Latest Blog Posts

The Chamber's Downtown Kissimmee Council held their annual Downtown Update at the Kissimmee Civic Center on the morning of August 23 and our 100+ attendees left full of knowledge about the latest updates that are currently transforming Downtown Kissimmee.

We can't re-create the delicious breakfast catered by Big John's Rockin' BBQ, but please check out some informational highlights from the event below.

Stephen Liberty with Skyview Companies updated the crowd on the development known as "The Beaumont Project." SkyView is based in New York and recently began an expansion to Central Florida. Their response to the Beaumont Project RFP was their first venture here. Stephen noted that Kissimmee is a "true live, work, play neighborhood," and one of the "few true walkable neighborhoods in Central Florida." With that in mind, Skyview put together their vision for the Beaumont site. Here are some highlights:

• The Beaumont Project consists of three phases in five years, with a 2027 completion date.
• The project will add a public park space and six new city blocks to Downtown that will be designed to look like they have always been there.
• The Allen, a luxury apartment complex, is Phase I of the project.  The complex will include one- and two-bedroom apartments as well as some studios, with 16 set aside for workforce housing.
• Groundbreaking for The Allen was held this past April and it will be ready for residents in January or February in 2025.
• Phase II will bring on more residents.
• The Allen is named for "Allendale," the original name of Kissimmee.

Deputy City Manager Desiree Matthews spoke next at the program with an exciting update on affordable housing in Downtown.  Some highlights:

• The City has spent $20 million to address affordable housing in the last two decades.
• In January of 2023, 182 individuals were identified as unhoused within the City.
• The City will continue to work with partners on this issue.
• In June of 2023 the City procured a property conveniently located near services that they will convert to affordable housing apartments by December 2023.
• Funding for the project came from a partnership between the City and many funding sources and contributions from Osceola County.
• The hotel had 80 two-bed, one-bath rooms that will become 40 apartments.
• Housing will cost 30% of income, including utilities, and will have on-site services with a focus on moving people through the continuum of care.
• These apartments are not meant to be a forever home.
• They are currently working with tenants who were living in the hotel and have state funding for the renovation.
• They are looking for partnerships for funding Phase II.

Finally, Rick Lewellyan with Downtown Gather and Grow shared his plans for a Downtown full-service grocery store that would feature as the center of a mixed-used development with the grocery at its heart.

• The grocery store is considered a "Third Place" - "a gathering place where people spend time not at home or at work - a place you want to go."  This makes it a natural place to create opportunity.
• A co-op would be owned by the community.
• This project encourages residents to "buy local."
• There will also be a demo or start-up kitchen where new chefs can get experience without owning their own professional kitchen.

Check out some images from the event in the gallery below.

‍

Unlocking Success Through Exceptional Branding and Website Design: Introducing Hello Website Design and Branding Agency

Greetings, Osceola County Business Community!

In the bustling realm of modern business, a powerful online presence is no longer a luxury—it’s an absolute necessity. Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to a local gem that specializes in transforming businesses into digital powerhouses: Hello Website Design and Branding Agency.

For 7 remarkable years, Hello Website Design has been the driving force behind elevating businesses of all sizes, helping them shine brightly in the digital landscape. Their offerings are as diverse as your unique ambitions, ranging from comprehensive branding strategies to stunning website design, and everything in between.

Comprehensive Services
Branding that Leaves a Mark: Craft a memorable and impactful brand identity that resonates with your target audience, setting you apart from the competition and leaving a lasting impression.
Website Design that Captivates: Transform your online space into a visual masterpiece that not only looks exceptional but also engages and converts visitors into loyal customers.
Unlock the Power of Assets: From workbooks and journals to resource guides, we create assets that add tangible value to your business, fostering customer engagement and loyalty.
Guidance and Coaching: Navigating the dynamic digital landscape can be daunting.  Hello Website Design has seasoned experts who provide coaching that empowers you to make informed decisions, driving your business toward success.
Social Media Management: Elevate your social media game with expert management that ensures your brand’s message reaches the right audience at the right time.

Coming Soon
Courses for Empowerment: Dive into our courses designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the intricacies of digital branding, making you a savvy entrepreneur.

The Difference That Sets Them Apart
At Hello Website Design and Branding Agency, they go beyond the ordinary. Alyssa and her team are not just service providers; they’re dedicated partners on your journey to success. When you work with Hello Website Design, you’re not just getting what you pay for—you’re getting more. Their commitment is to treat your business as if it were their own, investing their expertise and passion into every project.

Starting and growing a business can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Hello Website has been there and knows that having a guiding hand can make all the difference. They’re not just here to execute your vision; they’re here to fuel it, refine it, and watch it flourish.

Your Success is Our Mission
In the heart of Osceola County, Hello Website Design has nurtured partnerships that have redefined businesses. They are here to inspire and empower you to seize the digital world’s infinite potential. Your success fuels their purpose, and they are excited to join you on this exciting journey.

Introducing Jurassic Jungle: Unearth the Mesozoic Era in Kissimmee!
Jurassic Jungle, the acclaimed immersive dinosaur experience brand, is ecstatic to announce its return to Kissimmee with an all-new show, “The Great Dino Rescue.” This limited-time engagement, running from August 18th to August 27th, promises to transport audiences back to the Mesozoic era and offer a unique blend of entertainment, education, and engagement.

Get ready to witness the most extraordinary lineup of lifelike dinosaurs ever assembled in one place while encountering your favorite breathtaking species like Raptors, Spinosaurus, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Brachiosaurus, and more!

Having already left an indelible mark with previous shows, including the much-loved “Jurassic Jungle LIVE,” the brand is no stranger to creating unforgettable memories. With a history rooted in bringing the prehistoric world to life, Jurassic Jungle has consistently set benchmarks in entertainment while fostering community connections.

Give Kids The Dinosaurs: Raptors With Heart Program
Jurassic Jungle is proud to announce its partnership with “Give Kids the World” for the “Raptors With Heart Program.”  As part of this initiative, Jurassic Jungle supports local charities in every city they visit. For their Kissimmee performance, attendees have the opportunity to enter a raffle for an exclusive VIP private meet & greet with one of the raptors after the show. All it takes is a cash donation of $5 or more to “Give Kids The World” at “The Great Dino Rescue.”  The lucky winner will be announced at the end of each show.

Additionally, Jurassic Jungle will host a FREE Dino Day exclusively for the wish families at the Village, offering them a day filled with exciting dinosaur adventures and interactive experiences. This gesture underscores Jurassic Jungle’s commitment to giving back to the community and creating memorable moments for all.

What Our Guests Are Saying:

• Aramis, Kissimmee Florida Show Guest: “Jurassic Jungle is way better than other dinosaur shows… You should totally check out Jurassic Jungle guys!!!!”
• Crissie Kromer: “Great show!!! My son Riot was on the edge of his seat the whole show!!! Everyone was super nice and they involved all the kids! The dinosaurs looked awesome!”
• Leansly V Simmons: “My 2-year-old absolutely loved it! He was so excited every time a different dinosaur came out! Everyone was so nice and very good with all the children!”

About Jurassic Jungle
Jurassic Jungle is an organization dedicated to recreating the wonders of the prehistoric world. With a commitment to quality and authenticity, they offer immersive experiences that transport audiences back to the time of dinosaurs, blending entertainment, education, and engagement seamlessly.

“Jurassic Jungle is more than just a show; it’s a journey. We’re passionate about creating moments that last a lifetime, and our upcoming show in Kissimmee is a testament to that dedication. We’re excited to share this experience with the community and look forward to seeing familiar and new faces,” says Branden Schossler, COO of Jurassic Jungle.  Check out images in the gallery below.

Contact Information:

For collaboration inquiries or more details, reach out to Branden Schossler, COO of Jurassic Jungle at 330-283-7536 or dino@jurassicjungle.org.

For ticketing information, please email jurassicjungleshow@gmail.com.