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Florida’s state fuel taxes increased slightly on Jan. 1 as part of the regular annual adjustment required by state law, but on the good side, it accounts for less than a penny per gallon. (File Photo)

Florida’s state fuel taxes increased slightly on Jan. 1 as part of the regular annual adjustment required by state law, but on the good side, it accounts for less than a penny per gallon. (File Photo)

Changes made to state fuel taxes— how will it affect you at the pump?

Ken Jackson
Thursday, January 8, 2026
There’s good news and bad news regarding gas prices as drivers begin the new year.Florida’s state fuel taxes increased slightly on Jan. 1 as part of the regular annual adjustment required by state law.On the good side, it accounts for less than a penny per gallon.
This week, the Library announced where OLLie will make stops, twice a month to bring library services, collections, events, and education directly to the heart of the community. (File Photo)

This week, the Library announced where OLLie will make stops, twice a month to bring library services, collections, events, and education directly to the heart of the community. (File Photo)

Where’s OLLie? Here’s where to meet the Library where it’s at

Staff Report
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Last month, the Osceola Library System debuted OLLie, a new fully equipped Osceola Library Link van to serve as a Library on the Move to parts of the county not near an existing brick-and-mortar library.
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.
As we enter 2026, the OCOA is celebrating nearly 55 years of philanthropic impact for the community; impact in which the organization alone could never have managed on our own without our amazing ‘village’ of support.

As we enter 2026, the OCOA is celebrating nearly 55 years of philanthropic impact for the community; impact in which the organization alone could never have managed on our own without our amazing ‘village’ of support.

COUNCIL CORNER — Happy New Year from the Council on Aging!

Wendy Coschignano Ford
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Happy New Year from the Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA)! As we look forward to a prosperous, healthy, and happy 2026, I want to say I continue to be so grateful for the opportunity to lead one of the most innovative social service organizations in the State of Florida. As Lance Robertson, former U.
When executing a search warrant at Shi’s home on Feb. 20, 2025, federal agents found multiple firearms, including the Ruger rifle depicted. Under a nonimmigrant work visa in 2022, Shi was in a prohibited class of persons not legally allowed to possess firearms. (Photo/Department of Justice)

When executing a search warrant at Shi’s home on Feb. 20, 2025, federal agents found multiple firearms, including the Ruger rifle depicted. Under a nonimmigrant work visa in 2022, Shi was in a prohibited class of persons not legally allowed to possess firearms. (Photo/Department of Justice)

Chinese national convicted for unlawful firearms dealing; Former KPD officer sentenced in child sexual abuse material case

Staff Report
Thursday, January 8, 2026
A federal jury has found a St. Cloud man guilty of aiding and abetting unlicensed firearms dealing and possession of a firearm as an alien admitted under a nonimmigrant visa.Jincheng Shi, 28, faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
With Florida’s regular 60-day session starting next week, DeSantis called the special session for the week of April 20, at least in part to give the U.S. Supreme Court time to rule in a pending Louisiana redistricting case. (File Photo)

With Florida’s regular 60-day session starting next week, DeSantis called the special session for the week of April 20, at least in part to give the U.S. Supreme Court time to rule in a pending Louisiana redistricting case. (File Photo)

Gov. DeSantis sets April redistricting session

Jim Turner
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
News Service of Florida — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday called a special legislative session in April to redraw congressional districts, as Republicans seek to maintain control of the U.S. House in this year’s elections.
Kissimmee family welcomed their baby boy, Mason, at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital on Thursday, Jan. 1, at 12:25 a.m. Weighing 6 pounds, 10 ounces, he is the first 2026 baby born in Osceola County and one of the first in Central Florida. Congratulations to mother Rachel and the family!

Kissimmee family welcomed their baby boy, Mason, at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital on Thursday, Jan. 1, at 12:25 a.m. Weighing 6 pounds, 10 ounces, he is the first 2026 baby born in Osceola County and one of the first in Central Florida. Congratulations to mother Rachel and the family!

Welcoming Osceola’s first 2026 newborn

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Kissimmee family welcomed their baby boy, Mason, at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital on Thursday, Jan. 1, at 12:25 a.m. Weighing 6 pounds, 10 ounces, he is the first 2026 baby born in Osceola County and one of the first in Central Florida. Congratulations to mother Rachel and the family!
New Year's Eve photos by Katie Williams

New Year's Eve photos by Katie Williams

A chilly—and hot—start to 2026

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Sweater and jacket weather for New Year’s Eve didn’t bother anyone, as people turned out in droves to public celebrations to ring in 2026 across the county. Annual events were held in St.
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