News

What started as a “library” for children to “borrow” beach toys at the St. Cloud Lakefront has turned frustrating, with the toys disappearing or ending up in the trash. (Photos/Jacqueline Cruz)

What started as a “library” for children to “borrow” beach toys at the St. Cloud Lakefront has turned frustrating, with the toys disappearing or ending up in the trash. (Photos/Jacqueline Cruz)

THOU SHALT NOT STEAL — Missing toys threaten St. Cloud Beach Toy Library

Emely Albelo
Thursday, August 7, 2025
When Jacqueline Cruz, the organizer of a beach toy library at the St. Cloud lakefront, found the bin empty recently, she knew she had to make a call to action.Cruz said ever since this spring, she and her team have been re-stocking the bin more frequently.
Look close and stand correctly at Broadway and Monument in downtown Kissimmee and you can see “The Wild Ones” by Steven Teller, “Sunrise Reflections” by Sabrina Shumaker and “Welcome to Kissimmee” by Ric.One. (Photo/Ken Jackson)

Look close and stand correctly at Broadway and Monument in downtown Kissimmee and you can see “The Wild Ones” by Steven Teller, “Sunrise Reflections” by Sabrina Shumaker and “Welcome to Kissimmee” by Ric.One. (Photo/Ken Jackson)

ARTisNOW—the outdoor art gallery

Ken Jackson
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Part of the appeal of downtown Kissimmee is its shops and restaurants. Depending on where they park (or come in on a mass transit like Lynx or SunRail), they can walk for blocks and take in an authentic Main Street, or in this case, Broadway.
Aldi Manager Karry Johnson cuts the ribbon at Thursday’s grand opening with President and CEO of St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce Dirk Webb. (Photo/Emely Albelo)

Aldi Manager Karry Johnson cuts the ribbon at Thursday’s grand opening with President and CEO of St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce Dirk Webb. (Photo/Emely Albelo)

In The News — Aldi enters St. Cloud; local teacher selected for C-SPAN fellowship; good news from City of St. Cloud departments

News Staff
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Aldi comes to St. CloudA brand-new Aldi grocery celebrated its grand opening at located at 3318 Canoe Creek Road in St. Cloud with a ribbon cutting last Thursday, joined by Aldi store manager Karry Johnson and the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce.
“When is it time for Adult Day Care?” is unfortunately a question thousands of adult children face daily when trying to manage their parents ‘declining’ senior years. (Submitted Photo)

“When is it time for Adult Day Care?” is unfortunately a question thousands of adult children face daily when trying to manage their parents ‘declining’ senior years. (Submitted Photo)

Council’s Corner — When is it time for Adult Day Care?

Wendy Coschignano Ford
Thursday, August 7, 2025
For those who do not have aging parents, or who are not in caregiver roles, the question, “When is it time for Adult Day Care?” might be an odd one. Unfortunately, this is a question which thousands of adult children face daily when trying to manage their parents ‘declining’ senior years.
A homeless person in Central Florida. A new executive order from President Trump intended to crack down on people living on the streets with an emphasis on increased institutionalization and arrests. (Photo/WKMG)

A homeless person in Central Florida. A new executive order from President Trump intended to crack down on people living on the streets with an emphasis on increased institutionalization and arrests. (Photo/WKMG)

‘Fundamentally inhumane:’ Advocates fear Trump order’s effect on homeless, mentally ill

Christie Zizo
Thursday, August 7, 2025
This story which originally appeared at ClickOrlando.com, is part of a collaborative initiative of independent local news outlets working toward a more informed and engaged Central Florida.
Isaiah Davis is accused of initiating communication with the undercover agent through the Badoo dating app.

Isaiah Davis is accused of initiating communication with the undercover agent through the Badoo dating app.

St. Cloud man accused of soliciting minor in undercover sting

Kristin Hurst
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
A 27-year-old St. Cloud man was arrested Tuesday after investigators say he engaged in sexually explicit conversations and sent obscene photos to an undercover investigator posing as a 14-year-old girl.
New SCPD Deputy Chief Jacob Ruiz gets his insignia pinned by wife Sadia Baxter at Tuesday's swearing-in ceremony. (Photo/St. Cloud Police)

New SCPD Deputy Chief Jacob Ruiz gets his insignia pinned by wife Sadia Baxter at Tuesday's swearing-in ceremony. (Photo/St. Cloud Police)

St. Cloud Police Department swears in new—and familiar—deputy chief

Ken Jackson
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
St. Cloud Police Chief Doug Goerke has a new right-hand man; if you've been around Osceola County for a while, you may recognize him.SCPD swore in new Deputy Chief Jacob Ruiz on Tuesday. He will serve as its Administrative Bureau Commander.
Overnight the National Hurricane Center noted Tropical Storm Dexter formed, and it's watching two areas of possible development in the Atlantic. (Graphic/NHC)

Overnight the National Hurricane Center noted Tropical Storm Dexter formed, and it's watching two areas of possible development in the Atlantic. (Graphic/NHC)

August's typical tropical uptick: Dexter forms; something to maybe watch NEXT week

Ken Jackson
Monday, August 4, 2025
After a slow June and July to the Atlantic hurricane season -- which isn't uncommon at all -- the tropics, are starting to get active, with three areas the National Hurricane Center are now watching.At 11 p.m.
FDOT will close northbound 535 (Vineland Road) overnight Tuesday into Wednesday for overhead sign installation that's part of a broader road rehab project that started last fall. (Graphic/FDOT)

FDOT will close northbound 535 (Vineland Road) overnight Tuesday into Wednesday for overhead sign installation that's part of a broader road rehab project that started last fall. (Graphic/FDOT)

State Road 535/Vineland Road updates: road closure this week, new traffic signal installed

Staff Report
Sunday, August 3, 2025
The Florida Department of Transportation has announced it will close the northbound lanes of State Road (S.R.) 535 (Vineland Road) near the intersection of Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee from 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, to 6 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, for overhead signage installation.Northbound S.R.
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