By Debbie Daniel
Positively Osceola
Local leaders, municipal officials, community organizations, and constituents came together Monday for the Osceola County legislative delegation meeting, outlining priorities for the upcoming legislative session and emphasizing collaboration as the county continues to grow.
Beth Knight, Chief Operating Officer for Osceola County, opened by highlighting several County requests aimed at strengthening public infrastructure and community services. Among the top priorities are $13.6 million to construct a Turnpike interchange at the Waterland Boulevard overpass; $2.5 million to add a new hearing room and judicial chamber to the county courthouse; and $3 million to secure the judicial parking area with a covered structure and controlled access.
Knight also presented environmental and historic preservation projects, including $3.5 million to remove sediment and invasive vegetation in Boggy Creek; $3 million to make repairs to and stabilize the banks of the C31 canal between East Lake Toho and Lake Toho; and $500,000 to repair the roof of Florida’s oldest continuously used historic courthouse building.
City of Kissimmee representatives echoed appreciation for past funding and outlined continued priorities. “Thank you for your efforts last year in helping us secure what was probably the most successful year in Tallahassee for us, in terms of appropriations,” said Kissimmee City Manager Mike Steigerwald. The city is seeking $750,000 for a public safety headquarters expansion, which would be matched with a $3.9 million allocation from the city’s budget. “We’re looking to triple the size of that facility to keep up with the growth that we’re having within the community and within the department as we add staff to keep up with the growth,” Steigerwald said. The city is also seeking $500,000 to assist with the replacement of the historic Berlinsky community house, as well as $500,000 for stormwater drainage improvements.
The City of St. Cloud, meanwhile, renewed its request for $500,000 toward the Hopkins Park Community Center project, and $116,270 to update public safety alert systems, particularly for lightning detection. “Florida has the largest number of lightning deaths in the United States every year,” Mayor Chris Robertson said, “This funding will help us ensure the safety of tens of thousands of residents and visitors who visit our parks, lakefront, aquatic center, festivals, and events. The City of St. Cloud is appreciative of the time given to us by our representatives at the state level, allowing us to provide information regarding projects that will improve the quality of life for our community and our citizens”
Education leaders in Osceola County highlighted security and expanded programming, including a planned aquatic facility with features for adaptive learners. Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff presented a partial fund request of $1 million toward the planned new aquatic facility adjacent to High School AAA east of St. Cloud, which will open next school year. The facility will meet the needs of students who participate in swimming programs in the district, as well as provide programming for water safety and drowning prevention for the community. The school district also made a partial fund request of $1 million for enhancements to the SDOC Environmental Center, and $750,000 for a 24/7 security operations center.
Rep. Erika Booth spoke to the value of delegation meetings such as this: “I appreciate all of the input that we’ve had from many different community members – from health care to housing to constituents, our school district, our county, transportation issues all the way to mental health,” she said. “We have a lot of work to do, and it’s going to take all of us to stay engaged. This is a good start today.”
According to Rep. Paula Stark, the delegation meetings offer opportunities for people to learn what services are available. “These meetings are valuable because a lot of people don’t really even understand a lot of the services that are provided in the community, and sometimes this is the first time they get to hear about some of the organizations and what they do, and what they need,” she said. “We’re all pushing for the same things in the county, in the community.”
Sen. Kristen Arrington agreed: “It was an honor to serve alongside my colleagues at the Osceola Legislative Delegation,” she said. “Hearing directly from our local governments, organizations, and constituents about the incredible work happening throughout Osceola County is essential to the legislative process. Their advocacy, dedication, and collaboration make our community stronger—and we couldn’t do our jobs without them.”
The next legislative session begins January 13, 2026.
Learn more about the members of the legislative delegation:
Rep. Paula Stark
Rep. Erika Booth https://www.flhouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/custom/details.aspx?MemberId=4914&LegislativeTermId=91
Sen. Kristen Arrington
https://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/s25?pref=full
Rep. Jose Alvarez
https://www.flhouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4916&LegislativeTermId=91
Rep. Leonard Spencer
