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

Harmony Longhorns get defensive, rout Horizon for district title in flag football

Osceola Sherriff’s Office to Host Kickball Palooza, Providing Awareness and funds for Special Olympics

Florida

Harmony Longhorns football coach Don Simon steps down to direct athletics at Tohopekaliga

Florida Division of Emergency Management issues update on Emergency Response

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Guardian Ad Litem Foundation of Osceola County to host annual golf tournament in St. Cloud

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.

Osceola County Animal Services Dog Fostering Program

Do you want to help reduce the amount of dogs that are in need of a loving home, but aren’t sure you can make the long term commitment?

Osceola County Animal Services is encouraging the community to try their Dog Fostering Program, for those that are willing to provide shortterm in-home care for dogs in need. Its FREE and all veterinary care, food, and supplies are provided.

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.

Capybaras at Wild Florida

Positively Osceola’s Krissi Marie Hardy spent some time with one of Wild Florida’s educators, Desiree, to learn about their amazing animals: Alvin, Simon, and Theodore the Capybaras! To learn more about Wild Florida, visit WildFL.com.

Guardian

Ad Litem Foundation of Osceola County to host annual golf tournament in St. Cloud

The Guardian Ad Litem Foundation of Osceola County, a powerful advocate and voice for Osceola’s children, will host their annual golf tournament at the St. Cloud Royal Golf Links beginning on Saturday April 29th, at 8am.

The $100 entry fee includes 18 holes of golf with cart, breakfast, lunch, prizes, awards, and much more. For more information or to register call Tina Campbell at 407.758.4140, or go to GALgolfOsceola.com.

We advocate for the best interests of abused, abandoned, and neglected children by supporting the development, growth, and continuation of the Guardian ad Litem Program in Osceola County.

The Guardian Ad Litem Foundation of Osceola County is appointed by the Court to advocate for the best interests of children. These children have been removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The Guardian Ad Litem,(GAL) becomes familiar with the child’s case and makes recommendations to the Court to help ensure a safe, caring and permanent environment. Their team consists of dedicated volunteers, professional program staff and attorneys.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3oz2xGr

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6-year-old girl struck, killed in St. Cloud home’s driveway Wednesday morning, St. Cloud Polics say

A 6-year-old girl was struck and killed Wednesday morning as her mother was backing out of their driveway in St. Cloud, according to police.

St. Cloud police and Fire Rescue quickly responded to a home in the area of Thistle Lane and Plymouth Turtle Way, north of St. Cloud Royal Golf Links just after 7:30 a.m. then transported the child to Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital where she sadly was pronounced dead just before 10am, according to the St. Cloud Police Department.

According to the Osceola County School District, the child was a student at Michigan Avenue Elementary in St. Cloud.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/41CSL4e

Osceola Sherriff’s Office to Host Kickball Palooza, Providing Awareness and funds for Special Olympics Florida

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, along with the City of Kissimmee, will host the 2023 Kickball Palooza tournament benefitting Special Olympics Florida beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 22nd at the Fortune Road Athletic Complex. The event includes a three-game guarantee, fun team themes, music, and more.

This year Kickball Palooza is open to businesses, organizations, individuals, and groups that would like to come together to support Special Olympics. The teams must have 10 players, five males and five females. The team entry fee to participate is $300.

Kickball Palooza is part of the various local fundraising events of the law enforcement community’s year-round support of Special Olympics Florida.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/41CT3rQ

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Gas prices up in Florida and are projected to rise

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline increased by twelve cents since last week to hit $3.67. In Florida, the average price is $3.61 per gallon, with Osceola drivers seeing the average price for a gallon of regular at $3.65.

The main culprit for the increasing gas price is the high cost of oil, gasoline’s main ingredient, which is hovering in the low $80s per barrel. The national average has risen daily since March 29.

“When the cost of crude oil crosses the $80 a barrel mark, that puts a lot of upward pressure on what we pay at the pump,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, “and as long as oil costs remain at the current level, drivers will likely see incremental price increases for now.”

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3UTY7pO

Florida Division of Emergency Management issues update on Emergency Response

IN RESPONSE TO THE ACCIDENTAL ALERT FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (FDEM) ISSUED THIS TWEET AND STATEMENT:

“Emergency alert testing directives originate from the federal government. This morning’s test was supposed to be a test of televised emergency alerts, which the Florida Association of Broadcasters normally schedules for very early in the morning because that is when the fewest people are watching TV (to minimize disruption). Florida contracts with a company called EverBridge to provide the technical coding and instructions required to push out emergency alerts. Everbridge sent the wrong technical specifications for this alert – which ultimately pushed the alert over the Wireless Emergency Alert system (cellphones).”

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3L0c9RU

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By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Harmony Longhorns get defensive, rout Horizon for district title in flag football

Stepping on the gas early and never letting up, the Lady Longhorns flag football team hammered Horizon, 27-0, on Thursday night to claim the FHSAA Class 2A, District 9 championship.

It was the Longhorns second consecutive District crown and 10th in school history. Harmony will now wait to see who and where they will play on Wednesday in a regional quarterfinal as they move to within three games of the State Final Four.

“I would not be truthful and I told you I wasn’t concerned about tonight’s game,” Harmony coach Paul Strauch said. “Horizon is a really talented team and they certainly caught my attention when they manhandled St. Cloud (a 19-2 win) in the semifinals. We had several girls rehabbing injuries and several others that were battling illness. I was extremely proud of how we played tonight, especially on defense.”

Horizon opened this year and the upstart Hawks came into the tournament with a 14-1 record in their first season. They were also allowing less than four points per game. The Hawks big win over St. Cloud in Tuesday’s semifinal came just three weeks after the Longhorns needed a touchdown with just 20 seconds remaining to beat St. Cloud, 7-0, in an Orange Belt Conference Tournament semifinal game.

Still, the Longhorns dominated in all phases of the final.

After Horizon won the toss and deferred, Harmony quarterback Martha Edwards drove the Longhorns down the field in nine plays – hitting Drea Thompson on a 6-yard scoring pass for a 6-0 lead.

Thompson would then extend the lead just four plays later, intercepting Mirian Athay and returning it 30 yards for a score and then catching the conversion for a 13-0 lead. The play would end up being the theme for the night as Harmony would record five interceptions and hold Horizon to just 121 yards of total offense on 29 plays.

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

Be ‘Bearwise’ this spring in Florida

Now that spring is here, black bears in Florida are becoming more active. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing BearWise tips to help prevent conflicts between people and bears.

Residents and visitors alike can reduce the potential of negative interactions with bears and other wildlife by removing food attractants and following other BearWise® practices.

“Bears become more active during the spring in search of things to eat, including female bears teaching their cubs where to find food” said the FWC’s Bear Management Program Coordinator, Mike Orlando. “By removing attractants such as garbage, pet food and bird seed from around your property, you can help ensure that bears won’t find an easy meal. When bears can’t find food sources, they’ll move on.”

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3GQptr2

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

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Harmony Longhorns football coach Don Simon steps down to direct athletics at Tohopekaliga

Don Simon –Harmony’s longest tenured and winningest football coach in school history – has stepped down. Simon, who went 33-29 in his six years at helm and led the Longhorns to the FHSAA playoffs twice, resigned on Thursday afternoon. He will become the Athletics Director at Tohopekaliga beginning on June 1.

“I’ve been coaching high school football for 28 years and just decided it was time to step down and let the younger guys take over,” Simon said. “When I heard the Toho Athletics Director job was coming open, I made a phone call and ended up being offered the job. To tell you the truth, high school football is pretty much a 12-month a year job, I’m tired, and it was just time to move on.”

Harmony Athletic Director Dan Kerr confirmed the resignation and said that Simon’s long-time assistant Nick Lippert would assume interim coaching duties for spring football and would be given consideration for the permanent job.

“We are extremely sorry to see Coach Simon leave us,” Kerr said. “He came here in 2017 and changed the culture of Harmony football. He got the assistant coaches, players, parents, and boosters all on the same page. All his assistant coaches were working at the school and that’s something that is really hard to achieve. He made Harmony football a family.”

Simon posted .500 record or above in four of his six years. Taking over a 3-7 team, Simon posted a 6-4 record in his first year. In his second season, Harmony lost its opener before reeling off nine straight wins to earn a playoff spot. Harmony went 6-4 against a tough schedule last season, but earned an at-large playoff spot where they lost a 21-14 heartbreaker to state power Vero Beach in the regional quarterfinals.

Under Simon, numerous Longhorn players would move on to college football, including 2022 record-breaking running back Tyler Emans – who will play college football at Ivy League Brown University this fall.

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

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.

Carley Beauge, MD Family Medicine Orlando Health

Not feeling well? Dont’t rely on Dr.Google to diagnose your condition

You’ve had a pounding headache for hours, and you start to worry. So you go online and look up your symptoms. That’s when the panic sets in: You have brain cancer. Or allergies. We’ve all been there.

The internet is a treasure trove of medical information that can help you understand what may be wrong. But it’s also easy to go down an information rabbit hole and become convinced you have a life-threatening disease — when the odds are you don’t.

Googling medical information might provide a few pieces of your overall health-care picture, but it takes a health-care provider to put the puzzle together.

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.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3KQxbE8

Osceola Council on Aging breaks ground on affordable housing project in BVL

The Osceola Council on Aging broke ground on its Buen Vecino Affordable Housing Project in Buena Ventura Lakes on Tuesday thanks to grants from HUD, Osceola County, and the City of Kissimmee. When finished, the Buen Vecino Apartments will be 60 one story, one-bedroom apartments for Osceola County seniors 62 years of age or older who receive housing, food, and services from the Council On Aging.

“The Lord says, blessings come to those who wait, and we have waited 15 years for this to be built. It has been the blood, sweat, and tears of Beverly Hougland and I, and I cannot express to you how excited we are to do this groundbreaking with you today. We are just over the moon that we are able to do this,” Osceola Council On Aging CEO Wendy Ford shared at the opening of the Buen Vecino groundbreaking.

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

Comedy-Drama classic Steel Magnolias to hit Osceola Arts’ main stage April 21st

Beginning Friday, April 21st and running through Sunday, May 7th, the Osceola Arts Main stage will host comedy-drama Steel Magnolias! This classic play, written by Robert Harling, was first performed on stage in 1987, and may be best known for its popular 1989 movie adaptation. Steel Magnolias features town staples Ouiser, Miss Clairee, M’Lynn, and Shelby who fill Truvy’s Louisiana beauty salon with the sounds of hilarious banter, amusing rumors, and unsolicited advice. When a tragic death occurs, the ladies come together and find strength, love, and support in one another. This production features a talented ensemble cast and is directed by J. Marie Bailey.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3KGp8Z9

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.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3KgPh0h

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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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/43bYorB

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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.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3IXM6er

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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!

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3SG20h1

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Aquatica’s Turi’s Kid Cove opening May 2023

Grab your best buddies and get ready to splish, splash, spray, and play in Aquatica’s ALL-NEW water adventure attraction filled with watering palms, tipping buckets, spraying jets, water bobbles, and more.

Plus, your kids can grab a tube and glide into fun on the ALL-NEW Tamariki Twirl, a kid-sized wave slide designed just for them!

Turi’s Kid Cove will be tucked away between Big Surf Shores and Mango Market. With plenty of splashy water fun and ample seating all around for rest and relaxation, it’s the perfect place for you and your little ones to cool off.

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

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.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3Uc0F2d

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.