Good morning, Kissimmee.

A former reptile dealer in Osceola County was sentenced after investigators found 111 African fat-tailed geckos abandoned in a dirty storage unit in 2023, with 41 dead and no food or water provided — he must serve four years of probation, complete 100 hours of community service, pay over $5,000 in restitution, and is banned from owning or handling animals.

A storage unit in St. Cloud held more than 100 African fat-tailed geckos with 41 dead and the rest in unsanitary containers, and 48-year-old Kelvin Soto (who had an expired reptile license) was arrested in Virginia last week and pleaded guilty to felony animal cruelty.

The legendary Mystery Fun House is being reimagined—thanks to Chuck E.

Cheese—and will open later this summer at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort in Kissimmee. FOX 35's David Martin visited to preview the new arcade experience.

On August 19th, the Kissimmee City Commission approved a Master Development Agreement with Azure Hotel International for a more than $180 million redevelopment of the Civic Center site into a 10-story, 300-room luxury hotel and a 45,000-square-foot convention center.

The project is set to create 400 construction jobs and 150 to 250 permanent hospitality positions while boosting local property taxes—though construction timelines remain pending.

Valencia College President Dr. Kathleen Plinske visited the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Monday—where she reported that the Osceola Prosper scholarship program raised the college-going rate in our county to third in Florida—and noted that the program, which began in 2022, has enrolled over 10,550 participants to support two years of tuition for local high school graduates. This initiative is expected to deliver long-term benefits for our community.

Gov. DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Tuesday that Florida filed a lawsuit against McGraw Hill and Savvas Learning Co.—which allegedly overcharged school districts in at least 5,900 cases and may face up to $60.5 million in penalties—after a $279,000 overcharge was found in Osceola County.

On Friday, August 15, Celebration High School’s football opener got a boost when THE ROAR of the Jaguars—the official cheerleaders from the Jacksonville Jaguars—made a surprise visit as part of Experience Kissimmee’s partnership.

The cheerleaders joined the school team on the sidelines and then took part in local events during their annual retreat in town.

Grow Osceola: Unlock Your CRM's Potential

9-11 a.m. — UCF Business Incubation Program - Kissimmee — Free admission — Discover how to enhance your CRM for greater business growth with hands-on training.

Orlando PPA Challenger Pickleball Tournament

Sep 4-7 — Orange Lake Resort — Prize pool of $10k — Compete in a thrilling professional and amateur pickleball series.

El Rubio Acordeon Concert

6 PM - 12 AM — Sajoma Latin Fusion — Ticket purchase required — Experience a vibrant evening of Latin music and dance with El Rubio Acordeon.

GUAGUANCO The Cuban Dance Social

9 PM — FAMA STEAKHOUSE — $15+ fee — Experience a vibrant night of Salsa, Bachata, and more at this energetic Cuban Dance Social.

Fandom Kissimmee

12-6 p.m. — Kissimmee Civic Center — Free entry — Immerse yourself in a world of fantasy and sci-fi at this vibrant comic and collectibles convention.

FSTEC Conference

1 PM – 5 PM — Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center — Registration required — Explore the latest innovations in foodservice technology and network with industry leaders.

CIVCO Conference - AVA Association for Vascular Access

September 17-23 — Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center — Check website for costs — A premier gathering for vascular access professionals featuring educational sessions and hands-on training.