Local Businessman, Leader in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ryan R. Munns, to hit the mission fields of France

After serving for nine years as president of the St. Cloud Florida stake for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Osceola County, President Ryan R. Munns was released in October of 2022 as president and will be headed to Paris France for 3 years to oversee 100+ proselyting and service missionaries, leaving behind his career at Bogin, Munns and Munns, and life in Saint Cloud.

A partner at the law firm Bogin, Munns and Munns, Ryan Munns, who was known for a spirit of optimism and friendliness, provided countless hours of service to Church members and community members alike in Osceola County.

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City of Kissimmee, Osceola Library System to host 10th annual African American Read-In February 25

The City of Kissimmee, along with the Osceola Library System will host the 10th annual African American Read-In on Saturday, February 25th at the Kissimmee Civic Center from 1 to 4 pm.

The African American Read-In is a unique openmic style event that celebrates African-American authors and artists that made significant cultural and artistic impacts on our nation and the world. Over one million readers from around the world will once again promote literacy and history in their communities.

Members of the community are welcome to volunteer to read or perform a selection at this event by reading a selection given to them, or by bringing their own piece. All pieces read must be written by an African American.

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Osceola Commissioners Recognize Dr. R. LeWayne Johnson as the Lt. Lloyd Burton, Jr. Service Award Winner

Dr. R. LeWayne Johnson, a retired military officer, Bronze Star recipient, and combat veteran was recognized as the Lt. Lloyd Burton, Jr. Service Award winner by Osceola County Commissioners on Monday.

Johnson is the Chief Executive Officer of The Florida Coalition to Prevent Veteran Homelessness, Inc., who is dedicated to ensuring that veterans have access to assistance, founded the organization in 2021 to prevent and end veterans’ homelessness across Florida.

“Dr. Johnson has provided invaluable service to our country and community –both as a member of the military and as a private citizen,” said Osceola Commission Chairwoman Viviana Janer. “His dedication to veterans experiencing homelessness and his efforts to assist them are an exemplary example of a citizen inspired to take action to help others. We’re lucky that he calls Osceola County home and we are grateful for everything he contributes to our community.”

Johnson’s activism turned into action when Johnson and his wife saw a man begging for money. He noticed that the man was wearing a military cap, so he asked if he was a veteran. The man replied that he was, but that the VA had been unresponsive to his claims. As a result, he lost his apartment and resorted to begging on the streets. Moved by the man’s situation, Johnson contacted the Salvation Army and the Mercy Foundation to get the man and his pregnant wife into a shelter. This led to the creation of the coalition that pulls together community resources to help veterans, while advocating for affordable housing, employment opportunities, suicide prevention, and mental health treatments.

Johnson says he found inspiration in his grandmother’s example. She was a midwife but never realized her dream of becoming a nurse or a doctor due to racial barriers. He credits her work ethic and empathy for others as motivating forces.

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Orlando Health Cancer Institute –St. Cloud Celebrates Official Grand Opening

Orlando Health Cancer Institute – St. Cloud celebrated the phased opening this month of the first comprehensive cancer center in the St. Cloud community.

The 7,200-square-foot facility, housed within Orlando Health Medical Pavilion – St. Cloud, features six exam rooms, a consultation room and an inhouse lab.

“Orlando Health Cancer Institute is nationally recognized for the superb cancer and hematology care we give patients,” said Margo Shoup, MD, president of Orlando Health Cancer Institute. “We are excited to have the opportunity to offer this great care to the St. Cloud community so that patients can stay as close to home as possible, while being treated with the expertise they would expect from Orlando Health.”

Patients who need chemotherapy, immunotherapy or IV therapy began receiving infusions in 10 semi-private bays, which opened this month. Two private infusion bays and a pharmacy are set to open in summer 2023.

“At the Orlando Health Cancer Institute in St. Cloud, you get the benefit of the entire hospital system,” said Simi George, MD, lead oncologist at the facility. “You get access to state-of-the-art surgery, access to clinical trials – all the things you would get at a big cancer center, with the bulk of the treatment being delivered close to home.”

Patients will have access to resources and support services, including nutritional care, counseling, pain management, palliative care and cancer support groups. Orlando Health Cancer Institute – St. Cloud is the organization’s fifth regional oncology facility, including Osceola and others in Lake Mary, Ocoee, and Orlando’s Dr. Phillips-area. The 3,238-bed system includes 23 hospitals and emergency departments – 18 of which are currently operational with five coming soon. The Orlando Health has more than 4,000 physicians, representing more than 100 medical specialties and subspecialties have privileges across the Orlando Health system.

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Osceola Chamber ‘Maxes Out’ its 98th Meeting at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Dressed in 60s, 70s, & 80s

On Saturday night, The Osceola Chamber gathered for its 98th Annual Meeting at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The ‘totally gnarly’ organization, whose mission is “Champions for business and the Osceola community” ‘maxed out’ the celebration with a bit of ‘retro flare’ in the evening’s theme of 60s, 70s, & 80s.

The ‘out of sight’ night began in typical cocktail party fashion, then moved into the main event where the gavel was officially passed from last year’s ‘fab’ chair Kevin Crain, owner of Osceola Press in Kissimmee, to current chair Allison Beeman, ‘totally cool’ sales account manager with Cemex, who was ‘stoked’ to lead the event and the chamber for the next year.

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Woman killed in fiery rollover crash in Osceola County, troopers say

A woman is dead after crashing her car on State Road 60 west of Mae Bass Rd around 10:25pm Tuesday night, causing it to rollover and catch fire, according to FHP.

According to a crash report from Florida Troopers, woman from the UK was driving a sedan on SR 60, and for an unknown reason, traveled onto the right shoulder, overturned and came to rest on the roof of the car. The vehicle became “engulfed by fire,” and the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers said they are still working to identify the vehicle, driver and cause of the crash.

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Broadband internet expansion coming to rural Osceola, including Kenansville, Yeehaw Junction, Deer Park, and Bull Creek

Large rural portions of Osceola County can look forward to expanded access to broadband internet thanks to Florida’s Broadband Opportunity Grant Program announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis last Thursday. The Governors said that a total of 58 projects valued at more than $144 million will take place across 41 Florida counties. In Osceola, including a private sector match from Charter Communications for build out, the total will be about $15 million.

“Broadband internet access creates jobs and enhances educational opportunities for Floridians. I look forward to continued investments through this program to ensure Florida families have access to important resources no matter where they live, said Governor Ron DeSantis. ”

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Poinciana area boil water advisory lifted, customers may see pressure issues while repairs are completed

Toho Water Authority (Toho) has lifted a precautionary boil water advisory to customers in the Poinciana area.

The boil water advisory was issued due to a water main break under Reedy Creek that has been isolated. Customers may continue to see pressure issues while the repairs are being completed, but there is no need to boil water.

Customers who use potable water for irrigation are asked to use it sparingly while more permanent repairs are put into place. For more information, visit www.tohowater.com or contact Toho Water Authority’s customer service center at 407-944-5000.

Osceola Clerk of Court & County Comptroller Kelvin Soto To Host Valentine’s Day Group Wedding Ceremony

If you’re looking to “tie the knot” on Valentine’s Day this February 14th, The Osceola County Clerk & Comptroller Office may have exactly what you’re looking for. On Tuesday, February 14, Kelvin Soto and his County Clerk & Comptroller Office will welcome couples to be married at the Historic Osceola County Courthouse for their Valentine’s Day Group Ceremony & Reception!

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