Amid significant growth among congregations across Central Florida, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a major regional reorganization, including the creation of a new stake and leadership changes across several communities. Most notably for Osceola County, the St. Cloud Florida Stake now has new leadership to guide and support the Church’s growing presence in the area.
St. Cloud Florida Stake Names Warren L. James as New Stake President
The St. Cloud Florida Stake, which includes congregations in Narcoossee, Canoe Creek, Hickory Tree Branch, St. Cloud, Ellsworth, Kissimmee, and Pleasant Hill, has called Warren L. James to serve as its new stake president.
President James brings more than 30 years of public service experience as a retired fire chief in Utah’s Salt Lake Valley. He earned a degree in Public Emergency Services Management from Utah Valley University and previously served as a full-time missionary in Florida from 1988 to 1990. His deep affection for the state eventually led him and his wife, Michelle, to relocate to Osceola County in 2022—fulfilling a longtime personal goal.
“I am humbled with the trust Heavenly Father has placed in me and I’m very excited to serve our members and neighbors in Osceola County,” President James said. He and Sister James are the parents of two adult sons.
Church Forms New Citrus Ridge Florida Stake Amid Regional Growth
The Church also announced the creation of the new Citrus Ridge Florida Stake, formed from portions of the Orlando West, Orlando South, and St. Cloud stakes. This new stake includes congregations in Lake Toho, Buena Ventura, Citrus Ridge, Lake Wilson, Davenport, Four Corners, and Hunters Creek.
Dr. Jonathan Gooch, a pediatric dentist and longtime Florida resident now living in Celebration, has been called to serve as the new stake president. He and his wife, Celeste, have three children. “As disciples of Jesus Christ, we seek to follow Him, serve one another, and share His love with our neighbors and communities,” President Gooch said.
Orlando West Stake Renamed to Winter Garden Florida Stake
As part of the reorganization, the Orlando West Stake has been renamed the Winter Garden Florida Stake to better reflect the communities it serves, which now include Avalon, Bear Bay Branch, Buena Vista, Hamlin, Horizon West, Johns Lake, New Independence, Lake Louisa, and Lake Reams. President Gary Hansen will continue his service in that role.
About Stake Leadership and Church Presence in Florida
These changes were announced during recent Church conferences by Elder Eric D. Bednar, Area Seventy, and Elder I. Raymond Egbo, General Authority Seventy, under the direction of global Church leadership.
Stake presidents serve in a volunteer capacity, often for about nine years, while balancing family, careers, and spiritual responsibilities. In addition to speaking regularly in congregations, they oversee missionary efforts, provide leadership training, and offer individualized support to members of their communities.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established in 1830 and today has over 17 million members worldwide. In Florida, the Church’s presence has grown to include 176,000 members, with more than 25,000 members across 64 congregations in Central Florida alone.
To learn more about the Church’s efforts in the St. Cloud and Osceola County area, visit ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
