Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kissimmee public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in business jobs
Economic Development Partner Agreements
Kissimmee renews contracts with Prospera, the Florida SBDC, the UCF Business Incubator, and the National Entrepreneur Center — about $135,000 total for small-business consulting, training, and incubation.
Gateway Airport Landing Fee Increase
Pilots packed the chamber to oppose a 25% landing fee hike and the Vector camera contract, arguing the airport is losing money on collections and could collect fees through fixed-base operators instead. The commission approved both but promised a workshop before January.
Stalled Hyatt Hotel Project at Gateway Airport
The developer behind the promised Hyatt Studio hotel got a default notice from the city September 11. Its COO promised a full written response — including on financing — by week's end, but Commissioner Ortiz demanded proof of financing and the mayor said the city has extended enough grace.
Downtown revitalization through the CRA incentive program
The two redevelopment districts adopted their FY2026-27 budgets — $9.3 million downtown and $8.6 million on Vine Street — funding police officers, the clean team, the Kmart site, walkability studies, murals and grants.
Azure Hotel and Convention Center Incentive
The downtown hotel and convention center project got its $1.5 million performance-based CRA incentive approved, with demolition of the old Civic Center site expected in December after environmental review.
Kissimmee Gateway Airport control tower funded
The FAA approved a $10 million allocation toward replacing the aging Kissimmee Gateway Airport air traffic control tower — about half the cost — with construction hoped to begin by January.
Kissimmee Gateway Airport expansion agreements
The commission greenlit several airport items: exploring a U.S. Customs facility with Velocity FBO Network, accepting federal grants for a new air traffic control tower, and permits for construction staging and aircraft parts storage.
Downtown noise and food trucks
A downtown business owner says July 4th food trucks at the lakefront drained customers from downtown eateries while CRA taxes paid for the event. The city manager will consider changes for next year's events.
Home-based business licensing and signage rules
A resident questioned why home businesses pay a $35 license plus a $55 annual charge to use their own property. Staff will research the fee and get back to her.
Downtown Restaurant Incentive at 30 Broadway
The Downtown CRA approved a Pioneer Project Incentive agreement with Souza & Martins Savory Bites for its 30 Broadway project, expected to finish this summer.
Indoor field house / sports tourism project
The city hired a consultant to study building an indoor field house — eight basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts — either at Lancaster Ranch or on seven acres near the marina. It could book out nearly every weekend with tournaments, bring hotel revenue, and finally give residents more gym access after 20 years with just one gymnasium.
Business Tax Receipt application delays
An architect told commissioners the city's permitting process has become so expensive and slow that a $16,340 conditional-use application killed a small daycare project downtown, and a $60,000 sprinkler requirement for a 2,000-square-foot building discouraged reuse of vacant commercial space.
Food Truck Regulations vs. Brick-and-Mortar Businesses
The commission couldn't agree on new food truck rules; a proposal to allow trucks at construction sites and parks failed 2-3. A workshop is coming, so the current moratorium and rules stay in place for now.