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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 2024

Honoring the Dream: Kissimmee’s Martin Luther King Jr Unity Celebration, Saturday January 13 Osceola Kowboys, Harmony Longhorns Qualify for FHSAA State Duals in Wrestling Championships Shaping Tomorrow Today: Attend the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida’s Osceola Faces of the Future Breakfast January 25 Empowering Osceola’s Future: Department of Defense Invests $289 Million in NeoCity for Cutting-Edge Microchip Production Running for Remembrance: Run for the Cherubs 5K to Benefit Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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Minutes from Home.

A Lifetime of Healing.

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

choose well.

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

LIVE at the Festival of Lights Parade in Kissimmee

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

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

LIVE at the St. Cloud Christmas Parade

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

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

LIVE for the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Celebration Town Center!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1104 Lakeshore Blvd.

Saint Cloud, FL US 34769 3RD ANNUAL

Entry Fees

PRIZES

$35: Adult 18 and up Fee includes: T-shirt $35: Virtual option Finisher Medal $28 8: Child 4-17 AGES

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

AGES

4-16 (male/female)

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

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

GRAHAM J. COWAN

• F O U N DAT I O N • Founded 2019

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

NEWS

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

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

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

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NEWS Osceola Kowboys, Harmony Longhorns Qualify for FHSAA State Duals in Wrestling Championships

For a seventh consecutive year, Osceola High School has qualified for the FHSAA State Wrestling Duals Championships and this time they will have some company from the county. Wrestling in separate sub-regionals, both the Kowboys and the Harmony Longhorns punched their tickets to the state finals on Thursday evening with impressive wins.

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

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/41Tdpi3 Shaping Tomorrow Today: Attend the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida’s Osceola Faces of the Future Breakfast January 25 The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida’s St. Cloud Chapter is hosting its ‘Osceola Faces of the Future Breakfast,’ on January 25, 2024. This inspirational gathering is set to take place at the picturesque St. Cloud Marina Building with registration beginning at 7:30 am, and the heartfelt program starting at 8 am.

This event is not just a breakfast; it’s an opportunity for community members to come together and witness how the Boys and Girls Clubs are actively bridging the opportunity gap for children in our community. Attendees will be introduced to the young individuals who are being shaped into the future leaders of our community. This one-hour program promises to be an eye-opening experience, providing insights into the lives and aspirations of these young faces of our future, and business and organization leaders, and members of the community can help the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida’s St. Cloud Chapter.

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NEWS Empowering Osceola’s Future: Department of Defense Invests $289 Million in NeoCity for Cutting-Edge Microchip Production Osceola County’s decade-long mission to transform its economic landscape from primarily tourism and agriculture to high tech innovation had a big year in 2023, and according to what was shared during a news conference held in NeoCity’s OC building on Wednesday, 2024 looks to be an even more monumental year for the county and it’s 500-acre technology campus.

The press conference was led by Osceola County Manager Don Fisher, and featured SkyWater CEO Thomas Sonderman, Dr. Donna Joyce from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center representing the Department of Defense, Laura DiBella, Florida’s Secretary of Commerce and Enterprise Florida’s CEO, and Dr. John Allgair, Interim President at BRIDG.

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

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

Runners, walkers, strollers, and walk-up registrations are all welcome.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3NSgol7

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NEWS

2024, A New Year, A New Hope: Hope Partnership CEO Reverend Mary Lee Downey

Positively Osceola reached out to influential community leaders, inviting them to reflect on the year 2023 and to provide their thoughts and aspirations for 2024. Among those consulted for their perspective and vision for the new year was Hope Partnership CEO Reverend Mary Lee Downey.

“Happy 2024! This year marks Hope Partnership’s 11th anniversary year of impact in Central Florida. We’ve served over 100,000 of our neighbors since our inception in 2013. The past year alone we’ve addressed food insecurity with more than 3,100 heartbeats and moved 233 individuals into stable housing! We remain committed to this community, and our work would not be possible without the support of our community partners.”

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NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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NEWS

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

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

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

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Star Wars feature film ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ heading to the big screen The beloved duo from the Star Wars universe, The Mandalorian and Grogu, are set to take their journey to movie theaters everywhere. With Jon Favreau at the helm as director, and production duties shared

by Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, and Dave Filoni, the film “The Mandalorian & Grogu” is slated to begin production in 2024.

This cinematic venture promises to bring their intergalactic adventures to a wider audience in theaters.

“I have loved telling stories set in the rich world that George Lucas created,” said Favreau. “The prospect of bringing the Mandalorian and his apprentice Grogu to the big screen is extremely exciting.”

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NEWS KUA Unveils Special 30th Anniversary Energy Conservation Calendar for 2024 Kissimmee Utility Authority has released its 2024 Calendar of Energy Conservation, a bilingual calendar in English and Spanish, featuring the winning entries from its 30th annual student art contest.

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

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

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/KUACal

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

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

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

Each participant will receive a new tree, ready to be planted at home, continuing the cycle of life and growth. Remember to bring your old tree free of all decorations to swap.

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OSCEOLA’S BEST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SPORTS Baker Leads St. Cloud Bulldogs to Upset Win Over Harmony Longhorns in Boys Basketball With star player Alex Springs sitting on the bench in foul trouble for long stretches of the game, sophomore center Malaki Baker scored eight points, blocked six shots and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead the St. Cloud Bulldogs to a 49-42 upset win over Harmony in boys basketball on Wednesday night.

“He (Baker) is really starting to come into his own,” St. Cloud coach Tommy Billiteri said. “When Alex had to sit down early, his play kept us in the game.

Malaki was certainly was a difference maker tonight but you could say that about a bunch of our guys. Everyone gave maximum effort we had some different guys make key plays when we needed them the most.”

It was a physical game throughout and Springs found himself on the bench just two minutes into the game when he picked up a second offensive foul. But neither team could find an offensive rhythm and two big blocks by Baker kept the game close as Harmony forged a 9-6 lead after one period.

Springs would then make his presence felt when he re-entered the game with six minutes remaining in the second — scoring nine points in that stretch as the Bulldogs used a 15-7 period to take a 21-16 lead into the locker room.

Things would get dicey midway through the third period.

Springs would return to the bench after picking up his fourth foul with 3:25 remaining in the third. Still St. Cloud was able to maintain the lead when Ryan Rodriguez was knocked to the floor while making a driving layup with 1:35 remaining in third period.

Several players on both teams got into a shoving match after the play and three technical fouls were called – two on St. Cloud and one on Harmony.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

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NEWS

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

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

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

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

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OSCEOLA BUSINESS REFERRAL SERVICE

Making Business Better, Together

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HEALTH

Daniel J. Nohra Revilla, DO Neurology Orlando Health

Orlando Health: 4 Tips To Prevent Migraine Attacks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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HEALTH

Stephanie Lopez MS. CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist Orlando Health

Orlando Health: Should You Teach Your Baby Sign Language?

How many times have you wished your baby could tell you what’s wrong instead of crying and leaving you to guess? Baby Sign Language allows babies as young as 6 months old to communicate their needs instead of crying.

• Your baby can learn how to signal: • Hunger • The desire to keep eating or be finished

• Temperature (too cold or too hot) • The need for a hug WHAT IS BABY SIGN LANGUAGE? Baby Sign Language uses American Sign Language (ASL) hand gestures and facial movements without the grammar and sentence structure of ASL to help babies communicate.

WHEN TO TEACH BABY SIGN LANGUAGE You may have heard that teaching your Baby Sign Language delays learning to talk, but that’s not true. In fact, using baby signs actually supports language development because babies can move their bodies consistently to make signs much earlier than they learn to use their voices. Baby Sign Language serves as a visual model for upcoming speech and language.

The best time to begin teaching your infant Baby Sign Language is as soon as you notice an active interest in communicating with you. Typically, this happens when your child waves at you or can point to desired items. This can be as early as 6 months old, but the average age is usually 8 or 9 months. Most babies will start signing back somewhere between 10 and 14 months.

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

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

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Heads Up. We’re Here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS Ninja Adventures Await: Experience LEGO® NINJAGO® Weekends at LEGOLAND® Florida, Select Dates January 20 – February 19!

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

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Exploring the Depths: ‘Tassie’s Underwater Twist’ to Debut at Aquatica Orlando Spring Break 2024

Florida is about to unveil a breathtaking new addition to its water attractions – an immersive waterslide experience like no other. Set to debut in Spring 2024 at Aquatica Orlando, this waterslide promises a thrilling and unique adventure. As you prepare to take the plunge, imagine yourself diving into an enchanting aquatic world, just beneath the ocean’s surface. This is not just any waterslide; it’s a journey into the vibrant underwater landscape of Australia’s Shark Bay, renowned for its lush yellow-green seagrass and rich marine life.

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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Florida Fusion: Bell Peppers Meet Taco Night

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

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

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

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

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Coastal Delicacy: Rich and Savory Florida Spiny Lobster Bisque Florida Spiny Lobster Bisque is a positively delicious dish that brings the essence of the Florida coast to your table. This luxurious bisque features the rich, sweet meat of the Florida spiny lobster, renowned for its delicate texture and flavor.

With your fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation, this bisque is not just a dish but an exquisite culinary experience, celebrating the unique flavors of Florida’s coastal waters.

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Florida-Style Potato Nachos

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

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

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