Hunchback of Notre Dame Musical Takes Center Stage in Osceola Arts’ 63rd Season in Kissimmee For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 2023 St. Cloud Evens Season Record With Big Win Over Gateway Osceola County Weather: Saturday will be warm and muggy in and around Osceola County with cooler, drier weather on its way Osceola County Commissioners Herald Bright Futures for 2024 High School Graduates with Osceola Prosper Boots, Bulls, and Barrels to hit the Silver Spurs Arena Dirt in Kissimmee October 7
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.
For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com IN & AROUND OSCEOLA Tiffany Henderson and Adrianna Seda with KUA talk about Viva Osceola and what KUA is bringing to the table Orlando Health Operations Manager about Orlando Healths booth at Viva Osceola LIVE at the start of the fourth quarter with the TIGER CHEERLEADERS at the Toho vs OCP Foodball game
IN & AROUND OSCEOLA
LIVE for the 2023 Osceola Prosper press conference
LIVE with Hope Partnership in Kissimmee at the site of their motel, affordavle housing conversion
LIVE with Lauren from Osceola County Animal Services, talking about their upcoming Community Appreciation Day on November 4th
LIVE at the City of Kissimmee’s Hispanic Heritage Month
LIVE at the Puerto Rican Parade, Business Expo, & Health Fair at Kissimmee Lakefront Park
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ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS
LIVE with Keith Ronan and Charlie Draper of Draper Law Office
September 20th, 2023
LIVE with Charlie Draper of Draper Law Office
August 16th, 2023
LIVE with District 46 State Representative Kristen Arrington
July 26th, 2023
LIVE with Michelle Incandela of Draper Law Office
July 19th, 2023
LIVE with new Osceola School District Superintendent, Dr. Mark Shanoff
June 26th, 2023
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VIDEOS ON DEMAND
The Mayor’s Minute with St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell
The Mayor’s Minute with Nathan Blackwell, Mayor of the City of St. Cloud, Florida. A free Movie in the Park at Hopkins Park featuring the movie “The Witches” will be held on Friday, Oct. 13th. St. Cloud’s annual Fall Festival is Oct. 14th and 15th at The Ranch. Pink Heals will be holding its annual Pinktoberfest at the Lakefront on Saturday, Oct. 21st.
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!
Kissimmee Utility Authority Hurricane Handbook
With the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season here, Kissimmee Utility Authority has released its 2023 Osceola Hurricane Handbook, a free, bilingual, comprehensive preparedness guide offered annually to Osceola County residents.
Talent Tuesday at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital
Every Tuesday is Talent Tuesday at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital from 1-3pm.
Country Thunder Florida
Tickets on sale now for Country Thunder Florida, the Southeast’s most kickin’ country music festival, October 20 - 22 at Osceola Heritage Park.
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Osceola County Commissioners Herald Bright Futures for 2024 High School Graduates with Osceola Prosper
In its first 2 years, Osceola Prosper, a program that offers two years of paid college or technical training for every high school graduate in the County, has seen some 5,000 residents take advantage of the life-changing opportunity to improve their careers and future. On friday, County Commissioners, along with Osceola County School District and Valencia College officials, announced across the county that for the 3rd year, those set to graduate in the Spring of 2024 will be able to take advantage of the program.
This year’s program allocates $8.3 million for tuition at Valencia College or Osceola Technical College (oTECH). One aspect of Osceola Prosper, unlike any other similar program in the nation, is that recipients have five years to take advantage of the resource – which is ideal for a population that often juggles continuing education with the need to enter the workforce and generate an income.
Since the program’s inception, about 2,500 high school graduates participated in the program in 2023, and nearly 2,300 students participated last year – roughly half of each graduating class. As a result, the college-going rate for Valencia increased by nearly 20 percent between 2021 and 2022.
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NEWS
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St. Cloud Evens Season Record With Big Win Over Gateway
In what used to be an intense rivalry between Gateway and St. Cloud — two schools located just seven miles apart — has become a one-sided affair in favor of the Bulldogs in recent years.
Terrence “TJ” Griffin rushed for a game-high 133 yards and three touchdowns as St. Cloud won for the fifth consecutive time in the series, beating the Panthers, 46-0. Since Gateway’s 42-15 win in 2018, St. Cloud has outscored the Panthers 187-33.
“We’re a young team without a lot of depth and when you are playing young players they are going to make mistakes,” Panthers head coach Marlin Roberts said. “It just seems like every time we take two steps forward, we immediately follow it by taking three steps back. It gets really frustrating but it is the reality of where we are right now.”
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3LQmtNS
Boots, Bulls, and Barrels to hit the Silver Spurs Arena Dirt in
The best in professional rodeo action returns to the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee October 7, 2023 at 7:30pm with a one-night-only rodeo, Boots, Bulls and Barrels event you do not want to miss!
Boots, Bulls, and Barrels, a tournament-style event will feature three of rodeo fan’s favorite events: saddle bronc riding, bull riding, and barrel racing, at its best! Real cowboys and cowgirls will compete for bragging rights and for some big time cold hard cash.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3P5D7tG
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NEWS
October 7
Kissimmee
Osceola County Weather: Saturday will be warm and muggy in and around Osceola County with cooler, drier weather on its way
Happy Saturday Osceola! We’re looking at a warm and humid Saturday afternoon, with a high near 88. There’s a 20% chance of rain with a light breeze of 5 to 10mph. Get ready to brag on our Central Florida weather as a cool and dry front makes its way into Osceola County bringing with it some beautiful fall-like temps for Sunday.
Sunday
Partly sunny, with a high near 81. North wind around 10 mph.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. North wind around 5 mph.
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Hunchback of Notre Dame Musical Takes Center Stage in Osceola Arts’ 63rd Season in Kissimmee
Osceola Arts opened its 63rd theatre season
Friday night featuring the musical ‘Hunchback of Notre Dame.’ The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a musical play based on the 1831 novel of the same name written by Victor Hugo and features songs from the 1996 Walt Disney Animation film adaptation of the novel. Tickets are still available for Saturday and Sunday’s shows and can be purchased online at OsceolaArts.org.
In 15th Century Paris, the world seems colorful and bright, but Quasimodo has been living alone in the shadows all his life. How will the world see him when he finally steps into the light? Backed by a striking score and features popular songs from the Disney animated film, this musical tells a timeless story of love, acceptance and finding the hero within.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3F8yYAI
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NEWS
KUA Seeks Student Art Entries for 2024 Energy Conservation Calendar
Kissimmee Utility Authority invites Osceola County students to showcase their artistic expression to promote energy conversation in the utility’s 30th Annual Calendar Art Contest.
The annual contest is open to Osceola County students enrolled in kindergarten through fifth grade, including public, charter, private, and homeschooled students.
In their entry, students are asked to use crayons, markers, or paints to depict an energy conservation message. A panel of local judges will select the 12 best entries to be used for each calendar month, which will be featured in the utility’s 2024 calendar.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3QQOaJO
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.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Q2TSar
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NEWS
Walt Disney World Offers Ticket Deals for U.S. Military Families
Disney is saying thank you to military families for their service to the U.S. by offering exclusive discounts on various offerings within its theme parks, including tickets, accommodations, and cruises.
Active and retired members of the U.S. Military, as well as their spouses with valid and active U.S. military IDs, can take advantage of these special offers. Until the end of the year, military families planning a visit to Walt Disney World can choose between a four, or five-day ticket.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3ZFu7jV
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Breaking the Silence in Osceola County: Domestic Violence Awareness Month Sheds Light on a Silent Epidemic
October is not just about falling leaves and pumpkin spice lattes; it’s also a month dedicated to raising awareness about an issue that often remains hidden behind closed doors: domestic violence. Domestic Violence Awareness Month, observed every October, serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address this pervasive problem that affects millions of individuals and families across the globe.
The Unseen Epidemic
Domestic violence is a silent epidemic that affects people of all genders, ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It knows no boundaries and thrives in silence and secrecy. In homes where abuse occurs, victims often suffer in silence, fearing the consequences of speaking out or seeking help. Domestic Violence Awareness Month seeks to break this silence and provide a voice for the voiceless.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3F1n7Em
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Driving Dreams: Osceola Council On Aging’s 4th Annual Car Raffle Fundraiser
The Osceola Council On Aging has revved up its highly anticipated 4th Annual Car Raffle Fundraiser, an exciting event that promises to make dreams come true for both the lucky winner and the local senior community. The 4th Annual Car Raffle Fundraiser is a testament to the OCOA’s commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of seniors, and brings together the community, local businesses, and philanthropic individuals in a spirit of generosity and camaraderie. This year’s lucky ticket will be drawn 30 minutes prior to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3rWR6tE
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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.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3PFL0Yf
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!
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Z7O8iK
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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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By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola
Harmony Sweeps Boys and Girls OBC Swimming Championships, First Two Team Titles in OBC Race
For Harmony, winning the Orange Belt Conference
All-Sports Trophy as the Osceola’s top overall athletic program is a big deal. The Longhorns have won the title three straight times and 11 times in the school’s 19-year history. On Wednesday, the Longhorns served notice they want more as they won the first two OBC team titles of the year – sweeping the boys and girls swimming championships at Markinson Aquatic Center.
The Lady Longhorns won the OBC title for a fourth straight year and nine of the last 10 years, accumulating 156 points to outdistance Celebration (126). Gateway was third (98) and St. Cloud (66) fourth. The Harmony boys (179) easily got by Celebration (132) for a second straight title. St. Cloud (93) was a distant third.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3torruU
Osceola Lady Kowboys Dominate Orange Belt Conference Girls Volleyball, Take Home 3rd Championship in Four Years
For a second consecutive year and third time in the last four years (excluding the 2021 Covid Year), Osceola High reigns supreme in Orange Belt Conference volleyball.
After straight set wins over Liberty (quarterfinals) and Gateway (semifinals), Osceola came through with another dominating performance with a 2512, 25-21, 25-14 win over Tohopekaliga in the OBC Finals hosted by St. Cloud High School.
“Other than a few communication errors in the second set, I thought we played pretty well tonight,” Osceola coach Carrie Palmi said. “We had a good crowd that got into the match and I thought we fed off of their energy. You could tell by our team’s reaction after the match that this championship still means a lot to them.”
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3rHaDP7
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SPORTS
‘Osceola On
the Rise,’ Financial Report for
Fiscal Year 2022 Now Available from Osceola Clerk of Court, Comptroller Kelvin Soto
Kelvin Soto, Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller, has released the second edition of Osceola on the Rise, the county’s Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2022. Osceola on the Rise serves as a summary of the financial information presented in the Osceola County Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and offers citizens a clearer understanding of Osceola County’s financial trends. New to this edition is “Helpful Chirps,” designed to provide insights into the PAFR presented by “Mocki,” the mockingbird from the office’s seal. Osceola on the Rise also includes statistics about the county’s rapidly growing and diverse community.
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Osceola School District Announces No Early Release Students On Four Wednesdays During Testing During 2023-2024 School Year
The Osceola County School District has announced that students in all grade levels will have a full day of school on the Wednesdays when testing will be administered this current school year. There will be no early release of students on the following Wednesdays:
• October 11, 2023
• March 20, 2024
• May 8, 2024
• May 15, 2024
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3RJIjXc
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NEWS
Pinktoberfest 2023: A Day of Unity, Hope, Faith, and Love in St. Cloud
Mark your calendars for October 21st from 10 am to 2 pm, and prepare to immerse yourself in the heartwarming spirit of Pinktoberfest 2023 at the picturesque Lakeshore Park in St. Cloud. The inspiration annual event, hosted by Pink Heals St. Cloud, is a celebration of unity and hope, aimed at raising awareness and providing support to those valiantly battling cancer in our beloved community.
Explore an array of unique gifts and treasures created by local artisans and crafters. Satisfy your craving for sweet and savory with mouthwatering food options from local food vendors, and experience one of the highlights of Pinktoberfest, the annual Pink Firetruck Pull, where teams from businesses and organizations across the community come together to show their support.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/44IpDK6
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NEWS
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.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3PrqVVu
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Nine Osceola Students Named Semifinalists In The National Merit Scholarship Program
Nine Osceola County students have been named as Semifinalists in the 69th annual 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. The academically-talented students will now go on to compete with 16,000 other students for some 7,140 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $28 million that will be offered in the spring.
The students from the Osceola County School District are:
–Matthew Cardenas – NeoCity Academy
–Katelyn Hornak – NeoCity Academy –Noah Illick – Osceola High
–Aiden Dai – Celebration High
–Noah Fermin – Celebration High
–Joshua Haines – Celebration High –Noah Lingo – Celebration High
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A Hauntingly Beautiful
Affair: Osceola Clerk of
& Comptroller Kelvin Soto Announces 2nd Annual Halloween Wedding ‘Scare-A-Mony’
Court
Join Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller Kelvin Soto, Esq. for a Spooktacular Evening of ‘I Dos’ at its 2nd Annual Halloween Group Wedding ‘Scare-AMony’ and Reception! This ‘enchanted’ event guarantees an unforgettable experience for 25 lucky couples.
The Halloween Group Wedding Scare-AMony and Reception will take place in the idyllic setting of the Historic Osceola County Courthouse, the oldest continually operating courthouse in Florida. Couples will pledge their love and commitment in the midst of history, with the charm of the courthouse adding to the magic of the occasion.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3PCUxPR
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NEWS
Parkinson’s Support in Action: Orlando Health Advanced Rehabilitation Institute offering free community exercise classes for Parkinson’s patients
Local patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease now have access to free fitness classes tailored to their medical needs, thanks to the Orlando Health Advanced Rehabilitation Institute and grant funding from the Parkinson Association of Central Florida. Patients do not need a physician referral to join the classes.
The fitness classes meet every other Monday from 3:30 pm-4:30 pm near the Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute, with Orlando Health neurologic physical therapists providing the exercise instruction. The classes include aerobic exercise, strength training, balance training, and more. Attendees should wear active clothes and bring water. They are also asked to have a care partner attend with them if they require additional physical assistance.
Please register for each class session you plan to attend by emailing parkinsonsclass@orlandohealth.com. Attendees can also call 321-841-4490 with any questions.
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NEWS
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FDOT Announces Timelines to Widen I-4, Add Express Lanes Near Champions Gate in Major ‘Moving Florida Forward’ Projects in Osceola County
If you’ve ever driven on I-4 near Champions Gate in Osceola County, you understand the significance of the Florida Department of Transportation unveiling schedules for the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, expected to reduce traffic congestion along the stretch from Champions Gate to Osceola Parkway, as well as on I-4 between U.S. 27 and Champions Gate.
Proposed to the Legislature in January 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative will accelerate priority infrastructure projects across the state through an allocation of $4 Billion from the General Revenue Surplus starting in the 2023-2024 budget year. These projects are slated to address congestion, improve safety, ensure a resilient transportation system, enhance the supply chain and economic growth, and address future needs as the state continues to experience rapid growth.
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Making Business Better, Together
E F E R
E
C E OBRS.NET
OSCEOLA BUSINESS R
R A L S
R V I
Kirbie Whitaker, MS, RD, LDN Clinical Oncology Dietitian
Orlando Health: A World Without Bacon? What You Need To Know About Nitrates
Even for Americans who consciously consume less meat these days, a crispy rasher of bacon or a flame-grilled steak still rank among the splurge-worthy. But would your enthusiasm dampen if you knew each came with a significant cancer risk?
Bacon and charred meats each contain nitrates, which are under the microscope as researchers find links to increased disease risk and the European Parliament debates a total ban. A naturally occurring substance that historically allowed humans to preserve precious proteins, nitrates also are labeled a Class 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization, right up there with tobacco and asbestos.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3RpVw7k
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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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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.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/44DSoZo
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HEALTH
Christine E. Jablonski, MD Orlando Health Internal Medicine
Orlando Health: Best Exercises To Slow Osteoporosis
Exercise can help slow osteoporosis. But before you start working out, it helps to know which bone-strengthening exercises deliver the greatest benefit.
Osteoporosis — bone-density loss — affects one in three women older than 50, and one in five men will experience osteoporotic fractures in their lifetimes.
Osteoporosis slowly weakens your bones to the point where they easily break. It’s referred to as a “silent disease” because you often don’t know it’s happening until you break a bone. Osteoporosis commonly causes fractures in the hip, spine and wrist.
WHY WE LOSE BONE MASS
As a living tissue, bones continually rebuild themselves to maintain strength. How? Your body breaks down existing bone and then restores it with new bone tissue.
It also helps to understand “the bone turnover cycle.” When you’re young, you build more bone than you lose. But as you age, you start to lose more bone than you build.
For women, bone loss increases after menopause as they lose hormones, causing a precipitous decline in bone mineral density. For men, especially those with low testosterone, osteoporosis usually happens a bit later — generally around age 65 or 70.
The development of osteoporosis is accelerated during this natural aging process and causes the bones to become thinner, more brittle and subject to breaks during a fall.
Besides age, other risk factors for osteoporosis include some medical conditions and lifestyle choices,
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/48ME8jo
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Valencia College Awarded Grant to Help Students with Child Care Costs
Valencia College has been awarded a U. S. Department of Education grant totaling more than $1.3 million to subsidize child care for low-income parents attending college.
The new Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program will help low-income Valencia College students with the cost of child care through a network of quality, licensed child care providers in Orange and Osceola counties.
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Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: A Spooktacular Disney World Celebration
As the Florida air begins to chill, well, hopefully it drops from the 90s to the 80s, there’s a special kind of magic that descends upon the Walt Disney World Resort when pumpkins light up with mischievous grins, ghosts and ghouls come out to play, and beloved Disney characters trade in their usual attire for enchanting costumes. This can only mean one thing – it’s time for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, an annual event that combines the enchantment of Disney with the thrills of Halloween on select nights through Nov.1 from 7 p.m. to midnight.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/480Q5Sf
Universal Orlando announces lineup for January 2024 Rock the Universe Concert
Universal Orlando Resort has announced its anticipated lineup of Rock the Universe, Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, taking place January 26 and 27, 2024.
The rocking weekend kicks off Friday night with performances by GRAMMY-nominated rock band, We The Kingdom, GRAMMY award-winning rapper, LECRAE and more. The festival continues Saturday night with performances by Dove award-winning band, Casting Crowns, GRAMMY-nominated singer, Phil Wickham, GRAMMY award-winning singer, Brandon Lake and more. For the full weekend lineup, visit www.RocktheUniverse.com.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3ENfocM
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LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS
IN THE
SeaWorld Orlando to Launch All-New Penguin Trek Family Coaster in Spring 2024
SeaWorld Orlando, known as Orlando’s Coaster Capital, has officially announced its next exciting roller coaster, Penguin Trek!
SeaWorld says that the unforgettable family launch coaster adventure will take guests through the breathtaking vastness of Antarctica. After boarding a snowmobilelike vehicle, riders will race along with their “expedition team” at up to 43 miles per hour, navigating twists and turns and narrowly escaping the crumbling hazards of an icy cavern.
When riders reach the end of the expedition they will arrive at a real penguin habitat, filled with SeaWord Orlando’s amazing penguins!
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3ZysggE
Get Ready for Spooky Fun: Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts, and Goblins Event Returns in October
Gatorland is bringing back its popular Gators, Ghosts and Goblins Halloween event for a fifth year in a row from Oct. 14th through October 29th.
The all-ages, daytime, familyfriendly event will take place over three weekends in October, and will feature the all-new exhibit “Swamp Ghost’s Monster Museum.”
Gators, Ghosts and Goblins will feature new haunt-zones like “The Creepy Creature Carnival,” where famous monsters moonlight as midway attractions, and the “Frightful Frontier”, an Old West Town populated with cursed cowboys.
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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK
POSITIVELY DELICIOUS
Grilled Florida Chicken Sandwich, It’s Positively Delicious!
Fresh chicken with crisp Florida arugula on toasted bread, it’s Positively Delicious!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 Florida chicken breasts, grilled
• 1 Florida tomato, sliced thin
• 2 cups Florida arugula
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• Sandwich bread (your favorite)
• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
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End Your Summer Day with Grilled Florida Key Lime Shrimp Skewers, They’re Positively Delicious!
After a long day at the beach soaking up the sun, reward yourself with a delicious meal. Try these Grilled Shrimp skewers made with fresh Florida seafood…they’re Positively Delicious!
INGREDIENTS
• 1 pound Florida shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 Florida Key limes, juiced
• ½ Florida avocado, mashed
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons spicy mustard
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Oil for cooking
• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
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Grilled Florida Mahi-Mahi with Mango
Fried Rice, It’s Positively Delicious
Creating a delectable dish like Grilled Florida MahiMahi with Mango Fried Rice is a culinary journey that brings together the vibrant flavors of the Sunshine State. Starting with the star of the dish, the succulent MahiMahi fillets are seasoned to perfection and then skillfully grilled to achieve a smoky char that complements the fish’s delicate taste. As the Mahi-Mahi grills, attention turns to the fragrant Mango Fried Rice. The rice, cooked to a fluffy perfection, becomes a canvas for a tropical symphony of flavors as juicy chunks of ripe mango, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic spices are introduced. With each forkful, the sweetness of the mango contrasts harmoniously with the savory rice, creating a fusion of tastes that transport you to a paradise of flavors. Together, the grilled Mahi-Mahi and the Mango Fried Rice create a Positively Delicious dish that encapsulates the essence of Florida’s bountiful harvest, offering a tantalizing experience that’s both satisfying and positively unforgettable.
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Florida Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Wings, It’s Positively Delicious!
Honey-glazed fried chicken wings with the perfect mix of crunch and tang…it’s Positively Delicious!
INGREDIENTS
• 12 Florida chicken wings
• ⅓ cup Florida honey
• ¼ cup Florida orange juice
• 10 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS
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