News

This weather graphic from late Friday afternoon shows the current warm weather, and the expected drastic cooldown to begin next week. (Graphic/WeatherStar)

This weather graphic from late Friday afternoon shows the current warm weather, and the expected drastic cooldown to begin next week. (Graphic/WeatherStar)

County cold weather shelters to open Monday and Tuesday

Staff Report
Friday, February 20, 2026
While it may sound strange to talk about such weather when the highs will reach the upper 80s through the weekend, Osceola County announced that, ahead of an expected temperature tumble after a cold front moves through, it will open two cold-weather shelters the evenings of Monday and Tuesday Feb.
Ballot initiatives in August, city food truck policy and the recent firing of the City Attorney were topics of this week's Kissimmee City Commission meeting,

Ballot initiatives in August, city food truck policy and the recent firing of the City Attorney were topics of this week's Kissimmee City Commission meeting,

Term limits, background check ordinance passed to go to Kissimmee voters during heated meeting

News Staff
Friday, February 20, 2026
By Matthew BoggsFor the News-GazetteVoters in Kissimmee will get to decide in August if they want to allow city commissioners to sit three full terms, rather than the current limit of two, and to add a requirement that candidates consent to a criminal background check to run for City Commission.
Kissimmee Fire Department showed off what equipment Heavy Rescue 1 can roll with to "complex situations" at a ceremony Thursday. (Photo/Ken Jackson)

Kissimmee Fire Department showed off what equipment Heavy Rescue 1 can roll with to "complex situations" at a ceremony Thursday. (Photo/Ken Jackson)

KFD ready to do the Heavy (Rescue) lifting

Ken Jackson
Friday, February 20, 2026
If there’s there a piece of equipment a member of the Kissimmee Fire Department might need to fight a fire, save a life, or get a good result out of a “complex emergency,”  it’s likely on Kissimmee Fire Department’s Heavy Rescue 1.
"Our deputy fired downrange at the suspect and took him out," Sheriff Chris Blackmon said of an officer-involved shooting at the Walmart on Cypress Parkway in Poinciana Thursday.

"Our deputy fired downrange at the suspect and took him out," Sheriff Chris Blackmon said of an officer-involved shooting at the Walmart on Cypress Parkway in Poinciana Thursday.

Off-duty officer shoots armed man inside Poinciana Walmart — and 'Took him out'

Ken Jackson
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Osceola County Sheriff's deputies rushed to the scene of the Walmart on Cypress Parkway Thursday night following a shooting involving an off-duty officer and an armed man store officials say had concealed merchandise.The shooting occurred around 7:45 p.m. at the store.
If 60 percent of voters approve the measure, it would take effect in the 2027 tax year. But it’s far from certain the proposal – at least this version – will make it to the ballot. (Photo/Getty Images via News Service of Florida)

If 60 percent of voters approve the measure, it would take effect in the 2027 tax year. But it’s far from certain the proposal – at least this version – will make it to the ballot. (Photo/Getty Images via News Service of Florida)

House backs referendum to cut most homestead property taxes

Jim Turner
Thursday, February 19, 2026
News Service of Florida — A proposal asking voters in November to eliminate most homestead property taxes cleared the House Thursday, while the Senate has yet to advance a similar measure.
A rabies alert is in effect for the next 60 in this area of Intercession City after confirmation of rabies in a racoon that was euthanized last weekend. (Google Maps)

A rabies alert is in effect for the next 60 in this area of Intercession City after confirmation of rabies in a racoon that was euthanized last weekend. (Google Maps)

Department of Health issues rabies alert for portion of Osceola County

Staff Report
Thursday, February 19, 2026
The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County Friday has issued a public alert following confirmation of rabies in a racoon that was euthanized last weekend in Kissimmee off South Orange Blossom Trail, to the west of Poinciana Boulevard.
Florida Technical College, later known as NUC University, has announced it has rebranded as Northbridge University as part of a multi-state expansion strategy. (Photo/Northbridge University)

Florida Technical College, later known as NUC University, has announced it has rebranded as Northbridge University as part of a multi-state expansion strategy. (Photo/Northbridge University)

NEWS BRIEFS — Rebranded Northbridge University; Career Offender registry now on FDLE mobile app; honor for HCA Florida Hospital Osceola

News Staff
Thursday, February 19, 2026
NUC University—Florida Technical College evolves into Northbridge UniversityFlorida Technical College, later known as NUC University, has announced it has rebranded as Northbridge University as part of a multi-state expansion strategy.
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