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

ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS

LIVE with State Representative

Kristen Arrington for District 46

February 20th, 2023

LIVE with Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital

President Brian Wetzel

February 14th, 2023

LIVE with Ryan Munns, of Bogin, Munns and Munns

January 26th, 2023

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

January 19th, 2023

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

January 19th, 2023

VIDEOS ON DEMAND

The Mayor’s Minute with St. Cloud Mayor, Nathan Blackwell

☑️ On April 3rd, St. Cloud is starting the “Kids in the Kitchen” 5-week hands-on cooking class tailored for junior chefs.

☑️ On Friday, April 7th, the Adult Moonlight Egg Hunt will be held at The Ranch in St. Cloud from 7pm to 10pm for adults 21 and older.

St Cloud Monthly MarketMarch 29th

It’s time again for another stroll through the Saint Cloud Downtown Monthly Market. On Wednesday, March 29th, you can enjoy walking through St. Cloud’s beautiful downtown district, browsing through the iconic shops and pop-up vendors. Enjoy live music along with a great selection of positively delicious fare from downtown St. Cloud’s unforgettable restaurants.

Celebration Foundation Jaclyn Hayden Concert

The Celebration Foundation continues their concert series on Saturday, April 22nd with Jaclyn Hayden! The concert will take place at Lakeside Park, 631 Sycamore Street in Celebration. Tickets and Information: celebrationfoundation.org Thank you to Experience Kissimmee, Florida for their community support with Celebration Foundation in this concert series.

St. Cloud Walking Ghost Tours

Once a month through May 31st, St. Cloud Main Street will host a series of historic ghost tours featuring multiple stops where you’ll have an opportunity to learn about the ghosts they say haunt some of the old downtown buildings as well as the history behind them.

Next Historic Ghost Tour - Wednesday March 29th.

Sloth Encounters at Wild Florida

Positively Osceola’s Krissi Marie Hardy spent some time with one of Wild Florida’s educators, Desiree, to learn about an amazing animal, Chloe the Sloth! To learn more about Wild Florida, visit WildFL.com

Osceola County to host “Transpotation Summit”

May 9, showcasing current road projects

County Commission Chairwoman Viviana Janer announced Monday that the county will host an Osceola County Roads Summit on May 9 at 10.a.m. in partnership with the Central Florida Expressway Authority, the Florida Department of Transportation District 5, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise and MetroPlan Orlando. The summit aims to showcase and explain the County’s recent collaborations with these agencies to bring about significant improvements to the County’s transportation infrastructure.

The summit will be held at the Kissimmee Civic Center and feature presentations by key government officials and transportation experts. Attendees can expect to learn about ongoing road projects, future plans, and how these initiatives will ultimately positively impact residents’ lives.

Osceola County has been working closely with CFX, FDOT, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, and MetroPlan in a comprehensive manner to improve its transportation network. The collaboration has enabled billions of dollars in planned road improvements – some that will get underway this year – leading to the declaration that 2023 is the “Year of Transportation” for Osceola County.

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Kissimmiee city commissioner holds vigil payin honor to victims of gun violence

City of Kissimmee Commissioner Janette Martinez held a candlelight vigil outside the Osceola County historical courthouse on Monday, focused on reducing violence, and ending the senseless killings that the community is experiencing.

The commissioner was joined outside the Osceola County Historical Courthouse by other elected officials and community leaders who are looking to find ways to reduce gun violence in and around Kissimmee.

“Today I stand before you, burdened with the senseless killings that have plagued our society. It is a tragedy that we found ourselves constantly mourning innocent lives lost to the hand of violence,” Commissioner Martinez said at the start of Monday’s vigil.

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Florida gas prices surging, tying 2023 highs, AAA says

Florida gas prices jumped 12 cents per gallon over the last week with the average currently at $3.58 for a gallon of regular unleaded. Osceola drivers are seeing the same price at $3.58. That matches the highest price for gas so far in 2023, which had peaked in January. Nationally, the average is 2 cents higher at $2.60 per gallon.

“Last week’s jump at the pump was expected, after OPEC announced oil production cuts that immediately caused oil prices to surge,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Fortunately, after the initial gains, the oil market plateaued through the rest of the week. It’s possible that retail gas prices could inch up a little more this week before fully adjusting to the moves in the futures market.”

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CFX announces SR417 ramp closures for next week, see what areas are affected

Ramp closures associated with the State Road 417/ Central Florida GreeneWay Capacity Improvements project are scheduled for next week. See below for details:

Sunday, April 9 to Thursday, April 13, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.: The northbound and southbound ramps from Florida’s Turnpike to northbound SR 417 (Exit 251) will be closed for bridge work. Drivers will be directed to travel southbound on SR 417 to US 441/ South Orange Blossom Trail (Exit 11) and follow the detour signs.

Wednesday, April 12 and Thursday, April 13, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.: The ramp from southbound SR 417 to Landstar Boulevard (Exit 14) will be closed for milling and resurfacing. Drivers will be directed to continue south on SR 417 to the Orange Blossom Trail exit (Exit 11) and follow the detour signs.

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

Orlando

Macgic

moves G league team to Osceola Heritage Park

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Calling it an “incredible opportunity for all,” Orlando Magic Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner Alex Martins announced on Tuesday that the team was moving its NBA G League team to Kissimmee and the Silver Spurs Arena in time for the 2023-24 season.

Formerly the Lakeland Magic, the team has been rebranded the Osceola Magic and will play the home portion of its 50-game schedule at Silver Spurs beginning in November. Founded in 2017, the franchise played its first six seasons in Lakeland as the Lakeland Magic.

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Kissimmee Utility Authority Earns National Recognition for Reliable Electric Operations

Kissimmee Utility Authority has received national recognition for achieving exceptional electric reliability in 2022. The recognition comes from the American Public Power Association (APPA), a trade group that represents more than 2,000 not-for-profit, community-owned electric utilities.

APPA helps electric utilities track power outage and restoration data through its subscription-based eReliability Tracker service. Once per year, APPA’s Reliability Team compares this data to national statistics tracked by the U.S. Energy Information Administration for all types of electric utilities.

“We are honored to receive this recognition. It is a testament to the hard work of all our staff to ensure that we keep Kissimmee powered.” -Brian Horton, President and General Manager, Kissimmee Utility Authority

On average, KUA customers were out of service for 34 minutes in 2022, compared to all U.S. electric utilities, who were out for 140 minutes. Our Cane Island Power Plant’s Units 3 and 4 combined availabilities again exceeded the national average with an availability factor of 89.63%.

“It’s encouraging to see year after year that public power’s track record for providing highly reliable service is backed up by data,” said APPA Director of Research and Development Paul Zummo. “These utilities are the best of the best when it comes to keeping the lights on. And these communities should be proud of their local power providers and appreciate the hard work that goes into earning this recognition.”

Founded in 1901, KUA is Florida’s sixth largest community-owned utility powering 90,000 customers in Osceola County, Florida. For more information, visit www.kua.com.

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Osceola school district names 2023 outstanding school volunteers of the year

The Osceola School District has named the three individuals as its 2023 Outstanding School Volunteers of the Year in recognition of their exceptional commitment to student learning and success.

Youth Volunteer of the Year: Riley Wigand- Student at Harmony High who volunteers at Harmony Community School

Riley volunteers at least six hours each week at Harmony Community School, donating over 150 hours this school year alone. She has had a direct impact with the foundation of learning for 23 first-grade students who rely on her help at least one day a week on a variety of projects during Drawing Club. With Riley’s extra set of hands, these students have created over 170 different pieces of art. As a Senior at Harmony High School, Riley teaches the students the importance of setting goals and working hard by sharing her future college plans, which is an important part of the school’s AVID program. Riley works tirelessly to assist wherever she can help, and she is always willing to work on the next classroom project.

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

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By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

OBC Championships to be contested in Track, Softball, and Boys Volleyball this week

Three more Orange Belt Conference Championships will be contested this week in the sports of Softball, Boys’ Volleyball, and Track

On Wednesday, St. Cloud High hosts the annual Track and Field Championships. Harmony is the defending champion in the event, winning last year’s girls’ championship (191 points) over St. Cloud (112.50) and Celebration (111); while the Longhorns boys’ team (176.5) edged Tohopekaliga (155) and Celebration (88). Both Longhorn teams will most likely be favored to repeat as OBC champs.

The OBC Softball Tournament is scheduled for this week, with St. Cloud serving as the host school for the third place and championship games on Friday evening. First round games are on Monday; with championship and consolation rounds on Wednesday. In addition to Friday’s championship game, the fifth and seventh place games will be held on the campus of the highest seeds among the consolation bracket schools.

Celebration is the top seed in the boys OBC Championship this week and will receive a first round bye. The Storm is also the host and will hold the third place and championship games on Thursday.

Here is a look around the high school sports world:

BOYS WEIGHTLIFTING

Osceola County will be well represented when the FHSAA State Championship meet is held in Lakeland next Friday and Saturday. In the Traditional Meet, consisting of the Clean-and-Jerk and Bench Press, our county will be represented by regional champions from St. Cloud High in Michael Ziss (119-lb. weight class), and Noah Carr (219); Harmony regional champs Brayden Adams (183), Anthony Rodriguez (199), and Joshua Moss (238); and Osceola High regional champ Brandon Rosa (Unlimited). A week after finishing second to St. Cloud in the district championship, Harmony upended the Bulldogs (3938) to win the Region 4 team championship.

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Florida Troopers searching for car involved in hit & run in St. Cloud

A 24-year-old man was seriously hurt after after being struck by a vehicle last month in St. Cloud. The Florida Highway Patrol is now asking for help from the public to track down the car involved in the hit and run crash that sent the man to the hospital.

Florida Troopers said the crash took place shortly after 4:30am on March 18 near Narcoossee Road and Constance Boulevard in Saint Cloud.

According to FHP, the man was walking south on the sidewalk parallel to Narcoossee Road past the intersection of Constance Boulevard before being hit.

A car driving south along Narcoossee Road drove over the curb and onto the sidewalk, hitting and injuring the man before heading back onto the road and driving away, the news release says.

According to FHP, the man was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. No witnesses have come forward about seeing the incident.

Investigators said they found a hubcap at the scene that belonged to a dark-colored Tesla Model 3, believed to be the vehicle that struck the man. FHP says the vehicle in question should be missing a hubcap, have damage to the front right and possibly right sideswipe damage.

Any mechanics or auto body shops that may have repaired a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle is urged to contact FHP.

Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact FHP at 407-737-2213. If they would like to remain anonymous then they can contact CRIMELINE at 1-800-423TIPS. The crash remains under investigation.

Dunkin’ Celebrates Orlando Health Staff During Child Life Specialist and Social Work Month

Dunkin’ of Orlando kicked off Child Life Specialist and Social Work Month at Orlando Health by gifting the Child Life Specialist, Social Work and Music Therapy units with Dunkin’ Gift Cards and limited-edition branded socks.

This is Dunkin’s small way of saying thank you to the amazing staff at Orlando Health for all they do to help the community. Dunkin’ is excited to be able to recognize this team that works so hard to bring joy and comfort to so many children and their families.

Dunkin’ encourages guests to celebrate the Child Life Specialists and Social Workers in their lives this month that make such a meaningful impact on our communities.

For more information about Orlando Health, visit OrlandoHealth.com.

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Looking to Plan Your Next Vacation? Check Out Visit Orlando’s Free Vacation Planning Services

Do you find planning vacations difficult?. Well if you do, you’re not alone. Start planning your dream Orlando getaway with the help of Visit Orlando’s complimentary Vacation Planning Services, which includes insider advice and special offers on the best Orlando experiences.

Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planning Services are staffed by friendly, knowledgeable Vacation Planners who are available via telephone, email and live chat. They offer trusted resources and unbiased destination information like tripplanning advice, dining and entertainment options, and more.

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Orlando Health Cancer Institute Introduces

CAR T-Cell Therapy for Treating Advanced Blood Cancers

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

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

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Toho Water Authority to continue City Of St. Cloud water line cleaning efforts April 10-14

Crews contracted with Toho Water Authority (Toho) will continue flushing in targeted areas of the City of St. Cloud next week, April 10-14. The map shows the area where customers are likely to experience a temporary drop in water pressure and discolored water. Water pressure and clarity will return once flushing operations in the area are completed.

For more information, visit www. tohowater.com or contact Toho Water Authority’s Customer Service Center serving St. Cloud at 407-957-7344 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Florida Highway Patrol combats rise in street racing

Street racing, street takeovers, and stuntdriving incidents have risen in Florida, but the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Highway Patrol are intent on combatting these dangerous driving behaviors.

Florida law, enacted in 2022, prohibits street racing. Takeovers, drag racing, donuts, burnouts, wheelies, drifting, and other related activities create unsafe roadways.

Overtaking a road is dangerous for many reasons; it impedes the normal flow of traffic, can delay emergency vehicles responding to those in need, and endangers participants, spectators, and innocent bystanders.

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

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

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

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INJURY LAW

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

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

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

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City of Kissimmee seeking advisory board members

The City of Kissimmee is seeking qualified residents to fill several positions for volunteer boards to help shape the future of local government.

Advisory boards are made up of local residents and business owners willing to make suggestions about a variety of City departments and services. The positions are specifically for the Board of Adjustment and Planning Advisory Board, which there are vacancies for at the moment.

FAMILY

Draper Law: Ten Mistakes to Avoid During Your Divorce

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

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

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Osceola County supervisor of elections improves open records requests experience

Osceola County Supervisor of Elections has simplified the process of accessing public records with addition of an option of submitting Open Records Requests through an online form called JustFOIA. While other methods for submitting requests are still available, the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections chose JustFOIA to help streamline their citizens’ open records request process and improve efficiencies within.

“It is my hope that by implementing this platform we can better serve our community in a timely and efficient manner”, said Supervisor Mary Jane Arrington.

To submit a publics record request, go to https://voteosceola.justfoia.com/ publicportal/home/newrequest.

For trusted information about state and local elections, visit the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections website voteosceola.gov, and the Florida Department of State’s website at DOS.Myflorida.com/elections.

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HEALTH

Ana Cristina Mercedes Germosen, MD Orlando Health FACC – Cardiovascular Disease

Orlando Health: 9 Sneaky Signs of Heart Disease

It’s February – American Heart Month – a time when the nation spotlights heart disease, the No. 1 killer of Americans. You’re probably familiar with the most common symptoms of heart disease. The one that gets the most attention is chest pain (or angina), which can feel like tightness, pressure, aching or pain in your chest, but heart disease can create a wide range of symptoms, some far less common than others. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Struggling To Breathe While Lying Flat

You may find yourself gasping for breath or otherwise struggling to breathe easily while lying down. You might only be able to sleep by propping yourself up with several pillows. This could be related to fluid buildup in your lungs. If your heart isn’t pumping as strongly as it should be, it will have difficulty keeping your blood flowing, allowing more of it to pool. For some people, this condition – known as orthopnea – may be the only symptom of congestive heart failure.

Legs or Hips Hurt While Walking

If your legs feel fine while resting, but then start hurting or cramping when you go for a walk, it could be a sign of congestion or blockage in your arteries. The pain (claudication) is often a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is caused by the buildup of plaque (fats and cholesterol) on artery walls.

The pain occurs when you become active because your muscles can’t get enough oxygen and nutrients from your clogged arteries. The pain then fades away when you rest. People with PAD are at higher risk of congestive heart failure.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by several things, including diabetes and stress. But it may also be an indicator of heart disease. The root cause is endothelial dysfunction, a condition in which the blood vessels have a hard time expanding or contracting the way they’re supposed to. The condition reduces blood flow both to the penis and the heart.

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Universal Orlando Offers Florida Residents Buy a Day, Get 2 Days FREE Tickets

Universal Orlando Resort invites Florida residents and locals to visit the ultimate road trip destination this spring and summer with its all-new “Buy a Day, Get 2 Days Free on a 2-Park, 1-Day Park-to-Park Ticket” offer – allowing guests to enjoy three days of theme park thrills for the price of one. Starting today, guests can take advantage of this incredible offer for travel on non-consecutive days through September 29, 2023 – giving them the ability to experience a full range of emotions in exhilarating rides and attractions across Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure throughout the road trip season.

Whether guests plan three separate visits to the parks or a multi-day vacation, there’s so much to see and do at Universal Orlando, and with this offer, Florida residents get to explore the hold-on-tight thrills and unparalleled entertainment that can only be found at the award-winning theme park destination.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/40RDrR2

Get ready for oceans of flavor and fun at SeaWorld

Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival

From foodies to families, everyone will find tasty delights among more than 200 distinct offerings and more than 50 fresh global cuisine choices to pair with over 75 refreshing wine and cocktail selections, including more than 75 craft brews at SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival Thursdays -Sundays through May 7.

Revitalize your taste buds as you add a taste of rock, country, Latin, or throwback sounds at SeaWorld’s live music shows, and enjoy even more diverse entertainment and surprises during special times like Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and Cinco de Mayo. With so many exquisite flavors to top off exhilarating coasters and extraordinary animal encounters, SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival is a voyage to stir the soul!

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Select Tickets and Packages Now On Sale For Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2023

The world’s premier Halloween event, Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights, returns to Universal Studios Florida for a recordbreaking 44 nights this fall – unleashing a new slate of horrifying haunted houses and scare zones filled with menacing creatures, and outrageous entertainment on select nights September 1 through October 31.

Guests can officially begin to summon their scream squad and plan the ultimate fall getaway with a variety of offers available now, including single-night event tickets, event upgrades and a vacation package that allows them to relish in the thrills of the parks during the day before braving the chills of Halloween Horror Nights at night.

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Disney’s TRON Lightcycle / Run Now Officially Open to Guests at Walt Disney World

On Tuesday, Walt Disney World Resort guests, also known as Users, began being officially digitally “scanned” into the mysterious game world in TRON Lightcycle / Run. As members of Team Blue, they boarded high-speed Lightcycles for a thrilling race through a dark, computerized world, facing off against a fierce group of Programs known as Team Orange.

The new attraction, presented by Enterprise, located in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park, is the fastest coaster attraction in a Disney theme park, alongside its sister coaster at Shanghai Disneyland. It blends coaster thrills with speed, visual effects, music and a one-of-a-kind ride system to create an experience like no other.

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be confident.

We provide trusted, quality care in your community. At Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, get access to care from an expert and compassionate clinical team for all of your healthcare needs — from emergency services to heart care, surgical services and more — all close to home. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/StCloud choose well.