News

Mitchell Platt, 37, was arrested and charged with burglary on July 4th after an owner's family member found him inside the home and shot him.

Mitchell Platt, 37, was arrested and charged with burglary on July 4th after an owner's family member found him inside the home and shot him.

Deer Run home intruder arrested—but shot first by resident's family—on July 4

Staff Report
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Not all the July 4 fireworks were in the sky Friday night, as a man arrested for burglary was first shot by a family member of the home's resident.Mitchell Platt, 37, was arrested after allegedly breaking into the Deer Run Road home and charged with burglary and possession of burglary tools.
The St. Cloud City Council questioned former Economic Development Director Antranette Forbes and Parks and Recreation Special Events Manager Erin Jenks at Thursday's meeting regarding special event processes. (Photo/City of St. Cloud)

The St. Cloud City Council questioned former Economic Development Director Antranette Forbes and Parks and Recreation Special Events Manager Erin Jenks at Thursday's meeting regarding special event processes. (Photo/City of St. Cloud)

Special St. Cloud City Council meeting seeks clarity on event processes

Debbie Daniel
Friday, July 4, 2025
St. Cloud City Council held another special meeting Thursday to discuss City processes for special event and facility rental processes. Former Economic Development Director Antranette Forbes and Parks and Recreation Special Events Manager Erin Jenks were present to answer Council’s questions.
Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July! (Cagle Cartoons)

Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July! (Cagle Cartoons)

Have a festive (and safe!) 4th of July!

News Staff
Friday, July 4, 2025
Happy 249th Birthday, America!Government, utility and most private offices and companies (;like the News-Gazette) are closed today in honor of the Independence Day holiday. The county Recycling Center is closed, but curbside collection will occur as scheduled.
Skyview, which is developing The Allen apartment project near HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, would deliver a 128-room Sonesta Hotel, 20 condominium units, a rooftop restaurant and entertainment amenity, new city park and commercial space that will likely attract a grocery store. (Photo/City of Kissimmee)

Skyview, which is developing The Allen apartment project near HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, would deliver a 128-room Sonesta Hotel, 20 condominium units, a rooftop restaurant and entertainment amenity, new city park and commercial space that will likely attract a grocery store. (Photo/City of Kissimmee)

Kissimmee approves downtown hotel projects, police Citizen’s Review Board

Ken Jackson
Thursday, July 3, 2025
The Kissimmee City Commission Tuesday chose proposals from Azure Hotel International and Skyview Companies to develop hotel, mixed use and condominium complexes at the current sites of the Kissimmee Civic Center and Toho Square in downtown.
Our office will be closed, Friday July 4th. See you on Monday!

Our office will be closed, Friday July 4th. See you on Monday!

Where to catch the rocket’s red glare

Emely Albelo
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Friday night there will be plenty of (legal) “bombs bursting in air” around Osceola County in celebration of Independence Day.Here’s a list of where to find that explosive entertainment.Kissimmee’s Monumental Fourth of July: Celebrate Independence Day in a monumental way starting at 7 p.m.
It was a long-running, unified effort by the Hope Partnership staff to receive its Sanctuary Certified Organization designation from the Sanctuary Institute. (Photo/Ken Jackson)

It was a long-running, unified effort by the Hope Partnership staff to receive its Sanctuary Certified Organization designation from the Sanctuary Institute. (Photo/Ken Jackson)

Osceola’s Hope Partnership now trauma-certified

Ken Jackson
Thursday, July 3, 2025
It’s one thing for the Osceola County community to recognize Hope Partnership for its ongoing efforts to provide support for those experiencing homelessness and poverty.Now other groups, like the Sanctuary Institute, recognize the effort.
New mothers gathered resources and supplies at the stations during the 2025 Heart of Florida United Way Community Baby Showers last week. (Photo/HFUW)

New mothers gathered resources and supplies at the stations during the 2025 Heart of Florida United Way Community Baby Showers last week. (Photo/HFUW)

Heart of Florida United Way holds Community Baby Showers

Ming Henry
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) hosted its annual Community Baby Shower last week at three locations, including the Kissimmee Civic Center. The event provided one month of newborn essentials including diapers and wipes to expectant and new parents.
Jorge Luis Gandia-Oquendo, 36, charged with multiple counts of child molestation following a report made to a local domestic abuse support center.

Jorge Luis Gandia-Oquendo, 36, charged with multiple counts of child molestation following a report made to a local domestic abuse support center.

POLICE NEWS — Trials for 2 accused pushed back; child porn and molestation charges

Kristin Hurst
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Father of teen driver who killed 4 in Poinciana crash has trial delayedThe trial for Richard Ferguson, who allowed his unlicensed teen to drive his vehicle and cause a fatal September 2023 crash, is now scheduled for trial July 28. The case had been set to begin July 15.
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