Big Boss Kaye Whaley set to lead Silver Spurs Club: Boots, Bulls & Barrels Rodeo Hits the Dirt Oct. 4
On Saturday, October 4, Kaye Whaley will step into the spotlight as the Silver Spurs Riding Club’s Big Boss—a milestone that places the lifelong Spurs member and Harmony High School teacher at the helm of an organization that has preserved Osceola County’s Western heritage for more than eight decades.
Around Osceola
Osceola County to Host 2025 State of the County
Semiconductor Conference Showcases Osceola County
Osceola’s New Sheriff Connects with St. Cloud
Fandom Kissimmee to Bring Epic Fun to Kissimmee
Supervisor of Elections Launches Calendar Contest
Osceola Kowboys, St. Cloud Bulldogs to Battle Friday
Silver Spurs' Boots, Bulls & Barrels Returns October 4
GAR Plans in St. Cloud, Paddleboat Revival Update
Osceola County Breaks Ground on Tech Library
Fandom
Kissimmee: Heroes & Villains Brings Epic Fun to the Kissimmee Civic Center September 13
The City of Kissimmee is gearing up for an action-packed day of fandom, fun, and unforgettable memories as Fandom Kissimmee: Heroes & Villains takes over the Kissimmee Civic Center on Saturday, September 13, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is FREE, making it the perfect event for families, fans, and friends to celebrate their favorite characters together.
This year’s theme, Heroes & Villains, promises an immersive experience where attendees can step into a universe of epic battles and legendary icons. Whether you’re channeling your inner superhero, striking your best villain pose, or simply coming to enjoy the festivities, there’s something for everyone.
Event Highlights:
Meet & Greets with fan-favorite characters
Trivia Challenges to test your superfan knowledge
Cosplay Competitions for all ages, from young sidekicks to seasoned superheroes
Immersive Activations and epic photo opportunities
Giveaways & Exclusive Merchandise
Local Vendors & Artists showcasing unique fandom creations
Osceola County Breaks Ground on First-of-its-Kind Tech Library, Led by Chairwoman Viviana Janer
A new era of innovation officially began today in Osceola County as Chairwoman and District 2 Commissioner Viviana Janer, joined by county officials and community leaders, broke ground on the county’s first-ever Tech Library in Osceola County.
Located at the corner of Bill Beck Boulevard and Fortune Road, directly across from Osceola Heritage Park and minutes from NeoCity, this 11,000-square-foot facility is poised to become a game-changing hub for technology, education, and opportunity in the heart of the community.
“This will not be a traditional library filled with rows of books,” said Commissioner Janer during the ceremony. “Instead, it will serve as an innovative hub designed to spark creativity, expand learning, and open doors to new opportunities. This project builds on programs like Osceola Prosper, which provides free tuition to Valencia College or Osceola Technical College for local high school graduates. Together, these investments reflect our county’s commitment to diversifying our economy, strengthening opportunities, and preparing for the possibilities of tomorrow.”
Inside, residents will find a wide array of resources designed to meet evolving community needs.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3JOtQqO
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Rober t Guevara Community Center 501 Florida Pkwy., Kissimmee, FL 34743
*Additional Parking: 65 Infantry Park th (Shuttle provided)
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Gardening Class on Maintenance and Care of Fall Vegetables
The City of Kissimmee continues its commitment to community education and sustainable living with its next Community Garden Education Class titled “Vegetable Garden: Maintenance and Care.” The free session will be held on Thursday, September 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Chambers Park Community Center.
Led by seasoned gardening instructor Eva Pabon, the class is open to adults 18 and older and is designed to help participants master essential tips for maintaining and caring for their vegetable gardens during the fall season. From pest control to watering techniques and soil health, attendees will learn the best practices to ensure their gardens thrive.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, this class offers hands-on guidance to help your fall harvest flourish.
Event Details:
Location: Chambers Park Community Center
Instructor: Eva Pabon
Date: Thursday, September 18
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Guardian ad Litem Foundation to Host 8th Annual GALa Silent Auction and Casino Oct 4 at Rosen Shingle Creek
The Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Osceola County will host its 8th Annual GALa Silent Auction and Casino on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 6 p.m. to midnight at Rosen Shingle Creek, located at 9939 Universal Blvd. in Orlando. Tickets for the gala are on sale through September 15.
This year’s gala, themed “Triple Crown”, will feature a memorable evening of entertainment, giving, and celebration. Guests will enjoy an open bar during the reception, a cash bar throughout the evening, and the excitement of a silent auction and casino-style games—all while supporting a cause that transforms the lives of children in foster care.
Supporting the Voices of Osceola’s Children
The Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Osceola County, Inc. supports the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office, which provides trained volunteers to serve as the “voice” for abused, abandoned, and neglected children in the dependency court system.
With over 500 children currently in Osceola’s foster care system and more than 200 dedicated volunteers, the Foundation works tirelessly to ensure no child is left without an advocate. Through advocacy, financial support, and community partnerships, the organization also helps meet children’s medical, educational, and social needs—striving to provide as normal and nurturing a life as possible.
Boots, Bulls & Barrels rides back to Osceola County Oct.
4 — Silver Spurs Club introduces Big Boss Kaye Whaley
The arena dirt is returning to Silver Spurs Arena for Boots, Bulls & Barrels on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Hosted by the Silver Spurs Rodeo, the one-night showcase features three fan favorites — barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding — with cowboys and cowgirls competing for cash prizes. Tickets start at $15 and are available at SilverSpursRodeo.com.
This year’s event arrives as the Silver Spurs Riding Club welcomes its 2025–26 Big Boss, Kaye Whaley — a lifelong Spurs member, longtime Osceola County educator, and the fourth woman to hold the role in the Club’s 80+ year history.
“As a teacher in the School District of Osceola County, I see firsthand how much of an impact these scholarships can make. It’s not just about supporting students financially; it’s about showing them that their community believes in their future. Every ticket purchased helps us open doors for local graduates,” said Kaye Whaley, 2025–2026 Silver Spurs Club Big Boss.
Whaley’s Spurs lineage runs deep. Her grandparents, Doc and Petie Partin, were among the Club’s original members, helping build the rodeo’s reputation and community impact. Her father, Doug Partin — honored annually through the Miss Silver Spurs Pageant’s Doug Partin Spirit Award — served for years as the organization’s stock contractor. Whaley grew up working with bucking bulls and horses and began riding the famed Silver Spurs Quadrille at age five.
Osceola County to Host 2025 State of the County: ‘Building for Tomorrow, Today’ with Chairwoman Viviana Janer
The Osceola Board of County Commissioners, led by Osceola Chairwoman District 2 County Commissioner Viviana Janer, invites the community to the 2025 State of Osceola County on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Osceola Heritage Park Events Center in Kissimmee.
This year’s theme, “Building for Tomorrow, Today,” reflects Osceola County’s commitment to breaking ground on new opportunities, building stronger communities, and preparing for the future. Attendees will hear directly from county leadership on the progress, challenges, and vision for the years ahead.
Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Location: Osceola Heritage Park Events Center
1901 Chief Osceola Trail, Kissimmee, FL 34744
Doors Open: 11:00 a.m. | Luncheon: Noon
Chairwoman Janer emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping the county’s future:
“As Osceola continues to grow, we are dedicated to ensuring that the opportunities we build today will create a stronger tomorrow for every resident.”
Silver Spurs Rodeo Earns Statewide Recognition with Flagler
Award for “Tradition Rides On” Campaign
The Silver Spurs Club has once again put Osceola County on the map, this time being honored with a Bronze Flagler Award in the Integrated Marketing Campaign category from VISIT FLORIDA for its Tradition Rides On campaign. The award was presented during the Chairman’s Dinner at VISIT FLORIDA’s Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.
Each year, the prestigious Flagler Awards celebrate outstanding tourism marketing efforts across the state. Nearly 300 entries were submitted this year across multiple categories, with the Integrated Marketing Campaign award recognizing the strongest multi-platform efforts, combining public relations, digital, print, out-of-home, and social media into one cohesive campaign.
The Silver Spurs Club’s award-winning Tradition Rides On campaign marked the 80th anniversary of the very first Silver Spurs Rodeo, highlighting its deep impact on the local community and its support of charities in need.
“This award is a reflection of not just our organization’s history but also the dedication of the hardworking volunteers who give their time to organize this event each year,” said Sara Berlinsky, 2023–2024 Big Boss of the Silver Spurs Club, who led the campaign’s launch. “For our campaign to be recognized amongst statewide campaigns shows how much history and heart can stand out. Tradition Rides On was a way to share the legacy of our rodeo and the families who built it, and we’re honored to see that story shine.
Osceola’s New Sheriff Connects with St. Cloud Residents at Main Street Meet-and-Greet
Osceola’s new “top cop,” Sheriff Christopher Blackmon, introduced himself to St. Cloud residents gathered at the Hunter Arms Hotel Thursday night. Sponsored by St. Cloud Main Street, the event was an opportunity for the sheriff to share both his journey to the office and his goals for the department.
Paula Stark, executive director of St. Cloud Main Street, said Thursday’s event was an opportunity for residents to get to know the new sheriff. “We’re already really connected to our police chief, and we want to make sure that we have that same relationship on this side of the county with our new sheriff. That’s really important for us,” Stark said.
To learn more about St. Cloud Main Street, visit https://stcloudmainstreet.org.
Blackmon candidly shared the story of how his appointment came about, saying he was approached shortly before the arrest of then-Sheriff Marcos Lopez took place. On June 3, his boss informed him of the imminent arrest of Lopez – who was charged with involvement in an illegal gambling enterprise – and told him that he wanted to throw Blackmon’s name in the hat for interim sheriff.
After phone interviews with the governor’s office, talks with his wife, and some prayers, Blackmon was offered the position. “I was at FHP working, doing my thing. Less than 48 hours later, the governor decided to appoint me as the sheriff of Osceola,” Blackmon said.
Orlando Health Launches New Air Care Helicopter to Enhance Critical Care Transport
Orlando Health Air Care has officially introduced a powerful addition to its air ambulance fleet: a larger, state-of-the-art Airbus H145D3 helicopter designed to transport critically ill patients, both children and adults, across Central Florida faster and more efficiently.
Stationed in Apopka, the new helicopter strengthens the healthcare system’s ability to deliver lifesaving care by air to patients being transported to Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC)—Central Florida’s only Level One Trauma Center—and Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
“Our new Air Care helicopter is incredibly special because our patients are at the heart of this design,” said Kelly Nierstedt, president of Orlando Health ORMC and senior vice president of the Orlando region. “The larger cabin space enhances our ability to transport specialty equipment for both children and adults, and the greater lift capacity means we can travel longer distances for our patients.”
The new helicopter is a gamechanger in three critical ways:
Extended Range – As a larger class aircraft, it can reach critically ill patients over greater distances more quickly.
Enhanced Cabin Space & Lift Capacity – It can accommodate more flight personnel and advanced medical equipment, ensuring rapid, specialized care during transport.
City of St. Cloud to Host 2025 Business Connect Expo on September 30
The City of St. Cloud is inviting business owners, entrepreneurs, and community partners to connect, collaborate, and grow at the 2025 Business Connect Expo, taking place Monday, September 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the St. Cloud Community Center, 3101 17th Street.
This free event offers a unique platform for showcasing products and services, meeting key stakeholders, and discovering valuable resources to help businesses thrive.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with representatives from local and regional government agencies, private companies, and support organizations dedicated to fostering business success.
Organizers say the expo is designed to spark meaningful collaborations, increase brand visibility, and provide insight into free tools and resources available to help local businesses grow.
Highlights of the event include:
Building connections with potential customers, partners, and fellow entrepreneurs
Learning about free resources that support business development
Networking with leaders across multiple industries and government sectors
Commissioner Janer Highlights Osceola’s Rich History, Bright Future in 'Vibing with Viviana' Video Series
In a recent episode of her ongoing video series Vibing with Viviana, Osceola County Chairwoman and District 2 Commissioner Viviana Janer spotlighted two key initiatives that define Osceola’s past and future — the treasured Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek and the transformative Osceola Prosper program.
Filmed at Osceola History’s Pioneer Village, Janer stepped inside a replica of the Naroossee Schoolhouse to reflect on the county’s deep educational roots and its evolving commitment to student success. The village features both original and replicated structures from the late 1800s, transported from various parts of Osceola County to paint a vivid picture of life before modern conveniences.
“Pioneer Village is more than just a step back in time — it’s a hands-on experience that brings Osceola’s early days to life,” Janer said. “It connects our community to the spirit, resilience, and ingenuity of the pioneers who helped build this county.”
Janer also invited the public to attend this year’s Pioneer Day on November 8 — a free, family-friendly event featuring live music, craft stations, historical demonstrations, and a real Florida market.
Guests will also have the chance to meet resident farm animals, including a goat named Buster and a few chickens that call the village home.
Florida Leads Nation in Motorcyclist Fatalities, Outpacing Texas and California, 2019–2023 Data
Motorcyclist fatalities in the United States have surged over the last five years, reaching a record high in 2023. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Florida consistently recorded the highest number of motorcyclist deaths from 2019 through 2023.
In 2023 alone, Florida reported 668 motorcyclist deaths, more than any other state. Nationwide, over 6,300 riders lost their lives, marking a 26% increase since 2019 and the highest annual total on record.
Top States for Motorcyclist Fatalities in 2023:
Florida: 668 deaths
Texas: 598 deaths
California: 583 deaths
Arizona: 257 deaths
Pennsylvania: 240 deaths
Ohio: 239 deaths
SKYWARN Spotter Training Coming to Osceola County
December 9
Osceola County residents will soon have an opportunity to play a vital role in community safety during severe weather. The Osceola County Emergency Operations Center will host a SKYWARN Spotter Training on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The training, led by the National Weather Service, is designed to prepare volunteers to recognize and report hazardous weather conditions, helping forecasters provide timely and accurate warnings that can save lives.
What Participants Will Learn
Attendees will receive instruction on:
Storm structure – understanding how storms form and develop
Severe weather hazards – identifying threats such as tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds
Weather reporting – how to provide critical information that supports meteorologists and emergency responders
SKYWARN spotters serve as the “eyes and ears” on the ground, relaying real-time conditions that radar and technology may not detect. Their reports are crucial in keeping communities informed and safe during severe storms.
Osceola educator and tradition-bearer Kaye Whaley set to lead Silver Spurs: Boots, Bulls & Barrels Rodeo Oct. 4
On Saturday, October 4, Kaye Whaley will step into the spotlight as the Silver Spurs Riding Club’s 2025–26 Big Boss—a milestone that places the lifelong Spurs member and Harmony High School teacher at the helm of an organization that has preserved Osceola County’s Western heritage for more than eight decades and helped bring to life one of the largest and most impactful professional rodeo traditions east of the Mississippi. Boots, Bulls, and Barrels will hit the dirt at 7:30pm and is sponsored by Experience Kissimmee.
Whaley’s appointment marks only the fourth time a woman has served as Big Boss in the Club’s storied history. It also caps a career of more than 32 years in Osceola County schools, where she has earned multiple Teacher of the Year honors and Disney Teacherrific awards, and now serves students and colleagues on Harmony’s campus. A Partin family legacy, carried forward
Whaley’s Spurs story is stitched into Osceola County history. Her grandparents, Doc and Petie Partin, were among the Club’s earliest members and helped build its rodeos and community footprint.
Her father, Doug Partin, served for years as the Club’s stock contractor; his memory is honored annually through the Doug Partin Spirit Award at the Miss Silver Spurs Pageant.
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
Rodeo fans, mark your calendars! The Silver Spurs Riding Club is bringing back the highenergy Boots, Bulls & Barrels event on Friday, October 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Silver Spurs Arena in Osceola Heritage Park.
This action-packed evening will showcase the rodeo’s most thrilling events, including bull riding, saddle bronc riding, and women’s barrel racing. Watch as top riders and racers go head-to-head, vying for leaderboard glory in a night filled with adrenaline and family-friendly fun.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and parking is free for all attendees. Guests can also pick up official event merchandise, available near sections 221–222.
Ticket Prices:
Kids 3 and under: Free (lap seating)
Ages 4–10: $15
Adults Silver Section: $25
Adults Gold Section: $35
With only one night to catch this thrilling rodeo experience, don’t miss your chance to cheer on your favorite competitors.
GAR Reopening Plans, Paddleboat Revival Update
Shared at St. Cloud Main Street’s Breakfast Event
Tuesday’s “Breakfast with the Pros,” hosted by St. Cloud Main Street at St. Cloud’s VFW Hall, featured updates from St. Cloud Mayor Chris Robertson, caretaker of the Grand Old Army building, and John Weaver, co-owner with his wife Terry, of The Old Florida Riverboat Company.
As she introduced the speakers, Paula Stark, executive director of St. Cloud Main Street, encouraged residents to continue to attend the monthly “Breakfast with the Pros” meetings, which include free breakfast for the first 30 attendees. “We do this once a month through the month of March, so please check it out and come and listen to all of our speakers, because we have a great lineup,” Stark said.
Built in 1914 on Massachusetts Avenue in St. Cloud, the GAR building has been closed for four decades. Robertson, who has been caretaker for five years, shared his vision for reopening the historic site as a place of community. From town hall meetings to fundraising events to school field trips, he said he wants the community to “get in there and explore it.”
Robertson plans to provide a room for the Museum of Military History, which is located in Kissimmee, to display artifacts from every conflict in American history, from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, all the way through the War on Terror.
For the past 10 years, Osceola County’s leaders have been working with NeoCity to change the employment landscape of the area by creating opportunities for more hightech jobs. In an area where tourism and agriculture once reigned, local leaders have seen the need to diversify the economy.
“We had 30.6% unemployment during COVID,” County Manager Don Fisher said. “We can’t do that again. Job creation was why we did it, to make [the county] more resilient.”
Dr. Ron Piccolo, chief executive officer of Florida Semiconductor Engine, says his organization works to broaden the impact of NeoCity.
At their inaugural “Powering Prosperity” conference yesterday at Gaylord Palms, industry and local leaders came together to share insights and spur on the progress being made in the local semiconductor industry.
“Florida has an opportunity to advance semiconductor packaging and related technology services,” Piccolo said. “This is an exciting moment, an exciting time.”
Osceola Kowboys, St. Cloud Bulldogs Battle for 102nd Time Friday, Headlining Busy Night of County Football
Osceola will host St. Cloud on Friday night at Markus Paul Stadium at Henry Ramsey Field 7 p.m. It will be the 102nd time the two teams have met and it’s the fifth oldest series in Florida.
It would be next to impossible to not admit the game has lost some of its luster. The Kowboys have dominated the series with a 70-27-4 lead and have won the last 14 in a row (20 if you acknowledge St. Cloud’s last win in 2010 was later forfeited because of an ineligible player issue). Although the game drew a huge crowd on the 100th meeting at Osceola in 2023, attendance has been a far cry from the 10,000 fans that used to jam the old Silver Spurs Arena decades ago for a neutral site game.
Some have even gone so far to suggest the series has become so uncompetitive that it should just end.
But St. Cloud head coach Mike Short scoffs at that suggestion. “No way, no how! As long as I am here and long after I’m gone, this game needs to be played. High school football is about tradition, it’s about rivalries and it’s about bragging rights. They may have gotten the best of us lately, but we’re not afraid of a challenge.
Besides (he said with a smile) when we win this game, it’s going to be a great party on this side of the canal and it will talked about for decades.”
Top 10 Must-Watch Osceola County Football Games for 2025: St. Cloud v. Harmony Soldier City Classic Leads
The 2025 high school football season in Osceola County is packed with excitement, and while the historic Osceola–St. Cloud matchup has been played over 100 times and continues to stir pride among fans, it’s the Soldier City Classic between St. Cloud and Harmony that tops this year’s list of can’t-miss games, embodying tradition, passion, and community pride.
Our rankings:
#1 Soldier City Classic
Harmony at St. Cloud
Oct. 17 – 7 p.m.
When it comes to rivalries, this one has it all.
When Harmony opened a couple of decades ago, most of their first graduating class came from St. Cloud High – forming a natural bond between the two schools. Over the years, almost all Harmony-zoned kids grew up playing youth sports in St. Cloud—adding to the closeness of the student body.
Regardless of records, the game has easily become one of the most heavily attended games on the county’s high school football calendar. Add in an intense, close series (St. Cloud has won the last two games to take a narrow 11-9 lead in the all-time series);
SPORTS
’25 Volleyball Preview: Lady Kowboys Chase State Title as Harmony, St. Cloud, Others Aim for Strong Seasons
Over the last three seasons, Osceola has been close to that elusive first-ever state girls volleyball championship. How Close? Over the last three seasons, a regional finals loss has been bracketed around two regional championships and two State Final Four appearances.
Unfortunately, the Lady Kowboys have fallen just short of the ultimate prize– including an agonizing four-set loss to state champion Winter Park in last year’s 7A Final – where just five total points separated the two teams in a 22-25, 25-22, 24-26, 22-25 loss.
Winning a state championship will not be the end-all, be-all, for this talented seniorladen team whose accolades include the Final Fours, three district titles and three OBC championships, as well as an 80-17 record against a grueling, tough schedule. Still, winning a state title is something head coach Carrie Palmi says is the ultimate goal for this year’s team. “It will never define this group as it will be the most successful senior class in school history. We have been so close the past couple of years, where a point here or a serve there could have put us over the top,” she says. “But there are so many talented teams in 7A, that can say the same thing. And that is not going to change this season.”
To reach that goal, Osceola will most likely have to get better of a loaded classification that includes Vero Beach, Winter Park, Plant and Lake Brantley.
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.
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.
Kissimmee Rings in New Era of Housing with Haven on Vine Redevelopment Kick Off
Construction in this phase is expected to wrap in approximately 120 days. Funding combines $1.8 million in Community Project Funds, $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and $120,000 in State of Florida HL205 resources.
“This project turns an underused property into dignified homes and onsite services that help families stabilize and succeed,” said Desiree Matthews, Deputy City Manager. “By moving forward in phases, the City is delivering results now: safer units, accessibility upgrades, and on-site support while we continue assembling resources to complete the full vision.”
Locally based Noble Construction Group–Florida was selected through a competitive RFP. “This partnership is about quality, speed, and respect for residents,” said Trent Jones, Vice President of Construction. “We are proud to help Kissimmee deliver efficient, code-compliant studios and a functional office that will strengthen day-to-day support for tenants.”
Future work calls for renovating 43 additional studio units and improving 40 twobedroom apartments, bringing the site to 123 renovated units operated as a unified, professionally managed affordable community. Of those, 83 will be designated affordable housing and 40 reserved for emergency and bridge housing, advancing...
Bear Harvest Permit Applications Open Sept. 12 for Florida’s 2025 Season
Florida hunters interested in participating in this year’s regulated bear hunting season will soon have their chance to apply for permits. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced that applications for bear harvest permits will open at 10 a.m. EDT on Friday, Sept. 12, and will remain available until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22.
A bear harvest permit is required to hunt bears in one of the four designated Bear Harvest Zones during the season, which runs Dec. 6–28, 2025. In addition to the harvest permit, hunters must also hold a valid Florida hunting license unless exempt.
Permit Details
Applicants must be at least 18 years old by Oct. 1 to apply.
Each application costs $5 plus handling fees. Applicants may submit as many as they wish, but only one permit will be issued per person.
Permits will be awarded through a random drawing.
Once drawn, permits cost $100 for Florida residents and $300 for nonresidents, plus handling fees.
No more than 10% of permits will be issued to nonresidents.
Early Learning Coalition Provides Affordable Child Care and Early Learning Through School Readiness
The Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County (ELC) is spotlighting its School
Readiness Program, a state - and federally funded initiative that makes quality child care affordable, supports working families, and prepares young children to enter school with confidence. Here’s What It Offers:
Financial assistance to qualifying families, covering part of child care costs based on income, household size, and other factors.
Readiness preparation, teaching early learners key skills—social, emotional, cognitive— that help them thrive in a classroom setting.
Support for families, enabling them to work, study, or manage disabilities while achieving financial independence.
Who Qualifies
Must reside in Osceola County, with parents or guardians employed at least 20 hours a week, enrolled full-time in college or trade school, or supported by a documented disability.
Income must be at or under 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, adjusted for family size.
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.
Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital Recertified
as Advanced Primary Stroke Center
Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital has once again earned national recognition for its commitment to exceptional stroke care. The hospital has been recertified by The Joint Commission as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center, a prestigious designation that reflects a hospital’s commitment to meeting high standards in clinical performance and patient outcomes.
Originally certified in 2023, this recertification acknowledges the hospital’s consistent efforts in delivering timely, life-saving care to stroke patients. When a patient exhibits warning signs of a stroke—such as facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty—a “stroke alert” is immediately initiated, activating a hospital-wide response designed to reduce brain damage and improve recovery outcomes.
“Access to rapid, expert stroke care saves lives, preserves brain function, and ensures patients have the best possible chance at recovery,” said Stacy Jemtrud, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, chief nursing officer at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital. “Our team is equipped to provide this critical treatment to patients in our community.”
Since launching its stroke program in May 2022, the hospital has responded to 1,702 stroke alerts and treated 292 stroke patients—a testament to the facility’s readiness and effectiveness in emergency stroke care.
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
Walt Disney World to Unveil Festive Holiday Magic from November 14 – December 31, 2025
This holiday season, Walt Disney World Resort will transform into a winter wonderland with festive decor, special food and beverage offerings, exclusive holiday entertainment, new merchandise, and much more! From November 14 through December 31, 2025, guests of all ages are invited to experience the magic of the holidays at the four theme parks, Disney Springs, and Disney Resort Hotels.
Holiday Highlights Across the Parks: Magic Kingdom Park
Holiday Decorations: The park will sparkle with festive trimmings throughout Main Street, U.S.A., offering perfect photo opportunities for visitors.
Frozen Holiday Surprise: Olaf and his snowgie siblings will add festive décor to Cinderella Castle, bringing the holiday spirit to life.
Jingle Cruise: The popular Jingle Cruise returns with a holiday twist, as skippers guide guests through whimsical, holiday-themed adventures.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Sunset Greetings: Sunset Boulevard will shine with a holiday makeover, featuring displays inspired by “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” “Toy Story,” and more.
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
Art the Clown Brings Blood-Curdling Terror to Halloween Horror Nights at
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort is turning up the fear this fall as it unleashes the twisted world of Terrifier upon Halloween Horror Nights, with a brand-new haunted house inspired by the cult slasher film franchise. Guests will come face-to-face with Art the Clown in one of the goriest experiences in the event’s history.
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando will introduce fans to the grisly Funhouse of Art the Clown—first seen in Terrifier 2—where terror takes center stage. Packed with iconic scenes, stomach-turning settings like the Clown Café and a revolting holiday nightmare, the haunted house will immerse guests in the blood-soaked world of Miles County, New York, with twisted characters including Vicky and the Little Pale Girl lurking around every corner.
Created by writer-director Damien Leone and producer Phil Falcone, the Terrifier series has become a cult horror phenomenon since its debut in 2008. Now, with three feature films and a fourth in development, the franchise continues to push the boundaries of horror—and the haunted house adaptation promises to do the same.
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando runs on 48 select nights through November 2 and features 10 chilling haunted houses, scare zones, live shows, and more. Guests can purchase a variety of ticket options, including single-night tickets, Express Passes, R.I.P. Tours, Premium Scream Night (August 28 only), and theHorror Tour.
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.
VISIT OSCEOLA
Exploring Osceola County’s Natural Trails and Spaces: A Paradise for Avid Runners, Walkers, and Kayakers
Osceola County is a hidden gem for avid runners, walkers, and kayakers seeking a combination of physical fitness and natural beauty. Although the county is one of the fastest growing regions in Florida, its picturesque landscapes, serene lakes, and wellmaintained trails, offer a haven for those who want to stay active while immersing themselves in nature.
In this article, we will take you on a journey through ten of Osceola County’s finest locations where you can experience invigorating runs and leisurely walks amid breathtaking natural landscapes.
• Shingle Creek Regional Park:
Shingle Creek Regional Park, often referred to as the “Headwaters of the Everglades,” is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and fitness enthusiasts alike. This vast park offers a network of scenic trails suitable for running and walking. The trails wind through lush forests, along the banks of Shingle Creek, and provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or an intense trail run, Shingle Creek has something for everyone.
• Celebration Lakeside Park:
Celebration, a charming community in Osceola County, and known to many as the ‘Town that Disney built,’ boasts Celebration Lakeside Park, a beautiful destination for runners and walkers. The park features a loop trail around Lake Rianhard, offering picturesque views of the water and surrounding greenery. The flat terrain and wellpaved paths make it an excellent choice for a leisurely walk or a brisk run.
