Hello St. Cloud! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Best BBQ voting, a community babyshower, and a pirate roller skate party + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
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 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Local flavor showdown: Voting is open today through July 12 in Central Florida Lifestyle’s Best BBQ in Central Florida contest, inviting St. Cloud locals to choose their favorite barbecue restaurants, smokehouses, and spots -- cast your vote here.
Prepare your yard now: Kissimmee is offering free curbside pickup for tree trimming before peak hurricane season, up to six cubic yards. Branches under six inches and four feet long only, yard waste only -- get the full details.
Patriotic festivities and charity: Westgate Resorts will mark America’s 250th in 2026 with tailored celebrations at three Central Florida properties, benefiting its Military Weekend and the America250 Giving 4th campaign, plus $2 Liberty Lemonade -- see Westgate’s plans.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf 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 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Quick green escape: Need a quick reset between school drop-offs and grocery runs? Cannery Park is a calm little green space right in town, great for an easy stroll, a quiet sit, or letting the kids wiggle out some energy while you enjoy a few uninterrupted sips of coffee.
Serious plant hookup: Running a landscaping gig or helping your HOA glow up this season? Flora Express grows Florida-ready seasonal annuals and perennials and supplies independent garden centers and landscapers statewide from right here in St. Cloud, backed by 30-plus years of growing know-how... a neighbor powering the plants you love to plant.
Faith-forward closet refresh: Looking to wear your why, not just a logo? The Purpose Room curates Christian apparel and hosts low-key workshops and community events that feel more like a hug than homework, so you can snag uplifting pieces and a little midweek soul fuel without leaving St. Cloud.
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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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Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
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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 Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
👶 Community Babyshower @ Osceola High School (Kissimmee) | Thursday (6/25) at 6:00 PM – Heart of Florida United Way is throwing a community baby shower that is equal parts celebration and sanity check, with free screenings, practical info on pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn care, plus resources, giveaways, and refreshments. Because babies do not come with manuals, you leave smarter.
🚶 10th Annual Walk With Team Kareem to Prevent Drowning @ Denn John Baseball Fields (Kissimmee) | Saturday (6/27) at 8:00 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to move before storms roll in, this is it. The 10th Annual walk-run from Denn John to Bob Makinson Aquatic Center, with water safety tips, a shot at swim lessons, and a prize for the biggest team.
🐶 Saturday Adoption Event 1-4 pm @ PetSmart (Kissimmee) | Saturday (6/27) at 1:00 PM – Swing by PetSmart in Kissimmee this Saturday for a low-key adoption event where the only pitch is big eyes and a wagging tail. Trade errands for couch-approved companionship, less vacuuming than you fear, and more walks than your step counter can handle.
🎆 The APV 10th Annual Fireworks Spectacular @ Vance Harmon Park (Kissimmee) | Saturday (6/27) at 6:00 PM – Ready to let Poinciana’s skies do the talking, without theme-park chaos? APV’s 10th Annual Fireworks Spectacular brings Stella Beat’s danceable hits, stilt walkers, a legit kids zone, and Pyrotecnico’s quarter-millennium fireworks, all free and family friendly, with a shuttle, and lawn chair bragging rights after.
🛼 Pirate Roller Skate Party @ Skate Reflections (Kissimmee) | Sunday (6/28) at 1:30 PM – Skate Reflections is going full pirate, all ages, costumes optional, and hidden treasures up for grabs. Expect a playlist that raids One Piece, Hollywood swashbucklers, and today’s hits, plus entry is $10 and rentals are $4, which is cheaper than mutiny, babysitting, and your chiropractor.
🎤 America Singing @ Kissimmee Christian | Sunday (6/28) at 7:00 PM – Turns out America is turning 250, and instead of cake, Heart for the Arts and Liberty Voices are serving harmonies at Kissimmee Christian Church. Think star-spangled classics, goosebump harmonies, and the kind of singalong pride that pairs nicely with sensible shoes.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The St. Cloud report Weather forecastToday — High: 93°F — Low: 74°F — Precip: 47%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 102. West southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tomorrow — High: 94°F — Low: 74°F — Precip: 30%
A slight chance of rain showers between 8am and 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. This house is wildThis 5.84-acre property pairs a prime Lake Nona location with serious flexibility, minutes from Medical City, Orlando International Airport, and major growth corridors. The existing 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers nearly 2,000 square feet and a full renovation opportunity. With no HOA and room to reimagine, expand, or develop, the possibilities feel wide open.
Take a peek inside → |
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