County offices closed Monday

With the exception of public safety and other specific operations, all Osceola County Board of County Commission offices and departments will be closed Monday for an unpaid staff furlough day.

At the Sept. 20 board meeting, commissioners approved the county manager’s recommendation of 10 employee furlough days for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1.

Most departments and buildings, including libraries, parks, road and bridge, animal control, permitting and others will be closed to the public. The furlough days are expected to save taxpayers nearly $2.8 million.

Remaining furlough days for the fiscal year are all Fridays, and include: March 11, April 1, May 13, June 17, July 15, Aug. 12 and Sept. 16.

The furlough days do not apply to the Constitutional Offices (Clerk of Court, Property Appraiser, Sheriff’s Office, Supervisor of Elections and Tax Collector) or city and state offices.

For more information, contact the Osceola County Community Outreach/Public Information Office at 407-742-0100.

Lane shifts on Polynesian Isles Boulevard

Work Crews will be milling and resurfacing a section of Polynesian Isles Boulevard from State Road 535 southward to U.S. Highway 192 beginning Monday, Feb. 14, with the work expected to continue through Friday, March 4.

Work will take place daily between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Message boards are scheduled to be in place by Tuesday to advise drivers of the upcoming project.

Motorists are urged to use caution when approaching these areas, as there will be temporary lane closures, but no road closures. Traffic delays can be expected. Schedules could vary according to weather and equipment-related issues.

For more information, contact the Osceola County Community Outreach/Public Information Office at 407-742-0100.

Burger King damaged by fire Wednesday

A Burger King erupted in flames around dinnertime Wednesday, causing extensive damage, while employees and patrons fled the scene.

At approximately 5 p.m., employees of the Burger King at 1920 E. U.S. Highway 192, across from Bill Beck Boulevard, smelled and saw smoke coming from the kitchen, according to Niki Whisler, Osceola County Emergency Services spokesperson.

The manager and staff evacuated the restaurant and called 911.

No injuries were reported.

The two-alarm fire brought fire rescue crews from Osceola County, Kissimmee and St. Cloud, Whisler said.

“The firefighters did a great job of knocking it down,” she said.

Burger King spokeswoman Denise Wilson said the corporation has yet to determine how long the restaurant will be closed for repair.

“Burger King Corp. is investigating the details of the fire and cooperating fully with the authorities,” Wilson said via e-mail. “The restaurant will remain temporarily closed until the repairs are completed.”

The restaurant is company-owned and has been open since 1989, Wilson said.