News

Photo/Timur Weber, Vox Populi

Photo/Timur Weber, Vox Populi

8 Myths of Homelessness

Michael Shen
Thursday, May 8, 2025
This story, which originally appeared in Vox Populi out of Winter Garden, is part of a collaborative initiative of independent local news outlets working towards a more informed and engaged Central Florida.Few groups are as misunderstood as those experiencing homelessness. They’re mentally ill!
Indicating Gov. DeSantis might be “confused,” House Speaker Daniel Perez said the state can cut the sales-tax rate and ask voters to reduce property taxes in 2026.

Indicating Gov. DeSantis might be “confused,” House Speaker Daniel Perez said the state can cut the sales-tax rate and ask voters to reduce property taxes in 2026.

DeSantis, Perez tangle over state sales tax cut

Jim Turner
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
News Service of Florida — Potentially throwing a wrench into the budget process, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday threatened to veto a plan that would include lowering the state sales-tax rate as he continues to feud with House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami.
Osceola County Law Enforcement Memorial Service photos by Ken Jackson

Osceola County Law Enforcement Memorial Service photos by Ken Jackson

Photo Gallery — Law Enforcement Memorial

News Staff
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
It’s an annual rite of passage to assure Osceola County’s fallen law enforcement officials, whether they died in the line of duty or not, are never forgotten.
Agencies like Toho Water Authority add fluoride to the water supply. Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday he will sign bills to prevent local governments from adding fluoride to water supplies. (Photo/Toho Water Authority)

Agencies like Toho Water Authority add fluoride to the water supply. Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday he will sign bills to prevent local governments from adding fluoride to water supplies. (Photo/Toho Water Authority)

DeSantis to sign statewide fluoride ban

News Service Of Florida
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday he will sign bills to prevent local governments from adding fluoride to water supplies and prevent aircraft from releasing chemtrails.DeSantis said the fluoride prohibition, which is included in a broader bill (SB 700), is designed to prevent “forced medication.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd noted the location of the rental complex (in red) to a nearby Wawa, where a mob breaking out in fights was called in about 45 minutes prior to the shooting. PHOTO/POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd noted the location of the rental complex (in red) to a nearby Wawa, where a mob breaking out in fights was called in about 45 minutes prior to the shooting. PHOTO/POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

UPDATE — 3 Osceola High students survive Davenport shooting; suspects at large

News Staff
Monday, May 5, 2025
Saying three teenagers from Osceola High School who were shot in a Davenport altercation early Sunday morning “had no part of the disturbance,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd gave an update Monday about the incident.He said shots came from three types of guns — a .380 caliber, a 9-millimeter and a .
Experts say an estimated 13,000 businesses nationwide bolster an illicit massage industry believed to be worth as much as $4 billion. (Graphic AI generated)

Experts say an estimated 13,000 businesses nationwide bolster an illicit massage industry believed to be worth as much as $4 billion. (Graphic AI generated)

The hidden economy of illicit massage businesses

Kristin Hurst
Thursday, May 1, 2025
This is the second article in a series examining the illicit massage industry prompted by a recent undercover sting conducted by Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
A panoramic view of the 2025 Education Foundation Awards recipients. (Photo/Education Foundation Osceola)

A panoramic view of the 2025 Education Foundation Awards recipients. (Photo/Education Foundation Osceola)

Education Foundation celebrates 40 years of scholarship cheers

Ken Jackson
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Wednesday, April 23 was a special night at Osceola Heritage Park.The annual Education Foundation Scholarship Awards Ceremony is usually a must-see, with hundreds of Osceola County’s brightest and best graduating seniors gathered, and numerous local families, groups and charity offering scholarships.
Family gathers to celebrate U.S. Navy veteran Robert Belisario, Sr.’s 100th birthday. Standing from left, Luke Belisario, Liam Wahl, Bev Tautalatasi, Robert Belisario, Jr., Jodi Wahl, Jason Van Patten. Seated from left, Karen Herro-Backe, Robert Belisario, Sr., Jon Belisario. (Photo/Michelle Kostuch)

Family gathers to celebrate U.S. Navy veteran Robert Belisario, Sr.’s 100th birthday. Standing from left, Luke Belisario, Liam Wahl, Bev Tautalatasi, Robert Belisario, Jr., Jodi Wahl, Jason Van Patten. Seated from left, Karen Herro-Backe, Robert Belisario, Sr., Jon Belisario. (Photo/Michelle Kostuch)

Poinciana veteran says “Aloha” to—and at—100

Michelle Kostuch
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Friends and family gathered for a celebratory luau to honor the 100th birthday of Osceola County resident Robert Belisario, Sr.The party was held at Merrill Gardens, a senior living center located between Kissimmee and Poinciana, where the veteran resides.
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