Happy weekend, St. Cloud! In today’s happening-today edition: Turnpike expansion plans, a $470 million semiconductor expansion, and Michael Blackson stand-up laughs + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around St. Cloud protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Convenient passport help nearby: The Osceola Clerk & Comptroller’s Office in downtown Kissimmee offers on-site passport applications and $12 photos, with appointments 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., an option for St. Cloud residents -- read the full details.
Major roadway expansion ahead: Florida's Turnpike Enterprise presented plans to widen 1.5 miles from U.S. 192 to Partin Settlement Road, expanding from four to eight lanes and adding new entrance and exit ramps -- see the Turnpike plans.
Advanced manufacturing growth ahead: Semiconductor firm ELSPES will invest $470 million in nearby Kissimmee, creating 600 jobs. The expansion is planned for on or about April 1, 2028, boosting Central Florida’s advanced manufacturing -- see the job expansion.
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Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Local lakefront seafood: Crabby's on the Lakefront pairs marina views with easygoing plates like oysters, fish tacos, and peel-and-eat shrimp, so dinner basically comes with a built-in exhale. Slide over after work, watch the boats drift by, and let someone else handle the frying for once.
Cast, camp, chill: At Lake Toho Fish Camp, you can roll in with the RV or grab a cozy cabin, then step right onto West Lake Toho for bass-hunting bliss. Boat ramp, slips, and an on-site bait shop mean less planning, more fishing... and an easy nature reset without leaving St. Cloud.
Dial in your swing: Royal St. Cloud Golf Links has a lighted driving range, three putting greens, and a 120-yard short-game zone with bunkers, plus lessons from PGA pros. Perfect for sneaking in reps after work this week, so your next round feels less “spray and pray” and more “intentional golf.”
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎨 Homeschool Creativity, Games & Community Day @ Hart Memorial Central Library (Kissimmee) | Saturday (6/20) at 1:00 PM – Hide from the Florida sauna and park the crew at Hart Memorial Library’s Lillie Room for a free homeschool meetup with creative projects, educational games, storytelling, and actual conversation with other grown-ups. All ages welcome, parents stick around, and the AC does the heavy lifting.
🐶 Saturday Adoption Event 1-4 pm @ PetSmart (Kissimmee) | Saturday (6/20) at 1:00 PM – Swing by PetSmart in Kissimmee this Saturday, 1 to 4, for a wholesome meet-cute in a fluorescent aisle. Local rescues will be there with adoptable cats and dogs, wagging tails, slow blinks, and zero judgment about your shoe choices, only your heart.
🎱 Sunday We Bingo @ 1881 Restaurant & Bar (Kissimmee) | Sunday (6/21) at 7:00 AM – Sunday nights at 1881 feel like bingo crashed a block party, and you are absolutely invited, for free. Expect strong drinks, solid eats, shameless playlists, and actual prizes, while you shout at numbers, pretend that dab was on purpose, and savor the chaos.
👨 You & Me Dad! @ Green Meadows Petting Farm (Kissimmee) | Sunday (6/21) at 10:00 AM – Give Dad his natural habitat this Father’s Day: fresh air, friendly goats, and kids who finally put their screens down. Green Meadows Farm in Kissimmee is offering one free dad admission with one paid, so the #1 guy gets barnyard VIP treatment, no mower required.
💼 Retiring Now! How We Did It & How We Use Projection Lab! @ Osceola Library System - Buenaventura Lakes (Kissimmee) | Sunday (6/21) at 2:00 PM – If you’ve been side-eyeing your 401(k) and dreaming of Tuesdays without meetings, hear Zack and Mindy share their Barista FIRE playbook, world nomad plans, and how Projection Lab keeps them honest. Two hours, a stretch break, then a short hang to swap notes.
⚽ Orlando City B vs. Philadelphia Union II @ Osceola County Stadium (Kissimmee) | Sunday (6/21) at 7:00 PM – Skip the couch and catch Orlando City B hosting Philadelphia Union II at Osceola County Stadium, where the seats are close, the pace is fast, and the talent is hungry for a call-up. Think MLS grit without MLS prices, a proper Kissimmee night out. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The St. Cloud report Weather forecastToday — High: 94°F — Low: 74°F — Precip: 62%
Showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Mostly sunny. High near 94, with temperatures falling to around 90 in the afternoon. Heat index values as high as 102. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. West northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tomorrow — High: 92°F — Low: 75°F — Precip: 50%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. West northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South southeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. This house is wildThis stylish home balances function and flair with an inviting foyer, a flexible front room, and an open-concept great room and kitchen that keep daily life flowing with ease. A covered lanai adds relaxed outdoor appeal, while the tandem garage brings room for a third car or golf cart. Upstairs, four bedrooms and three baths include a serene owner’s suite with dual walk-in closets.
Take a peek inside → |
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