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Parton argued in the motion that Lopez-Marrero was not engaged in any criminal activity at the time, was in a place where he had a legal right to be and used force only after retreating and warning the victim multiple times. (Mugshot/Osceola County Jail)

Parton argued in the motion that Lopez-Marrero was not engaged in any criminal activity at the time, was in a place where he had a legal right to be and used force only after retreating and warning the victim multiple times. (Mugshot/Osceola County Jail)

Stand Your Ground ruling clears Osceola man; Child sex charges pending

Kristin Hurst
Friday, December 19, 2025
A Poinciana man has been cleared of a manslaughter charge in a May shooting after a judge found he acted in self-defense, but he still faces unrelated child sex charges.
On Wednesday morning, dozens gathered to pray and to remember 136 people who also, on any other day, might have gone unnoticed — those who died on the streets or in homeless shelters. (Photo/Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel)

On Wednesday morning, dozens gathered to pray and to remember 136 people who also, on any other day, might have gone unnoticed — those who died on the streets or in homeless shelters. (Photo/Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel)

Doves and tears for 136 homeless people who died this year

Christie Zizo
Friday, December 19, 2025
This story, which originally appeared at ClickOrlando.com, is part of a collaborative initiative of independent local news outlets working toward a more informed and engaged Central Florida.
Pete and Pauline Coschignano, dressed up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, along with their daughter, Osceola Council on Aging, CEO Wendy Ford (right) for a Council on Aging holiday function. (Photo/Osceola Council on Aging)

Pete and Pauline Coschignano, dressed up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, along with their daughter, Osceola Council on Aging, CEO Wendy Ford (right) for a Council on Aging holiday function. (Photo/Osceola Council on Aging)

Holiday blues and lifting your spirits

Wendy Coschignano-ford
Thursday, December 18, 2025
The “Holiday Blues,” or rather, the “Christmas Blues,” are considered a legitimate emotional concept. The feeling of sadness, stress, and/ or loneliness throughout the holiday season, especially for seniors, can be an annual, reoccurring, emotional challenge.
Uncover the hilariously tacky history of National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day and its spectacular, sparkly origins this Friday, Dec. 19!

Uncover the hilariously tacky history of National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day and its spectacular, sparkly origins this Friday, Dec. 19!

Ugly, tacky holiday sweater? Friday’s the day for that!

Emely Albelo
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Uncover the hilariously tacky history of National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day and its spectacular, sparkly origins this Friday, Dec. 19!
The Sheriff’s Office has shared a few details into six high-profile cases it is working; the crimes were committed as many as 33 years ago.

The Sheriff’s Office has shared a few details into six high-profile cases it is working; the crimes were committed as many as 33 years ago.

Sheriff’s Cold Case Program looking to solve more cases after recent success

Ken Jackson
Thursday, December 18, 2025
After announcing that his office’s Cold Case Program had solved two outstanding homicide cases—one dating back to 2007—Osceola County Sheriff Chris Blackmon announced last week that the unit would continue to work 32 other cold cases, with the public’s help.
Paul Grizelle-Reid (Photo/Valencia College)

Paul Grizelle-Reid (Photo/Valencia College)

Poinciana pastor proves it’s never too late to get that degree

Ken Jackson
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Paul Grizelle-Reid is the Valencia College Class of 2025 oldest graduate.At age 82 years old, it isn’t even close.And he’s not done—through the Direct Connect program, he’s now working toward his bachelor’s degree in English literature at UCF.
The Central Florida Expressway Authority has approved a preferred route for the Southport Connector expressway through Poinciana, including a controversial portion down the middle of Cypress Parkway. (Graphic/CFX)

The Central Florida Expressway Authority has approved a preferred route for the Southport Connector expressway through Poinciana, including a controversial portion down the middle of Cypress Parkway. (Graphic/CFX)

CFX moves ahead with Southport Connector Plan

Ken Jackson
Thursday, December 18, 2025
At its latest meeting last week, the Central Florida Expressway Authority Governing Board approved a preferred route for the Southport Connector expressway as part of its Project Development & Environment (PD&E) study.
A young volunteer places a wreath on a Civil War veteran’s grave at Mt. Peace Cemetery Saturday (Photo/Terry Lloyd).

A young volunteer places a wreath on a Civil War veteran’s grave at Mt. Peace Cemetery Saturday (Photo/Terry Lloyd).

High Holiday Honors — Deceased veterans honored at Wreaths Across America

Terry Lloyd
Thursday, December 18, 2025
On the second Saturday before Christmas across the country, veterans organizations, families, and concerned individuals come together to honor America’s deceased veterans by placing a remembrance wreath on veterans’ graves.
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