The Osceola County Board of County Commissioners showcased its commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of life for all residents now and into the future during the 12th annual State of Osceola County event Thursday at Osceola Heritage Park. Under the theme, “Passport to Sustainability,” the County shared details of current and planned initiatives meant to set up Osceola for success for generations to come.
“Sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s the heart of everything we do here in Osceola County,” said Osceola County Commission Chair Cheryl Grieb. “From protecting our natural environment to building infrastructure that serves both our residents and our economy, we are committed to being First to What’s Next.”
As part of the “Passport to Sustainability” theme at the 12th annual State of Osceola County event, the Osceola County Board of Commissioners, via individual video segments shown during the lunch, highlighted local efforts that embody sustainable practices in everyday life. Attendees were treated to jars of raw honey from 3Beez Honey Farm, a veteran-owned, family-operated business run by fourth-generation beekeeper Robert Crisp. Crisp’s family has practiced beekeeping since the 1920s, exemplifying local sustainability and traditional methods being passed down through generations. Similarly, students at Canoe Creek K-8 School are learning about sustainable beekeeping, nurturing environmental awareness from a young age.
The county shared about its commitment to broader sustainable energy efforts. Solar initiatives, such as the Harmony Solar Energy Center powering 15,000 homes, the Duke Energy facility in Kenansville, and Deseret Ranch’s Storey Bend South Solar Plant, reflect Osceola’s leadership in renewable energy. These projects, along with the County’s participation in the Florida Solar for All program, bring solar energy access to low-income communities.
Additionally, sustainable building projects, electric vehicle adoption, and broadband expansion in remote areas were highlighted as vital steps towards a greener future. By implementing conservation-focused programs across departments, Osceola is setting a strong example of sustainability in action.
Osceola County’s sustainability efforts are guided by a strategic plan highlighted by four pillars, each representing a crucial aspect of community development. These pillars include creating a “Great Place to Live,” ensuring “High-Quality Transportation & Infrastructure,” maintaining an “Efficient & High Performing County Government,” and fostering a “Diversified Economy.”
“Together, we can continue to build a future where Osceola County is not just resilient but thriving — a place where our children and their children will enjoy the same natural beauty, community spirit, and economic opportunities we value today,” said Grieb. “We will ensure that Osceola remains a beacon of sustainability and a model for what’s possible when a community comes together with vision and purpose.”
During the event, the county celebrated its Employee of the Year, Eric Blackston, from the county’s IT department. The Chair Awards, presented by last year’s Chair, Commissioner Janer, were presented to Tommy Tomkins, Founder of the Education Founder and Community Champion, and Kristen Lafferty from the Osceola County Opportunity Center. The Center serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as autism and cerebral palsy, from ages 18 to over 70. Many of these individuals age out of school at 22, and the center becomes a lifeline for families — offering day training programs that enable adults to continue growing and achieving independence. The center’s goal is to help each individual reach their highest potential for independence.
Presidenta Grieb Destaca las Formas en que Osceola está Trabajando Hacia un Futuro Sostenible en el Discurso Sobre el Estado del Condado
Condado de Osceola, Florida – La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Osceola mostró su compromiso de mantener y mejorar la calidad de vida de todos los residentes ahora y en el futuro durante el 12º evento anual sobre el estado del condado de Osceola realizado el jueves en el Osceola Heritage Park. Bajo el tema “Pasaporte a la sostenibilidad”, el condado compartió detalles de las iniciativas actuales y planificadas destinadas a preparar a Osceola para el éxito de las generaciones futuras.
“La sostenibilidad no es solo una palabra de moda: es el corazón de todo lo que hacemos aquí en el condado de Osceola”, dijo Cheryl Grieb, presidenta de la Comisión del Condado de Osceola. “Desde la protección de nuestro entorno natural hasta la construcción de infraestructura que sirva tanto a nuestros residentes como a nuestra economía, estamos comprometidos a ser los primeros en lo que viene”.
Los esfuerzos de sostenibilidad del condado de Osceola están guiados por un plan estratégico destacado por cuatro pilares, cada uno de los cuales representa un aspecto crucial del desarrollo comunitario. Estos pilares incluyen la creación de un “gran lugar para vivir”, la garantía de un “transporte e infraestructura de alta calidad”, mantener un “gobierno de condado eficiente y de alto rendimiento” y el fomento de una “economía diversificada”.
“Juntos podemos seguir construyendo un futuro en el que el condado de Osceola no solo sea resiliente sino, también próspero, un lugar donde nuestros hijos y sus hijos disfruten de la misma belleza natural, espíritu comunitario y oportunidades económicas que hoy valoramos”, dijo Grieb. “Nos aseguraremos de que Osceola siga siendo un faro de sostenibilidad y modelo a seguir de lo que es posible cuando una comunidad se une con una visión y un propósito”.
El texto completo del 12.º discurso anual sobre el estado del condado de Osceola se encuentra aquí.
