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

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Church and Community Services Program to host reopening event Thursday

Osceola Parkway to go cashless, all-electronic tolling begins May 1

Osceola Sheriff’s office to host Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida Friday morning

Salvation Army, Osceola County announces first families selected for ‘Pathway to Housing’

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April

March

March

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.

Join Osceola History for “Walk Away May” as members of the community “walk on the Shingle Creek trail” to experience the beauty and history of Osceola County, while staying healthy, and possibly win some great prizes! The event’s feature sponsor is Kissimmee Utility Authority!

Osceola History’s “Walk Away May” encourages the community to live a healthy lifestyle while building awareness of Osceola History’s two museums, Pioneer Village, located at 2491 Babb Road, and the Welcome Center & History Museum, located at 4155 West Vine Street, in Kissimmee.

During “Walk Away May” participants check in at Pioneer Village or the Welcome Center & History Museum to get their “Walk Away May” passport stamped, then begin their walk between museums. At the end of the month, prizes will be awarded for the most stamps or for being part of the experience.

The American Health Association was the first to introduce National Walking Day in 2007 to promote a healthy lifestyle. The Association organizes events to encourage people to walk for at least half an hour. The National Walking Day and National Walking Month were both introduced to raise awareness about the importance of physical activities and to have a healthy lifestyle.

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It’s time to walk on the Shingle Creek Trail for “Walk Away May” with Osceola History

Church and Community Services Program to host re-opening event Thursday

The Church and Community Services Program will host its official re-opening event on Thursday from 9 am to 2 pm at 800 Office Plaza Blvd. Ste. 405 in Kissimmee. The event will showcase its mobile shower, a free service it provides to those who are experiencing homelessness and don’t have access to a shower, something most of us take for granted.

Speaking during the event will be City of Kissimmee Mayor, Olga Gonzalez, the founder of Church and Community Assistance Program.

“Our goal is to provide chronically homeless in crisis an opportunity to receive dignified treatment for those who have overcome crisis. This is about reaching to help others and rising together,” Mayor Gonzalez said.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/41GTL7Q

Osceola Parkway to go cashless, all-electronic tolling begins May 1

Don’t bother fumbling for cash or coins when you’re heading to Osceola Parkway, because Osceola County has announced that it will transition to an AllElectronic Tolling payment system, no more cash, on the Osceola Parkway as of 5 a.m. on May 1.

Cash will no longer be accepted at the Shingle Creek Mainline Toll Plaza and Poinciana Boulevard ramps on the Osceola Parkway. All tolls will be collected electronically using E-PASS, SunPass, or other toll transponder.

Drivers who don’t pay using a toll transponder will be identified by their license plate and receive a mailed bill called a “Pay By Plate”.

To learn more, visit: osceola.org/go/allcashlesstolls

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/40HNcR4

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Osceola Sheriff’s office to host Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida Friday morning

The 2023 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run will make a stop in Kissimmee this Friday, April 28th, kicking off at the Florida Cattleman’s Association at 9 a.m. and arriving at the Kissimmee Lakefront around 9:45 a.m.

Special Olympic athletes and law enforcement members will carry the “Flame of Hope” torch during this event organized by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with Kissimmee Police Department, St. Cloud Police Department, Osceola County Corrections, and Florida Highway Patrol.

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Join us in cheering on Special Olympic athletes and law enforcement members as they participate in this run for a noble cause.

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

Salvation Army, Osceola County announces first families selected for new ‘Pathway to Housing’ affordable housing program

Osceola County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry, along with the Salvation Army of Osceola County, introduced on Monday, the first families that will participate in its new Pathway to Housing program, a new affordable housing program that provides a pathway to affordable home ownership in Osceola County. The initiative will provide families in the program with one year of rent payments, among numerous other incentives.

Pathway to Housing is designed to help families break the cycle of housing insecurity by providing them with the tools needed to achieve homeownership and financial stability and is the result of a collaboration between Osceola County, The Salvation Army, and Housing 4 All, and offers vital financial education and assistance to families in need.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3HA3ogT

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Brightline unveils Orlando passenger rail station, ticket sales to begin next month

Brightline unveiled its highly anticipated Brightline Orlando Station at Orlando International Airport on Thursday, opening a new era of passenger rail that will connect two of the fastest growing regions in the state: Central and South Florida.

Brightline also announced that Orlando ticket sales will launch in May for future dates, with one-way fares starting at $79 for SMART and $149 for PREMIUM. SMART fare bundles for families of four will be available for less than $199 one way.

More than 300 invited guests took part in the Brightline Orlando Station reveal, the latest milestone moment for Brightline and transportation in America. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Kevin Thibault joined Brightline CEO Mike Reininger, President Patrick Goddard and Brightline teammates to celebrate the historic occasion. Elected officials, dignitaries and community leaders, including the tourism and hospitality sectors, stepped inside the first intercity passenger rail station of its kind, located in the Orlando International Airport.

“As a lifelong Central Floridian, it made me proud to see the advancement of our community today as our true multimodal hub becomes a reality and we celebrate the Brightline Orlando Station and soon to come train service to our international airport. This station represents so much more than a new train service, it is a critical connection for our community to jobs and opportunity and further showcases the power of partnerships and what our culture of collaboration here in Central Florida can do to improve the lives of our residents, workers and travelers when we work together,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said after the Brightline reveal. The guest journey begins at the main entrance, located off the airport’s expansive twostory glass atrium. Once inside the station, passengers can purchase tickets from guest services or one of several self-service kiosks, and check luggage before proceeding through touchless turnstiles into the security screening tunnel.

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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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By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Regular season winds down for spring sports, Osceols’s Hasse wins Schultz award

This week marks the final days of the regular season for many spring sports as teams begin preparations for district play. In other news, Osceola wrestler Cooper Haase was named the Florida winner of the prestigious David Schultz Award. Here’s a quick look around the county:

BASEBALL

It was a big week for Osceola as they knocked off two regional powerhouses to push their record to 13-9 on the season. The Kowboys beat Lake Nona (18-3) by a 12-3 score as Nick Palmi drove in two runs and pitched five innings of three-hit ball. In a 12-9 win over Lake Minneola (18-3), John Rodriguez and Louis Rodriguez combined for five RBI and Palmi scored three times. Osceola has two regular season games left at home with Cypress Creek and a return matchup on road with Lake Minneola this week.

After a four-game winning streak and slipping above Osceola in the power rankings, Harmony had a tough week, losing a narrow 6-5 decision to Eau Gallie and then dropping a 12-1 game to Viera. Sophomore Sam Castillo continues to have a good year for the ‘Horns, hitting .375 with 19 RBI and a team-leading nine extra base hit.

Sebastian Rivera knocked in a run as Celebration ran its record to 13-6-1 with a 3-2 win over Ridge. Logan Grathwol drove in two runs as St. Cloud (7-10) broke a threegame losing streak with a 5-2 win over Poinciana. Liberty took two out of three last week, beating Victory Christian (10-9) and Poinciana (6-2) to push their record to 10-9 on season. Senior Jeydalier Aponte was hitting .404 for the Chargers. Sophomore Hudson Moberly was hitting an impressive .571 and senior Austin Montalvo has a team leading 16 RBI for Tohopekaliga, that takes a 12-6 record into the final week of the regular season.

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

April is National Safe Digging month & Sunshine 811 offfers tips to homeowners

With warmer temperatures and April kicking off the best time of year to plant, spring means more people are heading outdoors to upgrade their landscaping, install a fence and overall improve their home’s curb appeal. Given that it’s the most active season for home beautification projects, Sunshine 811 encourages homeowners and professional contractors

to dig safely, especially as landscaping and fencing combined cause the most damage to underground utility lines – resulting in costly repairs, service interruptions and even injuries.

“Contacting 811 before you dig is the law, and nationwide the majority of damage occurs from not contacting 811. It’s all about ensuring public safety and preventing damage to the underground infrastructure,” said Mark Sweet, Sunshine 811’s Executive Director. “When you contact 811, we alert our member utilities of your project so they can identify and mark or clear their lines and your digging project can proceed safely.”

811 can be accessed by dialing those numbers directly on your phone or by visiting sunshine811.com and clicking on “Create a Ticket. “Sunshine 811 is also Florida’s goto resource for education on safe digging. The organization’s online Learning Center offers in-depth information, resources and videos on a variety of topics, including safe planting tips, damage prevention and more. Sunshine 811 encourages homeowners and contractors to follow these six fundamental steps for safe digging:

1. Plan your project – think about the scope and if you’ll need to hire a contractor. If digging in a small area of the dig site, outline that area with white paint, flags or even flour.

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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

New Children’s Advocacy Center of Osceola Facility Opens its

doors during Child Abuse and Prevention Month

The Children’s Advocacy Center Osceola says, “Every Child deserves to grow up feeling safe and loved.” That would seem to be an expectation that we could all have for the children in and around the Osceola County community, but sadly, it’s not that simple. According to the National Children’s Alliance, one out of 10 children will experience some form of sexual abuse or sexual assault during their childhood. Children’s Advocacy Centers, like Osceola County’s help child victims heal.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/41IT8ug

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

Officers and Deputies to team up in and around Osceola County to protect trail users

Less than half of all drivers yield to pedestrians at Central Florida trail crossings, according to data collected by the Best Foot Forward for Pedestrian Safety (BFF) program. To educate drivers and help reverse this dangerous trend, officers and deputies are teaming up for a series of enforcement details at popular trail crossings on May 2, 2023.

Despite trails being known as high-traffic areas for people walking and biking, data collected through the BFF program shows that only 46% of drivers are yielding to pedestrians at the 12 popular trail crossings being monitored this year. During Operation Best Foot Forward, plainclothes officers and deputies will cross streets at marked crosswalks, giving drivers enough time to slow down and stop safely. Drivers who do not stop as Florida law requires will be pulled over and face a minimum $164 citation and three (3) points on their driver’s license.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3N2FGNG

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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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Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park turns 25, contines to showcase the magic of nature

On Earth Day, April 22, 1998, Walt Disney World Resort invited guests to discover a oneof-a-kind theme park where they could be inspired by the magic of the natural world. The opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park introduced a whole new way to appreciate, enjoy and interact with animals while also delivering incredible new stories that celebrated our relationship with the environment.

The fourth Walt Disney World theme park was also Disney’s largest, spreading over 500 acres and adding a new draw to Central Florida as a top tourist destination in the world.

“Disney’s Animal Kingdom, like the world itself, will evolve and grow. It’s truly a living thing” Roy E. Disney said at the park’s official dedication ceremony on April 21, 1998.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3KX8FQd

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.

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

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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

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

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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.