Positively Osceola Weekly - Osceola News that Informs, Impacts, and Inspires

POSITIVELY OSCEOLA WEEKLY

Making a Positive Difference in and around Osceola County!

Inside this issue National Human Trafficking Awareness Day: Be part of the solution – Lifeboat Project Comes to Osceola

Kissimmee Utility Authority Releases 2022 Calendar of Energy Conservation Page 7

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The Osceola County Fair, More LIVE Entertainment Than Ever Before February 11-20 at OHP

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Home COVID-19 tests to be covered by insurers beginning Saturday Page 9

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2022, a New Year, a New Hope 2022, a New Year, a New Hope – Dr. Debra Pace, Superintendent School District of Osceola County

As we usher in 2022 as a strong and vibrant community, I remain extremely focused on the transformational lessons we have learned over the course of the last two years in light of COVID-19. The Osceola County School Board, our dedicated educators, staff and administrators, and I are working tirelessly to accelerate our core mission of improving education, both for our students and in support of our teachers. As we do so, we are embracing and strengthening our school and district culture through the “lessons learned” from our new realities: • It is of critical importance that our schools support both learning and the mental health needs of students and our staff members; • There is tremendous value of both students and staff members working together and learning from each other; • Our success depends on maximizing digital tools while not losing sight of the value of in-person learning; and • It is imperative that our schools partner with parents and community members more than ever to ensure our children’s basic needs are met so that nothing is getting in the way of regular daily attendance and full participation in the school community.

My hope is that 2022 brings with it health, safety, happiness, and success for our children and families, as well as the guidance and wisdom for us to continue providing every child, every chance, every day.

Dr. Debra Pace Superintendent, School District of Osceola County

2022, a New Year, a New Hope – Jill Bolander Cohen, CEO, The Lifeboat Project As the Founder and CEO of the Lifeboat Project, I am now entering my eleventh year working in the anti-human trafficking area. So much awareness has been happening along with services being provided for the victims and survivors of this horrific evil. It seems not that long ago people were so unaware of trafficking; it was right under their nose the entire time.

Today, many folks know the signs of human trafficking and how to reach out for help, however, we have a long way to go I am encouraged by the collaboration, passion, and commitment I see from the Osceola Community. As we roll into 2022, be encouraged that when we work together, we are stronger and can begin to eradicate these crimes against humanity.

Jill Bolander Cohen CEO, The Lifeboat Project For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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2022, a New Year, a New Hope 2022, a New Year, a New Hope, Andrew Sullivan – Public Information Coordinator, Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS After a 2021 that set records for both overall call responses and for pediatric drowning incidents, Osceola Fire Rescue & EMS is looking forward to a positive 2022 that sees us connecting with the community now more than ever before.

Of course, good news came from last year: Our own Lt. Robert Botkin and Financial Compliance Manager Christie DyerKilcoyne succeeded in bringing $5.4 million in FEMA S.A.F.E.R. Grant money to the department, allowing us to hire more than 20 new firefighters. Those two were recognized recently as Osceola County’s employees of the month in recognition for their work in securing these needed funds. And with a bolstered staff, our soon-to-be-constructed Station 67 near AustinTindall Park will have crews ready and waiting to serve residents once complete. New stations are also something we look forward to in 2022, with this year’s County budget allocating not only for Station 67, but a new Station 45 to be located on 535 near Osceola Parkway and a replacement Station 65 to be located within Osceola County in Poinciana. With these new stations, nearby residents may see reductions in their insurance rates and call response times.

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2022, a New Year, a New Hope – Marcy Theobald, Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 2022… I believe it’s going to bring us into a new era of understanding each other better, looking deeper into our families, our relationships, our friends’ needs, and through this – it’ll be a win-win!

So from me to everyone else, I wish and pray for the best for everyone in 2022.

My word for 2022… #Believe!

Marcy Theobald Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

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2022, a New Year, a New Hope 2022, a New year, a New Hope, Dr. Linda Travelute, CEO, Travelute Leader & People Development, Coaching and Consulting Have you felt like someone’s been playing games with you over the past two years? I hear you. Kind of tough to muster up some hope when we’ve been through so much individually, as a community, and a nation, right? The rug has been pulled out from under us in countless ways. Yet, I still hope.

My mentor and friend, John C. Maxwell says, “Hope is not a strategy”. But I’ll tell you what is… playing games. Hang with me here and I’ll explain the best way to hope and support each other with a strategy for 2022 and make it a game that’s fun to win. In the movie, Black Hawk Down a vehicle filled with bloody wounded American soldiers screams to a stop in the middle of a street where Somali bullets are flying in every direction. The officer in charge tells a soldier to get in and start driving.

“I can’t,” says the soldier. “I’m shot.” “We’re all shot,” responds the officer. “Get in and drive!”

In life, we know there’s going to be pain. It’s a part of life. It’s a part of loss. The question is, are you going to let it stop you from doing what you want and need to do? The best way I have found to support others such as my executive coaching clients, community leaders, and clients who are business owners is to help them make a game of the pain. In no way am I making light of the pain we have all experienced over the last 2 years. We’ve all been shot. But we have to keep driving. We have to stay in the game.

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2022, a New Year, a New Hope – Crystal Nori-Gross, ESE Teacher School District of Osceola County EAD Osceola is continuing our mission to educate and support inclusion and the importance of understanding that “all means all”. We enthusiastically represent all facets of K12 educators and with the help of our amazing service dogs, emulate the importance that knowledge is power All students, no matter the physical, mental, or emotional deficit, should be afforded the same opportunities to reach their aspirations for their future.

This year, in 2022, EAD Osceola’s “New Hope” through various fundraising events is to purchase a service dog for a child and their family. It is our joyful hope that providing this first service dog for a child will only be the first of many more to come.

Crystal Nori-Gross ESE Teacher, School District of Osceola County For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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2022, a New Year, a New Hope 2022, a New Year, a New Hope – Don Long, President/ CEO Lake Nona Regional Chamber, Master Gunnery Sergeant USMC, (Ret) Looking back at 2021 this chamber is laser-focused on continuing our 2022 support of our entire regional community.

From lessons learned like how to better collaborate with government agencies and other organizations, we hope to continue our efforts in the areas of collaboration and teamwork.

At the same time, we will continue to emphasize our focus on creatively approaching events and projects. We will always seek something new and different that will bring excitement and benefits to our members while also providing services to the community.

During 2021 with the assistance of our local governments and our medical partners we provided PPE, financial and COVID information assistance for everyone and we will continue to develop these relationships. In 2022 depend on us to do our best to be leaders of the community.

Don Long President/CEO , Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce, Master Gunnery Sergeant USMC, (Ret)

2022, a New Year, a New Hope – William Morea, Assistant Director, Huntington Learning Center

The midst of a pandemic is an inopportune time to open a new business, much less one involved in education. But within two years’ time, we have proven just how essential this community needs individualized academic support. It’s not merely enough to provide homework help when many students have foundational gaps that must be addressed.

We at Huntington Learning Center believe any child can become better versions of themselves in 2022. Our students get caught up where they struggle so they don’t fall further back.

Parents, likewise, can be assured of their child’s progress with interim conferences for transparency into how their child’s program is custom designed. By reaching out to stay connected to the child’s school and teacher on a regular basis, we seek to establish a common ground that we are not an isolated support.

In the new year, we ultimately look forward to further expansion while fulfilling our mission statement: To give every student the best education possible.

William Morea Assistant Director , Huntington Learning Center

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NEWS Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS Extinguishes Residential Fire in Poinciana

On Monday Osceola County Fire Rescue responded to a residential structure fire at 603 Gaul Way, in Poinciana. No one was injured in the blaze, which originated in the garage of the home. The State Fire Marshal’s Office will be investigating the cause.

Responding units included Engines 65, 64, 43, 42, Tower 72, Battalions 4 & 7, Rescues 43, 42, 64, 65, Squad 73 and Polk County Fire Rescue Ladder 37.

Kissimmee Parks & Recreation Department to Host Community Yard Sale February 5th The City of Kissimmee’s Parks and Recreation Department will host a Community Yard Sale on Saturday, February 5, from 8 am to 12 pm at Oak Street Park Community Center at 717 N. Palm Avenue in Kissimmee. The yard sale is free for the community to attend, Those interested in selling items will be able to rent a table. (18 years of age or older) The Community Yard Sale will take place indoors and outside. Renting a 6-foot table for an indoor space is $15 while renting a table for an outdoor space is $30.

For more information about the Community Yard Sale or any other Parks & Recreation program, please call 407.518.2360 or visit www.kissimmeeparks.org.

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NEWS Kissimmee Utility Authority Releases 2022 Calendar of Energy Conservation Kissimmee Utility Authority has released its 2022 Calendar of Energy Conservation, featuring the winning entries from its 28th annual student art contest.

The calendar, available free of charge at the utility’s customer service center at 1701 W. Carroll Street in Kissimmee, features an assortment of energy conservation tips and incorporates the Osceola County School District calendar for convenient planning.

Open to Osceola County students in Kindergarten through fifth grade, the contest is designed to promote energy conservation among students and their families.

This year, a total of 1,229 entries were received from 15 Osceola County elementary schools, including, public, private, and charter school students.

A panel of judges selected 12 entries – one for each calendar month – which are featured in the fullcolor wall calendar. For the first time, this year’s calendar is also bilingual in English and Spanish.

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FWC and SeaWorld Orlando work together to save a “land stranded” manatee The FWC team recently rescued a stranded manatee on the side of the road in Crystal River Florida after a storm passed through the area. The question of course is how did a manatee end up on dry land?

During high tide, the manatee was most likely able to swim near the side of the road in the rising waters, but when the waters receded, it found itself unable to move back to safe and deeper waters.

The FWC staff reached out to Seaworld Orlando for help with the endangered manatee, which of course they did. The manatee was taken to SeaWorld where it is being cared for.

If you see an injured, distressed, sick, or dead marine mammal, please call our Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404- 3922. Early rescue efforts may save a marine animal’s life!

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NEWS Kissimmee to host Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration at Kissimmee Lakefront January 15 Celebrate diversity, unity, and community at the City of Kissimmee Martin Luther King Jr Unity Celebration on Saturday, January 15th from 11am – 4pm at Kissimmee’s beautiful Lakefront Park.

This exciting annual event will feature live performances from the best in gospel, R&B, and soul artists. There will be a large assortment of food trucks, craft vendors, and of course, the always awesome KUA Kids Zone.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration is one of Kissimmee’s most energetic events with gospel, R&B, and soul performances sure to fill the air with excitement and passion that will energize Kissimmee Lakefront Park.

Join in the community in celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 15th from 11 am – 4 pm at Kissimmee’s Lakefront Park.

Osceola County to begin work on $9 Million Fortune Lakeshore Trail in Early 2022 Work on the new Fortune Lakeshore Trail is set to begin in early 2022, with actual start dates uncertain because of supply chain issues. However, a utility crew working for Toho Water Authority is marking the area for “soft digs” to relocate utilities. This work will be concurrent with trail construction.

Osceola County gave the contractor, Southern Development & Construction, Inc., the notice to proceed with the project. In addition, residents in the area will be receiving information via a “door-hanger” on the construction planned for the coming months.

Residents with questions should call (407) 683-3928.

The $9 million project consists of the construction of a 10-foot wide multi-use trail that will run along Fortune Road/East Lakeshore Boulevard from the intersection of U.S. Highway 192 to the existing City of St. Cloud Lakefront Regionally Significant Trail, just west of the intersection at East Lakeshore Boulevard and Columbia Avenue. The total project length is approximately 7 miles.

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NEWS Home COVID-19 tests to be covered by insurers beginning Saturday Beginning Saturday, January 15, private health insurers must cover up to eight home COVID-19 tests per month for individuals covered on their health insurance plans. The Biden administration announced the change Monday as it tries to make COVID-19 testing more accessible after receiving criticism over its lack of convenient testing options.

As of Saturday, individuals will be able to either use their insurance when buying home testing kits or submit receipts for reimbursement, with a limit of eight per month. A family of three would be able to obtain 24 tests per month, again, either at no cost via insurance or by reimbursement. There is no limit on the number of tests, including at-home tests, that are covered if ordered or administered by a health care provider following an individualized clinical assessment, including for those who may need them due to underlying medical conditions Rapid tests and PCR tests ordered or administered by a health provider will continue to be fully covered by insurance as it is currently.

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City of St. Cloud to offer business tax receipt grants available for start ups St. Cloud’s Business Tax Receipt Grant Program is designed to encourage small businesses to participate in special events and/or to locate, expand, or relocate into the CRA. The program is a one-time reimbursable grant, which enables eligible business owners to pay the local BTR taxes/fees assessed against the business.

The program then reimburses those fees up to$100.00 directly to the applicant. Downtown St. Cloud is gaining traction as a destination location for family-friendly entertainment. The re-construction of the downtown streetscape and the addition of new businesses are drawing more visitors than before.

Why not become a vendor in our downtown? For more complete information about the program, contact St. Cloud’s CRA, at 407-957-7235.

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NEWS National Human Trafficking Awareness Day - Lifeboat Project Comes to Osceola National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11th is designed to increase awareness of a crime that leaves a lasting toll on human life, families, and communities around the world. It would be nice to think that Osceola County and Central Florida are immune to the atrocities of humans trafficking, but sadly they are not. According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, out of the 50 states, Florida ranks 3rd in human trafficking, and the Central Florida area ranks 3rd behind Miami and Tampa in the state.

In 2019, Florida had 896 human trafficking cases reported, and the reported numbers continue to increase. Whether the offense is human trafficking or sex trafficking, or forced labor, or domestic servitude, it is a growing problem in and around Osceola County, and a subject the community doesn’t often discuss. Organizations around the globe are providing support to communities, training volunteers, and educational events to increase awareness.

10 One such organization is The Lifeboat Project.

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4-year-old found dead, mom unresponsive, in Kissimmee Resort room, “I’m sorry” note found A 4-year-old girl was found dead and her mother unresponsive in a hotel room near Celebration by Osceola deputies after they received a “suicide attempt” call on Tuesday. A note was found on the nightstand in the room with the words, “I’m sorry.”

According to an Osceola County Sheriff’s Office news release, security at the Star Island Resort responded to room 3922 B at the request of Michelle Decaro. Michelle Decaro requested a well-being check on her daughter, Jacinda Decaro, who she was unable to get ahold of by phone after failing to show up to work. When security entered the hotel room they found Jacinda and her 4-year-old daughter Masiela in the room unresponsive. Jacinda had a faint pulse, but sadly, Masiela was dead. Jacinda was transported to Advent Health Celebration for emergency care and Masiela was declared dead on the scene. This is an ongoing investigation.

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NEWS Funeraria Borinquen, Osceola County’s Newest and Most Beautiful Funeral Home Selecting a funeral home after the loss of a loved one can be difficult. While many options exist, finding one that delivers a combination of top-level services at affordable prices can sometimes be a challenge.

Funeraria Borinquen, which opened in Kissimmee in April of 2021, delivers premium services at the most affordable prices in a beautiful modern facility. Funeraria Borinquen offers a “one-stop” experience where funeral, cemetery, cremation, floral arrangement, and pre-need services can be taken care of all in one convenient location and at the lowest prices. Their experienced staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Funeraria Borinquen is family-owned and operated and services Osceola and Orange Counties. Stop by and take a tour of their facility located at 2360 Michigan Avenue in Kissimmee. You’ll see what sets Funeraria Borinquen apart from the rest. For more information contact call 407.653.8670 or visit FunerariaBorinquen.com.

11 Be on the lookout for potential COVID-19 Testing Scams, FDOH in Osceola says

We would all hope that with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations struggling to get through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, sources of information for access to COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and monoclonal antibody treatment locations in Osceola County would be trustworthy and safe, but sadly, as demand for testing increases, so does the risk for potential scams.

The Florida Department of Health is urging residents to be on the lookout for fraudulent COVID-19 products and practices, especially as it pertains to testing. Also, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seen unauthorized fraudulent test kits for COVID-19 being sold online.

Helpful tips for residents: •Rely on trusted sources of information for COVID-19 testing and locations.

•Check to make sure a COVID-19 testing location is legitimate.

Residents are encouraged to be cautious of: •Unexpected phone calls or visitors offering COVID-19 tests or supplies.Offers or advertisements for COVID-19 testing on social media sites.

•Purchasing at-home testing kits from street vendors.

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In the Cloud Quarterly Newsletter for the Residents of St. Cloud

Quarter 1, 2022

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH NEW PROJECTS CITY HALL ATRIUM – City Hall will be getting a new 10,000-square-foot atrium this year. The three-story addition will be built on the front of City Hall in the current courtyard. The first floor will be a secure central entry point to both Building A and Building B. The 2nd and 3rd floors will house offices, conference rooms and related spaces. Construction started in January and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PHASE II – Scheduled to begin work in February, this project involves the reconstruction of Pennsylvania Avenue from 13th Street (US 192) to 9th Street, and 10th Street from Massachusetts Avenue to Florida Avenue. Improvements include: • Reconstruction of the roadway to provide 10-foot-wide travel lanes; removal and re-installation of historic bricks and brick pavers; reconstruction and widening of existing concrete sidewalks; curb and gutter reconstruction; on-street parking; utility relocation; removal and installation of street lighting, signing and pavement markings; and, landscaping and irrigation.

• Drainage improvements include reconstructing curb inlets, reconstructing piping and adjusting existing DBI’s.

• Utility improvements will include replacing all existing water pipes with new 8-inch water pipes.

FRIARS COVE/CANOE CREEK TRAFFIC SIGNAL – Fire Station #33 on Friars Cove Lane will be getting a new emergency traffic signal at Canoe Creek Road to help safely reduce the response time to emergencies. This signal will be able to preempt traffic on Canoe Creek, allowing emergency vehicles to exit Friars Cover Lane more quickly on emergency calls. As part of this project, a pedestrian crosswalk will be added to the intersection. Construction of these improvements is expected to begin this Summer.

ILLINOIS AVENUE PIPE LINING – The metal stormwater pipe on Illinois Avenue has developed rust from the acidic groundwater in the area and has become eroded in some areas. This has compromised the pipe’s ability to carry stormwater efficiently through the system. As a result, the city will be installing a liner in the pipe from US 192 to Lakeshore Boulevard. The liner, which has a life span of between 50 and 75 years, will allow the pipe to function as designed. By lining the pipe rather than replacing it, the city is able to restore functionality while minimizing disruption to the residents who live along the corridor. Installation of the pipe liner is expected to begin this Summer.

1300 9th Street, St. Cloud, Florida 34769 | 407-957-7300 | s StCloudFL.gov @CityofStCloudFL

Tell Us What You Think About the Transportation Proposals for 10th Street

City Hall: 407-957-7300

Video and survey now available The 10th Street Study examines the possibilities for making the street safer and healthier, while benefiting the local economy and bringing the community together.

A video is now available showing proposals for different stretches of 10th Street, from the Medical Arts area to the Historic Core and Downtown pieces, then through a suburban transition toward Narcoossee Road. It also shows how intersections might be improved. View the 5-minute video on the study page here: MetroPlanOrlando.org/10thStreetStudy After you watch the video, we want your feedback on these ideas. By answering the 10-question survey, you can help shape 10th Street for the whole community. The survey will be available through February 2022 at this link: bit.ly/10thStreetSurvey2

City Manager/City Council: 407-957-7301 Building: 407-957-7224 City Clerk: 407-957-7320 Code Enforcement: 407-957-7238 Jobline: 407-957-7272 Parks & Recreation: 407-957-7243 PIO/Communications: 407-957-7303 Planning /Zoning: 407-957-8427 Public Works: 407-957-7344 Purchasing: 407-957-7212 Solid Waste: 407-957-7289 Utilities: 407-957-7344

City Council

Contact Information City Council: 407-957-7301

If you would like to speak with the study team in person, come see us at the Downtown St. Cloud Monthly Market on January 26, 2022, from 5-9 p.m. Contact the project manager for more information: Alex Trauger, MetroPlan Orlando, (407) 481-5672 Ext. 313, atrauger@metroplanorlando.org. The 10th Street Study is a partnership of MetroPlan Orlando, the City of St. Cloud and Osceola County.

Mayor Nathan Blackwell, Seat 1 407-957-8401 | nathan.blackwell@stcloud.org Deputy Mayor Linette Matheny, Seat 2 407-957-8402 | linette.matheny@stcloud.org Council Member Kolby Urban, Seat 3 407-957-8403 | Kolby.Urban@stcloud.org Council Member Dave Askew, Seat 4 407-957-8404 | dave.askew@stcloud.org Council Member Keith Trace, Seat 5 407-957-8405 | keith.trace@stcloud.org

13001300 9th Street, St. St. Cloud, Florida StCloudFL.gov 9th Street, Cloud, Florida 34769 34769 ||407-957-7300 407-957-7300 || stcloud.com @CityofStCloudFL @CityofStCloudFL

Quarter 1, 2022

New St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke, Patrol Division Commander for the Orlando Police Department, has been hired as the new St. Cloud police chief.

Goerke replaces Chief Peter Gauntlett, who is retiring at the end of the year after serving as the city’s public safety director and police chief for the past 11 years.

“Chief Gauntlett served our community well in his 11 years here,” City Manager Bill Sturgeon said. “After a law enforcement career that spanned more than 40 years, he has certainly earned his retirement, and we wish him well.”

New Light at Nolte Road and Budinger Avenue In 2021, the City installed a traffic signal at Nolte Road and Budinger Avenue. The intersection had been the subject of numerous requests for a signal as increased traffic in the area caused delays for drivers trying to turn at the intersection. We are pleased to be able to get this project completed to help ease traffic issues. Nolte Road is a major east-west corridor that many motorists use as an alternative to US 192.

Goerke has been with OPD for 20 years, starting as an officer and working his way through the ranks. Before recently being assigned as Patrol Division commander, Goerke served for a year as the Director of Airport Police Services for OPD. He also was a deputy chief of police for a year.

“Chief Goerke has the experience, the training, the formal education, and the vision to guide our police department into strategic growth as the city grows,” Sturgeon said. “He will be able to help make sure that our officers are well-trained and well-equipped to ensure the safety of our citizens, and that they are treated with the utmost professionalism and respect.”

Goerke holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Liberty University and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds numerous certifications in specialized law enforcement training. Chief Goerke will start his new role in January.

New St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke, left, is congratulated by retiring Police Chief Pete Gauntlett

Soccer Field Concession Stand Gets an Update The City recently completed renovations to the concession stand at the soccer field at Stephanie Leigh Rothstein Memorial Park, located at 2701 Missouri Ave. The building houses public restrooms, storage and the concession stand for the Soccer Club of St. Cloud. The City has a user agreement with the soccer club wherein the soccer club provides the soccer program and the City takes care of the turf and irrigation maintenance, building maintenance, custodial services and general maintenance of the facility. The new, color-coordinated metal roof replaces a failing shingle roof. We know the improvements to the building will be a benefit to the hundreds of players and spectators who use the facility each year.

Seaplane Base Update The effort to develop a seaplane base for the City of St. Cloud is well underway. At the end of 2021, the City submitted a feasibility study to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Aviation Office.

This is a required step to establish a new public airport in the state. Since seaplanes use water as a runway and taxiways, there is a greatly reduced cost of airport infrastructure than a conventional airport.

Aviation Office to repair, replace or add infrastructure in the future. At the same time, we will be working with our consulting aviation engineering and planning firm, AVCON, Inc. of Orlando, to design the seaplane docks and fueling system and put that work out for bid. Ongoing throughout this process, we will be meeting with seaplane owners and operators to ensure the facilities we construct will meet the needs of those stakeholders. Of which, more than a dozen have reached out to us. Additionally, the FAA master plan process will include at least one public hearing, and often there is a presentation made to the public several weeks before the public hearing.

Our goal is to integrate the seaplane shore facilities into the ongoing Lakefront Park master planning process to be compatible with all of the uses at the Lakefront. We hope that within a year or less, residents will see some tangible action happening at the lakefront associated with the seaplane base.

Once the study is accepted, we will begin a master plan process.

State law allows seaplane operations on any body of water in Florida that is not otherwise protected or prohibited from that use. This fact allowed the City to previously establish the seaplane lane (runway) on East Lake Toho and receive a mandatory airport license from the State. This ensures that both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control function and other area airports must factor in the existence and airspace needs of our seaplane base in all of their future planning. The base is officially designated as 3FL and is currently depicted on all aeronautical charts and documents. Some seaplane pilots use the lane now for “touch and go” practice landing, and since the lane is a mile from shore, many people are not aware this has been occurring for a year or more.

Unlike other types of master plans, the seaplane base master plan process is an FAA format process, exactly the same as periodically conducted at Orlando International, Kissimmee, or any other public airport.

Receiving state approval of an airport master plan will allow the City to request grant funds from FDOT

Kolby Urban was sworn in on Thursday, Nov. 18, for City Council Seat #3, to fill the unexpired term of Chuck Cooper, who passed away earlier this year. Urban was elected on Nov. 9 in a special general election. A lifelong St. Cloud resident and Harmony High School graduate, Urban holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Central Florida. He is a contractor with Distinctive Homes, Inc. He and his wife have one daughter, who was born in May.

In the Cloud Boletín Trimestral para Residentes de St. Cloud

Trimestre 1, 2022

LLEGA EL AÑO NUEVO CON NUEVOS PROYECTOS ATRIO DE LA ALCALDÍA – La alcaldía tendrá un nuevo atrio de 10,000 pies cuadrados este año. Se construirá una adición de tres pisos al frente de la alcaldía en lo que es actual el patio. El primer piso será un punto de entrada central seguro tanto al Edificio A como al Edificio B. El segundo y tercer piso albergarán oficinas, salas de conferencias y espacios relacionados. La construcción comenzó en enero y se espera que esté terminada a finales de año.

REVITALIZACIÓN DEL CENTRO DE LA CIUDAD FASE II – Programado para comenzar a trabajar en febrero, este proyecto implica la reconstrucción de Pennsylvania Avenue desde 13th Street (US 192) hasta 9th Street, y 10th Street desde Massachusetts Avenue hasta Florida Avenue. Las mejoras incluyen: • Reconstrucción de la carretera para proporcionar carriles de circulación de 10 pies de ancho; remoción y reinstalación de ladrillos históricos y adoquines de ladrillos; reconstrucción y ampliación de las aceras de hormigón existentes; reconstrucción de los bordes de las aceras y cunetas; estacionamiento en la calle; reubicación de servicios públicos; remoción e instalación de alumbrado público, letreros y señalización en el pavimento; y jardinería y riego.

• Las mejoras de drenaje incluyen la reconstrucción de entradas de acera, la reconstrucción de tuberías y el ajuste de las zanjas de entrada inferior existentes.

• Las mejoras de los servicios públicos incluirán el reemplazo de todas las tuberías de agua existentes por nuevas tuberías de agua de 8 pulgadas.

SEMÁFORO DE FRIARS COVE/CANOE CREEK – La Estación de Bomberos #33 en Friars Cove Lane tendrá un nuevo semáforo para tránsito de emergencia en Canoe Creek Road para ayudar a reducir de manera segura el tiempo de respuesta a las emergencias. Este semáforo podrá adelantarse al tráfico en Canoe Creek, permitiendo que los vehículos de emergencia salgan de Friars Cover Lane más rápidamente cuando haya llamadas de emergencia. Como parte de este proyecto, se agregará un paso de peatones a la intersección. Se espera que la construcción de estas.

REVESTIMIENTO DE TUBERÍAS EN ILLINOIS AVENUE – La tubería de metal para aguas pluviales en Illinois Avenue se ha oxidado debido al agua subterránea ácida en el área y se ha erosionado en algunas zonas. Esto ha comprometido la capacidad de la tubería para transportar las aguas pluviales de manera eficiente a través del sistema. Como resultado, la Ciudad instalará un revestimiento en la tubería desde la US 192 hasta Lakeshore Boulevard. El revestimiento, que tiene una vida útil de entre 50 y 75 años, permitirá que la tubería funcione según lo diseñado. Al revestir la tubería en lugar de reemplazarla, la Ciudad puede restaurar la funcionalidad al tiempo que minimiza las interrupciones para los residentes que 1300 comience 9th Street, St.este Cloud, Florida 34769 | 407-957-7300 | s viven a lo largo del corredor. Se espera que la instalación del revestimiento de tubería verano.

StCloudFL.gov @CityofStCloudFL

Díganos qué Piensa sobre la Propuesta de Transportación para la 10th Street Vídeo y encuesta ahora disponible El Estudio de la 10th Street 10 Street examina las posibilidades Estudio Completo de Carretera de hacer que la calle sea más segura y floreciente, al mismo tiempo que se beneficia la economía local y une a la comunidad.

Ya está disponible un SU OPINIÓN CUENTA vídeo mostrando distintas propuestas para diferentes tramos de la 10th Street, desde el área del Medical Arts hasta el Centro Histórico y el centro la Ciudad, luego a través de una transición suburbana hacia Narcoossee Road. También muestra cómo se pueden mejorar las intersecciones. Vea el vídeo de 5 minutos en la página del estudio aquí: MetroPlanOrlando.org/10thStreetStudy Después de ver el video, deseamos sus comentarios sobre estas ideas. Al responder la encuesta de 10 preguntas, puede ayudar a dar forma a la 10th Street para toda la comunidad. La encuesta estará disponible hasta febrero de 2022 en este enlace: bit. ly/10thStreetSurvey2

10 Street Estudio Completo de Carretera

¿Necesita Ayuda?

Alcaldía: 407-957-7300 Gerente/Consejo de la Ciudad: 407-957-7301 Permisos de Construcción: 407-957-7224 Secretario de la Ciudad: 407-957-7320 Aplicación de Código: 407-957-7238 Línea de Empleo: 407-957-7272 Parques y Recreación: 407-957-7243 Comunicaciones: 407-957-7303 Planificación/Zonificación: 407-957-8427 Trabajos Públicos: 407-957-7344 Compras: 407-957-7212 Desperdicios Sólidos: 407-957-7289 Empresas Servicios Públicos: 407-957-7344

Información de Contacto para el Consejo de la Ciudad Consejo de la Ciudad: 407-957-7301

Hablemos sobre

Alcalde Nathan Blackwell, Silla 1 407-957-8401 | nathan.blackwell@stcloud.org

10th Street

Si desea hablar con el equipo de estudio en persona, venga a vernos al mercado mensual del centro de la Ciudad de St. Cloud el 26 de enero de 2022, de 5 a 9 pm. Comuníquese con el gerente del proyecto para obtener más información: Alex Trauger, MetroPlan Orlando, (407) 481-5672 Ext. 313, atrauger@metroplanorlando.org. El Estudio de la 10th Street es una asociación de MetroPlan Orlando, la Ciudad de St. Cloud y el Condado Osceola.

Vice-alcaldesa Linette Matheny, Silla 2 407-957-8402 | linette.matheny@stcloud.org Miembro del Consejo Kolby Urban, Silla 3 407-957-8403 | Kolby.Urban@stcloud.org Miembro del Consejo Dave Askew, Silla 4 407-957-8404 | dave.askew@stcloud.org Miembro del Consejo Keith Trace, Silla 5 407-957-8405 | keith.trace@stcloud.org

13001300 9th Street, St. St. Cloud, Florida StCloudFL.gov 9th Street, Cloud, Florida 34769 34769 ||407-957-7300 407-957-7300 || stcloud.com @CityofStCloudFL @CityofStCloudFL

Trimestre 1, 2022

Nuevo Jefe de Policٕía en St. Cloud Douglas Goerke, comandante de la División de Patrulla del Departamento de Policía de Orlando, ha sido contratado como el nuevo jefe de Policía de St. Cloud.

Goerke reemplaza al jefe Peter Gauntlett, quien se jubiló a fines de año después de haber sido director de seguridad pública y jefe de policía de la Ciudad durante los últimos 11 años.

“El jefe Gauntlett sirvió bien a nuestra comunidad en sus 11 años aquí”, dijo el administrador municipal Bill Sturgeon. “Después de una carrera policial que se extendió por más de 40 años, ciertamente se ha ganado su jubilación y le deseamos lo mejor”.

Nuevo Semáforo en Nolte Road y Budinger Avenue En 2021, la Ciudad instaló un semáforo en Nolte Road y Budinger Avenue. Se habían hecho numerosas peticiones para ubicar un semáforo en la intersección debido al aumento en tráfico que causaba retrasos a los conductores intentando girar en la intersección.

Estamos felices de haber podido completar este proyecto para aliviar problemas con el tráfico. Nolte Road es un importante corredor vial este-oeste que muchos conductores usan como alternativa a la US 192.

Goerke ha estado con OPD (por sus siglas en inglés) durante 20 años, comenzando como oficial y abriéndose camino en la Policía de Orlando. Antes de ser asignado recientemente como comandante de la División de Patrulla, Goerke se desempeñó durante un año como director de Servicios de Policía Aeroportuaria para OPD. También fue subjefe de policía durante un año.

“El jefe Goerke tiene la experiencia, la capacitación, la educación formal y la visión para guiar a nuestro departamento de policía hacia un crecimiento estratégico a medida que crece la Ciudad”, dijo Sturgeon. “Él podrá ayudar a garantizar que nuestros oficiales estén bien capacitados y equipados para garantizar la seguridad de nuestros ciudadanos, y que sean tratados con el mayor profesionalismo y respeto”.

Goerke tiene una maestría en Administración Pública de Liberty University y una licenciatura en Administración de Justicia Criminal de Columbia Southern University.

Se graduó de la Academia Nacional del FBI y posee numerosas certificaciones en entrenamiento especializado en el cumplimiento de la ley. El jefe Goerke comenzó su nuevo cargo en enero.

Izq. nuevo jefe de Policía de St. Cloud Douglas Goerke, es felicitado por el saliente jefe de Policía, Pete Gauntlett, quien se retiró.

Remodelan Concesión en Campo de Soccer La Ciudad recientemente completó las remodelación del puesto de concesión en el campo de soccer en Stephanie Leigh Rothstein Memorial Park, ubicado en 2701 Missouri Ave. El edificio alberga baños públicos, almacenamiento y el puesto de concesión del Soccer Club of St. Cloud.

La Ciudad tiene un acuerdo de uso con el club de soccer en el que el club proporciona el programa de soccer y la Ciudad se encarga del mantenimiento del césped y el riego, el mantenimiento de los edificios, los servicios de conserjería y el mantenimiento general de las instalaciones. El nuevo techo de metal de colores coordinados reemplaza un techo de tejas defectuoso.

Sabemos que las mejoras al edificio beneficiarán a los cientos de jugadores y espectadores que utilizan las instalaciones cada año.

Actualización de la Base para Hidroaviones El esfuerzo por desarrollar una base para hidroaviones en la Ciudad de St. Cloud está en marcha. A fines de 2021, la Ciudad presentó un estudio de viabilidad a la Oficina de Aviación del Departamento de Transporte de Florida (FDOT). Este es un paso necesario para establecer un nuevo aeropuerto público en el estado. Dado que los hidroaviones utilizan el agua como pista de aterrizaje y de rodaje, el costo de la infraestructura aeroportuaria es mucho menor que el de un aeropuerto convencional. Una vez aceptado el estudio, comenzaremos un proceso de plan maestro.

estaremos trabajando con nuestro consultor en ingeniería y planificación aeronáutica, la empresa, AVCON, Inc. de Orlando, con el fin de diseñar los muelles (base) para hidro-aviones y el sistema de abastecimiento de combustible y poner ese trabajo a licitación. A lo largo de este proceso, nos reuniremos con los propietarios y operadores de hidroaviones para asegurarnos de que las instalaciones que construimos satisfagan las necesidades de esas partes interesadas, de los cuales, más de una docena se han comunicado con nosotros.

Además, el proceso del plan maestro de la FAA incluirá al menos una audiencia pública y, a menudo, se realizará una presentación al público varias semanas antes de la audiencia pública.

Nuestro objetivo es integrar las instalaciones costeras del hidroavión en el proceso de planificación maestra en curso del Lakefront Park para que sea compatible con todos los usos a la orilla del lago. Esperamos que dentro de un año o menos, los residentes vean alguna acción tangible en la orilla del lago asociada con la base del hidroavión.

La ley estatal permite las operaciones de hidroaviones en cualquier cuerpo de agua en Florida que no esté protegido o prohibido de otro modo para ese uso. Este hecho permitió a la Ciudad establecer previamente el carril (pista) para hidroaviones en East Lake Toho y recibir una licencia obligatoria para aeropuertos del Estado. Esto asegura que tanto la Administración Federal de Aviación (FAA por sus siglas en inglés) la función de control del tráfico aéreo y los aeropuertos de otras áreas deben tener en cuenta la existencia y las necesidades de espacio aéreo de nuestra base de hidroaviones en toda su planificación futura. La base está oficialmente designada como 3FL y actualmente se muestra en todas las cartas y documentos aeronáuticos. Algunos pilotos de hidroaviones usan la pista ahora para el aterrizaje de práctica “touch and go”, y dado que la pista está a una milla de la costa, muchas personas no saben que esto ha estado ocurriendo durante un año o más.

A diferencia de otros tipos de planes maestros, el proceso del plan maestro de la base del hidroavión es un proceso de formato FAA, exactamente lo mismo que se realiza periódicamente en Aeropuerto International de Orlando, Kissimmee o cualquier otro aeropuerto público. Recibir la aprobación estatal de un plan maestro para aeropuerto permitirá a la Ciudad solicitar fondos de subvención a la Oficina de Aviación del FDOT para reparar, reemplazar o agregar infraestructura en el futuro. Al mismo tiempo,

Kolby Urban fue juramentado el jueves 18 de nov. para la Silla 3 del Consejo de la Ciudad para ocupar la silla vigente de Chuck Cooper, quien falleció a mediados de año. Urban fue elegido el 9 de nov. en una elección general especial. Ha vivido toda su vida en St. Cloud y se graduó de Harmony High School, Urban posee una licenciatura en negocios de la Universidad de Florida Central. Es contratista en Distinctive Homes, Inc. Él y su esposa tienen una hija que nació en mayo.

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

St. Cloud Lady Bulldogs Upset Gateway, Close in on Orange Belt Conference Title Sometimes, the last step is the hardest.

Gateway’s girls’ basketball team (15-4 overall, 6-0 in OBC competition) entered Tuesday night’s game with St. Cloud needing just a win to clinch their first Orange Belt Conference championship in school history. But Jaelyn Bonilla hit a three-pointer with 1:16 remaining and Gateway missed third final eight shots of the game as the Lady Bulldogs pulled off a 60-55 upset.

The win lifted St. Cloud to 12-6 on the season and 5-0 in OBC play. The Lady Bulldogs can now wrap up their 11th OBC crown with wins over Osceola and Liberty later this season. They will be heavily favored in both games. “We didn’t play particularly well, especially in the first half,” St. Cloud Head Coach Chad Ansbaugh said. “I told our kids during a third quarter timeout that we were still in the game and this moment was not too big for them. This is why we put them through the meat grinder in practices and this is why we play a tough schedule. I told them we have no pressure on us, go out and play hard and have fun.” It was all Gateway early.

The Panthers would take control of the game in the first half, as Nari Moreau and Malaya Stephenson each scored 12 points and the Panthers grabbed double digit leads at the end of both the first (23-13) and second quarters (38-26), Although the Bulldogs would score the first six points of the third period, Gateway answered with a three from Stephenson and a bucket off a steal from Moreau to stretch the lead back to 11. “We started off strong in the third and gave up two quick baskets and were basically back to where we started from,” Ansbaugh said. “I really thought at that point there was a chance the game could get away from us.” But from that point forward, St. Cloud would take control of the game. Danigzy Mantilla scored seven points in the third quarter and Haley Collins added five and six rebounds as the Lady Bulldogs closed the gap to 50-45 after three quarters.

Both teams would grow cold in the fourth quarter before Stephenson’s three-pointer gave Gateway a 55-46 lead with two minutes remaining. St. Cloud would whittle away, however, cutting the gap to 55-53 on back-to-back threes from Bonilla and Mantilla. After getting a defensive stop, Bonilla would then hit her second three-pointer of the quarter to give St. Cloud its first lead of the night.

Gateway would continue to misfire on the offensive end of the court and would be forced to foul. St. Cloud would miss the front end of two consecutive one-and-ones, but Collins and Johnson would grab offensive rebounds of both misses as the Lady Bulldogs retained possession.

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

County Sports Wrapup: Longhorns, Kowboys Seek State Wrestling Bids, OBC Basketball Title On Line An opportunity to qualify for the state dual wrestling championships and a couple of Orange Belt Conference Championships will be decided this week as winter sports get into full swing for Osceola County public schools.

In wrestling, both the Osceola Kowboys and Harmony Longhorns can grab spots in the Class 3A state dual meet championship tournament when they host their respective regional tournaments on Thursday.

In girls basketball, the 2021-22 Orange Belt Conference (OBC) Championship will most likely be decided tomorrow night as St. Cloud hosts Gateway. The OBC Girls Weightlifting Championship will be determined on Friday as the Harmony Longhorns host the all-county meet at 5 p.m.

A look around the county: WRESTLING Both Osceola and Harmony advanced to this Thursday’s regional round of the Class 3A 2020-21 FHSAA State Dual Championships by claiming district championships last week. Both teams will host, as Osceola will wrestle Palm Bay at 5:30 p.m. If the Kowboys will, they will take on the winner of the George Steinbrenner – George Jenkins match at 7 p.m. for an opportunity to advance to the State Championship slated for Jan. 21-22 at Osceola High School.

The Kowboys qualified for the regionals by easily winning the District 6 title. As top seed, Osceola opened with a bye before beating Poinciana (75-6) in the semifinals and topping George Jenkins (5824) in the finals. Eight wrestlers picked up two wins each for Osceola, including defending individual state champions Cooper Haase and Gunner Holland.

Eight teams (winners from the top and bottom half of each regional bracket) advance to the state championship tournament. The Kowboys have reached the Elite 8 State Finals in all four previous years of the tournament – claiming a state runner-up spot in 2020.

Harmony, which moves up from Class 2A to Class 3A, advanced by winning the upper half of District 9 Meet at Tohopekaliga this past Saturday. Vic Lorenzano’s squad defeated Cypress Creel (71-12) and Oak Ridge (57-12) in the preliminaries; before claiming the District title with an impressive 48-30 win over Freedom in the final.

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

JD’S Weekly Morning Musings with Positively Osceola, talking Antonio Brown, Baker Mayfield, and Michael Strahan Here is a modern-day Moonlight Graham story.

Graham was a real-life ballplayer who appeared in a single game for the New York Giants in 1905, playing one defensive half inning and never played in the majors again. His story came to light in the novel “Shoeless Joe” and was later popularized in the movie “Field of Dreams.”

If there is a modern-day Moonlight Graham, it has to be Larry Yount — the older brother of MLB Hall of Famer Robin Yount. Larry was drafted in the fifth round of the 1968 MLB draft by the Houston Astros. After two highly successful minor league seasons, he earned a September call-up by the Astros. But before he could report, however, he was summoned to complete a military service commitment, which kept him from reporting for about a week. When he eventually returned to the Astros, he was summoned to the mound to pitch the ninth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves. While warming up, he experienced tightness in his elbow and was pulled before ever throwing a pitch. The injury ended his season and he would go back to the minors and play four more years for two organizations, without ever making it back to the show.

Because he was announced and pulled for an injury, he is credited with appearing in one major league game without ever participating in a play or facing a batter. Unlike Graham, who actually played in one-half inning defensively but never batted, Larry Yount is listed as having played in the major leagues, with actually ever having participated in a game…

Former Tampa Bay wide receiver Antonio Brown reportedly said he refused to go into the game two weeks ago because his ankle “hurt.” I’m no athletic trainer, but the way he danced, pirouetted, and did jumping jacks as he exited the field, it didn’t look that bad to me…

The best line of the week concerning Baker Mayfield comes from former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks, who was on the Colin Cowherd Show last week. When Cowherd asked Brooks if the Cleveland Browns should sign Mayfield to a long-term contract, Brooks said “I’d treat him like I treated my furniture in college…Renting, not Buying”…

Just curious, how come you never see any Grade “B” or Grade “C” eggs or butter in the grocery stores?…

In a “Defense Doesn’t Always Win Championships” note: The 2021 Denver Broncos became the first NFL team in 28 years to finish in the top three in the NFL in scoring defense and finish the year with a losing record. The 1993 Chicago Bears (7-9) were the last team to “accomplish” that…

The New York Yankees have hired Rachel Balkovec to manage the Tampa Tarpons (Low-Class A). She becomes the first female to manage a professional men’s minor league baseball team. Balkovec, a former softball catcher at Creighton and New Mexico, originally served as a strength and conditioning coach for the St. Louis Cardinals before moving to the Houston Astros, where she was hired as the Latin American strength and conditioning coordinator. She later became a strength and conditioning coach for the Astros Class AA team…

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ENTERTAINMENT

The Osceola County Fair, More LIVE Entertainment Than Ever Before February 11-20 at OHP Rosaire’s Royal Racers Always an Osceola County Fair Favorite, the Rosaire’s Royal Racers is a family owned and operated company, performing for audiences across the nation! Featuring three different breeds of pigs at each and every 20-30 minute show throughout the day!

Eudora Farms, Petting Zoo A staple at the Osceola County Fair, come on out to pet, feed, and see all the exotic, colorful, and surprising animals inside!

Showtimes Continuous throughout the day

Kenyon Lockry In January of 2006, a five song demo Kenyon had made in Nashville got in the hands of country music legend Mel Tillis.

Kenyon soon signed a management deal with Mr. Tillis. For the next six years, he recorded three albums and toured the nation.

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ENTERTAINMENT Battle of High School Bands In 2021 we held the first Osceola County High School Battle of the Bands. It was such a huge success we just had to bring it back and make this an annual event. The pride of Osceola County can be found in the arts and in some of the amazing youth we have.

Battle of the High School Voices This competition for local High School chorus teams to show off their talent. The winners get prize donated to the school’s booster program.

Grandpa Cratchet Show The Granpa Cratchet Corporation is a well-established touring and production company. Our Puppetmobiles™ have proven to be a great way to bring our characters to life. Rather than just being a show children and adults are able to build a relationship through first-hand encounters with our characters.

Extreme Illusions & Escapes Josh Knotts holds a Bachelor of the Fine Arts in Theatre from West Virginia University. He is an Eagle Scout, and a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow. He was awarded the Merlin award for Entertainer of the Year in 2016. For the past 16 years, he has performed illusion in just about every scenario at venues and events across the USA. Michael Goudeau Michael Goudeau is NOT the world’s greatest juggler but he’s definitely the funniest. With over 15,000 appearances as the special guest artist in the Lance Burton Show in Las Vegas, Michael is sure to make you laugh, gasp, and then laugh some more. He has performed his act all over the world, and on multiple television shows worldwide.

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COMMUNITY Kissimmee Main Street to Host 2021 Kissimmee 5K Saturday February 12, for the heart!

Kissimmee Main Street’s Kissimmee 5K is a Valentine’s week tradition in downtown Kissimmee, and once again, it’s all about the heart!

The annual event, which will take place on Saturday, February 12th at 7:30 am and will make its way along the beautiful Kissimmee lakefront and through historic downtown Kissimmee streets. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers, but runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome.

Strollers are welcome, so feel free to bring the entire family to the event! Come dressed in your favorite Valentine attire and be a part of the costume contests for Cutest Cupid, Prettiest Pair, and Care Club for large groups. The event, which promotes heart health, and will donate a portion of the proceeds to the American Heart Association.

Sign up at Kissimmee5K.com to participate or call 407-846-4643 if you are interested in vendor or volunteer opportunities!

Come show your heart with Kissimmee Main Street on February 12 at 7:30 am and experience the annual Kissimmee 5K!

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COMMUNITY Have you considered being a vendor at the St. Cloud Monthly Market? Here’s How! The St. Cloud Monthly Market was a huge success in 2021, allowing artists, businesses, organizations, crafters, entrepreneurs of all ages, and of course food vendors and restaurants to get out and do business in Downtown St. Cloud.

If you’re interested in being a vendor at one of the upcoming Monthly Markets that occurs on the last Wednesday of each month just click here. The St. Cloud Monthly Market is an outdoor venue that takes place RAIN OR SHINE. June and July are the Young Entrepreneur Markets only for vendors ages 21 and younger, and August is a break month. Wednesdays that fall near national major holidays, specifically Thanksgiving and Christmas, are adjusted for the season. The next monthly market is Wednesday, Jan. 26, from 5-9 p.m. Come be part of it!

Osceola County Admin Offices and Courthouse to Close in Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day In observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, Osceola County administration offices and the Courthouse will not be operational on Monday, January 17.

Offices will re-open on Tuesday, January 18.

For residents of unincorporated Osceola County, curbside garbage and recycling collection will continue as normally scheduled on Monday. However, the Bass Road Resource Recovery Site and the administrative offices will be closed.

Please contact the Osceola County Community Outreach/Public Information Office at 407-742-0100 for more information.

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TechCentral is a brand new creative space providing access to tools and technologies that will help the community gain the necessary skills to make their dreams a reality!

Featuring: Recording Studio Sewing Studio iMac Computer Lab with Adobe Creative Suite Virtual Reality Equipment Robotics for Kids Photography Studio 3D Printing On Demand Located on the second floor of Hart Memorial Central Library 211 E Dakin Avenue | Kissimmee, FL | 34741

osceolalibrary.org/techcentral | 407.742.8888

HEALTH

Melissa Perry, RD Registered Dietitian Orlando Health

Orlando Health: Get Your “5 a Day” with Superstar Fruits and Vegetables We all know that fruits and vegetables, which guard against cardiovascular disease, cancer and other health issues, should be a staple of our diets. But most Americans struggle to eat the recommended five servings a day.

According to a CDC survey, only 18 percent of adults hit that daily target.

The benefits of eating fruits and vegetables is undeniable. People who eat five servings daily have 13 percent lower risk of dying from any cause compared with people who eat two servings daily.

Eating all the colors of the rainbow ensures that you’re filling your body with all the vitamins it needs for optimal health.

How to Get Your 5 a Day Aim for two fruits and three vegetables a day. Here’s what’s considered a serving of some of the most common fruits and vegetables: One serving of fruit equals: • One medium apple, pear, orange, peach or nectarine • Half a medium avocado • 1 small banana • Half a medium grapefruit • 16 grapes • 1 medium kiwi • Half a medium mango • Quarter of a medium pineapple • 4 large strawberries Some fruits and vegetables are not as nutrient-dense as others. Keep in mind that peas, corn, and potatoes are starchy vegetables and contain a higher glycemic index. These vegetables can also raise your blood sugar levels, so make sure to monitor your portion size. Instead, focus on including more nonstarchy vegetables to count toward your “five a day.”

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HEALTH

Muhammad A. Jawad, MD Bariatric Surgeon Orlando Health

Orlando Health: Reversing Type 2 Diabetes Through Weight Loss It’s hardly news that obesity and related health problems represent a major public health problem in the United States. More than 40 percent of the nation’s population is considered obese.

That’s fueled an increase in people with Type 2 diabetes – the most common illness linked to obesity, accounting for up to 50 percent of all new cases.

What you may not know, however, is that it’s possible to manage — or even reverse — Type 2 diabetes through weight loss and bariatric surgery.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a disease that prevents your body from properly using sugar (glucose) as fuel. It’s essentially a two-part problem. The pancreas loses the ability to make enough insulin, the hormone that helps control the amount of sugar in your bloodstream. At the same, the cells stop responding normally to insulin (insulin resistance) and take in less sugar.

Eventually, this cycle leads to an unhealthy build-up of sugar in the blood, resulting in Type 2 diabetes.

If those high blood sugar levels cannot be lowered, the condition can lead to a range of health problems including: • Cardiovascular disease (including heart attack and stroke) • Vision loss • Kidney disease • Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) • Skin infections and disorders Diabetes is deadly, killing more Americans every year than AIDS and breast cancer combined, according to the American Diabetes Association. It’s imperative that individuals diagnosed with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are able to manage their symptoms and blood sugar levels.

Connection Between Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Insulin resistance is just one part of the Type 2 diabetes equation. Obesity also causes a decrease in ghrelin, a hormone that plays a role in regulation of food intake and energy metabolism, including glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

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INJURY LAW Slip and Fall, and Trip and Fall Accidents Can Change Your Life Forever, Call Draper Law Office In Central Florida, there are so many places to go and so many different things to do.

With so much going on in and around the community, unfortunately, sometimes slip and fall or trip and fall accidents take place.

If you’re involved in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident, it can change your life – how you live, how you go to school, or even how you work and earn a living. So where do you turn for advice? Where do you go to find answers….

Call Draper Law Office.

Charlie Draper and Draper Law Office have been serving the community since 1984, and they can help you. Slip and fall, or trip and fall cases are often related to someone else’s negligence and can be proven with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer.

If you’re looking for an attorney that you can trust and that will help you protect your rights and win your case, call Draper Law Offices at 407-846-0075, or visit DraperLawOffice.com.

Remember, in times of need, you can count on Draper Law.

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INJURY LAW If You’ve Been in a Traffic Accident, Do You Need to Call Your Insurance Company?

Central Florida is a rapidly growing region, and our roads continue to get more and more congested. Unfortunately, this can lead to traffic accidents happening more frequently, and it has.

If you’ve been involved in a traffic accident in Central Florida, do you need to let your insurance company know? The answer is yes. You need to notify your own insurance company, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. When you take out a policy with an insurance company, you have a responsibility to report a claim promptly and to work through the details of the accident with them. It helps the insurance company to protect your rights. Your insurance company has the right to investigate the claim, but if you fail to help them, they can actually deny coverage, such as uninsured motorist coverage. While you are required to report the claim to your insurance company, remember you should not speak to the adjusters of the other party’s insurance company without seeking assistance from an attorney and your insurance company.

If you have additional questions regarding reporting an accident and working with your insurance company, call Draper Law Offices at 407-846-0075 or visit DraperLawOffice.com. Remember, in times of need, you can count on Draper Law.

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REAL ESTATE Goodwin Realty: There Won’t Be a Wave of Foreclosures in the Housing Market When mortgage forbearance plans were first announced and the pandemic surged through the country in early 2020, many homeowners were allowed to pause their mortgage payments. Some analysts were concerned that once the forbearance program ended, the housing market would experience a wave of foreclosures like what happened after the housing bubble 15 years ago. Here’s a look at why that isn’t the case.

1. There Are Fewer Homeowners in Trouble This Time After the last housing crash, over nine million households lost their homes to a foreclosure, short sale, or because they gave it back to the bank. Many believed millions of homeowners would face the same fate again this time.

However, today’s data shows that most homeowners exited their forbearance plan either fully caught up on payments or with a plan from the bank that restructured their loan in a way that allowed them to start making payments again. The latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) studies how people exited the forbearance program from June 2020 to November 2021.

Here are those findings: 38.6% left the program paid in full • 19.9% made their monthly payments during the forbearance period • 11.8% made up all past-due payments • 6.9% paid off the loan in full 44% negotiated work-out repayment plans • 29.1% received a loan deferral • 14.1% received a loan modification • 0.8% arranged a different repayment plan 0.6% sold as a short sale or did a deed-in-lieu 16.8% left the program still in trouble and without a loss mitigation plan in place

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