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KPD Lt. Lacey Santone was promoted at the Dec. 5 City Commission meeting. On Dec. 12, the departmentinitiated a criminal investigation after an officer came forward with additional information in the case. (Photo/Facebook)

KPD Lt. Lacey Santone was promoted at the Dec. 5 City Commission meeting. On Dec. 12, the departmentinitiated a criminal investigation after an officer came forward with additional information in the case. (Photo/Facebook)

Kissimmee Police Lieutenant arrested following investigation

Staff Report
Friday, March 6, 2026
A Kissimmee Police officer, who had just been promoted to Lieutenant in December, has been arrested and charged with two crimes related to her access of the department's camera system.Lacey Santone turned herself to the Osceola County Jail Thursday, and jail records show she's already bonded.
It’s that time of year again— this Saturday night into Sunday, most Americans will partake in the annual spring ritual of temporal gymnastics. At 2 a.m., we’ll officially “spring forward” into Daylight Saving Time.

It’s that time of year again— this Saturday night into Sunday, most Americans will partake in the annual spring ritual of temporal gymnastics. At 2 a.m., we’ll officially “spring forward” into Daylight Saving Time.

The annual spring forward: more than just a lost hour

Emely Albelo
Friday, March 6, 2026
It’s that time of year again— this Saturday night into Sunday, most Americans will partake in the annual spring ritual of temporal gymnastics. At 2 a.m., we’ll officially “spring forward” into Daylight Saving Time.
Chestnut Elementary School in Poinciana cut the ribbon on its new school food pantry made possible by an investment the Poinsette Foundation made in four county schools. (Photo/Second Harvest Food Bank)

Chestnut Elementary School in Poinciana cut the ribbon on its new school food pantry made possible by an investment the Poinsette Foundation made in four county schools. (Photo/Second Harvest Food Bank)

NEWS BRIEFS — Osceola student a state Black History Month winner; Investment in local school food pantries

News Staff
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Osceola County student among state Black History Month winnersThe Florida Department of Education announced the winners of its state Black History Month educator and student art and essay contests. The 2026 theme was “Celebrating Black History.
Mayor Jackie Espinosa

Mayor Jackie Espinosa

Did Kissimmee mayor get a Boost from the city?

Ken Jackson
Thursday, March 5, 2026
A city of Kissimmee small-business stabilizing program that utilized federal funds released in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has come under scrutiny by some members of the public—and the state of Florida’s CFO.
The new sheriff expressed interest in having a forensic audit conducted regarding certain department aspects during early talks with Osceola County and its budget.

The new sheriff expressed interest in having a forensic audit conducted regarding certain department aspects during early talks with Osceola County and its budget.

Osceola Sheriff’s Office releases audit results

Ken Jackson
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Blackmon requested forensic look at the department when he joined last JulyThe results of a forensic audit of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office requested in the wake of June 2025 arrest of since-suspended Sheriff Marcos Lopez are in, and the news is relatively solid.
Gateway High School’s Student Senate, the only Student Government association in Osceola County that’s part of the academic curriculum, attended the Florida Association of Student Councils for the first time last month—and came away with the District 3 gold medal. (Photo/Ken Jackson)

Gateway High School’s Student Senate, the only Student Government association in Osceola County that’s part of the academic curriculum, attended the Florida Association of Student Councils for the first time last month—and came away with the District 3 gold medal. (Photo/Ken Jackson)

1st time’s the charm — Gateway’s Student Senate wins state gold

Ken Jackson
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Remember when you were in school and had a class president you voted for?That person was a part of student government, learning leadership, how to best invest time and work in an administrative setting.
Osceola County Commissioner Ricky Booth, pictured with Harmony Future Farmers of America (FFA) representatives, presents a check for betterment funds Monday to help pay for a new Educational Agricultural Barn at Harmony Middle School, where District Teacher of the Year Kyndall Brown teaches. (Photo/Katie Williams)

Osceola County Commissioner Ricky Booth, pictured with Harmony Future Farmers of America (FFA) representatives, presents a check for betterment funds Monday to help pay for a new Educational Agricultural Barn at Harmony Middle School, where District Teacher of the Year Kyndall Brown teaches. (Photo/Katie Williams)

New Harmony Middle agriculture science facility ‘One-ups’ rest of state

Staff Report
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Osceola County and its school district made another investment in its original cash-cow industry, quite literally—agriculture—and they’re getting the money in to shape the lives of the next generation of Osceolans who want to work the land.
The Osceola County Commission Monday honored five more Women Warriors for their community efforts as part of an annual tradition. From left: Margarita Soto, Christina Morris, Nicole DeGennaro, Kelly Trace and Bettina Grzeskowiak. (Photo/Osceola County)

The Osceola County Commission Monday honored five more Women Warriors for their community efforts as part of an annual tradition. From left: Margarita Soto, Christina Morris, Nicole DeGennaro, Kelly Trace and Bettina Grzeskowiak. (Photo/Osceola County)

Osceola County Commission honors its ‘Women Warriors’

Jennifer Chalifoux
Thursday, March 5, 2026
The Osceola County Board of County Commissioners Monday began the month-long celebration of Women’s History Month with its annual tradition of recognizing exceptional female leaders in the community as “Women Warriors”.
Tohopekaliga High students try their hands at landing a fighter jet on aircraft carrier on the “Fly” Experience and other virtual reality missions at last week’s U.S. Navy Strike Group Experience tour. (Photo/Taylor McFee)

Tohopekaliga High students try their hands at landing a fighter jet on aircraft carrier on the “Fly” Experience and other virtual reality missions at last week’s U.S. Navy Strike Group Experience tour. (Photo/Taylor McFee)

U.S. Navy brings ‘Strike Group’ experience to Tohopekaliga High

Taylor McFee
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Students at Tohopekaliga High School got a glimpse into the world of naval aviation, humanitarian efforts, and technology last week as the U.S.
Funded by Simply Healthcare, the Healthy Start Coalition of Osceola County’s Parents on the Move health-initiative program kicked off with an event Saturday. (Photo/Healthy Start of Osceola County)

Funded by Simply Healthcare, the Healthy Start Coalition of Osceola County’s Parents on the Move health-initiative program kicked off with an event Saturday. (Photo/Healthy Start of Osceola County)

Healthy Start gets families ‘On the Move’ with Saturday event

Staff Report
Thursday, March 5, 2026
On Saturday, the Healthy Start Coalition of Osceola County kicked off its new Parents on the Move initiative at Kissimmee Lakefront Park.
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