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Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announced Monday he will run for governor this year. (Photo/Colin Hackley, News Service of Florida)

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announced Monday he will run for governor this year. (Photo/Colin Hackley, News Service of Florida)

Republican Jay Collins launches Gubernatorial bid

Jim Turner
Monday, January 12, 2026
News Service of Florida — After months of speculation, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins on Monday announced he will run for governor this year, setting up a Republican primary fight against Congressman Byron Donalds, former state House Speaker Paul Renner and investment firm CEO James Fishback.
The National Weather Service in Melbourne has already issue a Significant Excessive Cold Risk for Friday morning, noting "Frostbite and hypothermia possible with prolonged exposure." (Graphic/NWS

The National Weather Service in Melbourne has already issue a Significant Excessive Cold Risk for Friday morning, noting "Frostbite and hypothermia possible with prolonged exposure." (Graphic/NWS

Weather service issues 'Significant Excessive Cold Risk' for later in the week — see when and how cold

Ken Jackson
Monday, January 12, 2026
So that jacket you pulled out of the closet when you headed out the door Monday morning ... keep it handy for later in the week.And maybe find another layer or two for Thursday night through Saturday.
Local education and government leaders turned out for Thursday's ribbon cutting for the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County's new working and office space. (Photo/Ken Jackson)

Local education and government leaders turned out for Thursday's ribbon cutting for the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County's new working and office space. (Photo/Ken Jackson)

A new home in the new year for Osceola's Early Learning Coalition

Emely Albelo
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Families and friends eagerly awaited for the tour of the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County’s new space on East U.S. Highway 192 Thursday.
Video released from a Dec. 14 fatal officer-involved shooting shows an officer commanding to see suspect Deshay Turner's hands and imploring, "I don't want to shoot you!" (Photo/St. Cloud Police)

Video released from a Dec. 14 fatal officer-involved shooting shows an officer commanding to see suspect Deshay Turner's hands and imploring, "I don't want to shoot you!" (Photo/St. Cloud Police)

St. Cloud Police release body camera video from Dec. 14 fatal shooting near car dealership

Ken Jackson
Saturday, January 10, 2026
The St. Cloud Police Department Friday released body camera video footage of a Dec. 14 incident behind an East U.S. 192 car dealership and convenience store that led to the fatal shooting of a burglary suspect.(For the full released version of the video, go to St. Cloud Police's Facebook page.
Florida’s state fuel taxes increased slightly on Jan. 1 as part of the regular annual adjustment required by state law, but on the good side, it accounts for less than a penny per gallon. (File Photo)

Florida’s state fuel taxes increased slightly on Jan. 1 as part of the regular annual adjustment required by state law, but on the good side, it accounts for less than a penny per gallon. (File Photo)

Changes made to state fuel taxes— how will it affect you at the pump?

Ken Jackson
Thursday, January 8, 2026
There’s good news and bad news regarding gas prices as drivers begin the new year.Florida’s state fuel taxes increased slightly on Jan. 1 as part of the regular annual adjustment required by state law.On the good side, it accounts for less than a penny per gallon.
This week, the Library announced where OLLie will make stops, twice a month to bring library services, collections, events, and education directly to the heart of the community. (File Photo)

This week, the Library announced where OLLie will make stops, twice a month to bring library services, collections, events, and education directly to the heart of the community. (File Photo)

Where’s OLLie? Here’s where to meet the Library where it’s at

Staff Report
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Last month, the Osceola Library System debuted OLLie, a new fully equipped Osceola Library Link van to serve as a Library on the Move to parts of the county not near an existing brick-and-mortar library.
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.
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