The Osceola County Sheriff's Office has been actively involved in various community safety initiatives. Recently, a second arrest was made following a fatal shooting near Kissimmee in November 2023. Additionally, the sheriff's office has been working to combat the opioid epidemic, with the Osceola Opioid Task Force unveiling their final recommendations on how to allocate over $12 million to tackle this issue.
Community Engagement and Public Safety
Osceola County has been focusing on enhancing community engagement and public safety. The St. Cloud Police Department (SCPD) has introduced a new Community Engagement Unit, funded by a Department of Justice COPS Grant. This unit aims to connect with residents through various community outreach events, such as playing bingo at local cafes.
Education and Youth Development
To keep kids busy with books, the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County is using $650,000 from a federal grant to set up 10 'learning hubs' this year. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support early childhood education in the county.
Infrastructure Improvements
Osceola County has been making significant strides in infrastructure improvements. The county celebrated the completion of Phase 1 of improvements to Simpson Road between East Osceola Parkway and Boggy Creek Road. Additionally, improvements to busy Poinciana roads are expected to commence in Spring 2025, aiming to enhance safety on Marigold Avenue.
Local Elections and Politics
In the recent local elections, incumbent Sheriff Marcos Lopez won the Democratic primary, advancing to the general election in November after defeating four challengers. The race for Orange-Osceola state attorney is also heating up, with current State Attorney Andrew Bain facing suspended State Attorney Monique Worrell in the November election following Seth Hyman's withdrawal from the race.
Emergency Preparedness
As Hurricane Milton inches closer to Florida's coast, Osceola County is preparing for severe weather. The National Hurricane Center projects Hurricane Milton to make landfall between Sarasota and Tampa Bay as a Category 4 storm, and state officials have declared a state of emergency for 35 counties ahead of the storm.
Health and Wellness
Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS has opened Fire Station 85 in Poinciana, enhancing emergency services in the area. Additionally, the county is focusing on combating the opioid epidemic, with the Osceola Opioid Task Force working to allocate funds effectively to address this issue.
