The Osceola Daily News for Monday, June 8, 2026

Monday June 8, 2026

Bulls Bucked, Cowboys Cashed In, and Silver Spurs Gave Back at the 157th Silver Spurs Rodeo The dust has settled, the arena lights have dimmed, and another unforgettable chapter in Osceola County’s western heritage is in the books. For two electrifying nights, the 157th Silver Spurs Rodeo transformed the Silver Spurs Arena into the center of the rodeo world LATEST STORIES

AROUND OSCEOLA

Kissimmee Utility Authority Releases 2026 Hurricane Preparedness Guide Ahead of Atlantic Hurricane Season

City of Kissimmee to Celebrate Juneteenth with Community Festival Featuring Live Music, Local Vendors, Food, and Family

Chris Robertson Welcomes Senator Ashley Moody

St. Cloud’s 4th on the Lake to Celebrate America 250th

June Brings Rodeos, Festivals, and Family Fun

Nearly 90 New Florida Laws Take Effect July 1

Florida Show Choir to Debut in Kissimmee in July

2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season is Underway

NEWS

City of Kissimmee to Celebrate Juneteenth with Community Festival at Lakefront Park

KISSIMMEE — The City of Kissimmee is inviting the community to come together for an afternoon of celebration, culture, music, and reflection during its annual Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 13, at Kissimmee Lakefront Park’s Veterans Lawn.

The community-wide celebration will take place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will commemorate Juneteenth, the historic holiday recognizing the end of slavery in the United States while honoring the history, resilience, and lasting contributions of the African American community.

La Ciudad de Kissimmee Celebrará Juneteenth con Festival Comunitario en Kissimmee Lakefront Park

KISSIMMEE — La Ciudad de Kissimmee invita a la comunidad a reunirse para una tarde de celebración, cultura, música y reflexión durante su Festival anual de Juneteenth el sábado 13 de junio en el Veterans Lawn de Kissimmee Lakefront Park.

La celebración comunitaria se llevará a cabo de 12 p.m. a 4 p.m. y conmemorará Juneteenth, la histórica festividad que reconoce el fin de la esclavitud en los Estados Unidos, mientras honra la historia, resiliencia y contribuciones duraderas de la comunidad afroamericana.

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NEWS

Bulls Bucked, Cowboys Cashed In, and Silver Spurs Gave Back at the 157th Silver Spurs Rodeo ISSIMMEE, Fla. — The dust has settled, the arena lights have dimmed, and another unforgettable chapter in Osceola County’s western heritage is in the books.

For two electrifying nights, the 157th Silver Spurs Rodeo transformed the Silver Spurs Arena into the center of the rodeo world as thousands of fans witnessed the grit, courage, and determination of some of the nation’s top cowboys and cowgirls competing in the largest professional rodeo east of the Mississippi.

But as always, the Silver Spurs Rodeo was about more than buckles and cash.

Throughout the weekend, the Silver Spurs Riding Club celebrated the traditions that have made the organization a cornerstone of Osceola County for more than 80 years, while continuing its commitment to giving back to the community and investing in the next generation.

One of the most memorable additions to this year’s rodeo was the return of the Grand Entry, which opened each performance. Club members on horseback filled the arena floor in a patriotic processional that represented the pride, heritage, and multi-generational spirit of the Silver Spurs Riding Club.

Riders of all ages took part, highlighting the strong family traditions that continue to make the club one of the most respected organizations in Florida rodeo.

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NEWS

Osceola Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto’s Office Offers Virtual Queue System to Improve Customer Service The Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller has officially entered a new era of customer service with the rollout of its virtual queue system, a modernization effort designed to reduce wait times and improve the overall courthouse experience for visitors.

The system reflects Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto’s continued commitment to efficiency, accessibility, and innovation across county services.

With the virtual queue now fully operational, visitors can join the line digitally using their smartphones upon arrival.

Guests simply scan a QR code located near the elevators on the second floor to enter the queue, eliminating the need to wait in traditional lines.

Once checked in, visitors receive real-time notifications on their phones when a customer care representative is ready to assist them, allowing individuals to wait comfortably in their vehicles, a nearby coffee shop, or designated courthouse waiting areas.

The system also streamlines check-in for residents with scheduled marriage or passport appointments, who are able to confirm their arrival through an email or text message upon entering the courthouse.

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NEWS

Commissioner Viviana Janer Celebrates Gateway High Senior During Adopt a Senior Event ST. CLOUD, Fla. — The City of St. Cloud is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day in a big way during its annual “4th on the Lake” celebration on Saturday, July 4, at St. Cloud Lakefront Park.

This year’s event, themed “Celebrating America 250,” will honor the nation’s 250th anniversary with an afternoon and evening packed with patriotic entertainment, family-friendly activities, food, games, and one of the area’s largest fireworks displays.

Festival activities will begin at 4 p.m. at Lakefront Park and will feature live music from Modern Ties, performances by the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, Sami’s Kid Zone, vendors, food and drinks, glow-in-the-dark putt putt, volleyball, yard games, and contests including hot dog and ice cream eating competitions.

The celebration is designed to bring the community together for an evening of entertainment leading up to an extended fireworks show synchronized to music beginning at 9:15 p.m.

The annual waterfront event has become one of St. Cloud’s signature Independence Day celebrations, drawing families from across Osceola County and Central Florida to the city’s lakefront for an evening of patriotic fun and community spirit.

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SPORTS

Mayor Chris Robertson Welcomes U.S. Senator Ashley Moody to St. Cloud to Highlight New Trump Accounts Program ST. CLOUD, Fla. — U.S. Senator Ashley Moody visited St. Cloud on Thursday to highlight a new federal investment program designed to help families begin building financial security for their children from an early age.

The event, held at Mater Academy St. Cloud, brought together local families, students, educators, and community leaders to learn more about the newly established Trump Accounts program, a tax-advantaged investment opportunity created through the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation supported by Senator Moody.

St. Cloud Mayor Chris Robertson welcomed Senator Moody to the city and introduced her before she addressed attendees.

El Alcalde Chris Robertson da la bienvenida a la Senadora Ashley Moody en St. Cloud para destacar el nuevo programa Trump Accounts para las familias ST. CLOUD, Florida — La senadora federal Ashley Moody visitó St. Cloud el jueves para destacar un nuevo programa federal de inversión diseñado para ayudar a las familias a comenzar a construir seguridad financiera para sus hijos desde una edad temprana.

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NEWS

Joey Fatone’s Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice Coming to Universal CityWalk Orlando ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando Resort is adding another celebrity-backed dining location to its entertainment district as Joey Fatone’s Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice prepares to open at Universal CityWalk later this year.

The new restaurant, founded by former *NSYNC member Joey Fatone and business partner Joe Mulvihill, will replace the longtime Hot Dog Hall of Fame location at CityWalk Orlando, which is expected to close in July after more than a decade in operation.

According to Universal Orlando and multiple theme park industry reports, Fat One’s will feature “creative, flavor-packed hot dogs, Italian ices, and more” as part of CityWalk’s continuing transformation and expansion of dining and entertainment offerings.

Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice de Joey Fatone Chegará ao Universal CityWalk Orlando ORLANDO, Fla. — O Universal Orlando Resort adicionará mais um restaurante ligado a celebridades ao seu distrito de entretenimento com a chegada do Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice, de Joey Fatone, ao Universal CityWalk ainda este ano. Segundo o Universal como parte da contínua renovação das opções gastronômicas e de entretenimento do CityWalk.

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NEWS

Draper Law Office Encourages Safe Driving During Graduation Season and Memorial Day Weekend As Memorial Day weekend travel ramps up across Florida and millions of Americans prepare for holiday celebrations, AAA – The Auto Club Group is once again activating its long-running “Tow to Go” program to help keep impaired drivers off the road.

The free and confidential service will be available beginning Friday, May 22 at 6 p.m. through Tuesday, May 26 at 6 a.m., offering safe rides to drivers who may be impaired by alcohol, drugs, or medications and do not have another way home.

According to AAA, the program allows a tow truck driver to transport both the impaired driver and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius at no cost. The service is available to both AAA members and non-members.

Draper Law Office Promueve la Conducción Segura Durante la Temporada de Graduaciones y el Fin de Semana de Memorial Day

Mientras continúan las graduaciones de escuelas secundarias y universidades en Florida Central y aumenta el tráfico por el fin de semana de Memorial Day, familias y líderes comunitarios están recordando a los jóvenes conductores la importancia de manejar de forma segura y responsable.

Con fiestas de graduación, viajes y reuniones familiares llenando las carreteras, expertos en seguridad advierten que conducir distraído o bajo los efectos del

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NEWS

Kissimmee Utility Authority Releases 2026 Hurricane Preparedness Guide Ahead of Atlantic Hurricane Season KISSIMMEE — As the start of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season approaches, Kissimmee Utility Authority has released its annual 2026 Osceola Hurricane Guide, a free bilingual preparedness handbook designed to help residents across Osceola County prepare for potential tropical weather threats.

The comprehensive guide is produced through a partnership involving KUA, Osceola County, the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud, Toho Water Authority, the Osceola County Property Appraiser’s Office, and UF IFAS Extension.

According to KUA, the handbook includes important information on emergency shelters, evacuation routes, generator safety, disaster supply checklists, power outage restoration procedures, and key emergency contact numbers.

KUA Publica la Guía de Preparación para Huracanes 2026 Antes del Inicio de la Temporada KISSIMMEE — Ante el inicio de la temporada de huracanes del Atlántico 2026, Kissimmee Utility Authority publicó su Guía de Huracanes de Osceola 2026, un manual gratuito y bilingüe diseñado para ayudar a los residentes del condado de Osceola a prepararse para posibles amenazas tropicales.

La guía integral fue desarrollada en colaboración con KUA, el condado de Osceola, las ciudades de Kissimmee y St. Cloud, Toho Water Authority, la Oficina del Tasador de Propiedades del Condado de Osceola y UF IFAS Extension.

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NEWS

June Brings Rodeos, Festivals, Soccer, Concerts and Family Fun Across Central Florida

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — As summer arrives in Central Florida, June is packed with opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy everything from rodeos and community festivals to major concerts, sporting events, family attractions, and educational programs.

Across Osceola County and the surrounding region, families can explore local traditions, celebrate holidays, attend live entertainment, and take part in special events throughout the month.

One of the month’s biggest events is the 157th Silver Spurs Rodeo, returning to the Silver Spurs Arena on June 5 and 6. The historic rodeo will feature professional rodeo competition, including bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, breakaway roping, mutton bustin’, patriotic tributes, and performances by the Silver Spurs Quadrille teams.

Junio Trae Rodeos, Festivales, Fútbol, Conciertos y Diversión Familiar al Centro de Florida OSCEOLA COUNTY, Florida — Con la llegada del verano al Centro de Florida, junio estará lleno de oportunidades para que residentes y visitantes disfruten de rodeos, festivales comunitarios, conciertos, eventos deportivos, atracciones familiares y programas educativos.

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NEWS

Sunbridge Farmers Market Continues Monthly Community Gatherings

SUNBRIDGE, Fla. — Residents and visitors looking for fresh produce, handmade goods, and an evening outdoors can head to the Sunbridge Farmers Market, held on the third Thursday of every month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Basecamp in Sunbridge.

Located at 6197 Cyrils Drive in St. Cloud, the market brings together local vendors, live music, family-friendly activities, and a focus on zero-waste shopping in a community-centered atmosphere designed to celebrate nature and local living.

Mercado de Agricultores de Sunbridge Continúa Reuniendo a la Comunidad ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Residentes y visitantes que buscan productos frescos, artículos hechos a mano y una tarde al aire libre podrán disfrutar del Mercado de Agricultores de Sunbridge, que se lleva a cabo el tercer jueves de cada mes de 5 p.m. a 8 p.m. en Basecamp, en Sunbridge.

Ubicado en 6197 Cyrils Drive en St. Cloud, el mercado reúne a vendedores locales, música en vivo, actividades familiares y una experiencia enfocada en compras sostenibles y sin desperdicios, todo dentro de un ambiente comunitario diseñado para celebrar la naturaleza y la vida local.

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NEWS

Florida Show Choir Intensive to Debut in Kissimmee Area This July; Registration Closes June 13 KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A new summer performing arts experience focused on show choir will make its debut this July in Osceola County, welcoming students, educators, and industry professionals from across Florida and the Southeast.

The inaugural Florida Show Choir Intensive (FSCI) will take place July 4–9 at the Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks. Founded by Orlando performer and educator Dallas Pritt, the week-long camp is designed to help grow the art of show choir in Florida while providing students with professional-level training in singing, dancing, performance, and stage presence.

El Primer Campamento de Verano de Show Choir de Florida Llegará al Área de Kissimmee este Julio

El primer campamento de verano dedicado exclusivamente al show choir en Florida hará su debut este julio en el Condado de Osceola, reuniendo a estudiantes, educadores y profesionales de las artes escénicas de toda Florida y del sureste de Estados Unidos.

El inaugural Florida Show Choir Intensive (FSCI) se llevará a cabo del 4 al 9 de julio en el Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks. Fundado por el artista y educador de Orlando, Dallas Pritt, este campamento de una semana fue creado para impulsar el crecimiento del show choir en Florida mientras ofrece a los estudiantes capacitación de nivel profesional en canto, baile, actuación y

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NEWS

Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital Among Three Orlando Health Facilities Named Best Places to Work ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Three hospitals within the Orlando Health system have been recognized nationally by Modern Healthcare as part of its 2026 Best Places to Work in Healthcare program.

Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, and Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital, each earned the national distinction, which recognizes healthcare organizations that foster positive workplace environments and employee satisfaction.

The recognition continues a strong streak for the healthcare system. Orlando Health officials said at least one Orlando Health hospital has been named to the Best Places to Work list for six consecutive years. Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital earned the honor for the fifth straight year, while Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute received the recognition for the third consecutive year.

Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital has now been recognized six times since 2020.

“Our three selected hospitals are among only 150 healthcare companies and organizations nationwide recognized by Modern Healthcare as best places to work,” said Colleen Harper, vice president of Human Resources for Orlando Health. “This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture where team members feel valued, supported and proud of the work they do.”

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NEWS

66th Annual Miss Silver Spurs Pageant Crowns New Court, Honors Deon Kempfer

The 66th Annual Miss Silver Spurs Pageant was a tremendous success Thursday night at the Silver Spurs Arena as 31 outstanding young ladies competed for the opportunity to represent the Silver Spurs Club and Osceola County’s rich Western heritage.

The evening was emceed by 2026 Miss Rodeo Florida RaeLynne Kempfer and Osceola County Commissioner Ricky Booth, who guided the celebration of one of Osceola County’s most cherished traditions.

Special recognition also goes to Tihler Shay Franey, Chair of the Miss Silver Spurs Pageant Committee, along with the many volunteers, supporters, and Silver Spurs Club members whose hard work helped make this year’s pageant another memorable success.

A particularly heartfelt moment came when this year’s pageant was dedicated to the memory of Deon Kempfer, a beloved member of the Silver Spurs family who passed away last year.

Members of the Kempfer family and friends joined together on stage to accept the special dedication in his honor, creating one of the evening’s most emotional and meaningful moments. | Congratulations to the winners of the 66th Annual Miss Silver Spurs Pageant:

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NEWS

Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute Making a Positive Impact in the St. Cloud Community with Specialized Care ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Sitting down over a cup of coffee in Downtown St. Cloud, just a stone’s throw from St. Cloud City Hall and the St. Cloud Greater Osceola Chamber of Commerce, Positively Osceola’s Keith Ronan recently joined Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute Physician Assistant Rick Ordon for a conversation about the value and convenience of having advanced orthopedic care available right in the Greater Osceola County community.

During the discussion, Ordon highlighted how the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute walk-in clinic in St. Cloud is helping patients receive specialized orthopedic care quickly and conveniently, often without the need for an emergency room visit.

Ordon, who has served patients in Osceola County for the past 20 years, explained that the orthopedic walk-in clinic gives residents direct access to orthopedic specialists for a wide range of injuries and conditions affecting all areas of the body.

The clinic commonly treats sprains, strains, sports-related injuries, stress fractures, tendonitis, arthritis, back pain, and sports concussions for both adults and pediatric patients ages 2 and older. One of the clinic’s biggest advantages, Ordon noted, is that patients can walk in without an appointment and begin receiving treatment immediately.

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NEWS

Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Reminds Voters to Renew Vote-by-Mail Requests for 2026 Elections OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Office is reminding voters that vote-by-mail requests must be renewed for each election cycle, as required under Florida law.

Supervisor of Elections Mary Jane Arrington announced that the office is mailing notices to registered voters across Osceola County who currently do not have an active vote-by-mail request on file for the 2026 election cycle.

According to the Elections Office, Florida voters who wish to receive a vote-by-mail ballot must submit a new request each election cycle. Officials say the deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is 12 days prior to an election.

Supervisora de Elecciones del Condado Osceola Recuerda a los Votantes Renovar sus Solicitudes de Voto por Correo para las Elecciones de 2026

ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Una investigación de varios meses sobre una vivienda problemática en St. Cloud terminó con el arresto de 11 personas la mañana del jueves, luego de que la policía ejecutara una orden de allanamiento en una casa ubicada en West New Nolte Road.

Según el St. Cloud Police Department, oficiales trabajaron junto al Kissimmee Police Department en la residencia ubicada en 810 W. New Nolte Road, propiedad que había generado más de 40 llamadas de servicio en lo que va del 2025.

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NEWS

Addition Financial Launches Patient-Designed Debit Card Supporting Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital Addition Financial Credit Union has unveiled a new affinity debit card benefiting Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, giving members a new way to support pediatric healthcare in Central Florida simply by using their debit card for everyday purchases.

The co-branded Addition Financial Orlando Health Visa Debit Card was officially introduced in partnership with Orlando Health Foundation and features artwork created by sisters Celeste, 7, and Gabi, 10, both patients at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

Addition Financial Lanza Tarjeta de Débito Diseñada por Pacientes en Apoyo al Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children y la Atención Pediátrica Addition Financial Credit Union has unveiled a new affinity debit card benefiting Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, giving members a new way to support pediatric healthcare in Central Florida simply by using their debit card for everyday purchases.

The co-branded Addition Financial Orlando Health Visa Debit Card was officially introduced in partnership with Orlando Health Foundation and features artwork created by sisters Celeste, 7, and Gabi, 10, both patients at Arnold Palmer Hospital

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NEWS

From Schools to Roads: Nearly 90 New Florida Laws Take Effect July 1 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida residents will see a wide range of new state laws take effect on July 1, 2026, covering transportation, education, public safety, health care, environmental policy, local government, property development, consumer protections, and more.

87 new laws are currently scheduled to take effect next month, though additional measures could still be added as Gov. Ron DeSantis continues signing legislation.

De las Escuelas a las Carreteras: Casi 90 Nuevas Leyes de Florida Entrarán en Vigor el 1 de Julioica TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Los residentes de Florida verán entrar en vigor una amplia variedad de nuevas leyes estatales el 1 de julio de 2026, abarcando áreas como transporte, educación, seguridad pública, atención médica, políticas ambientales, gobiernos locales, desarrollo inmobiliario, protección al consumidor y más.

Actualmente, 87 nuevas leyes están programadas para entrar en vigor el próximo mes, aunque podrían añadirse medidas adicionales mientras el gobernador Ron DeSantis continúa firmando legislación.

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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.

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Lighten the Load.

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