The Osceola Daily News for Friday December 12, 2025
Celebrate the Season at St. Cloud’s Annual Tree
Lighting Winter Wonderland Tonight at 6pm
The magic of the holidays is set to sparkle tonight in downtown St. Cloud as the city hosts its Annual Tree Lighting – Winter Wonderland Ceremony from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at St. Cloud City Hall. This tradition will once again transform the area around City Hall into a celebration filled with lights, joy, and fun.
Around Osceola
Mount Peace Cemetery to Honor Vets with Wreaths
St. Cloud Draws Record Crowds to Tree Lighting
USPS Announces 2025 Holiday Shipping Deadlines
Community Gathers to Honor Dorothy “Pat” Rudd
Christmas Parade Returns to Downtown St. Cloud
White Castle Progress in Kissimmee Construction
City of St. Cloud “Soldier City Sundays” Honor Vets
Poinciana Set for 32nd Annual Christmas Parade
Attorney Charlie Draper Wows as Grand Marshal
Community Gathers to Honor the Extraordinary 104-Year Life of St. Cloud Resident Dorothy “Pat” Rudd
On Tuesday evening, friends, family members, and community residents came together to pay their respects to Dorothy J. “Pat” Rudd, a beloved St. Cloud resident who passed away on December 2, 2025, at the age of 104. Pat was remembered not only for her long and meaningful life, but for the kindness, dedication, and strength she brought to everyone around her.
The service was officiated by Reverend Cathy Thacker of First United Methodist of St. Cloud, followed by a sweet rendition of Amazing Grace by Pearl Tindell.
Born on August 29, 1921, in Peoria, Illinois, Pat’s life was a testament to service and resilience. As a proud member of the United States Navy WAVES during World War II, she served at Pearl Harbor, where she met her future husband, Gerald “Jerry” Rudd. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and community—a legacy that continues to resonate through generations.
After moving to the Orlando area, Pat worked in graphic arts with Martin Marietta and later with Sun Bank, where she eventually retired. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was deeply involved in civic and veterans’ organizations.
During Tuesday’s visitation and funeral service, held at the Osceola County Council on Aging, attendees shared memories of a woman who touched lives through her compassion, generosity, and unwavering love for others.
Mount Peace Cemetery to Honor Veterans with Annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony on December 13
Mount Peace Cemetery in St. Cloud will once again take part in a national tradition of remembrance as an official Wreaths Across America (WAA) location, joining more than 4,900 sites across the country for National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at noon.
Each year, Wreaths Across America brings communities together to honor the men and women who served our nation. At Mount Peace Cemetery, local volunteers and sponsoring groups have spent the past year raising funds to place 1,400 veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of fallen service members laid to rest there. This annual observance supports the organization’s mission to Remember, Honor, Teach — ensuring that the stories and sacrifices of America’s veterans live on for future generations.
The ceremony will take place at:
Mount Peace Cemetery
755 East 10th Street, St. Cloud
Saturday, December 13, 2025 • 12:00 p.m.
Community members, veterans, active-duty service members, families, and supporters are invited to attend the solemn and meaningful tribute. Volunteers will help place wreaths throughout the cemetery following the ceremony.
Holiday Nights at Give Kids The World Brings Festive Fun and Community Spirit to Kissimmee
Give Kids The World Village is once again transforming the holiday season into a magical time of community, family fun and heartfelt giving with its Holiday Nights celebration on Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21. This festive event invites families and visitors of all ages to enjoy an evening of lights, music, attractions, and seasonal cheer — all while supporting a meaningful local cause.
Holiday Nights takes place at the nonprofit’s whimsical 89-acre storybook resort in Kissimmee, where guests can stroll through the beautifully adorned Village and soak up the sights and sounds of the season. The celebration features live performances from local Central Florida musicians, access to select Village attractions, mini golf, and a festive family movie screening in the Village’s own theatre. Seasonal snacks will also be available for purchase. Children under age three are admitted free.
Proceeds from this event help Give Kids The World continue its mission of providing week-long, cost-free vacations to critically ill children and their families, giving those facing serious health challenges a chance to relax, play and make lasting memories together.
Give Kids The World Village is a nonprofit resort in Central Florida dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of children with critical illnesses and their families. Since 1986, the Village has welcomed families from all 50 states and dozens of countries.
The 62nd Annual St. Cloud Christmas Parade brought thousands of families to Downtown St. Cloud on Saturday, December 6, 2025—but this year’s celebration carried a special sparkle as longtime community advocate and Draper Law Office founder Attorney Charlie Draper was honored as Grand Marshal.
Grand Marshal Charlie Draper Brings Classic Christmas Charm
This year’s Grand Marshal, Charles B. “Charlie” Draper, delivered a moment of timeless holiday magic. Draper—admired throughout Osceola County for his decades of community giving and professional excellence—rode in a glistening white carriage pulled by a sparkling white Hastings Ranch pickup truck.
Wearing a crisp white suit, gloves, a classic top hat, and a bright green bow tie, Draper waved to cheering families along the parade route, embodying the pageantry, tradition, and spirit of the season.
“Charlie Draper represents everything we hope to highlight in this parade— commitment, character, and a deep love for our community,” said St. Cloud Chamber President & CEO Dirk Webb. “Honoring him as Grand Marshal is a tribute not just to his career, but to the kindness and integrity he brings to Osceola County every day.”
Osceola Attorney and Community Advocate Charlie Draper Wows the Crowd as Grand Marshal of 62nd St. Cloud Christmas Parade READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/4rWnS92
St. Cloud Shines Bright as the 62nd Annual Christmas Parade Brings “The Magic of Christmas” to Record Crowds
Downtown St. Cloud came alive with holiday joy, hometown pride, and dazzling creativity last Saturday as thousands lined the streets for the 62nd Annual St. Cloud Christmas Parade, presented by Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital with support from Experience Kissimmee. This year’s theme, “The Magic of Christmas,” delivered exactly that—an unforgettable morning filled with festive floats, marching bands, community spirit, and of course, a spectacular arrival from Santa Claus.
Hosted by the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of St. Cloud, the beloved tradition once again showcased the community’s deep sense of unity, celebration, and holiday spirit.
A Festive Opening to Remember
Before the parade stepped off, the crowd was treated to live music by Positively Osceola’s Vice President, Keith Ronan, performing on saxophone fresh from SeaWorld Orlando. He then joined forces with the Lakeview Elementary Chorus for a beautiful, blended performance of the national anthem—as the chorus sweetened the air with Christmas joy and even had the crowd singing along.
After their uplifting performance, Ronan’s saxophone provided the perfect musical introduction ahead of the parade’s official start, setting the stage as the St. Cloud Police Department’s Motorcycle Team ushered in the parade,
Brandon Arrington Selected as New Chairman of Osceola County Commission; Cheryl Grieb Named Vice Chairwoman
During Monday’s Osceola County Board of County Commissioners meeting, District 3 Commissioner Brandon Arrington was elected by his fellow commissioners to serve as the board’s next Chairman. District 4 Commissioner Cheryl Grieb was selected to serve as Vice Chairwoman for the upcoming year.
Arrington assumes the role from District 2 Commissioner Viviana Janer, who served as Chairwoman over the past year.
“I just wanted to express to the entire Board how very honored I have been to represent you in this community as your Chair for 2025,” said Commissioner Viviana Janer. “I hope that I have lived up to your expectations, thank you very much once again for the honor of being elected Chair.”
Arrington, who was first elected in 2008, has a long history of leadership on the board — previously serving as Chairman in 2011, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2022, and 2026. A Kissimmee native and Osceola High School graduate, Arrington also represents the county regionally through roles on the Orlando Economic Partnership Board, MetroPlan Orlando, and the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX).
He has also chaired several major regional organizations, including SunRail, Lynx, Workforce Central Florida, and the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness. Outside of county government, Arrington serves as Executive Director of Osceola Arts, championing community access to the arts.
Downtown Kissimmee’s Festival of Lights Parade to Illuminate Kissimmee’s Holiday Season on December 13
Downtown Kissimmee is preparing to shine brighter than ever as the City of Kissimmee hosts its annual Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The beloved tradition returns with family-friendly festivities, sparkling floats, and a full evening of holiday magic.
Before the parade steps off, the celebration begins at Kissimmee City Hall with the Holiday Festival. Families will enjoy:
• A dedicated Kids Power Zone, presented by KUA
• A festive Letters to Santa station
• Seasonal activities and entertainment to get everyone in the holiday spirit
• Parade Begins at 7:30 p.m.
At 7:30 p.m., the illuminated parade will move through Historic Downtown Kissimmee along Broadway, Sproule Street, Church Street, and Stewart Avenue. Spectators can look forward to glowing floats, costumed performers, marching groups, and community organizations bringing holiday cheer to thousands who line the streets each year.
USPS Announces 2025 Holiday Shipping Deadlines: Osceola County Residents Encouraged to Mail Early
The holiday season is moving forward quickly, and the United States Postal Service is urging Osceola County residents to ship their gifts and greeting cards early to ensure they arrive by Christmas Day. With millions of packages expected to move through the mail system nationwide, USPS has released its recommended 2025 holiday mailing deadlines — and waiting too long could mean presents don’t make it under the tree in time.
USPS 2025 Holiday Shipping Deadlines for Delivery by December 25
For deliveries within the contiguous United States (the Lower 48), USPS recommends the following send-by dates:
Ground Advantage & First-Class Mail (letters, cards, small packages):
Ship by Wednesday, December 17
Priority Mail:
Ship by Thursday, December 18
Priority Mail Express:
Ship by Saturday, December 20
For shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories, USPS advises mailing Ground Advantage items one day earlier, by December 16.
Poinciana Set for a Festive Day as the 32nd Annual Christmas Parade and Celebration Steps Off This Saturday
Poinciana is gearing up for one of its most cherished holiday traditions—the 32nd Annual Association of Poinciana Villages Christmas Parade and Celebration, taking place Saturday, December 13, at the Vance Harmon Amphitheater, 625 Country Club Drive. The parade begins at 11 a.m., followed by a community-wide celebration packed with entertainment, activities, and holiday cheer.
Families and residents from across the region are expected to gather for a day filled with festive fun. This year’s event promises live entertainment both on and off the amphitheater stage, a lively kids zone, pictures with Santa, and an expansive selection of vendors, crafters, and local food trucks. Organizers say the community can look forward to “everything you would expect for a celebration of the season— plus so much more.”
Road Closures and Parking Details
To ensure the safety of parade participants and spectators, several roads in the area will be closed from 10:45 a.m. until the parade concludes. Closed roads will include:
Country Club Court, Chip Court, Trophy Lane, South Flag Drive
South Flag Court, Caddy Lane Doverplum Avenue between Cypress Parkway, and Country Club Drive
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/4oRWoOR
St. Cloud Shines Bright as Record Crowds Celebrate 34th Annual Tree Lighting at City Hall
Last Friday evening the City of St. Cloud officially kicked off its Christmas holiday season with record-breaking crowds filling the area in front of St. Cloud City Hall as the community came together for the 34th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration, an event city officials say drew the largest attendance in its history. The atmosphere was electric as families, friends, and neighbors gathered to officially welcome the Christmas season.
The evening opened with musical entertainment from the St. Cloud High School Jazz Band and Ensemble “Swingle Bells.” Shortly after, Mayor Chris Robertson welcomed the Miss Silver Spurs Court to the stage, led by Miss Silver Spurs Jasmine Livingston, marking one of the first highlights of the night as the community applauded their presence.
City leaders then stepped forward to continue the program. St. Cloud Parks & Recreation leaders Rose Testerman and Jarvis Fulton recognized the city’s Volunteer of the Year, proudly introducing J.P. Decker for his outstanding service.=
A powerful moment came when Vice Mayor Ken Gilbert, surrounded by his family, invited everyone to join in the countdown to light the tree. As the crowd’s voices lifted together, the towering Christmas tree burst into brilliant color, drawing cheers and applause as City Hall glowed with holiday light.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3KX2D6d
Osceola County Officially Launches OLLie, Its New Mobile Library Bringing Books, Wi-Fi, and Learning to Local
Osceola County, led by Commissioner Viviana Janer for District 2, library staff, and community members gathered Tuesday morning at Osceola Library’s Buenaventura Lakes branch for the official unveiling of OLLie, the library’s new mobile library unit designed to bring books, technology, and library services directly into neighborhoods across the county.
Osceola County Commissioner Viviana Janer, representing District 2, described OLLie as “a library on the move”—a flexible, modern option that will help the county reach residents who don’t live near a branch.
“By bringing story time, tech help, Wi-Fi, materials for checkout, and library resources right to the residents’ doorsteps, we are ensuring everyone has access to learning and connection,” Janer said. “We don’t want to leave anybody out in Osceola County.”
Coming in at a cost of about $140,000, the new mobile unit is outfitted with features designed to support families, students, and seniors. OLLie includes solarpowered energy, an onboard generator, an exterior awning and TV for outdoor games, books, toys and materials for all ages. Inside, residents will find five Chromebooks for tech tutoring, Wi-Fi hotspots capable of supporting up to 100 devices, and on-site printing, and more.
City of St. Cloud “Soldier City Sundays” Weekly Community Market at Veterans Park
The City of St. Cloud Veterans Council has launched its Soldier City Sundays — a new weekly community market and veterans resource event honoring St. Cloud’s proud heritage as The Soldier City.
The event happens every Sunday unless otherwise noted for holidays or special city events.
Visitors can look forward to a fun, family-friendly atmosphere featuring:
Local vendors, crafters, and food trucks
Live entertainment and music
Games and activities for all ages
Onsite veterans’ resources and support organizations
Admission is free, and everyone is encouraged to come out, shop local, and connect with neighbors while celebrating St. Cloud’s veteran community.
“Soldier City Sundays” is brought to you by the City of St. Cloud Veterans Council, which was established to honor and support veterans while strengthening community connections.
Holiday Nights at Give Kids The World Brings Festive Fun and Community Spirit to Kissimmee
Give Kids The World Village is once again transforming the holiday season into a magical time of community, family fun and heartfelt giving with its Holiday Nights celebration on Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21.
This festive event invites families and visitors of all ages to enjoy an evening of lights, music, attractions, and seasonal cheer — all while supporting a meaningful local cause.
Holiday Nights takes place at the nonprofit’s whimsical 89-acre storybook resort in Kissimmee, where guests can stroll through the beautifully adorned Village and soak up the sights and sounds of the season.
The celebration features live performances from local Central Florida musicians, access to select Village attractions, mini golf, and a festive family movie screening in the Village’s own theatre. Seasonal snacks will also be available for purchase. Children under age three are admitted free.
Proceeds from this event help Give Kids The World continue its mission of providing week-long, cost-free vacations to critically ill children and their families, giving those facing serious health challenges a chance to relax, play and make lasting memories together.
LEGAL NEWS
Draper Law: Which vehicles are more likely to be involved in serious or fatal accidents?
Sadly, serious and fatal accidents take place on a daily basis in Central Florida. These crashes can happen in a number of ways and can be caused by not following traffic laws, inexperience, intoxication, distracted driving, fatigue, and medical issues.
Statistics show that fatal car accidents can often occur based on the type of vehicle. You may think that sports cars are most likely to be in crashes due to their speed and performance. However, according to the NHTSA, it’s the everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs on the roadways that are involved more frequently in serious or even deadly accidents, with sedans and pickup trucks accounting for more than three-quarters of fatal accidents. If you drive out on the roadways, here’s what you
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office gathered Thursday afternoon for its 2025 Promotions and Awards Ceremony, celebrating the men and women whose dedication, courage, and compassion continue to shape the safety and strength of the Osceola community.
Led by Sheriff Christopher A. Blackmon, the ceremony recognized deputies, detectives, civilians, supervisors, community partners, and local educators who demonstrated extraordinary professionalism and a deep commitment to protecting and serving residents throughout the year.
The event highlighted a message that echoed through every recognition: the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is powered by individuals who rise to meet the moment, serve with heart, and place the safety of others above themselves.
Promotions: Honoring Leadership and Advancement
Three members of the agency were formally elevated to new leadership roles: Captain Heith Yeager
Lieutenant Alex Bejarano
Lieutenant Kristine Mele
Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Honors Outstanding Service at 2025 Awards & Promotions Ceremony
St. Cloud Golf Standout Karolyna Adams Signs With Tiffin, Capping an Extraordinary Academic and Athletic Journey
St. Cloud standout golfer Karolyna Adams will continue her playing career at the next level. The senior made it official Saturday morning, signing her scholarship papers before teammates, family, and friends in a ceremony at Royal St. Cloud Golf Club.
Adams, a four-time All-Orange Belt Conference selection, will play her college golf at Tiffin University in Ohio, a member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. Tiffin—a private institution currently ranked fourth in the East Region in the latest NCAA Division II national rankings—proved to be the perfect fit.
“We are thrilled to have Karolyna join our Dragon family,” Tiffin Coach Dawn West said. “She brings great enthusiasm not only for the game of golf, but for our women’s golf program. We look for Karolyna to come in and compete right away for one of our top five spots.”
With several opportunities in front of her, Adams said her decision came down to academics, environment, and connection. “It’s a small school and small campus, which really appealed to me. I didn’t want to go to a huge school where it would be easy to get lost in the shuffle,” she said. “It’s also a school with high academic standards. They offered a sports psychology program, and that’s exactly what I want to major in.”
She added that the team and coaching staff made Tiffin feel like home.
Major Shake-up For Osceola County Football Teams As FHSAA Announces New Classifications For 2026-2027
Significant changes are in store for the next high school football season as the FHSAA announced new classifications for the next two years. State-wide, the biggest change will be the elimination of Class 7A, resulting in a drop from eight to seven classes. The elimination of the 7A class result in bigger districts being formed, something Harmony coach Don Simon has always advocated. “When I first started at Harmony most of us were in six-team districts, which meant you had five district games and five nondistrict games. As the years went on, it became a situation where you might have five or six schools in one district and only three in another. From a scheduling perspective, it was always better with bigger districts.”
Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on how he looks at it), Simon and Longhorns will be playing in essentially the same district they did last year. Although they will move from District 10, 7A to District 5, 6A, they will face the same opponents in a four-team district with Tohopekaliga, St. Cloud and Lake Nona.
“I thought it was a great district last year. All the games were close and it made sense for travel,” Simon said of the district that was won by St. Cloud. “I’m glad those four teams are still grouped together, it would have been nice if one or two more would have been added.”
A New Castle Rises in Osceola: White Castle Marks Construction Milestone for New Kissimmee Spring Opening
The Crave is officially rising in Osceola County. White Castle, America’s first fastfood hamburger chain and home of the legendary Original Slider®, celebrated a key construction milestone Tuesday with a ceremonial “raising of the Castle walls” at its upcoming Kissimmee location.
The new restaurant — the brand’s third freestanding White Castle in Central Florida — is on track to open in early spring 2026 along West U.S. 192, bringing 60 new jobs and another dose of Slider fandom to one of the region’s busiest tourism corridors.
The 3,430-square-foot Kissimmee Castle will offer 68 indoor seats, 31 outdoor seats, two drive-through lanes, and the chain’s iconic tower design with a sleek, modern industrial twist.
Once open, it will join sister locations in Clermont and Orlando — the latter currently the largest free-standing White Castle in the world.
Tuesday’s ceremony blended celebration with signature White Castle tradition. Leaders from the company were joined by Osceola County elected officials, development partners, and brand ambassadors, along with a Town Crier who issued a proclamation and a lighthearted “blessing of the onions” at the future grill site.
Park Hopping
Holidays at Walt Disney World 2025: A Festive Florida
Escape
As the most magical time of the year approaches, Central Florida’s own backyard destination — Walt Disney World — is preparing to sparkle brighter than ever, as the 2025 holiday season brings a dazzling lineup of Santa-ready charm, themed treats, twinkling décor, and festive experiences across all four theme parks, resort hotels, and Disney Springs through December 31, 2025.
Expect holiday cheer in:
Magic Kingdom
EPCOT
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney Springs shopping & dining district
Resort hotels across the property
Magic Kingdom: Traditional Holiday Magic
In Magic Kingdom, guests will be greeted with Main Street, U.S.A. decked in garlands, wreaths, and twinkling lights — a picture-perfect backdrop for holiday photos.
Park Hopping
Gaylord Palms Unwraps the Magic of the Season with ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & More
The holiday spirit returns bigger and brighter than ever to Gaylord Palms Resort as the resort transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland through January 7, 2026.
This year’s celebration brings back the beloved ICE! experience, featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ carved in over two million pounds of colorful ice. Guests can walk through larger-than-life scenes from the classic holiday tale, kept at a chilly nine degrees inside the resort’s signature frozen attraction.
But that’s just the beginning of the seasonal fun. Families can delight in the brand-new cirque spectacular, “POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance,” blending acrobatics, music, and holiday magic. Guests can also enjoy the frosty adventures of the Snow Factory, where they can slide, throw snowballs, and play in real snow — right here in Central Florida. Other festive favorites return as well, including gingerbread decorating, storytime with Mrs. Claus, and a holiday-themed escape room for those seeking a merry challenge. Across Gaylord Palms’ 65-acre resort, dazzling decorations, twinkling lights, and immersive displays will spread cheer around every corner.
Overnight guests will enjoy exclusive perks and extra opportunities to experience the magic up close — from early access to select activities to special room packages that make it easy to turn a day of fun into a weekend getaway.
Park Hopping
Your Wildest Car Ride Yet: Discover Animals from Around the World Right Here in Osceola County
With the school year back in full swing and education once again at the heart of our communities, there’s no better time to turn learning into an unforgettable, upclose adventure—and you don’t even need to leave your car to do it!
Located in the heart of Osceola County, just a short drive from Orlando, Wild Florida’s Drive-thru Safari Park offers families and animal lovers the rare opportunity to explore 170 acres of pristine Florida wilderness while encountering more than 150 exotic and native animals from across the globe.
From the safety and comfort of your own vehicle, you’ll cruise a four-mile trail and come face-to-face with giraffes, zebras, eland antelope, scimitar oryx, American bison, mouflon sheep, and more.
It’s a self-guided journey that feels like starring in your own wildlife documentary—without ever boarding a plane.
Insider Tip: Your admission includes unlimited loops through the safari on the same day, so take your time and enjoy every wild encounter. (Note: Convertibles, motorcycles, and vehicles without doors or roofs aren’t permitted for safety reasons.)
But the adventure doesn’t stop there.
Park Hopping
SeaWorld Orlando Unveils Dazzling Christmas Celebration for 2025 Season
The magic of the holidays returns to SeaWorld Orlando this year as the park launches its Christmas Celebration, scheduled for select nights from November 7, 2025 through January 5, 2026.
Promising a winter wonderland full of lights, festive entertainment, and holiday cheer, this year’s event is included with regular park admission — no extra ticket required.
What to Expect
SeaWorld is pulling out all the stops with a lineup of seasonal highlights designed to appeal to families, local visitors, and holiday lovers alike:
Millions of sparkling lights will transform the park into a nighttime spectacle.
Sea of Trees – stroll past dozens of illuminated trees floating on the lagoon, synchronized to holiday music.
Holiday Reflections: Fireworks & Fountains Finale – nightly fireworks and fountain displays set to festive tunes will cap off each event day.
Winter Wonderland on Ice – a Broadway-style ice skating show featuring dazzling visuals and seasonal music.
