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

Kissimmee airports

$6

million boost lays groundwork for future expansion

Aquatica’s Turi’s Kid Cove opening May 2023

St. Cloud student wins wightlifting state championships

BRIDG hosts commercial fab facilities chips-NOFO meeting

Ponciana Boulevard ramps to Osceola Parkway to temporarily close

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

Kissimmee airports $6 million boost lays groundwork for future expansion

A $6 million upgrade to the Kissimmee Gateway Airport will make way for future expansion and promote advancements in safety.

Modifications are being made on the airport’s taxiways, which are paths for planes to get to and from runways. The Taxiway Echo is being extended about 1,600 feet. The expansion is meant to enhance air traffic circulation in this emerging quadrant of the Airport. The work also includes rehabilitation of the connector Taxiway Hotel and installing new taxiway edge lights and signs, to establish even better visibility for pilots.

The new taxiway expansion has to go through a large aircraft hangar that was in poor condition. To make way for what’s coming, the project included dismantling the hangar. The ongoing renovations are all about generating interconnectivity. Approximately ten acres next to the new Taxiway Echo will provide an opportunity to support future hangars and more aviation businesses at the Airport.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3L8xrym

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Ponciana Boulevard ramps to Osceola Parkway to temporarily close

Osceola County will temporarily close the Poinciana Boulevard entrance and exit ramps onto the Osceola Parkway on Monday, April 17, 2023, at 10 p.m. and re-open by 5 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. The roadway will be closed for work required to convert the Poinciana Boulevard ramps on the Osceola Parkway to All Electronic Tolling (AET) in Spring 2023.

About Osceola Parkway Ramp Closure to and from Poinciana Blvd (4/17-4/18): The County will temporarily close the Poinciana Boulevard ramps to perform work required to convert to AET.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3mDox2d

BRIDG hosts commercial fab facilities chips-NOFO meeting

The Southeastern Consortium for Assured Leading-Edge Semiconductors (SCALES), a nonprofit organization that seeks to enable new R&D centers and prototyping facilities in the Southeast region, partnered with BRIDG, a notfor-profit, public-private partnership specializing in advanced system integration and packaging to hold a day-long meeting at NeoCity to prepare for a response to the first CHIPS Notice of Funding Opportunity focusing on Commercial Fabrication Facilities, due June 2023.

“We were excited to host the SCALES consortium and to be part of the developing discussions surrounding the CHIPS Act,” stated Osceola County Manager Don Fisher. “We believe NeoCity is perfectly positioned to be the hub for a CHIPS investment in Advanced Packaging.”

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/40ifVvA

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Toho Water to continue water line flushing in St. Cloud

Crews contracted with Toho Water Authority (Toho) will continue flushing in targeted areas of the City of St. Cloud next week, April 17-21. 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.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3GPiv5E

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

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By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Orlando Macgic moves G league team to Osceola Heritage Park

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.

“Our contract was ending in Lakeland and we had a window to hold discussions to either renew our lease or to explore additional venues,” Martins said. “I can tell you those discussions were solely with Osceola County and Heritage Park. This is where we wanted to be.”

Martins went on to acknowledge the help his organization received from Osceola County officials. “We would like to thank Osceola County Chairwoman Viviana Janer, County Manager Don Fisher and Osceola Heritage Park General Manager Robb Larson in assisting us in making this move a reality. We look forward to being an invested partner in Kissimmee and Osceola County.”

“We are excited to bring the Magic and NBA G League basketball to Osceola County, Kissimmee and Osceola Heritage Park,” said Magic CEO Alex Martins. “We would like to thank Osceola County Chairwoman Viviana Janer, County Manager Don Fisher and Osceola Heritage Park General Manager Robb Larson in assisting us in making this move a reality. We look forward to being an invested community partner in Kissimmee and Osceola County.”

Martins spoke on how the relocation brings the G League team closer to its core fan base in Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. “Our G League players train at the Amway Center and for that reason alone this move brings our players a lot closer to our home base in Orlando. But more importantly it brings our fan base closer to the team.”

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

St. Cloud student wins wightlifting state championships

It was an incredibly busy week of action in high school sports that saw OBC Champions crowned in three sports. But the big news came in weightlifting and girls’ lacrosse, where St. Cloud saw a lifter win a pair of state championships and Celebration dominated the competition to win a district title.

BOY’S WEIGHTLIFTING

St. Cloud sophomore Mikey Ziss had a huge weekend, winning state championships in the 119-lb. weight class in both the Traditional (Bench Press and Clean-and-Jerk) and Olympic (Clean-and-Jerk and Snatch) disciplines during the FHSAA Class 3A State Weightlifting Championships at the Robert Palmer Center in Lakeland on Saturday.

Ziss lifted a combined 405 pounds in the clean-and-jerk and bench press to win the Traditional by five pounds over Niceville’s Aiden-Ray Simpson. He would complete the sweep in the Olympic discipline when he lifted 165 in the snatch and 215 in the clean and jerk to tally 380 pounds – to best East River’s Austin Harmon by 25 pounds (350).

“Mikey was outstanding at the state meet and he’s only a sophomore,” Coach Cory Aun said. “He will have a chance to go down as one of the best in state history. He could finish with six state titles which would be a school record.”

St. Cloud, which also got All-State performances in the Olympic from Kaleb Perez (5th place at 183-lb. class), a second from Dylan Hayes at 199, and Noah Carr’s third in the 219-lb. class gave the Bulldogs 18 team points and a third place finish.

Hayes broke the state record in the snatch by 30 pounds with a lift of 260. Carr, with a fourth place finish in the Traditional, joined Ziss as county athletes to earn double AllState honors. Several other lifters from the county earned All-State honors at the meet. Tohopekaliga’s Samir Murray finished second in the Traditional at 154-lb. class with a lift total of 565-lbs and Harmony’s Anthony Rodriguez (199-lb. class) finished fourth with a 625-lb. total.

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

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.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3JV6jB8

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

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

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.