Despite the reduction, City leaders emphasized that the budget maintains essential services while investing in public safety, infrastructure, and community improvements.

For the 13th straight year, St. Cloud will hold its property tax rate steady at 5.1128 mills. Property taxes account for 37% of the City’s $87.9 million General Fund, which supports critical services including police, fire, parks and recreation, and transportation.

“The approved budget represents a focused effort from all departments to identify efficiencies and reduce costs, while still providing the excellent level of service residents expect,” said City Manager Veronica Miller. “We strive to be more resilient and sustainable each year.”

Public safety remains a central focus. The budget funds several new staff positions, including four police officers, two school resource officers, a public educator/inspector, and additional maintenance and planning staff. Council also discussed the potential for adding more officers dedicated to patrolling city parks.

Major facility projects already underway will continue, including the new Public Safety Complex—home to the 9-1-1 communications and emergency operations centers—and two new fire stations. Seventeen public safety vehicles will be replaced this year, along with the purchase of a new fire engine and rescue vehicle.

To enhance stormwater management, the budget allocates funding for improvements to Tennessee Avenue at 17th Street. Transportation projects include the LaSalle Avenue extension, a new roundabout at Rummell Road, and additional lakefront parking to ease congestion and improve access.

City employees will receive a one percent cost-of-living allowance and a three percent pay adjustment, ensuring workforce stability and recognition of service.

The 2025-26 budget reflects a balanced approach of fiscal responsibility and community investment, maintaining the services St. Cloud residents rely on while positioning the City for sustainable growth.

The post St. Cloud City Council Approves $214.8 Million Budget for 2025-26, Keeps Millage Rate Steady for 13th Year appeared first on Positively Osceola.

By:  J. Daniel Pearson

Much like college football with the transfer portal and professional football with free agency, the school choice initiative enacted a few years ago by the state of Florida has dramatically changed the face of high school sports.

And while there are still rules against school representative recruiting players from other schools, an athlete is still pretty much given carte blanche to transfer if he desires. In his three previous years as head coach at St. Cloud, Mike Short has been on both sides of the equation.

Last year he saw all-county kicker Adrian Gonzalez and lineman Conner Howse transfer to Osceola; while two years ago star receiver Alex Springs transferred in.  “It’s really a weird situation,” Short says.  “If a kid wants to go somewhere for an academic program, I’m in favor of letting him do that.  But to leave your school and your classmates just to play sports at another school still doesn’t feel right to me.  At the end of the day, the rule is the rule and we simply do not have control over who comes and goes.”

Personal feelings aside, Short says transfers may have a big impact on his 2025 team.  St. Cloud graduated 75% of its offense from it’s 5-5 team last year, including Springs, electric running back TJ Griffin and record-setting quarterback Logan King.  The departures left significant holes heading into spring ball last May.

But despite facing a massive rebuild. Short came out of spring football with an optimistic outlook.  That confidence comes in a large part from sophomore quarterback Jeremiah Lattier, who transfers in from Lake Minneola.

In the Bulldogs’ spring jamboree with Viera and Leesburg and threw for four touchdowns and completed 75% of his passes in his first game with St. Cloud.  “He’s big (6-3) and can make all the throws,” Short said of Lattier.  “He already has made some connections with our receivers and seems to have a lot of composure for a young player.  We’re excited about what he can already do and obviously being so young, he obviously has the potential to get better.”

Jude Crockcroft (Osceola) and Jason Wells (Tohopekaliga) are two more transfers that may play key roles.  Crockcroft, a sophomore last season, received limited playing time in Osceola’s stacked defensive line.  But at 6-3, 240, he had an outstanding spring and joins returning DE Dominic Cammarasana (46 tackles, 16 TFL, 5 QS) to give St. Cloud a pair of fast, athletic defensive ends.  Wells is expected to replace some of the production lost with the graduation departure of three-year starter Landon Millman.

Bryce Williams, Stacy Taylor and Jaden Taylor return to give the Bulldogs a solid and experienced secondary.

Offensively, Short says junior Michael Cuyler is ready to shine at running back and shares a lot of the attributes of Griffin; while TE Owen Sullivan can split out and has already established himself as one of Lattier’s favorite targets.  Gunner Freeman and Stacy Taylor each caught 20 or more passes last year and will also factor into the St. Cloud’s offense.

Short says finding one or two players to replace Daniel Elizando, who handled all kicking duties for St. Cloud last year would be a priority.  “We’ve had some pretty good kickers and punters the last couple of seasons and it is such an important part of the game,” Short said.

St. Cloud will once again compete in Class 7A, District 10 with Harmony, Lake Nona and Tohopekaliga.  The Bulldogs went 2-1 in district play last year, finishing second to Lake Nona after a 23-10 loss where they were leading at halftime.  Short says the Lions will probably be pre-season favorites, but any of the four teams will have a chance.

“It should be a really competitive district,” Short noted.  “Lake Nona had a good QB transfer in and will be tough again.  With Don Simon back as head coach at Harmony and Nick Lippert being able to concentrate on just defense, they are going to be a lot better.  Tohopekaliga has Sabby (county record-setting quarterback Sabby Meassick) back and you know they are going to throw the ball all over the place.  The only automatic path to the playoffs is to win your district, so that is obviously one of our goals.”

St. Cloud is 20-11 under Short, including a self-described “disappointing” 5-5 season last year.   “We had high expectations heading into 2024, but we let two or three very winnable games slip away from us,” the veteran coach said.  “Getting off to a good start is going to be paramount for us this season.”

The Bulldogs open with Freedom, Pine Ridge and Poinciana before playing three tough games at Osceola, at Merritt Island before hosting Lake Nona in its district opener.  “We are going to need to take care business early in our schedule because that three-game stretch in the middle is going to be brutal,” Short said.

St. Cloud Bulldogs 2025 Schedule

Head Coach: Michael Short
Class 7A, District 10
2024 Record: 5-5

8/15 at Innovation (Kickoff Classic) 7 p.m.

8/22 at Freedom 7 p.m.

8/29 Pine Ridge 7:30 p.m.

9/5 at Poinciana 7 p.m.

9/12 at Osceola 7 p.m.

9/19 at Merritt Island 7 p.m.

9/26 Lake Nona 7:30 p.m.*

10/3 Gateway 7:30 p.m.

10/17 Tohopekaliga 7:30 p.m.*

10/24 Harmony 7:30 p.m.*

10/31 Lake Minneola 7:30 p.m.

*District Game

The post St. Cloud Bulldogs 2025 Football Preview: Transfers Could Define Bulldogs’ 2025 Season appeared first on Positively Osceola.

This statewide initiative provides free, nutritious meals to children 18 and under at approved locations across Florida. Participating sites can offer up to two meals per day at no cost, giving families one less thing to worry about while school is out.

Meal sites are located in schools, parks, libraries, and churches, and offer breakfasts, lunches, snacks or supper. There are sites available for Osceola County including 31 sites in Kissimmee, 9 sites in St. Cloud, 13 sites in Poinciana.  The meal site locator allows you to type in your city and the map will provide the sites available within 5 miles of your location. Once you find the location of the site on the map, click the location’s name and information will be provided on which times and dates the meals will be available.

According to the Summer BreakSpot website, “At almost all sites, there is no application necessary and any child 18 or younger can simply come during meal times to receive a meal.”

To find a location near you follow the following steps:

• Visit the meal site locator
• Text “FoodFL” to 877-877
• Or Dial 2-1-1 when schools begin releasing.

Summer BreakSpot is making a Positive Difference in Osceola County by ensuring that every child in Florida has healthy food to eat during the summer break. For more information visit SummerBreakSpot.org.

The post Free Summer Meals Available for Osceola County Kids Through BreakSpot Program appeared first on Positively Osceola.

Cloud Cast was launched in the Fall of 2024 as an additional way to provide information to city residents. The program covers topics ranging from special events and activities, to transportation, growth and development, economic development, public safety, and more.

“We are thrilled to be recognized among our peers statewide, especially when Cloud Cast is such a new endeavor for us,” said Communications Director Maryemma Bachelder. “We are finding that the podcast format helps us engage a growing number of listeners and subscribers who otherwise may have been missing some of our messaging. Now they can get city updates while they’re in the car, at the gym, or anywhere they take their phone.”

Cloud Cast is hosted by the Communications team, who chat with guests about topics that matter to city residents.

“Launching the podcast was the brainchild of Jay Bemiller, one of our media services engineers,” Bachelder said. “He came to me with the idea, we talked through how we could make it happen and how it could help us reach a broader audience, and within a few months, thanks to Jay’s technical expertise, we launched our podcast.”

Cloud Cast is available on most of the major music and podcast platforms, and on the city’s YouTube channel.

The post City of St. Cloud’s ‘Cloud Cast’ Earns Statewide Recognition as Florida’s Top Government Podcast appeared first on Positively Osceola.

• Wednesday, May 14, 10 a.m. to 12 noon: Writing Compelling Grant Proposals: This training session aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to write effective and persuasive grant proposals. Attendees will learn how to present their organization or project in the best light, tailoring their narratives to match the interests and requirements of potential funders.
• Wednesday, May 14, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Prospect Research and Identifying Funding Opportunities:
• This workshop is designed to help participants efficiently identify and research potential funding sources. It covers strategies for uncovering and selecting opportunities that align with their mission and projects, thus maximizing their chances of securing funding.
• Wednesday, May 28, 10 a.m. to 12 noon: Developing a Grant Strategy: The focus of this training is on creating a comprehensive grant-seeking strategy that aligns with the organization’s goals and resources. Participants will learn how to manage their grant pipeline, from planning to submission to follow-up, ensuring a sustainable approach to securing funding.
• Wednesday, May 28, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Understanding Grant Budgets and Financial Management: This session aims to demystify the financial aspects of grant management. Attendees will gain insights into developing realistic budgets that meet both their needs and the funder’s expectations, along with skills for managing finances responsibly throughout the grant period.

Although the class is free, pre-registration is appreciated. To register, please visit www.stcloudfl.gov/2322/Grant-Resources and click on the registration link. 

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This cheerful seasonal event promises a vibrant lineup of activities for kids and adults alike, including bounce houses, crafts, games, food trucks, local vendors, a petting zoo, and special visits from the Easter Bunny.

One of the festival’s most anticipated moments is the Egg Hunt, which begins promptly at 11 a.m. for children ages 2 to 12. Families are encouraged to arrive early, as the egg hunts are known to draw big crowds eager to search for springtime surprises.

🎟️ Tickets are just $10 per person in advance or $15 at the door. For early access and faster entry, attendees can purchase tickets online at https://www.webtrac.stcloudfl.gov or by visiting the link directly at: https://bit.ly/3DQFjnk

The Spring Festival is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a day of festive fun, community spirit, and outdoor excitement.

The post Egg Hunts, Easter Bunny, and More at St. Cloud’s Spring Festival April 19 at ‘The Ranch’ appeared first on Positively Osceola.

This pet-friendly event will feature a Pet Resource Fair, offering helpful services and information for pet owners. A special highlight of the day will be the Rainbow Bridge Unveiling at 10:15 AM, where pet owners can commemorate their beloved pets with a heartfelt tribute.

Attendees can also enjoy delicious hot dogs for sale by the St. Cloud Bulldogs Lacrosse Team. The event is designed to celebrate the bond between pet owners and their furry companions.

Don’t forget to bring your pets—just remember, they must be on a leash!

For more details, please contact (407) 957-7243.

Location: Peghorn Park, 2101 Peghorn Way, St. Cloud
Date: Saturday, April 12th
Time: 10 AM – 1 PM

The post Paws-itively Fun: Join St. Cloud for Bark in the Park! appeared first on Positively Osceola.

Local leaders collaborated on expanding roadway networks, enhancing public services, and managing sustainable development to accommodate the area’s rapid growth. The meeting reinforced a shared commitment to improving mobility, supporting economic development, and ensuring long-term infrastructure solutions that will benefit both St. Cloud and Osceola County residents.

“We appreciate Mayor Chris Robertson and the City Council inviting the Board to join in a robust and productive dialogue on how we can jointly continue to improve the lives of our residents,” said Commissioner Viviana Janer, Chairwoman of the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners.  “As the nation’s 8th fastest growing county, we continue to work tirelessly with our public and private partners for the wellbeing of our community.”

Although no formal votes were taken by either board, Osceola County and St. Cloud officials provided directives to staff on key areas of shared interest. These topics may be presented for further discussion and potential action at future public meetings, including:

• New and expanded transportation infrastructure within the JPA;
• Mobility fee usage for infrastructure investments;
• Expanded lakefront protection;
• Potential revisions to future land use maps;
• Extending the City of St. Cloud’s Community Redevelopment District; and
• Creating and expanding active parks within the JPA to maximize recreational use by residents

Established in 2014, the Joint Planning Area (JPA) Interlocal Agreement between Osceola County and the City of St. Cloud defines the boundaries of the JPA, encompassing both St. Cloud’s current city limits and surrounding areas. The agreement outlines guidelines for annexation, allowing for the seamless incorporation of parcels within the JPA into St. Cloud, while also setting development standards to ensure coordinated growth and infrastructure planning across the region.

El Condado de Osceola y la Cuidad de St. Cloud celebran Reunión Conjunta de Colaboración

Fortaleciendo Alianzas y Contruyendo Metas en Comun

La cuidad de St. Cloud y la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Osceola se reunieron hoy para discutir varios proyectos de transportación, desarrollo de infraestructura y futuro crecimiento dentro del Área de Planificación Conjunta (JPA, por sus siglas en ingles) de St. Cloud y sus alrededores.

“Apreciamos que el alcalde Chris Robertson y el Consejo de la Cuidad invitara a la Junta de Comisionados a formar parte de este dialogo robusto y productivo para continuar las mejoras en las vidas de nuestros residentes,” dijo la Comisionada Viviana Janer, presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Osceola. “Al ser el 8vo condado de mayor crecimiento a nivel nacional estamos trabajando incansablemente con nuestros colaboradores públicos y privados para el bienestar de nuestra comunidad.”

Aunque no hubo votaciones por parte de ninguna de las juntas, el equipo de trabajo del Condado como el de la Cuidad recibieron directivas en las áreas de interés común que se pueden presentar en las respectivas juntas para tomar acción en futuras asambleas públicas, que incluyen:

• Expansiones y nuevas infraestructuras de trasportación dentro del Área de Planificación Conjunta;
• El uso de la tarifa de movilidad de las inversiones para infraestructura;
• Expandir la protección del frente del lago;
• Posibles futuras revisiones a los mapas de uso de tierras;
• Extender el Distrito de Redesarrollo de la Comunidad de la Ciudad de St. Cloud;
• Crear y expandir los parques activos dentro del JPA para maximizar el uso recreacional de los residentes

Establecida en el 2014, el Convenio Interlocal del Área de Planificación Conjunta, entre el Condado de Osceola y la Cuidad de St. Cloud estableció la delimitación del área (incluyendo los bordes actuales de la cuidad de St. Cloud y zonas aledañas), instituyo las condiciones para la anexión de las parcelas dentro del área de St. Cloud, estableciendo así las normas del desarrollo dentro del Área de Planificación Conjunta.

The post County Commissioners and St. Cloud City Council Convene to Plan for Future Growth and Infrastructure appeared first on Positively Osceola.

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Following established community protocols for when temperatures are predicted to fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, First United Methodist Church St. Cloud (1000 Ohio Avenue, St. Cloud) will open its doors at 5 p.m. and provide a nighttime refuge, officials said.

Faith-based groups and other non-profits were also reaching out in areas where the homeless are known to congregate to alert them of shelter availability – and to help coordinate logistics.

Those needing transportation to the shelter location can travel at no cost using LYNX buses by alerting drivers that they will be going to the cold weather shelter. Pets are housed at Osceola Animal Services during the operation. Any animals will need to be in a carrier before they board, unless they are service dog.

Osceola’s cold weather shelter collaboration program is coordinated by the Osceola County Office of Emergency Management with participation from the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud, as well as LYNX, the Hope Partnership, the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, the Osceola Council on Aging, the Salvation Army, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and other members of the faith-based/non-profit community. The cold weather protocol activates when overnight temperatures are expected to dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than four consecutive hours.

People can sign up for alerts on their phone by texting ‘coldweather’ to 888777.

Officials urge everyone to follow “the Five Ps for Cold Weather Preparedness:” Protect People, Protect Pets, Protect Pipes, Protect Plants and Practice Fire Safety.

Residents should practice fire safety and use safe heating sources indoors. Space heaters should be kept away from draperies, clothing, beds and any other materials that are flammable and can cause a fire. Do not use fuel-burning devices such as grills; they release carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas.

Pet owners should take proper precaution for pets. Dogs and cats that could be vulnerable to the cold may need to be brought inside or given a warm shelter to stay in. Make sure pipes and plants are protect from freezing.

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