POSITIVELY OSCEOLA WEEKLY
Making a Positive Difference in and around Osceola County!
Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Launches New Narcotics Task Force to Target Drug Trafficking
Inside this issue
Help OUC Pick Cover Artwork for Their 2022 Water Color Calendar
Page 25
Kissimmee Fire Department Celebrates New Fire Tower and Engines in Wet Down & Pushback Ceremony
Page 6
The latest issue of “In the Cloud” from the City of St. Cloud, Florida Page 14
Prescriptions Unlimited Providing Children 5 and older Pfizer vaccine Page 3
For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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NEWS
City of St. Cloud Continues to Clean Water Lines The City of St. Cloud has been continuing its work to remove any remaining resin in its water systems with a comprehensive unidirectional flushing program of its water lines in targeted areas throughout the city. The city spent six weeks during the summer ice pigging water lines along with cleaning groundwater storage tanks and flushing the main transmission line coming from water treatment plant #4, the original source of the resin problem. “This is the next step in what we started over the summer. Today we’ve started a comprehensive plan of flushing about 60% of the city’s water system in those targeted areas where we know we’ve had resin issues. We know we’re not done, that’s why we’re out here. This has always been part of the plan, and this is kind of the last chapter of this, and it’s going to take several months, it’s not a short-term thing. We may have to come through and do it twice, but we are committed to doing whatever we need to do to make sure every bit of the resin is flushed from the system, said City of St. Cloud Director of Communications Maryemma Batchelder. The city will update the community on what areas will be serviced as the unidirectional flushing program continues. As always, customers experiencing issues are strongly encouraged to report it on the city’s website www.stcloud.org, or on their StCloudConnect app, or by calling customer service at 407-957-7344. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 2
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NEWS Prescriptions Unlimited Providing Children 5 and older the Pfizer vaccine Prescriptions Unlimited in St. Cloud will provide Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages five and older. The CDC is now recommending that children between the ages of 5 and up receive the Pfizer vaccine to help protect against COVID-19. Prescriptions Unlimited, located at 2521 13th St. Suite A in St. Cloud, offers a simple appointment system on its website at UnlimitedRX.com for all three COVID-19 vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna, and J & J – including boosters. All minors must be accompanied by their legal guardian. According to the CDC, people who received a primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series and are 65 years and older, 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions, or 18 years and older who live in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot at least 6 months after completing the primary series (which may include an additional primary dose in persons with moderate to severe immunocompromise).
Santa Claus will call your kiddos for FREE… Here’s how to sign up!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and Santa Claus is already getting ready for Kissimmee’s “Santa Calling Program,” an annual tradition taking place on Wednesday, December 1, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Parents interested in having Santa Claus call their children may send the following information via e-mail to santa@kissimmee.gov:
Child’s name and pronunciation, Age (10 years old or younger), English or Spanish speaker, Gender, Phone number, A list of what they want from Santa Claus, Names and ages of the siblings, School/ Grade/ teacher, Pet type and their names. •Parents, what would you like your child to improve on something positive? • Do you have an Elf on the Shelf? Is it a girl or a boy? Name? • First-time call or returning call • Best time to call between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 1? “Santa Calling” is a phone calling service and not a gift-giving service. The deadline to receive requests will be on Monday, November 29, at 5:00 p.m. Please remember the time and day selected as Santa will be calling many children, and Santa will only call each child once. For more information, please call 407.518.2360 or e-mail the complete information to santa@kissimmee.gov. beautiful sunset at the classic and Breathtaking Lake Toho.” For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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NEWS Orlando Health Survey: Four out of five patients willing to forgo opioids if their pain can be managed Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was the deadliest year on record for drug overdoses with more than 93,000 deaths in the U.S. For too many, addiction begins in the hospital, where opioids are widely prescribed after surgeries or injuries. A new national survey by Orlando Health finds nearly four out of five Americans believe opioids are necessary to manage pain after surgery, but most would also be open to forgoing these potentially harmful medications if there are better options. “When I talk to patients and reassure them that we’re going to be replacing opioids with a much more effective and safe method, and really talk to them about the risks of opioids that have become much more evident with the research that’s come out recently, most patients are very open to the idea,” said Luke Elms, MD, a general surgeon at Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. Dr. Elms has implemented a protocol that uses common over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen, ibuprofen and muscle relaxers. Used in coordination, these safer medications can offer powerful pain relief that is more targeted to a patient’s specific areas of pain than the blanket coverage of opioids. “It’s very important for us to keep in mind that people do have pain and people do need pain control. The solution is not to just pull opioids away from people and leave them to fend for themselves,” Dr. Elms said. The survey found that 65 percent of Americans are more worried about managing their pain than the risks of opioid addiction, but more than two-thirds would be willing to try opioid-free pain management after surgery. The opioid avoidance program is part of Orlando Health’s efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. It works in tandem with Jaime Bridges, an opioid coordinator at the Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center who is trained to recognize those who are struggling with or at risk for opioid use disorder. Bridges provides counsel and resources to ensure patients are supported while they’re in the hospital and also after they leave. “It’s obviously common for people to become addicted to opiates. So for the millions of people who have already struggled with that disorder, their risks are greatly exacerbated,” Bridges said, “When these patients are discharged, whether they were here for an overdose or an injury, we give them all of our contact information and that person can call us, even in the middle of the night, and we will answer the phone and provide the support they need.” It’s this comprehensive approach to the problem that is helping to prevent addiction when possible, help those recovering from substance abuse and save lives. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 4
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NEWS
Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee Launches 2nd Annual Night of a Million Lights Spectacular A dancing lights show, tram tours, and unique behind-the-scenes experiences highlight an array of exciting additions guaranteed to make this year’s second annual Give Kids the World Night of a Million Lights holiday lights spectacular another dazzling success. Scheduled to illuminate the Osceola Country skyline from Friday, November 12, 2021 through Sunday, January 2, 2022, Night of a Million Lights will once again provide the public with a rare glimpse inside Give Kids The World Village, an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort that provides critically ill children and their families with magical weeklong wish vacations at no cost. Tickets are on sale now at www.gktw.org/lights, enabling guests to immerse themselves in an exquisitely decorated fairytale neighborhood that wish families call home during their stays. Guests can explore a sparkling tree trail; view larger-than-life holiday displays; take photos at one-of-a-kind step-in frames and backdrops; and enjoy a guided storytelling tour of 100 magnificently lit villas from the comfort of a tram, included in the price of the ticket. A majority of the lights were donated by Walt Disney World. The event will run from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, with entry times staggered to prevent crowding. With the return of wish families to the Village, this year’s event promises to be brighter and more festive than ever, while preserving the privacy and comfort of wish families during their visits. “Children with critical illnesses face countless appointments, treatments and hospital stays, and they are often told “no” due to the limitations of their illness. We feel privileged to give wish children and their families a week of “yes” where they can forget their worries, experience joy, and spend precious time together,” said Give Kids The World President and CEO Pamela Landwirth. “We look forward to once again sharing some holiday joy with the community while raising the funds that will enable us to continue creating the happiness that inspires hope for these precious families.” Give Kids The World Village is located at 210 South Bass Road in Kissimmee. To learn more, visit www.gktw.org. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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NEWS
Kissimmee Fire Department Celebrates New Fire Tower and Engines in Wet Down & Pushback Ceremony
On Tuesday, the City of Kissimmee Fire Department hosted a traditional “Wet Down & Pushback Ceremony” to celebrate the arrival of a new piece of apparatus, Tower 11 – as well as Engines 13 and 14, which have already been in service. Fire and City officials, community leaders, and a crowd of Kissimmee fire rescue team members were present and assisted in the “pushing back” of the tower and engines into the station after they were washed down and dried off as part of the reverent ceremony. The wash down part of the ceremony stemmed from the tradition of a department’s new fire apparatus being sprayed with water from neighboring department’s units and the equipment it is replacing. The push back dates to hand-drawn, and then later horse-drawn, fire apparatus had to be pushed back into the station by hand. The ceremony, which was led by Kissimmee Fire Chief Jim Wahls, was to honor the past as they celebrated the future of the Kissimmee Fire Department. Also speaking at the ceremony was Kissimmee Vice Mayor Felix Ortiz. Congratulations to the Kissimmee Fire Department and to the residents of Kissimmee. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 6
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NEWS Osceola County Announces Flood Alert Warning System Test The Osceola County Office of Natural Resources and the Office of Emergency Management will conduct a test of the Flood Alert Notification System on December 14 between 9 am and Noon. If poor weather conditions or other emergency prevents testing, December 17 will be the alternate date. The purpose is to test the County’s alerting capability for all residents and provide awareness of a possible flood threat. This year, all residents will be alerted, including the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud. During the test, residents will receive a short telephone message. The message will state; this is a test, followed by information on what will occur if alerting is ever required. The testing ensures the County has a viable way to notify residents through the County mass notification system known as Alert Osceola powered by Everbridge. For additional flood information or questions, please contact the Office of Natural Resources at 407-742-0625. For information about the test, go to www.osceola.org and click on the “Flood Threat Notification” button or call 407-742-9000.
Learn 10 Steps to Improve Your Child’s Study Skills at Huntington Learning Center’s Thursday Webinar Good study skills are important to learners of all ages. When your child has mastered the ability to study, they can learn new lessons and skills faster, better retain what they learn, and increase their confidence to take on more academic challenges in the future. During Huntington Learning Center’s next FREE webinar on Thursday, November 18 at 1 pm, Huntington will review the importance of developing good study skills and dive into ten ways to improve them. This webinar will have tips for all students, from early learners to students in high school. You don’t want to miss it! The webinar will cover: -The importance of good study skills -The truth about studying -Self-awareness and studying -10 steps to improve your child’s study skills -Your questions during the webinar Q&A To register for the FREE Huntington Learning Center Webinar on Thursday at 1 pm, just visit huntingtonhelps.com/webinars! It’s that easy to learn about the “10 Steps to Improve Your Child’s Study Skills.” For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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NEWS
Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Launches New Narcotics Task Force to Target Drug Trafficking On Monday afternoon Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, flanked by numerous masked deputies, announced the launching of a new task force, the Osceola Narcotics Investigation Bureau, to take on the increasing drug trafficking and abuse in Osceola County, which the sheriff said is on the rise. Sheriff Marcos Lopez shared at a news conference that over the last 2 years Sheriff Deputies have had to deploy Narcan 197 times in response to drug overdoses – tragically they failed to work 13 times. This of course doesn’t include data from other agencies such as Fire Rescue, St. Cloud and Kissimmee Police, and others. “The medical examiner reported 324 accident drug overdoses in Osceola County over the last years. Imagine if those numbers were classified as homicides. There would be an outrage, said Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez. “I view criminals killing people with drugs in the same way. Traffickers are bringing drugs into our community and killing residents of Osceola County with those drugs. They’re not using guns or knives but the results are the same. People are dying. This needs to stop and it needs to stop now. I’m here today because the old way of doing business hasn’t been working.” The Sheriff went on to say he has built a crimefighting force that is better equipped to fight the increase in drug trafficking in Osceola County, and it is called the Osceola Narcotics Investigation Bureau (ONIB). He said the task force is filled with experienced agents that will get the job done and that the director of the task force will be Lt. Fred Hinderman, who has 24 years of sworn law enforcement experience, which includes 6 years of fighting drug trafficking, and 18 years with SWAT. Those deputies who were previously assigned to the OCIB, which is no longer in existence, will now be part of the ONIB force. The Sheriff said he has already invited former members of the Osceola County Investigative Bureau to join the ONIB. ‘I believe when we all work together we become a better and stronger force,” the sheriff said. This comes after State Attorney Worrell announced earlier in the day that she has launched a new narcotics unit to target drug trafficking. Worrell said her office will continue to work with Osceola law enforcement agencies in prosecuting drug cases, even with the Osceola County Investigative Bureau coming to an end. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 8
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NEWS Man Confesses to Triple Homicide, Including Teen, Osceola Sheriff Says At Wednesday’s press conference at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Marcos Lopez said that the suspect in Tuesday’s triple homicide at a BVL apartment complex had given a full confession. The sheriff said 41-year-old Kevin Christopher Torres was charged with three counts of murder, child abuse, kidnapping, grand theft auto, armed burglary, and abuse of a dead body. Officials with the Sheriff’s Office explained that it started at an apartment located at Flower Lane with Torres shooting 43-year-old Justin Atkinson, who he knew. From there Torres went to Atkinson’s friend’s apartment on Gardner Lane where he found 25-year-old Anthony Mull, who Torres shot thinking he would be mad over the killing of his friend, Justin Atkinson. Atkinson’s 16-year-old son Calvin was inside Mull’s apartment at the time so when he heard a gunshot he came into the room and was shot and killed by Torres, the sheriff said. Torres then forced a 16-year-old girl and an 11-year-old girl who were there and witnessed the killing, according to the sheriff, to grab any items of value from the apartment, or he would kill them. According to officials, Torres then took what the girls had gathered and fled the apartment, going to his grandmother’s friend’s home where he stole a purse that had car keys inside. He drove the car into Orange County and then hid in an SUV at a gas station, which is where Torres was located, and engaged law enforcement for a number of hours. At some point, Torres ingested what was described as drugs by authorities, which is why Torres was transported to a local hospital, before being taken to jail. He has since been booked in the Osceola County jail, with no bond, and is facing over 20 charges.
Kissimmee Police Department arrests officer for writing threats to ex-girlfriend, KPD says
On Monday the Kissimmee Police Department arrested KPD Officer Luis Perez after a warrant was issued for his arrest on November 15, 2021. Officer Perez was arrested by the Kissimmee Police Department on charges of written threats against his ex-girlfriend with whom he shares a child. He has been relieved of duty pending a criminal investigation. In a news release, KPD stated that it cannot release any additional information and will not be providing any interviews or additional comments at this time. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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NEWS Terry Castillo Named Chairwoman of Osceola School Board, Julius Melendez Named Vice-Chair The Osceola County School Board has named Terry Castillo as Board Chairwoman and Julius Melendez as Board Vice-Chairman.
Chairwoman Castillo was first elected to the Osceola County School Board in 2018. She is a proud graduate of Osceola County School District. After graduating from Gateway High School, she attended Valencia College, where she obtained her A.A. in General Studies and her A.S. degree in Digital Media. Terry graduated with honors from Barry University with a Professionals Studies bachelor’s degree with a Legal Studies concentration. Terry obtained her Master’s in Business Administration from the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College in 2021. “I am honored and elated to serve as the first Hispanic Chairwoman for the Osceola County School Board,” said Terry Castillo. “I am excited to continue to be an advocate for the students, parents, teachers, and the community at large.” Osceola County School Board meetings were set for the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the School District Administrative Complex, located at 817 Bill Beck Blvd. in Kissimmee.
Orlando International Airport Expecting Largest Number of Travelers This Thanksgiving Since Pandemic Anyone traveling to or from Orlando International Airport during the 12-day Thanksgiving holiday travel period can expect traffic volumes that rival pre-pandemic levels in the terminal. More passenger volume also means more roadway traffic around the airport and more cars in the parking garages. Drivers are encouraged to use the free cellphone lots when picking up passengers at MCO. For safety and security, stopping and parking along roadsides is strongly discouraged. Orlando Airport Traffic Passenger estimates place the total number of travelers at approximately 1.63 million during the season. That represents only 2.5 percent less traffic than the record crowds of 2019. In fact, out of the 12 travel days, 4 are expected to exceed 2019 numbers. A total of 21,149 passengers is all that separates 2019 from 2021. “With our passenger traffic nearly back to pre-COVID levels, our garages are filling quickly so please practice patience while you travel and allow yourself more time for parking, check-in and security,” says Tom Draper, Chief of Operations at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. The Thanksgiving travel season starts this Friday, November 19, and runs through Tuesday, November 30. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 10
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NEWS Closure to thru traffic on N Emory Ave in Kissimmee for sewer project
Toho Water Authority is announcing a road closure to thru traffic on N Emory Ave between MLK Jr Blvd and W Hill St beginning on Wednesday, November 17. The closure is necessary to conduct a sewer rehabilitation project in the area. The project is expected to be completed by February 2022. Schedules could vary according to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to use caution when approaching these areas, as workers will be present and speed limits may be reduced and sidewalks possibly closed and diverted. Signage will be placed as needed to keep the traveling public informed of the project. TEMPORARY INCONVENIENCES · Noise and vibrations · Barricades and fencing for safety · Trucks, machinery and equipment · Possible odors from sewer system SAFETY If you see a potentially unsafe situation or equipment or fencing that requires attention, please contact Toho’s Customer Service Department immediately at 407-944-5000. Please keep children away from the construction site at all times to avoid accidents. If you become aware of a public safety emergency, please call 911 immediately. For more information, please call their Customer Service Department at 407-944-5000 or visit www.tohowater.com/projects for more project details and updates.
City of Kissimmee Administrative Offices to Close on Thursday & Friday for Thanksgiving Holiday The City of Kissimmee’s administrative offices will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26. There will be no solid waste services on Thanksgiving Day and there’s no makeup day. Solid Waste Service for Friday, November 26, will continue as scheduled. The City’s administrative offices will resume regular business hours and operations on Monday, November 29 at 8:00 a.m. For more information about the City of Kissimmee, visit www.kissimmee.gov. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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SPORTS Eliminating the “Big Plays” Key for Osceola Kowboys in Rematch with West Orange Friday Night When West Orange defeated Osceola 35-21 a few weeks ago to clinch the Class 8A, District 9 Championship, both Warriors Head Coach Michael Grenato and Kowboys head coach Eric Pinellas called it “round one,” implying that both felt a rematch was likely in the playoffs. Following Osceola’s 28-21 come-from-behind road win over Newsome and the Warriors 55-6 dismantling of Durant, round two is now a reality.
(10-1) for the regional championship and a trip to the Final Four.
Only this time, the stakes will be even higher as the Kowboys (9-2) travel to West Orange (10-1) for a region semifinal on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The winner will advance to the region final to face the winner of the Riverview-Sarasota (9-2) vs. Venice
Although the Kowboys outgained West Orange in total offense in the first game, big plays proved their undoing as the Warriors scored on plays of 41, 90, 41, 93 and 30 yards. Those plays included a kickoff and interception return for a touchdown, with the 93-yard scoring play coming on a screen pass where Osceola missed several tackles. The Kowboys out-gained West Orange 508 yards to 288. “We put ourselves in a bad position all night,” Pinellas said of the game. “They are an extremely talented and wellcoached team and took full advantage of our mistakes. Still, there is not a lot of difference between these two teams. Both have good offenses and defenses.” Defensively, the Kowboys shut down West Orange running attack in the first game – limiting them to less than 35 yards. Still, the Warriors have two talented running backs in Terrell Walden (83 carries – 651 yards – 14 touchdowns) and Jessie Shannon (79-442-1). But it is the West Orange passing game led by senior quarterback Tyler Huff and a bevy of talented receivers that include Jayden Gibson, Assad Wassem, and tight end Ed Kelly that caused problems for Osceola. Huff threw for 1442 yards and 21 touchdowns in the regular season, including 253 yards and three touchdowns against the Kowboys. Gibson caught 13 of Huff’s touchdowns in the regular season; while Wassam and Kelly have each added five. “We actually did a decent job of bottling them up in the first game with the exception of those big plays,” Pinellas said. “But they are so explosive and if you get out of position for just one play they can turn in into six points. That is what happened in the first game.” The Kowboys had success moving the ball on the Warriors for the entire game both through the air and on the ground as quarterback Chad Mascoe threw for 353 yards (181 to Chris Combs) and Osceola average more than 4.8 yards per carry. But Mascoe was also intercepted twice, the Kowboys fumbled twice CHOOSE SAFE AND and turned the ball over on downs twice.
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Key penalties and dropped passes also hurt the Kowboys.
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Still, Pinellas is encouraged as the Kowboys came off what he called “our best offensive performance of the season” against a stout Newsome defense. Mascoe completed 19 of 29 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns and Osceola also rushed for 159 yards on 33 carries and scored two more touchdowns. “Our offensive line played its best game of the season and Chad did a great job of moving the pocket and using his legs when he had to.”
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SPORTS UCF Athletics Introduces New Knighthead Secondary Logo
UCF Athletics revealed its updated secondary logo Wednesday, introducing a new look to the brand as the university prepares to enter a new era of UCF Athletics in the Big 12 Conference. It is a culmination of a six-month process to bring the new Knighthead logo to life. “We wanted to pump some life and attitude into the Knighthead logo by modernizing the already existing look,” says Jimmy Skiles, associate athletics director for brand advancement. The logo was designed in-house by the UCF Athletics #content design team, which includes director of #brand design Emma Schneider, #content designer Sahid Alpizar, and #content designer Josh Brdicko. “Overall, the new Knighthead logo is more expressive, with a straight-on aggressive stare and new intimidating eyes,” Schneider says. “We reference the University’s connections to the space program and the university motto, ‘Reach for the Stars’ with the Polaris star in the center chest, and subtly in the shape of the shoulders. “Many of the Knighthead logo’s original characteristics still remain,” Schneider continues. “The hair, the upper helmet, and the grills within the facemask are all still there, making it not necessarily a brand-new Knighthead logo, but an updated version that looks more focused and determined.” The new Knighthead secondary logo is being released now to impact retail orders for fall 2022. Merchandise with the new Knighthead logo will be introduced as supply chains allow throughout the winter and spring as the current Knighthead logo is phased out this academic year. The UCF Brand Identity consists of the primary UCF stacked logo, this new secondary Knighthead logo, as well as the Knights and Script Knights wordmarks. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 24
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COMMUNITY Help OUC Pick Cover Artwork for Their 2022 Water Color Calendar
For the first time, OUC customers and the community can vote for their favorite artwork to grace the cover of the OUC Water Color Project calendar. Voting on the 2022 calendar cover is open on OUC’s Facebook page and will close at 9 a.m., Friday, Nov. 19. The winner will be revealed Monday, Nov. 29. Fourth- and fifth-grade students across Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) were invited to create calendar artwork, and each school selected a maximum of 10 entries to submit. Approximately 113 students from 13 elementary schools submitted entries. OUC employees selected 13 submissions for the 2022 calendar based on originality, artistic skill, water conservation message or slogan, and suitability for reproduction in the calendar. The 13 entries are shown here on Positively Osceola’s website, along with the names of the students who created them and the schools they attend. Images of the artwork are also available here for download. The winner of the public vote will be featured on the cover of the 2022 calendar, with the other 12 entries representing the months of the year. Since 2006, OUC’s Water Color Project has taught future generations about water conservation and the importance of this natural resource through art. Students receive a lesson on water conservation and then develop artwork, messages, and slogans for submission for OUC’s annual Water Color Project calendar. OUC and OCPS are partners in the program. Over the past 15 years, more than 100 elementary schools and over 25,000 fourth and fifth graders have participated in the annual calendar contest. More than 5,000 calendars are distributed each year.
Cheryl Grieb to host Thanksgiving food distribution Saturday, November 20th District 4 Commissioner Cheryl Grieb is inviting the community to a free, drive-thru Thanksgiving Food Distribution Saturday, November 20, from 10:30 am to 1 pm at the Marydia Community Center, located at 707 Sawdust Trail in Kissimmee Turkey Dinner Boxes will be distributed to the first 120 families. This is a drive-thru event & donation boxes will be distributed per family. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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COMMUNITY Goodwin Realty: What’s Happening with Home Prices? How much have home values appreciated over the last 12 months? According to the latest Home Price Index from CoreLogic, home values have increased by 18.1% compared to this time last year. Additionally, prices have gone up at an accelerated pace for each of the last eight months. The increase in the rate of appreciation that’s shown by CoreLogic coincides with data from the other two main home price indices: the FHFA Home Price Index and the S&P Case Shiller Index. The last year has shown tremendous home price appreciation, which is resulting in a major gain in wealth for homeowners through rising equity. What’s happening with home prices right now? All three indices mentioned above also show that while appreciation is in the high double digits right now, that price acceleration is beginning to level off. Year-over-year appreciation is still close to 20%, but it’s clearly plateauing at that rate. Many experts believe it will drop below 15% by the end of the year. Keep in mind, that doesn’t mean home values will depreciate. It means the rate of appreciation will slow, yet stay well above the 25-year average of 5.1%. What about next year? All three indices mentioned above also show that while appreciation is in the high double digits right now, that price acceleration is beginning to level off. Year-over-year appreciation is still close to 20%, but it’s clearly plateauing at that rate. Many experts believe it will drop below 15% by the end of the year. Keep in mind, that doesn’t mean home values will depreciate. It means the rate of appreciation will slow, yet stay well above the 25-year average of 5.1%. The recent surge in prices is the result of heavy buyer demand and a shortage of homes available for sale. Most experts believe that as more housing inventory comes to market (both new construction and existing homes), the supply and demand for housing will come more into balance. That balance will bring a lower rate of appreciation in 2022. Bottom Line There have been historic levels of home price appreciation over the last year. That pace will slow as we finish 2021 and enter into 2022. Prices will still rise in value, just at a much more moderate pace, which is good news for the housing market. Planning is essential for home sellers and home buyers. There is so much information online that it can be challenging to know what is best. Choosing a real estate professional is key in making good decisions for you and your family. Goodwin Realty & Associates has been helping people make the best decisions in real estate for over 48 years, Call (407) 846-2787 and you’ll understand immediately why Goodwin Realty is one of the leading real estate brokers in Central Florida. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 26
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COMMUNITY Commissioner Peggy Choudhry, Salvation Army, 20 Influencers, partner in Virtual Red Kettle Campaign The Salvation Army of Orange and Osceola Counties recently received the support of Osceola County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry, who led the charge in tapping into a new generation and new medium of fundraising. Gathering a group of 20 social media influencers from Osceola County and around the country through Collab Experience Orlando and Angels of Influence, the group attempted to raise $200,000 in their Virtual Red Kettle campaign. The iconic Salvation Army Red Kettles are a symbol of hope to those less fortunate and a long-standing tradition of the Christmas holidays. Money raised through live and virtual Red Kettles go to fund social services all year long. If you wish to support these influencers in their groundbreaking campaign to meet their goal of $200,000, visit www.salarmyorl.org/redkettleosceola and donate to the Osceola Hope Takeover team. Every dollar raised stays in Osceola County to provide social services for its residents. The group hosted a press conference on Friday, November 12th at 10:00 am at Encore @ Reunion Resort where Commissioner Choudhry, Captain Ken Chapman, and a few of the social media influencers explained their goal and how they were going to fundraise for the Salvation Army’s Virtual Red Kettle campaign. Later that day the influencers did what they do best, they spread the message to their millions of followers through Tik Tok and Instagram in what could be described as a social media influencer telethon. The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and CHOOSE SAFE AND clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation EXPERT ER CARE Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of YOU CAN TRUST. operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. Emergencies are never convenient, but your emergency can be. With 24/7 care that’s here in your community, our team is ready to help when you need medical attention. And even in times of uncertainty, there’s one thing you can be certain of – our commitment to your safety.
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For more information, visit SalvationArmyOrlando. org or SalvationArmyOsceola.org.
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COMMUNITY Positively Osceola, Draper Law Office, join school district in honoring featured teacher and staff Positively Osceola and Draper Law Office visited two Osceola County Schools in November to celebrate, honor, and “surprise” a featured teacher and a professional support staff member. It’s a program developed 6 years ago by Positively Osceola, Draper Law Office, and the Osceola County School District that focuses on saying thank you to teachers and staff that make a positive difference and impact in the lives of our most precious resource in the community, our students. This month, we featured two very special people, Michigan Avenue Elementary’s Jannine Williams-Wilson, our Featured Teacher for November, and LaShanna Ward, ISS Paraprofessional at St. Cloud Middle – our Featured Professional Support Staff. Jannine Williams-Wilson, Literacy Coach at Michigan Avenue Elementary, leads professional development presentations for educators, develops assessment schedules, assists teachers with student assessment, analyzes student work, and much more. She is also the School Advisory Council Chair and an overall major contributor to Michigan Avenue Elementary. During our visit, it was announced that she is also Michigan Elementary’s Teacher of the Year! Congratulations to Jannine Williams-Wilson! Right next door to Michigan Avenue Elementary is St. Cloud Middle School, and so after a short walk, we were able to pay a visit to Ms. Ward, ISS Paraprofessional with St. Cloud Middle. Ms. Ward is known for consistently stepping up and supporting all of St. Cloud Middle. She assists with ESE units, serves as a backup for St. Cloud Middle’s Dean’s secretary, supports restorative practices within ISS, helps monitor in the cafeteria during lunch, and much. more. It is safe to say that she can pretty much do any job on campus and does. Ms. Ward is the epitome of a team player and we loved being able to recognize her during our recent visit! Positively Osceola and Draper Law Office would like to thank the School District of Osceola County, and of course, Superintendent Dr. Debra Pace, who joins us in our visits to the schools, and is without a question, the most excited person in the group – showing her care and thankfulness for every teacher and professional support staff we celebrate! For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 28
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COMMUNITY St. Cloud to host inaugural “Walk in the Stones” event at Mt. Peace Cemetery November 20th Ready to take a walk on the “history and heritage side? If so, here’s your chance! On November 20, from 10 am – 2 pm, St. Cloud’s Parks and Recreation will host their “Inaugural Walk in the Stones” event. Come enjoy the City of St. Cloud’s first outdoor walking museum at the historical Mount Peace Cemetery, filled with artifacts and relics of St. Cloud’s early history! There will be local historians and Sons of the Union volunteers sharing information about the Soldier City’s founding Veterans while leading a walk-through tour of the property at Mt Peace Cemetery, located at 755 E 10th Street in St. Cloud. For more information about the Inaugural Walk in the Stones event, call 407.957.7243.
Win a $4000 College Scholarship from Huntington Learning Center
November is National Scholarship Month and Huntington Learning Center is offering a chance to win a $4,000 college scholarship! If you’re a high school senior headed to college next year, enter the Huntington College Scholarship Sweepstakes by texting 4000 to 84444. Don’t miss this great opportunity for your education! For official sweepstakes rules, visit HuntingtonHelps.com. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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ENTERTAINMENT Universal Orlando Enhances Holiday Experiences With Return of “Universal’s Holiday Tour and More Universal Orlando Resort’s Holidays celebration invites guests to experience even more wonderous holiday offerings during the festive season, including the popular return of its “Universal’s Holiday Tour,” an exclusive guided tour of Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure available on select dates starting November 21, as well as a scrumptious selection of themed holiday treats, top-notch shopping and live performances throughout the celebration running from November 13 and continuing through January 2. Here’s a sneak peek of what guests can experience aboard “Universal’s Holiday Tour”: -Meet the mean, green one himself, the Grinch, in Seuss Landing while enjoying a delicious Hot Cocoa Bar -Experience an after-hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” – a spectacular transformation of Hogwarts castle with a stunning projection of holiday spirit and Christmas moments inspired by beloved Harry Potter films -Take advantage of a reserved viewing area for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s – where more than 30 larger-than-life balloons and floats, and hundreds of performers take to the streets of Universal Studios Florida -Watch the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes during a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic in the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” with reserved seating and, after, join the merry Whos from Who-ville for an exclusive on-stage Q&A session -Meet and greet with Santa and receive one My Universal Photos digital download -Receive a Universal’s Holiday Tree Hunt brochure to participate in a merry quest to find 15-holiday trees throughout various merchandise locations within the theme parks and Universal CityWalk More non-stop awesome across the destination includes all-new offerings and the return of fan-favorite experiences – from themed food and beverage items, to a glittering Holiday Tribute Store, joyous musical performances by the best-selling holiday artist of all time, Mannheim Steamroller, and so much more. Shop in a Winter Wonderland at the Holiday Tribute Store The return of the Holiday Tribute Store in Universal Studios Florida invites guests to shop for the perfect holiday gift and enjoy seasonal menu items throughout four incredibly immersive rooms. Guests can also stop by the Holiday Tribute Store – and other merchandise locations within the theme parks and Universal CityWalk – to purchase a Holiday Tree Hunt brochure outlining the locations of 15 brilliantly designed trees and collect an exclusive Holiday Tree Hunt ornament to commemorate the experience. Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Studios Florida The best-selling holiday artist of all time, Mannheim Steamroller, returns to Universal Studios Florida to fill the air with the sounds of the season. Guests can enjoy live performances at the Music Plaza Stage on the following nights: December 4, 5, 11, and 12. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 30
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ENTERTAINMENT Universal Orlando Resort Honors Military and Families with Military Freedom Pass, Good Thru December 22, 2022 Universal Orlando Resort is honoring active duty and retired military members for their incredible service to our country with the 2022 Military Freedom Pass and additional special offers. Introduced last year, this offer gives military personnel and their families a chance to visit the award-winning theme park destination every day through December 31, 2022 with no block out dates. 2022 MILITARY FREEDOM PASS The 2-Park 2022 Military Freedom Pass can be purchased for $199.99 per adult and provides access to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure where members of the military and their families can enjoy the destination’s wonderous thrill rides and attractions – including braving the all-new species of roller coaster while racing alongside a ferocious Velociraptor pack on Jurassic World VelociCoaster, flying through the Forbidden Forest on the epic “story coaster” Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, rocking out to hit songs at 65 m.p.h. on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, and encountering the action-packed adventures of Jason Bourne in The Bourne Stuntacular. For an additional $35, military personnel and their families can purchase the 3-Park 2022 Military Freedom Pass which includes admission to Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park, a tropical oasis where guests can enjoy a variety of relaxing and thrilling experiences, including taking in the views of a 200-foot volcano while relaxing on the sands of Waturi Beach and braving a 125-foot drop on the Ko’okiri Body Plunge. The 2022 Military Freedom Pass is available for purchase now through December 27, 2022. This offer cannot be purchased at the Universal Orlando Front Gate and is only available with valid identification at participating sales outlets on Military Base installations throughout the United States. For more information about this offer, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/military. MILITARY VACATION PACKAGES With two options available, military members and their families can take their vacation to the next level with either the Military Create Your Own Vacation Package and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Military Vacation Package. Both packages come complete with the Military Freedom Pass, allowing guests to visit all year long. The customizable Military Create Your Own Vacation Package includes accommodations at any Universal Orlando hotel and Early Park Admission to select parks and attractions. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Military Vacation Package includes hotel accommodations at any Universal Orlando hotel with a Special Themed Keepsake Box, breakfast at both the Leaky Cauldron inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and Three Broomsticks inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, and one Shutterbutton’s Photography Studio session. For more information about either vacation package and to purchase, call 1-877-801-9720, or visit your authorized Military Ticket and Travel Office. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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