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Victor Manuel Carrion‑Flores admitted he did not seek veterinary care, saying he was “too busy” with real‑estate work and “did not want to deal with it,” according to the charging documents. (Photo/Osceola County Jail)

Victor Manuel Carrion‑Flores admitted he did not seek veterinary care, saying he was “too busy” with real‑estate work and “did not want to deal with it,” according to the charging documents. (Photo/Osceola County Jail)

Kissimmee man arrested after injured dog found in dumpster

Kristin Hurst
Monday, March 9, 2026
A 79‑year‑old Kissimmee man was arrested Sunday on a felony animal cruelty charge after Osceola County Sheriff’s deputies say he threw his severely injured dog into a dumpster behind a Dollar Tree on Cypress Parkway and left the animal to die.
Gas prices locally are up 70 cents over the course of the week. (Graphic/AAA Gas Prices)

Gas prices locally are up 70 cents over the course of the week. (Graphic/AAA Gas Prices)

Gas prices head through the sunroof; is it over?

Ken Jackson
Monday, March 9, 2026
Tighten the wallet to fill up that tank.Thanks to the recent crisis in the Middle East timed during the spring when many gas refineries are switching to "summer blend," the price at the pump has seen a drastic rise in the last week.The national price is up from $2.997 last week to $3.
The weekend's isolated rain showers lowered Osceola County's Keetch-Bryam drought index enough to allow Osceola County Fire Rescue to rescind the burn ban put in place Feb. 16. (Graphic/KBDI)

The weekend's isolated rain showers lowered Osceola County's Keetch-Bryam drought index enough to allow Osceola County Fire Rescue to rescind the burn ban put in place Feb. 16. (Graphic/KBDI)

Burn Ban lifted for unincorporated Osceola County

Ken Jackson
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Following seven consecutive days of favorable changes to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) average in Osceola County — which included some measurable rainfall over the weekend — the burn ban in effect since February 16 has been lifted in accordance with County ordinance.
According to police, a man identified as Carlos Barros-Villahermosa demanded the license and registration of a 18-year-old driver in a Kissimmee incident Thursday. (Photo/Osceola County Sheriff's Office)

According to police, a man identified as Carlos Barros-Villahermosa demanded the license and registration of a 18-year-old driver in a Kissimmee incident Thursday. (Photo/Osceola County Sheriff's Office)

Kissimmee man charged with impersonating police officer in BVL incident

Ken Jackson
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Osceola County Sheriff's deputies have arrested a man they say impersonated law enforcement during an incident in Kissimmee Thursday night — and ask the public if anyone else has had such a run-in with the man.
KPD Lt. Lacey Santone was promoted at the Dec. 5 City Commission meeting. On Dec. 12, the departmentinitiated a criminal investigation after an officer came forward with additional information in the case. (Photo/Facebook)

KPD Lt. Lacey Santone was promoted at the Dec. 5 City Commission meeting. On Dec. 12, the departmentinitiated a criminal investigation after an officer came forward with additional information in the case. (Photo/Facebook)

Kissimmee Police Lieutenant arrested following investigation

Staff Report
Friday, March 6, 2026
A Kissimmee Police officer, who had just been promoted to Lieutenant in December, has been arrested and charged with two crimes related to her access of the department's camera system.Lacey Santone turned herself to the Osceola County Jail Thursday, and jail records show she's already bonded.
It’s that time of year again— this Saturday night into Sunday, most Americans will partake in the annual spring ritual of temporal gymnastics. At 2 a.m., we’ll officially “spring forward” into Daylight Saving Time.

It’s that time of year again— this Saturday night into Sunday, most Americans will partake in the annual spring ritual of temporal gymnastics. At 2 a.m., we’ll officially “spring forward” into Daylight Saving Time.

The annual spring forward: more than just a lost hour

Emely Albelo
Friday, March 6, 2026
It’s that time of year again— this Saturday night into Sunday, most Americans will partake in the annual spring ritual of temporal gymnastics. At 2 a.m., we’ll officially “spring forward” into Daylight Saving Time.
Chestnut Elementary School in Poinciana cut the ribbon on its new school food pantry made possible by an investment the Poinsette Foundation made in four county schools. (Photo/Second Harvest Food Bank)

Chestnut Elementary School in Poinciana cut the ribbon on its new school food pantry made possible by an investment the Poinsette Foundation made in four county schools. (Photo/Second Harvest Food Bank)

NEWS BRIEFS — Osceola student a state Black History Month winner; Investment in local school food pantries

News Staff
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Osceola County student among state Black History Month winnersThe Florida Department of Education announced the winners of its state Black History Month educator and student art and essay contests. The 2026 theme was “Celebrating Black History.
Mayor Jackie Espinosa

Mayor Jackie Espinosa

Did Kissimmee mayor get a Boost from the city?

Ken Jackson
Thursday, March 5, 2026
A city of Kissimmee small-business stabilizing program that utilized federal funds released in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has come under scrutiny by some members of the public—and the state of Florida’s CFO.
The new sheriff expressed interest in having a forensic audit conducted regarding certain department aspects during early talks with Osceola County and its budget.

The new sheriff expressed interest in having a forensic audit conducted regarding certain department aspects during early talks with Osceola County and its budget.

Osceola Sheriff’s Office releases audit results

Ken Jackson
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Blackmon requested forensic look at the department when he joined last JulyThe results of a forensic audit of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office requested in the wake of June 2025 arrest of since-suspended Sheriff Marcos Lopez are in, and the news is relatively solid.
Gateway High School’s Student Senate, the only Student Government association in Osceola County that’s part of the academic curriculum, attended the Florida Association of Student Councils for the first time last month—and came away with the District 3 gold medal. (Photo/Ken Jackson)

Gateway High School’s Student Senate, the only Student Government association in Osceola County that’s part of the academic curriculum, attended the Florida Association of Student Councils for the first time last month—and came away with the District 3 gold medal. (Photo/Ken Jackson)

1st time’s the charm — Gateway’s Student Senate wins state gold

Ken Jackson
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Remember when you were in school and had a class president you voted for?That person was a part of student government, learning leadership, how to best invest time and work in an administrative setting.
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