Osceola County has begun construction on a roughly $36 million, 1.6-mile four-lane extension between Nolte Road and the C-31 Canal, including a bridge and site work supporting future NeoCity South. It includes a $6 million state grant and is expected to open by summer 2028.

Experience Kissimmee launched Film Kissimmee, an official film commission aimed at attracting film and television productions to Osceola County. Its location directory lists more than 100 potential filming sites.

At a Kissimmee town hall, Osceola County leaders outlined the potential effects of Amendment 3, which would raise the homestead exemption to $250,000 by 2028. County officials estimate Osceola could lose about $79 million in revenue if it passes, and the county is already cutting $12 million from next year's budget.

Isaias, which made landfall near Destin on Friday night, is now a post-tropical cyclone over Alabama, and the National Hurricane Center has discontinued all storm surge and tropical storm warnings. As of Saturday midday, Osceola County lists no open shelters; the National Weather Service forecasts showers and thunderstorms in Kissimmee on Saturday afternoon.

Osceola County completed the final phase of the $73.2 million Simpson Road North widening, more than 2.5 miles from Marisol Loop/Winners Circle to Myers Road, now four lanes between U.S. 192 and Boggy Creek Road. The project adds new signals at Hillard Isle Road/Plaza Drive and Marisol Loop/Winners Circle, a 10-foot shared-use path on each side and drainage upgrades.

At Osceola County's State of the County event Wednesday, Sept. 30, Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington said the county projects Amendment 3 would reduce its roughly $410 million for daily services — libraries, roads, parks — by $79 million over three years. The Nov. 3 ballot measure, which needs 60% approval, would raise Florida's homestead exemption to $150,000 next year and $250,000 in 2028. The county launched propertytax.osceola.org to show its projected impacts.

HCA Florida Osceola Hospital announced its trauma center has been verified as a Level II Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons, a national review of its capability to treat seriously injured patients.

The Kissimmee City Commission held its second budget hearing Tuesday, Sept. 22, on a proposed $322 million budget (about $160M general fund) for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. The plan includes a hiring freeze, delays most vehicle/equipment replacement except police vehicles, and defers capital projects like the Cypress Elementary community center, citing potential revenue loss if Amendment 3 passes.

The Kissimmee City Commission approved accepting federal funding for a $21.1 million rebuild of Taxiway Alpha at Kissimmee Gateway Airport. The FAA will cover 95%, FDOT is expected to cover 4% and the airport 1%; the work adds LED edge lighting and new signs and shifts the taxiway 50 feet east. A construction schedule has not been announced.

Todd and Radha Rambilas of R-S Equity Services bought the 18-acre Old Town entertainment complex — open since 1986, home to 70+ businesses — for nearly $24.5 million, according to county records. The owners say they plan improvements to common areas and new attractions, with no immediate changes to current businesses or the weekly car shows.

Osceola County commissioners unanimously adopted the FY2027 budget Monday, Sept. 21, holding the general fund millage at 6.7 mills for the 16th straight year (about $1,340/year on a $200,000 home). To do so, the county cut $12 million in planned spending, instituted a hiring freeze and postponed about $92 million in capital projects.

More than 5,000 Osceola County children — 5% of the county's youth — live in homes without internet access, exceeding state and national averages. The School District maintains an inventory of about 1,100 mobile hotspots for student checkout, with roughly 475 currently in use, plus a mobile SMART Bus offering internet access and homework help at hotels and temporary housing sites.

The Central Florida Expressway Authority holds public meetings Sept. 16 (in-person, 5:30–7:30pm, Narcoossee Middle School) and Sept. 17 (virtual, registration required) on Phase 2 of State Road 534, a 3.5-mile expressway segment from Narcoossee Road to Cyrils Drive.

Osceola County is directing $5 million in tourist development tax revenue toward a new Cultural Facilities Grant Program, funding capital improvements — building renovations, HVAC, accessibility — at local museums and arts venues, not programming. The application window opened Sept. 1 and closes Oct. 16, 2026.

Osceola County officials outlined potential budget cuts — including fire stations, school resource officers, and road maintenance — if Amendment 3 passes in November, citing a $79 million revenue impact over two years with $70 million in cuts identified so far. Some residents dispute the framing, noting property tax revenue has outpaced population growth.

The Florida Commission on Ethics voted unanimously it found probable cause that Mayor Jackie Espinosa had ties to three companies — including ones owned by her husband and children — that received $50,000 from a city COVID-recovery fund she voted to create. Espinosa says she can request a public hearing and denies wrongdoing; the City Commission previously declined to pursue impeachment on the matter in August.

Florida DOT revoked permits for license plate reader cameras on state road rights-of-way, giving agencies 30 days to remove them, following Gov. DeSantis's warnings about a 'surveillance state.' Kissimmee (21 cameras) and St. Cloud (36) police are complying; St. Cloud defended the technology's public-safety value, while Orange County's Sheriff's Office says it will keep its system active.

Osceola County began accepting pre-applications September 1 through September 6 for its HUD Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program, which offers up to 24 months of rental help to low-income seniors who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

The Kissimmee Police Department and the School District of Osceola County announced a School Threat Awareness Initiative on Aug. 27, reminding students and families that all threats, including those made online or as a joke, are investigated and can lead to criminal charges.

Local, state and federal races for the Nov. 3 general election were finalized this week following recounts in two close Aug. 18 primary races; Kissimmee's City Commission Seat 4 race will pit Tiffany Jeffers against incumbent Janette Martinez.