St. Cloud High School's Performing Arts Department dazzled packed audiences with 'A Night in December', the beloved annual winter showcase at the Susan E. Hill Performing Arts Center.

 

Students shone as they blended classic holiday songs with spirited dance numbers, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

 

The St. Cloud Jazz Band’s energetic performances of 'First Funky Noel' and 'Swingle Bells' set a festive tone, while the Golden Girls Varsity Dance Team mesmerized with their graceful 'Winter Wonderland' routine.

 

Community spirit soared as attendees joined in singing favorites like 'White Christmas' and 'Sleigh Ride.'

 

Lucas Mazon’s moving rendition of 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' stood out as an emotional highlight.

 

Under the expert guidance of Shana Burns and Mindy Curtis, student musicians and dancers reached new heights, supported by Osceola Arts, Osceola Magic, dedicated booster clubs, and tireless parents and volunteers.

 

The rousing applause that ended the night affirmed the event’s status as a treasured Osceola holiday tradition.

Osceola County residents rely on local dining spots to maintain high food safety standards as the area's population nears 490,000 in 2025.

 

Di Carlo Ristorante in Kissimmee recently received a warning from state health inspectors after 23 violations were documented during a routine check.

 

Inspectors flagged five high-priority issues, including a dishwashing machine with zero chlorine sanitizer and improper storage of raw beef and pooled eggs over ready-to-eat foods.

 

Bread rolls stored in grocery bags and a missing vacuum breaker at the mop sink also raised concerns.

 

While no immediate public health threat was found, officials required a follow-up inspection and issued a stop-sale order for improperly thawed salmon.

 

Notably, Di Carlo Ristorante faced a brief closure in June 2023 due to health violations but has since maintained a strong 4.8-star Google rating and loyal local following.

Florida boasts an array of eateries celebrated for their irresistible fried catfish, each capturing a distinct slice of Southern tradition.

 

The Catfish Place of Apopka stands out as a beloved destination since 1973, serving up hand-breaded catfish with homemade sauces and fresh sides that embody authentic Florida flavors.

 

In St. Cloud, The Catfish Place carries on the legacy with a robust menu of fresh catfish, turtle, gator, and frog legs, earning long-standing community loyalty through quality and tradition.

 

Those craving a waterside meal head to Peck’s Old Port Cove in Crystal River, where guests enjoy signature fried catfish amid scenic views.

 

For a quieter retreat, Treasure Camp on the Suwannee in Chiefland serves up generous platters of fried catfish and hush puppies along the peaceful Suwannee River.

 

Together, these local gems showcase Florida’s commitment to Southern culinary heritage, delivering memorable, crunchy catfish dishes to all.

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office has arrested Janderson Freitas-Leite, 47, of Kissimmee, on multiple felony counts for possessing child sexual abuse materials.

 

This followed an intensive investigation sparked by a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which reported activity linked to the dark web and Bitcoin transactions.

 

Deputies executed a search warrant at The Teale Apartments, seizing several electronic devices for forensic review.

 

Authorities say that evidence gathered provided probable cause, leading to Freitas-Leite’s arrest on November 20.

 

He now faces eight felony counts for possession of exploitative materials and one for unlawful use of a communication device, and is being held without bond at the Orange County Jail.

 

Officials stress their commitment to community safety, urging residents to report suspicious activity.

 

As the first anniversary of Lana Fellows’ passing nears, her family in St. Cloud, Florida is reaching out to honor her and encourage safe driving.

 

Lana, just 18 and a recent St. Cloud High School graduate, died tragically in a car accident last November.

 

Having recently started at the College of William & Mary, Lana dreamed of studying abroad while pursuing marketing and entrepreneurship.

 

Her parents, Rob and Megan Fellows, are deeply grateful for the support from loved ones and local community members throughout this difficult year.

 

Special thanks go to caring individuals at St. Cloud High, Antigravity Orlando, and Hersey’s Florist for their efforts in keeping Lana’s memory alive.

 

Known for her passion in the arts, Lana led the Golden Girls dance team and excelled as a professional aerialist.

 

To honor her legacy, the Fellows family established the Arts Alive Lana Fellows Scholarship, supporting aspiring artists in St. Cloud.

Bounce N Around Rentals, a trusted family business in St. Cloud, Florida, is raising concerns about a sharp rise in online bounce house rental scams impacting local families.

 

Owner Isaias Dingui says he’s now fielding weekly calls from people who lose deposits to scammers and never receive a bounce house for their children’s parties.

 

In one recent near-miss, a customer almost sent $100 to a fake Facebook rental page before spotting warning signs.

 

Gerry Mendiburt of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Central Florida confirms hundreds of these imposter scam reports, noting over 500 cases statewide in the last six months.

 

Scammers often lure victims with unusually cheap offers and communicate only through messaging apps.

 

Local agencies urge residents to check business credentials, verify websites, and pay by credit card for better protection.

 

Dingui hopes heightened vigilance will help restore community trust in legitimate rental businesses.

Universal Orlando Resort has kicked off its holiday spectacular, transforming the parks into vibrant winter wonderlands packed with festive décor, daily shows, and seasonal attractions through January 4, 2026.

 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter dazzles with magical winter scenes in Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and the Ministry of Magic, highlighted by the enchanting Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle projection show.

 

Families flock to Seuss Landing for Grinchmas, where the Who-ville spirit comes alive among character-inspired trees and the ever-popular Who-liday Spectacular.

 

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s lights up Universal Studios Florida with massive balloons and festive floats, while Epic Universe adds seasonal sparkle to Celestial Park and each themed land.

 

Treat yourself to unique holiday eats like the Gingy Cookie, Snickerdoodle Crepe, and Glühwein, available throughout the resort’s restaurants and snack spots.

 

Special tours, Grinch-themed breakfasts, and exclusive merchandise complete the experience, offering families countless festive ways to celebrate.

On a brisk Friday, community members gathered at the Triple N Shooting Range for the McCormick Research Institute’s 2nd Annual Clays Classic for Veterans.

 

McCormick CEO and County Commissioner Ricky Booth led the event, alongside Florida Lt. Governor Jay Collins, State Representative Erika Booth, and State Representative Paula Stark, all rallying support for veterans.

 

The day began with a moving tribute from McCormick’s veteran horse team and a patriotic National Anthem by Hailey Wall.

 

Attendees enjoyed friendly competition and camaraderie, united in supporting programs that help veterans and individuals with disabilities.

 

Founded in Osceola County in 2002 by Thomasa Sanchez, McCormick has grown into a national leader in equine therapy, now serving over 20,000 riders.

 

Donations fund therapy sessions, research, and vital programs like Horses & Heroes, offering hope and healing to the community’s most deserving members.

Karolyna Adams of St. Cloud High School has signed with Tiffin University, celebrating a standout chapter in both academics and athletics.

 

As a senior leader with the Lady Bulldogs golf team, Adams helped drive the program to three consecutive state championship appearances.

 

Her 3.65 GPA places her in the top 20% of her graduating class, showing dedication that shines in the classroom as much as on the fairways.

 

Adams is a two-time Orange Belt Conference champion, with consistent top-10 district finishes and crucial contributions to regional victories, raising the bar for Osceola County golf.

 

She began her golf journey at the Royal St. Cloud Golf Club at just five years old, fueled by the support of her school and hometown course.

 

Looking ahead, Adams will major in sports psychology at Tiffin, eager to join a close-knit, supportive community.

SKB Home introduces The Shores, a newly launched community in St. Cloud, Florida that fuses modern style with the area’s small-town appeal.

 

This inviting neighborhood is set off Whip O Will Lane, close to major routes like Florida’s Turnpike and U.S. Highway 192, offering superb accessibility.

 

Homeowners can embrace St. Cloud’s vibrant downtown, local dining, and scenic spots such as Alligator Lake and Lakefront Park.

 

The Shores highlights versatile one- and two-story homes with up to five bedrooms, featuring open kitchens, spacious living areas, and luxe bedroom suites.

 

Family-friendly amenities include a playground and pavilion, and the community boasts zero Community Development District (CDD) fees.

 

Buyers can personalize finishes at the SKB Home Design Studio, adapting each home to suit their lifestyles and budgets.

 

All homes carry ENERGY STAR® certification, ensuring energy-efficient, healthy living. Sales and model homes are open for tours, with prices from the low $300,000s.

St. Cloud, Florida, is undergoing dynamic change, honoring its heritage while embracing meaningful progress.

 

Veterans Park now hosts "Soldier City Sundays," a weekly event offering vital support to local veterans, from health care to mental health resources each Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Mayor Chris Robertson highlights this as a key step to ensure veterans get the services they need.

 

In a move to ease daily commutes, a new Turnpike interchange at Nolte Road is under construction and expected to open in late 2024, relieving pressure on the busy Clay Whaley Road entrance.

 

St. Cloud is also confronting its past, as Councilmember Jennifer Paul announced a proclamation signaling an end to its "sundown town" reputation in January 2025.

 

These efforts reflect a strong commitment to veterans, better infrastructure, and a more inclusive future.