Taste of Kissimmee Returns Friday, May 8 to Lakefront’s Ruby Plaza with Food, Music, and More
One of Kissimmee’s most anticipated community events is set to return as the “Taste of Kissimmee,” presented by the City of Kissimmee and sponsored by Experience Kissimmee, once again delivers an evening of flavor, entertainment, and community spirit along the city’s scenic lakefront.
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, the 4 Corners Chamber of Commerce, Inc., which will carry forward and expand.
Líderes de Four Corners Lanzan Nueva Cámara Regional para Impulsar el Crecimiento y la Colaboración
Una nueva etapa de cooperación regional está en marcha en el centro de Florida, ya que líderes de los condados de Lake, Orange, Osceola y Polk han anunciado la transición del Four Corners Commissioners Task Force hacia una nueva organización liderada por el sector empresarial, enfocada en fortalecer la colaboración y apoyar el crecimiento continuo.
Después de años de trabajo conjunto abordando desafíos compartidos como el transporte, la infraestructura, la seguridad pública y la protección ambiental, el grupo de trabajo concluye sus funciones en su forma actual.
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).
Valencia College Student Cesar Parra of Kissimmee Named 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Valencia College student and Kissimmee resident Cesar Parra has been named a 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar, earning national recognition for his academic achievement, leadership, and service.
Selected from a competitive pool of community college students nationwide, Parra will receive a $1,300 scholarship through the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Parra will graduate from Valencia College in May with two AAs through the Seneff Honors College before transferring to UCF to study computer engineering.
Estudiante de Valencia College es nombrado becario del Equipo Académico Coca-Cola 2026
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — El estudiante de Valencia College y residente de Kissimmee, Cesar Parra, ha sido nombrado becario del Equipo Académico Coca-Cola 2026, obteniendo reconocimiento a nivel nacional por su excelencia académica, liderazgo y servicio.
Seleccionado entre un competitivo grupo de estudiantes de colegios comunitarios en todo el país, Parra recibirá una beca de $1,300 a través de la Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation y la Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Taste of Kissimmee Returns Friday, May 8 to Lakefront’s Ruby Plaza with Food, Music, and Community Celebration
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — One of Kissimmee’s most anticipated community events is set to return as the “Taste of Kissimmee,” presented by the City of Kissimmee and sponsored by Experience Kissimmee, once again delivers an evening of flavor, entertainment, and community spirit along the city’s scenic lakefront.
The event will take place on Friday, May 8, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kissimmee Lakefront Park – Ruby Plaza, located at 201 Lakeview Drive, offering a vibrant outdoor experience for residents and visitors alike.
Taste of Kissimmee Regresa el Viernes 8 de Mayo al
Ruby
Plaza
del Lakefront
con Sabor, Música y Comunidad
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Uno de los eventos comunitarios más esperados de Kissimmee está de regreso, ya que “Taste of Kissimmee,” presentado por la City of Kissimmee y patrocinado por Experience Kissimmee, vuelve a ofrecer una noche llena de sabor, entretenimiento y espíritu comunitario en el pintoresco lakefront de la ciudad.
El evento se llevará a cabo el viernes 8 de mayo de 2026, de 5 p.m. a 8 p.m. en Kissimmee Lakefront Park – Ruby Plaza, ubicado en 201 Lakeview Drive, brindando una experiencia al aire libre vibrante para residentes y visitantes.
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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.
La primavera trae la Celebración del Día de la Tierra a St. Cloud con vendedores, vida silvestre y diversión familiar el 25 de abril en la Biblioteca de Veteranos
ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Con la llegada de la primavera al centro de Florida, la Ciudad de St. Cloud invita a los residentes a darle la bienvenida a la temporada con una Celebración del Día de la Tierra enfocada en la comunidad, llena de actividades prácticas, educación y diversión para toda la familia. El evento está programado para el sábado 25 de abril, de 10 a.m. a 1 p.m., en la Biblioteca Conmemorativa de Veteranos – Sucursal de St. Cloud, ubicada en 810 13th Street. La entrada es gratuita y está abierta al público.
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.
La Cámara de Comercio de St. Cloud anuncia el 44.º Torneo Anual de Golf en Royal St. Cloud Golf Links
Golfistas, líderes empresariales y miembros de la comunidad están invitados a salir al campo esta primavera, ya que la Cámara de Comercio Greater Osceola de St. Cloud se prepara para su 44.º Torneo Anual de Golf, programado para el 8 de mayo de 2026 en el Royal St. Cloud Golf Links.
Presentado por Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, este evento comunitario de larga trayectoria reúne a negocios locales y colaboradores para un día de golf, networking y filantropía.
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.
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.
Osceola Arts presenta un vibrante mural de cuatro artistas en East Vine Street en Kissimmee tras ceremonia de corte de cinta
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.
Osceola Arts Unveils Vibrant Four-Artist Mural on East Vine Street in Kissimmee Following Ribbon Cutting Ceremony READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/4s475zC
