On Thursday, July 10, The Osceola Chamber welcomed Osceola County’s Florida state legislators for an update on the extended spring 2025 legislative session in a panel discussion moderated by Walt Disney World Senior Government Advisory Manager Leticia Adams. The program also featured a panel discussion covering the economic landscape of Osceola County. The Osceola Chamber truly appreciates everyone who engaged with this event - as a speaker, a sponsor, a VIP guest, or attendee. The Osceola Update allows us to educate our membership on legislative developments from the recently-ended session, convene business leaders and political stakeholders, and nurture your relationships with our elected officials.

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Chamber members and community partners gathered at Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center for the lunchtime program, which was hosted by The Osceola Chamber President/CEO John Newstreet and Chamber Vice Chair/Government Advisory Chair Rebekah Hurd, Director of Government Advocacy with AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division. Before the program began, attendees enjoyed the National Anthem performed by Evangeline Marrero Mosa, a talented 10^thgrader at St. Cloud High School.

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Each year, this event is heavily supported by the Walt Disney World Resort. This year they brought along a video to share with attendees highlighting the magical and diverse offerings of Disney’s local parks and resorts. AdventHealth Kissimmee Chief Operating Officer Craig Moore, representing sponsor AdventHealth, took the podium to share that, in lieu of distributing promotional items to attendees, the hospital donated funds to a Poinciana-area food pantry. They also brought along fresh lettuce grown in the AdventHealth Celebration Freight Farm to share will everyone in attendance.

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A new feature this year, the local economic panel consisted of City of Kissimmee City Manager Mike Steigerwald, Osceola County Manager Don Fisher, City of St. Cloud Deputy City Manager Scott Davidoff, and Osceola County School District Chief of Staff and Human Resources Dr. Michael Allen. They spoke about triumphs and challenges in the County, including the School District’s rising graduation rates and district grade, and the acquisition of state funds to clean up Lake Tohopekaliga. Rebekah Hurd highlighted the Chamber’s role in connecting the business community with local government and the importance of civic engagement.

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The biggest draw of the Osceola Update is always the Osceola Legislative Delegation panel. This year, all of the Osceola delegation was present, so attendees got to hear first-hand from Senator Kristen Arrington (District 25), Representative Jose Alvarez (District 46), Representative Paula Stark (District 47), Representative Leonard Spencer (District 45), and Representative Erika Booth (District 35) on their legislative wins this session. They then engaged in a moderated conversation with Disney’s Adams. The legislators heavily highlighted their committee work, wins for the County including the protection of Tourist Development Tax, and ways constituents can stay connected with them.

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Events like Osceola Update do not happen without the support of our partners and event sponsors. The Osceola Chamber’s 2025 Osceola Update was sponsored by title sponsor Walt Disney World Resort, host Gaylord Palms, AdventHealth, Kissimmee Utility Authority, HCA Florida Healthcare, Austin Commercial, Encore, Orlando Health, Toho Water Authority, Solidarity Partners, Universal Orlando Resort, University of Central Florida, School District of Osceola County, Duke Energy, Osceola County, Sunbridge, and Overstreet Law.

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See the gallery below for more images of the event.