The 1,506 square mile area that is Osceola County was created in 1887 and named for the famous Indian leader Asi-yahola, or the Americanized version, Osceola. Also known as Billy Powell, Osceola became a leader of the Seminole tribe in Florida.
The characters of Chief Osceola and Renegade represent the Florida State University Seminoles football team. Before every game Osceola rides out onto the field and plants a flaming spear at the 50-yard line. The use of Osceola and Renegade as a symbol is supported by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Osceola County serves as the south/central boundary of the Central Florida greater metropolitan area. Historically, Osceola County was an agricultural and ranching area; since the opening of Disney World in 1971, the county’s seat and capital city, Kissimmee, has become primarily tourist-driven. The population of Osceola County numbered little more than 4,000 through the 1950s; the arrival of Disney World, and the resulting influx of new residents, increased the population to almost 250,000 today. Osceola is the 17th fastest-growing county in the US.
Kissimmee is a popular Central Florida tourist destination because of its proximity to Disney World, of course, but also because of its sunny weather and spring training baseball for major league clubs.
Osceola Heritage Park on Silver Spur Lane is an events and recreation complex that includes Osceola County Stadium, Silver Spurs Arena, and other facilities. The stadium is the spring training home of the Houston Astros, from late February through early April.
Outdoor recreation opportunities in the county include Shingle Creek Regional Park, which boasts nine distinct Florida ecosystems and an endless array of natural flora and fauna including alligators, black bears, nearly 200 species of birds and the endangered Florida panther.
Lake Tohopekaliga, known locally as “Lake Toho,” it is the largest lake in Osceola County, and is renowned for some of the best bass fishing in the state.
The Osceola County Historical Society Museum in Old Town features a classic car show on the weekends, a number of shops and restaurants and a free Ferris wheel.
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