Thursday August 13, 2026
New Poinciana Clerk’s Office Location Now Open to Serve Community
POINCIANA, Fla. — The Office of Kelvin Soto, Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, has opened its new Poinciana location, expanding access to Clerk of Court services for residents in the growing community. The new office is ocated at 4547 Pleasant Hill Road in Poinciana. LATEST STORIES
AROUND OSCEOLA
Addition Financial Unveils New Student Support Center at Discovery Intermediate School in Osceola County
Wild Florida Adventure Park is giving homeschool students a new way to take learning beyond the classroom!
KUA Encourages Residents to Seal Doors and Windows
New Look Osceola Kowboys Reload for 2026 Season
Osceola Schools Roll Out 250 Daily Bus Routes
Kirk Zilke Runs for St. Cloud City Council Seat 5
Janette Martinez Seeks Re-Election, Focus on Public
Public Safety Organizations Endorse Christina Arguelles
NEWS
The Future of St. Cloud Is Shaped by the People Who Make Their Voices Heard If you’re registered to vote in the August 18 Primary Election and live within the St. Cloud city limits, please consider voting for Kirk Zilke for St. Cloud City Council – Seat 5. A lifelong St. Cloud resident and retired St. Cloud Police Deputy Chief, Kirk Zilke dedicated nearly 35 years to serving and protecting the people of St. Cloud. Throughout his distinguished law enforcement career, he earned the trust and respect of residents by leading with integrity, mentoring future leaders, and working every day to keep the community safe. Now, Kirk is seeking the opportunity to continue serving the city by bringing experienced leadership, practical decision-making, and a deep understanding of St. Cloud to the City Council. Kirk believes in: • Supporting public safety and standing with our first responders • Planning responsibly for St. Cloud’s continued growth • Being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars • Promoting transparent, accountable leadership • Preserving the hometown character and values that make St. Cloud unique
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NEWS
New Poinciana Clerk’s Office Location Now Open to Serve Community POINCIANA, Fla. — The Office of Kelvin Soto, Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, has opened its new Poinciana location, expanding access to Clerk of Court services for residents in the growing community. Located at 4547 Pleasant Hill Road in Poinciana, the new office is designed to make it more convenient for area residents to access essential services without having to travel to downtown Kissimmee. The Poinciana location is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nueva Oficina del Secretario de los Tribunales Abre en Poinciana POINCIANA, Florida. — La Oficina de Kelvin Soto, Secretario del Tribunal de Circuito y Contralor del Condado de Osceola, abrió su nueva sede en Poinciana, ampliando el acceso a importantes servicios para los residentes de la comunidad. La nueva oficina está ubicada en 4547 Pleasant Hill Road en Poinciana y permitirá que los residentes tengan un acceso más conveniente a los servicios de la Oficina del Secretario sin tener que viajar hasta el centro de Kissimmee. La sede de Poinciana estará abierta de lunes a viernes, de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m.
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NEWS
Osceola Schools Roll Out 250 Daily Bus Routes as ThreeFacility Transportation Network Serves Growing District OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — As thousands of Osceola County students return to classrooms for the first day of the 2026-27 school year, the School District of Osceola County’s Transportation Services Department is putting approximately 250 bus routes on the road each day as part of an expanding transportation network designed to keep pace with the county’s continued growth. Last school year, transportation staff served more than 26,000 students while facing a bus driver shortage. District officials say the staffing situation has improved significantly heading into the new school year, with Transportation Services currently only about five drivers short. Officials said that relatively small shortage is not expected to require significant adjustments to daily operations. The district continues to recruit drivers and can make adjustments when necessary, including consolidating routes, allowing drivers to pick up additional students when buses remain within maximum capacity, and making extra runs to ensure students get to and from school. Three Transportation Hubs Now Serving Osceola The 2026-27 school year also marks the first with the district’s full three-hub transportation network in operation.
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NEWS
New Look Osceola Kowboys Reload for 2026, Eye 20th Consecutive Playoff Appearance If Osceola is to make a 20th consecutive appearance in the FHSAA State High School Football Playoffs, they are going to have run through a gauntlet of a schedule to get there. The Kowboys, coming off a 7-5 season where they captured a district championship and made it to the regional semifinals, will face eight playoff teams this season, including 7A state champion Lake Mary and 6A state runner-up Lakeland. Its new district (5A, D6), includes Lakeland and state playoff qualifiers Auburndale and Sebring. Even Osceola’s Kickoff Classic will be tough, as it will face Daytona Beach-Mainland – 9-3 team that reached the regional finals a year ago. “It’s sort of a double-edged sword. Because of the long-time success of the program, a lot of teams worried about wins and losses simply do not want to play us,” Coach Eric Pinellas said. “On the other hand, we want to play the best schedule, as it is the best way to get ready for the post-season.” For the past two years, the Kowboys have had a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball – but graduation depleted the ranks considerably. It is now time for the next generation of Osceola stars to step up. With the graduation of Amaree Rutland, Osceola will turn its quarterback duties over Jabari Coombs, a transfer from Timber Creek who saw action for the Wolves last season. He participated in spring drills for the Kowboys and continues to improve as he learns the system. Pinellas said.
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SPORTS
Back Where It Began: Tyler Anderson Returns to Coach Harmony Football
When Harmony opened in 2004, Tyler Anderson was named its first head coach. Three seasons later, Anderson led the Longhorns to a 10-win season and a spot in the regional finals. Two decades later he has “come home” — looking to repeat that success. Anderson, who would go on to coach at both the high school (Utah) and college levels, knows he will face new challenges in his second stint. “When you have been away that long, it really is like starting over,” said Anderson, who went 17-6 in his final two seasons during his first stop with the Longhorns. “Our coaches need to learn about the players and the players have to understand what the expectation of the coaches will be. The most important thing is to get the players to buy into the culture we want to create.” In his first season back, Anderson has some talent –especially on defense — to build around from last year’s 5-5 team. Senior leadership will come from Eliza Harris (WR), Saylor Urban (S), Cam Baker (DE), Gerald Pifer (DT), Jackson Munns (LB) and Rylan Rogers (LB). Munns and Rogers combined for 106 tackles and 16 tackles-for-loss last season. Pifer had 48 total tackles, including 6 quarterback sacks and an additional 25 for loss; while Urban has three picks and nine pass defenses.
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NEWS
Museum of Military History Honors WWII Generation During ‘Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive!’ Celebration in St. Cloud ST. CLOUD, Fla. — The courage, sacrifice and enduring legacy of America’s World War II generation were honored Saturday as the Museum of Military History, in partnership with Experience Kissimmee, hosted its annual “Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive!” celebration at the historic G.A.R. Hall in downtown St. Cloud. The Aug. 8 event brought members of the community together to honor the men and women who served during World War II while preserving the spirit of unity, service and patriotism that defined the Greatest Generation. Museum of Military History Executive Director Chris Robertson welcomed the community for a day of remembrance that included a special World War II exhibit featuring military artifacts, displays and historical materials highlighting the courage, experiences and sacrifices of those who served. Free admission was offered during the morning, giving residents and families an opportunity to explore the exhibits, learn more about World War II history and reflect on the service of the men and women who helped defend freedom at home and abroad. The commemoration continued in the afternoon with a special ceremony and luncheon recognizing World War II veterans and paying tribute to their service and lasting contributions to the nation.
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NEWS
Addition Financial Unveils New Student Support Center at Discovery Intermediate School in Osceola County KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Just days before the start of the new school year, Addition Financial Credit Union and the Addition Financial Foundation have completed a newly renovated student support center at Discovery Intermediate School in Osceola County as part of the organization’s expanding Renovate to Educate initiative. Discovery Intermediate was one of five Central Florida schools selected for the 2026 program, which creates welcoming, school-based resource centers stocked with food, clothing, hygiene products, and other everyday essentials for students and families facing homelessness or financial hardship. The initiative expanded this year to serve five schools across Central Florida, including campuses in Osceola, Orange, Seminole, Lake, and Volusia counties. According to local school district data, more than 20,000 students across those five counties are currently experiencing homelessness, underscoring the growing need for school-based support services. Throughout the summer, Addition Financial employees volunteered their time to transform the Discovery Intermediate support center by painting, assembling furniture, organizing supplies, decorating the space, and stocking shelves before students return to class.
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NEWS
NEW SERIES: Beyond the Badge With KPD Chief Broadway Reflecting on September 11, a Promise to Never Forget KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Welcome to Beyond the Badge with Kissimmee Police Chief Chuck Broadway, a new Positively Osceola series that offers our community an opportunity to get to know Kissimmee Police Chief Charles “Chuck” Broadway beyond his title. Throughout this series, Chief Broadway will share the experiences that have shaped his career, his philosophy of community policing, his commitment to public safety, and the lessons that continue to guide his leadership of the Kissimmee Police Department. In this inaugural installment, Chief Broadway reflects on one of the defining moments of his life and career—the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. At the time, he was serving as a detective with the New York City Police Department and would spend countless hours at Ground Zero during the rescue and recovery efforts. His story is one of courage, sacrifice, heartbreak, and an unwavering commitment to serving others—a commitment that continues to define his leadership today. Más Allá de la Placa con el Jefe de la Policía de Kissimmee, Chuck Broadway: Reflexiones sobre el 11 de Septiembre y la Promesa de Nunca Olvidar Bienvenidos a Más Allá de la Placa con el Jefe de la Policía de Kissimmee, Chuck Broadway, una nueva serie de Positively Osceola que brinda a nuestra comunidad
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NEWS
Public Safety Organizations in Osceola and Orange Counties Endorse Christina Arguelles for Circuit Judge, Group 2 Law enforcement and firefighter organizations around Osceola and Orange Counties have announced their endorsements of Christina Arguelles in the race for Circuit Judge, Group 2, citing their confidence in her experience, integrity, and commitment to the fair application of the law. The endorsements include the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Fraternal Order of Police, the Florida Sheriffs Association District 7, and the Osceola County Professional Firefighters. Law enforcement officers and firefighters regularly interact with the judicial system through their work and rely on judges to administer justice impartially and in accordance with the law. The organizations supporting Arguelles said their endorsements reflect confidence in her ability to serve the community with fairness, professionalism, and respect. Vote-by-mail ballots have already been mailed to eligible voters. Early voting in Orange County is scheduled for August 3–16, while early voting in Osceola County will take place August 7–16. Election Day is August 18. Political advertisement paid for and approved by Christina Arguelles for Circuit Judge Campaign, Ninth Judicial Circuit, Non-Partisan, Group 2.
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NEWS
The Polar Express Returns to Gaylord Palms as ICE! Theme for 2026 Holiday Season KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Gaylord Palms Resort will bring The Polar Express back to Central Florida this holiday season as the theme of its signature ICE! attraction, part of the resort’s annual Christmas celebration running Nov. 13, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027. The 20,000-square-foot immersive attraction will feature 11 larger-than-life scenes inspired by the animated holiday film, all hand-carved from ice and displayed inside an environment kept at a chilly 9 degrees.
The Polar Express Regresa a Gaylord Palms como Tema de ICE! para la Navidad 2026 KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Polar Express regresará a Gaylord Palms Resort esta temporada navideña como tema de ICE!, la popular atracción de hielo que formará parte de la celebración navideña del resort del 13 de noviembre de 2026 al 3 de enero de 2027. La experiencia de 20,000 pies cuadrados contará con 11 escenas inspiradas en la película animada, creadas a mano por un equipo de 40 maestros artesanos del hielo de Harbin, China. La atracción se mantiene a una temperatura de 9 grados Fahrenheit y los visitantes recibirán las tradicionales parkas azules para mantenerse abrigados.
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NEWS
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.
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Vote on or before August 18, 2026
Early Voting Orange County Aug. 3rd – Aug. 16th
Request Your Vote-by-Mail Ballot Today
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NEWS
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.
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HEALTH NEWS
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.
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NEWS
Janette Martinez Seeks Re-Election with Focus on Public Safety, Growth, and Quality of Life
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Kissimmee City Commissioner Janette Martinez is seeking re-election to Seat 4, highlighting her record during her first term while campaigning on priorities that include public safety, responsible growth, affordable housing, economic development, and neighborhood investment. Martinez, who was elected in 2022, says her approach to public service has focused on accessibility, transparency, and community engagement. Her campaign states that she will continue emphasizing fiscal responsibility while encouraging residents to remain involved in local government.
Janette Martinez Busca la Reelección al Concejo Municipal de Kissimmee
KISSIMMEE, Florida — La comisionada de la Ciudad de Kissimmee, Janette Martinez, busca la reelección para el Distrito (Seat) 4, destacando los logros alcanzados durante su primer mandato y presentando una plataforma enfocada en la seguridad pública, el crecimiento responsable, la vivienda asequible, el desarrollo económico y la inversión en la comunidad. Elegida por primera vez en 2022, Martinez afirma que su gestión se ha basado en la transparencia, la accesibilidad y la participación ciudadana. Su campaña señala que continuará promoviendo un gobierno responsable y manteniendo una comunicación abierta con los residentes..
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NEWS
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.
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NEWS
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.
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NEWS
Wild Florida Launches New ‘Wild Florida Explorers’ Homeschool Program KENANSVILLE, Fla. — Wild Florida Adventure Park is giving homeschool students a new way to take learning beyond the classroom with the launch of Wild Florida Explorers, a hands-on educational program that combines wildlife, science and up-close learning experiences. The new homeschool program will take place twice each month at Wild Florida’s Alligator Park, offering separate sessions for elementary-age students and middle and high school students. Each session will feature a live educational activity, takehome craft and Keeper Chat with members of Wild Florida’s Animal Care Team. During the Keeper Chats, students will have an opportunity to learn more about the animals at Wild Florida and hear directly from the professionals who care for them. For August, Wild Florida Explorers will focus on Colors, Patterns and Animal Partnerships, giving students a closer look at how animals use colors to communicate or camouflage themselves, how patterns appear throughout nature, and how different species work together to survive within their ecosystems. The August elementary session, designed for children ages 5 to 11, will take place Monday, Aug. 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The middle and high school session for students ages 12 to 18 is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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NEWS
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.
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NEWS
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.
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NEWS
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.
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NEWS
Kissimmee to Begin Railroad Safety Improvements to Preserve Downtown Quiet Zone
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The City of Kissimmee will begin a series of railroad crossing safety improvements next month designed to preserve its downtown Quiet Zone designation, a program that limits the routine use of train horns at designated railroad crossings. According to the City of Kissimmee, construction is scheduled to begin during the week of August 10 and is expected to continue through November 2026. The project will upgrade railroad crossings at Vine Street (U.S. 192) and Clay Street to meet federal safety requirements needed to maintain the Quiet Zone. As part of the project, the Quiet Zone boundaries will be updated and will no longer include the East Donegan Avenue railroad crossing. Planned improvements include the installation of updated railroad signs and pavement markings, as well as expanded median extensions and new traffic delineators at the East Oak Street railroad crossing to enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians. During construction, residents can expect a temporary return of train horn use. Federal regulations require locomotive engineers to sound train horns at public railroad crossings while the required safety improvements are being completed. Once the project is finished and the Quiet Zone is reestablished, routine train horn use within the designated area will cease.
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KNIGHTS NEWS
Cartwrights Commit Additional $500,000 to UCF Football Gateway Project, Bringing Total Pledge to $750,000 ORLANDO, Fla. — Longtime University of Central Florida supporters Ron and Julie Cartwright have pledged an additional $500,000 to the university’s Hagle Football Gateway project, bringing their total commitment to $750,000, UCF Athletics announced. The latest gift will support ongoing enhancements to the football program’s facilities and game-day experience at Acrisure Bounce House. University officials also announced that a new gathering space near the stadium’s Roth Tower will be named the Ron and Julie Cartwright Head Coaches Corner in recognition of the couple’s decades of philanthropy and service to UCF. The landscaped area will be located near IOA Plaza between the north and south entrances of the new Roth Tower and is intended to honor the history of UCF Football and the coaches who helped build the program. The space will also become the permanent home of the George O’Leary statue, creating a destination that recognizes the leadership behind the Knights’ rise from a young football program to national prominence. UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir said the Cartwrights have played an important role in the university’s growth and success.
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NEWS
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.”
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NEWS
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.
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NEWS
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.
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NEWS
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.
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LEGAL NEWS Draper Law: Which vehicles are more likely to be involved in serious or fatal accidents?
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.
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