News

Monday was June 1.  Happy New Month—and welcome to the start of another Atlantic hurricane season.

Monday was June 1. Happy New Month—and welcome to the start of another Atlantic hurricane season.

Hurricane season arrives—are you ready?

Monday was June 1.Happy New Month—and welcome to the start of another Atlantic hurricane season.Florida, and the entire Atlantic and Gulf coasts, got a much needed reprieve in 2025.
The FAA Contract Tower (FCT) program, as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will provide the Kissimmee Gateway Airport $10 million, about half the price tag for a newer, taller control tower. (Photo/City of Kissimmee)

The FAA Contract Tower (FCT) program, as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will provide the Kissimmee Gateway Airport $10 million, about half the price tag for a newer, taller control tower. (Photo/City of Kissimmee)

Federal funds coming for newer, taller Kissimmee Airport tower

Kissimmee Gateway Airport will receive a $10 million federal grant to help replace its aging control tower.
Women’s barrel racing will be a part of the 157th Silver Spurs Rodeo June 5-6. (File photo)

Women’s barrel racing will be a part of the 157th Silver Spurs Rodeo June 5-6. (File photo)

157th Silver Spurs Rodeo rides into OHP this week

Society, and the landscape of Osceola County, have changed, but one thing remains constant—twice a year, it’s rodeo time at the Silver Spurs Arena!And, this weekend, the 157th installment of the Silver Spurs Rodeo makes its summer appearance.
At Gateway High’s graduation ceremony May 21, Principal James Long shared with the Panther community how he felt. Long is retiring at the end of the month. (Photo/Osceola County School District)

At Gateway High’s graduation ceremony May 21, Principal James Long shared with the Panther community how he felt. Long is retiring at the end of the month. (Photo/Osceola County School District)

At Long’s Last: Retiring Gateway High principal goes out with a song and serenade from students

With Gateway High School Principal James Long officially retiring at the end of this month, his last graduating class gave him one heck of a sendoff at their commencement ceremony May 21.
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. (Photo/City of Kissimmee

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. (Photo/City of Kissimmee

News Briefs — School of Government grads; Osceola property valuations increasing; Department of Agriculture Florida Future Chef Champion

Kissimmee School of Government graduationAfter 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.
After hours of debate, a major property tax cut plan devised by Gov. Ron DeSantis was changed by lawmakers Monday ahead of scheduled floor votes Tuesday. (Getty Images via News Service of Florida)

After hours of debate, a major property tax cut plan devised by Gov. Ron DeSantis was changed by lawmakers Monday ahead of scheduled floor votes Tuesday. (Getty Images via News Service of Florida)

Lawmakers tweak DeSantis’ property tax cut plan in late Monday session

By Jim Turner and Ana Goñi-Lessan — After hours of debate, a major property tax cut plan devised by Gov. Ron DeSantis was changed by lawmakers Monday ahead of scheduled floor votes Tuesday.
Gas prices in Florida, and in Osceola County, fell by over 30 cents per gallon last week, but experts say tensions in the Middle East need to be resolved to keep the falling direction going. (Graphic/AAA)

Gas prices in Florida, and in Osceola County, fell by over 30 cents per gallon last week, but experts say tensions in the Middle East need to be resolved to keep the falling direction going. (Graphic/AAA)

Looking for — and finding — that "$3." at the gas pump

As fast as they've gone up over the last two months, gas prices have retreated on better global news and falling crude prices.Gas prices declined 32 cents in Florida over the last week, averaging $4.07 statewide coming out of the weekend.