Kissimmee School of Government graduation
After weeks of tours, discussions, and hands-on learning across our departments, the City of Kissimmee School of Government Class of 2026 officially graduated last week.
Throughout the program, participants learned how services are provided, how departments operate, and the work that goes into serving our community each day. The group brought time, curiosity, and engagement to the program, and the City of Kissimmee congratulates them on completing this year’s class.
Osceola REALTORS collect 1,000+ essential items for mothers In need
Osceola REALTORS once again joined forces with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK for the annual Movers for Moms campaign, benefitting Help Now of Osceola. This year’s drive resulted in the collection of more than 1,000 essential items donated to local shelters. Contributions included diapers, socks, undergarments, household and kitchen supplies, and personal hygiene products—each item helping to meet real and immediate needs for mothers experiencing hardship.
“Movers for Moms is a reminder of what our community is all about,” said Osceola REALTORS Care Committee Chair David Chubb. “When our members come together, even simple donations become something powerful. These items help meet basic needs, but they also deliver something just as important— hope and encouragement for mothers who are going through difficult times.”
Osceola REALTORS is the largest professional trade association in Osceola County with over 5,800 REALTORS and Vital Industry Partners (VIPs) serving the community for more than 100 years.
Property Appraiser: Osceola values continue to increase
Katrina Scarborough, Osceola County Property Appraiser, has provided the 2026 estimates of taxable values to the taxing authorities for the purpose of developing next fiscal year’s budgets.
“Property values in Osceola County continued to increase in 2026, though the rate of growth has stabilized from the significant gains seen over the past several years,” she said. Despite the slower pace, the county continues to experience strong growth.
Scarborough’s office’s stats show that in 2026 Osceola County added 5,446 new single-family homes, and the county recorded over $2.23 billion in net new construction, “Highlighting investment in residential and commercial development and reinforcing Osceola County’s position as one of the fastest-growing communities in Central Florida.”
The taxable base value, of which what appraisals are set for property taxes, grew 5.34% in the city of Kissimmee, 11.1% in St. Cloud, 2.42% among School District holdings and 4.29% in unincorporated Osceola County.
Revive Awareness Day events, June 4-5
The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County recognizes June 6 of each year as Revive Awareness, which raises awareness about the importance of overdose prevention, education, and access to lifesaving resources. and invites the public to attend this year’s events on June 4-5.
The events are: Thursday, June 4, 1-3 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial St. Cloud Library Friday, June 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Recovery Connections (323 W. Oak St., Kissimmee, FL 34741) Revive Awareness Day raises awareness about the importance of overdose prevention, education, and access to lifesaving resources. These community events will offer free naloxone kits and overdose‐response education, giving participants the skills to recognize an opioid emergency and act quickly and safely. Each event is designed to empower attendees with practical, lifesaving tools that strengthen safety and resilience within the community.
Florida Department of Agriculture opens search for 2026 Florida Future Chef Champion
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is now accepting entries for Florida Future Chef 2026, a statewide student cooking competition that challenges young Floridians to creatively reimagine school meals using Florida-grown ingredients, while learning about the nutrition standards that guide the National School Lunch Program.
“Parents are paying closer attention to what’s in their children’s food, and they should,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “The Florida Future Chef competition encourages students to think differently about nutrition by using fresh Florida-grown ingredients instead of relying on heavily processed foods. That’s good for our kids, good for our farmers, and good for Florida.”
Now in its sixth year, Florida Future Chef invites Florida students ages 8-12 to submit a two-to-five-minute video showcasing their unique take on a favorite school meal. Recipes must be inspired by federal school meal nutrition standards—which promote a variety of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein foods— and feature Fresh From Florida ingredients.
The contest is open now through July 13. Students will compete for prizes and up to $5,000 in college funds provided by the presenting Sponsor, Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation.
The FDACS’ Division of Food, Nutrition, and Wellness will select three finalists to advance to a three-day finale held in Tampa. During the event, these talented student chefs will strengthen their kitchen skills, learn how nutrition standards shape school meals, and put their creativity to the test by presenting a final dish to a panel of judges.
In addition to earning the title of Florida Future Chef Champion, finalists will compete for up to $5,000 in a Florida 529 Savings Plan scholarship, the honor of having their recipe adapted into a real Florida school meal, and other special prizes.
To learn more about the competition, review the official rules and enter by July 13, visit FloridaFutureChef.com.
