The Osceola Daily News for Saturday, November 29, 2025
The Magic of Christmas Returns to Downtown St. Cloud with the 62nd Annual Christmas Parade
The holiday season in St. Cloud will soon sparkle with joy and community spirit as the 62nd Annual St. Cloud Christmas Parade returns to Downtown St. Cloud on Saturday, December 6 at 10 a.m. Hosted by the St. Cloud Chamber and the City of St. Cloud, Sponsored by Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital.
Around Osceola
St. Cloud Family Honors Daughter Lana Fellows
KUA to Kick Off the Holiday Season with Home Alone 2
City of Kissimmee Awards New Round of Business $$
Kissimmee’s Festival of Lights Parade December 13
Gaylord Palms Unwraps the Magic of the Season, ICE!
85-Year-Old Veteran Second Harvest Volunteer
City of St. Cloud “Soldier City Sundays” Honor Vets
Small Business Saturday Returns to St. Cloud Today
Powerball Jackpot Climbs to $719 Million for Saturday
The Magic of Christmas Returns to Downtown St. Cloud with the 62nd Annual Christmas Parade
The holiday season in St. Cloud will soon sparkle with joy and community spirit as the 62nd Annual St. Cloud Christmas Parade returns to Downtown St. Cloud on Saturday, December 6 at 10 a.m. Hosted by the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce and the City of St. Cloud, this year’s parade theme — “The Magic of Christmas” — promises to fill the streets with festive cheer, colorful floats, marching bands, and holiday fun for all ages.
The iconic parade is presented by Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, with support from Experience Kissimmee
The much-anticipated community tradition brings together residents, local organizations, and visitors to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Families can look forward to a magical morning filled with music, creativity, and of course, an appearance from Santa Claus himself! The event is free to the public, and everyone is invited to attend and enjoy the celebration. Those wishing to participate in the parade are encouraged to register soon before spaces fill up.
For more information, visit the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce.
City of Kissimmee Awards New Round of Business Boost 2.0 Grants
to Local Small Businesses
The City of Kissimmee is continuing its commitment to local economic recovery, presenting grant checks to small businesses selected for funding through the Business Boost 2.0 program.
The program, supported by the American Rescue Plan, is designed to help small businesses bounce back from financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and remain essential contributors to the community.
City officials recently highlighted the impact of the program as they met with local recipients, reinforcing how critical small businesses are to Kissimmee’s economic strength and community identity.
Program Impact (as of November 2025)
21 local businesses have already received grants totaling $255,000
12 additional businesses have been approved for $150,000, with funds scheduled for disbursement
188 applications have been submitted by businesses seeking support
The BB2 program provides direct grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on business size. These funds help cover operational costs, retain employees, and support the longevity and vitality of small businesses throughout Kissimmee.
St. Cloud Family Honors Daughter Lana Fellows One Year After Tragic Crash, Encourages to Help Keep Her Legacy Alive
One year after the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Lana Fellows, her parents, Rob and Megan Fellows, are asking the community to help honor her life through continued awareness, safe driving, and support for a scholarship created in her name.
Lana, a 2024 St. Cloud High School graduate and student at the College of William & Mary, passed away on November 24, 2024, following a tragic crash in St. Cloud. She was just 18 years old. Her parents say the past year has been the most difficult of their lives — but the love shown by the St. Cloud community has carried them through.
A Community’s Support in a Time of Devastating Loss
In a heartfelt message shared with Positively Osceola, the Fellows family expressed their profound gratitude:
“We want to begin by expressing our deepest gratitude to the St. Cloud community for the overwhelming love and support you’ve shown our family since our daughter, Lana Fellows, passed away… In a time when our world has been shattered, so many of you have held us up. They shared special thanks to Shana Burns at St. Cloud High School, Heather Stover at Antigravity Orlando, and Nicole at Hersey’s Florist, each of whom has helped keep Lana’s memory alive through meaningful acts of care and remembrance.
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.
KUA to Kick Off the Holiday Season with ‘Movie in the Park’ Featuring Home Alone 2 on December 5
The holiday season is set to shine a little brighter in Kissimmee as Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) brings its popular Movie in the Park series back to Kissimmee Lakefront Park on Thursday, December 5. This year’s feature film, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, will light up the big screen as families gather for an evening of festive fun and community spirit.
The free outdoor event will offer a wide range of holiday-themed activities for all ages, including inflatables, children’s crafts, a themed photo booth with Santa, and additional seasonal craft stations.
KUA will also be serving complimentary popcorn to add to the classic movie-night experience.
In the spirit of giving, guests are encouraged to bring a canned food item or a small cash donation. Contributions will grant access to the event’s snow slide attraction, with proceeds supporting a local nonprofit organization during the holiday season. Attendees are invited to bundle up, bring blankets and lawn chairs, and enjoy an unforgettable evening along the lakefront as Kissimmee celebrates the most wonderful time of the year.
Powerball Jackpot Climbs to $719 Million Ahead of Saturday’s Drawing
The Powerball jackpot has surged once again—this time reaching an estimated $719 million for the next drawing on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
With the prize continuing to grow, excitement is building nationwide as players hope to secure one of the largest jackpots of the year.
Powerball drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET, with millions tuning in to see if their lucky numbers hit.
Powerball tickets cost $2 per play, and the game is available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all ticket-sale proceeds stay within the jurisdiction where the ticket was purchased, supporting state-run programs and community initiatives.
Since its launch in 1992, Powerball has helped generate over $36 billion for good causes across the United States—from education and public safety to environmental efforts and local community programs.
Players have a 1 in 24.9 chance of winning any prize, but the odds of claiming the jackpot stand at 1 in 292.2 million, making the massive payout a rare and highly anticipated event.
Orlando Health Becomes First in the Nation to Use New Magnet Technology for Weight Loss Surgeries
Orlando Health has once again placed Central Florida on the map for groundbreaking medical innovation. The healthcare system announced Thursday that it is the first in the United States to use a revolutionary magnet-based technology for weight loss surgeries — a major step forward in advancing patient safety and recovery.
The announcement came during the Orlando Health Surgical Innovations Summit, where surgeons demonstrated the new system inside the state-of-the-art Orlando Health Bioskills Lab. The event brought together leading experts and innovators from across the nation and abroad to collaborate on improving surgical care and outcomes.
The innovative procedure utilizes the Flexagon Self-forming Magnets System developed by GI Windows Surgical. Orlando Health became the first healthcare system to use the technology after participating in its clinical trial. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration officially approved the system earlier this summer.
During the live demonstration, Orlando Health surgeons showed how the precision magnets are used in minimally invasive weight loss surgeries. The system allows for more efficient tissue connection, potentially reducing surgery time and leading to faster, safer recoveries for patients.developments expand in the area.
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.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin Tours NeoCity, Discusses Osceola County’s National Role in America’s Tech Future
Osceola County’s position at the forefront of America’s microelectronics resurgence received national attention on Friday as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin toured NeoCity, the county’s 500-acre technology campus that has rapidly become a key player in reshoring advanced manufacturing.
Administrator Zeldin, a member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet and the National Energy Dominance Council, visited NeoCity to learn more about its role in strengthening the nation’s microelectronics research, development, and manufacturing ecosystem. His stop marked a significant moment for Osceola County, which has led a multi-year effort to position NeoCity as a hub for semiconductor innovation and high-tech job creation.
Over the past decade, NeoCity has attracted more than half a billion dollars in federal, state, and local investment, supported by major industry partners and public-sector collaborations. Following his tour, Zeldin underscored the importance of the work taking place in Osceola County.
“I feel like you could bring almost the entire Cabinet here and we would all see different aspects of this operation that impact what we face in our decisions every day,” Administrator Zeldin said.
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
Meet the 85-Year-Old Osceola County Air Force Veteran Fueling
Second Harvest With 1,300 Hours of Volunteer Work
When 85-year-old Harold Sauter was in college, he heard a challenge that shaped the rest of his life. “This guy named John came along,” he recalls, referencing John F. Kennedy and his famous “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country” message. “He said, ‘What do you think you can do for your country?’ That impressed me and stuck with me. Something in my mind said, ‘You’ve got to remember this.’ And I did.” That idea of giving back has guided him ever since.
Sauter went on to serve 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, coach college softball and women’s soccer, and embark on a career in the business world. He and his wife, Lorna, moved to Osceola County in 2009, where he coached softball at Celebration High School for seven years.
“Coach,” as many people call him, and Lorna started volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank during the pandemic. “We loved it,” he said. “We met so many great people up here, not a bad apple in the bunch. Just nice, hardworking people. Mr. Rogers always said, ‘Look for the helpers.’ Well, they’re here. They’re all here.”
Sauter, who has logged more than 1,300 volunteer hours at Second Harvest in the last five years, says he enjoys all the aspects of the work – from meat packing to working on the production line to doing dry sorting.
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.
Small Business Saturday Returns to St. Cloud This Weekend with Big Savings, Community Spirit, and Free Breakfast
This Saturday, November 29, marks the celebration of Small Business Saturday, and in St. Cloud, thanks to St. Cloud Main Street, it’s a day dedicated to supporting local merchants and kicking off the holiday shopping season with great deals and community spirit—brought to you by Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital and OUC – The Reliable One!
Starting at 9:00 a.m. at 1102 New York Avenue, visitors can enjoy 15% off at participating merchants and explore a variety of in-store specials designed to make shopping locally even more rewarding.
As an added treat, the first 100 attendees will be treated to a free breakfast, courtesy of Jimmy Bear’s BBQ and 10th Street Produce & Deli. Breakfast offerings include sandwiches and biscuits with gravy—perfect fuel before a day of shopping, dining, and strolling through the charming streets of Downtown St. Cloud.
This event is a wonderful opportunity to cross a few gifts off your holiday list while giving back to the community by supporting local businesses. From unique gift items to seasonal dining specials, Downtown St. Cloud has something for everyone.
Be sure to stop by and take advantage of the festive atmosphere, amazing deals, and complimentary breakfast.
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.
