News

Florida — and the rest of the continental U.S. — was spared from a hurricane landfall. (Graphic/National Hurricane Center)

Florida — and the rest of the continental U.S. — was spared from a hurricane landfall. (Graphic/National Hurricane Center)

In Florida, quiet on the coast—for a change

Ken Jackson
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Bottled water, canned goods, flashlights and batteries.Unless you really wanted to use them this past summer and fall, you should have a solid supply for the 2026 hurricane season.
Commissioner Brandon Arrington, named board chairperson for the coming year, presents Osceola County IT Director Rich Van Natta an award for 40 years with the county. (Photo/Osceola County)

Commissioner Brandon Arrington, named board chairperson for the coming year, presents Osceola County IT Director Rich Van Natta an award for 40 years with the county. (Photo/Osceola County)

Arrington named County Commission chair

Ken Jackson
Thursday, December 4, 2025
A newcomer, a 40-year employee and a six-time chairperson—they were all part of Monday’s County Commission meeting.
IN THE NEWS — Giving thanks for HCA Florida newborns; State Sen. Arrington remote office hours

IN THE NEWS — Giving thanks for HCA Florida newborns; State Sen. Arrington remote office hours

IN THE NEWS — Giving thanks for HCA Florida newborns; State Sen. Arrington remote office hours

News Staff
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Just in time for Thanksgiving, HCA Florida Healthcare’s Osceola County hospitals welcomed a pair of new little ones to the world.Baby girl Rosaley celebrated her first Thanksgiving being loved and cared for in HCA Florida Osceola Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
The Council on Aging's Senior Santa program focuses on providing gifts to low-income, homebound seniors, and those with disabilities, to ensure they receive at least one gift during the holidays.

The Council on Aging's Senior Santa program focuses on providing gifts to low-income, homebound seniors, and those with disabilities, to ensure they receive at least one gift during the holidays.

Council’s Corner — Spotlighting importance of Senior Santa Adoption Program

Wendy Coschignano-ford
Thursday, December 4, 2025
For nearly four decades, the Osceola Council on Aging has hosted our Senior Santa outreach program each holiday season. With Christmas only a few weeks away, our more than 200 employees and nearly 350 volunteers are ramping up for this annual Christmas tradition again.
Dating back 40 years, Old Town was built to resemble an old Florida town—featuring historical architecture, distinctive storefronts, and tree-lined brick streets. (Photo/Jennifer Chalifoux)

Dating back 40 years, Old Town was built to resemble an old Florida town—featuring historical architecture, distinctive storefronts, and tree-lined brick streets. (Photo/Jennifer Chalifoux)

Old Town celebrates 40th anniversary, 35th Cruiser Toy Drive

Jennifer Chalifoux
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Old Town has much to celebrate!The entertainment district located along U.S. Highway 192 west of Kissimmee is commemorating its 40th year in January. Just ahead of the big celebration, Old Town will kick off the holidays with its 35th annual Cruiser Toy Drive this weekend (Dec. 5-6).
Dorothy Jean "Pat" Rudd of St. Cloud, one of the last remaining World War II veterans, passed away Tuesday at the age of 104. (Photo/Rep. Paula Stark)

Dorothy Jean "Pat" Rudd of St. Cloud, one of the last remaining World War II veterans, passed away Tuesday at the age of 104. (Photo/Rep. Paula Stark)

World War II veteran and St. Cloud pillar Pat Rudd passes away at 104, friends and family report

Staff Report
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Dorothy Jean "Pat" Rudd, one of the last remaining World War II veterans and a beacon of light in the community, passed away Tuesday a month after celebrating her 104th birthday.Friends posted the news, as well as fond memories of Pat, on social media Tuesday night.
Northbound Turnpike lanes moved at a crawl Wednesday morning as crews worked to clean up an early-morning tractor trailer crash that saw one truck partially engulf in flames. (Photo/Josh Meyers)

Northbound Turnpike lanes moved at a crawl Wednesday morning as crews worked to clean up an early-morning tractor trailer crash that saw one truck partially engulf in flames. (Photo/Josh Meyers)

Fatal crash involving three semi trucks has southbound Turnpike lanes closed

News Staff
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
A fatal crash involving three semi trucks in the southbound lanes of Florida's Turnpike has the road shut down at Osceola Parkway, and northbound lanes are getting through extremely slowly.
As it's the Christmas season, the familiar Salvation Army Holiday Kettles are out at local businesses. (Photo/Salvation Army)

As it's the Christmas season, the familiar Salvation Army Holiday Kettles are out at local businesses. (Photo/Salvation Army)

An idea for who to help on Giving Tuesday

Staff Report
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Today is Giving Tuesday, a global celebration of generosity held each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Amid the holiday rush, it offers an opportunity to pause, give back, and support those in need.
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