Kissimmee voters to decide on commission term limits, background checks in August primary
Read full article: Kissimmee voters to decide on commission term limits, background checks in August primaryAt the same time Kissimmee voters will choose two of their five city commissioners during the Aug. 18 primary, they will also determine whether those elected officials will be able to serve an extra term before they have to step down from the dais, at least temporarily. Voters will also decide if their successors must be subject to a criminal background check to even get on future ballots.
Kissimmee upgrades flood insurance rating, unlocking bigger discounts for residents
Read full article: Kissimmee upgrades flood insurance rating, unlocking bigger discounts for residentsKissimmee’s improved FEMA flood insurance rating (CRS Class 7 to Class 5) will boost eligible NFIP policyholder discounts to 25% starting Oct. 1, saving some residents hundreds annually.
🦉Joe Overstreet Road: A 5.4-Mile Drive for Burrowing Owls (and a Whole Lot More)
Read full article: 🦉Joe Overstreet Road: A 5.4-Mile Drive for Burrowing Owls (and a Whole Lot More)Deep in Osceola County, Florida, Joe Overstreet Road is a short, scenic drive between open cow pastures that’s become a favorite for birders and wildlife photographers. In this Everyday Wild story, Joey Manna breaks down what makes the road special, what you can spot along the way—from meadowlarks to “butcher birds”—and why burrowing owls are the tiny, underground stars that keep everyone coming back.
Kissimmee OKs new parking rules for work trucks in residential neighborhoods
Read full article: Kissimmee OKs new parking rules for work trucks in residential neighborhoodsThe Kissimmee City Commission voted to raise the weight limit for commercial vehicles allowed in residential zones from 8,000 pounds to 10,000 pounds and to base enforcement on a vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or GVWR.
Free backpacks, CPR training help Osceola County families prepare for new school year
Read full article: Free backpacks, CPR training help Osceola County families prepare for new school yearHundreds of families gathered at Northbridge University’s Kissimmee campus Saturday morning for the school’s annual back-to-school event, where children received free backpacks and school supplies. At the same time, parents and students learned lifesaving CPR skills
Kissimmee woman sues Turnpike contractor, says construction made home unlivable
Read full article: Kissimmee woman sues Turnpike contractor, says construction made home unlivableA Kissimmee woman is suing a contractor working on a major Florida’s Turnpike widening project, alleging months of dust, soot, diesel residue, noise and bright lights made her mobile home unlivable.
‘Inspire faith in the system:’ Osceola County tests voting machines ahead of primary election
Read full article: ‘Inspire faith in the system:’ Osceola County tests voting machines ahead of primary electionFlorida’s statewide primaries are three weeks away, and Osceola County election officials are taking steps to make sure every vote is counted accurately and that the public can see it happen. The Osceola County Supervisor of Elections office conducted its Logic and Accuracy Testing Tuesday and community members were welcome to observe.
Man found guilty of 1st-degree murder in stabbing death of Kissimmee 16-year-old
Read full article: Man found guilty of 1st-degree murder in stabbing death of Kissimmee 16-year-oldA trial is underway in Osceola County for Anas Muhammad, charged as an adult with first-degree murder in the 2022 stabbing death of 16-year-old Paola Pagan, who was attacked outside her Kissimmee apartment as she left for school.
Osceola County teachers weigh in on AI in classrooms ahead of district workshop
Read full article: Osceola County teachers weigh in on AI in classrooms ahead of district workshopWith the first day of school just around the corner, the School District of Osceola County is turning its attention to artificial intelligence. The district is holding a workshop Tuesday focused on AI implementation, giving the School Board an update on how AI is being used to support students, employees and operations.
‘Something needed around here:’ New affordable senior housing complex opens in Kissimmee
Read full article: ‘Something needed around here:’ New affordable senior housing complex opens in KissimmeeA new 60-unit affordable housing community called Buen Vecino, developed by the Osceola Council on Aging in partnership with Osceola County and federal, state, and local partners, is opening in the Buenaventura Lakes area of Kissimmee to provide safe, stable housing for residents age 62 and older earning within set income limits.
Video shows deputies visiting ‘casino’ allegedly tied to Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez
Read full article: Video shows deputies visiting ‘casino’ allegedly tied to Osceola Sheriff Marcos LopezThree years before Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested in connection with an illegal gambling operation, video obtained by News 6 shows Lopez’s deputies stumbling upon a ‘casino’ allegedly linked to their boss.
Special prosecutor recommends impeachment for Kissimmee Mayor
Read full article: Special prosecutor recommends impeachment for Kissimmee MayorA special prosecutor is recommending that Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa be impeached following an ethics investigation that found she received $50,000 from a city grant program she helped control.
Polar Express rolls back into Gaylord Palms for ICE! return
Read full article: Polar Express rolls back into Gaylord Palms for ICE! returnThe Kissimmee resort announced “The Polar Express” will headline this year’s ICE! attraction, a 20,000-square-foot, walk-through experience carved entirely from approximately 2 million pounds of ice.
Body found behind Ross store at Kissimmee shopping plaza, police say
Read full article: Body found behind Ross store at Kissimmee shopping plaza, police sayOfficers were called to Plaza del Sol on Vine Street and North Hoagland Boulevard just before 11 p.m. When they arrived, they found a person behind the Ross store. That person was pronounced dead at the scene.
250,000 eelgrass plants are transforming East Lake Toho. Here’s why it matters
Read full article: 250,000 eelgrass plants are transforming East Lake Toho. Here’s why it mattersOver the past year, Sea and Shoreline, in partnership with Conservation Florida and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, has planted 250,000 native eelgrass plants across a 50-acre stretch of the lake, a project that organizers say could have a ripple effect all the way to the Florida Everglades.
Public invited to weigh in on $30M project that would redesign downtown Kissimmee
Read full article: Public invited to weigh in on $30M project that would redesign downtown KissimmeeAccording to the city, the project will also strengthen connections to regional transit services, including LYNX, SunRail, Amtrak and Greyhound, while supporting the continued economic vitality of area businesses.
Kissimmee Gateway Airport leads charge on electric air taxi infrastructure in Florida
Read full article: Kissimmee Gateway Airport leads charge on electric air taxi infrastructure in FloridaElectric air taxis could be coming to Central Florida sooner than many expect, and Kissimmee Gateway Airport is already laying the groundwork.
Toddler shot, killed by 4-year-old after unsecured gun found in car in Kissimmee, sheriff says
Read full article: Toddler shot, killed by 4-year-old after unsecured gun found in car in Kissimmee, sheriff saysUpon arrival, deputies located a 2-year-old boy with a gunshot wound. Emergency personnel provided lifesaving measures before the child was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Osceola County pastor convicted of raping church member who sought spiritual guidance
Read full article: Osceola County pastor convicted of raping church member who sought spiritual guidanceEddy Noelsaint, 54, was found guilty this week of four counts of sexual battery against a member of his church.
3 sought in burglary, vandalism of Osceola County school
Read full article: 3 sought in burglary, vandalism of Osceola County schoolThe Osceola County Sheriff’s Office needs help to find three people accused of stealing electronics from a school and vandalizing one of the conference rooms. The incident happened on June 26 at 1:46 a.m. at Cross Prairie K-8 School on Rankin Street in Kissimmee.
Osceola County deputies crack down on illegal Airbnb parties ahead of July 4 weekend
Read full article: Osceola County deputies crack down on illegal Airbnb parties ahead of July 4 weekendAuthorities in Osceola County say they are increasing patrols and monitoring social media promotions for illegal house parties at short-term rentals ahead of the busy Fourth of July holiday weekend.
TikTok videos show Florida detective in police uniform selling products
Read full article: TikTok videos show Florida detective in police uniform selling productsVideos of a Kissimmee Police Department detective advertising products for sale on TikTok while dressed in her uniform are being reviewed by the agency for potential policy violations, News 6 has learned.
Central Florida cities discuss budget against the backdrop of potential property tax reform
Read full article: Central Florida cities discuss budget against the backdrop of potential property tax reformBudget discussions are underway across Central Florida as local governments prepare for a possible major shift in property tax revenue.
Kissimmee police name person of interest in suspicious death in Kissimmee neighborhood
Read full article: Kissimmee police name person of interest in suspicious death in Kissimmee neighborhoodPolice in Kissimmee now say the body that was discovered in a neighborhood on Thursday morning is part of a homicide case. The victim has now been identified as Charles Harper, 71. Police are looking for help finding whoever took Harper's truck, which was recovered later in Altamonte Springs.
Orlando Health plans full hospital expansion in Kissimmee
Read full article: Orlando Health plans full hospital expansion in KissimmeeOrlando Health is moving forward with plans to convert the former Tupperware World Headquarters in Kissimmee into a full-service hospital, bringing new life to a campus that sits vacant following the iconic brand's 2024 bankruptcy.
John Young Parkway back open near US-192 in Osceola County after suspicious device
Read full article: John Young Parkway back open near US-192 in Osceola County after suspicious deviceJohn Young Parkway in Osceola County was shut down in both directions because of a suspicious device. The road is now back open.
Kissimmee commissioner to hold news conference after ethics complaint dismissed
Read full article: Kissimmee commissioner to hold news conference after ethics complaint dismissedKissimmee Commissioner Janette Martinez announced she will hold a news conference Thursday afternoon after the release of the Special Prosecutor’s Investigative Findings tied to an ethics complaint filed against her.
OCSO: Florida man weaves through traffic in RV while fleeing law enforcement
Read full article: OCSO: Florida man weaves through traffic in RV while fleeing law enforcementA Kissimmee man was caught earlier this month after he fled from law enforcement in an RV, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Widow sues Kissimmee homeowner’s association over killing of 3 men in vacation home
Read full article: Widow sues Kissimmee homeowner’s association over killing of 3 men in vacation homeThe widow of a man killed while staying at a short-term vacation home in Kissimmee is now suing the homeowner’s association that oversees the neighborhood, accusing the group of negligence that led to her husband's death.
Downtown Kissimmee project cuts traffic lanes, adds roundabout and bike lanes
Read full article: Downtown Kissimmee project cuts traffic lanes, adds roundabout and bike lanesNext summer, Phase 1 of the “Connect Kissimmee” complete streets improvement project is set to begin, bringing a redesigned streetscape to downtown that's meant to improve connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and public transit. It also means cutting speed limits and reducing traffic lanes in the downtown area.
Crews respond after small plane crashes in Kissimmee, officials say
Read full article: Crews respond after small plane crashes in Kissimmee, officials sayKissimmee fire crews and law enforcement agencies responded to a small plane crash near West Clay Street and South John Young Parkway, with federal investigators to determine the cause.
Rabies alert issued for Kissimmee area after cat tests positive
Read full article: Rabies alert issued for Kissimmee area after cat tests positiveThe alert covers a specific zone bounded by Fortune Road to the north, Neptune Road to the south, La Terraza Lane to the east, and Heritage Key to the west.
Man exposed himself to girl at Kissimmee store and there may be more victims, deputies say
Read full article: Man exposed himself to girl at Kissimmee store and there may be more victims, deputies sayA Kissimmee man was taken into custody last week after he was accused of exposing himself to a 9-year-old girl at a local Ross Dress for Less store, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
2 arrested after 24 dogs found in unsafe conditions inside vehicle in Kissimmee, police say
Read full article: 2 arrested after 24 dogs found in unsafe conditions inside vehicle in Kissimmee, police sayTwo people were arrested after Kissimmee police found 24 dogs, including puppies, in unsafe conditions inside a vehicle and charged them with animal cruelty and neglect/unsafe transport of animals, with one also accused of resisting an officer without violence.
Trader Joe’s reveals upcoming Florida location. Here’s where to find it
Read full article: Trader Joe’s reveals upcoming Florida location. Here’s where to find itWith nearly 30 stores already open in the Sunshine State, popular grocer Trader Joe’s has just unveiled yet another location that’s on the way.
Kissimmee pauses ethics complaint process amid ongoing investigations
Read full article: Kissimmee pauses ethics complaint process amid ongoing investigationsThe Kissimmee City Commission voted to pause its ethics complaint process while drafting a new ordinance, delaying new complaints against the mayor and a commissioner as existing investigations continue.
Amid another ethics complaint, Kissimmee mayor tries to stop city investigation as leaders consider pausing complaints
Read full article: Amid another ethics complaint, Kissimmee mayor tries to stop city investigation as leaders consider pausing complaintsKissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa is facing another ethics complaint — this one questioning where she lives — as the city commission prepares to vote on suspending ethics complaints for six months.
Kissimmee roller rink boosts security after ‘teen takeover’ posts spread online
Read full article: Kissimmee roller rink boosts security after ‘teen takeover’ posts spread onlineSkate Reflections in Kissimmee increased security and brought in police after social media posts promoted a planned “teen takeover,” and investigators are now trying to identify who organized it.
Kissimmee roller rink, police shut down planned teen takeover circulating on social media
Read full article: Kissimmee roller rink, police shut down planned teen takeover circulating on social mediaLaw enforcement and a local roller rink are taking action ahead of a planned “teen takeover” in Kissimmee that began circulating on social media.
These Central Florida eateries were forced to shut down over health violations
Read full article: These Central Florida eateries were forced to shut down over health violationsLast week, nine more restaurants across Central Florida were forced to close after a visit from a health inspector, according to state records.
PEST PARTY: Dozen Central Florida eateries shut down after health inspections
Read full article: PEST PARTY: Dozen Central Florida eateries shut down after health inspectionsLast week, 12 more eateries across Central Florida were forced to close after a visit from a health inspector, according to state records.
Florida woman arrested on DUI, child neglect charges after crashing into trooper’s vehicle, FHP says
Read full article: Florida woman arrested on DUI, child neglect charges after crashing into trooper’s vehicle, FHP saysThe driver, 33-year-old Tatiana Marie Luna-Mahmood of Orange Park, was found to be showing signs of impairment, including slurred speech, swaying, and the odor of alcohol, troopers said.
Florida offers $100 to families simultaneously enrolling in VPK, Florida Prepaid program
Read full article: Florida offers $100 to families simultaneously enrolling in VPK, Florida Prepaid programThe governor is expected to speak at 10 a.m. at Tohopekaliga High School and will be joined by Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas.
Florida nurse accused of grabbing paralyzed woman’s breast as she came off anesthesia
Read full article: Florida nurse accused of grabbing paralyzed woman’s breast as she came off anesthesiaA nurse at a Kissimmee hospital was arrested after being accused of battering a patient last month, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
4-year-old boy drowns at Kissimmee community pool, Osceola County deputies say
Read full article: 4-year-old boy drowns at Kissimmee community pool, Osceola County deputies sayThe boy, visiting the area with his family from Georgia, became separated from them before bystanders pulled him from the water and performed CPR, the sheriff's office said.
Elderly man with dementia shoots his son at Kissimmee home, deputies say
Read full article: Elderly man with dementia shoots his son at Kissimmee home, deputies sayDeputies responded to a home in Kissimmee on Friday afternoon after an elderly man with dementia shot his son, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Police drone programs expand in Central Florida, but restrictions remain
Read full article: Police drone programs expand in Central Florida, but restrictions remainCatching criminals and finding missing persons is getting faster and now, it is often happening from the sky. Law enforcement agencies across Central Florida are adding drones to their patrol units, giving officers a bird’s-eye view that is helping them respond to emergencies and crime scenes more quickly than ever before.
NFL vows to keep Rooney Rule as Florida Attorney General threatens lawsuit
Read full article: NFL vows to keep Rooney Rule as Florida Attorney General threatens lawsuitThe NFL says it will keep the Rooney Rule, while Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier calls it illegal under state law and threatens a lawsuit if the league doesn’t change it by May 1.
Are We There Yet? with the News 6 Insiders | Kennedy Space Center + Silver Springs Monkeys + Tomahawk Steak at The Wharf
Read full article: Are We There Yet? with the News 6 Insiders | Kennedy Space Center + Silver Springs Monkeys + Tomahawk Steak at The WharfOn this episode of Are We There Yet? with the News 6 Insiders, Kara heads to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex with a look at the excitement around Artemis II, Joey captures the famous monkeys at Silver Springs, and Kaia stops at The Wharf in Kissimmee to try their epic Tomahawk Steak. Drop your Central Florida picks in the comments—we might just take your suggestion and head there next.
Hundreds of rodent droppings found at Central Florida restaurants last week
Read full article: Hundreds of rodent droppings found at Central Florida restaurants last weekLast week, over a dozen more eateries across Central Florida were forced to close after a visit from a health inspector, according to state records.
🥩Disco balls and tomahawk flights? The Wharf brings dinner and a show to Sunset Walk
Read full article: 🥩Disco balls and tomahawk flights? The Wharf brings dinner and a show to Sunset WalkThe Wharf at Sunset Walk pairs a party-like dining room with comfort-forward dishes, from jambalaya pasta to Cajun-butter crab legs, plus a showstopping tomahawk steak served tableside in a treasure chest.
Contractors repair fences, add safety features at Give Kids The World Village
Read full article: Contractors repair fences, add safety features at Give Kids The World VillageAhead of its annual convention, volunteers with the Associated General Contractors of America spent the day making repair at Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee.
17-year-old fatally shot at Kissimmee house party remembered during candlelit vigil
Read full article: 17-year-old fatally shot at Kissimmee house party remembered during candlelit vigilIn the wake of the pain of losing 17-year-old Qvarious McCloud, family and friends come together during a candlelit vigil to remember the teen.
Kissimmee firefighters could get extra paid time off as city delays move to new schedule
Read full article: Kissimmee firefighters could get extra paid time off as city delays move to new scheduleKissimmee city commissioners approved a 42-hour workweek last June that would change the usual 24-hour-on, 48-hour-off to a schedule that adds a third day off between shifts. But that schedule is being delayed.
These Bahama Breeze locations are officially closed in central Florida
Read full article: These Bahama Breeze locations are officially closed in central FloridaThe final day for the Bahama Breeze restaurant located on Rinehart Road in Sanford was Sunday, March 15th, a representative with Darden Restaurants confirmed with News 6.
Hamburger Mary’s eyes Kissimmee’s Old Town for next location
Read full article: Hamburger Mary’s eyes Kissimmee’s Old Town for next locationIn an announcement on social media, the bar and restaurant chain known for its drag shows and flamboyant dining experience, said it’s moving into Kissimmee’s Old Town Complex.
$13 million in FEMA funds awarded to Osceola County for flood control, wind protection
Read full article: $13 million in FEMA funds awarded to Osceola County for flood control, wind protectionThe funding includes $10,032,614.25 for drainage improvements in the Buenaventura Lakes subdivision in Kissimmee.
Osceola school district considers hiring consultant to get students to re-enroll from homeschools, private schools
Read full article: Osceola school district considers hiring consultant to get students to re-enroll from homeschools, private schoolsOsceola County School District is considering hiring a third-party consultant to persuade families to return students to district schools, a step that could cost $935 for each student who re-enrolls.
Dog dies from injuries after being thrown in dumpster, Osceola County deputies say
Read full article: Dog dies from injuries after being thrown in dumpster, Osceola County deputies sayDeputies said surveillance video showed a man exiting a pickup, lifting a dog from the truck bed, placing the animal in a cardboard box, and tossing the box into a dumpster.
‘A Moment of Peace:’ Give Kids The World Village celebrates 40 years as charitable giving trends soften nationwide
Read full article: ‘A Moment of Peace:’ Give Kids The World Village celebrates 40 years as charitable giving trends soften nationwideSince opening its doors, the organization has supported more than 200,000 families with children battling critical illnesses, offering them a weeklong vacation filled with fun, imagination, and relief — all free of charge.
‘Took him out:’ Deputy shoots, kills 16-year-old armed shoplifting suspect inside Poinciana Walmart
Read full article: ‘Took him out:’ Deputy shoots, kills 16-year-old armed shoplifting suspect inside Poinciana WalmartDeputies rushed to the scene of a Walmart in Poinciana after a shooting broke out on Thursday evening, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Competency evaluation ordered for man charged with killing 3 tourists in Osceola County
Read full article: Competency evaluation ordered for man charged with killing 3 tourists in Osceola CountyThe arraignment for Amhad Bojeh, accused of killing three tourists in Kissimmee, has been put on hold as his lawyers claim he is not competent to continue.
Kissimmee charter amendments could extend commissioner terms, add background checks for candidates
Read full article: Kissimmee charter amendments could extend commissioner terms, add background checks for candidatesKissimmee City Commissioners are discussing background checks and term limits for the city's governing body.
PHOTOS: ‘Sprawling’ 4-alarm blaze sparked by brush fire rips through Osceola County business
Read full article: PHOTOS: ‘Sprawling’ 4-alarm blaze sparked by brush fire rips through Osceola County businessA ‘sprawling’ four-alarm fire ripped through a St. Cloud business in an industrial area west of Kissimmee on Sunday, according to fire officials.
55-year-old man arrested after shooting, critically injuring two men, deputies say
Read full article: 55-year-old man arrested after shooting, critically injuring two men, deputies sayA 55-year-old man is facing attempted murder charges after two brothers were critically injured in a shooting late Saturday in Kissimmee,according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Property taxes have spiked the most in these Florida cities, report shows
Read full article: Property taxes have spiked the most in these Florida cities, report showsWith the discussion around property tax cuts hitting a fever pitch in Florida, a new report shows which counties have imposed the highest levies statewide.