Ken Jackson
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"Jaxen" | Editor @AroundOsceola & @OsceolaSports | radio host @CSROrlando on @wprk915fm Thurs 4pm on wprk.org) | UCF '98 #GKCO | Philly native #GOBIRDS
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Articles by Ken Jackson
State Attorney, CFO, FDLE leaders discuss charges against Kissimmee mayor Espinosa
Not guilty plea already entered, court dates set Calling the Kissimmee mayor’s actions akin to “insider trading”, state level officials presented the charges – and their rationale for levying them – against Eva Jacqulyn “Jackie” Espinosa, for which she was arrested Wednesday morning. Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers took her into custody, and charged her with grand theft, a second-degree felony, and organized scheme to defraud, and first-degree felony.
Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa arrested by FDLE, Attorney General announces
Charges include grand theft and "Organized Scheme to Defraud" Kissimmee mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Wednesday morning, per a statement from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. According to media reports, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a residential street off Neptune Road, detained and handcuffed her. Jail records show she's been booked into the Osceola County Jail on two felony counts.
Female victim foils rape attempt; suspect with prior charges arrested
Harrison Dolo, DOB 6/1/1957 Police say a woman was able to fight off a rape attempt in the bathroom of a local store, and it resulted in the attacker's arrest on rape and other charges. Harrison John Dolo, 69, was arrested last week and charged with robbery with a weapon, false imprisonment, attempted armed forced sexual battery, possession of a controlled substance and petit theft. He is being held in the Osceola County Jail on no bond pending his arraignment.
State of Education: With added funding, it can be an elusive ‘A’
Superintendent Shanoff defends millage ballot referendum At the Oct. 14 State of Education, School District of Osceola County spoke of the gains that led the district to receive the highest ‘B’ grade possible, and how Amendment 3 can help it reach an ‘A’ this year. (Photo/Taylor McFee) He owned the report card. And then he proposed a way to make the county’s schools a place to earn better grades. At the State of Education event on Oct.
VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS — Here's who's hosting regional games, and where
Osceola (in blue) and Gateway (red) are the top two seeds in the FHSAA Region 5A-2 volleyball tournament and will host first-round matches Wednesday. (Photo/Taylor McFee) Osceola and Gateway are the top two seeds in the FHSAA Region 5A-2 playoff tournament, and will host quarterfinal playoff matches Wednesday, and potentially semifinals on Saturday. Osceola (21-6), looking to return to the state Final 4 at Polk State College Nov.
DISTRICT 6A-5: Gateway takes the fight to big bully Lake Nona; Bulldogs keep playoff hopes alive
Like the rest of his team did Friday, St. Cloud tight end Owen Sullivan ran through the Tohopekaliga defense in a 38-7 Bulldogs' victory that kept their playoff hopes alive. St. Cloud's Matthew Blenman (0) and Stacy Taylor (3) were clearly excited about the victory ... or maybe it was about Coach Mike Short's birthday win?
DISTRICT VOLLEYBALL — Osceola needs 5 sets to dispatch Gateway and win another title
Valiant St. Cloud takes top-seed Freedom to the brink in 6A-7 another five-setter The Osceola Kowboys get the "one for the thumb" — their fifth straight district title — with a five-set win Thursday over local rival Gateway. (Photo/J. Daniel Pearson) St. Cloud's Monica Gallagher (9) and Andrea Carradero (10) go up to block Freedom's Valeria Talavera's hit attempt in Thursday's District 6A-7 championship match.
Cross Prairie Parkway connection underway
Road connecting Tohoqua to new Turnpike interchange could open in summer 2028 The Cross Prairie Parkway Connector Project will connect the road, which currently ends on the east side of Tohoqua, to the new Turnpike interchange over a bridge over the C-31 Canal. Nolte Road is being extended to the west of Old Canoe Creek, where the full diamond interchange is being built.
Kissimmee airport landing fees increasing; Toho square hotel project approved
Kissimmee City Commissioners approved SkyView’s development plan for a five-story hotel tower and four-story condominium building with street-level retail space to be build around the Toho Square parking garage in the downtown area. (Photo/City of Kissimmee) Kissimmee City Commissioners approved SkyView’s development plan for a five-story hotel tower and four-story condominium building with street-level retail space to be build around the Toho Square parking garage in the downtown area.
St. Cloud playoff picture murky with 24-13 loss to Windermere
The St. Cloud Bulldogs played with grit and tenacity Friday in their Homecoming game Friday against Windermere. They also played with momentum in stretches, but they weren’t enough to overcome Windermere (5-2) in a 24-13 loss. To make it worse, Jaden Taylor-Irons, who’s made plays on both sides of the ball all year, went down with a serious lower-body injury and went off on a stretcher in the third quarter. “Your heart just breaks for that kid,” Coach Mike Short said.
KUA crew heads to Panhandle to assist with power restoration following Hurricane Isaias
Like a rite of passage during hurricane season when a major storm strikes U.S. soil, a Kissimmee Utility Authority crew has deployed to DeFuniak Springs in the Panhandle to assist with restoring power in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias.
Film Kissimmee hope it’s ‘Lights, Camera … Osceola!’
Film Kissimmee, an Experience Kissimmee venture, is working to bring film projects—and the high-paying jobs that go with them— to Osceola County. (Photo/Experience Kissimmee) The tourism marketing arm behind the place that’s gotten called the “Vacation Home Capital of the World” is now trying to give Osceola County a little bit of a “Hollywood East” vibe.
Kissimmee’s own Carlos Velez part of Osceola Magic family
Carlos Velez lives in Kissimmee, and has been with the Osceola Magic since the NBA announced it would move its G League team here from Lakeland. The Osceola Magic will kick off their fourth season at the Silver Spurs Arena in just a couple weeks. As Hispanic Heritage Month winds down and the NBA G League season gets ready to ramp up, leading the way behind the scenes is one of the Magic’s own — and one of Kissimmee’s own.
St. Cloud High AD Smart recalls ‘First of Many’ family memories
Self-published memoir about golf ’s enduring impact of showing up Longtime St. Cloud High School Bulldogs football coach and current Athletic Director has penned and self-published “First of Many,” which delves into his place in a family from Williamstown, New Jersey that roots passionately for the Philadelphia sports teams to this day, who competed viciously amongst itself—and along the way experienced memories that are cherished, re-told and remembered to this day among three generations of...
FROM THE EDITOR: National Newspaper Week—our work is a covenant
Celebrating National Newspaper Week with some words from our editor. Celebrating National Newspaper Week with some words from our editor. I’m a newspaper editor. Been one for five years now. Before that, I was a newspaper reporter, and a sports editor. It’s what I do.
Good morning, Isaias -- potential hurricane to threaten northern Gulf by the weekend
The first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic storm season, Isaias, is expected to affect the northern Gulf Coast by the end of the week. (Graphic/NHC) After a longer wait than usual to form, the first hurricane of 2026 is expected to form over the next day or two and threaten the northern Gulf Coast in an area from Grand Isle, Louisiana to Pensacola Friday into the weekend.
Sheriff’s new K9 deputy has a nose for the missing
Valor the 4th bloodhound donated by Senior Resource Alliance Valor, a bloodhound trained to follow the scent of missing persons, is Osceola County Sheriff’s Deputy Luis Paredes-Labrador new partner. (Photo/Osceola County Sheriff’s Office) The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office welcomed a new deputy to the force Tuesday. Meet Valor the bloodhound, the newest member of the K9 team who will assist in finding missing persons, particularly those with dementia and developmental disabilities like autism.
Time to FINALLY do the hurricane season — and watch something in the Gulf
The initial GFS ensemble computer models on Invest 92L, which is percolating in the Bay of Campeche. (Graphic/Tropical Tidbits) What's hurricane season in Florida without keeping an eye on the Gulf of America this time of year?
St. Cloud makes last stand to turn away Gateway; Tohopekaliga win streak ends in Homecoming game
Gateway linebackers Jadriell Cedano and Zedekiah Lester converge on St. Cloud running back Eli Manning, who led all rushers with 82 yards in the Bulldogs' 28-21 win Friday over the Panthers. (Photo/Taylor McFee) St. Cloud linebacker Colton Sklarek blitzed up the middle to sack quarterback Aristotle Span Jr. on the final play of the game to preserve the Bulldogs 28-21 win over previously undefeated Gateway Friday.
'What Comes Next'? In Osceola, that's the Amendment 3 vote
County officials highlight statewide ballot initiative's local impacts at annual State of the County Address Osceola County Commission Chair Brandon Arrington addressed the convened crowd about the potential local effects of Amendment 3 on the Nov. 3 ballot at Wednesday's State of the County event. (Photo/Ken Jackson) Commissioner Cheryl Grieb received a standing ovation as she took to the podium Wednesday to accept the Commission's annual Person of the Year Award.
Singing, dancing and eating their way through Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month has been a true celebration in Kissimmee. (Photos/Ken Jackson) Hispanic Heritage Month has been a true celebration in Kissimmee. (Photos/Ken Jackson) Hispanic Heritage Month has been a true celebration in Kissimmee. (Photos/Ken Jackson) Hispanic Heritage Month has been a true celebration in Kissimmee. (Photos/Ken Jackson) Hispanic Heritage Month has been a true celebration in Kissimmee. (Photos/Ken Jackson) Hispanic Heritage Month has been a true celebration in Kissimmee.
New County, city, School District budgets in place
Spending laid out with eye on Amendment 3 vote Osceola County has approved a balanced $3.11 billion budget with a stable millage rate for the 2026-27 Fiscal Year, which begins Thursday. (Photo/Osceola County) As most local municipal and government boards begin their 2026-27 fiscal years today, they approved new budgets in September.
Singing, dancing and eating their way through Hispanic Heritage Month
¡Celebración de la Herencia Hispana! Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15, is in full swing, with annual local events that showcase the cultures, flavors, voices and arts of the places our Osceola Hispanic community. If you weren’t at the Osceola County party on Sept. 17, or the Kissimmee city event on Sept. 22, you missed a good time—and a better meal. And, timed well during the month-long celebration, the city of Kissimmee unveiled a new sign on Sept.
Kissimmee leaders to hear aiport landing fees, hotel update Tuesday
City leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony on July 8, 2025 for a 122-room Hyatt Studio Hotel on this plot of land across Martin Luther King Boulevard from the Kissimmee Gateway Airport administration building. Despite developer KPDM officials saying it could deliver the project by sometime in 2027, no work has occurred since then, or as of Wednesday, Sept. 30, when this photo was taken.
Former Kissimmee youth mentor sentenced after conviction on sex abuse charges
A Kissimmee man police said spent a year sexually abused a 15-year-old male victim was sentenced Wednesday to 45 years in prison following his August conviction on several sex crimes. Scott Arthur Shaw, 64, was found guilty by a jury on Aug. 8 on eight counts in crimes police say occurred between June 2022 and June 2023 on the then 15-year-old, explained rather graphically in a seven-page Sheriff's Office arrest affidavit.
FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK — They've met 40 times, but this St. Cloud at Gateway has A LOT riding on it
While the second-longest football rivalry in Osceola County has tilted heavily toward St. Cloud in recent years, Gateway gets a prime chance to turn the tide Friday in likely the highest-stakes game in the Bulldogs-Panthers 40-year series. While the second-longest football rivalry in Osceola County has tilted heavily toward St. Cloud in recent years, Gateway gets a prime chance to turn the tide Friday in likely the highest-stakes game in the Bulldogs-Panthers 40-year series.
St. Cloud, Osceola drop district games
Poinciana gets by Winter Haven to go to 2-0 in 6A-9 St. Cloud's Stacy Taylor-Irons closes in on Lake Nona quarterback Elijah Nickerson in Friday's 43-8 Lions win. (Photo/Taylor McFee) St. Cloud linebacker Colton Sklarek did get to Nickerson on this play, forcing an incompletion. (Photo/Taylor McFee) St. Cloud’s road to defending its District 6A-5 title took a tough hit Friday. The Bulldogs found themselves in a hole early they couldn’t climb out of, falling 43-8 at Lake Nona.
Sippio sisters power Osceola's 'drive for five' OBC volleyball titles
Kowboys come from No. 3 seed to topple host Gateway for another championship The Osceola Kowboys completed their fifth Orange Belt Conference volleyball championship — meaning Brooklyn Sippio (with trophy) completed a four-year career of consecutive wins — with a four-set victory over Gateway Thursday. (Photo/Taylor McFee) Osceola's Leah Nieves hits through a front line of Gateway's Gabriella Herrera (1) and Cristabella Santiago (3) in Thursday's win.
Bill Hansen Plaza: Dedicated to the man who gave local Hispanics their first voice
Hansen, the former owner of the Osceola Star Hispanic newspaper, had a larger-than-life presence and a powerful voice for the local Hispanic business community that grew by leaps and bounds in his nearly five decades living in the area. He was a board member and small business trustee for The Osceola Chamber and Valencia College that saw the creation of the Hispanic Business Council, Viva Osceola and Three Kings Day celebrations.
‘Claim Your Cash’ from the state of Florida
Might there be some cash that’s yours, that never got to you? The state of Florida is holding it … and they want to give it to you. The state has launched, and formally introduced last week, Claim Your Cash Florida, a holding for unclaimed property that was formally called Florida Treasure Chest.
New Osceola Magic Coach Ronnie Burrell aims to help players find their NBA roles
This season the Osceola Magic will be coached by someone much like its current players – a guy looking for an NBA opportunity. Ronnie Burrell, 43, replaces Dylan Murphy, who coached Osceola to three straight NBA G League Eastern Conference finals and a G League championship series appearance in 2025. Murphy, who compiled a 93-57 record (a 62% win clip) joined Coach Mike Boynton’s staff at the University of Michigan.
Details in St. Cloud arrest of man suspected of sexual battery of a minor
Ivan Oscar Martinez-Garcia, 56, was arrested Monday and charged with felony counts of capital sexual battery on a victim under 12 by a person 18 years of age or older in a familial or custodial position, lewd or lascivious molestation of a victim less than 12 years of age by an offender 18 years of age or older and showing harmful material to a minor. (Mugshot/Osceola County Jail) St. Cloud Police have arrested a man following an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.
Defense, Thigpen come up big again for 4-0 Gateway
Panthers defeat Poinciana, 17-7 Gateway running back Nydrell Thigpen ran for 200 yards and a touchdown for the second straight week in a 17-7 win over Poinciana Friday. (Photo/Ken Jackson) Poinciana quarterback Lucas Minenok threw for 107 yards and a score Friday as he worked to keep the Eagles in the game. (Photo/Ken Jackson) Gateway’s taking its 2026 football cues from DJ Khaled: All they do is win, win, win, no matter what.
First 2026-27 OBC title on the line at OBC volleyball tournament
10-team event begins Monday Osceola and Nova Lakes, who met in an Aug. 27 match, will play Monday in their openers of the Orange Belt Conference tournament at OHS. (Photo/Taylor McFee) The first Orange Belt Conference tournament of the nine-school OBC era starts Monday with the volleyball tournament. Osceola County Schools Athletic Director Ryan Adams added Four Corners Charter to make it a 10-team tournament with two brackets.
Taking tourism to the Hall of Fame — Experience Kissimmee CEO D.T. Minich enshrined in Visit Florida’s Hall
Experience Kissimmee CEO D.T. Minich (center) was recognized at last week’s Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism in West Palm Beach. (Photo/Experience Kissimmee) It’s only right that the head of the marketing arm for Osceola County’s tourism industry, the economic driver for the area, is renowned for his vision, creativity and leadership. Experience Kissimmee’s CEO, D.T. Minich, is now a Hall of Famer.
Major League Fishing pros descend on Kissimmee
The top pros of Major League Fishing (MLF) will kickoff the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Friday with its Pro Circuit Championship on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. It’s the first eight stops on the circuit that will see the anglers fish as far west as Oklahoma and as far north as New York. The event runs Friday through Sunday, with a total purse of $453,000, a top prize of up to $135,000, qualification for REDCREST 2027 and the 2026 Pro Circuit Championship trophy up for grabs.
Commission on Ethics recommends fine, sanctions for Kissimmee Mayor Espinosa
Board will meet in Tallahassee on Oct. 23 to approve the recommendations The Mayor said she’s agreed to accept the Commission’s stipulation and "respects the Commission’s role and appreciate the manner in which this matter has been handled." Released Wednesday, the Florida Commission on Ethics has suggested a civil fine of $2,000 and public censure and reprimand. The Florida Commission on Ethics will meet on Oct.
One last Gala for Dirk Webb
St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce CEO retiring Sept. 30 St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce President Dirk Webb retires at the end of the month but leaves a solid foundation for incoming Executive Director Dana Wells. She’ll get to work with (from left) Director of Operations Heather Kitner, Events Manager Rebekah Hogue and Administrative Assistant Sharayah Austin. (Photo/Ken Jackson) There’s no bad time to move to Florida, unless it’s during a hurricane warning.
Judge rules triple murder suspect Bojeh competent to stand trial
Ahmad Bojeh, the man police say shot three vacationing men to death in January, and who doctors say has a mental condition treated by medication, appeared in Osceola court Thursday for his competency hearing. (Photo/Ken Jackson) The man police say shot three Midwestern tourists to death outside a home off Poinciana Boulevard in January is competent to stand trial.
Gateway grinds yards, moves chains, stops Harmony, 34-7
Nydrell Thigpen's 207 rushing yards leads the way Nydrell Thigpen carried 33 times for 207 yards, including a six-yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter that broke open a one-score game, as Gateway downed Harmony, 34-7 Friday at The Ranch. It was District 6A-5 win for the Panthers (3-0) in their first time in district play since 2021, and their first 3-0 start since … “It’s been a long time, I know we’ve done it,” GHS Coach Marlin Roberts said.
25 years later, honoring 9/11 memories from his hometown
Kissimmee Police Chief Chuck Broadway was a New York cop on a day that changed him Kissimmee Police Chief Chuck Broadway, a New York Police Department detective on Sept. 11, 2001, with reminders of 9/11: a photo of the World Trade Center “Twin Towers” and a 25th anniversary plate. (Photo/Ken Jackson) Kissimmee Police Chief looks through photos of his time working at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in Manhattan.
Triple murder suspect Bojeh's competency hearing Thursday to remain open
At a Wednesday hearing on the matter, Judge Wayne Wooten ruled that competency hearings, like the one scheduled for Ahmad Bojeh on Thursday at 10 a.m., are historically open proceedings, and that Thursday's hearing will remain open. The mental competency hearing for a man police say shot three Midwestern tourists in town for the Mecum auto auction back in January will remain open to the public, after his defense team filed a motion to have it closed to media.
Dana Wells tapped to lead St. Cloud Chamber
As the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce prepares for its next chapter—entering its 100th anniversary year—it does so at the top of a new page. With Dirk Webb, its CEO/ President, retiring later this month, longtime local businesswoman Dana Wells has been named the organization’s new interim Executive Director. You know Wells as the operator of Levee Liquors and Gas and Sunshine Coaching Group as a certified professional experience coach.
Bojeh defense files motion to close competency hearing to public
Hearing to rule on motion to be held Wednesday Ahmad Bojeh's defense team has filed a motion to close his competency hearing Thursday to the press and public. Ahmad Bojeh, the man police accused of shooting three Midwest tourists in town to attend a car auction, is scheduled for a competency hearing Thursday at 10 a.m. However, his defense team has filed a motion to close the hearing to the press and public.
THE SPORTS COLUMN — Seeking justice for Western Michigan in terrible look for Big 10
Looking for justice in the ending of Saturday's Michigan-Western Michigan game. (Graphic created by AI) I suffer from a condition called “Justice sensitivity dysphoria” – basically I have a hard time letting unjust things go. Such as, the ending to the Michigan-Western Michigan football game Saturday night.
Osceola rides big defensive plays in 17-9 win at Lake Mary
Osceola defensive linemen Jason Lewis (top) and Dory Thimote (bottom) wrap up Lake Mary quarterback Remy Jarman for one of the Kowboys' five sacks in OHS' 17-9 win over the Rams Friday. (Photo/Taylor McFee) Osceola's Amir Davis snares a second-quarter interception, part of a dominant defensive effort that included four turnovers and five sacks.
Osceola leaders share expected Amendment 3 effects
County: Measure to increase exemption, lower property taxes would have $79M impact over two years Osceola County Commissioners and administrators shared preliminary plans, and thoughts on them, to streamline future budgets ahead of the vote on Amendment 3, which would implement higher homestead exemptions that would lower property tax collections should it pass with 60% of the statewide vote in November.
Florida Ethics Commission: ‘Probable cause’ of wrongdoing against Kissimmee Mayor Espinosa
Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa sits among family and supporters at the Aug. 18 City Commission meeting, where two of four City Commissioners voted to advance impeachment hearings when three votes were needed. The Florida Commission on Ethics announced Wednesday a finding of probable cause of wrongdoing.
Kissimmee Mayor Espinosa takes to social media to comment on Commission on Ethics' probable cause findings
Acknowledging that she would have to repeat the same answers to all the media requests she received, the Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa took to Facebook live to address the questions and what she’ll do moving forward now that the Florida Commission on Ethics has found probable cause in its case.
Osceola County, St. Cloud among Central Florida agencies to pause use of license plate reader cameras
Osceola County Chris Blackmon said Tuesday more than 100 cameras will be turned off. Community mapping data identified 21 ALPRs in Kissimmee limits and 36 in St. Cloud, mostly along the U.S. Highway 192 and John Young Parkway corridors.
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