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Visit Florida tourism-marketing agency, pointed to increased competition from other states and countries that shut down longer than Florida during the pandemic.

Visit Florida tourism-marketing agency, pointed to increased competition from other states and countries that shut down longer than Florida during the pandemic.

Tourism numbers dip in second quarter

Jim Turner
Friday, August 18, 2023
News Service of Florida he number of people traveling to Florida during the second quarter of 2023 decreased compared to a year earlier, according to estimates released Wednesday by the state’s tourism-marketing agency. Florida drew an estimated 33.
In the second part of a podcast with the News Service of Florida, Florida Agriculture Commission Wilton Simpson talked about how the change in the state’s laws about carrying a firearm according to the 2nd Amendment, not prior permitting laws, changes how his office handles gun ownership.

In the second part of a podcast with the News Service of Florida, Florida Agriculture Commission Wilton Simpson talked about how the change in the state’s laws about carrying a firearm according to the 2nd Amendment, not prior permitting laws, changes how his office handles gun ownership.

Ag Commish Simpson: those who want to carry a gun must wait 3 days

Ken Jackson
Friday, August 18, 2023
In the second part of a podcast with News Service of Florida’s Dara Kam, Florida Agriculture Commission Wilton Simpson talked about how the change in the state’s laws about carrying a firearm according to the 2nd Amendment, not prior permitting laws, changes how his office handles gun  ownership.
Theodis James (left) and Charles Chukes III. PHOTOS/OSCEOLA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Theodis James (left) and Charles Chukes III. PHOTOS/OSCEOLA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

2 arrests made in July 19 West 192 hotel shooting

News Staff
Friday, August 18, 2023
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday it had made two arrests in connection with a shooting on July 19 outside the Arlington Inn on West U.S. Highway 192. Sheriff Marcos Lopez said that day those involved were on the run.
Disney and DeSantis have locked horns since former Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced opposition to the law restricting instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. DeSantis has featured his stand against Disney in his presidential campaign. FILE PHOTO

Disney and DeSantis have locked horns since former Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced opposition to the law restricting instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. DeSantis has featured his stand against Disney in his presidential campaign. FILE PHOTO

DeSantis: State has ‘Moved On’ amid Disney fight

Jim Turner
Thursday, August 17, 2023
News Service of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts should drop a federal lawsuit that claims retaliation by the state and accept changes to a special district that long benefited the theme-park giant.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses “Exercise Patience” conventions will pack the Silver Spurs Arena weekends through September. SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Jehovah’s Witnesses “Exercise Patience” conventions will pack the Silver Spurs Arena weekends through September. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Jehovah’s Witnesses fill OHP — but they’ve been here for decades

Ken Jackson
Thursday, August 17, 2023
If you’ve noticed quite the bit of traffic around Osceola Heritage Park the last couple weekends, know that it will continue for a few more Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. So, what’s the commotion? The annual convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses is back in town.
The Osceola Council on Aging is looking to add Recreational Program Instructors to keep special arts, fitness and other activity classes going for active seniors. PHOTO/OSCEOLA COUNCIL ON AGING

The Osceola Council on Aging is looking to add Recreational Program Instructors to keep special arts, fitness and other activity classes going for active seniors. PHOTO/OSCEOLA COUNCIL ON AGING

Council’s Corner — Recruiting Recreational Program Instructors

Wendy Coschignano Ford
Thursday, August 17, 2023
As most of the community knows, the Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) hosts multiple programs in support of our senior residents, disabled adults, and disadvantage families in the Osceola community.
According to a real estate study, Kissimmee is last when it comes to available affordable housing in the Central Florida area.

According to a real estate study, Kissimmee is last when it comes to available affordable housing in the Central Florida area.

Study: Kissimmee has least affordable housing in area

Brian McBride
Thursday, August 17, 2023
According to a real estate study, Kissimmee is last when it comes to available affordable housing in the Central Florida area. The grim statistic could be attributed to wages failing to match the cost of living and new construction not addressing the need in the area, according to Rev.
Veteran's Voice — Aug. 17, 2023

Veteran's Voice — Aug. 17, 2023

Veteran’s Voice — Hey vets, need some saddle time?

Terry Lloyd
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Camp McCormick is a St. Cloud-based 12-week group course program for veterans that includes both mounted activities and therapeutic foundations, conducted by McCormick Research Institute. Enrollment for Camp McCormick – Fall 2023 will open in early August. Visit www.McCormick.
Kissimmee Fire Department dispatchers, first responders and a medical air team pilot combined to save a local girl from drowning in April; KFD honored them last week. PHOTO/KEN JACKSON

Kissimmee Fire Department dispatchers, first responders and a medical air team pilot combined to save a local girl from drowning in April; KFD honored them last week. PHOTO/KEN JACKSON

Kissimmee Fire Department preaching safety amid drowning calls

Ken Jackson
Thursday, August 17, 2023
With this hot weather comes the need for cool relief. That sends many people to swimming pools which, for those who can’t swim or swim well, can produce a challenge that can lead to serious problems — including death.
U.S. Senator Rick Scott delivered awards Saturday at the Faith, Family and Freedom Luncheon in Kissimmeee. PHOTO/DAVID CHIVERS

U.S. Senator Rick Scott delivered awards Saturday at the Faith, Family and Freedom Luncheon in Kissimmeee. PHOTO/DAVID CHIVERS

Senator Scott Stops in Kissimmee

David Chivers
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Senator Rick Scott attended a luncheon in Kissimmee Saturday, speaking with supporters and presenting charters to two new county Republican groups. Scott spoke at the second annual Faith, Family and Freedom Luncheon, held at the Kissimmee Christian Church on North Main Street.
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