corners and ChampionsGate areas.

The extension connects previously separated segments of Westside Boulevard and provides additional access to U.S. 192 and Ronald Reagan Parkway, offering an alternative to heavily traveled corridors such as U.S. 27 and Goodman Road.

Nueva extensión de Westside Boulevard abre y busca aliviar el tráfico en el corredor de rápido crecimiento de Osceola

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Un nuevo tramo de Westside Boulevard ya está abierto en el Condado de Osceola, tras una ceremonia de corte de cinta celebrada el lunes y encabezada por la Comisionada del Distrito 1 del Condado de Osceola, Peggy Choudhry, creando una importante vía de norte a sur destinada a aliviar la congestión en las áreas de rápido crecimiento de Four Corners y ChampionsGate.

La extensión conecta segmentos previamente separados de Westside Boulevard y proporciona acceso adicional a la U.S. 192 y a Ronald Reagan Parkway, ofreciendo una alternativa a corredores muy transitados como la U.S. 27 y Goodman Road.

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SeaWorld Orlando Receives Fresh Lettuce Donation from Duda Farms to Boost Care for Rescued Manatees

ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando is continuing its efforts to care for rescued manatees with the help of a major donation from Duda Farms Fresh Foods, which delivered 70 boxes of locally grown romaine lettuce Tuesday morning—providing a vital supply for the SeaWorld Rescue team that uses about 60 boxes daily to feed the manatees in its care.

SeaWorld Rescue is presently caring for around 30 rescued manatees, many of which require consistent access to fresh, nutrient-rich food as part of their recovery process before returning to Florida’s waterways.

SeaWorld Orlando recibe donación de lechuga fresca de Duda Farms para mejorar el cuidado de manatíes rescatados

ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando continúa sus esfuerzos para cuidar a los manatíes rescatados con la ayuda de una importante donación de productos frescos por parte de Duda Farms Fresh Foods.

El martes por la mañana, Duda Farms entregó 70 cajas de lechuga romana cultivada localmente para apoyar el trabajo continuo de rehabilitación del parque. La donación representa un suministro significativo para el equipo de rescate de SeaWorld, que utiliza aproximadamente 60 cajas de lechuga cada día para alimentar a los manatíes bajo su cuidado.

Osceola

County

Showcases Future of Innovation at NeoCity STEM

Day,

Inspiring Next Generation of Tech Students

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Innovation, discovery, and future-focused learning took center stage in Osceola County Saturday as STEM Day at NeoCity drew a strong crowd of students and families for a hands-on learning celebration of science and technology. The event highlighted the county’s growing role as a center for advanced manufacturing, semiconductor research, and emerging technologies.

El Condado de Osceola presenta el futuro de la innovación en el Día STEM de NeoCity, inspirando a la próxima generación de estudiantes de tecnología

CONDADO DE OSCEOLA, Fla. — La innovación, el descubrimiento y el aprendizaje enfocado en el futuro fueron protagonistas el sábado en el Condado de Osceola, cuando el Día STEM en NeoCity atrajo a una gran cantidad de estudiantes y familias para una celebración práctica del aprendizaje en ciencia y tecnología. El evento destacó el creciente papel del condado como un centro de manufactura avanzada, investigación de semiconductores y tecnologías emergentes.

Four Corners Leaders Launch New Regional Chamber of Commerce to Advance Growth, Collaboration Across County

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A new chapter in regional cooperation is underway across Central Florida, as leaders from Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Polk counties officially transition their long-standing Four Corners Commissioners Task Force into a newly formed business-led organization aimed at strengthening collaboration and supporting continued growth.

After years of coordinated efforts addressing shared challenges such as transportation, infrastructure, public safety, and environmental stewardship, the Task Force is concluding its work in its current form. In its place, community and business leaders have established the 4 Corners Chamber of Commerce, Inc., which will carry forward and expand the region’s collaborative mission.

The Four Corners area—where the four counties meet—has rapidly evolved into one of the fastest-growing regions in Florida, functioning as a unified community despite jurisdictional boundaries. The newly formed chamber is designed to reflect that reality by creating a stronger, more coordinated voice for businesses and stakeholders across the region.

According to officials, the chamber will focus on several key priorities, including supporting workforce development, advocating for infrastructure improvements, advancing long-term regional planning, and strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital Expands Breast Cancer Screening with Advanced 3D Mammography

Patients in Osceola County now have access to advanced breast cancer screening technology close to home as Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital introduces 3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis.

The new imaging technology enhances traditional mammograms by creating a three-dimensional image of the breast. Instead of capturing a single flat image, 3D mammography takes multiple images from different angles, allowing radiologists to examine breast tissue layer by layer.

This added depth improves the ability to detect small, invasive cancers earlier and is especially beneficial for patients with dense breast tissue.

Medical experts say the technology not only improves cancer detection but also reduces unnecessary callbacks for additional imaging, helping provide patients with clearer answers sooner.

“Every clearer image represents an opportunity to detect cancer at an early stage, which means more treatment options that are typically less invasive,” said Sara Ardila, MD, breast surgical oncologist with the Orlando Health Cancer Institute — St. Cloud.

“When patients can access advanced screening close to home, they are more likely to stay consistent with annual mammograms."

One Year In: KPD Chief Charles Broadway Highlights Progress, Community Focus in Kissimmee

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Kissimmee Police Department is marking one year under the leadership of Charles “Chuck” Broadway, highlighting advances in technology, community engagement, and public safety.

Since taking the role, Chief Broadway has led initiatives aimed at improving operations, strengthening transparency, and building trust with the community. Over the past year, the department has worked with regional partners to combat illegal narcotics activity and human trafficking, while also introducing the FUSUS camera integration system to enhance real-time information sharing.

Departamento

de

Policía de Kissimmee Marca un Año de Progreso Bajo el Jefe Charles Broadway

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — El Departamento de Policía de Kissimmee celebra un año bajo el liderazgo del jefe Charles Broadway, destacando avances en tecnología, participación comunitaria y seguridad pública.

Desde que asumió el cargo, el jefe Broadway ha impulsado iniciativas enfocadas en mejorar las operaciones, fortalecer la transparencia y generar confianza con la comunidad. Durante el último año, el departamento ha colaborado con agencias regionales para combatir la venta ilegal de narcóticos y la trata de personas, además de implementar el sistema de cámaras...

Osceola Sheriff’s Office Leads “Operation Catch a Con,” 16

Arrested in Online Child Exploitation Sting

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A multi-agency operation led by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit resulted in the arrest of 16 men during a targeted effort to identify individuals attempting to exploit children online.

The operation, conducted March 18 through March 21, included participation from several law enforcement agencies across Central Florida, including local police departments, sheriff’s offices, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Operación “Catch a Con” Resulta en 16 Arrestos por Explotación Infantil en Línea

CONDADO DE OSCEOLA, Fla. — Una operación multiagencial liderada por la Unidad de Crímenes contra Niños en Internet (ICAC) de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Osceola resultó en el arresto de 16 hombres durante un esfuerzo enfocado en identificar a personas que intentaban explotar a menores en línea. La operación, realizada del 18 al 21 de marzo, contó con la participación de varias agencias del orden público en Florida Central, incluyendo departamentos de policía locales, oficinas del sheriff, Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI) y el Buró Federal de Investigaciones (FBI).

Osceola Magic Punch Their Ticket in Thriller, Outlast Motor City Cruise to Advance to Eastern Conference Finals Sunday

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Apr. 3, 2026) — In a back-and-forth battle that featured 20 lead changes and playoff intensity from start to finish, the Osceola Magic punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals with a hard-fought 123-116 victory over the Motor City Cruise Friday night.

With the win, Osceola (2-0) advances to its second consecutive conference finals appearance and will host the Greensboro Swarm on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET at Osceola Heritage Park.

El Osceola Magic asegura su pase en un emocionante duelo, supera a Motor City Cruise y avanza a las Finales de la Conferencia Este el domingo

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (3 de abril de 2026) — En un duelo intenso de principio a fin, con 20 cambios de ventaja y emoción de postemporada en cada posesión, el Osceola Magic aseguró su lugar en las Finales de la Conferencia Este tras imponerse 123-116 sobre el Motor City Cruise la noche del viernes.

Con la victoria, Osceola (2-0) avanza por segunda temporada consecutiva a la final de conferencia y ahora será anfitrión del Greensboro Swarm este domingo a las 6 p.m. ET en Osceola Heritage Park.

Harmony Claims Fourth Straight OBC Baseball Title as Trevin Bean Dominates in Championship Win Over St. Cloud

CELEBRATION FL. - Junior Trevin Bean allowed one run and scattered seven hits over six innings of work to lead Harmony to the 2026 Orange Belt Conference baseball championship with an 8-1 win over rival St. Cloud on Friday night.

Despite giving up three hits and a run in the first frame, Bean was masterful the rest of the way – giving up just four singles without allowing a walk. His 18 recorded outs came via either strikeout (7) or groundout (9).

Harmony

conquista su cuarto

título

consecutivo de béisbol de la OBC mientras Trevin Bean domina en la victoria

del campeonato sobre St. Cloud

CELEBRATION FL - El junior Trevin Bean permitió una sola carrera y dispersó siete hits a lo largo de seis entradas de trabajo para liderar a Harmony al campeonato de béisbol de la Orange Belt Conference 2026 con una victoria de 8-1 sobre su rival St. Cloud la noche del viernes.

A pesar de permitir tres hits y una carrera en la primera entrada, Bean fue dominante el resto del juego, cediendo solo cuatro sencillos sin otorgar bases por bolas. De sus 18 outs registrados, siete fueron por ponche y nueve por rodados.

Spring Brings Earth Day Celebration to St. Cloud with Vendors, Wildlife, and Family Fun April 25 at Veterans Library

ST. CLOUD, Fla. — As spring takes hold in Central Florida, the City of St. Cloud is inviting residents to welcome the season with a community-focused Earth Day Celebration filled with hands-on activities, education, and family-friendly fun.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Library – St. Cloud Branch, located at 810 13th Street. Admission is free and open to the public.

Organizers say the Earth Day Celebration will feature a wide range of attractions aimed at promoting environmental awareness and community engagement. Attendees can explore local vendor booths, enjoy eco-focused presentations, and experience live animal encounters. A young entrepreneurs market will also be featured, giving youth in the community an opportunity to showcase and sell their products.

Families can participate in interactive kids crafts, while a shred truck will be available on-site, offering a secure and convenient way to dispose of sensitive documents.

The event is sponsored by the City of St. Cloud, the Osceola Library System’s Veterans Memorial Library, and the Florida Recreation and Park Association (FRPA).

County Funds Fifth Year of Osceola Prosper Program, Covering Tuition for College and Technical School for 2026

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola County Board of County Commissioners has officially announced the continuation of the Osceola Prosper program for a fifth consecutive year, extending its impact to the Class of 2026 and reinforcing the county’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to higher education and workforce development opportunities.

The county’s continued investment ensures that graduating seniors from public, private, charter, and homeschool programs across the county will once again have the opportunity to pursue higher education or technical training at no cost. Eligible students can attend Valencia College or Osceola Technical College, earning associate degrees, certificates, or trade credentials aligned with high-demand career fields.

El Condado financia el quinto año del programa Osceola Prosper

CONDADO DE OSCEOLA, Fla. — La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Osceola ha anunciado oficialmente la continuación del programa Osceola Prosper por quinto año consecutivo, extendiendo su impacto a la Clase de 2026 y reforzando el compromiso continuo del condado con la ampliación del acceso a la educación superior y las oportunidades de desarrollo laboral.

St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce Announces 44th Annual Golf Tournament at Royal St. Cloud Golf Links

Golfers, business leaders, and community members are invited to hit the links this spring as the St. Cloud Greater Osceola Chamber of Commerce prepares for its 44th Annual Golf Tournament, set for May 8, 2026, at Royal St. Cloud Golf Links.

Presented by Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, the long-running community event brings together local businesses and supporters for a day of golf, networking, and philanthropy. Proceeds from the tournament help support the St. Cloud Chamber Foundation Scholarship Fund, which provides educational opportunities for local students.

The tournament will take place at Royal St. Cloud Golf Links, located at 5310 Michigan Avenue in St. Cloud, and will feature several exciting elements for players and spectators alike. Among the highlights is a long drive experience from Pin High Drive Pros, giving participants the chance to witness professional-level power off the tee. The event will also feature a high-tech LED scoring board provided by Partners in Sound Production, allowing players and spectators to follow tournament results in real time.

Early registration is now open, and organizers are encouraging teams to sign up soon to take advantage of Early Bird pricing of $375 per foursome, available through April 8. After that date, pricing will increase to $525 for standard registration through April 30, and $600 for late registration through May 7.

Osceola County School for the Arts Jazz A Band Earns Return Invitation to Essentially Ellington in New York City

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Osceola County School for the Arts Jazz A Band has once again earned national recognition, securing a return invitation to compete in the prestigious Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival in New York City.\

Presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center, the competition will take place April 30 through May 2, 2026, and will feature 20 of the top high school jazz bands selected from across the globe. A total of 119 schools submitted applications this year, making the selection highly competitive. Osceola County School for the Arts is one of only three programs invited back to the event—an achievement that underscores the ensemble’s continued excellence.

\Under the direction of Director of Jazz Studies Jason Anderson, the Jazz A Band has built a distinguished reputation on the national stage, including earning firstplace honors at Essentially Ellington in both 2022 and 2023. The group will return to New York aiming to once again perform among the nation’s best and contend for top honors.

As part of its preparation, the band will host a special clinic on April 1 featuring acclaimed jazz trumpeter, composer, and educator Pharez Whitted. The workshop is part of the competition’s educational outreach, offering students expert guidance and performance insight ahead of their trip to New York.

Go Wild This Spring: Wild Florida’s Gator Week Returns May 25–30 with Up-Close Encounters, Live Feedings, Family Fun

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.

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.

Osceola Arts Unveils Vibrant Four-Artist Mural on East Vine Street in Kissimmee Following Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — In a powerful display of creativity and community collaboration, Osceola Arts, along with the City of Kissimmee, officially unveiled a striking new mural along East Vine Street, marking a major milestone in the city’s growing public art movement.

Led by Osceola Arts Public Arts Coordinator Briana Camacho, and created in partnership with the City of Kissimmee Community Redevelopment Agency, the ARTisNOW Public Murals Project unveiled a stunning 180-foot mural at 900 E. Vine Street, celebrating Kissimmee’s identity, natural beauty, and cultural diversity.

The official ribbon cutting ceremony drew community leaders and supporters, including Jackie Espinosa, who joined in recognizing the impact of public art in enhancing the city’s cultural landscape.

Positively Osceola attended the ribbon cutting, capturing the moment and conducting interviews with all four featured artists, offering the community an inside look at the inspiration and vision behind each section of the mural.

The large-scale installation spans approximately 180 feet wide and 6.5 feet high and is divided into four sections by architectural pillars, allowing each artist roughly 44 feet to contribute their own unique style while forming a cohesive visual experience.

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.

Caribbean Fusion Festival Set to Bring Island Vibes Back to Kissimmee Lakefront Park April 26

The rhythms of the islands, the aroma of authentic Caribbean cuisine, and the vibrant colors of cultural celebration will once again fill the waterfront as the Caribbean Fusion Festival returns to Kissimmee Lakefront Park on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from noon to 7 p.m. at the Veterans Lawn.

Now celebrating 36 years in operation, the free, family-friendly festival is hosted by the Caribbean and Floridian Association, Inc. (CAFA), a longtime community organization dedicated to promoting Caribbean culture, unity, and service throughout Central Florida.

Each year, the festival transforms Kissimmee’s scenic lakefront into a lively cultural showcase featuring live entertainment, flavorful island dishes, arts and crafts vendors, and engaging experiences for all ages. From steel pan melodies and high-energy dance rhythms to traditional Caribbean favorites prepared fresh onsite, attendees can expect a full day of music, flavor, and fun.

Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to explore handcrafted goods, connect with local businesses and organizations, and celebrate the rich diversity that makes Osceola County such a dynamic community.

This year’s event is presented with support from the City of Kissimmee, Experience Kissimmee, Toho Water Authority, Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA), and Positively Osceola.

Park Hopping

Your Wildest Car Ride Yet: Discover Animals from Around the World Right Here in Osceola County

With the school year back in full swing and education once again at the heart of our communities, there’s no better time to turn learning into an unforgettable, upclose adventure—and you don’t even need to leave your car to do it!

Located in the heart of Osceola County, just a short drive from Orlando, Wild Florida’s Drive-thru Safari Park offers families and animal lovers the rare opportunity to explore 170 acres of pristine Florida wilderness while encountering more than 150 exotic and native animals from across the globe.

From the safety and comfort of your own vehicle, you’ll cruise a four-mile trail and come face-to-face with giraffes, zebras, eland antelope, scimitar oryx, American bison, mouflon sheep, and more.

It’s a self-guided journey that feels like starring in your own wildlife documentary—without ever boarding a plane.

Insider Tip: Your admission includes unlimited loops through the safari on the same day, so take your time and enjoy every wild encounter. (Note: Convertibles, motorcycles, and vehicles without doors or roofs aren’t permitted for safety reasons.)

But the adventure doesn’t stop there.

Park Hopping

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift to Race Into Universal Studios

Florida in 2027

Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up for its next adrenaline-pumping attraction with the announcement of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a high-octane outdoor roller coaster slated to debut at Universal Studios Florida in 2027.

Replacing the longtime Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, the new coaster will put guests directly into the fast-paced world of the Fast & Furious film franchise. Designed to deliver an immersive, high-speed experience, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift promises a sensation rarely found on traditional coasters — 360-degree drifting paired with dramatic, precision-engineered maneuvers.

One of the attraction’s signature elements will be a 170-foot vertical “spike,” launching riders nearly 17 stories into the air with sweeping views over the outskirts of Universal CityWalk before plunging back into the action.

Universal says the new coaster will join its growing lineup of award-winning thrill rides and reflects the continued expansion and innovation led by Universal Destinations & Experiences. A separate, one-of-a-kind version of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is also set to debut later this year at Universal Studios Hollywood, giving fans on both coasts new ways to experience the blockbuster franchise.

As part of the transition, Fast & Furious – Supercharged will permanently close in 2027 to make way for the new attraction.

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The Osceola Daily News for Saturday April 4, 2026 by Positively Osceola - Issuu