Positively Osceola News Today, Osceola County's Leading and Trusted Source For Local News

MONDAY, JANUARY 1 2024

New Year’s Spectacular: Rockin’ The Cloud 2024 in St. Cloud Osceola County Commissioner Brandon Arrington to Host Three Kings Day Toy Giveaway on Saturday, January 6th Powerball Jackpot Rolls into New Year at $810 Million, 5th largest Powerball jackpot and 10th largest U.S. lottery jackpot New Expansion of Florida’s ‘Move Over’ Law Effective January 1: Here are Key Changes to Know Osceola County Will Say Goodbye to 2023 and Welcome 2024 with Blue Skies and Some Cool Air! For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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Minutes from Home.

A Lifetime of Healing.

You’re not just our patient. You’re our neighbor. For more than 50 years, Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital has been honored to provide exceptional care for the Osceola County community we proudly call home. And because it’s your home, too, you deserve trusted healthcare within reach, so we can foster a partnership focused on health and wellness — together. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/StCloud

choose well.

IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE with Osceola School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff as featured speaker at St. Main Steet’s Breakfast with the Pros!

LIVE at the Festival of Lights Parade in Kissimmee

LIVE for a very special announcement from a very special organization that you are about to hear a lot from in education in and around Osceola County

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IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE at the St. Cloud Holiday Festival with Mary Cox of the Rotary Club of Kissimmee Bay

LIVE at the St. Cloud Christmas Parade

LIVE for the tree lighting in Downtown St. Cloud, kicking off the holiday season!

LIVE as the DKC presents its Beautification Award to the 1881 Restaurant & Bar in Historic Downtown Kissimmee

LIVE for the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Celebration Town Center!

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ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS LIVE with City of St. Cloud Flood Plain Manager Leigh Anne Tomaino December 11th, 2023

LIVE is featuring real estate brokerage icon and community leader Linda Goodwin- Nichols December 5th, 2023

LIVE with Ray Parsons, owner of 1881 Restaurant & Bar in downtown Kissimmee November 29th, 2023

LIVE with Keith Ronan and Charlie Draper of Draper Law Office November 22nd, 2023

LIVE with St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dirk Webb November 21st, 2023

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VIDEOS ON DEMAND City of St. Cloud’s Annual Tree Swap Instead of throwing your old Christmas tree to the curb after the holidays, swap it out for a beautiful new tree to plant at home on Saturday, January 13th from 9am to 1pm at the St. Cloud Civic Center during the City of St. Cloud’s Annual Tree Swap.

Positively Osceola, Making a Positive Difference in and Around Osceola County!

Stay informed and inspired with Positively Osceola, your 24/7 go-to news in and around Osceola County! Positively Osceola shares the latest updates on local events, community achievements, and inspiring stories. From heartwarming features to breaking news, PO has you covered. Experience the power of positivity with Positively Osceola!

Buckle Up for Action: Demolition Derby to return to the 80th Osceola County Fair in February!

Get ready for heart-pounding excitement at the Osceola County Fair, coming back from February 9-18, 2024! Mark your calendars for February 11, when the adrenaline-fueled Demolition Derby returns - it’s a crowd favorite you won’t want to miss!

Talent Tuesday at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital Every Tuesday is Talent Tuesday at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital from 1-3pm.

Don Schmidt Roofing Don Schmidt Roofing takes pride in every project by using only the finest materials and craftmanship.

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NEWS

Honoring the Dream: Kissimmee’s Martin Luther King Jr Unity Celebration, Saturday January 13

On Saturday, January 13th, the City of Kissimmee and the community will come together to pay homage to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a Unity Celebration at the scenic Kissimmee Lakefront Park, from noon to 4 pm. This vibrant event, hosted by the City of Kissimmee, and sponsored by Kissimmee Utility Authority and Toho Water Authority, invites the community to embrace diversity and unity through a shared appreciation of culture, music, and engagement.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an iconic civil rights leader, championed the values of equality, love, and justice, inspiring countless individuals worldwide. His peaceful approach to combating racial segregation changed the course of history and led to the creation of Martin Luther King Day, a federal holiday observed on the third Monday in January, close to his birthday on January 15th.

At the Unity Celebration on January 13th, experience the soul-stirring music of the House of Blues Gospel Band and indulge in an array of culinary treats from a selection of food trucks. Explore unique crafts with local vendors, immerse in inspiring art, and seize the opportunity to capture your aspirations at the MyDream photo booth. Children can revel in fun and learning at the KUA Kids Power Zone.

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NEWS Osceola County Commissioner Brandon Arrington to Host Three Kings Day Toy Giveaway on Saturday, January 6th Osceola County Commissioner for District 3, Brandon Arrington will host The Three Kings Day Toy Giveaway on Saturday, January 6th, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m at Valencia College’s Poinciana campus on Pleasant Hill Road.

Attendees can look forward to an afternoon filled with joy and celebration including Live Music, Pony Rides, Incredible Giveaways, and Free Toys for the Kids.

It’s important to note that children must be present to receive gifts, ensuring that the joy of giving is experienced firsthand.

This event not only celebrates the Three Kings Day but also gives an opportunity for families to come together, enjoy festive activities, and create lasting memories.

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Powerball Jackpot Rolls into New Year at $810 Million, 5th largest Powerball jackpot and 10th largest U.S. lottery jackpot The Powerball jackpot has rolled into the New Year! The jackpot evaded players Saturday night and has grown to an estimated $810 million for the next Powerball drawing on New Year’s Day. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $408.9 million.

The winning numbers in the Saturday, Dec. 30 drawing were white balls 10, 11, 26, 27, 34 and red Powerball 7. The Power Play multiplier was 4X. The estimated jackpot for the Jan. 1 drawing ranks as the fifth-largest Powerball jackpot and tenth-largest U.S. lottery jackpot.

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NEWS New Expansion of Florida’s ‘Move Over’ Law Effective January 1: Here are Key Changes to Know There are some new laws about to take effect with the start of the new year, and among them is one that safety and law enforcement officials hope will make driving on Florida roadways safer, for everyone. As of January 1, 2024, the statewide ‘Move Over’ law in Florida will include all emergency, service professionals, utility workers and disabled motorists that work or are parked along Florida’s roadways.

While most drivers understand to pull over for emergency vehicles approaching from behind, state law also requires vehicles to move over a lane for certain emergency and service vehicles stopped on the side of the road, or slow down if they cannot safely move over. In 2022, 170 crashes and 14,130 citations were issued in Florida for motorists failing to move over. Those who were issued citations were primarily between 20 and 50.

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Osceola County Will Say Goodbye to 2023 and Welcome 2024 with Blue Skies and Some Cool Air! Happy New Year’s Eve Osceola! After starting off in the 40s, the sun will warm Osceola to a high of 65, a bit warmer than Saturday. As we count down to midnight, expect the thermometer to hover to the low 50s – perfect for enjoying the festivities in your favorite sweater and jacket. On the first day of the New Year, we’ll bask in sunshine with highs around 66 degrees. The upcoming week brings a gradual warming trend and increasing chances of rain.

Tonight Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 45. West northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

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February 3 , 2024 8:30 am – 11:00 am Lakefront Park

1104 Lakeshore Blvd.

Saint Cloud, FL US 34769 3RD ANNUAL

Entry Fees

PRIZES

$30: Adult 18 and up Fee includes: T-shirt $30: Virtual option Finisher Medal $28 8: Child 4-17 AGES

16 + (male/female) 1st place (Amazon $100) 2nd place (Amazon $50) 3rd place (Amazon $25)

AGES

4-16 (male/female)

1st place (Amazon $100) 2nd place (Amazon $50) 3rd place (Amazon $25)

Race Registration: 7:45 AM Opening Ceremonies: 8:10 AM Race Start: 8:30 AM Runners, Walkers, Strollers and WALKUP REGISTRATIONS WELCOME

GRAHAM J. COWAN

• F O U N DAT I O N • Founded 2019

Register AND LEARN MORE ABOUT the race LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FOUNDATION and sponsorship opportunities

NEWS KUA to host free Movie in the Park featuring ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem’ Friday January 5 at Kissimmee’s Lakefront Park Kissimmee Utility Authority, in partnership with the City of Kissimmee, will continue its 2023-2024 Movie in the Park series on Friday, Jan 5, 2024, at Kissimmee Lakefront Park.

The hugely popular ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem” movie will be shown on a giant 50-foot screen. Activities begin at 5:30 p.m. including free admission, free popcorn, free inflatables, free crafts, a free photo booth, and prize giveaways. The movie will begin at 7 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket and be prepared to have a positively awesome time at KUA’s free community event!

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3NFadka

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NEWS Get Ready to Rock: ‘Burn the Jukebox’ Band to Take the Stage at 2024 Osceola County Fair in February!

Get ready to rock, as the sensational young band, ‘Burn the Jukebox,’ is set to take the stage at the 2024 Osceola County Fair this February. Comprising four immensely talented teenagers with an unwavering passion for music, Burn the Jukebox promises to deliver an electrifying performance that will leave the audience begging for more.

This powerhouse ensemble, with members aged 15 to 16, has dedicated countless hours to perfecting their craft and mastering a wide range of musical hits spanning the last five decades. From classic tunes to modern anthems, Burn the Jukebox knows how to captivate a crowd, get them moving, and keep them on their feet all night long.

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NEWS

Braving the Cold: Manatees’ Winter Journey in Florida Waters As the chill of winter descends upon Florida, manatees in and around Brevard County face a critical challenge. In these colder months, particularly as 2023 gives way to 2024 with predicted lows in the low 40s, these gentle giants seek refuge in warmer waters to survive.

Manatees, often called sea cows, are particularly susceptible to cold stress due to their low metabolic rate and lack of insulating fat. In response to the dropping temperatures, they migrate to warmer habitats, often congregating in natural springs or near power plant outflows where the water remains a constant, warmer temperature.

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Tree-cycle This Holiday Season: Participate in the ‘Don’t Curb It, Swap It’ Annual Tree Swap Join the City of St. Cloud for their inspiring annual Don’t Curb It, Swap It event. This unique tree swap initiative offers a sustainable solution for your post-holiday needs. Instead of leaving your old Christmas tree on the curb, the city invites you to swap it for a new one. It’s more than just an exchange; it’s an opportunity to contribute positively to the environment.

Each participant will receive a new tree, ready to be planted at home, continuing the cycle of life and growth.

Remember to bring your old tree free of all decorations to swap.

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NEWS Draper Law Highlights the Importance of Sober and Undistracted Driving During the Holidays in and Around Osceola County The holiday season, particularly around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, is a time for joy and celebration.

However, it also marks a significant increase in road traffic and, unfortunately, a rise in drivingrelated incidents in and around Osceola County. This period typically sees a large spike in accidents due to impaired, drunk, or distracted driving, making it crucial to emphasize the importance of driving sober and undistracted.

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NEWS

Experience Kissimmee Fuels Silver Spurs Quadrille Team’s Journey to Rose Parade in January with $50,000 Sponsorship

The Silver Spurs Riding Club’s Quadrille has been invited to ride in the 135th Rose Parade taking place on January 1, 2024, in Pasadena, California! The Pasadena Tournament of Roses selected the Silver Spurs Riding Club Quadrille as one of 18 Equestrian teams throughout the country to ride in the epic annual parade. Experience Kissimmee, the official tourism authority for Osceola County, has announced that it will provide a $50,000 sponsorship to help offset the Quadrille team’s travel expenses.

As part of the sponsorship, the team will display the Experience Kissimmee flag carried by one of its riders, while the entire squad will sport the Experience Kissimmee logo on their shirtsleeves throughout the nationally televised parade.

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NEWS Elevate Your Child’s Learning Experience With Pre-K through 8th Grade Creative Inspiration Journey School in St. Cloud As the educational landscape continues to evolve in and around Osceola County, parents are seeking more than just a conventional schooling experience for their children. They seek environments that foster individual growth, creativity, and a sense of community. Creative Inspiration Journey School (CIJS), a tuition-free Pre-K through 8th grade public charter school located in St. Cloud, has emerged as a beacon of innovative education, offering an unparalleled learning journey for students.

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NEWS Osceola County Association of Realtors Names Joe Johnson Realtor of the Year The Osceola County Association of Realtors recently recognized longtime member and Realtors Political Action Committee Chair Joe Johnson as Realtor of the Year, one of the organization’s top honors at the Association’s annual Awards and Installation Ceremony held December 2, 2023, at Osceola Heritage Park.

The Realtor of the Year award is presented to an active member of the Association who goes above and beyond to serve the real estate profession and the community. Johnson was nominated and chosen by fellow members of the Association for the award.

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NEWS Start the New Year with Savings: Florida’s Backto-School Tax-Free Days Begin January 1st As the festive season winds down, Florida gears up for yet another exciting shopping event: the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. This year, the holiday begins on New Year’s Day and extends until Sunday, January 14, 2024. It’s a perfect opportunity for families and students to make significant savings on various essentials.

During January 2024’s Florida Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, a wide range of items will be exempt from sales tax. This includes personal computers and related accessories priced at $1,500 or less, ideal for students and home offices. Additionally, clothing, footwear, and accessories priced at $100 or less per item, along with school supplies at $50 or less per item, are also tax-free. For younger learners, even learning aids and jigsaw puzzles priced at $30 or less are included.

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NEWS FWC Announces Updated Snook Fishing Rules for 2024 At its October meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved new management regions and regulations for snook in state waters following the final rule hearing.

These regulations, which go into effect Jan. 1, 2024, will: • Establish nine snook management regions.

• Establish open seasons as well as bag and slot limits for each region, which are detailed below:

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OSCEOLA’S BEST

The Cup Diner: Osceola’s Best Breakfast Award Shines Spotlight on St. Cloud’s Culinary and Community Gem In a heartwarming ceremony on Saturday, September 16, ‘The Cup Diner,’ a beloved restaurant nestled in the heart of St. Cloud, was presented with the prestigious “Osceola’s Best Breakfast” Award by Positively Osceola, marking a well-deserved recognition of their dedication to crafting exceptional dining experiences for their community.

The Cup Diner, a cozy family-owned eatery, has been a cherished part of St. Cloud’s culinary landscape for years, and is certainly more than just a local restaurant; it’s a home away from home for countless members of the community.

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Mutt’s on 13th in St. Cloud: Osceola’s Best Burger Award Winner, Celebrating 13 Years of Excellence

In the heart of St. Cloud, culinary excellence meets community spirit at Mutt’s on 13th, a vibrant local eatery that recently achieved the highly esteemed “Osceola’s Best Burger Award” from Positively Osceola. This accolade signifies not only their commitment to crafting mouthwatering burgers but also their dedication to creating a gathering place where residents and visitors can enjoy both excellent food and a sense of community. As if this achievement weren’t enough, Mutt’s on 13th is also celebrating its 13th year in business, making this recognition Positively Delicious!

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OSCEOLA’S BEST Granny’s Southern Smokehouse Does It Again: Voted ‘Osceola’s Best Barbecue’ by Community, Positively Osceola Nestled in Downtown St. Cloud, there’s a barbecue joint that has been turning heads and igniting taste buds for years. Granny’s Southern Smokehouse, a beloved local eatery, has recently received the prestigious ‘Osceola’s Best Barbecue Award’ for the second time, an honor presented

by Osceola County’s leading source for news, Positively Osceola. Behind the smoky goodness and fingerlicking flavors stands a true barbecue virtuoso, Jay Brown, owner and pitmaster extraordinaire.

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NEWS Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital doctor performs first laparoscopic nephrectomy – kidney removal surgery Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital’s Dr. Sarat Sabharwal performed the hospital’s first laparoscopic nephrectomy this month, a milestone for patient care.

Nephrectomy, or removal of a kidney, may be necessary when a patient has recurrent kidney infections, irreversible damage, long-term obstruction or tumors that indicate kidney cancer.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy – a minimally invasive approach – uses tiny incisions in the abdomen that result in decreased blood loss, less pain, plus a shorter hospital stay and recovery. Many patients are able to return to full activity within 3-4 weeks after surgery.

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VISIT OSCEOLA Exploring Osceola County’s Natural Trails and Spaces: A Paradise for Avid Runners, Walkers, and Kayakers Osceola County is a hidden gem for avid runners, walkers, and kayakers seeking a combination of physical fitness and natural beauty.

Although the county is one of the fastest growing regions in Florida, its picturesque landscapes, serene lakes, and wellmaintained trails, offer a haven for those who want to stay active while immersing themselves in nature.

In this article, we will take you on a journey through ten of Osceola County’s finest locations where you can experience invigorating runs and leisurely walks amid breathtaking natural landscapes.

• Shingle Creek Regional Park: Shingle Creek Regional Park, often referred to as the “Headwaters of the Everglades,” is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and fitness enthusiasts alike. This vast park offers a network of scenic trails suitable for running and walking. The trails wind through lush forests, along the banks of Shingle Creek, and provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or an intense trail run, Shingle Creek has something for everyone.

• Celebration Lakeside Park: Celebration, a charming community in Osceola County, and known to many as the ‘Town that Disney built,’ boasts Celebration Lakeside Park, a beautiful destination for runners and walkers. The park features a loop trail around Lake Rianhard, offering picturesque views of the water and surrounding greenery. The flat terrain and wellpaved paths make it an excellent choice for a leisurely walk or a brisk run.

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NEWS Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Recognizes Deputies and Staff During December Awards and Longevity Ceremony The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office in Kissimmee held its much-anticipated Awards and Longevity Ceremony in early December. The event recognizes the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff’s Office who have displayed exceptional service, unwavering commitment, and years of dedicated service to the community.

The Awards and Longevity Ceremony is a time-honored tradition at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, and on December 3rd, under the leadership of Sheriff Marcos Lopez the ceremony was particularly special. It was an opportunity to not only acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of the department’s personnel but also to celebrate the milestones achieved in terms of longevity and dedication.

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City of St. CloudSeeks Applications for Advisory Boards The City of St. Cloud is accepting applications from residents who are interested in serving on advisory boards and committees. The City has a number of advisory boards and committees that provide recommendations to City Council. Among these boards are the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), Planning Commission, Recreation Advisory Committee, Tree Advisory Committee, Teen Recreation, Finance Committee, and Zoning Board of Adjustments.

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NEWS

Positively Osceola Unveils Dynamic Business Support Initiative, ‘Positively Osceola Plus’

In a move set to revolutionize local business growth and community engagement, Positively Osceola, the leading hub for local news, sports, and events in Osceola County, has unveiled an innovative initiative known as ‘Positively Osceola Plus.’

‘Positively Osceola Plus’ is designed to extend a helping hand to businesses, organizations, and individuals in and around Osceola County, fostering their capacity to connect with target audiences and achieve their marketing and promotional aspirations.

Recognized as Osceola County’s foremost source for trusted information, Positively Osceola is leveraging its extensive reach and credibility to provide an enhanced platform for businesses looking to expand their marketing presence and connect meaningfully with their communities.

Positively Osceola Plus offers a comprehensive suite of support services tailored to meet the diverse needs of local enterprises. From strategic marketing guidance and targeted advertising to community outreach initiatives, the program aims to empower businesses and organizations in amplifying their visibility and achieving their goals.

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NEWS Attention Aspiring Singers: Osceola Idol Competition to Light Up the 80th Annual County Fair Stage Among the highlights of the 80th Annual Osceola County Fair, which takes place from February 9th to February 18th, 2024, is the muchanticipated Osceola Idol Competition, where local talents will take center stage to showcase their singing prowess. With a rich history of celebrating talent, the Osceola County Fair is once again set to captivate audiences and discover the next Osceola Idol. As a talent showcase, ‘Osceola Idol’ has given aspiring artists a platform to shine and share their amazing vocal skills. Judges will be looking for exceptional vocal ability, stage presence, and the ability to connect with the audience.

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Orlando Health earns unprecedented highest ranking on three awards for innovative digital transformation of its healthcare system Orlando Health has earned the highest ranking from three internationally recognized healthcare technology associations for innovative digital transformation of its healthcare system.

“While the awards are exemplary, it is what they represent that is truly gratifying,” said Novlet Mattis, SVP and chief digital and information officer. “Each award is the culmination and sum total of hundreds of smaller successes and wins within IT/CE, which yield significant advancements for Orlando Health as a healthcare leader, where our clinicians and administrators utilize the digital technologies at the highest levels to care for our patients and enable the organization’s successes.”

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NEWS

Mecum Kissimmee, World’s Largest Collector Car Auction to Return to Kissimmee January 2-14 Mecum Kissimmee 2024, the 25th anniversary celebration of The World’s Largest Collector Car Auction is returning this January 2-14 at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, and according to Mecum officials, there will be more vehicles, more road art, and more exhibits to view, than ever before!

The car count for the anniversary of the world record-setting event is poised to outpace that of previous years, with the diverse selection including American muscle cars, ‘50s classics, Corvettes, exotics, trucks, Hot Rods, customs and more. Live coverage of the auction will be available for viewing on MotorTrendTV and MotorTrend+.

Admission to Mecum Kissimmee is $30 per person, per day or $75 for a three-day pass; children 12 and younger receive complimentary admission. Gates open daily at 8 a.m. for previewing, with the auctions taking place Tuesday, Jan. 2 through Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 10 a.m., and Thursday, Jan. 11 through Sunday.

Road Art exhibits will be open Tuesday, Jan. 2 through Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m., and Thursday, Jan. 11 through Sunday, Jan. 14 at 8:30 a.m.

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OSCEOLA BUSINESS REFERRAL SERVICE

Making Business Better, Together

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HEALTH

Maxim Olivier, MD Cardiology Orlando Health

Orlando Health: Caffeine-Packed Drinks May Be Dangerous to Your Heart

Energy drinks and other caffeine-packed beverages have become increasingly popular, particularly with teens and young adults. While most people can drink them safely, they can be a health threat if you have heart issues or high blood pressure.

It is not uncommon to find energy drinks that contain 200 mg of caffeine – or roughly the equivalent of six cans of soda or two cups of coffee. The average person should drink no more than 400 mg of caffeine each day, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Even more troubling: It might not always be obvious that a beverage is highly caffeinated. You should always read labels.

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INJURY LAW Draper Law: Which vehicles are more likely to be involved in serious or fatal accidents?

Sadly, serious and fatal accidents take place on a daily basis in Central Florida. These crashes can happen in a number of ways and can be caused by not following traffic laws, inexperience, intoxication, distracted driving, fatigue, and medical issues.

Statistics show that fatal car accidents can often occur based on the type of vehicle.

You may think that sports cars are most likely to be in crashes due to their speed and performance. However, according to the NHTSA, it’s the everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs on the roadways that are involved more frequently in serious or even deadly accidents, with sedans and pickup trucks accounting for more than three-quarters of fatal accidents. If you drive out on the roadways, here’s what you need to know about which vehicles have been involved in many of the crashes.

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NEWS Beware of online scams when searching for home weatherization assistance programs The Osceola Council on Aging is warning the community to beware of fraudulent websites while searching for home weatherization programs. These websites ask people to fill out online forms, which are then used to steal the applicant’s personal information.

Unfortunately, when a victim of this malicious fraud attempts to contact the company, they receive no response or support.

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HEALTH

Denon Stacy, MS, RD Nutrition Orlando Health

Orlando Health: How To Make New Year’s Resolutions You Won’t Abandon Ah, resolutions. The road through late winter and early spring is littered with abandoned best intentions. But making diet and nutrition changes that will stick is possible. The trick is being ready, realistic and willing to call for backup when that road gets a little rocky.

For most of us, the biggest impediment to making lifestyle changes is the perception — or reality — of not enough time, money or skill to achieve our goals. Sometimes those are just excuses. The real issue is believing you can’t do it. But mindsets can be altered.

Be Prepared Mental readiness is the first — and sometimes biggest — hurdle in making lasting change. Dietitians employ a model called “stages of change:” precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance.

• If you’re precontemplation, you don’t know what you need to work on, or you need more information. Your homework at this stage is to ask yourself, why is this change important?

• In contemplation, you know there’s an issue, but you’re not sure how to fix it. For dietitians, the work here is to give patients a place to start and show them how change could happen.

• In the preparation stage, a friend, family member, co-worker or dietitian can help you plan how you will change your behavior.

• Action is when you are actively living the change. At this point, accountability is key, with someone to check in with you and confirm you are on track. (Perhaps that same friend, family member or dietitian.)

• In maintenance, you’ve been on the right road for a while but want support in sustaining new behaviors and avoiding what didn’t work for you. Maintaining is sometimes harder than anticipated, as old patterns can be hard to shake.

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NEWS City of St. Cloud Offers Small Businesses Community Development Block Grants Up to $30,000 The City of St. Cloud is investing up to $328,100 through its Community Development Block Grant program, funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, to assist any small businesses in the City with financial assistance for eligible economic development activity, including job creation and/or retention.

“There was some confusion caused by an error on the application form, but we want to reassure our local businesses that these grants are available to any local business, not just those in the downtown area,” said Economic Development Director Antranette Forbes. “We remain committed to helping all our businesses prosper as our city continues to grow.”

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Heads Up. We’re Here.

We know emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. With 14 ER locations throughout Central Florida, we’re ready to provide expert emergency care if you’re facing one. No matter which one you choose, you’ll find a place where chaos meets calm and uncertainty finds answers. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/ER

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS Experience the Excitement of Universal Mardi Gras 2024: A World of Flavors and Fun! Universal Orlando Resort guests can once again experience the flavor and flair of Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, returning to Universal Studios Florida from February 3 through April 7, 2024.

The wildly popular celebration features mouthwatering menu of eclectic cuisine inspired by New Orleans favorites and iconic Carnaval traditions around the globe, a spectacular Mardi Gras parade complete with tons of colorful beads, dazzling floats and energetic street performers, and – on select nights – live concerts by top-name talent to cap off the festivities.

Guests can experience all the excitement of Universal Mardi Gras with regular admission to Universal Studios Florida or a valid Universal Orlando Pass (blockout dates apply).

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SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival to Set Sail on a Taste Adventure Friday February 2 – May 19, 2024

Oceans of flavor and fun are waiting at SeaWorld Orlando during its 2024 Seven Seas Food Festival.

From foodies to families, everyone will find tasty delights among more than 200 distinct offerings.

Revitalize your taste buds as you share this welcoming, open-air experience on select dates February 2 – May 19, 2024.

Explore more than 50 fresh global cuisine choices to pair with over 75 wine and cocktail selections and 75 craft beers. It will be easy to sample your way around the world with exciting flavors and local craft beers, plus live performances.

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS Experience the Thrill of Racing with LEGO: Ferrari Build & Race Coming to Legoland Florida in 2024 Legoland Florida Resort is set to rev up excitement in Spring 2024 with its newest addition, the LEGO® Ferrari Build & Race Experience. This innovative attraction is designed to ignite the imaginations and adrenaline of both young and old enthusiasts, offering a unique interactive experience.

At the heart of this new attraction is the opportunity for guests to build, test, and race their own Ferrari creations. It’s more than just an amusement ride; it’s an immersive experience that combines the thrill of racing with the creativity and fun of LEGO® building. The LEGO® Ferrari Build & Race Experience promises to be a highlight for families and LEGO® fans, offering a hands-on approach to learning and enjoyment.

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SeaWorld Orlando Continues to Gear Up for ‘Penguin Trek,’ A Thrilling New Antarctic-Themed Roller Coaster for 2024 SeaWorld Orlando is continuing to work on an exhilarating new experience for its visitors, ‘Penguin Trek,’ a roller coaster slated to open in 2024. This soon-coming addition to SeaWorld’s lineup of attractions promises to blend thrilling rides with the enchanting theme of the Antarctic.

“Penguin Trek” is poised to capture the imagination of guests, offering a unique journey that mirrors the adventures of its namesake creatures. SeaWorld has already given a sneak peek of the coaster’s ‘snowmobile’ vehicle, indicating a design that’s both innovative and thematic, aligning with the park’s commitment to combining entertainment with education about wildlife.

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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS A Taste of Florida’s Finest: Positively Delicious Strawberry Stuffed French Toast Embark on a delightful culinary journey with Stuffed French Toast using fresh Florida Strawberries, a sumptuous breakfast treat that combines the sweetness of Florida’s freshest strawberries with the comforting, classic flavors of French toast. This recipe transforms your morning meal into a decadent experience, featuring fluffy slices of bread soaked in a rich, vanilla-infused egg mixture, filled with a luscious strawberry and goat cheese blend. It’s positively delicious!

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Sunshine in a Cup: Florida’s Positively Delicious Orange-Cinnamon Cider Savor the essence of Florida with Orange-Cinnamon Cider, a harmonious blend of sun-kissed Florida oranges and aromatic cinnamon. This simple yet exquisite drink balances the zesty freshness of citrus with the warm, sweet spice of cinnamon, creating a comforting and delightful experience. Enjoy a taste of Florida’s warmth and cheer with each sip of this positively delicious cider.

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Grilled Florida Mahi-Mahi with Mango Fried Rice, It’s Positively Delicious

Creating Grilled Florida Mahi-Mahi with Mango Fried Rice is a culinary journey that brings together the vibrant flavors of the Sunshine State. The succulent Mahi-Mahi fillets are seasoned to perfection and then grilled to achieve a smoky char. Together, the grilled Mahi-Mahi and the Mango Fried Rice create a Positively Delicious dish that encapsulates the essence of Florida’s bountiful harvest, offering a tantalizing experience that’s both satisfying and positively unforgettable.

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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Flavors of Florida: A Positively Delicious Chicken Tortilla Soup Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Florida with Florida Chicken Tortilla Soup, a dish brimming with the vibrant flavors and freshness synonymous with the Sunshine State. This soup is a delightful fusion of tender, seasoned chicken, ripe Florida produce, and a harmonious blend of spices that come together to create a comfort food experience like no other.

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Local Flavor, Spicy Wings: Florida Buffalo Chicken Wings Florida Buffalo Hot Chicken Wings are a positively delicious choice for any celebration. Combining the zesty kick of buffalo sauce with fresh, locally-sourced Florida chicken, these wings are a surefire hit. Crispy, flavorful, and infused with just the right amount of spice, they’re not only a crowd-pleaser but also a festive and easy-to-make dish that adds a burst of excitement to your holiday menu.

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Garden Fresh: Florida Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs

Florida Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs is a positively delicious dish that elevates the humble potato to new culinary heights. Infused with the aromatic blend of fresh garlic and a selection of herbs, these potatoes showcase Florida’s fresh, local produce. The unique Hasselback cut allows each slice to crisp up perfectly while absorbing the flavors of garlic and herbs, creating a mouthwatering combination of textures and tastes.

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be confident.

We provide trusted, quality care in your community. At Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, get access to care from an expert and compassionate clinical team for all of your healthcare needs — from emergency services to heart care, surgical services and more — all close to home. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/StCloud

choose well.