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

St. Cloud Middle School Resource Officer Stephen Burrows’ Quick Actions Help Save Basketball Coach’s Life

FWC’s Catch a Florida Memory program: fishing for sport, recognition, prizes and conservation

Education Foundation Renames Annual Fundraiser in honor of Past President, Kissimmee Commissioner, Ken Smith

Gateway Panthers fall In Final Four to Mainlaind, 56-23, ending historic season For more

ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS

LIVE with State Representative

Kristen Arrington for District 46

February 20th, 2023

LIVE with Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital

President Brian Wetzel

February 14th, 2023

LIVE with Ryan Munns, of Bogin, Munns and Munns

January 26th, 2023

LIVE with Dr. Chris Burns, from SDOC Fine and Performing Arts

January 19th, 2023

LIVE with William Morea & Wey Wey Wong, from Huntington Learning Center

January 19th, 2023

VIDEOS ON DEMAND

Kissimmee’s Kowtown Festival

If you love birthday parties, here’s one you don’t want to miss! On Saturday, March 18th from noon until 4pm, the City of Kissimmee is inviting the community to a birthday bash like no other. It’s the 2023 Kowtown Festival! #KissimmeeNews

St Cloud Monthly Market

It’s time again for another stroll through the Saint Cloud Downtown Monthly Market. On Wednesday, February 22nd, you can enjoy walking through St. Cloud’s beautiful downtown district, browsing through the iconic shops and pop-up vendors. Enjoy live music along with a great selection of positively delicious fare from downtown St. Cloud’s unforgettable restaurants.

Murder Mystery Dinner Train

Adult day trip for the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Train in Fort Myers. Enjoy a 5-course dinner while a live murder mystery is played out on board the train during a 3-hour 12-mile round trip for $185 per person. For Tickets and Info: https://bit.ly/3xv95qL

Old Town’s Saturday Classic Car Show and Cruise

For over 30 years, the Old Town Classic Car Show and Cruise has been a local tradition and one of the premier weekly car shows in Central Florida. Every Saturday, the Classic Car Show welcomes show-quality 1985 and older hot rods, street rods, and antiques. The Classic Car Show is free for participants and free for the public to attend! For more information, visit MyOldTownUSA.com.

KUA Movie in the Park: Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Kissimmee Utility Authority continues its 2022-2023 Movie in the Park series on Friday, March 3, 2023, at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The event will feature free admission, free popcorn, free inflatables, free crafts, a free photo booth, and prize giveaways. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will be showing on a 50-foot screen!

St. Cloud Middle School Resource Officer Stephen Burrows’ Quick Actions Help Save Basketball Coach’s Life Who Suffered Heart Attack

With the final seconds winding down Tuesday night in a St. Cloud Middle School girls’ basketball game, the team’s head coach suddenly collapsed on the court. Bystanders and school staff rushed to assist her, along with St. Cloud Police Officer and School Resource Officer Stephen Burrows, which likely saved the coach’s life.

Officer Burrows and a physician’s assistant in attendance for the game both verified the coach did not have a pulse, and compressions were started. Officer Burrows alertly requested an automated external defibrillator, or AED.

Thankfully, a student trainer knew where one was in the gym and brought it to SRO Burrows. The AED was quickly deployed, pads were attached, and a shock was given. The coach eventually responded to CPR and regained consciousness.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3kkPKWg

FWC’s Catch a Florida Memory program: fishing for sport, recognition, prizes and conservation

FWC’s Catch a Florida Memory program: fishing for sport, recognition, prizes and conservation

With over 4,000 participating anglers and 36 sponsoring partners, Catch a Florida Memory is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s exciting and engaging saltwater angler recognition program. This program encourages participants to learn more about Florida’s vast recreational fishing opportunities and an angler’s role in marine conservation by enticing them to target a variety of saltwater species and rewards them with prizes for submitting photos of their catches.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3m2m6pp

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Kissimmee Fire Department Makes History, as Station 14 is Fully Staffed By Black Firefighters on Thursday

The Kissimmee Fire Department made history on Thursday, as Station 14 in Kissimmee was staffed entirely by a crew of black firefighters!

Kissimmee Fire Department’s Lt Dwight Johnson will be retiring later in the year, so a number of KFD’s firefighters, along with Kissimmee Fire Chief Jim Walls, worked together, arranging shifts and schedules to create a very special day, a day of honoring, celebrating, reflecting, and learning.

Not only did the firefighters make history with an entirely black firefighting crew at a Kissimmee Fire Department Station, the firefighters, who are relatively young in their careers, were able to listen and learn from experienced fire fighters like retired Milwaukee FD BC James Hardy (Kissimmee’s current fire training coordinator), retired Orange County FR BC Gregory Pines, and Kissimmee’s Fire Chief, Jim Walls, who has served as a firefighter for over 35 years, nearly seven of those years as KFD’s Chief.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3ZhimOV

Education Foundation Renames Annual Fundraiser in honor of Past President, Kissimmee Commissioner, Ken Smith

The Education Foundation’s 3rd annual Clay Shooting event will take place this weekend at the Triple N Shooting Range in east Osceola County, but the event, which helps raise funds for the non-profit organization that supports teachers, support staff, and students in the Osceola School District, has undergone a name change. The clay shooting event has been renamed as the Ken Smith Clays 4 Kids Sporting Clay Classic.

“Our Board of Directors and staff thought it was only fitting to rename this event after the Foundation’s first President and our good friend Mr. Ken Smith. Ken’s passion for the students never faded, even after his retirement.”

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3Srq3Qt

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150th Silver Spurs Rodeo Draws Sellout Crowds, Gives Back Big to Local Organizations, Here are the Results

The 150th Silver Spurs Rodeo filled the stands of all three of its rodeos this past weekend, with rodeo fans from all of Central Florida experiencing the best of the best in professional rodeo. Contestants battled it out for some big cash payouts, and some serious bragging rights. For the Silver Spurs Riding Club, it was time to show its passion for the Osceola County community.

As the Silver Spurs Riding Club always does, it took time during the 150th Silver Spurs Rodeo to show its passion for the community by donation $5000 to the Osceola Council On Aging’s Meals on Wheels program and the Museum of Military History. During the Monster Bulls event, which took place the Saturday to the Silver Spurs Rodeo, The Opportunity Center was presented with a check.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3Sh89Qt

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FDOT Completes Interchange at I-4 and C.R. 532 near ChampionsGate, Holds Ribbon Cutting With Commissioner Peggy Choudhry

The Florida Department of Transportation has completed the new diverging diamond interchange on I-4 at County Road 532 near ChampionsGate in Osceola County, and marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by officials and FDOT staff on Monday, Feb. 13. The project was the result of close collaboration – Osceola County designed the DDI project, while FDOT carried out the construction.

“This project is making things safer for motorists and pedestrians and it is easing congestion and helping Osceola County far beyond what you can see here today,” Osceola County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry said. “This intersection is really a central access point to I-4 and a hub for many other projects. That’s so important, because you cannot put more traffic into areas without functioning intersections like these.”

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3Z2Kshu

Osceola County Announces Lakeshore Boulevard, Bown Chapel Road Closure to Begin February 28

Osceola County has announced that construction on the Fortune-Lakeshore Multi-Use Trail project will require a road closure at Lakeshore Boulevard and Brown Chapel Road beginning on Feb. 28.

While the detour is estimated to be in place for 180 days, County officials are working with the contractor to reduce the length of the closure.

The road closure will allow installation of a pedestrian bridge over the C-31 Canal and the construction of structures and pipes to improve the drainage system in the area affected by the trail. During the detour period, motorists in the area are asked to be attentive to installed road signs and maintain awareness of workers in the construction zone.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3lQHrlv

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Couples say “I do” During Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller’s Annual Valentine’s Day Group Wedding

This Valentine’s Day, eight couples said “I Do” during the Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremony & Reception held at the Historic Osceola Courthouse and officiated by the Honorable Kelvin Soto, Esq., Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller.

The wedding ceremonies were held in English at 10:00am and in Spanish at 2:00pm. Immersed in the rich, antique courtroom decorated with Valentine’s themed décor, couples processed down the aisle and into the ceremony to romantic music.

During the ceremony, Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto, Esq. shared, “love is the great unifier, our one universal truth. No matter who we are, where we have come from, what we believe, we know this one thing… love is what we are doing right.”

After the wedding ceremonies, couples received a decorative certificate and a commemorative photo in addition to their officially recorded marriage licenses. Romantic reception music was in the air, while the newlyweds, along with their families and friends all enjoyed festive cupcakes by Candyland Designs, a local Downtown Kissimmee Mainstreet bakery.

On Valentine’s Day, Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto, Esq. performed nine wedding ceremonies. The Clerk & Comptroller’s Office issued more than 11,000 marriage licenses in 2022.

Dunkin’ Spread Kindness to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children Staff on Random Acts of Kindness Day

On Random Acts of Kindness Day, February 17, Dunkin’ of Orlando spread kindness to the staff at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children by donating 25 dozen heart-shaped donuts to hospital staff as a small way of saying thanks for all they do to care for our community.

Dunkin’ is encouraging guests to spread kindness in their own way by sharing Dunkin’s Valentine’s Day treats like the fan favorite heart-shaped Brownie Batter and Cupid’s Choice donuts with friends and family this month. These Valentine’s Day treats are available through February 21st.

Dunkin’ has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category for 16 years running with more than 12,600 restaurants in 40 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

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Osceola County’s NAACP recognizes Influential and Impactful leaders at reception in Kissimmee

The Osceola County’s NAACP held an Influential and Impactful Reception on February 7 at Chambers Park in Kissimmee, where they celebrated 16 African American leaders who have made a positive impact in and around the Osceola County community.

February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of the achievements and history of African Americans, but as community leader and former school teacher Deloris McMillon said during a Osceola County Commission meeting earlier this month, “the main point I want to get across is that black history is not just a month, black history is 365 days a year, and celebrating black history keeps the facts in front of everyone, and helps is to not forget. We have come a long way, but there are still some changes to be done.”

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3lJpCEJ

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Kowtown Festival to Celebrate Kissimmee’s 140th Birthday March 18 at Kissimmee Lakefront

If you love birthday parties, here’s one you don’t want to miss! On Saturday March 18th from noon until 4pm, the City of Kissimmee is inviting the community to a birthday bash like no other. It’s the 2023 Kowtown Festival!

Kissimmee Lakefront Park is the perfect place for Kissimmee’s community-wide birthday celebration that will feature great food, live music, the KUA kid’s zone, and lots of local craft vendors. Celebrate with the City of Kissimmee at a birthday party big enough for the whole City, it’s the 2023 Kowtown Festival!

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3S3z9CW

Toho Water Welcomes Bank Florida’s Tom White to Board of Supervisors

Toho Water Authority has welcomed Tom White to its board of supervisors after the Osceola County Board of County Commissions approved White to fill an open seat at a recent commission meeting.

White graduated from the University of Central Florida in 1977 with a business degree in Marketing. He also graduated from the School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University in 1983.

Mr. White started his career in banking in 1977 with Flagship Bank of Florida. In 1987, White and several other local business partners started the independent First National Bank of Osceola County with Tom as President & CEO. First National Bank of Osceola County went public in 2000 as part of the Center State Banks of Florida Holding Company.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3S7w2dh

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Florida welcomes 137.6 million visitors in 2022, highest in state history

Florida had record visitation in 2022 with 137.6 million visitors, an increase of five percent over 2019 and 12.9 percent over 2021, according to Visit Florida.

Florida welcomed 33.2 million travelers between October and December 2022, marking a six percent increase from Q4 2021, and the sixth consecutive quarter of overall visitation surpassing prepandemic levels. 30.1 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in Q4 2022, representing 21 months of domestic visitation growth from 2019, according to Visit Florida.

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Tesla to build third Central Florida dealership in Kissimmee, more V3 charging stations on the way

Tesla, the world’s most recognizable name in electric vehicle development and manufacturing, looks to be building a dealership in Kissimmee, its third in Central Florida, according to a report in GrowthSpotter.

Currently, there is a dealership located in Maitland/Eatonville, and one being built in Clermont. The proposed third dealership would be located on S. Orange Blossom Trail near Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee on a 5.3-acre site across from the Orange Blossom Plaza.

Tesla, which describes itself as an artificial intelligence and clean energy company, recently announced that it would open 3,500 new and existing superchargers along highways to non-Tesla customers, and would offer 4,000 slower chargers at locations like hotels and restaurants.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3Z0Qvmd

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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 ReadIn is a unique open-mic style event that celebrates AfricanAmerican 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.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3jO1r7J

Gateway Panthers fall In Final Four to Mainlaind, 56-23, ending historic season

It was a rough ending to a great season, as the Gateway Panthers saw their dreams of a state championship fall two games short in a 56-23 loss in a FHSAA Class 5-A Final Four game against Mainland.

The Buccaneers dominated the game from start to finish, limiting the Panthers to just six field goals in the game and 20 percent shooting.

“Our goal was to stop number 20 (Maylana Stevenson),” Mainland coach Brandon Stewart said. “She is a great player and is so good at taking the ball out front and driving the lane. We knew we had to stop her to win.”

Mainland limited Stevenson — the Panthers leading scorer at 19 points per game– to just eight points on a three of 11 night shooting. They did it by putting their best player, Anovia Sheals on her for the entire game. Mainland also did a great job on Vanessa Diaz, who was averaging 16 points for the Panthers, by holding her to six points.

Meanwhile, the Panthers simply could not stop Sheals, who finished with 25 points, 15 rebounds and two blocked shots. Jordan Boddie added 12 and Samantha Lecas added eight.

Gateway kept the game relatively close in the first half, forcing some turnovers but still trailed by 11 at the half, 23-12. But Mainland would go on an 8-0 run to start the second half to extend the lead to 19. Sheals would score nine in the quarter and the Bucs defense limited the Panthers to just one field goal and eight points total as they extended the lead to 39-20 after three periods.

It was more of the same in the final stanza, as Sheals added eight more, Tia Dobson finished two steals with layups and Samantha Lecas hit a three as Mainland went up by 53-20 before Stevenson hit Gateway’s first points of the quarter with a three-pointer with 2:53 remaining in the game.

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Florida Department of Health in Osceola County to Distribute Narcan Nasal Spray kits

The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County (FDOH-Osceola) is announcing the availability of free Naloxone (Narcan) Nasal Spray kits. This lifesaving medication could reduce thousands of substance abuse deaths across the state.

Naloxone is available to people who use drugs, people with a history of drug use, others at risk of experiencing an overdose, friends, family members, and others who may witness an overdose. Kits consist of two Naloxone nasal sprays that are administered even without a health care professional present.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3Hbgwbh

Orlando Health Cancer Institute Introduces CAR T-Cell Therapy for Treating Advanced Blood Cancers

Orlando Health Cancer Institute has added CAR T-cell therapy as a new option for treating advanced blood cancers.

CAR T-cell therapy is an immunotherapy that works by harnessing the power of a patient’s immune system to attack tumors. Treatment begins with the collection of the patient’s T-cells, which help protect the body from infection. The T-cells are then sent to a laboratory, where they are genetically re-engineered to produce proteins on their surface called chimeric antigen receptors. The new T-cells are reproduced by the millions in preparation for infusion back into the patient.

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Florida Department of Education Releases 2021-2022 Graduation Rates for Osceola Schools

Data released today by the Florida Department of Education shows Osceola School District’s graduation rate decreased from 89.7% in 2021 to 85.2% in 2022. Florida’s statewide high school graduation rate similarly decreased by from 90.1% to 87.3%. Several highlights for the Osceola School District include:

• Ten high schools in Osceola County achieved graduation rates above the state average

• Osceola County’s graduation rate for English Language Learners is above the state average

• Osceola County’s graduation rate for at-risk students is above the state average

• Four high schools in Osceola County were above the state graduation rate for Exceptional Student Education students

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Xnd18w

Dunkin’ Shines Gold with $27,000 Grant to Bring Joy to Kids Battling Cancer at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children

Dunkin’ gave guests a sweet way to shine gold and support kids battling illness during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month last September. Dunkin’ has now allocated $27,000 to be granted locally to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children through the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. Thanks to the support of Dunkin’ guests and the generosity of franchisees throughout the Southeast Region, the Dunkin’ Shine Gold program collectively raised $320,000 to support children’s hospitals throughout Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3w6kEnx

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INJURY LAW

Car accidents can happen in an instant. Even though these crashes happen quickly, recovery is not always quick and easy. A car accident can cause a variety of injuries, including back injuries. Even a minor crash can cause back injuries because the back tends to absorb most of the impact in an accident.

If you have suffered a back injury, seek prompt medical treatment. These injuries can be hard to treat, and sometimes can lead to secondary medical issues, such as hypotension, osteoporosis, pressure ulcers, sleep apnea, bowel problems, urinary tract infections, sexual dysfunction, and more. Draper Law Office understands how serious a back injury can be. These injuries can be long-lasting and costly to treat. Schedule a consultation by filling out the online form or by calling their office at (407) 846.0075.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3VmqbB0

Draper Law: Even minor car accidents can cause back injuries, don’t wait to seek medical attention

Creative Inspiration Journey School sees continued student growth amid school facility expansion

From the first day that Creative Inspiration Journey School opened its doors in the Fall of 2019, it was easy to see that it wasn’t going to be just another tuition free public charter school, it was focused on creating an environment of learning for its students unlike any other school in the St. Cloud and Osceola communities.

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

FAMILY LAW

Draper Law: Ten Mistakes to Avoid During Your Divorce

When you are going through a divorce, it can feel like every aspect of your life from where you live to how you are going to support yourself is at risk. At a time like this it is a natural response to be afraid but, if you are not careful, that fear can lead you to make errors which could hurt your case. The good news is that you can avoid mistakes during your divorce.

Knowing what actions to avoid during divorce is critical. Draper Law Office has experience helping clients circumvent mistakes and make the right choices during divorce. Call 407.846.0075 today or go to DraperLawOffice.com to set up your free, no-obligation consultation in one of their three locations: St. Cloud, Kissimmee, and Orlando.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3i91cD0

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Country Thunder to roar back to Osceola County in 2023 with Country Music Superstars Keith Urban, Cody Johnson, & Hardy

Buckle up country music fans, Country Thunder Florida has announced that its October 2023 all-star lineup at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee will feature country music superstars Cody Johnson, HARDY, Keith Urban & so many more.

“When you have the world’s greatest country music fans show up the way they did in Florida in 2022, you owe them a follow-up of epic proportions,” says Country Thunder Music Festivals CEO, Troy Vollhoffer. “And we’re making that promise with one of the best lineups from start to finish we’ve had in years. We can’t wait to bring Cody Johnson, HARDY, and Keith Urban to the fans in Florida!”

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HEALTH

Cholesterol is one of the most well-known, yet misunderstood, compounds found in the body. One of the biggest misconceptions is that all cholesterol is bad. The truth is that your body would fall apart without this critical component, which is essential for making cell membranes and hormones.

What’s important to know is that there is a difference between what’s commonly referred to as “good cholesterol” and “bad cholesterol.”

Cholesterol travels through your body’s bloodstream on two different types of lipoproteins – particles made of protein and fat. The types are:

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): This is the so-called bad cholesterol. When your body has too much of it, it can create dangerous buildup (plaque) on the walls of your blood vessels. Over time, this blockage can cause chest pain, heart attacks and strokes.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL): This good cholesterol transports cholesterol back to the liver, where it can be eliminated from your body. High levels of this material can help lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.

With that in mind, let’s look at some of the other common misconceptions and myths about cholesterol.

1. If I had high cholesterol, I would know it

The reality is that high cholesterol fits into the category of disorders and conditions referred to as “silent.” Particularly in the early stages, high cholesterol offers no noticeable symptoms. Waiting for your body to tell you that you have high cholesterol can be dangerous, since it may announce itself through a heart attack, chest pain, stroke or diabetes. Only a blood test can tell if you have cholesterol issues.

2. I can’t do anything to lower my cholesterol

Fortunately, there are a lot of things you can do to improve your cholesterol levels. The first options are diet and exercise, followed by medication. Making better diet choices, in particular, can both lower your bad cholesterol and raise your good cholesterol. You should cut back on foods that are high in saturated fats, dietary cholesterol, salt, refined grains and ultra-processed food.

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Island H2O Water Park to reopen with “Selfie Spot Beach” this Spring

This week’s upcoming warm weather will serve as a reminder that it won’t be long before we’ll be looking for some “relief from high temps,” and Island H2O Water Park is inviting everyone to hit the waves as it reopens for its 2023 season, Friday, March 10, with an all-new Instagrammable pop-pop “Selfie Spot Beach.” This is a limited time experience for families to capture the perfect family photo and share on social media.

“We are thrilled to welcome guests back to our water park, just in time for the spring break season,” said Island H2O Water Park Senior Regional Director of Marketing Todd Andrus. “We are constantly working to innovate and create experiences that not only offer value to families but most importantly, that are joyful and memorable for all ages.”

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3XRVBzW

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Brings Even More Toy-Sized Fun to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Beginning March 23

Yee-haw! Andy’s backyard will welcome more toys when Roundup Rodeo BBQ opens in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios March 23.

A unique collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney World Food & Beverage, this one-of-akind dining experience will be the first “Toy Story” table service restaurant in the world.

Like all of Toy Story Land, Roundup Rodeo brings to life the stories, characters and heart from the award-winning Disney Pixar “Toy Story” films. It is a place where guests shrink to the size of a toy and feel like they have stepped into a clever, whimsical world filled with beloved toys.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3kJ9hzv

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2023 Celebration Kicks Off at Universal Studios Florida

Universal Orlando Resort guests can let the good times roll and party beyond the bayou during Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval.

The fan-favorite event returns to Universal Studios Florida with a dazzling parade, mouthwatering cuisine inspired by global Carnaval celebrations and star-studded live concerts on select nights.

Running daily through April 16, this year’s festivities invite guests to:

• Enjoy eight live performances by top names in music like Sean Paul, Maren Morris and Goo Goo Dolls at the Music Plaza Stage on select nights (see below for full concert lineup)

• Catch beads by the handful during this year’s dazzling “Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras” parade – featuring six new floats inspired by fantastical creatures like dragons, phoenixes, unicorns and more that will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats – such as the iconic, two-story Riverboat and nearly 50-foot-long King Gator. Plus, guests can take the celebration to the next level and be part of the festivities by tossing beads to fellow partygoers by purchasing the new Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, which includes a 3-course meal at one of four participating restaurants and one Mardi Gras parade float rider reservation.

• Taste the mouthwatering flavors of global Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Brazil to Belgium and beyond with an expansive menu featuring more than 50 tasting-sized items. Plus, guests can enjoy more for less with the purchase of the Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card by paying $65 for a $75 card, and Universal Orlando Passholders have exclusive access to a $150 card for only $120.

• Stock up on the latest Mardi Gras merchandise at this year’s Mardi Gras Tribute Store, located in an all-new space in the Hollywood area of the park. The highly immersive retail location is themed to represent an international jazz celebration that leads to the traditional alleyways of New Orleans and ultimately into a speakeasy where the Mardi Gras festivities continue.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3X7Grqd

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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.