Good morning, Kissimmee.

City officials in Kissimmee are inviting applications for vendors and food trucks for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Festival, which will be held next month on Veterans Lawn at Lakefront Park (applications are accepted until Jan.

2 via the city's website).

Following the November 2023 arson fire, the Salvation Army is serving locals from the First Church of Kissimmee while scouting an accessible site for a rebuild and has yet to spend the $5 million allocated by the Osceola County Commission.

Operation Santa Paws is a holiday donation drive for shelter animals that runs through Dec.

24 at the Osceola County Animal Shelter at 3910 Old Canoe Creek Rd — donating new or gently used supplies and children’s toys can also bring a free adoption voucher.

An Osceola Science Charter School eighth-grader qualified for the state math competition in March, while 6th and 9th grade orientation nights will be held Jan.

22 and Jan. 26; KUA lit Broadway during Saturday’s Festival of Lights Parade to mark 100,000 customers and the Supervisor of Elections released election calendars.

American Legion Post 10 hosted a Wreaths Across America event on Saturday, Dec.

14 at Rose Hill and Mt. Peace cemeteries to honor deceased veterans. Volunteers placed 1,400 wreaths + the Osceola County Veterans Council Honor Guard fired a 21-gun salute.

Paul Grizelle-Reid, at 82, became Valencia College Class of 2025’s oldest graduate from Poinciana by earning his associate degree on Wednesday.

He now attends UCF as part of the Direct Connect program to earn a bachelor’s in English literature + ride with a friend.

Mental health experts advise locals to ease the Christmas Blues by simplifying holiday plans & reconnecting with loved ones while OCOA invites volunteers to support seniors during the season, with additional information available from Michelle Vega at 407-846-8532.

SR Family - Ni Santos Ni Perfectos

6-11 p.m. — Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks — Ticket prices vary — Experience a lively comedy event with the SR Family.

Holiday Festiball

2:00 p.m. — State Farm Field House — Price varies — Enjoy an exciting college basketball matchup between UCF Knights and FAU Owls for the festive season.

New Years Eve Dinner

5:00 p.m. — The Venetian Chop House — $50 and over — Celebrate the New Year with elegant dining and award-winning wines at this distinguished steakhouse.

Pups & Pints Celebration

11 AM – 2 PM — Celebration Lakeside Park — Vendor applications open — Enjoy an action-packed day with Swift Paws and Puppy Painting for tail-wagging fun.

Pets on the Promenade

12-4 p.m. — Promenade at Sunset Walk — Free entry — Celebrate a day filled with pets and enjoy activities for furry friends and their humans.