On Friday, July 10, The Osceola Chamber welcomed Osceola County’s Florida state legislators for an update on the spring 2026 legislative session in a panel discussion moderated by Walt Disney World Senior Government Advisory Manager Leticia Adams. The program also included a panel discussion covering the latest updates from, and a look at the economic landscape of, Osceola County featuring local government leaders and moderated by Chamber Board Chair Rebekah Hurd with AdventHealth.
The luncheon event, held at Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, was hosted by The Osceola Chamber President/CEO John Newstreet. At the start, the National Anthem was performed by Kate Walther, a student at the Osceola County School for the Arts. Centerpieces were provided by Market Street Florist. Spencer Pylant, Regional Manager, External Affairs – Central Florida Region, TECO Peoples Gas and Co-Chair of The Osceola Chamber Government Advisory Committee, presented Florida State Representative Erika Booth (District 35) with the Chamber’s Distinguished Public Service Award.
The Osceola Legislative Delegation panel featured Senator Kristen Arrington (District 25),Representative Jose Alvarez (District 46), Representative Paula Stark (District47), Representative Leonard Spencer (District 45), and Representative Erika Booth (District 35), who engaged in a moderated conversation with Disney’s Adams. They highlighted their successes with policy and appropriations during the recent legislative session in Tallahassee.
Senator Arrington identified the Property Tax Amendment ballot item as an issue constituents should educate themselves on, while Representative Spencer agreed that property taxes, along with Artificial Intelligence, was the top issue that should be on businessowners’ radar. Representative Booth commended the Chamber, local government leadership, and other special interest groups for keeping her informed on what’s up locally and identified affordability as a key issue. Representative Jose Alvarez cited his past role as City of Kissimmee Mayor as influential in his assessment of the property tax issue.
The local leadership panel consisted of City of Kissimmee City Manager Mike Steigerwald, Osceola County Manager Don Fisher, City of St. Cloud City Manager Veronica Miller, and Osceola County School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff. Steigerwald and Miller drew attention to exciting new development projects within their cities and Fisher touted new investments in NeoCity, including two economic development agreements with South Korean companies. Dr. Shanoff noted that the Osceola School District has risen to number three in the state in graduate college attendance, thanks to Osceola Prosper and other initiatives, and thanked his board, teachers, and District staff for the county’s highest ever graduation rate in 2026. A comparison between current operations and potential impacts should the property tax amendment pass were also part of the conversation.
The Osceola Chamber’s 2026 Osceola Update was sponsored by Walt Disney World Resort, Austin Commercial, HCA Florida Healthcare, Kissimmee Utility Authority, Orlando Health, Advent Health, Valencia College, Encore, Gaylord Palms, Osceola County, Osceola County School District, Overstreet Law, Sunbridge, TECO People’s Gas, TohoWater Authority, Universal Orlando Resort, Advanced Ultrasound FL, and Market Street Florist.
Check out images from the Legislative Panel below.
Cunningham’s, Inc. – Printing Success in Our Communityfor Over 55 Years
For more than five decades, Cunningham’s, Inc. has been helping businesses, nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and community organizations make a lasting impression through high-quality printing and exceptional customer service. Located in the heart of downtown Kissimmee, Cunningham’s has grown alongside our community while remaining committed to the same values that have guided the company since its founding: quality, reliability, and personal service.
In an increasingly digital world, print remains one of the most effective ways for organizations to communicate their message, build their brand, and connect with customers. Cunningham’s, Inc. provides a wide range of commercial printing services, including business forms, brochures, newsletters, postcards, envelopes, wide-format signage, banners, promotional materials, and custom print solutions tailored to each client’s needs. Whether serving a small local startup or a large established organization, the goal is always the same—delivering professional results with personalized attention.
What sets Cunningham’s apart is its commitment to being more than just a printing company. As a locally owned and operated business, the company takes pride in supporting the organizations and events that strengthen our community. Over the years, Cunningham’s has partnered with countless local businesses, civic groups, schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations, helping them communicate their missions and reach the audiences they serve.
Community involvement has always been a cornerstone of the company’s philosophy. Cunningham’s understands that strong communities are built through collaboration and service. By supporting local events, charitable organizations, and community projects, the company strives to contribute to the continued growth and success of Kissimmee and Osceola County.
One of the greatest advantages of working with a local printer is the ability to build relationships. Customers work directly with experienced professionals who take the time to understand their goals, offer solutions, and ensure every project meets expectations. This hands-on approach has helped the company earn the trust of generations of customers and establish long-standing partnerships throughout Central Florida.
As technology continues to evolve, Cunningham’s remains committed to investing in equipment, processes, and expertise that allow the company to meet changing customer needs while maintaining the quality and service that have defined the business for decades. The company’s longevity isa testament to its ability to adapt while staying true to its core values.
Today, Cunningham’s, Inc. continues to serve as a trusted partner for organizations throughout the region, helping bring ideas to life through print while supporting the community that has supported them for more than 55 years. As local businesses and organizations look toward the future, Cunningham’s remains dedicated to providing the products, service, and partnerships that help our community thrive.
For more information about Cunningham’s, Inc., visit their downtown Kissimmee location at 106 Church Street, call 407-846-2332 or visit www.cunninghamsinc.com, Superior Service since 1970.
The Crave Has Arrived in Kissimmee!
The crave has officially arrived in Kissimmee! White Castle®, home of the Original Slider® and America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, has opened its newest Castle with a celebratory ribbon cutting, fanfare and first-day Craver excitement. This grand opening marks the brand’s third freestanding Central Florida location and continues its rapid growth across the Sunshine State.
Located at 5828 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, the 3,430-square-foot Kissimmee Castle features 52 indoor seats, 40 outdoor seats ,and two drive-through lanes designed to serve Cravers quickly and efficiently. Designed with a sleek, modern-industrial style, the Kissimmee Castle reflects White Castle’s vision of blending innovation with classic hospitality. On opening day, White Castle welcomed hundreds of excited Cravers with Sliders, swag and smiles.
Opening day drew enthusiastic fans – known as Cravers - from across Central Florida and beyond, eager to be among the first to experience the highly anticipated location. VIPs attending the ribbon cutting included White Castle CEO Lisa Ingram, a fourth-generation family member, joined by other family members and company leaders, local elected officials, development and community partners, and invited guests.
“You could say our Kissimmee Castle has been 105 years in the making,” said Ingram. “We’re humbled by the enthusiasm of our fans and honored to be part of this incredible community. At White Castle, our mission is to create memorable moments every day – and today is certainly one of them.”
Chief Marketing Officer Jamie T. Richardson added, “The Kissimmee Castle marks an exciting new milestone in our Florida growth. Each new Castle allows us to carry forward our 105-year family legacy while celebrating the Cravers who make fulfilling the Crave so meaningful. This Castle is a symbol of gratitude – to our team members, our Cravers, and the Kissimmee community.”
The Kissimmee Castle brings 60 new jobs to Osceola County, further demonstrating White Castle’s commitment to investing in the communities in which it conducts business and cultivating talent from within. The restaurant is led by General Manager Veronica Serrano, a longtime Central Florida resident who began her White Castle career in 2021 and has grown through the ranks into this leadership role.
Osceola County leaders and community partners welcomed the investment and its impact on the local economy.
“We’re thrilled to welcome White Castle to District 1,” said Osceola County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry. “Their decision to invest here reflects the strength and potential of our local economy. Our Board is proud to support opportunities that create jobs, attract visitors, and add to the vibrancy of our community as we continue building momentum and being first to what’s next.”
“The Osceola Chamber is proud and excited to welcome White Castle to Kissimmee,” said John Newstreet, President and CEO of The Osceola Chamber. “We’ve already seen incredible excitement from the community, and this iconic brand will create new memories, support our workforce and continue to grow Craver Nation here in Osceola County.”
During the ceremony, White Castle® presented a $5,000 check to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida/Osceola County. “Our partnership with White Castle continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the more than 15,500 youth we serve across Central Florida,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida President & CEO Jamie Merrill. “We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support, which helps us open doors of opportunity and serve up brighter futures for every child who walks through our Club doors.”
The new Castle builds on the success of White Castle’s Orlando and Clermont locations, both of which have become popular destinations for fans throughout the region. Additional growth is already underway, with a groundbreaking ceremony planned for a Daytona Beach site on May 12 and a fifth planned for St. Augustine.
Operating hours at the Kissimmee Castle are 6 a.m. to 2a.m. daily. Guests can dine in, take out, or enjoy drive-through service as they experience White Castle’s famous Sliders and crave-worthy menu items. Known for turning openings into fan celebrations, White Castle once again delivered a memorable first day filled with excitement, nostalgia and, of course, plenty of Sliders.
About White Castle®
White Castle, America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates 336 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades, including Time magazine’s “Most Influential Burger of All Time” (2014, The Original Slider®) and Thrillist’s “Best Plant-Based Fast-Food Burger” (2019, Impossible™ Slider). The company was also named one of Fast Company’s “10 Most Innovative Dining Companies” (2021). For more information on White Castle and how to Follow Your Crave, visit whitecastle.com.
