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

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 2023

Erika Booth, Tom Keen Set to Face Off in January General Election After House District 35 Primary Wins The Magic is What’s Next in Osceola as Osceola Magic Unveil New Court at Osceola Heritage Park

Four Injured in Kissimmee’s Toho Marina Boat Blaze, Investigation Ongoing

KUA Receives Statewide Recognition for Community-Enhancing Programs Osceola County Weather: Enjoy a Warm, Sunny Days Ahead in Osceola!

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Minutes from Home.

A Lifetime of Healing.

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

choose well.

IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE with Shawnta Price, the Special Events Manager with the City of St. Cloud, talking about Great Outdoors Day at the St. Cloud Lakefront!

LIVE with St. Cloud Bulldogs head coach Mike Short about 21-0 win over Harmony Longhorns in the Soldier City Classic

LIVE for the German Witch’s Dance in Downtown St. Cloud

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IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE at the Osceola County Courthouse where Help Now of Osceola and community leaders are holding a rally and walk for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez announces a new partnership with Senior Resource Alliance and Scent Evidence K9 Positively Osceola, Osceola County School District and Osceola Arts, celebrated Inspirational Arts Educator of the Month and Inspirational Vocal Student of the month

Osceola County Commissioner for District 3 on Hosting a Food Distribution for Those in Need

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

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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

Erika Booth, Tom Keen Set to Face Off in January General Election After House District 35 Primary Wins Osceola County School Board member Erika Booth will face Lake Nona businessman Tom Keen after both candidates received their political parties’ nods to move on to the State House District 35 general election on January 16, 2024.

Florida is a closed primary state, so only registered Republicans and Democrats who are in Florida’s House District 35 were able to vote in that race’s primary. District 35 includes parts of east Orange and east Osceola counties The seat was vacated by Fred Hawkins Jr. who resigned after accepting the position of President at South Florida State College.

In Osceola County, voters chose Erika Booth with 52.29% of the vote, over Scotty Moore with 38.32% and Ken Davenport with 9.4%. Tom Keen won with 38.98% of the vote in the Democratic primary, while Marucci Guzman got 33.01% and Rishi Bagga got 28.01% of the vote.

In Orange County, Democrats supported Keen with 35.44% of the vote over Bagga with 34.39% and Guzman with 30.16%. Republicans selected Booth with 48.06% of the vote over Moore with 31.31% and Davenport with 20.63% of the vote.

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NEWS The Magic is What’s Next in Osceola as Osceola Magic Unveil New Court at Osceola Heritage Park The Osceola Magic basketball the team unveiled their new court design during a special event at Osceola Heritage Park’s Silver Spurs Arena on Tuesday that featured a ribbon cutting, locker room tour. The Orlando Magic’s G League team will hit the hardwood for the first time at OHP on November 16. Tickets are on sale now at OsceolaMagic. com.

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Four Injured in Kissimmee’s Toho Marina Boat Blaze, Investigation Ongoing The City of Kissimmee Fire Department responded to Big Toho Marina located at 69 Lakeview Drive at Kissimmee’s Lakefront around 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday night after receiving reports of a boat fire with possible injuries.

When KFD arrived they found a boat on a trailer in the parking lot of the Big Toho Marina fully engulfed in fire which they quickly extinguished.

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NEWS

KUA Receives Statewide Recognition for Community-Enhancing Programs

The Florida Municipal Electric Association is honoring the Kissimmee Utility Authority with the “Building Strong Communities” accolade, acknowledging the utility’s substantial contributions to improving community life.

These contributions go beyond the effective provision of cost-effective, dependable, and environmentally friendly energy.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3uduB4P

Osceola County Weather: Enjoy a Warm, Comfortable, Sunny Monday in Osceola Happy Wednesday Osceola! We’re looking at a sunny day with a high near 84 and temps that will continue to trend up through the weekend.

Stay hydrated if you’re headed to the theme parks, which are breaking out the Christmas festivities beginning Friday and Saturday.

Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 62. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light southeast after midnight.

Thursday Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 84. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

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NEWS Florida Gas Prices Move Lower After Rising 10 Cents Last Week, Uncertainty Ahead Florida gas prices increased last week, but are moving lower once again. After tying the 2023-low of $3.22 per gallon last Monday, the state average shot up 10 cents to $3.32 per gallon, by Wednesday.

The increase was in response to the rise in crude oil prices, which occurred two weeks ago. In Osceola, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.10.

Fortunately, crude oil prices fell last week, and gas prices are doing the same.

Florida’s state average declined 4 cents per gallon, Friday-Sunday. The state average was $3.29 per gallon on Sunday. Visit GasPrices.AAA.com to view today’s daily average price.

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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 District 3 Osceola County Commissioner Brandon Arrington to Host Drive-Thru Fall Food Distribution Saturday November 11 District 3 Osceola County Commissioner, Brandon Arrington, is hosting a drive-thru Fall 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.

The drive-thru event will take place at St. Rose of Lima Church, 3880 Pleasant Hill Road in Kissimmee, and is supported

by Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and District 43 State Representative Kristen Arrington.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/464zHhb 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.

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NEWS

Osceola County: It’s Time To Believe in Magic, the Osceola Magic That is!

It’s time for country residents to believe in magic, as professional basketball makes its debut at Silver Spurs Arena in Heritage Park on Nov. 16 when the Osceola Magic – the Orlando Magic’s affiliate in the NBA G-League – hosts the Texas Legends at 7 p.m.

It will be the first of 24 home games the Magic will play in Kissimmee, after the team relocated from Lakeland following the 2022-23 season.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/471nDhS

Osceola County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry Hosts 3rd Annual Anti-Bullying Chalk Away Hate Event On Saturday, Osceola County Commissioner for District 1, Peggy Choudhry, hosted the much-anticipated 3rd Annual Anti-Bullying Chalk Away Hate event at the Promenade at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee. This event, characterized by its vibrant and ‘glowing’ atmosphere, was dedicated to spreading awareness about the detrimental effects of bullying and the value of promoting kindness to others.

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NEWS 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

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Qa78Jn

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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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Feeding Florida: FLHSMV, FHP Gear Up for the Annual ‘Stuff The Charger’ Food Drive The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol, have announced the start of the annual “Stuff the Charger” food drive – a statewide effort to support Floridians who could benefit from a little extra help this holiday season. Today through November 30, the department is collecting nonperishable food donations for food banks across the state.

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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’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

Playoff Time for the Kowboys, Bowl Time for the Bulldogs, Tigers!

Following an impressive road win over West Orange in their regular season finale, the Osceola Kowboys will participate in the FHSAA Playoffs for an impressive 17th consecutive time when they travel to Treasure Coast this Friday to take on the Titans (7-2) at 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, fresh of their big 21-0 win over Harmony, St. Cloud (7-3) earned a Bowl Game. They will host Lake Region (5-5) at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the first game played on the Bulldogs new turf field; while Tohopekaliga (5-5) will attempt to end the season on a positive note when they play a Bowl Game at Lake Howell at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/47iuweG

St. Bulldogs Take Soldier City Classic and Coveted Brass Bugle Trophy After Blanking Harmony 21-0 For the fourth time in five years and the 10th time since the rivalry began in 2005, the Brass Bugle Trophy is headed back to St. Cloud High. The Bulldogs earned it with a 21-0 win over arch-rival Harmony in the 19th playing of the Soldier City Classic before a big crowd at Austin Tindall Park on Friday night.

“That’s an ugly trophy,” a grinning St. Cloud coach Mike Short said as his players passed it around for pictures. “But it’s going to look great in our trophy case for the next year.

We’ve had a really good season but this is the game that makes it a great season.”

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Lady Bulldogs make history with back-2back-2-back state golf appearances For a third straight year, the St. Cloud girls’ golf team is headed to the state golf championships and this time they did not need to wait around for an at-large bid.

The Lady Bulldogs, behind sophomore Karolyna Adams’ two-over par 74, tied Lake Nona for Class 3A, Region 2 golf championship on Tuesday morning.

St. Cloud would lose the regional championship in a playoff, as Lake Nona shot a team-collective even par 20 on the first playoff hole; compared to a one-over par 21 by the Lady Bulldogs. Still, the official second place regional finish earned St. Cloud an automatic spot in the FHSAA State Golf Championships, Nov. 10-11.

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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, 2523, 23-25, 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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NEWS 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

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Qa78Jn

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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.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Q2TSar Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies Recognized by Ratings Agency for Perinatal Care Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies has received recognition from The Joint Commission, for their outstanding patient care and physician standards. The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare.

It’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care (ACPC) has been awarded to only 17 facilities across the country, and Orlando Health Winnie Palmer is the first in Florida to receive this designation.

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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.

Mayor Blackwell also serves on FLC’s Board of Directors, and is the first St. Cloud Council member to do so.

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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

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3CDS3sU

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be confident.

We provide trusted, quality care in your community. At Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, get access to care from an expert and compassionate clinical team for all of your healthcare needs — from emergency services to heart care, surgical services and more — all close to home. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/StCloud

choose well.