KUA Board Chairman Manuel Ortega Receives State Award for Leadership in Florida’s Public Power Utilities
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) Board Chairman Manuel Ortega has been recognized statewide for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of Florida’s public power utilities, earning the prestigious Policymaker Award from the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA).
The award was presented during FMEA’s annual conference banquet in Palm Beach and recognizes a local elected or appointed official who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to advancing public power.
Ortega, who has served on KUA’s Board of Directors since 2015, has been a strong advocate for municipal electric utilities at both the state and federal levels. In addition to representing KUA, he has worked closely with the Florida Legislature and members of Congress on issues affecting community-owned utilities.
Presidente de la Junta Directiva de KUA Recibe Premio Estatal por su Liderazgo en las Empresas Públicas de Energía de Florida
KISSIMMEE, Florida — El presidente de la Junta Directiva de la Autoridad de Servicios Públicos de Kissimmee (KUA), Manuel Ortega, fue reconocido a nivel estatal por su liderazgo y defensa de las empresas municipales de energía eléctrica al recibir el prestigioso Premio al Responsable de Políticas Públicas (Policymaker Award) otorgado por la Asociación Municipal Eléctrica de Florida (FMEA).
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.
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.
Osceola Council on Aging to Celebrate Grand Opening of Buen Vecino
Senior Living Community Friday
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola Council on Aging will celebrate the grand opening of Buen Vecino Apartments this Friday, marking a major milestone in the organization’s commitment to providing affordable housing, supportive services, and opportunities for older adults to age with dignity, independence, and security in Osceola County.
The new 60-unit affordable senior living community in Buenaventura Lakes represents years of collaboration between the Osceola Council on Aging, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Spectrum, and numerous community partners. Supported in part by a $5.2 million investment from Osceola County, Buen Vecino provides affordable housing for residents age 62 and older, allowing seniors to remain close to family, healthcare, shopping, and other essential services.
El Osceola Council on Aging celebrará este viernes la inauguración de la comunidad para adultos mayores Buen Vecino
El Osceola Council on Aging celebrará este viernes la inauguración oficial de Buen Vecino Apartments, un importante paso en la misión de la organización de ofrecer viviendas asequibles, servicios de apoyo y oportunidades para que los adultos mayores vivan con dignidad, independencia y seguridad en el Condado de Osceola.
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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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.”
Burger King Launches ‘Whopper Guarantee,’ Promises Free Burger if Order Falls Short
Burger King is introducing a new customer satisfaction initiative that promises guests more than just a replacement if their Whopper doesn’t meet expectations.
The fast-food chain announced Monday the launch of its new Whopper Guarantee, a policy that allows customers to have a Whopper remade immediately if it is prepared incorrectly or fails to meet expectations. In addition, guests will receive a free classic Whopper on a future visit as part of the company’s effort to improve the overall dining experience.
The announcement follows Burger King’s “Listening Initiative,” launched earlier this year, during which the company invited customers to share feedback directly with Burger King U.S. & Canada President Tom Curtis through calls and text messages.
Burger King Lanza la “Garantía Whopper” y Promete una Hamburguesa Gratis si el Pedido No Cumple con las Expectativas
Burger King presentó una nueva iniciativa enfocada en la satisfacción del cliente que promete ofrecer más que un simple reemplazo cuando una Whopper no cumple con las expectativas.
MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/45itLmG
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.
