Positive Osceola Weekly - 24/7 Osceola News

POSITIVELY OSCEOLA WEEKLY

Inside this issue

Making a Positive Difference in and around Osceola County!

Videos on Demand

Huntington Learning Center’s Next FREE Webinar: How to Prepare for the 2022 SAT/ACT Page 50

City of Kissimmee to host “No School Field Trip” to Crayola Experience February 18th Page 47

Florida Senate Budget Includes Historic Funding Increase for VPK Program Page 46

SeaWorld Orlando to Celebrate Mardi Gras February 25th – March 6th Page 36

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American Sign Language for Beginners Acquire the basics useful in communicating with Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in your community!

These ASL classes are taught by Deaf instructors; students will learn to carry on an everyday conversation with Deaf individuals.

Registration required. osceolalibrary.org/events

6:30pm Mondays February 7 - 28 Hart Memorial Library

407-979-4161 www.CIJSstcloud.org

WEEKLY LIVESTREAMS Good Morning Osceola Mon, Wed, Fri at 7:30AM

In the Loop LIVE Tue at 6:00PM

Daybreak LIVE Wed at 9:00AM

Osceola Matters Thu at 6:00PM

In the Loop LIVE Sat at 8:00AM For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS Daybreak LIVE w/ Ansley Bo Miss Silver Spurs January 26th, 2022

Daybreak LIVE w/ Kristen Arrington State Representative January 31st, 2022

In the Loop LIVE w/ Brandon Arrington Osceola County Commissioner February 1st, 2022

Osceola Matters LIVE w/ Commissioner Viviana Janer District 2 Osceola County January 27th, 2022

Daybreak LIVE w/ Dustin Bronson Silver Spurs Rodeo Big Boss January 22nd, 2022

For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE discussing Huntington Learning Center’s next FREE Webinar

LIVE at St. Cloud High School for the High School All County Chorus performance

LIVE at the Universal Orlando Resort Superstar Parade

LIVE at the Boys and Girls Club Breakfast Fundraiser

LIVE with Superintendent Dr. Debra Pace and Charlie Draper of Draper Law Office For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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VIDEOS ON DEMAND 2022 Osceola County Fair

The 2022 Osceola County Fair is back February 11th through the 20th at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. This year’s fair will be BIGGER and BETTER than ever before with brand NEW attractions, LIVE entertainment, #livestock shows, amazing events, and delicious food from one end of the fair to the other.

It’s good clean fun for the whole family - so come out to the 78th Osceola County Fair!

11th Annual Monster Bulls

Come on out for a night of bull riding fun at the Silver Spurs Rodeo’s 11th Monster Bulls on Saturday, February 12th at 7:30pm! The biggest and baddest Silver Spurs bulls will enter the arena and give those cowboys the ride of their life. Tickets available at silverspursrodeo.com. With a purchased Monster Bulls ticket, you’ll also receive FREE admission to the 2022 Osceola County Fair!

Kissimmee Main Street’s 5K Run Kissimmee Main Street’s 5K Run is a #Valentine’s week tradition in downtown Kissimmee, and once again, it’s all about the heart!

The annual event will take place on Saturday, February 12th at 7:30am and will make its way along the beautiful Kissimmee lakefront and through Historic Downtown Kissimmee streets.

Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome.

Sign up at Kissimmee5K.com!

How to Prepare for the 2022 ACT/SAT If your child is in high school, you don’t want to miss this webinar! Join @Huntington Learning Center on February 10th to learn why your child should still be taking the SAT/ ACT despite “test-optional” policies. Plus, their expert will give tips on how to get the best score possible.

Click here to register: https://bit.ly/3GYaute

2022 Silver Spurs Rodeo Parade

On Saturday, February 19th, at 11am the Silver Spurs Rodeo Riding Club will once again celebrate decades of rodeo tradition in Downtown St. Cloud with the 2022 Silver Spurs Rodeo Parade!

See the Miss Silver Spurs Court, along with rodeo queens from all around the country. Don’t miss the grand marshals, the CocaCola Cowboy & the Lifetime Achievement Award honorees and so much more!

For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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NEWS Florida DEO Activates Business Damage Survey to Assess Damages to Agriculture from Freezing Temps The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has activated a Business Damage Assessment Survey to assess the impact freezing temperatures had on the state’s agriculture businesses.

Survey responses will allow the state to gather data and evaluate resources impacted businesses may need to recover after the freezing weather that occurred during the weekend of January 28-30, 2022.

“The agriculture business in Florida is an integral part of the state’s economy, and we are going to do everything we can to help the farmers who were impacted by freezing temperatures this past weekend,” said Governor DeSantis. “I am urging impacted businesses to complete the business damage assessment survey so we can help our farmers get back on their feet.”

“At the direction of Governor DeSantis, we encourage any business impacted by the freezing weather event to complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey at FloridaDisaster.biz,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “This invaluable data will help the state evaluate the extent of the damage and provide businesses with additional resources as needed.”

Because of foregoing conditions, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 22-27 declaring a state of emergency in Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia counties. All businesses impacted should complete the survey.

Results from this survey will be shared with various federal, state, and local agencies to implement appropriate relief. Businesses can complete the survey online by going to FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Freezing Weather Event January 2022” from the dropdown menu. If you need additional assistance with your business, please call 850-815-4925 or email ESF-18@em.myflorida.com.

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NEWS Second complaint made against school board member Jon Arguello accused of intimidating for campaign contribution On Tuesday the Osceola County School Board voted to take action against board member Jon Arguello after a complaint was filed saying he had intimidated and engaged in hostile behavior against former state representative and Osceola School District lobbyist Michael Horner. This after Horner refused on numerous occasions to financially support Arguello’s sister, Jennifer Arguello, who is running for the seat on the board currently held by school board Chairwoman Terry Castillo. At the meeting, the board voted 4-0 to sanction Arguello and to send an external investigation’s findings to Governor Ron DeSantis, to decide the fate of Arguello. The findings by Attorney David Delaney stated that “Mr. Arguello did engage in intimidating and hostile acts against the vendor’s business interests that appear beyond the scope of his duty as a Board Member of oversight of School District contracts and funds.”

Now, a second complaint has been sent to the school district that shows Arguello had reached out to the school district’s Human Resources department, requesting information about a district employee and inquiring about that employee’s employment status. That employee was called into a Human Resources meeting, at the request of Jon Arguello, to discuss why the employee had not yet retired, according to the complaint letter. The district employee, who says he has never met Arguello, believes he may be a victim of discrimination by the school board member and is questioning why Arguello requested the employee’s personnel files.

“These investigations under scrutiny fall very short of any ethical standard, much like many of the school board members. here,” Arguello said at the Tuesday board meeting in response to fellow board member Clarence Thacker’s statement and motion to send the investigation’s findings to the governor.“The Governor is not going to remove me over this BS. I think he sees straight through your BS, even the BS through the mask you are wearing. ‘I’m not ashamed to tell Mr. Horner to go to hell. I’m not ashamed to tell you Mr. Thacker to go to hell, not just over this or anything regardless,” Arguello said as he responded to the accusations being leveled against him.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3HGpg88 For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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NEWS FDOT to hold Public Information Meeting for PDE study to Widen Western Beltway (SR 429), including Osceola The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE), will hold an Alternatives Public Information Meeting for the Project Development and Environment Study to Widen Western Beltway (SR 429)from North of Interstate 4 to Seidel Road (Milepost 1 – 11) in Osceola and Orange Counties, project.

The Department will provide several options to participate in this public meeting. The community may participate inperson from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at the AdventHealth Nicholson Center located at 404 Celebration Place, Celebration, Florida 34747.

Interested members of the community may also participate virtually/online at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, via a computer, tablet, smartphone, or by telephone in listen-only mode.

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

Gas prices in Florida continue to rise, highest since 2014

highest in 8 years.

The price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Florida has increased by an average of $0.12 per gallon in the last two weeks. Drivers are feeling pain at the pump with prices their

The AAA says the average price for a gallon of gas in Florida sits at $3.46 with the average price in Osceola at $3.48, 7 cents higher than the national average, which is at $3.41 per gallon. Concerns about the global oil supply with a potential Ukraine invasion

by Russia, and lower crude oil supplies have driven prices higher, with little expectation that prices will drop any time soon. If crude prices continue to climb, pump prices will likely follow suit.

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NEWS

Florida Supervisors of Elections to offer four $1,200 scholarships for 2022 college students The Florida Supervisors of Elections is offering four $1,200 scholarships to college students for 2022, according to Osceola County Supervisor of Elections, Mary Jane Arrington.

Applicants must be registered Florida voters and live in the state for at least the preceding two years. Applicants must be either a Political Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or Journalism/Mass Communication major and be at least a junior in college. Students must be enrolled or accepted as full-time students in a senior college or university in Florida and have at least a “C” average or above for the previous year.

The deadline to apply for a scholarship is March 11, 2022. Applications are available online at www.voteosceola.gov or may be picked up from the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections office, 2509 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee.

Applications must be submitted to the elections office of the county in which the applicant is registered to vote. Each county will select one finalist to send to the FSE Scholarship Committee for consideration.

For additional information, please visit www.voteosceola.gov or call 407-742-6100.

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NEWS Osceola County Road Resurfacing Projects Begin This Week Osceola County has tentatively scheduled the resurfacing of the following roads in the coming weeks and starting this week. The roads being resurfaced are in Kissimmee, predominantly in the Neptune road area.

Tuesday, February 8th thru Thursday, February 10th: Aeronautical Drive: • U.S. Highway 192 to Partin Settlement Road Thursday, February 10th thru Friday, February 25th: Brighton Place and Shawnda Lane: • Shawnda Lane: Neptune Road to cul-de-sac • Brighton Place Boulevard: Neptune Road to cul-de-sac • Cavalier Court: Brighton Place Blvd to cul-de-sac

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/34E5U4W

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NEWS FWC confirms highly pathogenic Avian Influenza in two wild birds in Florida

Highly pathogenic Eurasian H5 avian influenza (HPAI) was detected on January 22 in two wild blue-winged teals harvested by hunters in Palm Beach County. HPAI is a virus that can occur in wild aquatic birds and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. The risk to the general public from HPAI H5 infections is low; no human infections with Eurasian H5 viruses have occurred in the United States.

This type of virus can pose a risk to wild and domestic bird populations. Because wild birds can be infected with this virus and not appear sick, we recommend people minimize direct contact with wild birds by using gloves. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap and water, and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and birds. Hunters are advised to field dress game birds in the field whenever possible and practice good biosecurity to prevent any potential disease spread. Learn more about precautions hunters should take to reduce the risk of spreading HPAI. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is continuing to monitor for HPAI in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and other partners. We ask everyone to assist this effort by reporting all sightings of birds found sick or dead of unknown causes to the bird mortality database.

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

County Sports Report: Rosa Goes for State Weightlifting Title, Playoffs in Full Swing for Basketball, Soccer Post-season action is in full swing for Osceola County schools this week, with Harmony weight lifter Adrianna Rosa headlining the effort as she goes for multiple state championships this week. A look around the county: GIRLS’ WEIGHTLIFTING Rosa headlines a strong contingent of Osceola County lifers that will be in Pt. St. Joe on Thursday for the FHSAA Class 3A State Girls State Weightlifting Championships. Athletes will compete for titles in both the traditional bench press/clean and jerk and in the snatch competition. After finishing second last year in states, Rosa is the top seed in both the traditional and snatch events.

Other top seeds from Osceola County include St. Cloud’s Ashley Aun (#3 at 101) and Abby Davis (#2 at 110) and Celebration’s Helena Huyke (#3 at 119).

BOYS’ SOCCER After a thrilling 3-2 overtime win over Olympia to capture the Class 7A, District 5 Championship, the undefeated Celebration Storm (11-0-4) were done no favors when the regional playoff schedule was announced. Ranked 14th in the state in Class 7A, the Storm will open regional play with a home game Wednesday night against Riverview Sarasota (11-1-4). Kickoff is 7 p.m.

If the Celebration survives that game, they will most likely run into Bradenton’s Lakewood Ranch (16-1-1) in the next round. Lakewood is the second-ranked team in the state. It has been a solid year for the Storm, who has outscored opposition 50-9 this season. Fourteen different players have netted goals for the Storm, including eight each by underclassmen Mohammad Raky and Jose D’Lima. Although it dropped a 1-0 decision to Ridge in its district title game, Harmony (12-6-2) did enough during the season to earn an at-large regional bid.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3gwenK3 For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Celebration Storm Capture District Crown, Harmony Hopes at Large It was a mixed bag of results for Osceola County’s three soccer teams that advanced to their respective district championship games this week.

Celebration boys’ team moves on to next week’s regional round by winning the Class 7A, District 5 championship with an impressive 3-2 overtime win over Olympia on Tuesday night. The victory, the Storm’s sixth district title in school history, kept Celebration (10-0-4) undefeated this season and means they will host a regional quarterfinal at home on Wednesday (2/9) night.

“It was a great win for the kids and the program,” Coach Chad Boudreaux said. “We played a near perfect first half. Unfortunately, I think we got a little complacent in the second and allowed them back in the game.”

With excellent ball movement, Celebration controlled possession and kept pressure on the entire half, grabbing a 2-0 lead on goals by Jose D’Lima and Sebastian Ramis. It was the near opposite of the Storm’s 3-2 win over Windermere in the district semifinals four days earlier, when they fell behind 2-0 in the first half and had to rally for the win.

This time, it was Olympia that rallied. Following the water break at the 20-minute mark, the Titans scored two quick goals to tie the score at 2-2. Although Celebration would take control again, they failed to find the back of the net which forced two, ten-minute overtime periods.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3sjGlOM For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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SPORTS The Happiest 5K on the Planet to Return to Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee in April

Calling all dreamers, believers, and magic-makers! Get up your glow for the Happiest 5K on The Planet – The Color Run, a five-kilometer, untimed event is coming back to Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee on April 23rd from 8 am to 12 noon.

Participants wear white at the starting line and finish the race plastered in color.

That’s because at each kilometer mark, “Color Runners” are doused from head to toe in a different colored powder.

Once the race is over, the fun continues at the Finish Festival, a larger-than-life party equipped with music, dancing, photo ops, activity booths, vendors, and more massive color throws, which create millions of vivid color combinations. Trust us, this is the best post-5K party on the planet!

Color Runners vary in demographics and reasons for running. With no winners or official times, The Color Run caters to everyone—first-time runners to seasoned athletes. More than half of The Color Run participants are first-time 5K runners. For tickets go to TheColorRun.com.

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Paint the Cloud Green St. Patrick's Day LIGHT PARADE Sat., March 12 Parade starts at 7 p.m.

at Lakeshore Blvd. and Pennsylvania Ave. traveling up to 12th Street, then to Massachusetts Ave. back to Lakeshore Blvd.

Don't miss your chance to promote your business or organization in the Paint the Cloud Green LIGHT parade!

To register your float or for more information, contact St. Cloud Parks and Recreation at

407-957-7243 or parksandrecreation@stcloud.org Thank you to our sponsors:

TechCentral is a brand new creative space providing access to tools and technologies that will help the community gain the necessary skills to make their dreams a reality!

Featuring: Recording Studio Sewing Studio iMac Computer Lab with Adobe Creative Suite Virtual Reality Equipment Robotics for Kids Photography Studio 3D Printing On Demand Located on the second floor of Hart Memorial Central Library 211 E Dakin Avenue | Kissimmee, FL | 34741

osceolalibrary.org/techcentral | 407.742.8888

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Silver Spurs Rodeo Parade to Ride Back Into Downtown St. Cloud Feb 19th

Kick-off Silver Spurs Rodeo weekend with everyone’s favorite – The Silver Spurs Parade! On Saturday, February 19th, at 10 am the Silver Spurs Riding Club will once again celebrate decades of rodeo tradition in Downtown St. Cloud.

Come see the Miss Silver Spurs Court, along with rodeo queens from all around the country, as they make their way through the historic streets of Downtown St. Cloud.

Come enjoy the Silver Spurs Parade grand marshals, the Coca-Cola Cowboy & Lifetime Achievement Award honorees, the Silver Spurs Big Boss, elected officials, community leaders, businesses, and organizations from around Osceola County. It’s an awesome experience you just don’t want to miss! We’ll see you at the Silver Spurs Parade on Saturday, February 19th, at 10 am.

Don’t miss the 2022 Monster Bulls event at Kissimmee’s Silver Spurs Arena on February 12 at 7:30 pm, and the Silver Spurs Rodeo on February 18-20, 2022. For tickets and more information visit SilverSpursRodeo.com.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 11th Annual Monster Bulls and 148th Silver Spurs Rodeo to ride back into Kissimmee February!

Rodeo fans get ready, the 11th Annual Monster Bulls and the 148th Silver Spurs Rodeo are riding back into Kissimmee in February!

The Silver Spurs Riding Club’s 11th Annual Monster Bulls event will hit the dirt on February 12th at 7:30 pm, and the 148th Silver Spurs Rodeo will rock the Silver Spurs Arena on February 18th and 19th at 7:30 pm, and February 20th at 2 pm. The best in professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls will be holding on for the rides of their lives as they compete against the clock for an entire year of bragging rights and $50,000 in prize money!

If you’re looking for extreme sports, it all starts on Monster Bulls night, Saturday, February 12th at 7:30 pm.

It’s sure to be another action-packed event you won’t want to miss! For tickets and more information visit SilverSpursRodeo.com.

Silver Spurs Rodeo will feature bull riding, bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, tie-down roping, team roping, and steer wrestling. In between all the rodeo action, there will be an act by the rodeo clown and the famous and fast Silver Spurs Quadrille team, who perform a square dance on horseback.

The largest rodeo east of the Mississippi is the work of the Silver Spurs Riding Club; an all-volunteer, non-profit organization started in 1941 by Osceola County ranchers who began the rodeo in 1944, selling war bonds as admission to raise funds for our military.

Your Monster Bulls and Silver Spurs Rodeo ticket purchases include admission to the Osceola County Fair, which runs from February 12th through the 21st and is adjacent to the Silver Spurs Arena.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3GuNbpK For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Osceola County Fair, More LIVE Entertainment Than Ever Before February 11-20 at OHP Rosaire’s Royal Racers Always an Osceola County Fair Favorite, the Rosaire’s Royal Racers is a family owned and operated company, performing for audiences across the nation! Featuring three different breeds of pigs at each and every 20-30 minute show throughout the day!

Eudora Farms, Petting Zoo A staple at the Osceola County Fair, come on out to pet, feed, and see all the exotic, colorful, and surprising animals inside!

Showtimes Continuous throughout the day

Kenyon Lockry In January of 2006, a five song demo Kenyon had made in Nashville got in the hands of country music legend Mel Tillis.

Kenyon soon signed a management deal with Mr. Tillis. For the next six years, he recorded three albums and toured the nation.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Battle of High School Bands In 2021 we held the first Osceola County High School Battle of the Bands. It was such a huge success we just had to bring it back and make this an annual event. The pride of Osceola County can be found in the arts and in some of the amazing youth we have.

Battle of the High School Voices This competition for local High School chorus teams to show off their talent. The winners get prize donated to the school’s booster program.

Grandpa Cratchet Show The Granpa Cratchet Corporation is a well-established touring and production company. Our Puppetmobiles™ have proven to be a great way to bring our characters to life. Rather than just being a show children and adults are able to build a relationship through first-hand encounters with our characters.

Extreme Illusions & Escapes Josh Knotts holds a Bachelor of the Fine Arts in Theatre from West Virginia University. He is an Eagle Scout, and a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow. He was awarded the Merlin award for Entertainer of the Year in 2016. For the past 16 years, he has performed illusion in just about every scenario at venues and events across the USA. Michael Goudeau Michael Goudeau is NOT the world’s greatest juggler but he’s definitely the funniest. With over 15,000 appearances as the special guest artist in the Lance Burton Show in Las Vegas, Michael is sure to make you laugh, gasp, and then laugh some more. He has performed his act all over the world, and on multiple television shows worldwide.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Jeeiaa For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Celebrate Soulfully at Disney Parks in February in Honor of Black Culture and Heritage Celebrate soulfully through song, dance, stories and stirring displays featuring the work of Black artists across Walt Disney World Resort.

At Disney Springs, Motown favorites return alongside jazz, R&B and pop hits, with a lineup of featured musical acts all month long.

Serving as the perfect spot to capture commemorative photos of the celebration, the fun continues with new murals and art displays throughout Disney Springs, one of which has been inspired by characters from “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” series, streaming February 23 on Disney+. And at House of Blues Restaurant and Bar, guests can discover a permanent collection of Southern Vernacular Art. Explore the rich and dynamic evolution of jazz at “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure” exhibit in The American Adventure at EPCOT through the legacies of famous musicians and stories of how jazz took root in cities across the United States. Since its inaugural debut last year, the exhibit has traveled to museums across the country and expanded to include histories from Kansas City and Harlem.

You can continue to celebrate Black cultural influences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where you may encounter the beats of the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe as they bring rhythms from the Congo to Mombasa Marketplace in Africa or attend “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King,” a Broadway-style show filled with pageantry puppetry and classic songs from Disney’s “The Lion King.” And at select Walt Disney World Resorts, view films including “Soul,” “Remember the Titans,” and more as a part of Movies Under the Stars.

For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Visit Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Celebration Now through April 24th Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras is back February 5 through April 24 – and it’s going to be louder, spicier, and better than ever – with the return of star-studded live concerts, a spectacular Mardi Gras parade, and savory cuisine inspired by diverse flavors from around the world.

with special offers exclusive to Florida residents.

The dynamic event is included in the price of admission to Universal Studios Florida, along

Here’s an overview of what guests can experience at Florida’s biggest party: MARDI GRAS CONCERT SERIES & LIVE MUSIC Music legend Diana Ross, global superstar Khalid, Grammy-nominated DJ, and producer Marshmello, and 12 other top artists will perform live on select nights during Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration. All concerts will take place at the Music Plaza stage – an electrifying outdoor venue inspired by the iconic Hollywood Bowl, set against the backdrop of the towering Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. See below for the complete concert lineup. Plus, brass bands straight from Bourbon Street will perform daily throughout the park, bringing the soulful sounds of New Orleans to the heart of Universal Studios.

SPECTACULAR “PLANET MARDI GRAS” PARADE This year’s original parade theme, “Planet Mardi Gras,” comes to life in six incrediblydetailed floats that fuse Mardi Gras flare with cosmic-inspired elements like comets, rockets, Martians and more – inviting guests to catch beads by the handful. These new floats will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats – such as the iconic Jester and nearly 50-foot long King Gator – and wind through the streets of Universal Studios Florida on select dates, accompanied by high-energy music and dozens of performers donning illuminating costumes that bring the party to “light” in a whole new way.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3HGQiME For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

SeaWorld Orlando to Celebrate Mardi Gras February 25 – March 6

SeaWorld Orlando‘s Wild Arctic Plaza will come to life as entertainers, bead captains, stilt walkers, and musicians bring the Mardi Gras spirit to SeaWorld during special popup parades February 25 – March 6.

During select times from 12:30 – 6 p.m. park guests will be able to immerse themselves in the music of New Orleans as the live Mardi Gras band brings Cajun and jazz classics to Orlando.

The sights and sounds of Bourbon Street will take over SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic Plaza with a DJ, street performers, and a socially distant dance party.

Enjoy classic Gulf Coast flavors as part of SeaWorld’s renowned Seven Seas Food Festival including beignets, po’boys, and southern libations.

The delicious New Orleans-style fare will be available from 11:30 a.m. to park close.

It’s time to see the world again at SeaWorld Orlando!

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Universal Orlando Hiring 2500 New Team Members Across Entire Resort

Universal Orlando Resort is now hiring 2,500 new Team Members for full-time, parttime, seasonal hourly and professional career opportunities across the entire resort.

Positions are available in all areas including Attractions, Aquatics, Custodial, Parking, Security, Paramedics, Entrance Operations, Call Center – and more. Base hourly pay for Universal Orlando Team Members starts at $15 and higher based on the position.

Universal Orlando is also now hiring for opportunities within the resort’s Food & Beverage team, with positions available in all areas including full-service wait staff, cooks, cashiers, dishwashers, quick service personnel, Food & Beverage Management roles, and more. In addition, available culinary positions offer competitive starting rates and the training and opportunity to build a great culinary career. Candidates interested in joining a family of committed Team Members who are treated with respect should apply online by visiting https://UniversalOrlandoJobs.com. Eligible candidates will then be contacted for an interview.

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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Florida Eggplant, Tomato and Mozzarella Melt, Positively Delicious Eating Florida eggplants are easy… they are Positively Delicious, and they grow very well here if you time things correctly.

The best time to plant eggplant in Florida is in April. Eggplant loves to grow in warm weather, so cool weather will inhibit its growth.

If the weather is not warm enough eggplants won’t do much growing until temperatures rise, no matter how often you check on them.

Once you have those delicious health bringing Florida eggplants, here’s a recipe that we think you’ll positively love!

INGREDIENTS • 1 Florida eggplant sliced 1/4 inch thick • 2 Florida tomatoes, sliced • 1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced • Olive oil • 8 slices rustic bread or 4 rolls • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste PREPARATION Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly drizzle olive oil onto the sliced eggplant and season with salt and pepper. Place the eggplant on a cookie sheet and in the oven. Cook eggplant in the oven for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the eggplant from the oven and turn the oven to broil. Lightly drizzle the bread with olive oil, and toast under the broiler. Remove the bread from the broiler when it is toasted.

To assemble the sandwich layer the eggplant, tomato, and mozzarella. Place the sandwich back under the broiler to melt the cheese. Remove sandwich from oven and serve warm. We think you’ll agree that they are positively delicious!

Source: Fresh from Florida For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Super Bowl Sunday Blackened Florida Grouper Sandwiches, Positively Delicious At Positively Osceola we think EVERY day is super, but a day is drawing near that everyone in the world calls super… Super Bowl Sunday!

You may have heard that we are still experiencing chicken wing and burger shortages in the United States. Whether that’s something real, or just something nationally the media keeps talking about, let’s talk Grouper for Super Bowl Sunday…

Blackened Grouper sandwiches that is! We’ve included the ingredients you’ll need along with how to create this amazing treat for you and those hungry Super Bowl guests!! We think you’ll all agree that it’s Positively Delicious!

INGREDIENTS • 4 (6-ounce) Florida grouper fillets • 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning (your favorite) • 4 bread rolls, toasted • 1 cup Florida romaine, shredded • 1 large Florida tomato, sliced • 1 lemon, juiced • Oil for cooking • 1/4 cup Florida Avocado Remoulade sauce PREPARATION Preheat a large sauté pan (or cast-iron skillet) over medium-high heat. Generously season fish with blackened seasoning on both sides. Add oil to pan and sauté fillets 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked through. Squeeze the juice of the lemon over the cooked grouper fillets and remove them from the heat. To assemble the sandwich, spread an even amount of the remoulade on each side of the inside of each bun. Add an even amount of lettuce and tomato to the bottom of each bun. Add a blackened grouper fillet to each of the lettuce and tomato-dressed buns. Add another dollop of remoulade sauce if desired and top with the sandwich with the top of the bun. Serve sandwich warm with extra remoulade on the side. Source: Fresh From Florida For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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COMMUNITY Kissimmee Main Street 5K race to bring road closures in Downtown Kissimmee Saturday morning

The City of Kissimmee has announced road closures that will take place in downtown Kissimmee for the Kissimmee Main Street 2022 5K race to be held on Saturday, February 12.

The street closures will begin at 7:00 a.m. and will be in effect until 8:30 a.m. Sections of the following roads will be closed for the event: • Lakeview Drive • East Monument Ave., between Broadway and Lakeshore Boulevard • Lakeshore Boulevard • Pleasant Street, between Monument Avenue and Ruby Avenue • Ruby AvenueBryan Street, between Ruby Avenue and Dillingham Avenue • Motorists should expect travel delays. Free parking will be available at the Kissimmee Intermodal Parking Garage located at 205 E Dakin Ave. For more information on how to register for the race or to volunteer, please call Kissimmee Main Street at 407.846.4643.

For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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COMMUNITY Governor Ron DeSantis and FDOT announce Crossing Guard Appreciation Day

On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a proclamation that declared February 4, 2022, as Crossing Guard Appreciation Day to recognize the hard work and dedication of our state’s crossing guards.

“Crossing guards have one of the most important jobs in public service,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. “Each school day, crossing guards ensure our students make it to and from the classroom safely. Their dedication deserves recognition today and every day.”

With Osceola County being the 2nd fastest growing county in Florida, driver and pedestrian safety has been a commonly discussed topic with local law enforcement agencies, the school district, and Bike Walk of Central, a non-profit organization that administrates Operation Best Foot Forward which works to improve pedestrian safety all over Central Florida. In 1992, the Florida Legislature passed the “Ramon Turnquest School Crossing Guard Act” which requires school crossing guard programs to train their guards according to guidelines developed by FDOT.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Lg95R8 For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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COMMUNITY School District, Positively Osceola, Draper Law, Honor Professional Support Staff Member, Giovanna Romero Feliciano

Positively Osceola, in partnership with Charlie Draper of Draper Law Office, and Dr. Debra Pace, Superintendent with the Osceola County School District, recently celebrated, honored, and surprised January’s featured professional support staff member Giovanna Romero Feliciano, a data entry clerk at Liberty High School.

Ms. Romero is known for going above and beyond at Liberty High School ensuring that all aspects of her job are completed with a level of perfection that is unparalleled at the school. She was recognized for her determination, her drive, and her ability to not only meet expectations but to exceed every goal and the high standard that she has set for herself.

That alone was certainly enough for her to be named Featured Professional Support Staff for January, but she is also famous for bringing a smile to her fellow workers’ faces at the school by being supportive, uplifting, and always having a word of encouragement for everyone.

Congratulations to Giovanna Romero Feliciano. We thank you for making a Positive Difference at Liberty High School and in the Osceola County community! #OsceolaNews For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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COMMUNITY Creative Inspiration Journey School to Host Community Informational Tour February 16 at 6pm

Creative Inspiration Journey School, a tuition-free public charter school in St. Cloud, approaches the charter-school learning model differently than others in the community and will host a community informational tour on February 16 at 6 pm.

Creative Inspiration Journey School was founded as an early childhood educational program inspired by the groundbreaking Reggio Emilia Approach to learning. What began as a small movement in the town of Reggio Emilia in post-war Italy, soon emerged as one of the world’s foremost childhood learning systems with a strong emphasis upon community, individual respect, and social responsibility.

The Reggio Emilia Approach allows children to direct the learning process according to their own needs in a less-structured environment that gives students the chance to grow at their own pace both as individuals and community members.

Based upon these principles, CIJS in St. Cloud creates a warm and caring environment where children love to learn through guided self-discovery, imagination, and creativity—while interacting with others in a friendly and safe atmosphere.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/34IfGmK For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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COMMUNITY Florida Senate Budget Includes Historic Funding Increase for VPK Program

The Florida Senate’s proposed budget includes almost $400 million in additional funding for Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) over the next three years, with a focus on increasing wages for the state’s early learning teachers.

The funding would increase per-student school year funding from $2,486 to $3,294 through an $808 supplemental payment to increase VPK teacher pay to a minimum of $15 per hour. This increase would represent the largest increase in the program’s history.

Florida was one of the first states in the country to offer free prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. Since the program began in 2005-06, more than 2.5 million children have benefited from VPK, and those children who attend VPK consistently score higher on kindergarten readiness assessments.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3gyj7Pt For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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COMMUNITY City of Kissimmee to host “No School Field Trip” to Crayola Experience February 18

The City of Kissimmee’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a “No School Field Trip” on Friday, February 18, 2022, for kiddos from K to 5th grade. The Field Trip is to Crayola Experience and students must meet at the Oak Street Park Community Center, located at 717 N. Palm Avenue in Kissimmee.

Due to COVID-19, Parks & Recreation follows the Florida Department of Health and Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) guidelines in providing these services. These guidelines were designed to keep participants, staff, and parents safe and ask that participants review the registration packet to know what to expect.

The Camp will take place from 7:15 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.with drop off between 7:15 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.. Camp pickup will take place between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The cost for the camp is $20 per child, and individuals authorized for pick up must be at least 16 years of age and show their photo identification.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3ozaitg For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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COMMUNITY Funeraria Borinquen, Osceola County’s Newest and Most Beautiful Funeral Home Selecting a funeral home after the loss of a loved one can be difficult. While many options exist, finding one that delivers a combination of top-level services at affordable prices can sometimes be a challenge. Funeraria Borinquen, which opened in Kissimmee in April of 2021, delivers premium services at the most affordable prices in a beautiful modern facility.

Funeraria Borinquen offers a “onestop” experience where funeral, cemetery, cremation, floral arrangement, and pre-need services can be taken care of all in one convenient location and at the lowest prices. Their experienced staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3LkON95

Come Join Us!

Citrus Tree Show and Auction

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022 4:30PM

LOCATED IN THE SMALL ANIMAL TENT AT THE OSCEOLA COUNTY FAIR All citrus trees to be sold are Bearss Lemon.

For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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COMMUNITY Osceola County Continues to Provide COVID-19 Housing Assistance to Those in Need Osceola County is reminding the community that it has never closed the window to any of its housing assistance programs related to COVID-19, and officials stress that there are millions of dollars on the table to help local homeowners and renters.

Osceola County is committed to providing lifelines to residents and to continue helping those struggling financially during the pandemic.

“It’s important for our residents to know that these dollars are still available and we want to encourage anyone who is facing financial hardship to apply.

Our Housing and Community Services team is committed to making this process as painless as possible,” said Osceola County Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington.

“Because this pandemic has gone on for so long, many people may think that funds are exhausted. But that’s not the case. If you know someone who is struggling, please tell them the County has programs that can help get them out of financial distress.”

The Housing and Community Services Department has three main areas of assistance available: • Rental/mortgage and utility assistance (407-742-8400) • Eviction prevention (407-742-8440). Assistance is also available for this program at the Jon B. Morgan Courthouse on Monday and Wednesday from 1-5 p.m. Landlords with clients in arrears are urged to take advantage of this program before filing an eviction with the court.

• A program aimed at the elderly and disabled (407-742-8400) Requirements for all the programs are simple – such as providing proof of residency and attesting to the COVID-19 hardship. Residents can call 407-742-8400 or go to housing.osceola.org where information or applications are available.

For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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COMMUNITY Huntington Learning Center’s Next FREE Webinar: How to Prepare for the 2022 SAT/ACT

College admissions continue to be highly competitive. Though some colleges and universities have become “test-optional” in light of COVID-19, strong SAT/ACT scores improve students’ chances of admission. Students who take Huntington exam prep courses increase their scores by an average of 229 points on the SAT and 5.4 points on the ACT. During Huntington Learning Center’s next FREE How-To-Webinar on Thursday, February 17th at 1 pm, Huntington’s education expert will provide an overview of the latest SAT and ACT updates, why these exams are still beneficial for high school students, and prep tips for students who want to earn the best scores possible.

The webinar will cover an SAT and ACT overview, latest updates on the SAT and ACT, differences between the SAT and ACT, why taking these exams is still beneficial even amid today’s “test-optional” environment, test-taking strategies and tips, Huntington SAT/ACT prep, and more! To register for the free webinar, visit huntingtonhelps.com, go to Resources on the top menu, then drop down to webinar and click. The webinar is free and simple to register for.

For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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Gale Business: Plan Builder Create a customized business plan

America’s News

Archives of newspapers from across America

Mango Languages Learn a new language

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osceolalibrary.org | 407.742.8888

HEALTH

Mary Frances Emmons Editorial Contributor Orlando Health

Orlando Health: “Willing To Do Anything” – One Woman’s Journey Through COVID to Motherhood Say her name! Lilliana! SAY HER NAME! It was one of the worst days of Paola Gambini’s life. After delivering her daughter, the COVIDinfected mom was critically ill, exhausted and terrified. She was ready to give up. But her nurse was not.

Gambini had been rushed to Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies when she started having difficulty breathing. After an emergency C-section, she was immediately transferred to Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center in a desperate bid to save her life. She had not even held her new baby.

Gambini struggled, even yanking out her ventilator, as the doctors and nurses tried to help her. “I wasn’t thinking about getting better; I was just miserable,” she says.

“The nurse was like, ‘You have a baby!’” Gambini recalls. “She ordered me, ‘Say your baby’s name!’”

“Lilliana! Lilliana!” the two women cried out together, the last thing Gambini remembers until she awoke nearly two months later, kept alive by a machine that oxygenates blood outside the body, allowing the heart and lungs to heal. Scared and depressed, Gambini felt defeated. “I looked at my fiancé and said, ‘It’s bad, isn’t it?’ and he said, ‘Yeah, it’s bad.’ Gambini’s journey to recovery and motherhood was about to begin. And that nurse was not the only one who would not let her give up.

Gambini and her fiancé, Michael Hazen, already had endured the loss in 2019 of an infant born prematurely due to “cervical insufficiency,” a cervix that opens too early and is unable to support a baby to term. Treatment includes a cerclage, which essentially sews the cervix shut until term is reached. At 19 weeks — much later than the usual 12 to 13 — Gambini had undergone an emergency vaginal cerclage, but it was too late.

She delivered at 26 weeks, and the 2-pound baby did not survive long. But Gambini was determined to have a child.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3sqHUKN For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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HEALTH Orlando Health: Are You Consuming Too Much Salt?

Do you know how much salt you and your family consume each day? Or which foods represent your biggest sources of sodium? Chances are, probably not. Your body needs sodium to function well. But too much of this good thing can wreak havoc on your health.

How often do scenarios like this one play out? You’re trying to get a quick start on a busy day, so you grab fast-food for breakfast on the way to work. A quick lunch with your kids involves canned tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. And in the evening, you cap off an exhausting day by reaching into the refrigerator and pulling out hot dogs for dinner.

We’ve all been there. So, it’s no wonder the average American eats so much salt — more than one-and-a-half teaspoons per day on average, or a half teaspoon more than recommended. The problem isn’t limited to adults — 90 percent of American children eat more sodium than recommended, with 1 in 9 having raised blood pressure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Too Much Salt Harms the Kidneys and Heart Our kidneys maintain the balance of salt in our bodies. When that balance is off, it can be dangerous for people with hypertension, heart disease (particularly congestive heart failure) and chronic kidney disease. Salt causes water retention, which increases blood volume, forcing the heart to work harder and increasing pressure in the arteries.

It also can cause high blood pressure and increase your risk for heart disease and kidney failure.

Cutting Back The average American diet contains 3,400 mg of sodium per day — well above the recommended intake of less than 2,300 mg. And you may be surprised to learn that you can go over the limit without ever reaching for a saltshaker. If you want to reduce your intake, here’s where to start: Most of our sodium comes from processed foods, such as fast food, frozen TV dinners, processed meats (bacon, ham, hot dogs) and canned goods. Cut down or cut out these foods and buy fresh meats instead.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3gxDNXR For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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INJURY LAW I’ve Been in a Car Accident: Now What Do I Do? Being in a car accident can be one of the most overwhelming and catastrophic events that a person experiences in their lifetime. Often, people are in shock immediately following a car crash. It can be hard to remember in the moment what it’s necessary to do, as you don’t always have access to your logical brain and memory in a crisis. However, the more familiar you are with the steps to follow after an accident, the more second nature it will become to default to these steps, even in times of extreme stress.

If you have been injured in a wreck that was not your fault, you do not have to shoulder the burden alone. The Kissimmee auto accident lawyers at Draper Law Office are prepared to zealously advocate on your behalf and get you the compensation that you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3uzJeO9

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FAMILY LAW Demonstrating Positive Parenting in 2022 When you become a parent and form a relationship with your child, it’s not usually something you would later expect to have to defend in a courtroom. But when parents divorce or are no longer together, who will be granted parenting time and how parental responsibility will be shared can become a fiercely contested issue.

The court will examine both parents and assess their ability to provide a safe, stable, and emotionally healthy environment for their child. Receiving reliable and professional when going through a device is extremely important and can have a huge impact in divorce presedings. Draper Law has been serving the community with the best in legal advice and guidance since 1984. If you’re going through, or considering going through a divorce, call 407.846.0075, and remember – in times of need, call Draper Law Office.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/35OGmm6

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REAL ESTATE Goodwin Realty & Associates: Why PreApproval Is Key for Homebuyers in 2022 You may have heard that it’s important to get pre-approved for a mortgage at the beginning of the homebuying process, but what does that really mean, and why is it so important?

Especially in today’s market, with rising home prices and high buyer competition, it’s crucial to have a pre-approval letter prior to making an offer. Here’s why,,, Being intentional and competitive are musts when buying a home this year. Pre-approval from a lender is the only way to know your true price range and how much money you can borrow for your loan. Just as important, being able to present a pre-approval letter shows sellers you’re a qualified buyer, something that can really help you land your dream home in an ultra-competitive market.

With limited housing inventory, there are many more buyers active in the market than there are sellers, and that’s creating some serious competition. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes today are receiving an average of 3.8 offers for sellers to consider. As a result, bidding wars are still common. Pre-approval gives you an advantage if you get into a multiple-offer scenario, and these days, it’s likely you will. When a seller knows you’re qualified to buy the home, you’re in a better position to potentially win the bidding war.

Freddie Mac explains: “By having a pre-approval letter from your lender, you’re telling the seller that you’re a serious buyer, and you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage by your lender for a specific dollar amount. In a true bidding war, your offer will likely get dropped if you don’t already have one.”

Every step you can take to gain an advantage as a buyer is crucial when today’s market is constantly changing. Interest rates are rising, prices are going up, and lending institutions are regularly updating their standards. You’re going to need guidance to navigate these waters, so it’s important to have a team of professionals such as a loan officer and a trusted real estate advisor making sure you take the right steps and can show your qualifications as a buyer when you find a home to purchase.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3HFHUgg For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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