DeSantis: Florida needs more federal unemployment funds

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday asked Congress for more unemployment aid to help the tens of thousands of Floridians who’ve been laid off because of COVID-19.  Speaking at Boggy Creek Elementary in Buenaventura Lakes, he said additional federal assistance from Congress is months overdue.

27,000 acres of Osceola County land gifted to UF for preservation efforts

More than 27,000 rural acres near Yeehaw Junction in Florida’s southern Osceola County has been gifted to the University of Florida to protect one of the last natural areas of its kind and to serve as a living classroom and laboratory for students and faculty throughout the university, UF officials...

'I never thought about that'

By Brian McBride Editor Olga Gonzalez made Kissimmee history on Nov. 3 by being the first Hispanic female elected as mayor. But it was never an achievement that crossed her mind. “I never thought about it as that. I just thought about it as a person running for a position,” she said.

Driver killed in multi-vehicle Osceola crash

One man was killed in a multi-car crash on U.S. Highway 192 in Osceola County on Friday. According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, four vehicles following each other were traveling westbound on U.S. 192.

St. Cloud awards nearly $200,000 COVID-19 relief to local businesses and nonprofits

Submitted by the city of St. Cloud The city of St. Cloud has disbursed $199,000 to date as part of its $250,000 Phase 1 COVID-19 Economic Recovery and Stimulus grant funding. Of that total, $164,000 was awarded to 41 local businesses, and $35,000 was awarded to six nonprofit agencies.

Poinciana homicide suspects that shot man during drug deal surrender

Two men wanted in a Poinciana homicide last month have surrendered to authorities. Tarmetris Mack, 18, and 17-year-old Alfred Higgs, Jr., both of Poinciana, have been charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery.

Osceola School District superintendent named 2020 Outstanding Communicator

The Sunshine State School Public Relations Association has named Debra Pace, superintendent of the Osceola School District, as the 2020 Outstanding Superintendent Communicator. Pace is the eighth superintendent to receive the Outstanding Superintendent Communicator honor from SUNSPRA.

Road resurfacing projects planned in Osceola

Osceola County officials are advising that the following roads are tentatively scheduled for resurfacing from Dec. 7-11. •  Meadow Spring Court: Neptune Road to the cul-de-sac. •  Summer Court: Meadow Spring Court to the cul-de-sac. •  Flower Circle: Meadow Spring Court to the cul-de-sac.