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A proposed agreement between the city and the Boys and Girls Club to operate a new community center to be built at Hopkins Park — its community center is shown here — led to discussion about the possibility of downsizing the entire construction project. (Photo/Hopkins Heroes)

A proposed agreement between the city and the Boys and Girls Club to operate a new community center to be built at Hopkins Park — its community center is shown here — led to discussion about the possibility of downsizing the entire construction project. (Photo/Hopkins Heroes)

St. Cloud Council delays Hopkins Park, Whaley Platt projects

Debbie Daniel
Thursday, July 23, 2026
The Saint Cloud City Council delayed two major projects—a $13 million Hopkins Park renovation and the annexation of the massive Whaley Platt development—during a marathon meeting that stretched past 12:30 a.m. last week.
While Amendment 3 was a popular topic during Monday's meeting, the county proposed a $2.44 billion budget for the Fiscal 2026-27 year, down from just over $3 billion in 2025-26.

While Amendment 3 was a popular topic during Monday's meeting, the county proposed a $2.44 billion budget for the Fiscal 2026-27 year, down from just over $3 billion in 2025-26.

Osceola County proposes smaller budget with property tax amendment on horizon

Ken Jackson
Thursday, July 23, 2026
While its cities have workshopped their upcoming budget with legislation that could slash the amount of property taxes on the November ballot, Osceola County began proposing actual numbers at a special Commission meeting Monday afternoon.
Here's a list of events offering backpack and supply giveaways, free haircuts, uniform swaps, and family fun, with local organizations stepping up to support students and families.

Here's a list of events offering backpack and supply giveaways, free haircuts, uniform swaps, and family fun, with local organizations stepping up to support students and families.

Giveaway Guide: A list of Osceola County Back to School events

Debbie Daniel
Thursday, July 23, 2026
As the new school year approaches, Osceola County families have plenty of opportunities to gear up for success thanks to area back-to-school events.
Longtime local physician Dr. John Littell will cease seeing patients at his Kissimmee practice, Littell Family Medicine, starting in September.

Longtime local physician Dr. John Littell will cease seeing patients at his Kissimmee practice, Littell Family Medicine, starting in September.

Dr. John Littell reflects on faith, medicine and controversy as Kissimmee practice ends

Debbie Daniel
Thursday, July 23, 2026
In the nearly three decades that Dr. John Littell has practiced medicine in Osceola County, he has developed a loyal following of patients who resonate with his method of care. But Littell’s career hasn’t been without controversy.
Veteran's Voice — July 23, 2026

Veteran's Voice — July 23, 2026

Veteran’s Voice — Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day 2027, and more

Terry Lloyd
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 27, 2027, for Kissimmee Gateway Airport’s Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food trucks and aircraft displays will be on site. Activities will center around the Airport’s Administration Building at 301 Dyer Blvd.
Even with this less than active seasonal forecast, nearly every Central Florida television station, newspaper, and online news source consistently remind us that Hurricane Season 2026 is underway. And with that reminder comes a lengthy list of reasons why we all need to take the initiative and prepare for storms, even when unlikely.

Even with this less than active seasonal forecast, nearly every Central Florida television station, newspaper, and online news source consistently remind us that Hurricane Season 2026 is underway. And with that reminder comes a lengthy list of reasons why we all need to take the initiative and prepare for storms, even when unlikely.

Council’s Corner — Preparing for Hurricane Season 2026

Wendy Coschignano Ford
Thursday, July 23, 2026
As of early June, forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, along with the National Weather Service predicted a much calmer hurricane season for 2026, in relation to previous years.
The Florida Board of Education unanimously approved Henry Mack as the state’s new education commissioner on Wednesday. (Photo/DOE)

The Florida Board of Education unanimously approved Henry Mack as the state’s new education commissioner on Wednesday. (Photo/DOE)

Henry Mack named Florida Education Commissioner

News Service Of Florida
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
By Ana Goñi-LessanNews Service of FloridaThe Florida Board of Education unanimously approved Henry Mack as the state’s new education commissioner on Wednesday.Mack, a former senior chancellor at the Department of Education and most recently the U.S.
Hundreds turned out to hear from this year’s candidates and vote in the straw poll at Politics in the Barn in St. Cloud July 15. (Photos/Ken Jackson)

Hundreds turned out to hear from this year’s candidates and vote in the straw poll at Politics in the Barn in St. Cloud July 15. (Photos/Ken Jackson)

Politics in the Barn: They voted before we vote

Ken Jackson
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
With voters in Osceola County heading to the polls on or before Aug.
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