Positively Osceola Weekly - November 2, 2021

POSITIVELY OSCEOLA WEEKLY

Inside this issue

Making a Positive Difference in and around Osceola County!

Help Now Osceola, Nicole Montalvo Foundation Unveil Domestic Violence Awareness Mural Page 4

Special Olympics Makes Very Special Presentation During Annual Legislative Delegation Meeting Page 2

Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber Convenes 2022 Board of Directors for Annual Retreat Page 3

Osceola County to Host Job Fair at Osceola Heritage Park on November 10th Page 6

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NEWS Special Olympics Makes Very Special Presentation During Annual Legislative Delegation Meeting Members of the Special Olympics made a very special presentation Wednesday during the annual Osceola County Legislative Delegation meeting held in the Osceola County Commission Chambers.

The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games will feature 4,000 athletes, 10,000 volunteers, and 125,000 fans, all of whom will unite in Osceola County and Central Florida to participate in one of the country’s most cherished sporting events.

In attendance in the Legislative Delegation meeting at the dias were Senator Victor Torres, Representative Josie Tomkow, Representative Kristen Arrington, and Representative Fred Hawkins.

Mecum Auction to Deliver Exclusive, Live Coverage of All Mecum Auctions via MotorTrend TV, MotorTrend+ Attention MECUM Auctions fans…

Mecum Auction, Inc. and MotorTrend Group have announced a new multiyear agreement that will deliver live coverage of Mecum Auctions on MotorTrend+ and MotorTrend TV beginning in January 2022.

Under the agreement, MotorTrend will broadcast and stream more than 160 hours of live coverage across ten MECUM AUCTIONS including the Kissimmee auction that will take place January 12-15 at Osceola Heritage Park.

Now’s the time to plan for the next MECUM Auction in Kissimmee. The amazing cars, trucks, and so much more will be here January 12 – 15, 2022, so SAVE THE DATE!

Osceola County Human Services has a new name… Housing & Community Services The County department that provides a host of programs directly to Osceola residents has a new name that emphasizes its mission to deliver essential services to improve their health and well-being. Human Services is now Housing & Community Services.

The new name should help the public understand that emphasis, while acknowledging the wide range of other services available including Section 8, Community Development Block Grant and First Time Homebuyers programs, as well as Social Services and Veterans Services.

In order to better serve clients, Housing & Community Services recently moved into a new office located at 1392 E. Vine Street in Kissimmee.

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NEWS

Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber Convenes 2022 Board of Directors for Annual Retreat The Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors attended their annual board retreat this weekend in Jacksonville, Florida. The incoming 2022 Board of Directors met from Thursday, October 21 to Sunday, October 24 at the Hyatt Riverside in Jacksonville to strategically plan their agenda for 2022.

Led by 2022 Chairman of the Board Kevin Crain, owner of Osceola Press – Printing & Signs, the board discussed the Chamber’s ongoing rebranding process, communications and marketing strategies, and a 2022 slate of events. Other topics included exploratory work into board reorganization and formation of a political committee in the future.

“As the Chamber family and Osceola County continue to grow, there are many challenges and opportunities that we must take time to analyze. As champions for business and community, we will continue to connect our members to the amazing opportunities that exist in our community and help resolve the problems before us,” said Chamber President & CEO John Newstreet.

2022 Chairman of the Board Kevin Crain followed by saying, “I was encouraged by the engagement and enthusiasm of this Chamber’s leaders as we worked on how we can champion a positive business environment and a better Osceola community.”

2020-2021 Chair Adrianna Sekula of PureCycle Technology will officially pass the gavel to Kevin Crain at the Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber’s Annual Meeting in early 2022.

Serving Osceola County since the early 20th Century, the mission of the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce is to be champions for business and community. Earlier this year, the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber was named “Chamber of the Year” by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals.

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NEWS Help Now Osceola, Nicole Montalvo Foundation Unveil Domestic Violence Awareness Mural

Help Now of Osceola and the Nicole Montalvo Foundation revealed their domestic violence awareness mural on Saturday at Broadway Pizza in Downtown Kissimmee facing Sproule Avenue.

In attendance were the family of Nicole Montalvo, the St. Cloud mother who lost her life to domestic violence in October of 2019.

Help Now Executive Director Tammy Douglass, and Christina Montalvo, sister of Nicole Montalvo spoke to the community at the mural unveiling, reminding people that domestic violence is a year round crisis that is tragically taking place in every community in America, including Osceola County.

Andie Hinman , Community Engagement Coordinator at Help Now said, “I’m glad this project will give us an opportunity to add art to the community in a way that honors survivors and victims of domestic violence.”

The mural was done in partnership with local artist Jules Ross who said at the unveiling, “this is really about creating conversation and an awareness for victims of domestic violence, and as artists we tell stories, and we start conversations and I can’t think of a more important conversation that I’ve ever been able to be a part of.” When completed, the mural will feature an interactive QR code where visitors can find resources and other answers to spread the message by using hashtag the #istandtobefreefromdomesticviolence. For more information about help now go to helpnowshelter.org or call their their 24 hour crisis line at 407.847.8562.

Osceola Commissioner Viviana Janer to host Thanksgiving meal food distribution on Friday, November 12th District 2 Commissioner Viviana Janer is inviting the community to a free, drive-thru Thanksgiving Meal Distribution at Archie Gordon Memorial Park on Friday, November 12 at 10am.

The first 400 families will receive a 10 – 12 lb Frozen Turkey, a package of Instant Potatoes, Stuffing, Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Mini Marshmallows, Macaroni & Cheese, and Turkey Gravy.

Osceola County has provided free distribution events on a consistent basis since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioner Viviana Janer for District 2 has led the food events in the BVL area, which are typically held at Archie Gordon Memorial Park at 420 Buenaventura Blvd. in Buenaventura Lakes.

The park’s location allows Commissioner Janer, along with volunteers and the Osceola Sheriff’s Office, to provide a safe and well organized food distribution for the community.

As this is a first come first served event, it is recommended to those who are planning to attend to the food distribution to arrive early.

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NEWS Kissimmee Firefighters to participate in R.E.D., Remember Everyone Deployed Kissimmee firefighters are participating in RED (Remember Everyone Deployed) and will be wearing red t-shirts every Friday in support of all military personnel!

“Remember Everyone Deployed” (R.E.D.) was created to show solidarity and provide support to our deployed service members as well as veterans. They carry the message to national levels serving all branches of the Armed Forces and their families. The assistance continues when our forces are back home from deployment by assisting veterans through the challenges they face, reintegrating back into their communities.

Their programs, services and integration of strategic partners, businesses and individuals enables them to provide real solutions and acts of kindness that can make an impact in our military and lessen their stress.

R.E.D. was started on in 2016 Jacksonville, North Carolina, Marine Corps Base, Camp LeJeune “Home of the Expeditionary Forces in Readiness” and has now expanded nationwide providing services wherever needed.

St. Cloud Continues Work Toward Establishing Downtown Entertainment District, Outside Alcohol Consumption The City of St. Cloud continues to work with its downtown businesses in establishing a downtown entertainment district that would allow for outside alcohol consumption and more opportunities for outside entertainment venues.

The Outdoor alcohol consumption is subject to the following regulations: From Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 12am; Dispensed by a registered alcoholic beverage establishment (Registered with City of St. Cloud and the State of Florida); No more than 1 drink per valid ID; On a clear 16 fl. oz. plastic cup containing the approved Entertainment District Logo.

The last public meeting took place on September 29th at St. Cloud’s City Hall and was attended by numerous downtown establishments that would be affected by outside pedestrian-based alcohol consumption ordinance. All of the establishments that attended the meeting voiced their support for the outside alcohol consumption ordinance, but expressed concerns over potential cost increases they would experience because of the need for additional staffing and other supply needs.

The ordinance amendment is scheduled to have its last public hearing meeting on December 9, 2021.

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NEWS

Osceola County to Host Job Fair at Osceola Heritage Park November 10th Are you looking for a new job or are you a business looking for new employees?

Osceola County’s Job Fair at the Osceola Heritage Park Events Center is a prime opportunity for job seekers and employers to connect.

This year’s event is scheduled for November 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. With close to 30 employers signed up, it is an excellent opportunity to find a job, officials said, noting there is still room for more employers to participate.

Since the inaugural event in 2017, the County’s job fairs, coordinated by the Housing and Community Services Department, have connected thousands of people with potential employers.

The first job fair in 2017 was created to help the many Hurricane Maria evacuees, who had relocated to Osceola County. Today, the need exists because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Employers range from companies in the hospitality industry to professional services to health care to construction. Any employers interested in participating in the job fair should call the Osceola County Housing and Community Services Department at 407-742-8423.

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NEWS

USPS, FedEx, and UPS announce holiday shipping deadlines, don’t wait if you want gifts delivered on time The United States Postal Service, UPS, and Fed Ex are all getting ready to handle your special holiday gifts and other packages, but they’re asking everyone to make sure to get those packages shipped early this year if you want them to get to their intended destination on time. 2021 Holiday Shipping Deadlines: USPS: USPS is touting the slogan… “don’t delay, mail and ship today.” (Continental U.S.) December 15: USPS retail ground service, December 17: First-class mail service (including greeting cards), December 17: First-class packages (up to 15.99 ounces), December 18: Priority mail service, December 23: Priority mail express service USPS For Air/Army/Fleet/Diplomatic post office addresses: November 6: Retail ground service, December 9 :Priority mail and first-class mail, December 16: Priority mail express military service USPS Alaska and Hawaii: December 17: Hawaii to/from mainland — priority mail and first-class mail, December 18: Alaska to/ from Continental U.S. — first-class and priority mail, December 21: Alaska to/from Continental U.S. and Hawaii to/from mainland — priority mail express FedEx: December 9: ground economy, December 15: ground and home delivery, December 21: express saver, December 22: two day and two-day am, December 23: overnight services, December 24: same day UPS: Ground shipping, check the website for a quote, December 22: second-day air services, December 23: next-day air services, December 25: no pickup service, UPS holiday, Note: UPS service guarantee still suspended for most services due to COVID-19.

Priority Mail Express (PME), Priority Mail (PM), First-Class Package Service (FCPS), Parcel Select, USPS Retail Ground, and Parcel Return Service. International products are unaffected.

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Soldier City Classic Shocker, St. Cloud Beats Harmony 31-30 Uncharacteristic errors by Harmony’s special teams, including a bad snap on a potential game-tying extra point, proved to be the difference as St. Cloud slipped by the Longhorns to record a 31-30 upset in the 17th edition of the Soldier City Classic.

In addition to the botched snap on the extra point that would have tied the game with two minutes to go, the Longhorns also saw an errant snap cost them a field goal. Harmony, which came into the game with their playoff hopes still in tack, also turned the ball over three times and failed to punch the ball in the end zone from inside the 10-yard line twice.

But it was also a game where St. Cloud rose above a dismal season to earn an incredible win, their third straight in the Battle for the Brass Bugle—which also gave them a 9-8 lead in the intense rivalry. “I can finally show my face around town,” Bulldogs Head Coach Bryan Smart joked after the win. “Seriously, I am so happy for this team, especially our seniors. We have faced a lot of adversity this year and yes, we are going to finish with a losing record. But this is a game our kids will remember for a lifetime. This is what high school football is all about.”

Three of the four Longhorns losses this season have been by one score or less. “This was a tough loss, but we still have a chance for a winning record this season,” Harmony Head Coach Don Simon said. “We have a chance to finish with a winning record so this will be a gut check for us this week.”

CHOOSE SAFE AND EXPERT ER CARE YOU CAN TRUST. 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.

St. Cloud wraps up its season next week with a road game against Winter Springs (1-7); while Harmony also takes to the road against New Smyrna Beach (6-3).

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

St. Cloud’s Boys Golf Season Ends One Round Short of Goal

From the beginning of the season, there was just one main goal.

St. Cloud wanted to send a team to the FHSAA State Golf Championships at Mission Inn in November. That dream ended one round short of reality on Monday as the Bulldogs could muster no better than a ninth place finish at the Class 3A, Region 3 Championship held on Monday at Orange Lake Resort’s Legends Golf Course.

“Based on our averages, I really thought we could post four scores that would average out to a 75. I felt a team score of 300 would get us in,” St. Cloud Head Coach Jim Endicott said. “Unfortunately we put ourselves behind the eight ball with a really difficult start and could never recover.” The Bulldogs shot counting scores of 77-79-80-86-322 over the Par 72, 6,800 yard course to finish 34 over par as a team. Dr. Phillips won the team championship with a score of five-over 293; while Vero Beach was second at 296. Windermere secured the third and final team spot in the state championship with a score of 306 – six shots higher than Endicott predicted his team would need to advance.

It was a rough start for the Bulldogs.

Starting on #1 hole, a relatively short 361-yard par four rated the fourth easiest on the course, saw all five St. Cloud golfers bogey the hole. Things would not improve from there on the side. St. Cloud’s four counting golfers finished the Par 37 front nine at 27 shots over par (175). Austin Price and Hunter Greene, who led St. Cloud to a District title last week by tying for second with matching one-over par 73s, both struggled early. Price had a bogey, triple bogey and double bogey on the par 5s on the front and finished the side at seven over 44; while Greene had a matching 44 with a quad and double bogey on two of the par fives.

Still, the Bulldogs showed resilience on the back side, carding a solid 5-over, 175 on the inward nine. Price played the last 11 holes in three under par to lead the Bulldogs in scoring with a 77. Alexander Owen played the back nine in 39 for a score of seven over 79. Chad Knollinger had a back nine 38 for tie for 30th overall with an 80.

“We really did a good job of fighting back and Austin Price was a great example of that,” Endicott said. “He showed a lot of character by playing the final 11 holes in three-under par and capped it with a 30-foot birdie on 18. Unfortunately we were just too far behind to make up the gap.”

Olympia’s Aaron Leach won the event with a two-under 70 and will advance as an individual. The top three individuals from nonqualifying teams earn spots in the state tournament. Joining Leach in next week’s FHSAA Championship Tournament as wild card representatives will be Winter Park’s Jamie Chepenik (74) and South Fork’s Nashawn Tyson (74).

In addition to St. Cloud, Celebration – by virtue of a third place finish behind the Bulldogs and Lake Nona at last week’s districts – also participated as a team in the event. . The Storm finished in 10th place overall and nine shots back of the Bulldogs with a 331. George Aguilera led Storm golfers with a five-over 77 to tie Price for 19th. Jeremiah Bianchi and Ethan Badillo shot matching 91s to tie for 37th overall. Jack Crawford had the Storm’s other counting score with a 91.

By finishing in the top three individuals among non-qualifying teams at the St. Cloud District district event, Tohopekaliga’s Jonathan Bonilla (88) and Erik Roebrick (97) also earned starting slots in the regional — finishing in 30th and 54th place respectively; while Poinciana’s Malachi Greene qualified as an individual from a different regional and placed 30th with a score of eightover 80.

“Although we came up a little short of our last goal, this team should be remembered as one of St. Cloud’s all-time best boys golf team,” Endicott added. “They were a true team that did everything together, whether it was during practice rounds, on the putting green or driving range.

They were a real brotherhood.”

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SPORTS PO’s Weekly Musings, talking NASCAR, Instant Replay, Tampa Bay Bucs, Lakers and more!

Anyone besides me wonder why networks employ “Rules Officials” to comment on instant replay? It seems guys like Mike Pereira are wrong about 50% of the time (although I am not sure how the actual game officials decide clear and convincing, after all if you have to watch something 30 times, pretty sure there was nothing clear and convincing about it). But I am getting away from the topic, if guys like Pereira are wrong in their analysis as much as they are right, networks could use a regular fan, flip a coin, or play rock, paper scissors and be just as accurate as so-called “rules officials,” just saying…

The NASCAR Playoff System is crazy to me. They came up with a system to artificially crown a season champion when the old system (season long performance) was working perfectly fine. Now you have playoff drivers complaining about non-playoff drivers. Kyle Busch was the latest, slamming nonplayoff drivers for “racing him too hard.” Essentially playoff drivers want non-playoff drivers to give up their spots on the track when a playoff driver approaches. What a crock. Wonder if this system was in place 25 years ago what the late, great Dale Earnhardt would have said about getting out of the way of other drivers if he wasn’t in the playoffs? Bottom line, nonplayoff drivers still get paid on where they finish in the race. If certain are supposed to job (i.e. lose on purpose) for other drivers, NASCAR becomes sports entertainment and not a sport – just like pro wrestling…

Not quite sure why everyone is making a deal about women referees in the NFL, College Football and the NBA. I mean when you really think about it, is there anyone more qualified to tell men what they are doing wrong?….

Heading into the season Laker fan was going all gaga over their mega all-star acquisitions. What I see is Carmelo Anthony (old past prime), Russell Westbrook (old, past prime still can’t shoot), Dwight Howard (great defensive player a decade ago), Rajon Rondo (awesome with 2010 Celtics…i.e. OLD). Although LeBron is still great, does anyone really believe he’s still the best player in basketball at age 36? This roster, the oldest in the NBA, would have terrified teams a decade ago, today? Not so much…

The tables have turned. As a kid, my mom taught me to not believe everything I saw on TV, now I have convince her not to believe everything she sees on facebook…

Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans has created a tradition where when he scores a touchdown, he flips the ball to a fan in the end zone wearing a Mike Evans’ jersey. As we all know, without thinking, he tossed Tom Brady’s 600th touchdown pass into the stands to a fan named Byron Kennedy. While much had been written about Kennedy giving the ball back and the financial implications of doing so, not as much has been mentioned about Mr. Kennedy’s background. He is the nephew of two-time Florida Governor Charlie Crist…

Everyone will have their own preferences (after all everyone loves or hates Joe Buck), but I find FOX college football analysis Joel Klatt informative, intelligent, funny and entertaining. His back-and-forths on the Colin Cowherd Show are great and next to ESPN’s Marty Smith, he is my favorite college football network guy…

Yesterday a friend asked me to use my USB port to “recharge” his cigarette. Told him it wasn’t available because I needed to “recharge” my book. How weird has today’s life become?…

Y’all have a great week!

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

St. Cloud Boys Team Captures Class 3A, District 9 Golf Championship Fielding perhaps their deepest and most talented team in more than two decades, the St. Cloud Boys’ Golf Team moved to within one round of a berth in the FHSAA State Championships by winning the Class 3A, District 9 Championships.

Led by a pair of 73s by Austin Price and Gunner Green, the Bulldogs had four golfers break 80 on the 6,800-yard, Par 72 Royal St. Cloud Golf Course to post a team score of 12-over 300. That total was good enough to edge co-favorite Lake Nona (306) by six shots and will send St. Cloud into next week’s Region 3 Championship at the Legends Golf Course at Lake Orange.

“Our scores this summer and during the regular season were very similar to Lake Nona’s, so I would not characterize the team result as an upset,” St. Cloud Jim Endicott said. “But there was no question we needed four very solid rounds of golf to win and we certainly got that. To us, this is just one step towards our ultimate goal and that is to get to the state championship tournament.”

Only the top three teams at each of the four regional tournaments qualify for the state championships and Region 3 is loaded with state powers including Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Vero Beach, South Fork and Lake Nona.

St. Cloud will look to advance to the state championship for the first time in more than two decades; something that Endicott believes is achievable. “It’s going to be a terrific challenge,” Endicott said. “My gut feeling is that we will need to shoot four scores that average 75 or less to get there but that is something we are definitely capable of doing it.”

In the Girls’ 3A, District 9 meet, Lake Nona captured the team title with a score of 310 – bettering St. Cloud (321) by 11 strokes and third-place Harmony (352) was 42 shots back. As top-three finishers, both St. Cloud and Harmony advance to regionals as a team.

“As with the boys tournament, we knew we would have to be at our best to top Lake Nona,” Endicott said. “We didn’t quite get there but again we had some great efforts.”

The big story at girls’ district tournament was St. Cloud senior Morgan Beaulieu who captured medalist honors with a one-under par 71. Beaulieu, who won her fourth consecutive Orange Belt Conference title last week, is a two-time state qualifier and will be among the favorites to capture a regional championship next week at Cleveland Heights Golf Course in Lakeland.

Beaulieu posted three birdies and two bogies in her round, but had to hold off East River’s Ann Burel for the title. On the 18th hole, Burel lipped out a birdie putt but Beaulieu still had to hole out a 10-foot par putt to avoid a tie.

“I thought I played really well today,” Beaulieu said of her win. “I went out and played my game and didn’t let anything bother me. I hit two poor first putts on two of the par threes that cost me bogeys, but other than that it was a pretty stress free round.”

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COMMUNITY Kissimmee Utility Authority Recognized as Smart Energy Provider

Kissimmee Utility Authority has earned a Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the American Public Power Association for demonstrating a commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation, and environmental initiatives that support the goal of providing safe, reliable, low-cost, and sustainable electric service.

KUA was presented the designation on Oct. 26 in Scottsdale, Arizona during APPA’s annual Customer Connections Conference.

The SEP designation, which lasts for two years (Dec. 1, 2021 to Nov. 30, 2023), recognizes public power utilities for demonstrating leading practices in four key disciplines: smart energy program structure; energy efficiency and distributed energy programs; environmental and sustainability initiatives; and customer experience. KUA is one of more than 90 public power utilities nationwide that hold the SEP designation. KUA also earned the SEP designation in 2019.

Kissimmee’s Parks & Recreation to Host Fall-OWeen Event November 6th at Denn John Field The City of Kissimmee’s Parks and Recreation Department will continue the Fall celebration with the “Fall-O-Ween” event to be held on Saturday, November 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Denn John Field, located at 2204 Denn John Lane.

CHOOSE SAFE AND This free event features arts and crafts, interactive games, candy, raffles, costume contests, hayrides, and more!

For more information about the event or the Parks & Recreation Department, call 407-5182360 or visit kissimmee.gov.

EXPERT ER CARE YOU CAN TRUST. 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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COMMUNITY City of Kissimmee Launches Portal to Submit Permits, Renew Licenses, Make Payments, and More The City of Kissimmee’s Development Services Department is launching the EnerGov portal. This new software automates development review, permitting, licensing, inspections, code enforcement, and plan review online to be more transparent and streamline the process for customers starting on Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

Development Services encourages business owners, contractors, property owners, and any other individual who does business with the City of Kissimmee to start utilizing this new online computer portal to improve the development review process. The portal can be accessed via the City’s Development Services webpage by visiting www.kissimmee.gov/developmentservices starting on November 2.

To successfully install and update the system, no plan or permit can be submitted after 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 28, 2021, and Development Services offices will be closed on November 1, 2021. The launch of EnerGov will improve the overall efficiency and customer service offered by the Development Services Department. For more information about the City of Kissimmee and the Development Services Department, visit www.kissimmee.gov.

Attorney General Moody Honors Kissimmee Police Officers’ Selfless, Dedicated Service with Thin Line Tribute Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody paid a visit to the Kissimmee Police Department Wednesday morning to recognize the courageous and dangerous work of Kissimmee’s frontline law enforcement officers. The visit was part of the Attorney General Moody’a Thin Line Tribute, which honors law enforcement officers for their selfless and dedicated service to the citizens of Florida.

Also present at today’s event was City of Kissimmee Mayor Olga Gonzalez, Kissimmee Police Captain Wilson Munoz, members of the Kissimmee Police Department, and numerous Kissimmee business leaders.

The launch of Thin Line Tribute comes on the heels of a devastating year for the law enforcement community as the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020 presented many challenges for brave men and women of law enforcement. In December of last year, Attorney General Moody issued a shocking report that officers killed in the line of duty nationwide more than doubled in 2020, compared to the previous year—totaling more than 360 officers lost at year’s end.

Unfortunately, the beginning of the new year did not bring newfound peace and safety to those who wear the badge. While line-of-duty deaths are still on the rise, COVID-19 is no longer the main culprit. An increasing number of officer deaths in Florida are at the hands of violent attacks. Additionally, Florida is currently the deadliest state in the nation for felonious attacks against law enforcement officers this year.

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COMMUNITY Over 52,800 Osceola Students to have access to Osceola Library System with student school ID The Osceola County School Board and the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners have partnered together so that all Osceola County students enrolled in Kindergarten through Grade 12 can now automatically access the Osceola Library System with their student school ID number to check out and stream books, movies, music, research, and more.

As part of the new Osceola Library Link (OLL) Access Pass program, over 52,800 students will have the option to make use of all online or in-person resources in the public libraries across the county without an additional application or library card. Through the OLL Access Pass program, Osceola students can: -Check out up to three books, DVDs, audiobooks, or hotspots by punching in the OLL Access Pass number into the checkout station or telling it to the librarian when checking out -Place holds on titles to pick up later -Stream movies and music and download e-books and audiobooks online using a computer, tablet, or phone at osceolalibrary.org -Conduct online research using encyclopedias, newspaper archives, or other databases using the Library’s website or apps Students are automatically enrolled in the program when enrolled for school, and OLL Access Pass accounts will be automatically updated monthly. In addition, all late fines and lost fees will be waived. Students are highly encouraged to bring materials back on time and in great shape so that other people can enjoy them as well.

Hope Partnership in Osceola County to launch Homelessness 101 video series Hope Partnership in Osceola County is announcing a new “Homelessness 101” video series just in time for Homelessness Awareness month in November!

This new “Homelessness 101” series will cover topics including: Who doesn’t have a safe place to call home, Common misconceptions, and Reasons why people can experience homelessness.

“One of the ways that we want to empower our neighbors, strengthen communities and build hope is through education and advocacy. We hope that this video series helps our communities better “see” our neighbors experiencing homelessness and the systems and structures that lead to poverty,” Hope Partnership CEO Reverend Mary Lee Downey shared.

Keep an eye out for the upcoming Homelessness 101 video series from Hope Partnership.

Once released, Positively Osceola will be sure to share!

Hope Partnership aims to provide a holistic continuum of care in order to end homelessness and poverty in Central Florida. We will do this by connecting service providers, businesses, investors and clients with evidence based solutions and trauma-informed care practices in order to strengthen communities, empower our neighbors, and build hope.

For information about Hope Partnership, visit thehopepartnership.org

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ENTERTAINMENT

New Culinary Stories Unfold at Walt Disney World Resort During Disney’s 50th Celebration The 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort is a time to celebrate Walt Disney’s legacy and vision.

Walt knew food could be much more than just something you eat, but rather an entertaining, experiential and essential element of immersive storytelling.

New food and drink selections for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring the 50th anniversary bring Walt’s vision to life in new ways, offering nods to the resort’s past while pushing culinary adventures to exciting new places during the 18-month event. These include theme park classics and inspiration from some of Walt Disney’s favorite meals, along with novel dishes and drinks full of color, whimsy, and a touch of EARidescent shimmer. Walt’s personal recipes, past and present attractions, and nostalgic dishes from 1971 all serve as inspiration for the creative and whimsical food and beverage specially made for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.”

Walt’s palate was relatively simple, with some of his favorite meals including meat and potatoes, chili, prime rib hash, and fried chicken, along with lemon, apple, chocolate, and bread pudding desserts. Disney chefs looked to his recipes from the archives and reimagined them for the 50th anniversary celebration. The chefs and mixologists also drew inspiration from the iconic opening-day attractions.

More than a dozen novelty items developed for the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary are available beginning Oct. 1, 2021, with more new items expected throughout the remainder of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” Novelty items, including popcorn buckets, mugs and sippers, are featured across the theme parks, resorts, water parks and Disney Springs. The characters’ new EARidescent fashions inspire the Mickey Mouse popcorn bucket and the Minnie Mouse sipper, while the resorts’ refillable mugs offer two distinct art styles – one celebrating the 50th anniversary and another showcasing Disney Resort hotels and Walt Disney World transportation.

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ENTERTAINMENT Big John’s Rockin’ Barbecue by the Lake, There’s Something for Everyone!

Are you a fan of delicious barbecue?

How about some savory buffalo chicken wings? Have you ever tried beef brisket quesadillas? Well, at Big John’s Rockin’ Barbecue by the Lake you can try it all.

That’s right – there’s something for everyone – breakfast lunch and dinner – and that’s just the start! With Trivia night on Thursdays, LIVE music on Friday night and Saturday night, and Saturday and Sunday Football… it’s where friends and family come together to enjoy life in Kissimmee. It’s Big John’s Rockin’ Barbecue. Stop by and say hi to Big John!

Big John’s Rockin’ Barbecue is located at 220 E Monument Ave Suite A, in Kissimmee, and is open 7 days a week.

KUA free Movie in the Park Series to continue with Dreamworks’ “Spirit Untamed” November 5th Kissimmee Utility Authority will continue its Movie in the Park series on Friday, November 5th at Kissimmee’s Lakefront Park with the showing of Dreamworks’ “Spirit Untamed”.

The event will also feature free admission, free popcorn, contests, prize giveaways, along with the showing of “Spirit Untamed” on KUA’s beautiful 50-foot movie screen!

Activities will begin at the lakefront at 5:30 pm, and the movie will be shown at 7 p.m. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and a picnic-style dinner.

Whatever your preference is… it’s sure to be another fun-filled family event at Kissimmee’s Lakefront Park.

The Movie at the Park series is a partnership between KUA and the City of Kissimmee.

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