Kissimmee, FL

Kissimmee sits on 19.65 square miles of central Florida land and is home to 47,814 residents. Close to the nearby Disney attractions Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Downtown Disney, the city offers a tropical climate and a wealth of activities, drawing visitors and residents alike.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

The city has almost 20,000 residents. Almost 55 percent are houses occupied by renters. The city's median household income is slightly less than that of the state.

The walkability of the city is very good. Most of the amenities are located near the center of the city.

Downtown Kissimmee is the center of both the city's business community and a thriving residential area. Many of the city's big hotels are situated in the downtown district. In an effort to promote reinvestment in downtown, the city's Community Redevelopment Agency completed two major streetscape developments on Main Street and Broadway.

West Kissimmee, the "Disney area," is a split between short term rentals for weekly vacationers and long term rentals for full time residents. West Kissimmee is known for being a safe and quiet neighborhood.

The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes is also well known for its largemouth bass fishing. The city has mainly an urban population.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Kissimmee has a diverse economy and has mostly white-collar workers. The city is centrally located and offers multiple professional opportunities.

Kissimmee was once a prominent location for cattle raising, however, in 1971, Disney World had a major impact on the city's economy and the cattle raising industry diminished. The most common industries are accommodation and food services, arts, entertainment and recreation, construction, health care, and educational services. The city is popular with tourists due to its affordable hotels located near Disney World and other nearby attractions.

The Kissimmee shipyard was once used to transport people and goods for Disston's dredging and land speculation enterprises. However, as steamboats grew unpopular due to the introduction of trains, the shipyard suffered.

Kissimmee has an Amtrak train station, designed to be a stop on the proposed SunRail system. There is also a Greyhound bus station within the city.

SHOPPING

• Lanier's Historic Downtown Marketplace: This unique marketplace is situated in Historic Downtown Kissimmee. Visitors can shop for everything from antique furniture to garden decorations; the marketplace also allows shoppers to view and make purchases online.
• Osceola Flea and Farmers Market: Operating since 1987, this dog-friendly farmers market is open to the public every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It includes an outdoor restaurant, a wine and beer garden, and live music. In celebration of the arts, this outdoor market hosts a monthly "Arts in the Park" event where visitors can view and purchase work from the local artists.
• The Loop: This pedestrian open-air mall offers an array of popular department stores, restaurants, and a movie theater.

BEST BETS

• Key's Welcome Station: This historic industrial building from the 1920s was once used for meetings and political debates. Today the Key's Welcome Station offers visitors a piece of history as well as information on local attractions and events.
• Toho Square: Thanks to revitalization efforts from a Community Development Block Grant, the square is now home to shopping and many Kissimmee events.
• Full Speed Race and Golf: Racing fans can experience the feel and sounds of a NASCAR track. Equipped with the latest audio and visual technology, this racing adventure offers a realistic NASCAR driving experience. Friends can race each other before trying their hands at the facility's black light golf course.
• Kissimmee Air Museum: This facility provides visitors the ability to get a close look at a variety of aircraft. This museum also offers space to hold meetings and events.
• Medieval Life Village: At this fantasy dining experience, patrons can enjoy a four-course meal while watching a show from the 11th century.
• Osceola Center for the Arts: The center offers festivals, Broadway productions, classes, and summer camps.

EVENTS

• Sunshine Regional Chili Cook-Off: This hot cooking competition is held every year at Kissimmee's Lakefront Park, and chili chefs compete for cash prizes.
• Kissimmee Kowtown Festival: Held annually to celebrate the city's birthday and ranching origins, this event offers live entertainment, food, and games.
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Family Day: This annual event celebrates the life and work of King. Activities and entertainment include youth panel discussions, reading circles, music, food, and a walk-through museum.
• Old Town Saturday Night Car Cruise: Located in "Old Town" Kissimmee, this weekly event features 300 hot rods and classic cars. The cruise also offers food and rides for the kids.
• Festival of Rhythm and Blues: This festival offers attendees ethnic food, art, and entertainment.
• Easter Eggstravaganza: Games and an Easter egg hunt are only some of the fun activities offered during this neighborhood festival.
• Caribbean Fusion: Held at Lakefront Park, this festival celebrates Caribbean and Latino culture with food, art, dancing, and musical performances.

EDUCATION

Kissimmee is home to several colleges and technical schools.

• Cima Florida Christian College
• Valencia Community College: Students can earn an associate's degree in a number of fields, including accounting, anthropology, business, finance, education, history, geography, political science, psychology, real estate, and sociology.
• Florida Christian College: At this four-year institution students can receive a bachelor's degree in arts or science. Upon completion of the program, all students will have a fundamental understanding of Bible teachings.
• Heritage University and Seminary: The seminary is a fully licensed and accredited university that offers programs in theology and religion. Students can earn a bachelor's, a master's, or a postdoctoral degree.

LOCAL MEDIA

• WFLF 540 AM (News/Talk)
• WTLN 950 AM (Religious)
• WDYZ 990 AM (Children's)
• WHOO 1080 AM (Sports)
• WQYK 1010 AM (Country)
• WOTS 1220 AM (Spanish)

• WPYO 95.3 FM (Hip Hop)
• WHTQ 96.5 FM (Classic Rock)
• WPCV 97.5 FM (Country)
• WMMO 98.9 FM (Adult Contemporary)
• WSHE 100.3 FM (Gospel Music)
• WJRR 101.1 FM (Alternative)
• WOMX 105.1 FM (Hot AC)
• WXXL 106.7 FM (Top-40)

• WESH, Channel 3-NBC
• WKMG, Channel 7- CBS
• WFTV, Channel 10-ABC
• WOFL, Channel 11- FOX

• Osceola News Gazette covers local news and has a circulation of over 1,000.