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In 2026, residents will have some pretty big decisions to make—at the polls. This year features an extremely important election cycle that you’ll be hearing more about that in the coming weeks.

In 2026, residents will have some pretty big decisions to make—at the polls. This year features an extremely important election cycle that you’ll be hearing more about that in the coming weeks.

FROM THE EDITOR: 2025 was no joke—and ‘26 is a critical one for Osceola County

Ken Jackson
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Since we had to send the Jan. 1 print edition to the press a bit early last week due to the midweek holiday, this edition truly feels like the first paper of 2026.So let me officially wish all of you loyal readers a Happy New Year.It’s a good time to discuss our resolutions.
As we enter 2026, the OCOA is celebrating nearly 55 years of philanthropic impact for the community; impact in which the organization alone could never have managed on our own without our amazing ‘village’ of support.

As we enter 2026, the OCOA is celebrating nearly 55 years of philanthropic impact for the community; impact in which the organization alone could never have managed on our own without our amazing ‘village’ of support.

COUNCIL CORNER — Happy New Year from the Council on Aging!

Wendy Coschignano Ford
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Happy New Year from the Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA)! As we look forward to a prosperous, healthy, and happy 2026, I want to say I continue to be so grateful for the opportunity to lead one of the most innovative social service organizations in the State of Florida. As Lance Robertson, former U.
When executing a search warrant at Shi’s home on Feb. 20, 2025, federal agents found multiple firearms, including the Ruger rifle depicted. Under a nonimmigrant work visa in 2022, Shi was in a prohibited class of persons not legally allowed to possess firearms. (Photo/Department of Justice)

When executing a search warrant at Shi’s home on Feb. 20, 2025, federal agents found multiple firearms, including the Ruger rifle depicted. Under a nonimmigrant work visa in 2022, Shi was in a prohibited class of persons not legally allowed to possess firearms. (Photo/Department of Justice)

Chinese national convicted for unlawful firearms dealing; Former KPD officer sentenced in child sexual abuse material case

Staff Report
Thursday, January 8, 2026
A federal jury has found a St. Cloud man guilty of aiding and abetting unlicensed firearms dealing and possession of a firearm as an alien admitted under a nonimmigrant visa.Jincheng Shi, 28, faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
With Florida’s regular 60-day session starting next week, DeSantis called the special session for the week of April 20, at least in part to give the U.S. Supreme Court time to rule in a pending Louisiana redistricting case. (File Photo)

With Florida’s regular 60-day session starting next week, DeSantis called the special session for the week of April 20, at least in part to give the U.S. Supreme Court time to rule in a pending Louisiana redistricting case. (File Photo)

Gov. DeSantis sets April redistricting session

Jim Turner
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
News Service of Florida — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday called a special legislative session in April to redraw congressional districts, as Republicans seek to maintain control of the U.S. House in this year’s elections.
Kissimmee family welcomed their baby boy, Mason, at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital on Thursday, Jan. 1, at 12:25 a.m. Weighing 6 pounds, 10 ounces, he is the first 2026 baby born in Osceola County and one of the first in Central Florida. Congratulations to mother Rachel and the family!

Kissimmee family welcomed their baby boy, Mason, at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital on Thursday, Jan. 1, at 12:25 a.m. Weighing 6 pounds, 10 ounces, he is the first 2026 baby born in Osceola County and one of the first in Central Florida. Congratulations to mother Rachel and the family!

Welcoming Osceola’s first 2026 newborn

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Kissimmee family welcomed their baby boy, Mason, at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital on Thursday, Jan. 1, at 12:25 a.m. Weighing 6 pounds, 10 ounces, he is the first 2026 baby born in Osceola County and one of the first in Central Florida. Congratulations to mother Rachel and the family!
New Year's Eve photos by Katie Williams

New Year's Eve photos by Katie Williams

A chilly—and hot—start to 2026

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Sweater and jacket weather for New Year’s Eve didn’t bother anyone, as people turned out in droves to public celebrations to ring in 2026 across the county. Annual events were held in St.
Richard Rosario, who became a national symbol of wrongful conviction after his release from a New York prison is seeking immunity under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law in a July road-rage shooting case in Osceola County. (File Photo)

Richard Rosario, who became a national symbol of wrongful conviction after his release from a New York prison is seeking immunity under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law in a July road-rage shooting case in Osceola County. (File Photo)

Exoneree Rosario seeks immunity in July road-rage shooting

Kristin Hurst
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
A Kissimmee man who became a national symbol of wrongful conviction after his release from a New York prison is seeking immunity under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law in a July road-rage shooting case in Osceola County.
This 1966 Ford GT40 Mark I Road Car went for $7.04 million, the top seller at last year’s Mecum Kissimmee 2025 event. (Photo/Mecum)

This 1966 Ford GT40 Mark I Road Car went for $7.04 million, the top seller at last year’s Mecum Kissimmee 2025 event. (Photo/Mecum)

Mecum Auto Auction returns to OHP Tuesday

Terry Lloyd
Sunday, January 4, 2026
If you live in Osceola County, you can always tell when the New Year is approaching when acres and acres of white tent tops start springing up at Osceola Heritage Park for the annual Mecum Kissimmee auto auction.
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