News-Gazette Photos/Andrew Sullivan

Osceola County Commissioner Brandon Arrington, right, addresses the issues surrounding SunRail as part of a roundtable discussion at Wednesday's Economic Development Summit. District 79 representative Mike Horner, R-Kissimmee, left, emceed the event.

By Jessica Solis
Staff Writer

Osceola County officials said that with a series of public-private partnerships formed over the last year, they’re hoping to bring money to the area and transform the county’s business base.

News-Gazette Photos/Andrew Sullivan

Kissimmee businessman Roger Frechette, owner of the Orlando-Gateway Sport Pilot Training Center, removes a Remos GX airplane from its hangar at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport.

By Juliana A. Torres
Staff Writer
On a clear day, perfect for flying, Roger Frechette wheels out a Remos GX aircraft, pulling it by the propeller on its nose out of the hangar at Kissimmee Gateway Airport. The tiny aircraft, with a wingspan of just more than 30 feet, stands barely taller than its owner and looks dwarfed amid all the empty space around it.

By Jessica Solis
Staff Writer

With the recent approval of a new planned development near Narcoossee Road, Osceola County officials said the process of turning that area into a major economic development source has begun.

Forseca

An art teacher at the Boys and Girls Club in Kissimmee was arrested Wednesday for performing oral sex on a 14-year-old boy from the club, who said he had fallen in love with his 32-year-old camp counselor, according to Kissimmee police.

Melanie Fonseca, 32, of Kissimmee, has been fired from her part-time job at the Kissimmee branch of the Boys and Girls Club, a spokesman from the organization said. The 14-year-old’s mother reported the incident to Kissimmee police Aug. 14.

By Jessica Solis
Staff Writer

At least 134 positions will be cut and a fire station could be shut down, Osceola County manager Michael Freilinger said today after making the rounds at various county departments announcing layoffs to staff.