Sunday Edition
POSITIVELY OSCEOLA WEEKLY
Making a Positive Difference in and around Osceola County!
Osceola Shows Up for Shave Fest to Conquer Childhood Cancer Click Here to Read More: https://bit.ly/3IIloTK
Inside this issue
Osceola County announces FREE tuition for 2022 graduates planning to attend Valencia College or O-Tech
Page 11
Florida Department of Health in Osceola County to Raise Awareness During National Minority Health Month Page 19
Kissimmee Police Department Holds Fundraiser for Boys and Girls Club Playground Page 17
Have you considered going solar, Kissimmee Utility Authority can help! Page 15
For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County and Osceola County Branch 5121 of the NAACP invite you join us at a
HEALTH EXPO food Enjoy ns tratio s n o dem ow to h n r a and le ur ve yo o r p im ating e y b s! health s food u o i t i nutr
Chambers Park Community Center
2380 Smith Street, Kissimmee Saturday, April 2, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Join us for a panel discussion with local community leaders and learn more about important minority health topics from a variety of community organizations.
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! 4
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ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS Positively Osceola’s In the Loop LIVE with Guest: Logan Allen March 3rd, 2022
Positively Osceola’s In the Loop LIVE with Krissi Hardy March 19th, 2022
Positively Osceola’s In the Loop LIVE with Guest: Brandon Arrington March 17th, 2022
Positively Osceola’s Good Morning Osceola LIVE With Nolan Bottomley March 14th, 2022
Positively Osceola’s Good Morning Osceola LIVE With Krissi Hardy March 21st, 2022
For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE with Dr. Kathleen Plinske, Dr. Debra Pace, and Commissioner Cheryl Grieb for Osceola Prosper
LIVE as Osceola announces free tuition for 2022 seniors planning on attending Valencia College or Osceola Technical College
LIVE at the Osceola County School District’s 2022 Education Awards
LIVE with Sheriff Marcos Lopez Welcoming the Governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro Pierluisi
LIVE at the Paint the Cloud Green St. Patrick’s Day LIGHT UP Parade and Downtown Celebration For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 6
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VIDEOS ON DEMAND The 28th Annual Battle at Narcoossee Mill
On March 26th & 27th take a step back in time to 1864 and experience the 28th Annual Battle at Narcoossee Mill, regarded as one of the most realistic, enjoyable, and spectator-friendly battle reenactments in Florida. Stroll and shop among civil war period merchants, enjoy LIVE music, visit authentic military camps, witness musket demonstrations, and more.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival
Oceans of flavor and fun are waiting at SeaWorld Orlando during its Seven Seas Food Festival. From foodies to families, everyone will find tasty delights among more than 200 distinct offerings. Revitalize your taste buds as you share this welcoming, open-air experience every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through May 8th.
Kissimmee’s Police & Fire Departments will “Rock the Bald” on March 26th! Would you shave your head to be a part of conquering childhood cancer? Well the answer from the Kissimmee Police Department and City of Kissimmee Fire Department is yes! On March 26th at 4:00pm next to Three Sisters Speakeasy, KPD and KFD will “Rock the Bald” in partnership with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
Divinity: Works by local artist Patricia Cavazos
Osceola Arts is kicking off Spring with a new visual arts exhibit called Divinity: Works by local artist Patricia Cavazos, now through April 1st with a free art reception on Saturday, March 5th from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. The exhibit “Divinity” is an abstract interpretation of the Aztec world’s creation and the gods behind it. For more information on works by Patricia Cavazos go to www.bycavazos.com.
Talent Tuesdays at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital
Every Tuesday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm will be Talent Tuesday at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, which will take place at 1600 Budinger Ave Suite E in St Cloud. At this weekly event, Orlando Health St Cloud Hospital will be conducting job interviews for registered nurses, paramedics, phlebotomists, med techs, respiratory therapists and so much more!
For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE Five Osceola County “Woman Warriors” recognized by County Commissioners During Monday Ceremony On Monday, Osceola County presented five of Osceola County’s most deserving women with the 2022 Woman Warrior Award for their positive contributions to the community, in honor of Women’s History Month in Osceola County. The prestigious award began after Vice Chairwoman Viviana Janer was elected to the County Commission and now takes place annually. Each commissioner selects a nominee for the award and then presents the award to the recipient during a Board of County Commissioners meeting. This 2022 Woman Warrior honorees include: Captain Jessie Chapman for District 1, Bethzaida Garcia for District 2, Wilda Belisle for District 3, Diana Marrero-Pinto for District 4, and Jennifer Paul for District 5. District 1, Captain Jessie Chapman: Jessie was born and raised in the Florida Panhandle. A fourth generation Salvationist, she has served The Salvation Army in many capacities. As the Area Commander of Orange and Osceola Counties, she leads a Women’s Auxiliary organization and a young executive group called Echelon. She provided Christmas for over 50,000 children and 10,000 seniors through her leadership of The Salvation Army Angel Tree. District 2, Bethzaida Garcia: Bethzaida founded Life in your Hands/Vida en tus Manos — a non-profit organization that has its roots in domestic violence and sexual assault awareness. The program’s focus is to spread the word against domestic violence, while promoting sexual abuse prevention, safety and self-defense through classes, seminars, television, radio, newspapers and social media. She coordinates the “Safe Woman” seminar that teaches leaders and the community about domestic violence awareness and how it impacts everyone.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3JBqB0Y For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 10
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MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE
Osceola County announces FREE tuition for 2022 graduates planning to attend Valencia College or O-Tech On Monday morning Osceola County Commissioners visited schools all over the Osceola School District announcing that they would be allocating over $12 million to ALL 2022 Osceola County high school graduates, including public schools, charter schools, private schools and all homeschool grads who enroll at Valencia College or Osceola Technical College (oTech) so that their tuition and fees would be paid until they graduate – as long as they enroll part-time or full-time by Spring 2023. “The Osceola County Commission wants you to succeed. We believe you can succeed. And we’ve got your back, so you can succeed,” Osceola Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington told students at Liberty and Poinciana high schools. “This is an incredible graduation gift and it celebrates each and every one of you. It’s my hope that this helps you achieve your dreams – or even to dare to dream for something you never thought possible before today.” The program is called Osceola Prosper and it will make it possible for these students to attend Valencia College to earn an Associate in Arts (A.A.) or Associate in Science (A.S.) degree or complete one of Valencia’s Accelerated Skills Training programs, or Technical Certificate Programs. You may also choose enrollment in a program at Osceola Technical College (oTECH). “We understand that the investments we make today will pay dividends in the years to come,” Osceola County Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington shared at a news conference held on Monday in front of the Osceola County Courthouse in Kissimmee.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3L66pVu For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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District 4 Commissioner Cheryl Grieb invites you to join us for an Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Bonnet contest and more at the Marydia Community Center! Enjoy food, fun and prizes plus an appearance from the Easter Bunny!
Remember to bring your basket!
El Departamento de Salud de la Florida en el Condado de Osceola y la oficina 5121 de la NAACP en el Condado de Osceola los invita a ser parte de
LA EXPOSICIÓN DE LA SALUD ute de ¡Disfr es de n o i c a str demo ntos y alime mo da có n e r p a lud su sa r a r o mej entos m i l a ndo comie ivos! nutrit
Chambers Park Community Center
2380 Smith Street, Kissimmee sábado, 2 de abril de 2022 de 9:00 a.m. a 1:00 p.m.
Únase a nosotros para disfrutar de un panel de discusión con líderes de la comunidad local y aprenda más sobre temas importantes de salud en las poblacimes minoritarias.
NEWS
By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola
Harmony’s Pineda is Profile in Courage and Determination Harmony weightlifter Harold Pineda most likely will never be a state or conference champion. In fact, he most likely will never score a single point in official high school competition.
But because of his courage, his determination and his willingness to step out of his comfort zone, Pineda is a valuable member of the Longhorns weightlifting team and will always be a champion in the eyes of his classmates, teammates and opponents. Pinada was born with spina bifida, a neural tube defect that results in the spinal cord not being covered by the bones of the vertebral column. Because of this, he has been confined to a wheel chair and has no functional use of his legs. Still, the happy-go-lucky Pineda has adapted well to high school life. Making friends easily, he has served as a student manager on Harmony’s volleyball and basketball teams.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3iDl1ze For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 14
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NEWS
Have you considered going solar, Kissimmee Utility Authority can help! Are you considering solar energy for your home or business? Kissimmee Utility Authority has joined with 11 other Florida municipal electric utilities to form the Florida Municipal Solar Project, a large-scale community solar energy project that will enable us to provide renewable energy to our customers. Many households and businesses in Kissimmee do not have access to solar because they rent, live in multi-tenant buildings, have roofs that are unable to host a solar system or experience some other mitigating factor. KUA’s community solar option provides homeowners, renters and businesses equal access to the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy generation, regardless of the physical attributes or ownership of their home or business. Community solar expands access to solar for all. Designed to generate 223.5-megawatts of solar energy, this project is one of the largest municipal-backed solar projects in the United States. As part of the project, approximately 900,000 solar panels were built on three solar farms in Osceola and Orange counties.Combined, the three solar sites total approximately 1,200 acres, or the equivalent of 900 football fields filled with solar panels.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3ubqDGc For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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NEWS Osceola Community Comes Together to "Rock the Bald" and to Help Conquer Childhood Cancer
More children are lost to cancer in the U.S. than any other disease – actually, more than many other childhood diseases all combined. In the U.S. before they turn 20, about 1 in 264 children in the U.S. will have cancer. At Saturday’s St. Baldrick’s Kissimmee Police and Fire Rock the Bald event, the Osceola County community came together once again united in one purpose, to conquer childhood cancer!
Downtown Kissimmee’s Dakin Avenue was filled with volunteers willing to be shaved, those making financial donations, spectators, community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and families who have unfortunately experienced childhood cancer. The event raised over $21,000 this year to help battle childhood cancer – exceeding its $18,000 goal, and it happened with a spirit of unity, joy, and definitely some laughter! The name St. Baldrick’s is a cross between “bald” and St. Patrick’s, and in Osceola, the Kissimmee Police Department, Kissimmee Fire Department and Osceola County Fire Rescue get involved, taking donations to see officers, community leaders and others get their heads shaved. KPD gets its inspiration from a young girl named Leila, who fought childhood cancer and is a real-life miracle. She was joined on stage this year by a young man named Bryson, another local childhood cancer victim who fought off the disease and now stands with his family healthy, happy, and smiling. These are just two amazing young people who have been touched by the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, and by the shave fest in Kissimmee that works to be part of the cure. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is volunteer-powered and funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government with 100 percent of the proceeds from the event going toward the mission of conquering childhood cancer. To make a donation just go to the St. Baldrick’s Website and you’ll be sent to the local “Rock the Bald” event. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 16
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NEWS Kissimmee Police Department Holds Fundraiser for Boys and Girls Club Playground The City of Kissimmee Police Department recently held a fundraiser to raise money to purchase new mulch for the playground at the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida located on Dyer Boulevard in Kissimmee. They reached their fundraising goal quickly, purchased the mulch, then on Saturday installed the mulch back into the playground giving the kids a refreshed and safer playground where they’re sure to have hours and hours of fun! Big shout out to the Kissimmee Police Department for making a Positive Difference in and around Osceola County.
For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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NEWS
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis approves $800M in Florida’s budget for teacher raises Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Monday $800 million in this year’s budget to raise minimum teacher pay and increase veteran teacher salaries in Florida. The $800 million is a $250 million increase over last year’s funding, and brings Florida’s investments in teacher pay to greater than $2 billion since the 2020 Legislative Session. In 2020, the average starting salary for a teacher in Florida was $40,000 (26th in the nation), but with the increase in pay it will now be at least $47,000 (9th in the nation), according to the Governor. Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran said this budget will help those veteran educators too. “Of that new $250 million, in that $800 million, half of that is going to veteran teachers so that they can continue to see a massive increase,” Corcoran said. “I don’t think people always understand the countless hours we put into our work,” said Loren Temes, 2nd Grade Teacher, Renaissance Charter School at Wellington. “I truly love my students. I am constantly thinking of things to help teach them and it is nice to be appreciated and be respected.” “Think about just the average minimum. You want to get somebody in college to say go into teaching that’s a noble profession. People understand you’re not gonna necessarily be a billionaire doing this, but you need to be able to make ends meet,” DeSantis said. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 18
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NEWS Florida Department of Health in Osceola County to Raise Awareness During National Minority Health Month
April is National Minority Health Month, a time to raise awareness about health disparities that still affect racial and ethnic minority populations and encourage action through health education, early detection, and control of disease complications. To commemorate Minority Health Month in April, the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County (FDOH-Osceola) is partnering with the Osceola County Branch 5121 of the NAACP to host a Health Expo on Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Residents will be able to learn about important health topics from a variety of community organizations during this event which will take place at Chambers Park Community Center located at 2380 Smith Street in Kissimmee.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Ixlmy6
Valencia College’s New Mascot Voting Has Begun, and You Can Vote! Valencia College is selecting a new mascot, and they’re looking for some help by opening it up for a vote! That’s right, you can vote on Valencia College’s next cool mascot through March 29. Valencia College received more than 650 inspired submissions for the new Valencia College mascot, and after taking a look and evaluating the submissions, the President Student Advisory Board (PSAB) Mascot Development Committee has selected three final candidates. Now it’s time for you to vote for your favorite! When voting for your mascot, consider the one that best represents the Valencia College community and the following qualities the college is known for: perseverance, strength, resilience and the ability to overcome challenge. So there is the guidance in the voting now all that’s left is to help by voting by March 29. Vote Now –>> https://bit.ly/3MY2onB For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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District 3 Commissioner Brandon Arrington invites you to a free, drive-thru Springtime Meal Distribution. Meal Boxes will be distributed to the first 600 families. This is a drive-thru event. Food boxes will be distributed one per car. First come, first served. While supplies last.
NEWS Walmart, Kroger pancake mix recalled due to possible “cable fragments” Some pancake mix sold under Walmart’s “Great Value” brand and Kroger’s brand name has been recalled because of possible cable fragment contamination. Continental Mills is recalling the mix after fragments from a piece of equipment were discovered in the product. The Walmart mix is sold nationwide and the Kroger mix is sold across the south and Midwest. Both products have Best By dates running through September 2023. Anyone who has either product is urged to dispose of them. No contaminated product has been reported by consumers and no injuries have been reported, according to the FDA. For more information on the recall and for details on what to do if you have a recalled product, visit the FDA’s website.
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NEWS Jeff Fuqua Boulevard to SR 417 Four Month Ramp Closure Has Begun, Choose Coins-Only Lanes The All-Electronic Tolling (AET) ramp from southbound Jeff Fuqua Boulevard/ Access Road to northbound SR 417 has closed for road work which will take approximately four months according to CFX. Drivers, including all E-PASS customers will be directed to use the coins only toll lane that will remain open for accessing northbound SR 417. Please allow extra travel time. Due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances, work could be delayed. Motorists are urged to use caution in the construction area for their safety and that of the work crews. This work is for a capacity improvements project on SR 417 from Boggy Creek Road to Narcoossee Road, which started in January 2022 and is expected to be complete in December 2023.
70-year-old St. Cloud woman killed in crash near Harmony after turning into the path of tractor trailer Just before 11 am on Monday, a 70-year-old St. Cloud woman was killed after turning left off of Arthur J. Gallagher Boulevard near Harmony High School and into the direct path of an oncoming tractor trailer. According to Florida High Patrol, the woman ran the red light as she turned westbound onto US 192 and was struck on the driver’s side of her vehicle. Her three passengers were all airlifted to Osceola Regional Medical Center with non lifethreatening injuries. The 70-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash is under investigation. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS
Local Green Orlando pulls food truck into Disney Springs, and it looks Positively Delicious! If you’re a food truck fan, Local Green Orlando, (connected to Local Green Atlanta) is pulling into Disney Springs bringing a combination of plant-based, vegetarian, and pescatarian dishes that are nutritious and delicious, like the Monsta shrimp burger, Bubba Sparxx vegan pulled BBQ sandwich, and the Elote Street Corn. According to the Local Green Atlanta website, they are more than another healthy fast casual food provider, they are a public health initiative that intends to reduce food deserts in the United States. Their mission is to reduce health disparities in underserved populations by providing healthier food choices to communities who need it most. They assure taste will not be compromised for health. We’re hoping that their Atlanta mission fully carries over to Disney Springs in Orlando as Local Green Orlando becomes part of the available fare Disney, because we’re sure you’ll agree, it looks positively delicious! For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 26
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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at SeaWorld Orlando Thursday, April 29th – May 8th The Wild Arctic Plaza will come to life as entertainers, stilt walkers, and party starters get this full-blown fiesta going in a big way from Thursday, April 29 – May 8 at SeaWorld Orlando. From 12 pm – 6 pm enjoy SeaWorld’s DJ Dance Pary that’s sure to get your feet moving at the fun-filled party as they spin new and old beats throughout the day. Immerse yourself in the traditional music of Mexico as classic bands bring their beautiful and bold sounds to Orlando. Make sure to savor new and classic tastes as part of SeaWorld Orland’s Seven Seas Food Festival including mini churro bites, drunken shrimp tostadas, beef barbacoa tacos, and delicious beer and cocktails. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Florida Grouper with Roasted Corn and Peppers, It’s Positively Delicious If you’re a fish lover, you have likely tried some delicious Florida Grouper. Grouper is a wonderfully lean, moist fish with a distinctive mild flavor, large flakes and a firm texture. For those who haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy a nice piece of Grouper, this wonderful recipe might be just what you need to give it a whirl. We believe you’ll agree, that Grouper is Positively Delicious! INGREDIENTS • 4 (6-ounce) Florida grouper fillets • 1 cup Florida red bell pepper, chopped • 1 cup Florida green bell pepper, chopped • 2 cups fresh Florida corn kernels • 1 cup onion, diced • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 teaspoon salt, divided • 1 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper, divided • 1 teaspoon dried thyme, divided • ½ cup french-fried onion rings, crushed PREPARATION Heat oven to 450 degrees. Combine 1 tablespoon of the olive oil with red and green bell peppers, corn, onion and ½ teaspoon each of the salt, pepper, and thyme in a large ovenproof pan. Roast mixture in the oven until the corn and peppers start to brown, about 12 minutes, stirring twice. Coat fillets with remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, pepper and thyme. Top with crushed onion rings. Remove roasting pan from oven; spread corn-and-pepper mixture to sides of the pan. Place fillets in middle of pan; return to oven and cook 10 minutes until fillets are opaque in the center. Serve fillets on a bed of roasted vegetables.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3isO6xe For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 30
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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Florida Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage, They’re Positively Delicious! As the warmer months in the Sunshine State draw closer and closer, it’s time to shift a bit in the delicious fare we enjoy in Florida. Check out this recipe for Florida Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage. We think you’ll agree… they’re Positively Delicious! INGREDIENTS • 1 pound medium-sized Florida shrimp, peeled • 8 corn or flour tortillas • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped • 2 cups Florida cabbage, shredded • 2 Florida tomatoes, diced • 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (your favorite) • 1 fresh lime, juiced • Vegetable oil (cooking) • ½ cup plain yogurt • 1 teaspoon dried cumin • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste PREPARATION Wrap tortillas in foil and warm in 300 degree oven. Preheat a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat. In a small mixing bowl combine the yogurt, lime juice, cumin, and hot sauce. Stir ingredients to combine. Taste, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside the yogurt sauce for later use. Lightly season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the preheated sauté pan. Carefully add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 to 4 minutes or completely cooked. Assemble tacos by layering cabbage, cilantro, and tomatoes in the tortilla shell. Place an even portion of shrimp on top of the vegetables. Spoon the yogurt sauce on top of the shrimp.
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COMMUNITY
Toho Water has a new mascot, and it needs a name, here’s how you and your kiddos can help! Toho Water Authority will be introducing its new mascot in April during Water Conservation Month. As part of their educational and community outreach, the mascot will complement activities and marketing campaigns to help school-age children learn more about water conservation. In that, they are asking children around the community to help give their new mascot a name! Here are instructions and guidance to help encourage school-age children to submit their creative suggestions. How to Submit Name Ideas for Toho’s New Mascot: Please help us encourage your school-age child to use their imagination and creativity to suggest a name for the new Toho Mascot. Here are a few tips: Using the image above, help prompt their creativity by saying: • This hero is a water drop – and we all know how important water is • This hero helps us learn how to save water • What name would you suggest for this hero?
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3qrtr12 For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 34
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COMMUNITY
Marriott Vacations to Host Virtual Hiring Event to Fill Jobs at Nine Central Florida Properties On Wednesday, March 23, Marriott Vacations Worldwide with more than 120 resorts worldwide, nine right here in Central Florida, will host a virtual hiring event to fill well-paying positions across a variety of departments, including recreation, food and beverage. Jobs are available at the company’s Central Florida properties and they plan on filling 1,000 Roles in various departments over the next three months. Non-tipped hourly positions start at a competitive pay of $15/hour, and all new hourly associates for these positions are also eligible for a $1,000 sign-on bonus. Recognized for its caring culture, Marriott Vacations Worldwide values growth, professional development, and long-lasting relationships. In addition to travel discounts at the company’s global resorts, associates will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package focused on overall well-being, including medical, dental and vision plans; paid time off; a retirement savings plan; tuition reimbursement; and other employee development support, such as monthly educational webinars and more.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Jx23X5 For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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COMMUNITY
St. Cloud to host an “egg-citing” event – a moonlight adult egg hunt! The City of St. Cloud is putting together another – eggciting event… that’s right… it will be egg-citing! On Friday night April 8th from 7 pm – 10 pm at the Ranch at St. Cloud – located at 5452 Jones Road, St. Cloud’s Moonlight Adult Egg Hunt will take place, and it’s an event you’d have to be “cracked” not to attend. There will be food and drinks for purchase, Egg Hunt Candy Filled Egg Prizes, a DJ for dancing, and loads of other fun and surprises. The adult egg hunt will cost $15 per person and all participants must be 21 and older. Please bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes. For more info call 407.957.7243 or to register by April 1st go to webtrac.StCloud.org. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! 38
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
St. Cloud High School to present THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL April 8-16, directed by Mr. Alex Moore St. Cloud High School Theatre Company is getting ready to present another one of its amazing productions. This time they’re heading to the sea! Well, kind of. Beginning on April 8, the St. Cloud High School Theatre Company will present THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, directed by Mr. Alex Moore. Head to Bikini Bottom for a comedic adventure under the sea April 8, 9, & 15 at 7:00pm and April 10 & 16 at 2:00pm in the Susan E. Hill Performing Arts Center at St Cloud High School (2000 Bulldog Ln St. Cloud, FL 34769). Tickets start at $8.00 for students and $15.00 for adults, and $10.00 for Seniors and Military. Tickets are now on sale, including to the general public, by visiting stcloudhs.booktix.com. Featuring a cast, crew, and live musicians of more than 140 students from St Cloud High, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL is a robust, colorful musical with a great message, named Best Musical by the Drama Desk Awards and Outer Critics Circle and earned 12 Tony Award nominations.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3L8kaTg For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!
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REAL ESTATE Are You Wondering if This Is the Year To Buy a Home in Osceola County? Every year, many renters ask themselves the same question: Should I continue renting, or is it time to buy a home? If you’re a renter, chances are you’ve asked yourself that question at least once, and it’s likely because you’ve faced an increase in your monthly housing costs over time. After all, according to Census data, rents have risen consistently for decades. To make an informed and powerful decision, the first step is understanding what’s happening in today’s housing market so you can determine which option is the better long-term financial decision for you. Rents Are Going Up Again This Year Rents are skyrocketing right now. Data from realtor.com shows just how much rental prices are surging throughout the country. If you’re a renter and plan on signing a new lease, your monthly costs are likely to go up when you do. Those rising costs can have a big impact on your financial goals, including any plans you’re making to save for a home purchase. Homeownership Offers Stable Monthly Costs Of course, one of the key benefits of owning your home is that you’re able to lock in and stabilize your payments for the duration of your loan. That’s not the case when you rent While rents are already on the rise, there’s a good chance many people will see their rental costs increase even more this year. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor. com, says: “With rents already at a high and expected to keep going up, rental affordability will increasingly challenge many Americans in 2022. For those thinking about making the transition from renting to buying their first home, rising rents will remain a motivating factor. . . .” So, if you’re ready to become a homeowner, waiting any longer may not make financial sense. Instead, escape the cycle of rising rents and enjoy the many benefits that come with homeownership today.
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HEALTH Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital and its President Ohme Entin, growing and expanding legacy in the community Positively Osceola recently asked Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital’s President Ohme Entin (OH-me EN-tin) to provide an update on the hospital as we enter into Spring and soon into the summer season and what the future looks like for St. Cloud’s community hospital. Ms. Entin is a seasoned healthcare executive and was Chief Operating Officer at Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital before taking over the helm as President of Orlando Health St. Cloud, an 84-bed facility that provides high-quality healthcare to Osceola County and the surrounding areas. “Since the acquisition in July 2020, the team at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital has had a relentless focus on improving the level of care we provide to our St. Cloud and Osceola County community. We have already crossed several important milestones at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital. And for 2022, we eagerly anticipate even more. For example, we strengthened our intensive care unit (ICU) by adding our tele-intensivist program. An intensivist is a physician who specializes in the care of critically ill patients, most often in the ICU. We have the tele-intensivists 24-7, providing patients with aroundthe-clock intense treatment, close monitoring, and patient-focused care. We also have a nurse practitioner on-site seven days a week. We’ve also brought onboard our first dedicated chief quality officer (CQO) to lead and implement strategic plans for quality improvement and regulatory compliance. Having a CQO is an Orlando Health standard, and we were excited to add this role to our hospital. The mission of the CQO is to provide direction and support to Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital leadership to achieve quality and performance goals. As part of our campus master plan, we are physically expanding the hospital to meet the growing needs of the community. In the months ahead, we will break ground on a new two-story building that will open in 2023.”
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HEALTH
Ryan V. Coleman, CSCS Orlando Health
How To Build Muscle Over 50 As we age, our bodies go through lifestyle and hormonal changes that affect our mobility. Age-related muscle loss, or sarcopenia, leads the list, but it can be slowed — and even reversed — by diet and exercise. Although generally affecting seniors, sarcopenia can begin in your 30s. Maintaining strong muscle mass as you age builds strength, preserves bone density and can keep you physically independent. It also may cut your osteoporosis risk, improve sleep and reduce depression. Additionally, if you suffer from chronic diseases such as heart disease, arthritis or diabetes, a muscle-building routine can help to lessen symptoms. Exercises To Help Rebuild Muscle Before beginning an exercise routine, get your doctor’s approval. Take a list of any concerns to your first workout so your trainer or physical therapist can consider your health history when designing a workout and nutrition plan to help you reach your goals. A well-rounded exercise program addresses flexibility, cardio and balance, but don’t forget to include strength or resistance training as well. The goal is to set your body’s natural muscle-building response in motion. Each time you stress a muscle to the point of working it, your muscle adapts to the damage and builds itself up. Work out three to four times a week, giving your muscles time in between to repair themselves. Working different muscle groups and getting plenty of rest helps, too. Start by using lower weights and doing eight to 12 repetitions in two to three sets. As the workout becomes easier, increase the resistance — by using heavier weights, for example. Remember to start with a warmup, end with a cooldown and drink plenty of water. Tools To Get You Started Resistance training tools include: • Free weights — kettlebells, barbells • Resistance bands — large rubber bands (looped or straight) with handles at the end • Suspension equipment — helps control form and provides easy weight monitoring
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Research from Home
with your Osceola Library Card!
Britannica Library
From the makers of Encyclopedia Britannica
Gale Business: Plan Builder Create a customized business plan
America’s News
Archives of newspapers from across America
Mango Languages Learn a new language
And so many more!
osceolalibrary.org/databases
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INJURY LAW Riding a motorcycle in Central Florida, here are some safety tips and precautions! Florida is one of the most beautiful states in the nation for motorcycle riding. With stunning views and a gorgeous climate, it’s no question why so many riders choose Florida’s highways for joyriding and experiencing the open road, particularly during the summer. However, while Florida may be one of the most scenic states for motorcycle riding, it is also one of the most fatal. Florida consistently ranks as one of the three top states for the highest number of motorcycle fatalities. Here are some basic tips and precautions for drivers and motorcyclists to help avoid fatalities whenever possible. If you have been in a motorcycle-vehicle collision and would like personalized advice based on your case, please contact the experienced Florida personal injury attorneys at Draper Law Office for a consultation.
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FAMILY LAW The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted marriages and divorces in Florida, and not in a good way It’s something most people have heard about since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, divorce rates have been increasing and there’s no sign of that changing anytime soon. Families have been forced to adjust to a very different lifestyle amid a long-term locked down, a period of serious health concern, and general uncertainty in life. Relationships have been experiencing extreme pressure, causing relationships to fail, especially those that were already stressed by everyday life. In many cases, one or both partners have lost a job, or perhaps their businesses have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. Unfortunately, money has become an even more significant issue in the family dynamic than it normally is, causing stress to build in that relationship, sometimes to the point where a permanent breakup is unfortunately inevitable.
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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