JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Nelson Mandela, who became one of the world’s most beloved statesmen and a colossus of the 20th century when he emerged from 27 years in prison to negotiate an end to white minority rule in South Africa, has died. He was 95. South African President Jacob Zuma made the announcement at a news conference late Thursday, saying “we’ve lost our greatest son.” His death closed the final
Osceola County Sheriff’s deputies arrested an employee at an Osceola County group home for having sex with three underage girls staying at the home.
By Ken Jackson Staff Writer The city of Kissimmee has big plans for its roads, trails, and the area around Kissimmee Gateway Airport. This is good news for those who get around town on a bicycle or do business with those who do business at the airport. Kissimmee’s network of Development Services department held a public workshop at City Hall Monday to give residents in the area a chance to
By Tiffanie Reynolds Staff writer Even though they now hold a seat in the Florida Senate and in Osceola County circuit court, both Sen. Darren Soto, D-Orlando, and Clerk of the Circuit Court Armando Ramirez owe their start to Elias “Rico” Piccard. An outspoken community activist in Central Florida for 17 years, Piccard died from pancreatic cancer on Nov. 27 at the age of 67. Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto
By Rick Pedone Sports Editor Niceville junior Zach Bailey kicked the game-winning field goal with 7 seconds to play to push the Eagles past Osceola, 31-30, in a thrilling Class 7A state semifinal game Friday at Niceville. Sophomore Eli Stove’s 67-yard kickoff return to the Osceola 25, after the Kowboys scored to take the lead, 30-28, with 2:09 to play, put the Eagles in scoring position. Quarterback Ashton Hooker (12-18-336),
Gateway defends district crown By Rick Pedone Sports Editor Based on outstanding returning talent and impressive performances in off-season leagues, this should be another competitive boys basketball season in Osceola County. Gateway reached the regional playoffs last season and is a favorite in district 7A-5, where it will contend with Osceola, Liberty, Lake Nona, Harmony, St. Cloud and Celebration. The Panthers will be challenged mainly by Osceola, which has one
Rick Pedone Sports Editor It’s the 72nd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. Now, Alabama football fans know how the U.S. Navy felt that day. When does Bama give up a two-touchdown lead in a big game? When does the Tide defense collapse in the second half? A 109-yard field goal return? So, Auburn 34, Alabama 28 at the Iron Bowl, and Florida State and Ohio State fans said, “Works
By Peter Covino Entertainment Editor What’s better than a Christmas tie or a pair of socks? A gift that gets you into a musem or maybe even a movie. Just about every non profit museum and center in Central Florida offers annual memberships or gift certificates. Here are a few annual membership offers and more from some places that really need it. Enzian Theatre The popular independent theater screens films
In celebration of the 15th anniversary of the International Space Station (ISS), Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is hosting crew members of the first space shuttle mission to construct the ISS on Tuesday, Dec. 10. STS-88 crewmembers attending include Kennedy Space Center Director and mission commander Robert Cabana and mission specialists Jerry Ross and Nancy Currie. On Dec. 10, 1998, the six-member crew aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour became the first
By Peter Covino Lifestyles Editor Finally, it is beginning to feel like fall and that means it should be a good weekend to visit the theme parks. The Disney parks are already dressed up for the holidays. And with cooler temperatures (and before the holiday crowds arrive en masse) there is not a better time to go. The snow has already started falling at the Magic Kingdom:’s Mickey’s Very Merry
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is now celebrating the third annual “Holidays in Space.” The Visitor Complex will be adorned with a stunning array of holiday decorations, host daily visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus and spark the imagination with the new “Through the Toy Box: An Out-of-this-World Collection,” featuring toys, both vintage and contemporary, inspired by outer space. From ray guns and space ships to coin banks and
By Peter Covino Entertainment Editor What’s better than a Christmas tie or a pair of socks? A gift that gets you into a musem or maybe even a movie. Just about every non profit museum and center in Central Florida offers annual memberships or gift certificates. Here are a few annual membership offers and more from some places that really need it. Enzian Theatre The popular independent theater screens films
In celebration of the 15th anniversary of the International Space Station (ISS), Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is hosting crew members of the first space shuttle mission to construct the ISS on Tuesday, Dec. 10. STS-88 crewmembers attending include Kennedy Space Center Director and mission commander Robert Cabana and mission specialists Jerry Ross and Nancy Currie. On Dec. 10, 1998, the six-member crew aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour became the first