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In a 255-page affidavit outlining Marcos Lopez's racketeering changes, investigators produced a text between him and investor Ying "Kate" Zhang noting "You will be safe and not have to worry about anything" regarding her investment in an illegal gambling enterprise that had an Osceola County location.

In a 255-page affidavit outlining Marcos Lopez's racketeering changes, investigators produced a text between him and investor Ying "Kate" Zhang noting "You will be safe and not have to worry about anything" regarding her investment in an illegal gambling enterprise that had an Osceola County location.

How it all started – and unraveled – for Marcos Lopez

Ken Jackson
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Just over three months after his arrest, the News-Gazette was one of several local media outlets Friday night that received a copy of the 255-page arrest affidavit detailing the racketeering case against suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez and his co-conspirators.
This weekend's forecast features less rain, a little more sun and wind. (Graphic/NWS Melbourne)

This weekend's forecast features less rain, a little more sun and wind. (Graphic/NWS Melbourne)

A hint of October — drying out for the weekend

News Staff
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Normally we take to this space to talk weather when the weather is something to talk about.Yes, it's been wet — our area is about two inches above normal September for rainfall in just the first 10 days of the month, and is about four inches above normal for 2025 — but there's better news.
Those opposed to an illuminated Pulse shooting tribute planned for Brownie Wise Park attended Monday’s Osceola County Commission public comment meeting to lodge their dissent. (Photo/Ken Jackson)

Those opposed to an illuminated Pulse shooting tribute planned for Brownie Wise Park attended Monday’s Osceola County Commission public comment meeting to lodge their dissent. (Photo/Ken Jackson)

Osceola Pulse tribute comes under fire

Ken Jackson
Thursday, September 11, 2025
A memorial or tribute to the 2016 Pulse night club shooting, one of the gravest acts in Central Florida history, is appropriate and should be built.Just not at Brownie Wise Park, which residents and nature enthusiasts adamantly say was set aside for conservation and animal habitats.
Today marks the 24th anniversary of the terror attacks that took place in New York City, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. on Sept. 11, 2001.

Today marks the 24th anniversary of the terror attacks that took place in New York City, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. on Sept. 11, 2001.

Remembering 9-11; Kissimmee N.Y. National Guard member promoted

News Staff
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Today marks the 24th anniversary of the terror attacks that took place in New York City, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. by extremists. As most people know, on that day several planes were hijacked by terrorists and were purposely crashed into targeted areas across the country.
The newest Early Learning Hub is the 14th in Osceola County. (Photo/David Chivers)

The newest Early Learning Hub is the 14th in Osceola County. (Photo/David Chivers)

Community welcomes newest Early Learning Hub

David Chivers
Thursday, September 11, 2025
The Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County (ELC ) opened a new Early Learning Hub last week, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Park Place Behavioral Health Care in Kissimmee.
Team BLUFOR members completed a multi-event Red, White, & Blue Trifecta Mission Saturday at the St. Cloud Lakefront. (Photo/Terry Lloyd)

Team BLUFOR members completed a multi-event Red, White, & Blue Trifecta Mission Saturday at the St. Cloud Lakefront. (Photo/Terry Lloyd)

Team BLUFOR celebrates ‘birthday’ with grueling veteran fitness event

Terry Lloyd
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Saturday morning came bright, warm, and humid at Macy Island’s Twin Oaks Conservation Area. Fifteen military veterans and family members, assisted by an equal number of volunteers, completed a multi-event Red, White, & Blue Trifecta Mission in recognition of St.
St. Cloud native Madison Ferguson got the honor of giving the commencement speech at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences summer ceremony. She’s moving on to occupational therapy work with adults, an underserved health care sector. (Submitted photo)

St. Cloud native Madison Ferguson got the honor of giving the commencement speech at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences summer ceremony. She’s moving on to occupational therapy work with adults, an underserved health care sector. (Submitted photo)

St. Cloud native Ferguson reflects on OT journey

Ken Jackson
Thursday, September 11, 2025
It takes a lot of time and money to become a physician. Double down on that if you’re going to work with those with physical or developmental disabilities.St.
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