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.

City leaders and family members dedicated a plaque Wednesday, Sept. 23, renaming Ruby Plaza at Kissimmee Lakefront Park as Bill Hansen Plaza. Hansen, who died in 2023, owned the Osceola Star newspaper and helped create Viva Osceola and the local Three Kings Day celebration.

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.

The Osceola Chamber's First Friday networking lunch is Friday, Oct. 2, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at Red Lobster, 7780 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee. No fee to attend; guests pay for their own food. Registration requested.

The Osceola Chamber's Pride Coalition hosts Twisted Bingo on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Hamburger Mary's Bar & Grille, 5764 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy. Registration/seating begins at 6:30 p.m., bingo starts at 7 p.m. Free to attend; registration requested, food and drinks available for purchase.

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.

The Duke Energy Foundation awarded the Education Foundation Osceola County $20,000 for its Career Pipelines program, which connects students with local employers. Osceola High School also received a $5,000 Toshiba America Foundation STEM grant for its Forensic Science 2 program.

Spectrum donated $15,000 to support the Digital Learning Lab at Buen Vecino, the Osceola Council on Aging's 60-home affordable senior housing community in Buenaventura Lakes.