KUA Breaks Ground on $20 Million Van Meter Substation to Strengthen Electric Reliability, Growth KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Kissimmee Utility Authority officially broke ground Wednesday on a new $20 million electrical substation that will expand the utility’s capacity, improve electric reliability, and help meet the demands of continued growth in KUA’s northwest service area in Kissimmee.
AROUND OSCEOLA
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.
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.
Three Osceola High Students Represent at National Junior Achievement ‘Future Bound’ Event in Boston
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Kissimmee Utility Authority officially broke ground Wednesday on a new $20 million electrical substation that will expand the utility’s capacity, improve electric reliability, and help meet the demands of continued growth in KUA’s northwest service area in Kissimmee.
The Van Meter Substation, located on Helios Circle in Kissimmee, is expected to be completed by the summer of 2027 and will provide up to 80 megawatts of transformer capacity to serve new residential and commercial development within KUA’s service area.
KUA Inicia la Construcción de la Subestación Van Meter de $20 Millones para Fortalecer la Confiabilidad Eléctrica e Impulsar el Crecimiento Futuro
La Autoridad de Servicios Públicos de Kissimmee (KUA, por sus siglas en inglés) inició oficialmente el miércoles la construcción de una nueva subestación eléctrica con una inversión de $20 millones que ampliará la capacidad del sistema, fortalecerá la confiabilidad del servicio eléctrico y ayudará a satisfacer la creciente demanda en el área noroeste del territorio de servicio de KUA en Kissimmee.
La Subestación Van Meter, ubicada en Helios Circle en Kissimmee, está programada para completarse en el verano de 2027 y proporcionará hasta 80 megavatios de capacidad de transformación para atender el crecimiento residencial
Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County Launches Read to Rise Family Literacy Initiative
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.
La Coalición de Aprendizaje Temprano del Condado de Osceola Lanza la Iniciativa de Alfabetización Familiar "Read to Rise"
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Las familias del condado de Osceola ahora cuentan con un nuevo programa de alfabetización temprana diseñado para ayudar a los niños a desarrollar habilidades de lectura y lenguaje antes de ingresar al kindergarten.
La Coalición de Aprendizaje Temprano del Condado de Osceola, en colaboración con Experience Kissimmee, Wild Florida, Osceola Reads y el Sistema de Bibliotecas del Condado de Osceola, lanzó Read to Rise, una iniciativa comunitaria que ofrece recursos educativos gratuitos, kits interactivos de alfabetización y oportunidades de aprendizaje para niños desde el nacimiento hasta los 6 años.
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Kissimmee Invites Community to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at Monumental Fourth of July
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The City of Kissimmee is preparing to celebrate Independence Day with one of Central Florida’s largest annual Fourth of July events as the Monumental Fourth of July returns to Kissimmee Lakefront Park on Saturday, July 4.
This year’s celebration carries added significance as communities across the nation commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. City officials are inviting residents and visitors to gather for an evening of live entertainment, family activities, food, and a fireworks spectacular overlooking Lake Tohopekaliga. Festivities will begin at 7 p.m. at Kissimmee Lakefront Park, 201 Lakeview Drive, with live performances on the main stage featuring headlining musical duo Nina Sky.
Kissimmee Invita a la Comunidad a Celebrar el 250.º Aniversario de la Independencia de Estados Unidos en el Monumental Fourth of July
KISSIMMEE, Florida. — La Ciudad de Kissimmee se prepara para celebrar el Día de la Independencia con uno de los eventos del 4 de Julio más importantes del centro de Florida, ya que el Monumental Fourth of July regresará al Kissimmee Lakefront Park el sábado 4 de julio.
Sen. Ashley Moody Introduces Bill to Strengthen Fight Against Scams and Fraud Targeting Seniors
As financial scams targeting older Americans continue to rise nationwide, U.S. Senator Ashley Moody has introduced legislation aimed at giving law enforcement agencies additional resources to investigate and prosecute fraud schemes that prey on seniors.
The proposed STOP Scams Against Seniors Act would allow federal grant funding to be used to create specialized Elder Justice Task Forces designed to coordinate efforts among local, state and federal authorities.
Supporters of the measure say the task forces would help streamline investigations and improve the prosecution of criminals responsible for financial fraud, identity theft and other scams targeting older adults.
La Senadora Ashley Moody Presenta Proyecto de Ley para Fortalecer la Lucha Contra las Estafas y el Fraude Dirigidos a los Adultos Mayores
Mientras las estafas financieras dirigidas a los adultos mayores continúan aumentando en todo el país, la senadora federal por Florida, Ashley Moody, presentó una legislación destinada a proporcionar a las agencias del orden público recursos adicionales para investigar y procesar esquemas de fraude que afectan a las personas mayores.
Osceola School Board Chairman Heather Kahoun Elected President-Elect of Florida School Boards Association
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Osceola County School Board Chairman Heather Kahoun has been elected President-Elect of the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA), earning a statewide leadership position that will help shape education policy and governance for Florida’s public school districts.
Kahoun was elected during the FSBA General Membership Meeting held as part of the FSBA/FADSS Annual Summer Conference, which took place June 10-12. The annual conference brought together more than 400 school board members, superintendents, and education leaders from across Florida to discuss governance, leadership, and strategies aimed at improving student success.
La presidenta de la Junta Escolar de Osceola, Heather Kahoun, es elegida presidenta electa de la Asociación de Juntas Escolares de Florida
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — La presidenta de la Junta Escolar del Condado de Osceola, Heather Kahoun, fue elegida presidenta electa de la Asociación de Juntas Escolares de Florida (Florida School Boards Association, FSBA), asumiendo un importante cargo de liderazgo estatal que contribuirá a orientar las políticas educativas y las mejores prácticas de gobernanza para los distritos escolares públicos de Florida.
Aquatica Orlando Honors Veterans with Free Fourth of July Admission Offer
ORLANDO, Fla. — Aquatica Orlando is celebrating Independence Day by honoring the men and women who have served in the United States military with a special summer promotion that includes complimentary admission for veterans and their families.
As part of the limited-time offer, U.S. military veterans can receive one free admission ticket to Aquatica Orlando along with up to three complimentary guest tickets, providing an opportunity to enjoy the park's water attractions with family and friends during the Fourth of July holiday period.
Veterans must verify their military status through ID.me and claim the offer by June 21, 2026. The complimentary tickets may then be used for admission through July 5, 2026. Additional tickets may also be purchased at 50% off the regular admission price.
Aquatica
Orlando Honra a los Veteranos con Entradas Gratuitas por el Día de la Independencia y Pases Anuales con Descuento
ORLANDO, Fla. — Aquatica Orlando está celebrando el Día de la Independencia rindiendo homenaje a los hombres y mujeres que han servido en las Fuerzas Armadas de los Estados Unidos con una promoción especial de verano que incluye admisión gratuita para veteranos y sus familias.
Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital ENT Specialist Dr. Thuong Trinh Shares Allergy and Sinus Health Insights on Coffee Talk
ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Residents across Osceola County recently had the opportunity to learn more about seasonal allergies, sinus issues, and ear, nose, and throat health during a special edition of Positively Osceola's Coffee Talk LIVE featuring Dr. Thuong H. Trinh, an ear, nose, and throat specialist with Orlando Health Medical Group.
Joining Positively Osceola Vice President Keith Ronan in downtown St. Cloud, Dr. Trinh discussed one of Central Florida's most common health challenges: seasonal allergies and the impact they can have on daily life.
La Especialista en Otorrinolaringología del Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, Dra. Thuong Trinh, Comparte Información Sobre Alergias y Salud Sinusal en Coffee Talk LIVE
ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Los residentes de todo el condado de Osceola tuvieron recientemente la oportunidad de conocer más sobre las alergias estacionales, los problemas sinusales y la salud del oído, la nariz y la garganta durante una edición especial de Coffee Talk LIVE de Positively Osceola, que contó con la participación de la Dra. Thuong H. Trinh, especialista en otorrinolaringología de Orlando Health Medical Group.
Acompañando al vicepresidente de Positively Osceola, Keith Ronan, en el centro de St. Cloud, la Dra.
Osceola 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.
Florida Python Challenge Kicks Off July 10, Offering $25,000 in Prizes for Invasive Snake Removal; Registration Now Open
EVERGLADES, Fla. — The 2026 Florida Python Challenge™ returns July 10-19, giving participants the chance to compete for a share of $25,000 in prizes while helping remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades.
Hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Water Management District, the competition features a $10,000 grand prize for the participant who removes the most pythons. Additional prizes will be awarded in novice, professional, and military divisions.
Desafío de Pitones de Florida Regresa el 10 de Julio con $25,000 en Premios
EVERGLADES, Fla. — El Florida Python Challenge™ 2026 regresa del 10 al 19 de julio, ofreciendo a los participantes la oportunidad de competir por una parte de $25,000 en premios mientras ayudan a eliminar las pitones birmanas invasoras del ecosistema de los Everglades.
Organizado por la Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission y el South Florida Water Management District, el concurso incluye un gran premio de $10,000 para la persona que capture la mayor cantidad de pitones.
