KISSIMMEE

Deputies are searching for a 73-year-old missing man who was last seen visiting relatives in Kissimmee on Thanksgiving.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A new Kissimmee restaurant, Pa’l Callejon, is gearing up for Thanksgiving by helping those in need. They are giving out Thanksgiving meals, blankets, clothes and backpacks full of necessities to homeless people in the area. Up to 200 people so far have been brought to Pa’l Callejon to receive help. “They don’t have no family, so I want them to make them feel comfortable one day of the year.”This is the first time that Pa’l Callejon has ever held this event. Read: Volunteers give out thousands of free Thanksgiving meals in KissimmeeHowever, Paez said he hopes to continue this tradition in the future with more community partners involved.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — If you’ve done your Thanksgiving grocery shopping, you have no doubt seen the sticker shock at the store. Photos: Volunteers give out thousands of free Thanksgiving meals in KissimmeeExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Volunteers give out thousands of free Thanksgiving meals in KissimmeeVolunteers in Osceola County helped put food on the table for hundreds of families this week. Elmer Morales of Kissimmee said it is a struggle to put food on the table for his family of seven. Volunteers in Kissimmee distributed enough groceries Tuesday to feed 2,000 families in need. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Chewing over all the local food news

ORLANDO, Fla. — One of Central Florida’s most iconic Christmas events has returned to Kissimmee’s Gaylord Palms this holiday season. This year’s event, which runs from Nov. 18 until New Year’s Day, features sculptures from Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”Visitors will be able to see the larger-than-life displays inspired by the iconic Christmas story carved out of 2 million pounds of ice. Read: ‘I triple dog dare you’: Full trailer released for ‘A Christmas Story Christmas’You can also get photos with Santa Claus and much more during Christmas at Gaylord Palms. Read: ‘A Christmas Story’ house for saleEditor’s note: Gaylord Palms is a sponsor of WFTV Channel 9. featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Gaylord Hotels)©2022 Cox Media Group

A Florida Missing Child Alert for a Palm Bay newborn was canceled after the baby was found safe on Sunday, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Hurricane Nicole is long gone, and the holiday season is in full swing here in Central Florida. READ: Night of a Million Lights returns this holiday season at new venueICE! returns, this year featuring Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Click here to reserve your tickets. featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Gaylord Hotels)Holidays at Universal Orlando ResortIf you weren’t able to see the kickoff of Universal Orlando Resort’s holiday festivities last weekend due to Hurricane Nicole, the party continues this weekend. READ: ‘Bigger and better than ever’: SeaWorld announces return of Christmas CelebrationExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration Christmas Celebration will return to SeaWorld Orlando beginning Nov. 11, 2022.

SANFORD, Fla. — Sanford police spent Friday morning investigating a shooting at the Wyndham Crest Apartments. Officials say two people were shot and had non-life-threatening injuries. Read: Kissimmee teen arrested in stabbing death of a 16-year-old girlOur cameras captured Sanford investigators collecting evidence and photographing bullet holes in a tan Ford sedan. Sanford police say they are still investigating what led to the shooting. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

A 17-year-old boy who had been thinking about killing someone was arrested after fatally stabbing a 16-year-old girl leaving her Kissimmee apartment for school Thursday, police said.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A 16-year-old girl was killed early Thursday morning, according to Kissimmee police. Officers responded around 6:20 a.m. to Kensington Apartments for a victim with life-threatening injuries. The victim, later identified as 16-year-old Paola Pagan, was treated on scene by paramedics and transported to the hospital where she died despite life-saving efforts. READ: ‘I’m the bad person’: Port Orange woman admits to killing partnerOsceola County Schools confirmed to Channel 9 that Pagan was a student. FHP: Teen killed in early morning hit-and-run crash in Lake CountyThis is a developing story.

Get ready to see the classic Dr. Seuss story, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” in an all-new way.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — While Country Thunder Florida 2022 is barely in the rearview mirror, organizers of the 2023 event have announced some big names for next October’s music extravaganza in Kissimmee. Country superstars Keith Urban, Cody Johnson and HARDY are scheduled to headline Country Thunder Florida 2023 at Osceola Heritage Park. Country Thunder Florida 2023 Country Thunder Florida 2023 announces lineup. For more details about Country Thunder Florida 2023, including ticket information, click here. READ: Universal unveils new Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience for 2023Country Thunder Florida 2023 Country Thunder Florida 2023 announces lineup.

A 34-year-old man is dead after his motorcycle wrecked early Wednesday morning in Orange County, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Professional LEGO artists from around the U.S. will display creations and meet with fans at next year's Orlando Brick Convention.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Disaster Recovery Centers for those impacted by Hurricane Ian will reopen on Monday, FEMA has announced. Locations around the state temporarily closed last week due to severe weather brought on by Tropical Storm Nicole. Dates and locations include:Orange County:Nov. 14 - Nov. 17: Downey Park, 10107 Flowers Ave, Orlando, Florida 32825Osceola County:Nov.14 - Nov. 16: Buenaventura Lakes Library, 405 Buenaventura Blvd., Kissimmee, Florida 34743Nov. 18 - Nov. 20: Veterans Memorial Library - St. Survivors can go online, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. For response and recovery updates on Hurricane Nicole, click here.

ORLANDO, Fla. — If you need to stop for gas Monday morning, you may not like what you see when you pull up to the pump. Gas prices in Florida have gone up steadily over the past two weeks. Watch: Residents return after more Daytona Beach Shores condos checked for structural concernsThe average price of a gallon of regular gas is $3.56 early Monday. Watch: Kissimmee truck and car show benefits Second Harvest Food BankThat is 27 cents higher than the price on Nov. 1. Read: SunRail commuter trains to resume service Monday following Nicole closureAAA says prices have now fully adjusted to a recent oil price hike and the reinstatement of the state’s gas tax.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The holiday season of giving back to the community is upon us and event in Kissimmee helped bring people together. The Promenade at Sunset Walk hosted the Truck and Car Show event Sunday afternoon to start the holiday season. Drivers and guests were invited to donate at least two nonperishable food items per person to help the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Photos: Kissimmee truck and car show benefits Second Harvest Food BankExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 Kissimmee truck and car show benefits Second Harvest Food Bank (WFTV/WFTV)Show car drivers participated in a raffle prize giveaway and had the chance to win Top 3 Merchant trophies. Read: Missing 3-year-old Winter Springs boy found dead, deputies sayClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Sustained winds from Hurricane Nicole knocked a tree down in Kissimmee. Channel 9′s Christopher Heath was on scene at Orange Vista and Lake when the top part of the tree fell around 9:20 p.m.NICOLE LIVE UPDATES: Hurricane 50 miles from Florida’s coastCounty officials coned off both sides of the downed tree, which is blocking off a section of the two-lane road. See more in the video above. READ: How to download the free WFTV news & weather apps before your power goes outHurricane Nicole approaches Florida with 75 MPH winds, dangerous storm surge (WFTV)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2022 Cox Media Group

A Kissimmee man died Saturday after a motorcycle he was driving in Orange County struck a curb and he was thrown from it, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A 32-year-old man has died in Kissimmee after a motorcycle crash, Florida Highway Patrol said. It happened right after 7:45 this morning on Palm Parkway and Grapefruit Cove. FHP said that the driver lost control of his bike, which caused him to hit a curb. Read: Pedestrian dies after being struck by car in Orange County, troopers sayThe man was transported to Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to law enforcement. VIDEO: 3 women, 4-year-old girl killed in shooting inside Orange County home 3 women, 4-year-old girl killed in shooting inside Orange County home©2022 Cox Media Group

A Kissimmee man has been indicted on federal charges after prosecutors said he used stolen identities as part of a scheme to ripoff the ride-sharing company Uber.

Ray Rodríguez arrived at Westgate Towers resort in Kissimmee after living at a Red Lion hotel for more than a month.

Residents at the Good Samaritan Village community got a chance to meet with FEMA officials on site.

FEMA announced on Saturday, Oct. 29 that is is hiring for more than 300 jobs in Kissimmee, Orlando, Brandon, Fort Myers and Sarasota as the agency continues to help in Hurricane Ian recovery efforts.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash in Osceola County. Troopers said a bicyclist was hit and killed by an SUV in the area of Buena Ventura Boulevard and Watts Lane in Kissimmee. The crash happened around 7:06 a.m.Watch: Altercation leads to deadly shooting at Orange County home, deputies sayInvestigators said the bicyclist was pronounced deceased on-scene. Troopers said the driver of the SUV, a 30-year-old Kissimmee woman, stayed at the scene after the crash. Read: Police: Shooting victim dropped off at hospital for babies in OrlandoChannel 9 has a crew headed to the scene and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.

In the first full day since Osceola County leaders lifted evacuation orders for Good Samaritan Society Kissimmee Village, residents from the senior living community finally returned to their homes.

Osceola County on Monday lifted the evacuation order for a Kissimmee retirement community that has been flooded since Hurricane Ian.

One person was taken to the hospital after a shooting at a Kissimmee barbershop, according to police.

A man was shot in the head while driving on the southwest side of a business parking lot near Buenaventura Boulevard and Simpson Road in Osceola County on Sunday evening, according to the Osceola County Fire Rescue.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The city of Kissimmee is handing out $350,000 in grant money to nonprofits in the city. That’s because it was founded by the city’s mayor. Mayor Olga Gonzalez founded Church and Community Assistance Program Inc. decades ago. Some people pointed out to commissioners that there was a conflict of interest, but the mayor said the organization should not be punished because she started it. But Councilmember Janette Martinez said she couldn’t give the organization money.

Pastor Rich Reiter of Good Samaritan church shared with News 6 the email the Good Samaritan Society management team sent out to its residen

Dust off your cowboy hat and boots for a weekend-long bash

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. World Food Trucks park in Kissimmee -- already among the largest in the country -- plans to grow even more. Read: Victim rode on back of Amazon truck to flee scene after being shot, witnesses sayThe food truck park at 5805 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway will add another 45 mobile vendors by next summer. The park already has more than 60 food trucks that are permanent at the site. VIDEO: Central Florida food truck owners feeling the heat from rising prices VIDEO: Central Florida food truck owners feeling the heat from rising prices (Christy Turner, WFTV.com/WFTV)©2022 Cox Media Group

Sabina Holtzer is devastated after losing it all to hurricane Ian almost 3 weeks ago.

Two weeks after Hurricane Ian, the Good Samaritan Village senior community remains closed.

Two weeks after Hurricane Ian, the Good Samaritan Village senior community remains closed.

A fire Saturday night at a subdivision in Osceola County prompted multiple agencies to dispatch help and resulted in no injuries, according to Osceola Fire Rescue.

World Food Trucks, located in a parking lot off of W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee, is also a popular place for Hispanic vendors.

SunRail said it will reopen two of its Osceola County stations on Monday after repairing tracks damaged by Hurricane Ian.

It's the little moments in life, like playing with her 2-year-old son, that Dahlia McDonald no longer takes for granted after doctors diagnosed her with stage III breast cancer.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Kissimmee Utility Authority will now begin offering customers the option of receiving their electric bills in Spanish, the company announced Wednesday. KUA board chairwoman Ethel Urbina says offering a Spanish bill option allows KUA to better serve its customers. Read: ‘We’re at the tipping point.’ Family of evacuated seniors desperately searching for next stepThe new bills will allow customers to see a breakdown of charges in Spanish. KUA said customers can text “factura” to 877-582-7700 from the cellphone number registered to their account to begin taking advantage of the new option. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Osceola County deputies are asking for information about a missing woman out of Kissimmee Monday morning, according to a release from the sheriff’s office.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A Kissimmee police officer surrendered to authorities Wednesday afternoon at the Osceola County Jail after a warrant was issued for his arrest, the Kissimmee Police Department said. Kissimmee police Officer Plenio Massiah faces two counts of grand theft and one count of scheme to defraud. “The Department was made aware of an instance where Massiah documented that he worked an off-duty detail, for which the victim paid the Department for such services,” the agency said. The agency said it will now begin an internal investigation into the allegations. Read: Florida man arrested for having a 9-year-old drive him home, deputies sayMassiah has been placed on administrative leave without pay, pending the outcome of both investigations.

A Kissimmee police officer was arrested on charges of grand theft and scheme to defraud, according to a release sent by the city of Kissimmee.

It’s a hidden gem in Kissimmee that combines fun with education, teaching visitors and even locals about Native Florida with some new attractions.

A bicyclist from Kissimmee was hit and killed in an Osceola County crash with a pickup truck, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Some residents in Good Samaritan Society in Kissimmee Village are being asked to find other housing arrangements indefinitely.

A violent home invasion where a couple was handcuffed and threatened with a gun led to the arrest of a Kissimmee man, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Two disaster recovery centers open to help Central Florida residents after IanOrange and Osceola county residents impacted by Hurricane Ian can now get some help at one of two new centers that opened Sunday. Along with FEMA, the Department of Children and Families and the Small Business Association officials were on hand to help residents navigate what can be confusing. “This is wonderful because a lot of people don’t have the ability to get the help,” she said. Read: How can Central Florida residents apply for FEMA’s Transitional Shelter Assistance? The DRC in Orange County is located at Barnett Park 4801 W Colonial Dr, Orlando and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A popular holiday event is returning this year, but at a new venue. Night of a Million Lights, now in its third year, will return this holiday season, but this year at Island H2O Water Park in Kissimmee, according to a news release. READ: Universal announces return of Grinch character breakfast, tour for holiday seasonNight of a Million Lights Night of a Million Lights returns this year, but at a new venue. See photos of last year’s event in the gallery below:Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 22 Night of a Million Lights Night of a Million Lights has officially kicked off at Give Kids the World Village. Night of a Million Lights Night of a Million Lights returns this year, but at a new venue.

FEMA and the state of Florida announced the opening of a Disaster Recovery Center in Osceola County on Saturday.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — More assistance is on the way for Osceola County. A federal Disaster Recovery Center will open Sunday, Oct. 9 at the Hart Memorial Central Library in downtown Kissimmee. This center will serve as a resource for individuals and businesses that are recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Ian. Read: How can Central Florida residents apply for FEMA’s Transitional Shelter Assistance? Read: Seminole County opens FEMA assistance application sites for Hurricane Ian damageYou can register online here, download the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

The Good Samaritan Society in Kissimmee Village was still taped off on Friday because of the amount of standing water after Hurricane Ian.

SunRail is set to resume service to the Tupperware station Thursday, though other sections of the rail line are still dealing with damage sustained during Hurricane Ian.

An Osceola County family is struggling to stay afloat after Hurricane Ian passed through, flooding the family’s home in the process.

Island H2O Water Park is introducing some mermaid and pirate fun in October.

Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez and Attorney General Ashley Moody will be visiting Good Samaritan Village in Kissimmee to assess flood damage in the area caused by Hurricane Ian.

Osceola County is hosting a “Safe Surrender” event that allows people to turn themselves in and clear outstanding warrants for non-violent misdemeanor crimes, the county announced.

Toho Water Authority in Kissimmee issued a water usage advisory after historic flooding from Hurricane Ian.

A crash prompts the closure of a major roadway in Kissimmee.

ST.CLOUD, Fla. — Water levels are expected to rise in parts of Osceola County over the next several days. Cloud are currently under a voluntary evacuation in order to prepare. “We have city staff and volunteers going door to door to notify residents and give them any assistance they need in evacuating,” said Veronica Miller, city manager of St. The flooding is expected to be at its highest from Oct. 7 through Oct. 12. All of Osceola County is working to pump water out of flooded neighborhoods.

Members of the Florida National Guard were rescuing people Saturday in Osceola County after high water levels trapped many in their homes.

Osceola County leaders said there is too much flooding in Shingle Creek for them to stay. Jennifer and Jerrod Albright live near Shingle Creek and have watched as Shingle Creek has inched closer and closer to their home. “Where do you start?”Osceola County said water receding in Orange County flows south toward them and into Shingle Creek. Read: Hurricane Ian: Video shows rough seas washing away part of Daytona Beach Sunglow Pier“Obviously, don’t run sprinklers,” Jennifer Albright said. Jennifer Albright said that as soon as they finish packing and are safe, they will be back at it, helping other people affected by the flooding.

KISSISSIMMEE, Fla. — Residents participated in a voluntary evacuation Saturday at Shingle Creek Reserve at the Oaks in Kissimmee. This evacuation comes after days of recovery in Osceola County, where heavy flooding occurred following Hurricane Ian. Neighbors saw significant flooding In the Pebble Point neighborhood, where Sen. Rick Scott toured Saturday. Photos: Hurricane Ian causes damage to homes, communitiesA lot of people were out and about during the day as they cleaned up their homes. Read: Hurricane Ian: Video shows rough seas washing away part of Daytona Beach Sunglow PierScott said those people should contact his office directly.

Osceola County faced intense flooding from Hurricane Ian and that may be to blame for damage to train tracks in the downtown Kissimmee area.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Drone video shows extensive flooding around HCA Florida Osceola Hospital in Kissimmee. HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, formerly Osceola Regional Medical Center, is located on Oak Street near downtown Kissimmee. LIVE UPDATES: Ian weakens to tropical storm as strong winds and heavy rains continue in FloridaThe City of Kissimmee shared a drone video showing floodwaters surrounding a large area around the hospital. The video was taken behind the hospital, near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Rose Avenue. Channel 9 has a crew in the area working to gather more details and will provide continuing coverage on Eyewitness News.

An Osceola County deputy was rescued via airboat early Thursday after their vehicle became stalled in flooding brought on by what is now Tropical Storm Ian.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The city of Kissimmee and Osceola County are being flooded due to Hurricane Ian. Channel 9 reporter Sabrina Maggiore saw one drover get stuck in floodwaters and the driver rescued by SWAT officers. LIVE UPDATES: Ian weakens to tropical storm as strong winds and heavy rains continue in FloridaThe rain continues to fall, worsening the devastating flood. Residents in Osceola County are sharing photos and videos with Channel 9 of flooded homes around the county. Flooding in Osceola CountyChannel 9 reporter Nick Papantonis found flooding in a strip mall parking lot.

Hurricane Ian is hammering Central Florida with rain prompting flash flood warnings across the area and bringing severe flooding to portions of Kissimmee.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County residents were busy Tuesday getting their last-minute preparations in place as they braced for Hurricane Ian. Osceola County resident Robert Wietor says he lives directly across from a lake in a low-lying part of Kissimmee. “This is a critical time,” Osceola County Emergency Manager Bill Linton said. READ: Power companies prepare for outages before Hurricane Ian impacts Central FloridaThere are also specific shelters for those with special needs. Separate from those, all registered sex offenders must go to the Osceola County courthouse if they need shelter.

Fun Spot America is preparing to roll out its Halloween festivities at both its Orlando and Kissimmee theme parks.

Osceola County residents are lending a helping hand for the victims of Hurricane Fiona.

While thousands remain without power in Puerto Rico, residents in Central Florida are getting results for those in need after Hurricane Fiona.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Most of Puerto Rico is still without power Wednesday morning. Watch: Central Florida organizations begin collecting aid for Puerto RicoThe governor of Puerto Rico said it may be back in some places Wednesday night but could take longer in the hard-hit southern region of the island. Donations can be dropped at the Kissimmee Church of God, at 2550 Flamboyan Street in Kissimmee, starting at 8 a.m. HAPPENING TODAY: The Church of God in Kissimmee is collecting donations to send to people in Puerto Rico after #HurricaneFiona. Watch: Meteorologists tracking 3 systems in the tropics: Here’s where they’re headedAs the damage grows in Puerto Rico, so does the need following the impact of Hurricane Fiona.

OPENINGS+CLOSINGS: Urban Turban, a fast-casual Indian restaurant by the owners of Curry Mantra on I-Drive and Divine Indian Cuisine in Kissimmee, will open the first...

A Kissimmee LYNX bus service route will shut down at the end of September, according to transportation officials.

A relief drive at a Kissimmee church will collect items to send to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Fiona left the island without power.

Three days of country music are coming to Kissimmee in October and News 6 wants to send you to experience it.

A New Shepard mission carrying dozens of small research projects, including one from a Kissimmee school, into space experienced an “anomaly” during launch at Blue Origin’s west Texas site.

A 62-year-old Kissimmee woman died from her injuries in an afternoon crash on Saturday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Kissimmee man is facing theft charges after deputies say he was caught on camera stealing a package from outside a Polk County home. After he was seen on the homeowner’s doorbell camera taking the package, the homeowner called deputies. Read: $5K reward being offered in woman’s shooting deathRead: Received a package that you didn’t order? What to know about ‘brushing scams’Investigators were then able to locate Rios Avila after running his license plate which was captured on a neighborhood security camera. Deputies said when they questioned Rios Avila, he told them that he took the package as a “prank.”Moises Rios Avila (WFTV)Read: ‘It’s gotten worse’: Dozens of dead fish found floating in Orlando lakeRios Avila was arrested and charged with burglary and petit theft and booked into the Polk County Jail.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — One of Central Florida’s signature holiday events returns for 2022. Gaylord Hotels announced ICE! The almost two-month-long event returns to Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee this November. at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee runs from Nov. 18 to Jan. 1. Information on ICE!

Video: Kissimmee remembers 2 police officers killed in the line of duty 5 years ago Thursday marks five years since two Kissimmee police officers died in the line of duty. (James Tutten, WFTV.com/WFTV)Thursday marks five years since two Kissimmee police officers died in the line of duty. WATCH: Kissimmee police walk fallen officer Matthew Baxter’s daughters to first day of schoolOfficer Matthew Baxter and Sgt. The shooter, Everett Miller, was convicted and sentenced to death. WATCH: ‘We finally have justice’: Man convicted of killing 2 Kissimmee police officers sentenced to deathMiller’s sentence is now being appealed.

Video: Goodwill opens a new store in Kissimmee (WFTV)KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Residents looking for thrift finds, a job or a place to donate gently used items, can visit the new Goodwill store in Kissimmee. The store is at the Osceola Village Shopping Center, accepting donations and offering affordable shopping. Read: Goodwill Industries of Central Florida reception honors over 200 employeesSo far, the store has created 65 jobs in the area. “So when Goodwill comes into a community like this, we can provide the services and support they need to transition back into the workforce.”Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 9 Goodwill opens a new store in Kissimmee This is the fifth store that has opened in Central Florida since May 2020. (WFTV/WFTV)This is the fifth Goodwill store in Central Florida that has opened since May 2020 and the second retail store in Kissimmee.

Video: Kissimmee food drive reflects growing demand amid rising prices (WFTV)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Mercy Foundation hosted a food drive Saturday morning to help local families in need. Inflation has raised concerns for some families who need to find their next meal, but organizations are struggling to keep up with demand. Read: Central Florida food banks are seeing more people due to inflationThe event was meant to meet food insecurity needs in Osceola County. Osceola County may force them out“It doesn’t matter where you are, there’s a need in every community,” Aalim said. Aalim said the Mercy Foundation is planning to launch a permanent food pantry, hopefully in September.

Families in the Kissimmee area will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost Saturday morning. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Some Osceola County families will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost on Saturday morning. Farm Share, a nonprofit that aims to help food-insecure residents in Florida, will distribute free, fresh produce and non-perishable canned goods in Kissimmee. If you need to find a food pantry or a food distribution in your community, log on to https://t.co/bn1cdtHVvI for information! #Food pic.twitter.com/GopUVbrGbn — Farm Share, Inc. (@FarmShareFL) August 12, 2022Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

Video: Kissimmee police walk fallen officer Matthew Baxter’s daughters to first day of school Kissimmee police greeted his daughters with flowers and walked them to class. (James Tutten, WFTV.com/WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — Kissimmee police gave three sisters a special send-off on their first day of school. WATCH: Counselor warns parents how current issues may impact children’s mental healthThe girls are the daughters of fallen Kissimmee police officer Matthew Baxter. Photos: Kissimmee police walk fallen officer Matthew Baxter’s daughters to first day of schoolExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Kissimmee police walk fallen officer Matthew Baxter’s daughters to first day of schoolThe five-year mark of his passing is only one week away. WATCH: Local school districts work to adapt to Florida’s new lawsSofia was just a baby when her father was killed.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County is notifying residents of blue-green algae bloom caution for Fish Lake near Kissimmee. Video: WATCH: Momma bear and cubs break into back porch of Orlando homeOn Tuesday the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County issued a heath alert after water tests showed the presence of the harmful toxins. See map of area below:Officials learned of the blooms after water samples showed evidence of the possible contamination Aug 4. Read: ‘Trying to be a good citizen’: Woman fined $500 after taking lost dog to Lake County Animal ShelterBlue-green algae is a common occurrence in freshwater environments throughout Florida and can appear year-round. Read: Mental health problems to plague schools again, counselor saysMore information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications can be found here.

Night of a Million Lights Night of a Million Lights has officially kicked off at Give Kids the World Village. To remain focused on our mission to create life-changing experiences for wish families, we've decided to discontinue hosting Night of a Million Lights at the Village. pic.twitter.com/1NVbOxaDiY — Give Kids The World (@GKTWVillage) August 3, 2022The decision comes as Give Kids the World has resumed operating at full capacity again since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. Night of a Million Lights started in 2020 and became the nonprofit’s largest fundraiser of the year. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 22 Night of a Million Lights Night of a Million Lights has officially kicked off at Give Kids the World Village.

VIDEO: Police, addiction experts call for better access to life-saving Narcan The COVID-19 pandemic made an already deadly opioid crisis even worse. READ: DEA report details concerns over flow of ‘purple’ fentanyl to Central FloridaHowever, some experts say expanding access to the life-saving drug Narcan has made an impact in the fight against addiction. “In a lot of cases, it’s not people that are necessarily addicted to anything or struggling with substance use,” Bettis said. “It’s someone who decided to experiment once.”It’s why Bettis and other experts who study substance abuse are calling for greater availability of Narcan. “There are so many medications where if you misuse it, there can be a lot of harm,” Bettis said.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies are investigating a suspicious incident after a person was found dead in the parking lot of the Red Lobster on West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. Deputies arrived on scene Wednesday and saw a dead person in a vehicle on property. READ: Police identify family of 5 found dead in apparent murder-suicide near OrlandoDetectives are investigating the case as an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. READ: Lake Wales Police canine killed during a shooting in Polk CountyAnyone with information is asked to contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at 407-348-2222. ©2022 Cox Media Group

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A pedestrian died after directly colliding with a Kissimmee train Sunday, troopers said. Troopers said the crash happened around 3:15 a.m. in Osceola County. Read: Skateboarder hit and killed in early morning crash in Orange County, troopers sayAccording to a news release, the victim was lying down with their head on the railroad tracks on East Carroll Street, west of Michigan Avenue, but it is unknown whether they were sleeping. Read: Fireworks spark reports of shooting, panic at The Florida MallFlorida Highway Patrol said the southbound train approached East Carroll Street, ran over the victim and came to a stop on East Donegan Avenue. Read: Osceola County commissioners approve $2.1M for new career, technical academy at Liberty High SchoolThe victim died at the scene and the train conductor and engineer were not injured.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County is notifying residents of blue-green algae bloom caution for Fish Lake near Kissimmee. Read: Would-be record hammerhead shark released out of respect, South Carolina captain saysOn Tuesday the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County issued a heath alert after water tests showed the presence of the harmful toxins. See map of area below:Officials learned of the blooms after water samples showed evidence of the possible contamination July 14. -Avoid getting water in your eyes, nose or mouth-Keep pets and livestock away from the waters where there is a bloom. Cloud business owners say downtown construction is costing them customersMore information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications can be found here.

The execution of a young man in Kissimmee by local police became even less justified this week, as the State's Attorney's Office dropped charges against...

Video: Traveling memorial for fallen law enforcement honors late Osceola County deputy The memorial stopped in Kissimmee as a part of a 22,000-mile ride. (WFTV)KISSIMMEE, Fla. — An Osceola County deputy was one of hundreds of law enforcement officers honored this week on a memorial traveling the country. “Beyond the Call of Duty, Ride to Remember,” honors men and women of law enforcement who have died in the past year. Photos: Traveling memorial for fallen law enforcement honors late Osceola County deputyExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Traveling memorial for fallen law enforcement honors late Osceola County deputyThe event at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office was dedicated to Osceola County Deputy Michael Webb. His family said law enforcement was in his blood.