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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 2023

Celebrate a Season of Joy at City of Kissimmee’s Festival of Lights Parade and Holiday Festivities on December 9 Osceola County Weather: Say hello to warmer temps in and around Osceola, Sunday showers will bring some cool back Celebrating 30 Years of Joy: Poinciana Villages’ Spectacular Christmas Parade and Festivities This Saturday Experience “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” at Osceola Arts

Inside Valencia College’s Cutting-Edge Robotics Lab: Shaping Tomorrow’s Tech Innovators in and Around Osceola County For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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Minutes from Home.

A Lifetime of Healing.

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

choose well.

IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE at the groundbreaking of the upcoming Food Truck Park Orlando in Kissimmee between the KissimmeeSt. Cloud Turnpike entrance

LIVE as St. Cloud High School Athlete, William Sutphen, signs his letter of intent to play Volleyball at The Ohio State University!

LIVE with the Osceola County School District and Osceola Arts as we present the Positively Osceola Inspirational Arts Educator and Student of the Month Award!

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IN & AROUND OSCEOLA Osceola County Commission Chairwoman, Viviana Janer, Osceola County Fire Rescue and EMS, and community leaders celebrate official opening of Fire Station 45

LIVE at the Celebration Veteran’s Day Parade

Live at SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration Fireworks Show LIVE as St. Cloud High School Athlete, Hannah Kline, signs her letter of intent to Western Carolina University for High Jump Osceola County and the Osceola Magic make it official at Osceola Heritage Park where the Orlando Magic G League team will play For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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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. Community Thanksgiving on Saturday, Nov. 18th, Downtown Monthly Market on Wednesday, Nov. 15th, Visit resilientstcloud.com for St. Cloud’s Vulnerability Assessment Survey.

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.

Don Schmidt Roofing Don Schmidt Roofing takes pride in every project by using only the finest materials and craftmanship.

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NEWS

Celebrate a Season of Joy at City of Kissimmee’s Festival of Lights Parade and Holiday Festivities on December 9 The enchanting season of holiday festivities is upon us, and the City of Kissimmee is inviting everyone to immerse themselves in a dazzling celebration at the heart of it all: the Festival of Lights Parade and Free Holiday Festivities on Saturday, December 9th.

Starting at 4:30 pm on the picturesque Kissimmee Lakefront Park’s Veterans Lawn, families will experience an array of engaging and free holiday activities. Children will capture timeless memories with free photos with Santa while indulging in cookie decorating to craft beautifully delicious treats. Once again, the family favorite KUA Kids Power Zone will provide an electrifying experience with fun-filled activities for kids of all ages.

As the free holiday festivities come to a close at Kissimmee’s beautiful Lakefront, the acclaimed Kissimmee Festival of Lights Parade in Historic Downtown Kissimmee will kickoff at 7:30pm.

Be part of this cherished annual tradition as thousands of residents and visitors gather for an evening filled illuminated wonder. Central Florida’s premier nighttime parade will light the streets with thousands of twinkling holiday lights, filling historic downtown with vibrant music, captivating dance performances, and the irresistible charm of the holiday season.

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NEWS Celebrate a Season of Joy at City of Kissimmee’s Festival of Lights Parade and Holiday Festivities on December 9 Happy FRIDAY Osceola! After starting in the upper 50s we’ll welcome back the upper 70s and a bit more humidity. Some areas might feel a sprinkle or two, but most of Osceola will remain dry. We’ll continue to warm up on Saturday with a high around 80. Rain chances will increase on Sunday, mainly in the latter portion of the day, which will drop temps back down to the the low 60s for a high on Monday.

Tonight A slight chance of sprinkles before 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

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Celebrating 30 Years of Joy: Poinciana Villages’ Spectacular Christmas Parade and Festivities This Saturday The 30th Annual Christmas Parade and Celebration by The Association of Poinciana Villages will take place this Saturday, December 9, 2023, beginning at 11 a.m. This is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, drawing over 1,000 Poinciana residents each year.

This family-friendly event is free and begins at 11 a.m. with a grand parade featuring dozens of floats and participants making their way from Cypress Parkway to Vance Harmon Park. Immediately following the parade will be the holiday celebration at the Amphitheater at Vance Harmon Park, located at 625 Country Club Drive, featuring a kid’s zone, a food truck lane, live entertainment, vendors and crafters, a Battle of the Bands, and much more!

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NEWS Experience “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” at Osceola Arts Osceola Arts is infusing magic into the traditional Christmas pageant with “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical,” on select dates through December 17. This jolly and heartwarming musical is set to capture the hearts of audiences with its mix of mischief, humor, and holiday spirit.

In this festive production, the town’s most mischievous kids, the Herdmans, decide they want starring roles in the annual Christmas pageant. Known for their wild behavior, the Herdmans come with their own set of script changes, turning the traditional pageant upside down. But as the town comes together, something magical happens. Witness as the spirit of Christmas truly comes to life in their small town, reminding everyone of the season’s true meaning.

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Inside Valencia College’s Cutting-Edge Robotics Lab: Shaping Tomorrow’s Tech Innovators in and Around Osceola County Valencia College has unveiled its ambitious plans to significantly expand its Robotics and Semiconductor Technician program at its Osceola Campus in partnership with BRIDG and SkyWater Technology, aligning its vision with the booming semiconductor manufacturing industry in NeoCity, Osceola County’s technology and semiconductor ecosystem after receiving a $4.1 million grant from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund.

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NEWS Experience “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” at Osceola Arts Osceola Arts is infusing magic into the traditional Christmas pageant with “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical,” on select dates through December 17. This jolly and heartwarming musical is set to capture the hearts of audiences with its mix of mischief, humor, and holiday spirit.

In this festive production, the town’s most mischievous kids, the Herdmans, decide they want starring roles in the annual Christmas pageant. Known for their wild behavior, the Herdmans come with their own set of script changes, turning the traditional pageant upside down. But as the town comes together, something magical happens. Witness as the spirit of Christmas truly comes to life in their small town, reminding everyone of the season’s true meaning.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3R6wmZt

City of St. Cloud Offers Small Businesses Community Development Block Grants Up to $30,000 The City of St. Cloud is investing up to $328,100 through its Community Development Block Grant program, funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, to assist any small businesses in the City with financial assistance for eligible economic development activity, including job creation and/or retention.

“There was some confusion caused by an error on the application form, but we want to reassure our local businesses that these grants are available to any local business, not just those in the downtown area,” said Economic Development Director Antranette Forbes. “We remain committed to helping all our businesses prosper as our city continues to grow.”

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NEWS Celebrating Excellence: Osceola County Association of Realtors 2023 Realtor Awards & Installation Ceremony In a grand celebration of achievement and dedication, the Osceola County Association of Realtors (OSCAR) hosted its esteemed Realtor Awards & Installation Ceremony for the year 2023 on Saturday, December 2. Held at the Osceola Heritage Park Exhibition Hall in Kissimmee, this annual event served as a platform to honor outstanding real estate professionals in the organization while ushering in the centennial board of directors for the upcoming year.

OSCAR, a stalwart in the real estate community, recognized and applauded the exceptional contributions of esteemed individuals and organizations within the industry. The 2023 Realtor Award Recipients were honored, with each awardee representing excellence and commitment to their craft.

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NEWS Cheryl Grieb Chosen as Osceola County Chair, Peggy Choudhry Named Vice Chair of Commission Osceola County Commissioner for District 4 Cheryl Grieb was selected Chair of the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners on Monday. District 1 County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry was named new Vice Chair. Both votes were unanimous.

“I look forward to working with the Commission and County staff in the coming year. As Chair, I feel I can help strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and harmonious community,” said Grieb, the District 4 Commissioner. “This board is committed to forging a path that not only anticipates the future but actively leads it forward to better our community and its residents.”

Grieb previously served as Chair of the County Commission in 2019.

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Osceola School District Announces Incoming Sixth and Ninth Grade Student Orientation/ Curriculum Nights

It’s time for incoming middle and high school students and their parents to become familiar with their new schools for next school year, so the Osceola County School District secondary and high schools will host Student Orientation Nights on the following dates: Incoming 6th Grade Orientation Night January 22, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Location: All middle and K-8 schools

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NEWS Old Town Kissimmee To Hold Cruiser Toy Drive Dec. 1 and 2 For Cruisers and The Public To Donate Unwrapped Toys For Osceola Council on Aging Old Town, an iconic walking district of shops, food, entertainment and events for more than 34 years, will hold its annual Cruiser Toy Drive this year on Friday, Dec. 1, starting at 3 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m. for both cruisers and the public to donate unwrapped toys. All of the collected toys will be given to the Osceola Council on Aging for local distribution.

“Our cruisers get very excited about this,” explains Thearon Scurlock, President and General Manager of the Old Town Entertainment District.

“Hundreds of them show up for the car cruise both days and come early to drop off their toys. They get everyone into the spirit of giving.”

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NEWS Osceola County Awarded Grant Worth Over $780,000 to Restart Glass Recycling Program Osceola County has been awarded a $783,756 grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support the County’s local waste management infrastructure and recycling programs through its “Responsible Recycling Osceola Project.”

A major component of the effort will be a mobile glass pulverizing demonstration project, showcasing how glass can be recycled and reused on a local level, reducing transportation costs and emissions. Potential uses include: “sand” for sandbags, glass mulch, and trail cover material.

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NEWS St. Cloud Police to Hire Six New Community Engagement Officers After Securing $750,000 COPS Grant The St. Cloud Police Department has announced that they will be receiving a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to hire six additional police officers focused on community engagement.

The City applied for the funds earlier this year, which will be awarded through the DOJ’s Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Program. The money will pay for 75% of the base salary and benefits for the officers for a period of three years, with the City of St. Cloud funding the remainder.

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Osceola County, Commissioner Ricky Booth Introduce New Fire Rescue at Station 54 in Harmony Osceola County Commissioner Ricky Booth celebrated the addition of a new fire rescue on Monday that is now operating out of Station 54 in Harmony. Rescue 54 increases the level of service for Osceola County residents, increases response time, and distributes the call load on the east side of the County. Rescue 54 brings the total number of transport units to 16 in the County’s Fire Rescue system.

A 2023 SAFER GRANT is helping to fund the 9 people needed for the unit.

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NEWS Universal Orlando Resort Salutes Active Duty and Retired Military Members With 2024 Military Freedom Pass Universal Orlando Resort is honoring active duty and retired military members with a selection of exclusive offers they can take advantage of to experience the award-winning theme park destination. Offers include the “2024 Military Freedom Pass” which gives military personnel and their families access to Universal’s theme parks every day from November 16, 2023 through December 20, 2024 with limited blockout dates, special vacation packages and discounts at Universal Orlando hotels.

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NEWS Osceola Council on Aging Hosts ‘Jeep Wrangler’ Raffle to Support Food Pantries and Meals on Wheels Services For the fourth year in a row, the Osceola Council on Aging is offering an opportunity for some lucky individual to win a brandnew vehicle, while supporting the council’s efforts of supporting seniors and those in need in Osceola County.

This year, the council’s car raffle will feature a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport from Gator Automotive Group in Melbourne.

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NEWS City of St. CloudSeeks Applications for Advisory Boards The City of St. Cloud is accepting applications from residents who are interested in serving on advisory boards and committees. The City has a number of advisory boards and committees that provide recommendations to City Council.

Among these boards are the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), Planning Commission, Recreation Advisory Committee, Tree Advisory Committee, Teen Recreation, Finance Committee, and Zoning Board of Adjustments.

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Osceola County Commission Recognized for Empowering Students With Osceola Prosper Scholarship Program Osceola County’s Commissioners have been recognized for their Osceola Prosper Program with the Regional Diamond Award for Regional Prosperity from the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council. The award focuses on economic development, crossgenerational wealth building, and community reinvigoration.

‘Osceola Prosper’ offers two years of paid college or technical training for every high school graduate in the County in partnership with Valencia College, and to date has seen approximately 5,000 residents take advantage of the life-changing opportunity to improve their careers and future.

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NEWS

Ringing in Hope: The Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle Challenge Readies for a Season of Generosity and Compassion

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Challenge has long been a symbol of compassion and community support. This year, the challenge takes on a profound significance for the Salvation Army of Osceola County. The Osceola Christian Ministry Center in Kissimmee, a vital local community resource, recently fell victim to intentional arson.

Now, more than ever, your donations are crucial to help rebuild and restore hope to those in need.

For decades, The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Challenge has stood as a symbol of generosity during the holiday season. The sight of volunteers beside red kettles invites donors to contribute, with funds supporting essential services for individuals and families facing hardships.

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OSCEOLA’S BEST

The Cup Diner: Osceola’s Best Breakfast Award Shines Spotlight on St. Cloud’s Culinary and Community Gem In a heartwarming ceremony on Saturday, September 16, ‘The Cup Diner,’ a beloved restaurant nestled in the heart of St. Cloud, was presented with the prestigious “Osceola’s Best Breakfast” Award by Positively Osceola, marking a well-deserved recognition of their dedication to crafting exceptional dining experiences for their community.

The Cup Diner, a cozy family-owned eatery, has been a cherished part of St. Cloud’s culinary landscape for years, and is certainly more than just a local restaurant; it’s a home away from home for countless members of the community.

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Mutt’s on 13th in St. Cloud: Osceola’s Best Burger Award Winner, Celebrating 13 Years of Excellence

In the heart of St. Cloud, culinary excellence meets community spirit at Mutt’s on 13th, a vibrant local eatery that recently achieved the highly esteemed “Osceola’s Best Burger Award” from Positively Osceola. This accolade signifies not only their commitment to crafting mouthwatering burgers but also their dedication to creating a gathering place where residents and visitors can enjoy both excellent food and a sense of community. As if this achievement weren’t enough, Mutt’s on 13th is also celebrating its 13th year in business, making this recognition Positively Delicious!

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OSCEOLA’S BEST Granny’s Southern Smokehouse Does It Again: Voted ‘Osceola’s Best Barbecue’ by Community, Positively Osceola Nestled in Downtown St. Cloud, there’s a barbecue joint that has been turning heads and igniting taste buds for years. Granny’s Southern Smokehouse, a beloved local eatery, has recently received the prestigious ‘Osceola’s Best Barbecue Award’ for the second time, an honor presented

by Osceola County’s leading source for news, Positively Osceola. Behind the smoky goodness and fingerlicking flavors stands a true barbecue virtuoso, Jay Brown, owner and pitmaster extraordinaire.

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Osceola Football Stars Take On Lake County Standouts in Cure Bowl High School All-Star Game Gateway head football coach Marlin Roberts, along with other Osceola County head and assistant coaches, will lead a team of senior All-Stars against a squad of Lake County standouts at the second annual Cure Bowl High School All-Star Game on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. at East Ridge High School in Lake County.

It will be the final event of the fall sports season for local high school athletes, as winter sports are now in full swing.

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NEWS Osceola County to Receive up to $289 Million from U.S. Department of Defense to Build develop Next-generation Microchips The U.S. Department of Defense has granted Osceola County a five-year contract, starting with an initial funding of $3.65 million and a spending cap of $120 million to develop next-generation microchips for the U.S. military. The contract, which aims at creating a specialized production environment for advanced semiconductor packaging systems is expected to enhance the domestic capability for producing secure and sophisticated electronic components, and includes options for an additional $169 million, potentially elevating the total award to $289 million, paving the way for substantial growth and impact.

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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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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

Magical Merriment Arrives as EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Disney guests can experience merry moments as EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays jingles back to Walt Disney World Resort through Dec. 30.

This celebration of global holidays comes to life with immersive experiences throughout World Showcase and beyond, as guests savor international cuisine, enjoy live entertainment and engage in family-friendly activities, while enjoying the beauty of holiday traditions from around the world.

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Gatorland Announces 4th Annual Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down Christmas Event Starting Dec. 2, Select Dates Through Dec. 17

There’s festive fun for everyone at Gatorland’s 4th Annual Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-down, taking place December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17.

Gatorland’s signature holiday extravaganza unfolds with a delightful mix of music, festive displays, interactive characters, and an array of tempting seasonal treats available for purchase.

Capture the essence of a distinctively Floridian holiday by snapping a photo with Gator Claus aboard his swamp-worthy sleigh. Meet the mischievous Krampus Croc, and sing along with the Florida Skunk Ape as he performs his favorite “Cryptid carols.”

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS Universal Orlando Resort’s Holidays Celebration Kicks Off This Friday November 17 Through December 31 Universal Orlando Resort’s annual Holidays celebration officially kicks off on Friday – inviting guests to set their festive side free with a multitude of merry experiences across the awardwinning theme park destination.

Beginning November 17 and running daily through December 31, guests can celebrate the most wonderful time of year at Universal Orlando as they enjoy Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, a delicious assortment of festive-themed fare, an all-new incredibly themed Holiday Tribute Store and so much more.

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Dive into the Magic of the Holidays as SeaWorld’s Award-winning Christmas Celebration Returns!

Get ready to immerse yourselves in the holiday spirit at SeaWorld’s award-winning Christmas Celebration, available on select dates through January 2. Come see the park transformed into a winter wonderland sparkling with millions of beautiful lights as you create unforgettable memories at a wondrous Christmas celebration you’ll only find at SeaWorld Orlando!

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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Grilled Florida Chicken Sandwich, It’s Positively Delicious!

Fresh chicken with crisp Florida arugula on toasted bread, it’s Positively Delicious!

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

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End Your Summer Day with Grilled Florida Key Lime Shrimp Skewers, They’re Positively Delicious!

After a long day at the beach soaking up the sun, reward yourself with a delicious meal. Try these Grilled Shrimp skewers made with fresh Florida seafood…they’re Positively Delicious!

INGREDIENTS • 1 pound Florida shrimp, peeled and deveined • 4 Florida Key limes, juiced • ½ Florida avocado, mashed • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped • ½ cup mayonnaise • ½ cup sour cream • 2 tablespoons spicy mustard • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish • 1 teaspoon hot sauce • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced • 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning • 1 lemon, juiced • Oil for cooking • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Grilled Florida Mahi-Mahi with Mango Fried Rice, It’s Positively Delicious

Creating a delectable dish like Grilled Florida MahiMahi with Mango Fried Rice is a culinary journey that brings together the vibrant flavors of the Sunshine State.

Starting with the star of the dish, the succulent MahiMahi fillets are seasoned to perfection and then skillfully grilled to achieve a smoky char that complements the fish’s delicate taste. As the Mahi-Mahi grills, attention turns to the fragrant Mango Fried Rice. The rice, cooked to a fluffy perfection, becomes a canvas for a tropical symphony of flavors as juicy chunks of ripe mango, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic spices are introduced. With each forkful, the sweetness of the mango contrasts harmoniously with the savory rice, creating a fusion of tastes that transport you to a paradise of flavors. Together, the grilled Mahi-Mahi and the Mango Fried Rice create a Positively Delicious dish that encapsulates the essence of Florida’s bountiful harvest, offering a tantalizing experience that’s both satisfying and positively unforgettable.

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Florida Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Wings, It’s Positively Delicious!

Honey-glazed fried chicken wings with the perfect mix of crunch and tang…it’s Positively Delicious!

INGREDIENTS

• 12 Florida chicken wings • ⅓ cup Florida honey • ¼ cup Florida orange juice • 10 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped • 3 eggs, beaten

• 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 cups bread crumbs • 3 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning • Vegetable oil for frying • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

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