Opinion

Chanel Steptoe is the current Administrator at Aviata at Kissimmee Gardens.

Chanel Steptoe is the current Administrator at Aviata at Kissimmee Gardens.

GUEST COLUMNIST — A Kissimmee blueprint for excellence in long term care

News Staff
Friday, April 3, 2026
By Chanel SteptoeWhen you walk into a long term care facility led by the right people, you feel it immediately. You can see it in how professionals interact with others, the warmth in how residents are greeted, and the trust that families feel in their loved one’s home.
Derrick Chubbs of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida says his organization is working hard to narrow the gap between the available benefits and the amount of help needed by Central Florida families facing hunger.

Derrick Chubbs of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida says his organization is working hard to narrow the gap between the available benefits and the amount of help needed by Central Florida families facing hunger.

GUEST COLUMNIST — Here to stay: hunger in Central Florida

Derrick Chubbs
Friday, February 27, 2026
Frank and Gloria did everything right. They took their finances seriously—saved money, earned an education, and put their kids through school. But now, retired from their careers as teachers, they find themselves struggling to stretch their income to the end of every month.
By a presidential proclamation, January has been designated as National Blood Donor Month in an effort to raise awareness about the constant demand for blood.

By a presidential proclamation, January has been designated as National Blood Donor Month in an effort to raise awareness about the constant demand for blood.

Giving blood was near and dear to his heart

Tom Germond
Thursday, January 22, 2026
If I were granted one wish for 2026 it would be that everybody who gives blood would donate one more time.That would go a long way toward preventing blood shortages.Okay, I have another wish: Allow me to donate blood and platelets again.That’s not likely to happen.
In 2026, residents will have some pretty big decisions to make—at the polls. This year features an extremely important election cycle that you’ll be hearing more about that in the coming weeks.

In 2026, residents will have some pretty big decisions to make—at the polls. This year features an extremely important election cycle that you’ll be hearing more about that in the coming weeks.

FROM THE EDITOR: 2025 was no joke—and ‘26 is a critical one for Osceola County

Ken Jackson
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Since we had to send the Jan. 1 print edition to the press a bit early last week due to the midweek holiday, this edition truly feels like the first paper of 2026.So let me officially wish all of you loyal readers a Happy New Year.It’s a good time to discuss our resolutions.
The second most impressive change (following their extensive shift to EVs) was the extent China has finally moved from paper money and coins to digital payment methods.

The second most impressive change (following their extensive shift to EVs) was the extent China has finally moved from paper money and coins to digital payment methods.

Cashless China — when does it arrive here?

John Richard Schrock
Friday, December 26, 2025
While speaking in China, I noted the second most impressive change (following their extensive shift to EVs) was the extent China has finally moved from paper money and coins to digital payment methods.
From Chamber President Dirk Webb: "The older I get, the more I understand that every day is a gift and the people I love are the actual wrapping that makes each moment so special."

From Chamber President Dirk Webb: "The older I get, the more I understand that every day is a gift and the people I love are the actual wrapping that makes each moment so special."

GUEST EDITORIAL — Maybe it IS the thought that counts

Dirk Webb
Thursday, December 25, 2025
On this Christmas Day 2025, I’m aware we can find this time of year very stressful. We usually have extra events to attend, year end deadlines to meet and, of course, the shopping, wrapping and exchanging those Christmas presents. Let me tell you a short story that recently happened.
CAPITOL COLUMN — Keep the faith, MAGA true believers

CAPITOL COLUMN — Keep the faith, MAGA true believers

CAPITOL COLUMN, the finale — Keep the faith, MAGA true believers

Bill Cotterell
Friday, December 12, 2025
Editor’s Note: News Service of Florida columnist and longtime Florida journalism Bill Cotterell, who wrote about Florida government and politics for more than four decades, died Nov. 24 at age 82. Four days before his death, Cotterell filed this column.
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