to St. Cloud's Peghorn Nature Park This October St. Cloud’s spookiest tradition is back, and it’s ready to test your courage. The Haunted Trail at Peghorn Nature Park will once again open its eerie paths for thrill-seekers on October 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25, running from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. each night.
Around Osceola
Osceola County Hosts 2025 State of the County Address
Elections Office Joins National Voter Education
KUA Earns 2025 Central Florida Top Workplaces
Supervisor of Elections Launches Calendar Contest
Kissimmee Fire Dept.Puts New Engine 11 Into Service
Kowboys Eye District Crown: Osceola Looks for Playoffs
Silver Spurs Hosts SoldOut Boots, Bulls & Barrels
Osceola Clerk to Host Halloween Group Wedding
Beverly Hougland: A Life Of Love, Service, And Impact
“Til Death Do Us Part”: Osceola Clerk to Host Annual Halloween
Wedding Ceremony on October 31
In a spine-chilling yet heartwarming celebration of love, couples are once again invited to say “I do to their boo” at the Historic Osceola County Courthouse on Thursday, October 31, 2025, at 10 a.m. Hosted by Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller Kelvin Soto, Esq., the Historic Osceola County Courthouse in Kissimmee will transform into a whimsically eerie wedding venue for the annual Halloween Group Wedding Ceremony and Reception.
Couples can reserve their place for this one-of-a-kind event, where the courthouse is adorned with cobwebs, pumpkins, and gothic floral arrangements of black and purple roses. The setting combines romance and spooky charm, creating the perfect backdrop for a wedding day that is anything but traditional.
The group ceremony will be officiated in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for all who wish to participate. Following the vows, newlyweds and guests can enjoy a reception filled with Halloween-themed treats — from “horrifyingly delicious” cupcakes to festive music that adds a magical touch to the celebration. In past ceremonies, couples have exchanged vows, renewed commitments, and embraced the holiday’s playful spirit in a way that makes the day unforgettable. Halloween’s nostalgic connection to cherished childhood memories and its festive energy make it an ideal date for couples seeking a unique, nonconventional way to
Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Joins
National Campaign to Educate and Empower Local
The Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Office will join election officials across the country in celebrating National Voter Education Week (NVEW), a nationwide initiative that helps prepare communities to be confident and informed voters.
Running from Monday, Oct. 6 through Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, this year’s campaign focuses on helping voters register, make a plan to vote, and build trust in the electoral process. The weeklong effort is designed to bridge the gap between registering to vote and actually casting a ballot.
“National Voter Education Week is about empowering our residents to take ownership of their role in democracy,” the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Office said in a statement. “By providing resources, answering questions, and connecting directly with the community, we want voters to feel confident when they cast their ballots.”
As part of the initiative, elections staff will host voter outreach events across the county, including:
Monday, Oct. 6: Tohopekaliga High School Voter Registration, 7 a.m.–2 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 7: National Night Out at St. Cloud Lakefront, 4–7 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 8: Council on Aging Fall Expo, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 9: St. Cloud Branch Library, 9–11 a.m.
Osceola County Supervisor of Elections
Launches
Fourth Biannual Calendar Art Contest
The Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Office has announced the start of its fourth biannual calendar art contest, inviting all K-12 students in Osceola County to showcase their creativity while promoting accurate voter information.
The winning artwork will be featured in the Elections Office’s 2026–2027 calendar, which will include key election dates and information for voters. Submissions must be on 8.5” x 11” paper in landscape orientation and contain accurate voter details without endorsing any political party or candidate.
The deadline to submit artwork to the Elections Office is October 14, 2025.
A public gallery event is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the Supervisor of Elections Operations Center, located at 2570 Partin Settlement Road in Kissimmee.
Community members will have the opportunity to view the submissions and vote for their favorite pieces. Artwork selected during the gallery night election will be featured in the upcoming calendar.
For more information, contact the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Office at 407-742-6000 or visit www.voteosceola.gov/Voter-Information/Outreach-andEducation.
NEWS
Osceola School District Releases 2026 Graduation Dates and Times
The Class of 2026 is ready to turn the tassel as the School District of Osceola County prepares to celebrate high school graduations this May and June. From Osceola Heritage Park to the School for the Arts, thousands of students will walk the stage and mark the beginning of their next chapter.
Graduation caps will fly on the following days and times for Osceola County’s 2026 high school graduates:
May 18, 2026 – Location: Osceola County School for the Arts
Osceola County School for the Arts at 6:00 p.m.
May 19, 2026 – Location: Osceola Heritage Park
Poinciana High School at 1:30 p.m.
Tohopekaliga High School at 5:30 p.m.
May 20, 2026 – Location: Osceola Heritage Park
Liberty High School at 9:30 a.m.
Harmony High School at 1:30 p.m.
Osceola High School at 5:30 p.m.
St. Cloud Fire Rescue to Add 48 New Firefighters with Historic $9.5 Million SAFER Grant
The City of St. Cloud has earned a historic $9.5 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that will allow St. Cloud Fire Rescue to hire 48 new firefighters, marking the largest grant award in the city’s history.
The funding, part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program, will help the department meet the growing demand for emergency services as St. Cloud’s population continues to rise. Since 2022, the city’s 9-1-1 call center has averaged more than 100,000 calls for service each year, while the city’s population has climbed to over 70,000 — nearly 20% higher than the last U.S. Census count.
Mayor Chris Robertson emphasized the importance of this milestone for the community.
Fire Chief Jason Miller also noted how the grant strengthens the city’s ability to respond in times of need.
“The quality of service we provide to our residents is paramount,” Miller said. “When you or your loved ones need emergency help, knowing you have a welltrained, caring, and professional fire department minutes away makes all the difference.”
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Osceola State of the County, Hosted by Chairwoman Viviana Janer, Showcases Growth and Bold ‘Building
The annual State of the County address, hosted by Osceola Chairwoman and District 2 County Commissioner Viviana Janer, carried the theme ‘Building for Tomorrow, Today’ on Wednesday as Janer and fellow commissioners highlighted Osceola’s rapid growth, major infrastructure projects, public safety initiatives, and forward-looking programs to prepare residents for the future.
Noting that Osceola County is at a pivotal moment in its history, Janer spoke about the recent population surge in the county and how local government is working to keep up with the needs of its residents.
“As one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida and the nation, Osceola is rising to meet the challenges of growth with eyes focused on the future and hearts rooted in service,” she said. “We are growing faster than ever, and we are determined to build a community that works for everyone who calls it home.”
The chairwoman highlighted ongoing road expansions and collaborations with the Florida Department of Transportation, the Central Florida Expressway Authority, and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise. “We’re leading a multi-billion-dollar program to expand our roadway infrastructure, improving the roads we rely on every day and strengthening connections between neighborhoods, business centers, and corridors,” Janer said.
Kissimmee Fire Department Puts New Engine 11 Into Service with Traditional "Wet Down & Push Back"
The Kissimmee Fire Department officially placed Engine 11 into service this week during a Wet Down & Push Back Ceremony at Fire Station 11 on North Clyde Avenue, marking an expansion of the city’s firefighting and emergency response capabilities.
The new engine is not a replacement but an additional unit, joining Engine 12, Engine 13, Engine 14, and Squad 11 as the department’s fifth suppression unit. City officials said the addition strengthens coverage across Kissimmee as the community continues to see growth in both population and development.
“This new engine improves our ability to provide safety for people and property,” Fire Chief Jim Walls said. “It expands our coverage and strengthens our service to the Kissimmee community.”
Engine 11 is equipped for more than fire suppression. In addition to delivering water through pumps and hoses, it carries advanced life support equipment for medical emergencies and transports firefighters and tools for rescue, ventilation, and scene support operations.
Friday’s ceremony honored long-standing firefighting traditions. As part of the “wet down,” Engine 11 was sprayed with water before entering service, while the “push back” saw firefighters, city staff, and community members join together to roll the new vehicle into its bay. Both rituals date back to the era of horse-drawn fire equipment and remain symbols of teamwork and pride in the fire service.
KUA Earns Orlando Sentinel’s 2025 Central Florida Top Workplaces Honor
For the third consecutive year, Kissimmee Utility Authority has been recognized with a Top Workplaces award through the Orlando Sentinel’s 2025 program. KUA was named among Central Florida’s 130 leading companies, honored for creating a positive workplace culture and achieving high employee satisfaction. The utility also ranked among the top ten employers in the midsize category. The full list was published in Sunday’s edition of the Orlando Sentinel and is also available online.
Adding to the achievement, KUA earned a special award for Training—one of only a few special honors presented this year—underscoring the organization’s strong commitment to employee growth and professional development.
The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for the third year in a row, and even more meaningful that this recognition comes directly from our employees,” said KUA President and General Manager Brian Horton. “Our team is the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to investing in their growth, and fostering a workplace where they can thrive.”
The confidential survey uniquely measured 24 factors that are critical to the success of any organization, including engagement, leadership, appreciation, respect and support. KUA staff members were officially recognized during an awards luncheon.
Four
County Commissioners Launch Online Tool to Simplify Life for Four Corners Residents
Residents of the Four Corners region now have a new way to quickly identify which county provides their public services, thanks to a collaborative effort by Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Polk counties.
Nearly 60,000 residents live in this unique area where all four counties meet. While the region is known for its rapid growth, bustling neighborhoods, commercial developments, and proximity to major attractions, it has also faced challenges. Because U.S. Postal addresses in Four Corners are often assigned based on routing rather than geography, residents and businesses have long struggled to determine which county to contact for essential services.
To solve that problem, county leaders unveiled a new online address tool at fourcornersfl.us. By entering an address into the search bar, residents can instantly access direct links to county-specific services including Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections, Sheriff’s Office, School District, Clerk of Courts, libraries, and more.
The project was spearheaded by the Four Corners Task Force, an interlocal agreement group formed by the four counties to improve coordination and streamline government services in the region. District commissioners from each county lead the initiative.
Do You Dare? The Legend of the Haunted Trail Returns to St. Cloud’s Peghorn Nature Park This October
St. Cloud’s spookiest tradition is back, and it’s ready to test your courage. The Haunted Trail at Peghorn Nature Park will once again open its eerie paths for thrill-seekers on October 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25, running from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. each night.
Guests will step into the darkness of the park’s winding trails, never knowing what bone-chilling surprises might be waiting around the next corner. With scares lurking in every shadow, this immersive experience promises to deliver frights and thrills for those who dare to enter.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate, with advance purchases required by 5 p.m. the day of the event. Please note that pre-purchased tickets do not provide priority access, so arriving early is encouraged.
The Haunted Trail is not recommended for young children, and tickets are nonrefundable and non-transferable. Guests must bring a copy of their receipt and a photo ID to check in (digital copies are accepted).
Location: Peghorn Nature Park, 2101 Peghorn Way, St. Cloud
Tickets: Purchase here
Get ready for a hauntingly unforgettable night—if you’re brave enough to take the trail.
Osceola
County to Host 2025 State of the County: ‘Building for Tomorrow, Today’ with Chairwoman Viviana Janer
With heavy hearts, the Osceola County community is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished leaders, Beverly Rose Hougland, who passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by her loving family.
On Wednesday, friends, coworkers, community leaders, and the many people whose lives were positively touched by Beverly filled the Osceola Council on Aging—an agency she led for decades—for a celebration of life. It was a service not only of remembrance, but of gratitude for a life dedicated to others, to community, and to her beloved family.
Born October 29, 1942, in Loyall, Kentucky, Beverly grew up in Harlan with her twin brother, Rick. From her earliest years, she was known for her gentle spirit, her kindness, and her ability to see the good in everyone. At Loyall High School, she was a flute player, cheerleader, and Beta Club member, her easy smile and welcoming nature making her a friend to all.
She carried that same warmth into adulthood, first as a teacher, where she was remembered as a compassionate educator, and later as a devoted wife and mother. Her life was one of service—whether in the classroom, at home, or in the broader community.
In 1979, Beverly joined the Osceola Council on Aging as the Meals on Wheels coordinator. What began as a mission to ensure seniors received nutritious meals quickly grew into a lifelong calling.
LEGAL NEWS
Draper
vehicles are
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 need to know about which vehicles have been involved in many of the crashes.
Boots, Bulls & Barrels Returns to Silver Spurs Arena October 4 for One Night of Heart-Pounding Rodeo Action
The dirt returned to the Silver Spurs Arena Saturday night for a sold-out edition of Boots, Bulls & Barrels, hosted by the Silver Spurs Riding Club. The one-night-only event delivered everything rodeo fans love — fast-paced barrel racing, thrilling ranch saddle bronc rides, and high-stakes bull riding — while also highlighting the heart and community spirit that define the Silver Spurs legacy.
Before the first gate cracked open inside the arena, the Silver Spurs Club opened its arms outside for something truly special. Despite soggy afternoon weather, members of the Club hosted a Runway to Hope Trick or Treat event for children who have fought or are currently battling pediatric cancer. Families gathered on the grassy area across from the Silver Spurs Arena along Highway 192, where kids dressed in costumes, met the Silver Spurs Big Boss Kaye Whaley, and former Big Boss Randy Booth, cowboys, and cowgirls, and even spent time with the Club’s gentle horses — all “rodeo style.”
“This is what the Silver Spurs Club is all about,” said Big Boss Katharine Whaley. “Yes, we’re about the rodeo, but we’re also about community — about giving families unforgettable experiences and supporting those who need it most.”
Each participating family received complimentary tickets to attend Boots, Bulls & Barrels later that evening, turning a rainy afternoon into a night of excitement.
Kowboys Eye District Crown: Osceola Looks to Clinch Playoff Spot Friday Night Against Viera
The Osceola Kowboys (4-2, 1-0) can punch their ticket to the post-season on Friday night when they host Viera (4-2, 0-0) in a District 5, 6A showdown on Friday night at Markus Paul Stadium. Kickoff is 7 p.m.
With an 18-10 win over Melbourne two weeks ago, Osceola can secure the small three-team district title with a win over Viera. The teams met twice last year with the Kowboys winning 49-9 in the regular season and 58-14 in the first round of the 6A playoffs.
Osceola coach Eric Pinellas says the Hawks are an improved team this year. “They have a dynamic quarterback who is pretty effective with the run-pass option and they have a big back who they like to hammer to the inside,” he said. “Defensively, they play a four-man front but I expect them to go to a 5-man front to try to take away our running game. I’ve watched all of their game films this year and they are sort of a hard team to figure out. They have looked really good in some wins but have taken some questionable losses too.”
Viera is 4-2 this season and is led by quarterback Eric Nelson, is a 62% passer and the team’s second leading rusher. Running back Duke Butler (6-1, 190) is a big back that has amassed 600 yards rushing this season.
St. Cloud Bulldogs Dominate Gateway Panthers in 27–0 Shutout
Victory
Quarterback Jeremiah Lattier accounted for three touchdowns as the St. Cloud Bulldogs shut out the visiting Gateway Panthers on Friday night.
“We were pretty efficient on offense and created five turnovers so it was a good night,” St. Cloud head coach Mike Short said. “Give Gateway a ton of credit, they fought hard and made us work for everything.”
Despite the final score, it was not an easy win for the Bulldogs.
The Panthers controlled the ball for most of the first quarter, driving deep in St. Cloud territory twice but coming up empty on the scoreboard – turning the ball over first on a fumble and second on downs.
St. Cloud would take advantage of the later, as Lattier fired a 14-yard scoring pass to Gunner Freeman to cap a 6-play, 82-yard drive to make it 7-0 at the 11:05 mark of the third quarter.
Gateway’s second turnover proved costly.
After reaching midfield, Nydrell Thigpen’s halfback option pass was intercepted by Jaden Irons at the St. Cloud 15. Lattier would then direct a time-consuming, 17-play, 85yard drive capped off by a touchdown pass to Stacy Taylor on a fourth and 16 play from the 18. Lattier was masterful on the drive, converting four, fourth-down plays, including
Orlando Health Medical Pavilion St. Cloud Opens New Lung and Sleep Medicine Clinic to Serve Osceola County
Orlando Health Lung and Sleep Medicine Group has expanded its presence in Osceola County with the opening of a new clinic at the Orlando Health Medical Pavilion – St. Cloud, bringing specialized pulmonary and sleep care services closer to local residents.
The clinic is led by pulmonologists Dr. Abed Madanieh and Dr. Chirin Orabi, both of whom provide comprehensive consultative, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for patients facing lung and sleep-related conditions.
Dr. Madanieh brings expertise in managing chronic and complex lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, emphysema, interstitial lung disease, and sarcoidosis. He also serves critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital.
Dr. Orabi, who is also board certified in pulmonary and critical care medicine, has extensive experience treating obstructive and interstitial lung diseases, pleural disorders, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea. She also provides care for patients with acute or life-threatening conditions in the ICU at Orlando Health St. Cloud.
“Orlando Health is committed to providing specialized healthcare services through the pulmonology clinic so St. Cloud residents can access high-quality care closer to home,” said Dr. Orabi. “Pulmonology services aren’t just about treating conditions — it is about empowering individuals to breathe easier and live fuller lives.”
Osceola Air Urges AC Check-Ups Before Fall—End-ofSummer Deals Available Now!
As summer continues to march on in Central Florida, the signs of the approaching school year are beginning to show. Backpacks are being dusted off, routines are slowly returning, and parents are preparing for the shift from long, hot summer days to the structure of fall. But while the school bells will soon be ringing, one thing isn’t cooling down just yet—the Florida heat.
Before your family dives into the busy back-to-school season, now is the perfect time to check in on your home’s air conditioning system. Osceola County’s trusted HVAC provider, Osceola Air, is encouraging homeowners to schedule an end-of-summer AC check-up—and they’re offering limited-time specials to help keep your system running strong through the final stretch of summer and well into the fall.
End-of-Summer Comfort Starts with a Pre-Season Check-Up
Even as we begin thinking about cooler months ahead, Florida’s heat can linger deep into the school season. A quick and professional system check-up can ensure your AC unit remains efficient, reliable, and ready to handle whatever weather comes next.
Osceola Air’s skilled technicians will inspect refrigerant levels, clean filters, check electrical components, calibrate your thermostat, and more—all to prevent mid-season breakdowns, lower your utility bills, and keep your family cool and comfortable.
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, up-close 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.
HEALTH NEWS
Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital Launches AfterHours Dining to Support Patient Care and Recovery
In a move aimed at enhancing patient comfort and care, Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital has introduced a new after-hours dining service for patients who may miss regular meal times due to medical testing, treatments, or late-night hospital admissions.
The extended dining option, which operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., began in April and served 91 patients last month alone.
“We recognize the critical role of nutrition in our patients’ recovery,” said Tammy Foster, director of food and nutrition at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital. “This new service is a simple, but powerful way to support the comfort and healing needs of the patients we are grateful to care for.”
Beyond serving hot evening meals, the initiative also allows team members to connect with patients in the evenings to review breakfast options for the next day, further personalizing the care experience and ensuring continued nutritional support.
Orlando Health, the hospital’s parent organization, is a not-for-profit healthcare system serving Florida, Alabama, and Puerto Rico. With a mission to improve health and quality of life, the system manages over $12 billion in assets and delivers care through an expansive network of hospitals, urgent care centers, and specialty facilities.
Park Hopping
Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Launch ‘The Magic of Disney Animation’ in 2026 with Immersive Experiences
A whimsical, character-filled adventure is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026. “The Magic of Disney Animation” will transform the current Star Wars: Launch Bay into a magical, immersive experience inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios and the beloved short film Once Upon a Studio.
Topped with Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat, the reimagined space invites guests into a playful version of a Disney animation studio—where, when the animators are away, the characters come out to play. The experience will take place inside the transformed building, drawing direct inspiration from the real-life Burbank studio and will include several interactive areas designed to bring families closer to the animation process and the characters themselves.
In the Production Gallery, visitors will see portraits come to life just like in Once Upon a Studio, while the Screening Theater will present a short animated film that’s sure to charm the whole family. Aspiring artists will also get the chance to learn how to draw fan-favorite Disney characters and even meet them in person.
Families with young children will especially enjoy “Drawn to Wonderland,” a brand-new indoor play area inspired by Mary Blair’s original concept art for Alice in Wonderland. The imaginative playground will include a musical oversized flower garden, a Mad Tea Party playset, and an interactive Tulgey Wood area for exploration and fun.
Park Hopping
Explore the Wild Side: Drive-Thru Safari Park at Wild Florida Offers an Unforgettable Adventure
Ready to embark on a thrilling wildlife journey without leaving the comfort of your car? Look no further than Wild Florida’s Drive-Thru Safari Park, an Osceola County gem that’s redefining family road trips.
With over 150 exotic and native animals roaming freely across expansive grounds, the safari park offers a unique opportunity to get up close to giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and more. The gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m., with the last car allowed in at 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
But the adventure doesn’t end there. Guests can enhance their visit with unforgettable animal encounters, from feeding gentle giants to painting alongside the tallest creatures on Earth.
And as a bonus, admission to Wild Florida’s Gator Park is included with every safari ticket, allowing visitors to walk on the wild side with alligators and other fascinating reptiles.
Whether booking online, calling 407-957-3135, or emailing reservations@wildfl.com, the process is quick and easy. Reservations are available Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., making it simple to plan a day of adventure.
