POSITIVELY OSCEOLA WEEKLY
Inside this issue
Making a Positive Difference in and around Osceola County!
Videos on Demand
St. Cloud looks to open Boys and Girls Club by Spring, needs community support Page 10
SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival to Set Sail on a Taste Adventure Friday February 4 – May 8
Page 24
Take the 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment and Make a Difference – Your Voice Matters! Page 38
The Run for the Cherubs 5K Presented by Florida Race Day Page 7
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WEEKLY LIVESTREAMS Good Morning Osceola Mon, Wed, Fri at 7:30AM
In the Loop LIVE Tue at 6:00PM
Daybreak LIVE Wed at 9:00AM
Osceola Matters Thu at 6:00PM
In the Loop LIVE Sat at 8:00AM For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 4
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ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS Daybreak LIVE w/ Ansley Bo Miss Silver Spurs
January 26th, 2022 In the Loop LIVE w/ Viancia McCluskey & Jeremy Lanier FDOH in Osceola
January 26th, 2022
In the Loop LIVE w/ Ansley Bo & Bailee Jeannin Silver Spurs Rodeo
January 27th, 2022 Daybreak LIVE w/ Kristen Arrington State Representative
January 31st, 2022 In the Loop LIVE w/ Brandon Arrington Osceola County Commissioner
February 1st, 2022
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IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE at NeoCity with Governor Ron DeSantis
January 5th, 2022
LIVE at Kissimmee’s Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration
January 15th, 2022
LIVE at Osceola Arts discussing their new show Don’t Dress for Dinner
January 18th, 2022
LIVE with DKAC to Celebrate KUA and City Of Kissimmee’s Beautification and Innovation Award
January 20th, 2022
LIVE with the Tohopekaliga High School Jazz Band
January 22nd, 2022
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VIDEOS ON DEMAND 2022 Osceola County Fair
The 2022 Osceola County Fair is back February 11th through the 20th at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. This year’s fair will be BIGGER and BETTER than ever before with brand NEW attractions, LIVE entertainment, #livestock shows, amazing events, and delicious food from one end of the fair to the other. It’s good clean fun for the whole family - so come out to the 78th Osceola County Fair!
Run for the Cherubs 5K
The Run for the Cherubs 5K Presented by Florida Race Day benefiting Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies • When: Saturday, February 5th • Where: St. Cloud Lakefront • Time: 8:30am the 5K will start
Kissimmee Main Street’s 5K Run Kissimmee Main Street’s 5K Run is a #Valentine’s week tradition in downtown Kissimmee, and once again, it’s all about the heart! The annual event will take place on Saturday, February 12th at 7:30am and will make its way along the beautiful Kissimmee lakefront and through Historic Downtown Kissimmee streets. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome. Sign up at Kissimmee5K.com!
11th Annual Monster Bulls
Come on out for a night of bull riding fun at the Silver Spurs Rodeo’s 11th Monster Bulls on Saturday, February 12th at 7:30pm! The biggest and baddest Silver Spurs bulls will enter the arena and give those cowboys the ride of their life. Tickets available at silverspursrodeo.com. With a purchased Monster Bulls ticket, you’ll also receive FREE admission to the 2022 Osceola County Fair!
2022 Silver Spurs Rodeo Parade
On Saturday, February 19th, at 11am the Silver Spurs Rodeo Riding Club will once again celebrate decades of rodeo tradition in Downtown St. Cloud with the 2022 Silver Spurs Rodeo Parade! See the Miss Silver Spurs Court, along with rodeo queens from all around the country. Don’t miss the grand marshals, the CocaCola Cowboy & the Lifetime Achievement Award honorees and so much more!
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American Sign Language for Beginners Acquire the basics useful in communicating with Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in your community! These ASL classes are taught by Deaf instructors; students will learn to carry on an everyday conversation with Deaf individuals.
Registration required. osceolalibrary.org/events
6:30pm Mondays February 7 - 28 Hart Memorial Library
NEWS 2022, a New Year, a New Hope – Davi Seery, Owner/Operator, Sweet Spot Snoballs The start of a new year is always reason enough to be hopeful, at least I’ve always thought so. With the day-to-day operations buttoned up for the season, things are a little slower for me until our Spring kick-off in March. It’s a time I have learned to be grateful for as it allows me to reflect, renew, and reconnect. These days are filled with family and friends, church and community events, and supporting Harmony Longhorn wrestling as schedules allow. Hook em’ Horns! It’s full days and full hearts catching up in relationships that sometimes get neglected with the busyness of operating our business. With the extra time to reflect, how could I not be hopeful? Two years ago we were just hoping to get by. We survived 2020 and thrived in 2021, thanks to incredible customers & community that were determined to see us through. Because of others, we held on!
Click here for the full article on PositivelyOsceola.com
2022, a New Year, a New Hope – Franny McNutt, Community Advocate, Central Florida Fine Interiors & Bull Bay Nursery Without a doubt, we can all agree that 2021 was a very challenging year. My hope for 2022 is simple; to get back to the community we all know and love. I hope to spread my passion for volunteering to others. My hope is that you will seek opportunities to volunteer within our community. This community needs people like you, who can dedicate their time, energy, skills, and knowledge to make a difference. Here’s to hoping you get out there and make a difference in 2022! Cheers! Franny McNutt Community Advocate, Owner, Central Florida Fine Interiors & Bull Bay Nursery For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 10
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NEWS 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 For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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NEWS St. Cloud looks to open Boys and Girls Club by Spring, needs community support On Friday, the St. Cloud community came together with a common goal, to establish a club that will inspire the youth in the community to find their purpose in life and to achieve beyond their expectations. That club is the Boys and Girls Club, and with the community’s help, it will become a reality. The Boys and Girls Club’s mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. The nearest club for many years has been the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida, located on Dyer Boulevard in Kissimmee, that is until now with the St. Cloud community working to establish its own club. Campaign leader and owner of Land Title Professionals, Rayelynne Ketchum, reached out to school board member for District 5 Robert Bass to share her vision for establishing a Boys and Girls Club in St. Cloud and to ask if he would help her with the project. “She didn’t have to ask twice,” Robert Bass said. “The Boys and Girls Club brand speaks for itself. They offer support and mentorship for youth to help build responsible adults, and we definitely need that in today’s world. After reaching out to the Boys and Girls Club organization they began to plan the project, “from rock bottom” as Bass said during the presentation.
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NEWS Positively Osceola’s Mayor’s Minute with St. Cloud Mayor, Nathan Blackwell I’m Nathan Blackwell, Mayor of the City of St. Cloud. The City of St. Cloud is looking for community input for the study currently being conducted on the 10th Street corridor, from US 192 to Narcoossee Road. The city is working with Osceola County and MetroPlan Orlando to find ways to make the street safer for everyone who uses it, whether they’re driving, walking, riding their bike, or taking the bus. The study team has developed a short 5-minute video that explains the study so far and shows some options that are being considered. Let me encourage you to watch the video and then submit your thoughts and opinions at the link provided in the video. To watch the video, visit www.MetroPlanOrlando.org/10thStreetStudy Our St. Cloud Police Department will be hosting two “Coffee With a Cop” events. The first will take place on Wednesday, February 9th from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Starbucks located at 4108 13th Street here in St. Cloud. Our new police chief Douglas Goerke will be there with several other officers from our police department. There is no agenda; it’s just a chance for you to get to know the men and women who serve our community as police officers, ask any questions you may have, and thank our officers for the wonderful work that they do. F9r those of you who can’t make it that day and would like to meet our new Police Chief, you’ll still have a chance. On Friday, February 25 from 8:30 am – 10:30 am Chief Goerke will be available to speak to the community at Vanessa’s Coffee Shop, located at 3350 Canoe Creek Rd. in St Cloud in the Crosscreek Village Shopping Plaza. Positively Osceola will be there and we hope to see the community there as well. And finally, it may seem a little early to be thinking about St. Patrick’s Day already, but we are gearing up for our annual Paint the Cloud Green St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will be held on Saturday, March 12th at 7 p.m. We are looking for local businesses, non-profits, and schools to participate in the parade. Give Parks and Recreation a call at 407-957-7243 to register today. We hope to see you soon here in St. Cloud… your Centerplace for Life! For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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NEWS Historically Black Colleges and Universities Virtual College Fair The Osceola School District, Broward County Public Schools, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and The School District of Palm Beach County are collaborating on the implementation of a college access event highlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). “No Limits! HBCU College Fair” is a week-long initiative with participation from HBCUs from across the country. This initiative will connect students and families from across the state with information about the outstanding post-secondary opportunities available at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This event will kick off on Monday, February 7, at 3:00 p.m. with an exciting and interactive virtual program celebrating the HBCU experience. Each day from February 7 through February 11, representatives from participating institutions will be available for individual information sessions. All sessions are virtual, free, and open to anyone who is interested in learning more about HBCUs. Links to register for all sessions can be found at www.palmbeachschools.org/HBCU.
Gas prices in Florida continue to rise, Higher than last week The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased by a penny to $3.34. Continued growth in the price of crude oil has helped to keep pump prices elevated. If crude prices continue to climb, pump prices will likely follow suit. Florida’s average price per gallon of regular unleaded is $3.34, 2 cents below the national average. Osceola County’s average price matches Florida’s average at $3.34. “Oil prices have surged in 2022, but pump prices have been pretty flat so far,” said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesperson. “It’s possible that the seasonable downturn in gasoline demand has helped pump prices resist the upward pressure from the oil market. However, if oil prices keep logging weekly gains, it’s only a matter of time before that results in higher prices at the pump.” For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 14
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NEWS School Board meeting celebrates students, teachers, but ends in heated conflict with Board Member Tuesday’s Osceola County School District board meeting began by celebrating FFA students, enjoying a performance from three young musicians, recognizing eight new elementary teachers as part of a partnership between the Osceola School District and Valencia College, and Tohopekaliga High School‘s Navy JROTC program that recognized a member who saved a man’s life that was in a terrible motorcycle crash. Sadly, the meeting ended in heated conflict. After the school board made its way through the majority of the meeting discussing issues like teacher and substitute teacher shortages, as well as the continued shortage of bus drivers, it moved on to the topic of including a time of prayer at the beginning of board meetings. According to the school district’s attorney, the board has the authority to make that happen. Mr. Arguello asked to have churches that may be involved in leading those prayer times to be from Osceola County. Attorney Kruppenbacher then reported to the board about an investigation that had been conducted after having received a complaint about school board member John Arguello, who allegedly intimidated a district vendor who didn’t support his sister’s campaign. Arguello’s sister, Jennifer Arguello, is running for the seat currently held by Board Chairwoman Terry Castillo. An attorney from Gainesville was hired by the district to investigate the complaint and found that there was reasonable cause that Mr. Arguello had violated school board rules by engaging in intimidating and hostile acts against the vendor, Mike Horner, a school district lobbyist in Tallahassee. In August Arguello suggested the canceling of a Legislative lobbying contract with former state Rep. Mike Horner for allegedly not being properly registered as a Tallahassee lobbyist for the school district.
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NEWS
Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Hunting Days To show appreciation for our men and women in uniform, the FWC offers a special weekend for veterans and active-duty service members to hunt waterfowl in Florida. This opportunity occurs Feb. 5 – 6, 2022, when waterfowl hunting is closed to the general public. Where to Hunt Waterfowl hunting is permitted on private property with landowner permission and on any water body that has public access (public boat landing/launch). However, some public water bodies may be closed for specific reasons, such as being in a park or in an area where the discharge of firearms is prohibited. Many wildlife management areas that allow migratory game bird hunting are available for those who wish to participate in the Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Hunting Days. Some of these areas require an Active Military and Veteran Waterfowl Quota Permit in addition to the other license and permit requirements.
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NEWS First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces 2022 Black History Month Student and Educator Contests First Lady Casey DeSantis has announced that the theme for this year’s Black History Month contests will be Celebrating African-American Contributions to Florida’s History and released information regarding the student art and essay contests, as well as the Excellence in Education awards. Black History Month is celebrated each year in the month of February. “Black History Month is an opportunity for students to learn about the contributions African-Americans have made throughout Florida’s history,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “Over the next month, we will be honoring these contributions and their benefits to Florida’s communities. I encourage all Florida students to join us by participating in this month’s art and essay contests.” First Lady DeSantis is inviting students to participate in academic and creative contests throughout the month. Students in grades K-3 can participate in an art contest and students in grades 4-12 can participate in an essay contest. Additionally, students, parents, teachers, and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Black History Month Excellence in Education Award. About the Student Art Contest First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Art Contest is open to all K-3 students in Florida. Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Two winners will be selected. About the Student Essay Contest First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Essay Contest is open to all grade 4-12 students in Florida. Each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school student (grades 4-5), one middle school student (grades 6-8), and one high school student (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a 4-Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
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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:
SPORTS County Sports Roundup: St. Cloud captures Regional Weightlifting Crown, Soccer Districts up for grabs High school sports action heats up in Osceola County this week, as three teams will compete for district soccer titles, OBC wrestling championships are on tap for the weekend, and girls’ basketball begins district play. Add in a great performance by athletes in the Class 3A, Region 3 weightlifting championships and there’s a lot to read about in this week’s Positively Osceola’s County Sports Wrap-up. Girls Weightlifting It was a stellar performance for the St. Cloud girls as they took three of 10 weight classes to win their first regional weightlifting championship since 2016. The Lady Bulldogs (42) topped 2021 champion Northport (29) and Celebration (26) for the team title. The top six lifters in each weight class added team points, as the event was scored on a 7-5-4-3-2-1 basis. “We do projections before each big meet and frankly we exceeded the point total I thought we would get,” St. Cloud Coach Cory Aun said. “We were really dominating in the first three weight classes and I was proud of our team’s effort in winning regionals. Automatically moving on to the Feb. 12 Class 3A State Championship meet for St. Cloud were weight class champions Ashley Aun (101), Abby Davis (110), and Javani Roberson (129). With the 16 next best non-regional winners earning at-large spots in the state tournament, Aun believes at least five other Bulldog lifters, including Kaitlyn Gallagher (2nd Place-110), Nyla Roberson (2nd place- 129), Aija Diaz (4th-101), Kiley Holland (3rd-154), Lara Laylah (5th-119), will most likely get at-large nods; while the Lady Bulldogs also have two other athletes on the bubble. Osceola County will be well represented at the state championship as Harmony’s Adrinna Rosa (139) and Celebration’s Helena Huyke (129) also won regional crowns. Rosa, who placed second in the state meet a year ago, has been absolutely dominating her weight class this year. She won her class (155 bench press-205 clean and jerk-360 Total) by 65-lbs. over her closest competitor.
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SPORTS
By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola
It’s JD’s Weekly Musings, talking NFL Overtime, Bengals vs. Rams, and more NFL While most members of the media continue to hyperventilate about NFL Overtime Rules, here’s a different take…the system is just fine as it is. Kansas City won the toss two weeks ago and scored a touchdown and beat Buffalo, but last week they won the toss and lost to Cincinnati. Of course, the naysayers will point out how 10 of 12 sudden death overtime games in the NFL postseason were won by the team that won the toss, but here are some other things to consider. In four of those 10 playoff wins where the winning team won the toss, it was the New England Patriots doing so. Hmmmm… let’s see, the best team with the best coach and the greatest QB of all time ended up accounting for 33% of those playoff overtime wins? Shocking. Secondly, I would not be surprised to see the team that carried the momentum in the second half also won the majority of those playoff games. The coin toss is a 50-50 proposition, so what is fairer? Secondly, college football overtime is a hokey way to decide a game, taking special teams out of the equation. If you want to tweak it, go to a 10-minute overtime and then continue with sudden death if necessary, but if they keep the system the same, it doesn’t bother me in the least… Speaking of the post-season, is there a better story this year than Joe Burrow and Cincinnati? Picked to finish fourth in their division by practically every expert, the Bengals lost this year to the Jets, Bears, and Browns. This is a team whose quarterback was sacked nine times in the divisional round and who has modest numbers of four touchdowns and two picks in three post-season games. Added to the fact they fell behind 21-3 on the road to Kansas City on Sunday, it begs the question – how the heck is this team in the Super Bowl? Frankly, I give most of the credit to Burrow.
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TechCentral is a brand new creative space providing access to tools and technologies that will help the community gain the necessary skills to make their dreams a reality! Featuring: Recording Studio Sewing Studio iMac Computer Lab with Adobe Creative Suite Virtual Reality Equipment Robotics for Kids Photography Studio 3D Printing On Demand Located on the second floor of Hart Memorial Central Library 211 E Dakin Avenue | Kissimmee, FL | 34741
osceolalibrary.org/techcentral | 407.742.8888
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival to Set Sail on a Taste Adventure Friday, February 4 – May 8
Oceans of flavor and fun are waiting at SeaWorld Orlando during its Seven Seas Food Festival. From foodies to families, everyone will find tasty delights among more than 200 distinct (and mostly new this year!) offerings. It’s the most we’ve ever had, and it makes Seven Seas the biggest theme park food festival in Orlando. Explore more than 50 fresh global cuisine choices to pair with over 75 wine and cocktail selections and 75 craft beers. Revitalize your taste buds as you share this welcoming, open-air experience every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Feb. 4 – May 8. Add a taste of rock, country, Latin, or 90s throwback sounds at our live music shows, and enjoy even more diverse entertainment and surprises at special times like Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and Cinco de Mayo. With exquisite flavors to top off exhilarating coasters and extraordinary animals, our Seven Seas Food Festival is a voyage to stir the soul—and warm the belly! For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 26
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ARTS & 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.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT KUA’s FREE Movie in the Park Series to continue with “PAW Patrol: The Movie” Friday February 4
Kissimmee Utility Authority will once again break out the popcorn, games, prize giveaways, contests, and of course, their 50-foot screen as their Movie in the Park series returns to Kissimmee’s beautiful Lakefront Park on On Friday, February 5, with the showing of PAW Patrol: The Movie! The free community event will start with fun activities for the family beginning at 5:30 pm and then the movie will start at 7 p.m. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and a picnic-style dinner – it’s the KUA Movie in the Park Series and PAW Patrol: The Movie! The movie series is a partnership between KUA and the City of Kissimmee.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Celebration to kickoff Saturday February 5 Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras is back February 5 through April 24 – and it’s going to be louder, spicier, and better than ever – with the return of star-studded live concerts, a spectacular Mardi Gras parade, and savory cuisine inspired by diverse flavors from around the world. The dynamic event is included in the price of admission to Universal Studios Florida, along with special offers exclusive to Florida residents. Here’s an overview of what guests can experience at Florida’s biggest party: MARDI GRAS CONCERT SERIES & LIVE MUSIC Music legend Diana Ross, global superstar Khalid, Grammy-nominated DJ, and producer Marshmello, and 12 other top artists will perform live on select nights during Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration. All concerts will take place at the Music Plaza stage – an electrifying outdoor venue inspired by the iconic Hollywood Bowl, set against the backdrop of the towering Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. See below for the complete concert lineup. Plus, brass bands straight from Bourbon Street will perform daily throughout the park, bringing the soulful sounds of New Orleans to the heart of Universal Studios. SPECTACULAR “PLANET MARDI GRAS” PARADE This year’s original parade theme, “Planet Mardi Gras,” comes to life in six incrediblydetailed floats that fuse Mardi Gras flare with cosmic-inspired elements like comets, rockets, Martians and more – inviting guests to catch beads by the handful.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Silver Spurs Rodeo Parade to Ride Back Into Downtown St. Cloud Feb 19th
Kick-off Silver Spurs Rodeo weekend with everyone’s favorite – The Silver Spurs Parade! On Saturday, February 19th, at 10 am the Silver Spurs Riding Club will once again celebrate decades of rodeo tradition in Downtown St. Cloud. Come see the Miss Silver Spurs Court, along with rodeo queens from all around the country, as they make their way through the historic streets of Downtown St. Cloud. Come enjoy the Silver Spurs Parade grand marshals, the Coca-Cola Cowboy & Lifetime Achievement Award honorees, the Silver Spurs Big Boss, elected officials, community leaders, businesses, and organizations from around Osceola County. It’s an awesome experience you just don’t want to miss! We’ll see you at the Silver Spurs Parade on Saturday, February 19th, at 10 am. Don’t miss the 2022 Monster Bulls event at Kissimmee’s Silver Spurs Arena on February 12 at 7:30 pm, and the Silver Spurs Rodeo on February 18-20, 2022. For tickets and more information visit SilverSpursRodeo.com.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Need a great laugh? Don’t miss “Don’t Dress for Dinner” at Osceola Arts!
Come out to Osceola Arts this weekend for some great laughs with the hilarious production, “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. All single show tickets can be purchased online at OsceolaArts.org or by visiting or calling our Box Office. Upcoming Showtimes: Friday, February 4th at 7:30 pm Saturday, February 5th at 2:00 pm *American Sign Language-interpreted performance Saturday, February 5th 18th at 7:30 pm Sunday, February 6th at 2:00 pm General admission tickets are $28, Senior and Student are $23, Groups Sale Rates Available. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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ARTS & 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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ARTS & 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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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS
Universal Orlando Hiring 2500 New Team Members Across Entire Resort
Universal Orlando Resort is now hiring 2,500 new Team Members for full-time, parttime, seasonal hourly and professional career opportunities across the entire resort. Positions are available in all areas including Attractions, Aquatics, Custodial, Parking, Security, Paramedics, Entrance Operations, Call Center – and more. Base hourly pay for Universal Orlando Team Members starts at $15 and higher based on the position. Universal Orlando is also now hiring for opportunities within the resort’s Food & Beverage team, with positions available in all areas including full-service wait staff, cooks, cashiers, dishwashers, quick service personnel, Food & Beverage Management roles, and more. In addition, available culinary positions offer competitive starting rates and the training and opportunity to build a great culinary career. Professional career opportunities are also available supporting Entertainment, Technical Services, IT, Finance, Marketing & Sales, Human Resources, and more. These professional opportunities offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages. Candidates interested in joining a family of committed Team Members who are treated with respect should apply online by visiting https://UniversalOrlandoJobs.com. Eligible candidates will then be contacted for an interview. It is an exciting time to join the team as Universal Orlando recently debuted an allnew species of the roller coaster, Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Plus, Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras is back starting February 5 through April 24 – louder, spicier, and better than ever – with the return of star-studded live concerts, a spectacular parade and savory cuisine inspired by diverse flavors from around the world. Universal Orlando provides Team Members great perks like free park admission, discounts, complimentary guest passes, and more. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 36
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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS SeaWorld makes $3.4B offer to buy amusement park owner Cedar Fair SeaWorld Entertainment has made an offer to purchase Ohio-based Cedar Fair amusement park owner Cedar Fair for around $3.4 billion in cash. Cedar Fair confirmed in a news release that it has received an unsolicited nonbinding proposal from SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. and that SeaWorld made a bid of about $60 per unit in cash for Sandusky-based Cedar Fair. It’s unclear what will take place next, or whether a deal will actually take place, but one thing is for sure, things have been looking up for SeaWorld, and this move by SeaWorld would have been something most wouldn’t have seen coming just a few years ago. SeaWorld, which also owns Busch Gardens and Aquatica, was averaging $30 to $35 per share in 2019, but dropped swiftly to $8 and $10 per share during the early days of the pandemic. Currently, shares are at about $62. We will update as more information becomes available. Photos: Danielle Carey
Final Week of Elmo’s Birthday Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando It’s the final weekend of Elmo’s Birthday Celebration daily through Feb. 3, with meet-andgreets, a family-friendly DJ, photo opportunities with your favorite furry friends, and even more surprises in select locations around Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld! Elmo has a very special story to tell for his birthday, and he wants you to be there! Look out for his float throughout the day and find a spot to listen nearby.
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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Try some of this amazing Florida chicken tortilla soup, it’s Positively Delicious! In and around Osceola County we recently experienced a bit of a cold spell. Yes, it’s actually warming back up now, but there’s still time to enjoy some delicious comfort food, and thankfully, it can include many ingredients right from sunny Florida! Check out this delicious recipe for Florida Chicken Tortilla Soup: • 2-3 Florida chicken breasts (cooked and diced into bite-size chunks) • 2 ears fresh Florida sweet corn, cut off the cob • 2 Florida bell peppers (your favorite color), diced • 2 Florida tomatoes, diced small • 1 small onion, diced small • 1 jalapeño (remove seeds to lessen the heat), finely chopped • 1 poblano pepper, diced small • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 small can green chiles • 2 cans black beans, rinsed • 2 tablespoons chili powder • 1 tablespoon cumin • 1 tablespoon oregano • 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
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• 2 cups water • 1 lime, juiced • Hot sauce (your favorite) • 5 small corn tortillas, cut into long thin strips • Olive oil for cooking • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 38
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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Pan-Seared Florida Grouper with Smoked Gouda Grits and Tomato Bacon Gravy! Florida seafood… it’s simply the freshest and the best. Our seafood delicacies are unequaled no matter what part of Florida you’re in. If you’re not familiar with the vast amount of seafood to choose from in the sunshine state, you might be overwhelmed and unsure what to choose. So, let’s take a look at delicious fresh Florida grouper. Trust us, you’re in for a treat with this recipe: Pan-Seared Florida Grouper with Smoked Gouda Grits and Tomato Bacon Gravy • 4 (5-7 ounce) portions Florida grouper • 2 large Florida tomatoes, diced small • 1 cup thick-cut bacon, chopped small • 1 cup grits, coarse ground • 2 ½ cups vegetable stock • 1 cup milk • 1 tablespoon butter • ½ cup smoked Gouda cheese, cubed • 1 teaspoon olive oil • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped fine • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, chopped fine • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
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• ½ lemon, juiced • 4 scallions, sliced thin for garnish • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste We think you’ll agree… Florida Grouper is Positively Delicious! Source: Fresh from Florida For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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COMMUNITY Take the 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment and Make a Difference – Your Voice Matters!
The Central Florida Collaborative has launched the 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment and there are still a few days to help identify our region’s current needs and issues by completing the 2022 Survey. This survey is conducted in partnership with Hospitals, County Health Departments, and Federally Qualified Health Centers in the Central Florida region. The survey gives our community’s residents the opportunity to provide feedback on the quality of life, access to care, food insecurity, transportation, housing, health needs for adults and children, and much more. The data collected from this survey will have complied in regional and county-specific reports. This information is essential to developing our County’s Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) which is required by the Florida Department of Health. It is also utilized by many community-based organizations as they develop their strategic plans. To participate in this very impacting survey follow the link below: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CFC_CHNA_2022 For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 42
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COMMUNITY The Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce 97th Annual Meeting: A Night of Champions! On Saturday Night January 29, the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce gathered for its 97th Annual Meeting at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. This year’s theme was “A Night for Champions,” and it certainly was. COVID kept the Chamber from celebrating its accomplished as it normally does, in person, but this year there was no stopping it. The night began in typical cocktail party fashion in the spacious beauty of the Coronado Springs Resort with plenty of social distance space, delicious hors d’oeuvre, beverages, and fellowship. From there it was onto dinner, the passing of the gavel, and to the annual chamber awards. Past Chair Adrianna Sekula, who had held the title for two years amid the Covid-19 pandemic, officially passed the gavel to Kevin Crain, President of Osceola Printing and Press. Crain, along with Chamber President/CEO John Newstreet, hosted the majority of the evening’s festivities, assisted by Past Chair Sekula.
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COMMUNITY Are you ready for some basketball? St. Cloud’s Adult 30+ 5V5 Basketball League is back! Are you ready for some basketball!? If you’re looking for a fun way to get or stay in shape? Then St. Cloud has something you’re going to love! It’s the Adult 30+ 5v5 Basketball League, and it’s coming back to St. Cloud beginning February 28th! Games will be held Monday and Tuesday nights and team registration is available now through February 17; online. The cost is $400 per team. For more information, contact St. Cloud Parks and Recreation at 407-957-7243.
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Come Join Us!
Citrus Tree Show and Auction
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022 4:30PM
LOCATED IN THE SMALL ANIMAL TENT AT THE OSCEOLA COUNTY FAIR All citrus trees to be sold are Bearss Lemon. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 44
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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! 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.
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NOW HIRING
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Personalized Attention. Proven Results. HuntingtonHelps.com HLC1924A
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osceolalibrary.org/databases
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HEALTH
Deven M. Patel, MD Cardiologist Orlando Health
Orlando Health: Have a Healthy Heart February is American Heart Month, a time when we encourage people to focus on their cardiovascular health. While we think about the heart in terms of love during the month that Valentine’s Day, it is also a good time to think about the heart in terms of health. Having a healthy heart is the best gift you can give yourself and those you love. It’s not uncommon to take the well-being of the heart for granted. Unless you feel chest pain or notice an irregular beat, we tend to assume that all is functioning well on the inside. But cardiovascular disease is common, especially for Americans 60 years and older, and is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Cardiovascular disease can result in heart attacks, heart failure, abnormal heart rhythm, strokes, and decreased blood flow to the legs. Risk Factors for Heart Disease Some people are more at risk for developing heart disease than others. Age is a factor, with men over 45 years old and women over 55 years old being more susceptible. Other factors include having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, HDL less than 40 mg/ dL, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, smoking, family history of heart disease, or being overweight or obese. Many of these factors affect one another. For example, being obese increases your risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease (including heart attacks), stroke, sleep apnea (a disorder in which you stop breathing for short periods while asleep), asthma, and cancer. High cholesterol raises your risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other health problems, and high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. Because this serious condition does not usually cause symptoms, many people with high blood pressure do not know they have it. Make this Valentine’s Day the beginning of a heart-healthy journey for you and the ones you care about. Enjoy the day, but consider heart-healthy alternatives to a big box of chocolates or a calorierich dinner. When you take care of your heart, it will take care of you in return. For more information about heart health visit OrlandoHealth.com
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HEALTH Orlando Health: 5 Changes That Can Reduce the Risk of a Heart Attack
The statistics on heart disease and heart attacks are staggering. Every year about 785,000 Americans have their first coronary attack, and it remains the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S.
decreasing your cardiovascular risks.
Another 470,000 Americans will have a recurrence or another attack. Some of the most important risk factors for heart disease are age, gender, ethnicity, and a history of diabetes, cholesterol abnormalities, or smoking. Making healthy lifestyle choices is important for
Every year about 785,000 Americans have their first coronary attack, and it remains the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. What Is a Heart Attack? Your heart muscle needs oxygen and nutrients to work as it should. A heart attack (or myocardial infarction) usually occurs when blood flow to the heart is suddenly cut off. When this happens, the heart muscle is starved of oxygen-rich blood. In just a short period of time, part of the heart can be damaged or die. That’s why immediate care is critical. It can spare your heart and save your life. If you think you are having a heart attack, dial 9-1-1 immediately. A heart attack happens when the atherosclerotic plaque ruptures and causes a blood clot to form. The clot blocks the blood flow in the artery, causing the surrounding heart muscle to die. What Are Risk Factors for a Heart Attack? Most heart attacks are due to coronary artery disease. Risk factors for coronary heart disease and heart attack include: • Smoking • Having high blood pressure • Having high cholesterol • Being overweight • High blood sugar due to insulin resistance or diabetes
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INJURY LAW Slipping or falling at a restaurant is no joke, you need to know your rights Central Florida is one of the biggest tourism capitals in the world, with a seemingly endless number of incredible restaurants and attractions to experience and to enjoy. Unfortunately, Florida restaurant guests sometimes leave with more than a full stomach. Slip-and-fall accidents at restaurants are becoming increasingly common, which can sometimes result in serious injuries.
From sprains and broken bones to more serious injuries, slip and fall accidents are no joke. They can require costly hospital bills and extensive treatment and rehabilitation to recover from. It’s important to understand your rights so you can make the best choice for yourself moving forward. If you have suffered an injury as the result of a slip-and-fall accident at a restaurant, Draper Law Office’s personal injury attorneys can help.
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FAMILY LAW Child Support and Your Child’s Mental Health Condition
Florida law generally requires that both parents support their children until they turn 18 or until they graduate from high school or turn 19. However, when a child has a mental disability that inhibits his or her ability to support themselves during adulthood, the support can last longer. The child’s condition will determine how long the support will last. For instance, if the child has a severe mental illness that keeps them from working or living independently, support may be indefinite. Likewise, the amount of support will depend on the child’s needs. If you or someone you care about is considering a divorce or separation, having an experienced family law attorney is extremely important. Draper Law Office is helping with family law matters since 1984. Call 407.846.0075.
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REAL ESTATE Goodwin Realty: Buyers Want To Know: Why Is Housing Supply Still So Low One key question that’s top of mind for homebuyers this year is: why is it so hard to find a house to buy? The truth is, we’re in the ultimate sellers’ market, so real estate is ultra-competitive for buyers right now. The number of buyers searching for a home greatly outweighs how many homes are available for sale. While low inventory in the housing market isn’t new, it’s a challenge that continues to grow over time. Here’s a look at two reasons why today’s housing supply is low and what that means for you. 1. New Home Construction Fell Behind for Several Years The graph below shows new home construction for single-family homes over the past five decades, including the long-term average for housing units completed. Builders exceeded that average during the housing bubble (shown in red on the graph). The result was an oversupply of homes on the market, so home values declined. That was one of the factors that led to the housing crash back in 2008. Since then, the level of new home construction has fallen off. For the last 13 straight years, builders haven’t been able to construct enough homes to meet the historical average. That underbuilding left us with a multi-year inventory deficit going into the pandemic. 2. The Pandemic’s Impact on the Housing Market Then, when the pandemic hit, it fueled a renewed appreciation and focus on the meaning of home. Having a safe space to live, work, school, and exercise became even more important for Americans throughout the country. So, as mortgage rates dropped to at or below 3%, buyers eagerly entered the market looking to capitalize on those low rates to secure a home that would fulfill their changing needs. At the same time, sellers hesitated to put their houses on the market as concerns about the pandemic mounted.
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