Two local non-profits awarded United Arts grants
As part of United Arts of Central Florida’s $2.45 million in grant support for some 60 nonprofit arts, culture, history, and science nonprofit organizations across Central Florida, two Osceola County agencies were benefactors.
Kissimmee’s Escuela de Bomba y Plena Tata Cepeda ($20,000) and Museum of Military History ($10,000) have received funds to help retain staff, sustain crucial programs, and expand access to arts and culture as the region grows beyond what their normal budgets can afford.
Kissimmee, St. Cloud high on U-Haul’s Growth Index
This won’t come as a shock to those who’ve lived in the area a while: a study shows Kissimmee and St. Cloud continue to help Florida continue to dominate national migration trends.
The U-Haul Growth Index (https://www.uhaul.com/ Articles/About/U-Haul-Growth - Index- Top- USGrowth- Metros- And- Cities-Of-2025-Announced-36558/) shows the Sunshine State claimed eight of the top 10 growth cities, and 12 of the top 25 overall in the past year. Kissimmee ranked fourth on the list (third in the 2024 listing) and St. Cloud made it into the top 20 at No. 19.
The metrics of the rapid growth index includes housing trends, cost of living, and other quality-of-life factors that are attracting families, remote workers, business owners, and retirees.
Ocala took the No. 1 spot under “growth cities” the last two years, and Lakeland, considered a “growth metro”, ranked 11th on that list after coming in fourth the year prior.
