Community Mourns the Loss of Beloved St. Cloud
Resident and WWII Navy Vet Dorothy “Pat” Rudd, 104 St. Cloud is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished residents and true American heroes. Dorothy “Pat” Rudd — a World War II U.S. Navy veteran, community advocate, and unforgettable presence at countless military and patriotic events — passed away Tuesday, December 2, at the age of 104.
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.
Community Mourns the Loss of Beloved St. Cloud Resident and WWII Navy Veteran Dorothy “Pat” Rudd, 104
St. Cloud is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished residents and true American heroes. Dorothy “Pat” Rudd — a World War II U.S. Navy veteran, community advocate, and unforgettable presence at countless military and patriotic events — passed away Tuesday, December 2, at the age of 104.
Rudd, whose life spanned more than a century, was known throughout Osceola County for her genuine smile, steady salute, and unwavering dedication to honoring America’s veterans. Whether standing proudly at the Silver Spurs Rodeo, participating in Memorial Day ceremonies, or attending local tributes to the armed forces, Pat was always there — visible, vibrant, and deeply engaged in every effort that honored those who serve.
A Trailblazing Navy Veteran
Rudd’s extraordinary journey began during World War II, when she stepped forward to serve her country during a time when few women were permitted — or encouraged — to do so. Joining the U.S. Navy WAVES, she broke barriers with determination, courage, and grace. Her service not only contributed to the nation’s wartime efforts but also paved the way for future generations of women in the military.
Her late husband, U.S. Navy veteran Gerald Rudd, also left his mark in a unique way, helping build Frontierland at Walt Disney World
St. Cloud Unveils ‘Drone as First Responder’ Initiative, Bringing Faster, Smarter Public Safety Tools to the Community
The City of St. Cloud has officially launched Central Florida’s first Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, introducing a major advancement in how the community responds to emergencies. The new system is designed to improve response times, increase situational awareness, and enhance safety for both residents and first responders.
While the St. Cloud Police Department has used drones for more than a decade, officers previously had to deploy them manually at emergency scenes—often slowing down response efforts. The new DFR program changes that. It currently operates with two strategically placed drone dock stations, each housing a readyto-launch drone that can be deployed within seconds. Plans are already in motion to expand the network to four total dock stations, allowing broader coverage and even faster response times citywide.
“This Drone as First Responder program is a game-changer not only for our first responders, but for everyone in the City of St. Cloud,” said Police Chief Douglas Goerke. “We are putting eyes on an emergency scene faster than ever before, which allows us to gather life-saving information and de-escalate situations with greater precision. It’s about being smarter, faster, and safer for everyone.”
The drones will also support fire and EMS crews when needed, providing an overhead view that can enhance safety and decision-making.
Brandon Arrington Selected as New Chairman of Osceola County Commission; Cheryl Grieb Named Vice Chairwoman
During Monday’s Osceola County Board of County Commissioners meeting, District 3 Commissioner Brandon Arrington was elected by his fellow commissioners to serve as the board’s next Chairman. District 4 Commissioner Cheryl Grieb was selected to serve as Vice Chairwoman for the upcoming year.
Arrington assumes the role from District 2 Commissioner Viviana Janer, who served as Chairwoman over the past year.
“I just wanted to express to the entire Board how very honored I have been to represent you in this community as your Chair for 2025,” said Commissioner Viviana Janer. “I hope that I have lived up to your expectations, thank you very much once again for the honor of being elected Chair.”
Arrington, who was first elected in 2008, has a long history of leadership on the board — previously serving as Chairman in 2011, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2022, and 2026. A Kissimmee native and Osceola High School graduate, Arrington also represents the county regionally through roles on the Orlando Economic Partnership Board, MetroPlan Orlando, and the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX).
He has also chaired several major regional organizations, including SunRail, Lynx, Workforce Central Florida, and the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness. Outside of county government, Arrington serves as Executive Director of Osceola Arts, championing community access to the arts.
Downtown Kissimmee’s Festival of Lights Parade to Illuminate Kissimmee’s Holiday Season on December 13
Downtown Kissimmee is preparing to shine brighter than ever as the City of Kissimmee hosts its annual Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The beloved tradition returns with family-friendly festivities, sparkling floats, and a full evening of holiday magic.
Before the parade steps off, the celebration begins at Kissimmee City Hall with the Holiday Festival. Families will enjoy:
• A dedicated Kids Power Zone, presented by KUA
• A festive Letters to Santa station
• Seasonal activities and entertainment to get everyone in the holiday spirit
• Parade Begins at 7:30 p.m.
At 7:30 p.m., the illuminated parade will move through Historic Downtown Kissimmee along Broadway, Sproule Street, Church Street, and Stewart Avenue. Spectators can look forward to glowing floats, costumed performers, marching groups, and community organizations bringing holiday cheer to thousands who line the streets each year.
Event Helpful Tips
Location: Kissimmee Lakefront Park / Historic Downtown Kissimmee, 201 Lakeview Drive
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 Soars to $820 Million Ahead of Saturday’s Drawing
The Powerball jackpot has surged once again—this time reaching an estimated $820 million for the next drawing on Saturday December 6, 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.
