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An Osceola County Sheriff's deputy was arrested Tuesday on a warrant after being accused of using unnecessary force during a traffic stop then making a report otherwise.

An Osceola County Sheriff's deputy was arrested Tuesday on a warrant after being accused of using unnecessary force during a traffic stop then making a report otherwise.

Osceola Sheriff's Office arrests one of its own in use of force case

Staff Report
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
An Osceola County Sheriff's deputy was arrested Tuesday on a warrant after being accused of using unnecessary force during a traffic stop then making a report otherwise.Deputy Joseph Billittier, 29, is charged with battery on a person 65 years or older, felony official misconduct, perjury in an...
Every year, thousands of people write letters to Santa. The postal service removes personal details and posts the letters on their website, where individuals or groups can read the letters and choose one – or more – to adopt. (Photo/USPSoperationsanta.com)

Every year, thousands of people write letters to Santa. The postal service removes personal details and posts the letters on their website, where individuals or groups can read the letters and choose one – or more – to adopt. (Photo/USPSoperationsanta.com)

Want to play Santa? USPS will connect you with a child’s letter

Debbie Daniel
Friday, October 23, 2026
For families already struggling to cover rent, groceries and fuel, the approaching holidays can bring added financial pressure, putting Christmas gifts out of reach.The U.S. Postal Service offers a way for others to step in, play Santa, and help make children’s Christmas wishes come true through...
The game, dubbed the Soldier City Classic between the two rival teams, will proceed as scheduled, albeit with a heavier security presence.

The game, dubbed the Soldier City Classic between the two rival teams, will proceed as scheduled, albeit with a heavier security presence.

St. Cloud-Harmony game still on despite "falsified" threat

News Staff
Friday, October 23, 2026
Osceola County Sheriff's deputies have an added presence on the Harmony High School campus this morning after they found a threat of violence on campus today and at tonight's football game against St. Cloud false.This comes after nine students were arrested Wednesday following an off-campus brawl...
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has vowed to end vaccine mandates. (News Service of Florida file photo)

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has vowed to end vaccine mandates. (News Service of Florida file photo)

Physicians challenge Florida’s rollback of vaccine requirements

Ana Goñi-lessan
Thursday, October 22, 2026
News Service of Florida — A group of physicians wants an administrative court to halt Florida’s push to remove the requirement for children to get four immunizations to attend schools and daycare facilities.The Florida Academy of Family Physicians filed a petition Friday with the Division of...
Also: Osceola Libraries earn America 250 grant; take SunRail free to Magic games; Duke Energy bill credits for EV charging

Also: Osceola Libraries earn America 250 grant; take SunRail free to Magic games; Duke Energy bill credits for EV charging

NEWS BRIEFS — 'Crush the Crisis' on Take Back Day; St. Cloud Hospital earns care award; and more

News Staff
Thursday, October 22, 2026
‘Crush the Crisis’ on Take Back Day Oct. 24Law enforcement and local hospitals will partner Saturday to encourage the safe disposal of unused or expired medication.Central Florida residents can help “Crush the Crisis” at several prescription drug take-back day events on Oct. 24, from 10 a.m.—2 p.m....
Help Now of Osceola County’s Tammy Douglass, Christina Montolvo and Andie Hinman planted a new bougainvillea tree while artist Jules Ross touches up a domestic violence awareness mural she first painted in 2021 in downtown Kissimmee in honor of Christina’s sister Nicole Montalvo, who was a high-profile violence victim in 2019. (Photos/Ken Jackson)

Help Now of Osceola County’s Tammy Douglass, Christina Montolvo and Andie Hinman planted a new bougainvillea tree while artist Jules Ross touches up a domestic violence awareness mural she first painted in 2021 in downtown Kissimmee in honor of Christina’s sister Nicole Montalvo, who was a high-profile violence victim in 2019. (Photos/Ken Jackson)

Impact of domestic violence awareness seen beyond October

Ken Jackson
Thursday, October 22, 2026
As the calendar charges toward the end of October—Domestic Violence Awareness Month—the message is that people should always be aware of dysfunction in relationships.Help Now of Osceola County, the county’s nonprofit advocacy group that provides services to domestic violence victims, will hold its...
This map shows where an aerial contractor is scheduled to spray for mosquitoes from Thursday through Sunday. (Map/Osceola County)

This map shows where an aerial contractor is scheduled to spray for mosquitoes from Thursday through Sunday. (Map/Osceola County)

Aerial mosquito spraying begins Thursday in Osceola

Staff Report
Thursday, October 22, 2026
A number of Dengue fever cases, tied to the illness-carrying mosquitoes, have been reported in nearby Orange and Seminole counties. Following that, and recent heavy rains that soaked the region, Osceola County Mosquito Control will begin low-flying aerial spraying countywide on Thursday.
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