KISSIMMEE OPENS COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
The City of Kissimmee’s Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRA) opened the Commercial Property Improvement Program (CPIP) on Feb. 10. This grant program is part of Operation Business Boost, a City Commission initiative that serves as a stackable business assistance and growth program to further help entrepreneurs recover from the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CPIP applications are for businesses within the CRA districts that need improvements, including installing fire suppressant systems, grease traps, exterior rehab, new doors and windows, and exterior lighting.
“The business community is crucial to the vitality of the City of Kissimmee. The Community Redevelopment Agencies are excited to provide the assistance businesses need to thrive and grow,” said the City Community Redevelopment Agencies Manager Samia Singleton.
The Commercial Property Improvement Program (CPIP) is a reimbursable, 50/50 matching grant of up to $25,000 in funds for improvements to commercial properties within the CRA boundary. CPIP will encourage rehabilitation, preservation, and modernization of commercial buildings, improving the community’s aesthetic, increasing property values, and attracting additional investment in the City.
To learn more about the CRA grants, visit www.kissimmee.gov/cra.
TOHO WATER BEGINS OPERATIONS AT NEW SUNBRIDGE FACILITY
Toho Water Authority has commenced operations of the Sunbridge Water Treatment Facility to produce up to one million gallons of drinking water per day to 200 existing Toho customers and new customers in the new Sunbridge development off Cyrils Drive east of St. Cloud.
The new facility uses proven treatment technology solutions to ensure that drinking water produced meets standards. Prior to commencing operations, notices required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) were mailed to customers in the new service area about chloramines, a commonly used alternative to chlorine that provides long-lasting disinfection of drinking water.
With this new facility, Toho now operates 14 water treatment facilities within its growing service area.
“Collaborating with Tavistock to bring the Sunbridge Water Treatment Facility online is a significant milestone for Toho that reflects years of advanced planning,” said Toho Executive Director Todd Swingle. “We’re purposeful in making sure that the needs of our communities are met with an ever watchful eye toward the future. Consistent with that approach, the design phase for expansion has already begun to in order to position ourselves to meet future needs.”
KISSIMMEE MAN SENTENCED TO FEDERAL FENTANYL SENTENCE
A U.S. District Judge has sentenced Jesus Manuel Rodriguez-Castillo, 39, of Kissimmee, to eight years and four months in federal prison for distributing fentanyllaced heroin. Rodriguez-Castillo had pleaded guilty on Oct. 5, 2021.
According to the court, Rodriguez-Castillo sold approximately 290 grams of fentanyl-laced heroin to a cooperating source and an undercover DEA agent on four separate occasions, from December 2018 through August 2019, for a total of $16,790. Rodriguez-Castillo was previously convicted for robbery in 2010 and aggravated assault with a firearm in 2015, and therefore, determined to be a career offender under federal sentencing rules.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff ’s Office.
