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

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29 2023

Experience Holiday Magic as the St. Cloud Chamber Hosts its 2023 Christmas Parade Sponsored by Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, City of St. Cloud, in Partnership with Experience Kissimmee Osceola Kowboys Down Titans in Girls Volleyball, Jupiter Up Next in State Playoffs Osceola County Weather: Another Warm and Breezy Day in the Mid to Upper 80s, Cooler After Halloween in Osceola

Driving Dreams: Osceola Council On Aging’s 4th Annual Car Raffle Fundraiser Osceola History to Host 31st Annual Pioneer Day at Osceola County’s Historic Pioneer Village on November 4 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 Jason Miller, the Fire Chief for St. Cloud Fire Rescue, tells us about the Pinktoberfest Truck Pull

State Representative, Kristen Arrington, tells us more about the food drive at St. Rose of Lima Church

The mighty mighty truck pullers kick off the Pinktoberfest truck pull

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IN & AROUND OSCEOLA Osceola County Commissioner for District 3 on Hosting a Food Distribution for Those in Need

LIVE at the Official Grand Opening amd Ribbon Cutting of Mosaic at Lake Toho

LIVE at Bella Napoli Italian Restaurant in St. Cloud, the winner of the Osceola’a Best Italian Restaurant

Hailey Wall with #22 Caleb Lewis during Boots, Bulls and Barrels ath the Silver Spurs Arena LIVE at the 100th Edition of ‘The Game’ between St. Cloud and Osceola High School Football Teams

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ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS LIVE with Keith Ronan and Charlie Draper of Draper Law Office October 18th, 2023

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

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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. Trail of Terror on Oct. 20th & 21st, and Oct. 27th and 28th. Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 28th at 10am at Hopkins Park.

Great Outdoors Day on Saturday, Nov. 4th from 10am to 2pm at Lakefront Park.

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.

Fall Food Distribution District 3 Osceola County Commissioner, Brandon Arrington, is hosting a drive-thru free food distribution event on Saturday, November 11, from 10 am to 12 pm. The event aims to help families and individuals in the community facing food insecurity.

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NEWS

Experience Holiday Magic as the St. Cloud Chamber Hosts its 2023 Christmas Parade Sponsored by Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, City of St. Cloud, in Partnership with Experience Kissimmee Saturday, December 2nd, 10 am, Downtown St. Cloud – Mark Your Calendars!

Get ready to be enchanted by the magic of the holiday season as the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the return of its much-awaited 2023 Annual Christmas Parade, sponsored Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, the City of St. Cloud, and Experience Kissimmee on Saturday, December 2nd, at 10 am, in the heart of Downtown St. Cloud. This year’s event promises to be an unforgettable celebration for families and friends alike with the cheerful theme of “Christmas Movie Time,” attendees can expect an extravaganza inspired by their favorite yuletide classics.

The St. Cloud Chamber Christmas Parade has a rich history of fostering community spirit and spreading joy throughout Osceola County. As one of the largest and longestrunning Christmas parades in the region, this annual extravaganza has become a cherished tradition for residents and visitors alike. With an array of vibrant floats, festive music, and lively performances, the parade is set to captivate the hearts of attendees, setting the stage for a memorable start to the holiday season.

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NEWS Osceola Kowboys Down Titans in Girls Volleyball, Jupiter Up Next in State Playoffs Occasionally a loss can also provide some needed momentum.

Such was the case during Saturday afternoon’s FHSAA Class 7A, Region 2 semifinal, when the Osceola volleyball team used a third game loss to Olympia as incentive to win big in the fourth as the Kowboys advanced to the regional championship game with a 25-21, 25-23, 2325, 25-17 victory over the Titans.

The win propelled the Kowboys (23-6) into a Wednesday evening showdown at Jupiter (24-3), where they will attempt to win their second consecutive regional championship. The Warriors, the region’s top seed, earned their way to the title game with a five-set win over Ft. Pierce Central.

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Osceola County Weather: Another Warm and Breezy Day in the Mid to Upper 80s, Cooler After Halloween in Osceola

Happy Sunday Osceola! Today we’ll see the warm breeze continue with a high near 85 and no real chance of rain.

We’ll feel east northeast winds from 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Halloween onTuesday will be a warm one with a high of 88, but a new cool front will drop us back in the upper 70s and low 80s for a few days after that.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 66.

Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

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NEWS 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.

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Osceola History to Host 31st Annual Pioneer Day at Osceola County’s Historic Pioneer Village on November 4 Osceola County is gearing up to celebrate its rich heritage and the indomitable pioneering spirit of its first residents during the much-anticipated 3rd Annual Pioneer Day at Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek in Kissimmee on Saturday, November 4 from 10am-4pm.

The free event will honor the legacy of Florida Seminoles and early pioneer families and is a testament to the county’s commitment to preserving its cultural roots.

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NEWS Gas prices in Florida are lower than last month and last year, but where are they headed next?

Florida drivers have been experiencing falling prices at the pump with more than a 40-cent drop per gallon over the past month. On Monday, AAA reported that the state average was at $3.22 per gallon of regular unleaded, that’s 13 cents less than a year ago.

However, prices jumped up about 7 cents overnight with the current state average at $3.29 and Osceola drivers paying $3.27 per gallon. The trend has been prices declining, so hopefully last night wasn’t a ‘thing,’ and rising oil prices and the international conflicts don’t start to cause rising prices at the pump.

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Osceola Sheriff’s Office Unveils New K9 Partnerships to Heighten Search and Rescue Operations for Missing Persons Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Senior Resource Alliance and Scent Evidence K9 to utilize two new scent discriminate bloodhounds and scent preservation kits to find people more quickly who go missing, Sheriff Marcos Lopez announced Wednesday.

As part of this new partnership, K9 brothers Doc and Luke will be joining the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, thanks to the Senior Resource Alliance. Doc and Luke were trained by Scent Evidence K9 specially to search and locate missing individuals by using a person’s unique scent.

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NEWS Hope Partnership Announces Thrive Studios: An Affordable Housing Beacon of Hope for Osceola County

Empowering neighbors, strengthening community bonds, and building hope – these are the driving forces behind Hope Partnership’s mission in Osceola County. On Thursday, October 5, 2023, Reverend Mary Lee Downey, the organization’s founder and CEO, unveiled another significant step towards achieving this mission.

Downey officially announced the beginning of the transformation of the old, run-down Crown Motel in Kissimmee into 34 affordable studio-style housing units for low-income residents, marking another stride in combating the escalating housing crisis in Central Florida.

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NEWS Gear Up for a Culinary Cycling Adventure at St. Cloud’s 2023 Bikes and Bites Event The City of St. Cloud, known for its vibrant community spirit and gastronomic adventures, will once again host its much-awaited Bikes and Bites event on Sunday, October 29th from 4pm-6pm. This year’s event promises to be a savory extravaganza for all food enthusiasts and biking aficionados.

Kicking off at the St. Cloud Lakefront boat ramp at 4 p.m., Bikes and Bites will lead participants through a scenic route, allowing them to immerse themselves in the city’s downtown essence and charm.

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Help Now’s 14th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk and Candlelight Vigil Sheds Light on Community Support and Solidarity

supporting those affected by it.

Osceola County witnessed a powerful show of solidarity and support for survivors of domestic violence Thursday night at Help Now’s 14th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk and Candlelight Vigil, held on the steps of the Osceola County Courthouse. Led by Help Now’s Executive Director, Tammy Douglass, the event brought together community leaders, law enforcement officials, and advocates to emphasize the importance of standing against domestic violence and

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NEWS St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell Appointed to Florida League of Cities Legislative Committee City of St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell has been appointed to serve on the Florida League of Cities Legislative Committee as the Tri-County League of Cities representative.

The Legislative Committee reviews the recommended legislative priorities of the League’s five legislative policy committees.

Based on this review, the Legislative Committee votes on a proposed Legislative Platform, which is then submitted to the full League membership for consideration and adoption.

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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.

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NEWS

Kissimmee Fire Department Joins National Campaign to Help Prevent Cooking Fires as Part of Fire Prevention Month October marks Fire Prevention Month and the City of Kissimmee Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s theme, “Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries.

This annual observance of Fire Prevention Month serves as a reminder of the importance of reducing the risk of fires and minimizing its devastating impact.

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FWC unveils 2023 Lionfish Challenge King and Commercial Champion, celebrating record-breaking year The eighth edition of the highly anticipated Lionfish Challenge concluded on Oct. 1, and the competition was fierce until the very last submission. In a year that shattered previous records, participants showcased their determination to rid Florida waters of invasive lionfish and claim the coveted titles of Lionfish King or Queen and Commercial Champion.

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NEWS 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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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

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Osceola Kowboys Punch Ticket to Playoffs with District Title Shutout Win Over Tohopekaliga Tigers For a 17th consecutive year, the Osceola Kowboys are headed to the state football playoffs. They got there on Friday night, beating Tohopekaliga in dominating fashion, 38-0, to claim the Class 4S, District 10 Championship.

“I thought we were just trying to be a little too fancy in the first half,” Osceola Coach Eric Pinellas said about his team that was clinging to a narrow 10-0 at intermission. “Give them some credit, they were running a lot of blitzes and pinching their linebackers from the outside and unfortunately we were running right into that defense. In the second half, we just decided to get physical and run right at them.”

The strategy worked to perfection.

Osceola took the opening kickoff in the half and drove inside the Tohopekaliga 30 before the drive stalled after a false start and a negative running play. Pinellas made the decision to punt on fourth down from the Toho 34 — a decision that would pay huge dividends for the Kowboys.

With the Tigers starting from their own 16-yard line, quarterback Sabby Meassick misfired on three consecutive passes and ensuing punt traveled just 12 yards to set Osceola up on the Toho 28. Five plays later QB Cam Brown ran it in from the two and Osceola led, 17-0.

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Celebration Storm, St. Cloud Lady Bulldogs Earn District Golf Championships, Moving on to Regionals It was a great two days on the links this week for several local high school golf teams, as both the Celebration boys and St. Cloud girls earned District Golf Championships on Monday and will advance to regional play next week. The St.Cloud boys participated on Tuesday and finished third in a tough district to also advance to regionals.

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Tohopekaliga Tigers, Osceola Kowboys to Square Off for District Title Friday When the dust clears on Friday night, either Osceola will continue its streak of playoff appearances or Tohopekaliga will earn its first post-season FHSAA Playoff bid in school history as the Kowboys will hit the road to face the Tigers at 7 p.m. Meanwhile, both Gateway and Osceola will start regional volleyball play this week. Here is a look around the county.

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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.

between a four, or five-day ticket.

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

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NEWS 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

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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

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 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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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.

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NEWS A Hauntingly Beautiful Affair: Osceola Clerk of Court & Comptroller Kelvin Soto Announces 2nd Annual Halloween Wedding ‘Scare-A-Mony’ 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-A-Mony’ and Reception!

This ‘enchanted’ event guarantees an unforgettable experience for 25 lucky couples.

The Halloween Group Wedding ScareA-Mony 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.

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OSCEOLA BUSINESS REFERRAL SERVICE

Making Business Better, Together

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HEALTH

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.

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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

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,

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NEWS

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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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 Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, officially open in the World Nature section of EPCOT Journey of Water at Epcot is now open, allowing the Disney park’s guests to explore the wonders of water along a lush trail that’s fun for all ages—based on the Disney animated film Moana.

Guests can explore a beautifully landscaped walking trail with fun and surprises around each turn, as they engage with water in magical ways like Moana did with the ocean – from a simple greeting to a high five or even a crashing wave of fun. This lush and tropical path is the first Disney Parks experience to immerse guests into a world inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “Moana.”

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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.

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS Universal Orlando Unveils Holidays Celebration including Grinchmas, Mannheim Steamroller, Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s and More Universal Orlando Resort has announced its destination-wide Holidays celebration line-up beginning Friday, November 17 and running daily through Sunday, December 31.

From the wondrous spectacle of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, and coming face-to-face with everyone’s favorite green grouch, the Grinch, during Grinchmas, to gazing at the floats and larger-than-life balloons during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, there are boundless opportunities for guests to enjoy at Universal Orlando this holiday season.

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Disney After Hours Events Usher In More Nighttime Magic at Walt Disney World Beginning January 2024

Disney After Hours events return to Walt Disney World Resort starting January 2024 with tons of nighttime Disney fun.

On event nights, guests can enjoy an extra three hours of magic-making at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Guests attending the separately ticketed events get more time to experience fan-favorite attractions, character greetings and unlimited complimentary snacks, including select beverages.

Extra magic awaits after hours at select Walt Disney World theme parks!

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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 • 1/2 cup olive oil • 1 Florida tomato, sliced thin • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature • 2 cups Florida arugula • Sandwich bread (your favorite) • 3 garlic cloves • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper • 1 lemon, zested and juiced

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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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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS 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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