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

MONDAY, JANUARY 15 2024

Unity in Action: Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Service and Solidarity in St. Cloud City of Kissimmee Unveils New State-of-the-Art MobilityEnhanced Playground at Kissimmee Lakefront Park

It’s Championship Week in Osceola County High School Sports!

Running for Remembrance: Run for the Cherubs 5K to Benefit Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies

SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival to Set Sail on a Taste Adventure Friday February 2 – May 19, 2024 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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February 3 , 2024 8:30 am – 11:00 am Lakefront Park

1104 Lakeshore Blvd.

Saint Cloud, FL US 34769 3RD ANNUAL

Entry Fees

PRIZES

$35: Adult 18 and up Fee includes: T-shirt $35: 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

Unity in Action: Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Service and Solidarity in St. Cloud Martin Luther King Jr., born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, was a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement. A Baptist minister and a staunch advocate for racial equality, King led nonviolent protests to fight segregation and promote the idea that “all men are created equal.” His most famous speech, “I Have a Dream,” delivered during the March on Washington in 1963, remains a symbol of hope and change. Tragically, his life was cut short on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, but his legacy continues to inspire.

In honor of his contributions, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday of January, is a time to reflect on the progress made and the work still to be done in pursuit of racial equality and justice. This day is not only a federal holiday but also a day of service, encouraging individuals to volunteer and improve their communities, reflecting King’s message of peace and unity.

St. Cloud’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Today, the City of St. Cloud honors this legacy with a community clean-up event at Hopkins Park from 11am – 2pm. This event is a chance for people of all ages to come together, embodying King’s vision of a united community. Volunteers are encouraged to dress comfortably and participate in various tasks. As a token of appreciation, lunch will be provided to all volunteers.

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NEWS City of Kissimmee Unveils New State-of-the-Art MobilityEnhanced Playground at Kissimmee Lakefront Park The City of Kissimmee unveiled an innovative and groundbreaking playground at Kissimmee Lakefront Park on Friday, thanks to the collaboration between BCI Burke and the City of Kissimmee Parks and Recreation Department.

“Building strong bonds with our partners allows the City of Kissimmee to continually enhance the lives and experience of everyone enjoying our community.” says City Manager Mike Steigerwald.

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It’s Championship Week in Osceola County High School Sports!

Three Orange Belt Conference champions will be crowned on Friday, as week-long OBC tournaments will be held in girls basketball and boys soccer; while the one-day girls weightlifting championship will be held at Harmony’s gymnasium.

Girls’ basketball begins on Tuesday with four quarterfinal games.

Semifinal and playback consolation games are slated for Thursday with first and second round games being played on the campuses of the highest seeds. The third place and championship games will be played on Friday night (5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.) at Tohopekaliga.

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NEWS Running for Remembrance: Run for the Cherubs 5K to Benefit Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies Lace-up your running shoes for a great cause, the Graham J. Cowan Foundation’s 3rd Annual Run for the Cherubs 5K, benefiting Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, happening rain or shine at St. Cloud’s Lakefront Park on Saturday, February 3rd.

registrations are all welcome.

Registration starts at 7:45am, with opening ceremonies at 8:10am, followed by the 5K race starting at 8:30am sharp!

Runners, walkers, strollers, and walk-up

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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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NEWS

Double the Fry, Double the Flavor: Unraveling the Rise of ‘Trashed’ and ‘Dirty’ Wings in the U.S. The culinary landscape is continually evolving, and the latest sensation in the realm of bar food is the emergence of “trashed” or “dirty” wings. These double-fried wings are gaining popularity for their unique preparation and flavor profile. The term “trash wings” is commonly used in Missouri, while in Connecticut, they’re known as “dirt wings​​​​​​.

Originating from J. Timothy’s Taverne in Plainville, Connecticut, dirt wings boast a more personal origin story. This method involves frying the wings, tossing them in sauce, and then frying them again to create a unique texture and intensified flavo​r.

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NEWS

Texas, Florida Top Growth States Again in 2023, According to U-Haul Migration Data Trends Florida ranked just behind Texas in netting the largest number of movers in oneway U-Haul equipment in 2023, marking the third consecutive year the two states have finished atop the U-Haul Growth Index. After Texas and Florida were North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Idaho, Washington, Arizona, Colorado and Virginia round out the top 10 states for growth.

For the fourth year in a row, California reflected the largest net loss of one-way movers. Other bottom-five states for growth are Michigan, New Jersey, Illinois and Massachusetts. New York ranks 43rd.

U-Haul calculates growth states by each state’s net gain (or loss) of one-way equipment from customer transactions in a calendar year. The U-Haul Growth Index is compiled from more than 2.5 million one-way U-Haul truck, trailer and U-Box moving container transactions that occur annually across the U.S. and Canada.

“While one-way transactions in 2023 remained below the record-breaking levels we witnessed immediately following the pandemic, we continued to see many of the same geographical trends from U-Haul customers moving between states,” said John “J.T.” Taylor, U-Haul International president. “Migration to states in the Southeast and Southwest is still very pronounced. Demand for one-way equipment out of certain markets in the Northeast, Midwest and West Coast mirrors what we have seen during recent moving cycles. Wherever DIY customers go, and whatever mobility and selfstorage needs they have in 2024, U-Haul will be there with solutions.”

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NEWS Blood Donors Get a Shot at Super Bowl LVIII Tickets: Red Cross & NFL’s Winning Combo!

The American Red Cross and the NFL are partnering for the fifth year during National Blood Donor Month this January and invite football fans and blood donors to join their lifesaving team to score big for patients in need.

Schedule your next blood, platelet or plasma donation appointment today.

Come to give through Jan. 31, 2024, to automatically be entered to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, as their thank you for helping during the critical post-holiday time! For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Super Bowl.

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St. Cloud Student Honored as Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Club During its inaugural Youth of the Year ceremony, the St. Cloud Boys & Girls Club named its overall ‘Youth of the Year’ winner for 2023, Ms. K. Torres of St. Cloud High School.

The goal is to honor youth (ages 13 through 18) who have worked as leaders and volunteers in their club, school, and community. Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive.

In attendance during the ceremony were (Pictured above left to right): Ms. E. Pujols – Runner up, Ms. A. Douglas – Runner up, Mr. Brian Wetzel, President of St. Cloud Hospital for Orlando Health, Youth of Year Winner – Ms. K. Torres, Ms. A. Marcano – Runner up and Mr. A. Lindsay, Service Director – St. Cloud B&GC’S

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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 KUA Unveils Special 30th Anniversary Energy Conservation Calendar for 2024 Kissimmee Utility Authority has released its 2024 Calendar of Energy Conservation, a bilingual calendar in English and Spanish, featuring the winning entries from its 30th 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 helpful energy conservation tips and incorporates the Osceola County School District calendar for convenient planning.

For the past 30 years, it has been the utility’s honor to conduct the annual contest, open to Osceola County students in Kindergarten through fifth grade, as a way to promote energy conservation among students and their families.

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NEWS Ringing Bells of Change: Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign Continues to Bring Positive Impact in and Around Osceola Throughout the Year The Salvation Army Red Kettles and bells may have been put away for another year, but thanks to the community’s generosity, the Red Kettle Campaign will continue to make a difference in Osceola and Orange Counties throughout 2024.

Donations received via the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign address hunger, housing and provide hope to community members year-round.

“Our staff and volunteers contributed greatly to this effort, as well as those who generously supported us during the Christmas season; our community, businesses, donors and supporters, and corporate partners,” said Captain Ken Chapman, Area Commander. “Without you, we couldn’t do it!”“Every dollar raised through our Red Kettles stays here in our community. Your holiday giving makes a difference every day at The Salvation Army,” Chapman continued.

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NEWS

Orlando Health Network launched innovative care models in 2023 Orlando Health Network launched various innovative health care models in 2023 to enhance the quality of patient care. Since its inception in 2013, the network has generated more than $165 million in savings to patients, payers, employers and taxpayers, according to the Clinically Integrated Network Value Report 2023.

The recently released 2023 report details how the network, part of the Orlando Health hospital system, launched multiple initiatives during 2023 to ensure that the nearly 300,000 patients it serves in Central and West Florida receive timely, efficient, and effective medical care from more than 6,600 multispecialty providers.

“Our 2023 Clinically Integrated Network Value Report showcases our myriad innovative care models, clinical and quality programs, and strong performance across value-based arrangements in the past year,” said Erik Walker, MD, board chairman, Orlando Health Network. “Now serving nearly 300,000 patients, Orlando Health Network achieved notable accomplishments for the tenth year in a row through the thoughtful collaboration with our dedicated providers and health system partners. On behalf of our network, I am once again humbled to share these efforts and their accompanying achievements.”

Initiatives launched by the network in 2023 include the Orlando Health Support Team for Aftercare and Resources Outpatient Centers, which are designed to effectively manage the post-hospitalization and advanced pharmacy needs of patients.

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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 much-anticipated 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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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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SPORTS Osceola Kowboys, Harmony Longhorns Qualify for FHSAA State Duals in Wrestling Championships For a seventh consecutive year, Osceola High School has qualified for the FHSAA State Wrestling Duals Championships and this time they will have some company from the county.

Wrestling in separate subregionals, both the Kowboys and the Harmony Longhorns punched their tickets to the state finals on Thursday evening with impressive wins.

Those two teams, along with six others, will meet in the 3A state championship tournament at Osceola High School next weekend. The quarterfinals are slated for Friday evening (Jan. 19) with the semifinals and finals on Saturday (Jan. 20). Osceola High is also hosting the 2A and 1A championships at the same time.

The Kowboys put on a dominating performance in beating Strawberry Crest in the semifinals, 58-22, and before dispatching George Steinbrenner by an almost identical score (52-22) in the final.

“Overall, we accomplished what we wanted to,” Osceola coach Rick Tribit said.

“There weren’t any real surprises but I was pleased that we were able to build comfortable leads in both matches. That allowed us to move some athletes around and give some of our junior varsity kids some big-time varsity of experience.”

In the Strawberry Crest match, Osceola picked up two forfeits in the lighter class but found themselves tied 12-12 after four matches after Crest record two pins. That tie was quickly broken as Ehab Shlaby (132), Isfandier Sharipov (138), Jayson Ortiz (144) and Nathaniel Cabrera (152) all won by consecutive pinfalls in the next four matches to put Osceola in front, 36-12.

Anderson Heap, a two-time state champion, then recorded an 18-3 technical fall and two matches later, Gunner Holland gave Osceola an insurmountable lead with a technical fall to make 44-18.

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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

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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OSCEOLA BUSINESS REFERRAL SERVICE

Making Business Better, Together

OBRS.NET

HEALTH

Daniel J. Nohra Revilla, DO Neurology Orlando Health

Orlando Health: 4 Tips To Prevent Migraine Attacks

Migraine, a neurological condition, leads to an intense and debilitating type of headache. This often compels those affected to seek solace in a dark, tranquil space for hours or even days, waiting for the agony to subside, frequently relying on potent medications for relief.

An estimated 1 billion people — including 18 percent of all women — suffer from migraines, making it one of the most prevalent maladies globally and resulting in an estimated $193 billion annually in medical expenses and lost productivity.

While medicines that block pain pathways in the brain are used to treat the acute phase of the disease — an active headache — simple lifestyle changes and practices may keep symptoms at bay without medical intervention. Here are four tips you can adopt now for more headache-free days this year.

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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

Ziad R. Mattar, MD Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Orlando Health

Orlando Health: Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea

It’s hard to function when you aren’t getting good sleep. As many as one in three Americans struggles with sleeping because of a sleep disorder – and many don’t know they have it.

Of all the sleep disorders, sleep apnea is among the most common. If it affects you, it most likely shows up when you’re in your late 30s or early 40s. After you’ve turned 65, you are much less likely to develop sleep apnea.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea • Nonrestorative sleep where you wake up not feeling rested or refreshed • Excessive daytime sleepiness • Falling asleep during the day, whether at work or behind the wheel • Difficulty staying asleep no matter what you do. However, it is normal to wake up once or twice during the night, especially if you are in your 50s or older.

• Difficulty falling back asleep after waking up at night • Your bed partner witnesses a pause in your breathing; as soon as the carbon dioxide builds up, your brain prods you awake and you gasp • Snoring • Leg cramps or restless leg syndrome • Night sweats • Sensation of cold feet or cold extremities • Acid reflux Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

One of the most common ways that you might discover that you have sleep apnea is if your doctor or specialist refers you because of one of several conditions.

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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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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 EPCOT’s 2024 Festival of the Arts: A Canvas of Flavors, Colors, and Creativity The 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, held from January 12th to February 19th at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, promises an immersive and vibrant experience for visitors. This festival is a celebration of creativity in all its forms, combining visual, culinary, and performing arts.

Guests are invited to indulge in a unique culinary adventure with over 15 Food Studios scattered throughout EPCOT. Each studio offers a distinct array of dishes, designed to be as visually appealing as they are delicious, turning every meal into a work of art. The festival’s focus on artistic presentation means that each dish is crafted to be a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

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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 Ninja Adventures Await: Experience LEGO® NINJAGO® Weekends at LEGOLAND® Florida, Select Dates January 20 – February 19!

Get ready for an action-packed adventure at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort with LEGO® NINJAGO® Weekends! This special event, on select Saturdays and Sundays, January 20 – February 19, invites all aspiring ninjas to join the Elemental Masters in a world of fun and excitement. Sharpen your ninja skills through a series of interactive activities and shows, designed to bring out the ninja in you.

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Behind the Scenes at SeaWorld: Inspiring Stories of Animal Care and Rescue

Experience the ‘Inside Look’ event at SeaWorld, an extraordinary opportunity to dive into the marine world, happening on January 13-15 and January 20-21. This event, included with park admission, invites you to explore various Inside Look Experience/ Tour locations from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on event days. It offers an all-access pass to the habitats of your favorite animals, allowing you to see them up close, engage in conversations with their dedicated caretakers, and learn about their meticulous care. This isn’t just an observational tour; it’s an educational journey that enlightens you on how to contribute to the conservation of these magnificent animals in their natural habitats. Be prepared to be inspired and to connect with the natural world in a meaningful way.

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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Florida Fusion: Bell Peppers Meet Taco Night

Taco Stuffed Florida Bell Peppers are a positively delicious fusion of Mexican flavors and Florida’s fresh produce. These bell peppers, sourced from Florida’s rich soil, are the perfect vessel for the savory, spiced taco filling. Ideal for a fun family dinner or a festive gathering, these stuffed peppers are not only easy to prepare but also offer a nutritious, satisfying meal. They embody the essence of creative home cooking, bringing a unique twist to traditional taco night.

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Berry Fresh Delight: Florida Strawberry Arugula Salad and Crunchy Candied Pecans Florida Strawberry and Arugula Salad with Candied Pecans is a simple yet positively delicious dish. It combines sweet strawberries from Florida with fresh, peppery arugula and crunchy candied pecans. This mix creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in every bite. Ideal for a quick lunch or as a side, this salad is a great way to enjoy Florida’s fresh produce.

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Southern Comfort Reimagined: Florida Corn, Tomato, and Chicken Chili Pie Florida Corn, Tomato, and Chicken Chili Pie is a positively delicious dish that embodies the rich, diverse flavors of Florida. This pie brings together sweet Florida corn, ripe tomatoes, and tender chicken in a savory chili base, all encased in a flaky crust. Ideal for any meal, this chili pie is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a showcase of Florida’s fresh, local produce. Easy to prepare, it’s a surefire way to impress and bring a taste of Florida’s culinary creativity to your table.

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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Sunshine Harvest: Florida Vegetable Pasta Delight

Florida Vegetable Pasta is a positively delicious dish that showcases the fresh, vibrant flavors of Florida’s bountiful produce. Combining a variety of locallysourced vegetables with perfectly cooked pasta, this meal is a celebration of color, texture, and taste. It’s a simple, flavorful, and versatile meal that’s sure to please any palate.

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Coastal Feast: Florida Shrimp and Clams over Rice Florida Shrimp and Clams over Rice is a positively delicious dish that brings the essence of Florida’s coastline to your dining table. This seafood delight features succulent shrimp and tender clams, freshly caught from Florida’s clear waters, served over a bed of perfectly cooked rice. With your ingredients and preparation, it’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s sure to impress and satisfy seafood lovers.

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Florida-Style Potato Nachos

Florida Potato Nachos are a positively delicious and inventive take on the traditional nacho dish.

Using Florida potatoes instead of tortilla chips, this recipe offers a unique and satisfying crunch. Topped with melted cheese, fresh salsa, and a mix of flavorful herbs, these potato nachos blend the hearty texture of potatoes with classic nacho toppings. Ideal for gatherings or a fun family meal, they are easy to prepare with your ingredients and sure to be a hit, offering a delightful twist on a familiar favorite.

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