County History
Here in Osceola County, we move to a rhythm that matches yours.
History of Osceola County
Osceola County has a rich and colorful history that spans over a century. It was born in 1887 when Florida decided to carve out a new county from the lands of Orange and Brevard. The new county was named after Osceola, a brave and charismatic Seminole leader. Osceola's legacy lives on in the County that bears his name, as well as in the many places and monuments that honor him.
The County grew and prospered thanks to its strategic location and natural resources. It was a hub for riverboats, railroads, cattle, sugar, and lumber, connecting the interior of Florida with the coast and beyond. It attracted people from all walks of life, who came to seek opportunity, adventure, or refuge. Some of them left their mark on the County's landscape and culture, such as the British immigrants who brought polo to Narcoossee, or the railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, who donated land and money for a schoolhouse in Kenansville, named after his wife Mary Lily Kenan.
Today, Osceola County is home to two main cities, Kissimmee and St. Cloud, as well as several smaller communities that preserve their heritage and charm. It is a diverse and vibrant place, where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of its lakes and parks, the historic charm of its downtowns and museums, and the fun and excitement of its attractions and events. Osceola County is a place where history meets the future, where tradition blends with innovation, and where everyone can find their own story.
Osceola County Name
Osceola County is named after Billy Powell, a mixed-race warrior who fought the Army in the 1830s. He was born in Alabama in 1804 and took the name Osceola, meaning "black drink crier", at a tribal ceremony when he was 16. He died in a fort in South Carolina in 1838. He was not a Chief, but people respected him as a leader.
Osceola County Flag
The County flag was designed by J. Luann Griffin based on the County logo. It shows Seminole leader Osceola in a sunburst, representing the name he was commonly known as, 'The Rising Sun.'
The oval has a band of Seminole handiwork to honor him. The yellow color stands for Osceola County sunshine, nurturing residents and drawing in visitors.
Osceola County Logo and Brand
Osceola County is a community with a reputation for being first to what's next. In 2020, the County started a branding process to create a logo, tagline, and story that capture its spirit. The process involved research, focus groups, surveys, and interviews with residents and key industries. The new brand identity was revealed in 2021 with the tagline "be first to what's next." The logo shows an "O" in a colorful diamond, representing the bright and inclusive future of Osceola County. The County also keeps its Heritage Seal to honor its past.
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Heritage Seal
The Heritage Seal used by Osceola County was designed in 1987 by Barni McIntire, a local artist and long-time resident, as part of the County's centennial celebration. Commissioned by the Osceola County Centennial Committee, the artistic design represented the county's beginning and highlights the County's beautiful weather, economy, and heritage.
The Heritage Seal will continue to be used on official documents and government locations to honor the origin, history, and legacy of Osceola County.
City of Kissimmee History
In the 1800's, what is now known as the City of Kissimmee, was just a small trading post on the northern banks of Lake Tohopekaliga. Before becoming the City of Kissimmee, the town was named Allendale after Civil War Confederate Major; JH Allen who operated a cargo steamboat along the Kissimmee River.
Learn More About Kissimmee's History
City of St. Cloud History
St. Cloud was founded on East Lake Tohopekaliga in 1909 and was an early home to the largest concentration of Union Army veterans in the South, hence its nickname "Soldier City." Incorporated in 1911, the city prospered by luring veterans with inexpensive city lots, nearby farmland, and a "climate with no extremes."
Learn More About St. Cloud's History
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Brand / Logo Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Osceola County develop a new brand?
Just like people or products, communities have reputations based on all the different experiences people have with it over time. Community branding is a process that clarifies and refines a reputation to help a community reach its preferred future. The stronger and more defined our brand and reputation, the more we can positively influence those considering living, working, investing and visiting here, strengthening our community as a whole. Our brand is not simply a logo or a tagline; it represents a set of ideas that establish an expectation of what our community is about to both our residents and those learning about us. Our brand is our unique story.
By re-imagining and refreshing our brand, we've created a forward-looking identity that embraces our breakthrough innovations across agriculture, hospitality, technology and more to position us for a strong future. With our Heritage Seal living on, we maintain the history and heritage of Osceola County.
We're excited for this next chapter in the County's history as it further defines our reputation, positioning and goals and helps tell the story of our past and future.
Is the Heritage Seal being discontinued?
As part of our commitment to honoring and preserving the history and heritage of Osceola County, the branding process does not and will not include plans to discontinue the Heritage Seal.
Instead, the Seal will coexist with the new brand and logo, as the two serve different but complementary purposes. For example, the Heritage Seal will continue to be used on official documents, proclamations, certain government locations and more, honoring the origin, history and legacy of Osceola County.
Simultaneously, the new color palette, tagline, brand narrative and logo were created to support our region's workforce and economic diversification goals, positioning the County as a place with skilled talent, innovation and possibility. This branding will be used across a variety of materials and channels, including the website, social media, apparel, brochures, banners, signage and more.
What did the branding process entail? Who was consulted?
In 2020, we began a year-long process to determine a forward-looking brand identity and message that reflect the current residential and business community, the municipal government and the long-term strategic vision of the County.
The branding process was an immersive, inclusive and carefully executed research-driven initiative. At the onset of the process, we contacted a large number of Osceola County residents, with more than 1,000 residents voluntarily participating throughout the year. These residents provided their insight on the community's reputation, perceptions, attitudes, strengths, weaknesses and opportunities.
The process included one-on-one interviews, virtual and in-person focus groups, in-depth surveys and a community website inviting anyone to seek more information to ensure a variety of perspectives were received and considered.
Additionally, the survey and interview research process were extended outside our County's borders to gain knowledge of perceptions from around the state and within key industries related to our economic future.
These insights were the foundation for informing the development of the brand identity, color palette, logo, tagline and more.
Where can I learn more?
Since the beginning of the branding exploration, we have been committed to a thoughtful, transparent and engaging process to ensure residents had opportunities to provide input and understand the initiative.
We encourage residents to review Osceola.org to read about the new brand identity and our approach for the new logo and the Heritage Seal.
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