POSITIVELY OSCEOLA WEEKLY
Making a Positive Difference in and around Osceola County!
Inside this issue Kissimmee Utility crews head to South Carolina to help with Winter Storm power restoration
Register today for Kissimmee Main Street’s Kissimmee 5K Saturday, February 12 – It’s for the heart!
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2022, a New Year, a New Hope – Sam Haught, Co-owner Wild Florida Page 5
Osceola County to Launch Temporary COVID-19 Testing Site in Kissimmee
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2022, a New Year, a New Hope 2022, a New Year, a New Hope – Dustin Bronson, Big Boss of the Silver Spurs Riding Club With each new year, we are reminded of a newness, a fresh start, or even a chance for new hope. It’s the same feeling when a rancher’s first calf of the new year hits the ground, and all the feelings of new life have begun. It reminds us to keep going for a life we are destined to live, and for a future, we strive to have. As ranchers and Silver Spurs Riding Club members, we put a lot of trust in hope. We hope that the fence will hold, the crowd will come, the stock will grow, and our families will live better than before. Hope has the courage to do better, be better and turn our hearts to God. We can always hope, but putting action to hope is going to change the outcome of our year and years to come. I wish everyone a Happy New Year! Dustin Bronson Big Boss 2021-2022, Silver Spurs Riding Club
2022, a New Year, a New Hope – Ansley Bo, the 2021 Miss Silver Spurs Every new year presents opportunities and we must make the best of them. Whether it be working hard in school to prepare for the future, cultivating stronger relationships with family and friends, or having the courage to be a leader, you should embrace the fresh start and never miss an opportunity to shine. There is countless potential with a new year and I will continue to make every moment count by working hard to share my love for rodeo and agriculture with the world. Each day is a chance to be the best version of myself. “I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13 Happy New Year and new beginnings to all! Ansley Bo 2021 Miss Silver Spurs, Silver Spurs Riding Club
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2022, a New Year, a New Hope 2022, a New Year, a New Hope – Sam Haught, Co-owner Wild Florida 2021 was a rough one for us with several of our Wild Florida family members battling illness and serious business interruptions related to Covid. We are very optimistic about 2022 and feel better equipped than ever before to handle the volatility in our industry. We’ve seen many blessings despite the challenging times. The ground may continue to move under our feet, but we have big plans for next year and know wonderful things are headed our way. Our team has adapted to the challenges and will continue providing an unforgettable adventure to everyone that comes through our gates! For more information about Wild Florida and their Drivethru Safari Park, visit WildFl.com. Sam Haught Co-owner, Wild Florida
2022, a New Year, a New Hope – Bill Litton, Director Osceola County Office of Emergency Management Happy New Year… Osceola County! 2021 continued to challenge Osceola, but we are resilient and spirited people – especially including the staff of the Osceola County Office of Emergency Management. 2021, like many previous years, was a very active season for tropical weather. The third most active season on record, it really drives home the fact that being ready to respond is critical – both in your community and in your home. 2022 will likely continue that trend, so we will continue to make sure residents and visitors are provided the most timely and informative safety messaging so that they can make the decisions to protect themselves, their family, and their property. Visit http:// readyosceola.org for what you will need to make a plan, build a kit, stay informed, and take action. We look forward to partnering with the Osceola County Library System for the annual Severe Weather Awareness Week art contest next month, and to hosting the annual Osceola Hurricane Expo in May. A continued challenge we face is providing access to resources in response to COVID-19 and its variants, including testing and vaccination opportunities, and financial support for those impacted by the virus. For information, visit www.osceola.org/covid19. Personally, in 2022 I look forward to continuing my involvement with the Boy Scouts of America, including planning the next National Scout jamboree event in 2023. I also look forward to completing the National Emergency Management Executive Academy this year. Bill Litton Director, Osceola County Office of Emergency Management For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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NEWS Kissimmee Utility crews head to South Carolina to help with Winter Storm power restoration Two KUA crews headed to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Thursday to provide mutual aid to Santee Cooper, as Winter Storm Jasper hits the Mid-Atlantic. As part of KUA’s mutual aid agreement with utilities across the state, KUA sent 9 linemen and a convoy of vehicles and supplies to assist with the restoration of power. Those who are traveling from KUA include David Wolfe, Kevon McKinsey, Lars Akkerman, Karl Glass, Chase Fuller, Nathan Gault, Brendan Laflamme, Aaron Hale, and Dustin Kelley. Positively Osceola would like to give KUA and all their selfless team members a big shout out for all that they do for the community 24/7 365 days a year!
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NEWS Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis completes chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis has completed her final chemotherapy treatment after a breast cancer diagnosis in October, Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference in Bowling Green, Florida. “She’s doing well and we look forward to having good news over the ensuing weeks and months,” the Republican governor said. Casey DeSantis, a 41-year-old, is a former news and television show host and local TV journalist in Jacksonville. Ron and Casey DeSantis were married in 2010 and have three children. Positively Osceola wishes the first lady a full and speedy recovery,
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NEWS Florida Governor Announces Florida’s Military and Defense Industry Supported More Than 860,000 Jobs
On Wednesday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida’s military and defense industry supported more than 860,000 jobs in 2020 while Florida experienced a 12 percent increase in direct defense spending from $44 billion in 2018 to $49.3 billion in 2020. According to the recently published 2022 Florida Defense Industry Economic Impact Analysis by the Florida Defense Support Task Force (FDSTF), defense spending in 2020 generated more than $96.6 billion in value-added economic impacts or 8.5 percent of the Florida economy. “My administration has worked hard to make Florida the most military-friendly state in the country,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Creating a military-friendly environment has not only benefitted veterans and current military personnel, but also our economy by creating civilian opportunities in a thriving defense industry.” “Thanks to Governor DeSantis and his dedication to Florida military communities, our state’s military and defense industry is thriving,” said Secretary Dane Eagle of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “As we continue to push forward with an open and free economy, we must recognize Governor DeSantis for his dedication to keep Florida open for business. Our state is growing, our military remains the best in the nation, and I look forward to seeing even greater impacts in the next study.” For more than a decade, the FDSTF has monitored the economic impacts of defense spending flowing to Florida military installations, private-sector defense contractors, and the more than 1.5 million veterans and military retirees residing in Florida. To do so, the FDSTF conducts a bi-annual update to gauge the economic impacts of the Florida defense industry. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 8
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NEWS Brightline Begins Testing Trains,Training Crews Between West Palm Beach and Cocoa Brightline is beginning the new year with a critical step toward the completion of its intercity rail system connecting Miami and Orlando. Starting this week, the week of January 17, Brightline will begin running its trains between West Palm Beach and Cocoa, giving locomotive engineers and train conductors an opportunity to learn the tracks and territory along a 130 mile stretch of the corridor. The trains will NOT be carrying passengers. Qualifying trains will operate one round trip a day and are expected to continue daily through 2022. Qualifying runs are the federally approved approach to familiarize certified engineers and conductors with new rail territory. Operating a train requires engineers and conductors to be intimately familiar with the rail corridor, including road crossings, signals, curves, and speed restrictions. During qualifying runs, Brightline train crews will work with a manager already qualified on the territory, who will provide oversight and instruction.
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Price of orange juice expected to rise amid forecasts of smallest crop in over 60 years It’s no secret, Inflation is at its highest level in years and can be seen in the prices of gas, food, and just about everything else consumers look for in the U.S.economy. Get ready, orange juice is now on the list of items affected by inflation. Forbes has reported that orange juice also “is one of the few demand-side beneficiaries of virus outbreak periods.” With COVID-19, the flu, or even “just” the common cold, people have been encouraged to stay hydrated and drink vitamin C to stay healthy, and orange juice is a popular natural choice for people to make that happen. But, as Forbes explains, the demand for a “glass of sunshine” is expected to increase even more than usual during cold and flu season, and so we can expect the price tag to be higher as well. The increase in demand for Orange Juice combined with an already poor harvest is bad news for orange juice production. Citrus disease and poor weather conditions have negatively impacted orange crops for the past few years. Florida is expected to produce 45 million boxes of oranges. That will be the smallest harvest Florida has produced in nearly 60 years. So unless you’re willing to shift to grapefruit juice, you’ll have to be prepared to pay 10% more for that delicious Florida Orange Juice. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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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.
St. Johns River blue crab trap closure ending early, traps permitted back in the water Recreational and commercial blue crab traps can be placed back in all waters of the St. Johns River system starting Friday, Jan. 21. The closure included all waters of the St. Johns River system and its associated lakes and tributaries from west of the St. Johns River’s intersection with the Intracoastal Canal, through and including Lake Hellen Blazes in Brevard County. Lost and abandoned blue crab traps are a problem in the blue crab fishery because they can continue to trap crabs and fish when left in the water. They can also be unsightly in the marine environment, damage sensitive habitats, and pose navigational hazards to boaters on the water. Closures like this give groups authorized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) the opportunity to identify and retrieve lost and abandoned blue crab traps from the water. The closure is one of three regional, 10-day blue crab trap closures in 2022 on the Atlantic coast of Florida. There are six regional closures total: three in odd-numbered years on the west coast and three in even-numbered years on the east coast. For more information regarding the FWC’s trap-retrieval program, blue crab trap closure dates, and regulations and cleanup events, go online to MyFWC.com/Marine and click “Traps and Debris”. For additional information, call 850-487-0554. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 10
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NEWS
Osceola County to Launch Temporary COVID-19 Testing Site in Kissimmee Osceola County has announced that it will launch a temporary COVID-19 test site at the Maingate Complex, 3020 Maingate Lane, in Kissimmee beginning Wednesday, January 19. The site will be open seven days a week and will offer free rapid Antigen and PCR testing from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are required with Northshore Clinical Labs. To register and schedule an appointment, visit https://maingate-testing.as.me. “The omicron variant of COVID-19 has created unprecedented demand for tests. I’m happy that the County was able to partner with Northshore to make this resource available,” said Osceola Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington. “It is my hope that people who think they may be infected with the coronavirus get tested and follow the tried and true protocols of isolation, social distancing and face masks in public to try and stem the spread of the virus.” The Department of Health in Osceola and local pharmacies already provide testing, and this is yet another option for the community. Information on testing options is available at www.Osceola.org/ covid19testing. Vaccinations (including boosters), social distancing, and face masks are key ways to mitigate the spread of the virus. Find vaccination locations at www.Osceola.org/covid19vaccinations. Officials urge residents to be on the lookout for potential COVID-19 Scams. Residents should rely on trusted sources of information for access to COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and monoclonal antibody treatment locations in Osceola County. As demand for testing increases, so does the risk for potential scams. Residents are urged to be on the lookout for fraudulent COVID-19 products and practices, especially as it pertains to testing. Further, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seen unauthorized fraudulent test kits for COVID-19 being sold online. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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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 FHSAA Playoff Format May Change Next Football Season A proposal that will be voted on next month may change the playoff landscape of Florida High School football. Under the plan, the current single eight-classification system (1-A through 8-A based on school population) would be modified into two groups, the Metro Division and the Suburban Division. The Metro Division would consist of the eight most populous counties in Florida (Pinellas, Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Orange, Seminole, Duval and Broward), with the remaining 59 counties – including Osceola – forming the Suburban Division. Each division would have four classes (1A-4A) and would crown a state champion in each class. The aim of the proposal is to create a more competitive balance and to give more teams an opportunity to compete for a state championship; while eliminating blowout games in the state finals. Since 2011, 87 percent of the 77 state titles up for grab have been won by what would be considered Metro Division schools; while only 35 different schools have even won a state championship in that time period. One of the issues this plan hopes to solve is the built-in advantage schools in big metropolitan areas have in regards to accepting transfers. With some big city schools having five or six schools located within a couple of miles of each other, it becomes easier for a student-athlete to transfer to that school as transportation becomes less of an issue. While that will still take place, schools in more rural areas will not have to compete against those schools in the playoffs. FHSAA officials also hope the plan reduces the number of lopsided playoff games, which has seen even state championship games go to a running clock under the mercy rule. For example, St. Thomas Aquinas won their five playoff games in Class 7A last year by an average of 30 points – including a 45-7 running clock win over Gainesville Bucholz in the semifinals. Under the new proposal, St. Thomas would be placed in the Metro Class 4A and would play teams from heavily populated counties in the post-season; while Gainesville Bucholz would compete in the Class 4A Suburban Division. It is a plan that has divided reviews from Osceola County coaches and athletic directors. For Osceola High, which has been eliminated by what would have been classified as “Metro Division” schools in four of the last five seasons, it could create an easier path to the state championship – eliminating schools like Apopka, West Orange, Dr. Phillips, and Miami-based teams that have traditionally been in the Kowboys bracket.
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SPORTS St. Cloud Girls Sweep Orange Belt Conference Team Weightlifting Crowns It was a clean sweep for the St. Cloud girls weightlifting team as they won the 2022 Orange Belt Conference team titles in both the traditional clean-and-jerk/bench press competition and the new snatch competition on Friday night at Harmony High School. In the traditional event, the Lady Bulldogs posted three champions and seven runner-up finishes, scoring 79 team points to easily out-distance second-place Celebration (45). Osceola and Harmony tied for third with 28 points. St. Cloud had five champions to post 74 points and win the snatch competition over Celebration (43). Harmony and Osceola tied for third in that event too, with 38 points. Eventually, it is believed the FHSAA will eliminate the bench portion of the completion and replace it with the snatch, which will put the sport in-line with Olympic and other weight lifting competitions, but for this year it will be a separate event in-state competition. In rolling to their 11th consecutive title, St. Cloud got championship wins from Abby Davis at the 110-weight class, Kaitlyn Gallagher (119), and Kiley Holland (154). In addition, the Lady Bulldogs got second-place finishes from Aija Diaz (101), Ashley Aun (110), Layla Lara (119), Javani Roberson (129), Nyla Roberson (139), Chelsea Taylor (169), and Sara Weiss (199). Holland hit her last attempt in the clean-and-jerk for a 140-145-285 total to edge Harmony’s Avery Heap (140-140-280). Overall, St. Cloud had 17 of its 20 lifters score points in the meet. “Going in, I thought we had a real good shot to get five champions, but we only got three, and one of those was a bit of a surprise as Kiley came through to win at 154,” St. Cloud coach Cory Aun said. “Without question, it was our overall depth that led the way to this win.” Upstart Celebration continues to show improvement in its program, with a second consecutive second-place finish. Traditionally, its program has been a non-factor in OBC competition, finishing a distant fourth with 19 points just two years ago. The Storm champions included Alessandra Diaz (101), Helena Huyke (129), and Indiana Ramos (199). Celebration got team points from both its lifters in five of the 10 weight classes. ”We’ve come a long way in the last couple of years,” Storm coach Cliff Branch said. “It’s all due to the dedication and hard work this team puts in every day.”
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SPORTS Anthony Paradiso Takes Reigns of Tohopekaliga Football After a football season of turmoil at Tohopekaliga, Athletic Director Lonnie Flores has decided to turn the program over to a stabilizing force. On Tuesday, Flores announced that Anthony Paradiso – the longtime successful coach at Lake Nona—would become the fourth head coach in school history. Paradiso replaces Jeff Higgins, who won just two games in his only year as head coach. The Tigers went 2-8 in a season when they were shutout six times and had numerous players transfer out of the program prior to the start of the season. “We had a lot of outstanding candidates, but we just felt Coach Paradiso was the right man for the job,” Flores said in making the announcement. “He has a proven track record of not only winning but winning on a consistent basis. The fact that he was at Lake Nona for more than a decade also told us that he can provide something we have lacked in the past and that is stability.” Paradiso brings solid credentials to the post. In his 11 seasons as head coach at Lake Nona, he posted a 72-43 record and won seven or more games eight times with a district title, six trips to the playoffs, and just one losing season. Change and the opportunity to build another program is what attracted Paradiso to the position. “I have a wonderful 13 years at Lake Nona but to tell the truth I think we reached a plateau there” Paradiso, who also spent two seasons as the team’s offensive coordinator from 2009-10. “When this opportunity presented itself, it just felt right. It’s a relatively new school that has had some success in the past but little consistency. We need to provide a new culture and direction.” Building programs is something Paradiso has done more than once. In addition to Lake Nona, he took over a floundering Cyrstal River program that had won just five games in two years. In his second season, Paradiso went 9-3 and had Crystal River in the playoffs. His overall record as a head coach is 86-61-0. In addition to his head coaching experience, Paradiso spent five years as offensive coordinator at Timber Creek, a year as QB/WR coach at University High and one season as quarterbacks coach at Colonial High School. Paradiso played football at Robert Morris before transferring to the University of South Florida, where he received both his undergraduate and master’s degree. Tohopekaliga, which opened in 2018, hired Anthony Davis as its first coach. Just prior to the second season, Davis resigned to become the Director of Recreation in his native Marathon, Fla. Marc Deas had a successful two-year stint, going 12-8 and leading the Tigers to its first-ever postseason appearance. But Deas also suddenly resigned to take over the football program at the private Feltrim Academy in Haines City, with Higgins taking over the post.
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SPORTS
By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola
It’s JD’s Weekly Musings, talking Cowboys Loss, Dolphins Former Head Coach Brian Flores, and more! Dolphins fired head coach Brian Flores last week and owner Steven Ross and General Manager Chris Grier both say it had nothing to do with his coaching abilities and everything to do with Flores’ surliness, communication skills, and the lack of his ability to get along. A few years ago, Flores begged his GM and ownership to draft Justin Herbert at quarterback and to upgrade the offensive line, instead, Grier got him Tua Tagovailoa and did nothing to fix the putrid offensive line. To tell you the truth, I think the wrong guy got dismissed and if I was Flores I think I would be a little surly too… Any Cowboys fan who feels the referees cost them the game needs a serious reality check. First, the final call for Dak to run the ball down the middle of the field with no timeouts left was risky at best. Dak gets more than his share of the blame for not sliding sooner and not getting up and giving the ball to the official immediately—something every QB in that situation knows to do. Add to the fact there was no guarantee he would have thrown a 25-yard touchdown pass on the final play if he had a second left and the Cowboys committed ridiculous penalties all game long. Add to that strange “WTH Were They Thinking” moment when the Cowboys picked up a first down on a fake punt and then proceeded to stay in punt formation –eventually picking up a delay of game penalty – and the Dallas got exactly what they deserved, a big fat “L” and early tee-times at the country club… Simple thoughts or ideas can make you wealthy. Did you know veteran big-event announcer Michael Buffer of “Let’s get ready to rumble” fame has a net worth of $400 million and can command up to $1 million in a single appearance to utter that phrase? His half-brother of lesser fame Bruce Buffer has a net worth of $14 million and gets paid up to $100,000 to scream “It’s Time” before a UCF event. Think about that…those two men have made $414 million uttering a total of seven words… In case you missed it, Russell Henley took a two-shot lead into the final round of the PGA stop in Hawaii yesterday and then proceeded to extend it to a four-shot lead at the turn with a fabulous 29 – and then went on to lose the tournament. It was not really a choke job, as Henley was just one-over 37 on the back but Hideki Matsuyama made up the stagger with a back-nine, four-under 31 to force a playoff and then won on the first playoff hole with an eagle. In a lot of ways, Henley’s loss felt like a football team coming back from a three-touchdown deficit in the fourth quarter or a baseball team overcoming a 9-0 deficit – it just doesn’t happen that often that a PGA pro leading a tournament would give up that big of a lead… Totally bizarre thought for you to ponder: If a hot dog is nothing but pureed stuffed inside an animal casing does mean you become a hot dog when you eat one, because you become the animal casing for pureed meat?
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Paint the Cloud Green St. Patrick's Day LIGHT PARADE Sat., March 12 Parade starts at 7 p.m.
at Lakeshore Blvd. and Pennsylvania Ave. traveling up to 12th Street, then to Massachusetts Ave. back to Lakeshore Blvd.
Don't miss your chance to promote your business or organization in the Paint the Cloud Green LIGHT parade! To register your float or for more information, contact St. Cloud Parks and Recreation at
407-957-7243 or parksandrecreation@stcloud.org Thank you to our sponsors:
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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ENTERTAINMENT Kenyon Lockry, Singer, Songwriter, Performer, to perform at 78th Osceola County Fair in February Kenyon Lockry, singer, songwriter, performer, will be on stage wowing audiences at the upcoming Osceola County Fair in February. 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. Touring with Mel brought Kenyon to Branson, CMA Music Festivals, and multiple performances at the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry. Kenyon has since recorded three critically acclaimed albums under his independent label Kenyon Lockry Music. At Kenyon’s live performances, he strives to keep a balance of staying true to his style and playing all-time favorites that can appeal to just about any crowd. For information about Kenyon, visit Kenyonlockry.com ***Showtimes at the 2022 Osceola County Fair*** Thursday, February 17th at 7 pm & 8:30 pm
“Don’t Dress for Dinner” to Open at Osceola Arts This Weekend Come out to Osceola Arts beginning this weekend for some great laughs as it opens “Don’t Dress for Dinner.” You will find five people spending an evening in a French farmhouse. Two are married, four are secret lovers and one is a very confused chef! Uncovered secrets, quick-witted improvisation, and wacky hijinks all make “Don’t Dress for Dinner” a hilarious farce. To request socially distanced seating, please contact the Box Office at 407-846-6257. Socially distanced seats may not be available for every performance. Osceola Arts will present an American Sign Language interpreted performance on Saturday, February 5th at 2:00 PM. For more information about the best seating to view the interpreter, please email boxoffice@ osceolaarts.org.
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ENTERTAINMENT 11th Annual Monster Bulls and 148th Silver Spurs Rodeo to ride back into Kissimmee February! Rodeo fans get ready, the 11th Annual Monster Bulls and the 148th Silver Spurs Rodeo are riding back into Kissimmee in February! The Silver Spurs Riding Club’s 11th Annual Monster Bulls event will hit the dirt on February 12th at 7:30 pm, and the 148th Silver Spurs Rodeo will rock the Silver Spurs Arena on February 18th and 19th at 7:30 pm, and February 20th at 2 pm. The best in professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls will be holding on for the rides of their lives as they compete against the clock for an entire year of bragging rights and $50,000 in prize money! If you’re looking for extreme sports, it all starts on Monster Bulls night, Saturday, February 12th at 7:30 pm. It’s sure to be another action-packed event you won’t want to miss! For tickets and more information visit SilverSpursRodeo.com. Silver Spurs Rodeo will feature bull riding, bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, tie-down roping, team roping, and steer wrestling. In between all the rodeo action, there will be an act by the rodeo clown and the famous and fast Silver Spurs Quadrille team, who perform a square dance on horseback. The largest rodeo east of the Mississippi is the work of the Silver Spurs Riding Club; an all-volunteer, non-profit organization started in 1941 by Osceola County ranchers who began the rodeo in 1944, selling war bonds as admission to raise funds for our military. Your Monster Bulls and Silver Spurs Rodeo ticket purchases include admission to the Osceola County Fair, which runs from February 12th through the 21st and is adjacent to the Silver Spurs Arena. Tickets to Monster Bulls are $20 per adult and children 10 and under are free. For the Silver Spurs Rodeo Friday and Saturday performances, the tickets are $25 per person and children 10 and under are free, while the Silver Spurs Rodeo’s Sunday ticket price is $20 per adult and children 10 and under are free with a paying adult. To minimize touch points and control crowd size, limited tickets will be available at the box office and fans are encouraged to purchase online in advance to guarantee seating. Donation tickets are available, and all proceeds will go towards the Silver Spurs Riding Club. Fans can do this at www.SilverSpursRodeo. com. If fans still want to support the rodeo but are unable to attend or do not feel comfortable in a public setting, the Silver Spurs Riding Club has added a ‘Donation ticket’ which can be purchased online for $20 per ticket. Proceeds from this ticket will go directly to organizations in Osceola County for scholarships, cancer support, veteran needs and more.
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ENTERTAINMENT 15th Year of Disney Dreamers Academy Program Awaits 2022 Class of Talented High School Students
The Walt Disney World Resort mentorship event that fosters the dreams of black students and teens from underrepresented communities will return March 3-6, marking its 15th year of broadening career awareness and creating opportunities for black students and teens from underrepresented communities across America. This year, the program will introduce the Disney Dreamers to an array of new immersions designed to continue to foster the dreams of young leaders beyond imagination, including career-building workshops, networking sessions, mentorship connections, and introductions to future professional opportunities at The Walt Disney Company and beyond. For its 15th year, Disney Dreamers Academy is supporting students in even more ways. In a new initiative, Disney Dreamers Academy, in partnership with ESPN’s The Undefeated and GRAMMYnominated rap artist Cordae, is awarding college scholarships to 11 students from underrepresented communities attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The Disney Dreamers program encourages the next generation to think big and to carry what they learn back with them, so they can relentlessly pursue their dreams and make a difference in the lives of others. “We are excited and honored to celebrate 15 years of Disney Dreamers Academy with this year’s class,” said Tracey D. Powell, Walt Disney World Resort Vice President, and Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion. “We’ve embraced this opportunity to amplify the event, and we’re thrilled to introduce new experiences, new career programs, and new mentors.” Since 2008, Disney Dreamers Academy has inspired more than 1,300 students from across the country by fueling their dreams and showing them a world of possibilities as they prepare for their futures. In the years following, graduates have gone on to become doctors, nurses, engineers, pilots, journalists and more, and have transitioned into mentors to the Disney Dreamers who follow them, including event speaker Princeton Parker (Class of 2011), who is now a Disney cast member.
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COMMUNITY Valencia College launches VC Vault on campuses, state-of-the-art package delivery system Students at Valencia College now have a convenient, state-of-the-art way to safely and conveniently way to pick up books they’ve ordered with the now available VC Vault at their East, Osceola, and West campuses. The VC Vault is an intelligent locker system that enables students to place and pick up online Valencia College Store orders 24 hours a day and seven days a week, safely, securely, and reliably. With the VC Vault Valencia College can now leverage technology to provide an efficient delivery and pickup service to the campus community, amid the ongoing pandemic, specifically as the Omicron variant continues to surge. Valencia students can now order their books and other college supplies which will then be delivered to campus VC Vault locations and available for pickup 24 hours a day, 7 seven days a week (at East, Osceola, and West campuses). According to Valencia’s website, the VC Vault monitors, tracks, and verifies all deliveries and pickups with built-in cameras to guarantee safety and security. When a package is placed in a locker, an alert is automatically sent to the recipient with a barcode that allows them—and only them—to access the locker and retrieve the package. All VC Vault locations are monitored by security cameras 24/7.
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. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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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 Osceola School District to Hold Incoming Sixth, Ninth Grade Student Orientation/ Curriculum Nights
The Osceola County School District has announced when its secondary schools will host Student Orientation Nights in order to help incoming middle and high school students and parents to become familiar with their new schools for next year. Incoming Sixth Grade Student Orientation Night January 24, 2022 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Locations: In-person at all middle schools and Grade K-8 schools Students who will move on next year to sixth grade, along with their parents, are invited to attend the Orientation Night at their new middle school to meet their principal, to get an idea of what classes will be offered, to make their way around the campus, to learn about the extracurricular sports and club offerings, and more. This Orientation Night will be a great opportunity for parents to get involved in the next step of their child’s education. Parents with Orientation Night questions are encouraged to contact the middle school their child will attend. Incoming Ninth Grade Student Curriculum Night January 31, 2022 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Locations: in-person at all high schools and Osceola County School for the Arts Students going into ninth grade next year, along with their parents, are invited to attend to meet their new principals, to get an idea of what classes will be offered, to make their way around the campuses, to learn about curriculum, clubs, and extracurricular sports offerings, and more. These Curriculum Nights will be a great opportunity for parents to get involved in the next step of their child’s education. Parents with Curriculum Night questions are encouraged to contact their individual school. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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COMMUNITY Huntington Learning Center’s Next FREE Webinar: How to Prepare for the 2022 SAT/ACT
College admissions continue to be highly competitive. Though some colleges and universities have become “test-optional” in light of COVID-19, strong SAT/ACT scores improve students’ chances of admission. Students who take Huntington exam prep courses increase their scores by an average of 229 points on the SAT and 5.4 points on the ACT. During Huntington Learning Center’s next FREE How-To-Webinar on Thursday, February 10th at 1 pm, Huntington’s education expert will provide an overview of the latest SAT and ACT updates, why these exams are still beneficial for high school students, and prep tips for students who want to earn the best scores possible.
The webinar will cover an SAT and ACT overview, latest updates on the SAT and ACT, differences between the SAT and ACT, why taking these exams is still beneficial even amid today’s “test-optional” environment, test-taking strategies and tips, Huntington SAT/ACT prep, and more! To register for the free webinar, visit huntingtonhelps.com, go to Resources on the top menu, then drop down to webinar and click. The webinar is free and simple to register for. Why does Huntington Learning Center work? For over 44 years, they’ve treated students as individuals and tailored their tutoring programs to fit their unique needs, academic goals, and schedules. The best part? Their tutoring centers are proven to accelerate academic results, so you can trust them to help your child succeed.
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osceolalibrary.org/techcentral | 407.742.8888
HEALTH
Jeremy Arguelles Orlando Health
10 Tips To Avoid Running Injuries from Orlando Health
You’ve seen them in your neighborhood, on the school track, or in packs on early Saturday mornings: the runners. Whether out for a stress-reducing lap around the block or training for a marathon, the benefits of running (and jogging) are enormous, but it comes with some risks. So how do you get that runner’s high without potential injuries? There are simple steps to prepare. Why You Should Run
To counter chronic health challenges that come with a sedentary lifestyle, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recommends adults get a minimum of 2-1/2 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. Running as little as 30 minutes a day not only checks that box but delivers a host of other benefits: • Helps build strong bones • Strengthens muscles, including the heart • Increases blood flow and improves blood pressure • Lowers LDL cholesterol levels • Burns calories and fat • Helps fight mental health issues such as depression and anxiety • Can increase your life expectancy by several years • What To Know Before Running As with any exercise routine, always get your doctor’s OK before starting, and don’t push yourself too hard at the beginning. If you progress slowly and safely, it gives your body time to adjust and lowers the risk of injury. Regardless of your athletic level, always follow these five steps: Get enough sleep. For your heart to perform at its best, it needs rest. It’s during sleep cycles that your body and brain reboot. Fuel your body with a healthy runner’s diet. The night before running, build up your energy stores by eating high-quality carbohydrates and start your morning with simple foods such as oatmeal, grits, or fruit to provide quick energy. And drink lots of water. Warm-up your muscles. A good rule of thumb is 5 to 10 minutes of a warmup that starts slowly, picks up the pace, and works all major muscle groups. Whether walking or going through a more structured workout, be sure you get your heart rate and breathing up to help move blood to your muscles. Slowly increase your routine. For beginners, consider a walk/run routine at first, expanding running time as your body adapts. Increase your distance by adding sprints or elevation changes to grow your endurance and take advantage of improved physical efficiency.
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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.” Fruit juices can be deceiving because, while they contain fruit, it’s highly processed and can be full of added sugars. Instead, opt for whole fruits or even a smoothie that contains high fiber content without added sugars. Fruits and vegetables are also essential for providing some of the nutrients that aid in continuing and improving our body’s processes. Getting enough of these nutrients is key to maintaining optimal health.
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FAMILY LAW Making the Right Decision in Hiring a Family Law Attorney
There is no question, hiring an attorney for your family law case can be a daunting task, and with so much information on the internet – and on TV and radio, it can be challenging to decide who to trust, or who to even call.
Many important issues are decided in family cases, including paternity questions, dissolution of marriage, or issues related to child custody. Draper Law has been serving the community in the area of family law since 1984, and they can help you. If you’re looking for an attorney that you can trust and that will answer your family law questions clearly, promptly, and completely, call Draper Law Office at 407-846-0075. Remember, in times of need, you can count on Draper Law.
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FAMILY LAW Filing for a Divorce in Florida Can Be Confusing… Draper Law Can Help Divorce is an unfortunate reality, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made things even more challenging for relationships that were already stressed. If your marriage is experiencing serious problems, look for an experienced counselor, but If you’re wanting to file for divorce, you need the help of a trusted family law attorney like Draper Law.
There are 20 different circuits in the State of Florida, and knowing which circuit court to go to can be confusing. It typically depends on whether you are still sharing a residence with your spouse, or if your spouse and your children live in a different location. If you’re not all sharing a residence, you will have to go to the nearest circuit court where your spouse and children live. In divorce cases where both parties are in agreement, it is called an uncontested divorce. In an uncontested divorce case, you can pick the circuit most convenient for you and your spouse. Unfortunately, not all divorce cases are uncontested, and relying on the guidance of an experienced family attorney is paramount. Draper Law has been serving the community in the area of family law since 1984, and they can help you. If you’re looking for an attorney that you can trust and that will answer your family law questions, call Draper Law Offices at 407-846-0075. Remember, in times of need, you can count on Draper Law.
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REAL ESTATE Goodwin Realty: With Mortgage Rates Climbing, Now’s the Time To Act Last week, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac jumped from 3.22% to 3.45%. That’s the highest point it’s been in almost two years. If you’re thinking about buying a home, this news may have come as a bit of a shock. But the truth is, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. Experts have been calling for rates to rise in their 2022 projections, and the forecast is now becoming a reality. Here’s a look at the projections from Freddie Mac for this year: • Q1 2022: 3.4% • Q2 2022: 3.5% • Q3 2022: 3.6% • Q4 2022: 3.7% As the numbers show, this jump in rates is in line with the expectations from Freddie Mac. And what they also indicate is that mortgage rates are projected to continue climbing throughout the year. But should you be worried about rising mortgage rates? What does that really mean for you? As rates increase even modestly, they impact your monthly mortgage payment and overall affordability. If you’re looking to buy a home, rising mortgage rates should be an incentive to act sooner rather than later. The good news is, even though rates are climbing, they’re still worth taking advantage of. Historical data shows that today’s rate, even at 3.45%, is still well below the average for each of the last five decades (see chart below): That means you still have a great opportunity to buy now with a rate that’s better than what your loved ones may have paid in decades past. If you buy a home while rates are in the mid-3s, your monthly mortgage payment will be locked in at that rate for the life of your loan. As you can see from the chart above, a lot can change in that time frame. Buying now is a great way to protect yourself from rising costs and future rate increases while also securing your payment amount for the long term.
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