Osceola County facing backlash for new logo, residents petitioning
It’s a colorful design accompanied by a slogan saying “be first to what’s next."
It’s a colorful design accompanied by a slogan saying “be first to what’s next."
It’s a colorful design accompanied by a slogan saying “be first to what’s next."
Osceola County commissioners are facing backlash after unveiling their new logo at the county state of address last week. It’s a colorful design accompanied by a slogan saying, “be first to what’s next."
“When I saw it, I was like, ‘You took everything from my heritage, our history... away from us,” Osceola County resident Angie Redman said.
Redman and Kimberly Deurinick are two residents in opposition. So much so, they made a shirt with the old logo on it. Word spread and now more than 50 orders for the shirts have been placed.
“The city of St. Cloud just went through their rebranding. Did we all like it? No. But did it at least still have aspects that represent St. Cloud? Yes, so that’s where our problem lies,” Redman said.
Other residents have taken to signing a petition. Some aren’t fans of the design, others argue the public didn’t have enough say.
School board member Jon Arguello said he is planning on hosting a competition for Osceola students to come up with another design. He said he’s invited the Osceola County chairman to be one of the judges.
“The county can choose to do what they believe is right. I’m not a county official. I hope that they enjoy the fun and they take the opportunity to connect with the community,” Arguello said.
Osceola County officials said they did include the public by hosting focus groups and virtual input sessions, as well as sending out a survey.
They said more than 1,000 people participated and sent us a statement saying: “The result was a comprehensive branding and marketing strategy... to promote our community’s strengths and track record of innovation... This branding will co-exist with – not replace – the Heritage Seal to honor our history while building toward a stronger future.”