Westside Blvd. Extension Opens, Aims to Ease
Traffic in Osceola’s Fast-Growing Corridor
A new stretch of Westside Blvd. 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 north-south route intended to ease congestion in the rapidly growing Four Corners and ChampionsGate areas..
Around Osceola
Caribbean Fusion Back to Kissimmee April 26
Jazz A Band to Return to Essentially Ellington
Osceola Arts Unveils Vibrant Four-Artist Mural
Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital 3D Mammography
Artemis II Set to Launch from Florida April 1
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. County officials say the four-lane divided roadway is expected to improve traffic flow and travel reliability in an area that has seen significant residential and commercial development in recent years.
The newly opened portion represents an $11 million segment of the overall $20 million Westside Boulevard extension project. Funding came from a combination of county infrastructure investment and contributions tied to private development. Osceola County District 1 Commissioner Peggy Choudhry said the project is part of a broader effort to keep transportation infrastructure aligned with population growth.
Kowtown Festival Brings Community Together for Kissimmee’s 143th Birthday Bash
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The City of Kissimmee brought its rich history and vibrant community spirit to life on Saturday as hundreds gathered at Kissimmee Lakefront Park for the annual Kowtown Festival, celebrating the city’s 143rd birthday.
The day started out as birthday parties do — but this one carried a uniquely Kowtown flair. The celebration was officially kicked off with Kissimmee Police Chief Chuck Broadway leading the crowd in a spirited rendition of “Happy Birthday” to the City of Kissimmee. Moments later, City Commissioners, led by Vice Mayor Angela Eady, took center stage to cut the ceremonial birthday cake as attendees looked on. Guests were then treated to delicious birthday cupcakes provided by Candieland Designs, adding a sweet touch to the milestone celebration.
From the moment festivities got underway, attendees were treated to a full lineup of live entertainment. Opening the celebration was local favorite Distorted Xpression, setting the tone with high-energy performances that got the crowd engaged early.
As the afternoon continued, the excitement built toward the headline performance by country duo Thompson Square, whose nationally recognized hits and dynamic stage presence drew cheers from fans gathered near the waterfront stage.
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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.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees engaged with cutting-edge demonstrations and exhibits that showcased real-world applications of robotics, microelectronics, emergency response technology, and data-driven innovation.
The largest and most interactive exhibit came from Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS, which showcased multiple hands-on educational displays demonstrating the advanced technologies now being integrated into modern fire rescue operations. Attendees were able to explore equipment, learn about emergency response innovations, and see firsthand how technology is enhancing public safety across the county.
A key presence throughout the event was the student ambassadors from NeoCity Academy, who played an active role in guiding visitors, answering questions, and sharing firsthand insight into the school’s rigorous, technology-driven curriculum.
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."
Artemis II Set to Launch from Florida, Marking First Crewed Moon Mission in Over 50 Years
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A new era of human space exploration is set to lift off from Florida’s Space Coast as NASA prepares for the historic launch of its Artemis II mission — the first crewed journey toward the Moon in more than half a century.
The mission, part of NASA Artemis Program, is scheduled for a launch window beginning as early as April 1 from Kennedy Space Center. It will send four astronauts aboard the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft on a 10-day journey looping around the Moon and back to Earth.
Artemis II marks the first time humans will travel into deep space since the Apollo program, carrying astronauts farther from Earth than any crew in more than 50 years.
A Critical Step Toward the Moon — and Mars
Unlike future missions, Artemis II will not land on the Moon. Instead, it is designed to test life-support systems, navigation, communications, and overall spacecraft performance in deep space — all essential for future lunar landings and eventual missions to Mars.
The four-person crew includes three NASA astronauts and one from the Canadian Space Agency, highlighting the international collaboration behind the Artemis program.
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.
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).
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.
