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

IN & AROUND OSCEOLA

LIVE at the kickoff of the 2023 Special Olympics Torch Run

LIVE at Narcoossee Middle School with April’s Featured Professional Support Staff

LIVE with AJ Middleton of Osceola County Health Department

LIVE with Osceola County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry and the The Salvation Army of Osceola County

LIVE at Neptune Elementary School with April’s Featured Teacher

April

March

March

VIDEOS ON DEMAND

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

On May 13th, St. Cloud is offering a great way to spoil that special momMothers Day in the Park from 11am to 3pm at Peghorn Park. Cost is $10. On May 20th, St. Cloud is holding a free Women’s Empowerment Circle at 11am at Hopkins Park and is open to all women ages 18 and older.

Osceola History Walk Away May

Join Osceola History and Kissimmee Utility Authority for “Walk Away May.” Community members are invited to “walk on the Shingle Creek Trail” to experience the beauty and history of Osceola County.

Pridefest Kissimmee

On June 3rd, 12-4pm, Pridefest Kissimmeee, sponsored by Kissimmeee Utility Authority and Experience Kissimmeee, forster awareness and acknowledges the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community.

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.

Ring-Tailed Lemurs at Wild Florida

Wild Florida is without a question one of Central Florida’s most precious gems. Take a look at their Ring-Tailed Lemurs up close and personal with Positively Osceola’s Krissi Marie Hardy and Wild Florida’s educator Desiree! To learn more about Wild Florida, visit WildFL.com

The 2023 Osceola County Law Enforcement memorial ceremony honors fallen officers

The Osceola County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony held on Monday, May 17, was a solemn and heartfelt event that paid tribute to the fallen officers who dedicated and sacrificed their lives while serving and protecting the community. This annual ceremony, which took place in Osceola County Courthouse Square, served as a powerful reminder of the commitment and bravery exhibited by law enforcement officers.

The ceremony, which began with a beautifully reverent version of our National Anthem sung by Alieah Hemans, included St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke, Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland, Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, and the event’s keynote speaker Deputy Chief Yuberky Almonte from the Osceola County Corrections Department.

Annually, the ceremony aims to provide healing and comfort to the families of the fallen officers, and is a time for reflection and remembrance, as well as an opportunity to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by these brave men and women in uniform.

Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez announces program to recruit more women to become deputies

Sheriff Marcos Lopez announced on Thursday a new program called the Women on Watch initiative, designed to encourage more women to pursue a career with the Sheriff’s Office. The program will provide interested women a free opportunity to determine if their participation in the program could lead to joining the police academy.

“Women on Watch” is the first pre-academy program for women only and will give women and opportunity to preview some of the skills needed to be successful at the police academy, and ultimately at the Sheriff’s Office.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3BHhs4w

Governor Ron Desantis signs Representative Kristen Arrington’s guidance services bill into law

Representative Kristen Arrington passed SB 196 on the floor of the Florida House of Representatives with unanimous support during the 2023 Legislative Session. On Wednesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law.

The law, which will go in effect on July 1, 2023 for the 202324 school year, will require guidance counselors to advise public middle and high school students of all educational opportunities available to them to gain skills that are in demand in the labor market, including technical and trade education programs and how to prepare to obtain post secondary degrees in those areas.

“This legislation will help our children prepare for a better future by letting them know of all the opportunities available to plan and prepare them for a more diversified economy and workforce,” said Representative Arrington.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/41Pfr0P

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Tips for Staying Safe During the 2023 Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is nearly here! The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. This can be a scary time for some. Remember these simple tips to keep safe before, during and after the storm. Before the Hurricane KUA recommends having most of your family’s emergency preparations completed in advance. By the time a storm watch or warning is issued for your area, there shouldn’t be much left to prepare.

Always check food, water, first aid, batteries, pet and other stored supplies to ensure they’re fresh and ready to use. Fill your car with gas and check the oil and tires. If there’s a chance you’ll have to evacuate, put anything you may need in your car.

For more information look through the Osceola Hurricane Handbook or visit kua.com.

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

City of St. Cloud, Early Learning Coalition and United Way bring born learning trail to wheel park

In an exciting collaborative effort, the City of St. Cloud, the Early Learning Coalition , and United Way Heart of Florida came together to bring a Born Learning Trail to Wheel Park in St. Cloud. The Born Learning Trail, an innovative outdoor educational experience, is designed to promote early childhood development and provide fun learning opportunities for young children and their families. This initiative aims to create an interactive and engaging environment that fosters learning, exploration, and quality time spent together.

“The work of early childhood is play, and it’s through play that our children learn how to move their bodies, expand their minds, and learn about themselves, and the world around them. Play is the building block of literacy, health relationships, and a strong sense of self, all things children need for their brightest futures,” Amanda Kelkenberg, Chief Executive Officer with the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County said.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/45i1MlS

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Caps off to success: Osceola County High School Graduation dates for Class of 2023

The Osceola County School District will hold its 2023 high school graduations from Monday, May 22nd to Friday, May 26th at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee and at the Osceola County School for the Arts.

This is a special time to celebrate with friends and family so make sure to have your camera ready to capture these lifelong memories. All graduation ceremonies will be live streamed on the School District’s YouTube channel to ensure that family and friends can celebrate the great accomplishments of these graduates, even if unable to attend in person.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3puybW0

time to walk on the Shingle Creek Trail for ‘Walk Away May’ with Osceola History

Osceola History’s “Walk Away May” begins Monday May 1 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.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3W30x68

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

It’s

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Harmony Longhorn wrangle in OBC all-sports, academic championships, Osceola wrestlers named OBC male, female athletes of the year

The Orange Belt Conference (OBC) honored the brightest and the best in Osceola County high school sports on Wednesday night at its annual awards banquet at Heritage Park in Kissimmee.

Harmony, as well as Osceola wrestlers Cooper Haase and Kealoni Vega, were the big winners on the evening. The Longhorns captured the All-Sports Championship for the 2022-23 school year, as well as the overall Academic Championship; while Haase and Vega were named the OBC Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

The OBC consists of the eight public schools in Osceola County, including Celebration, Gateway, Harmony, Liberty, Osceola, Poinciana, St. Cloud and Tohopekaliga. To be included in the All-Sports standings, each sport must be contested by at least four of the eight county schools. Each sport receives equal weight. Points are awarded on an 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis. Points are earned on the results of either an OBC Tournament or from round-robin results for team sports; and one-day OBC Tournaments for individual sports. Because of the nature of football, where county teams play in assigned districts and different classes – the sport is not included in the OBC All-Sports results.

The Longhorns found themselves in a tight race with Celebration through the conclusion of the fall and winter sports. But Harmony captured team championships in four spring sports, including baseball, boys track, girls track, and flag football for a championship total of 152 to easily outdistance second place St. Cloud (128) and third place Celebration (127). Tohopekaliga was fourth (104).

It was Harmony’s third consecutive team title and 11th in the school’s 19-year history.

“We have a tremendous coaching staff here that works extremely hard in building overall programs, and not just single year success. When we graduate a great senior class, we always seem to have underclassmen ready to step in, compete and fill the void,” Harmony Athletics Director Dan Kerr.

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

Osceola County’s Trasportation Summit in Kissimmee sets the stage for future road projects

Osceola County, in collaboration with the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX), the Florida Department of Transportation District 5, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, and MetroPlan Orlando, hosted a highly anticipated Transportation Summit on Tuesday morning, May 9, at the Kissimmee Civic Center.

The event served as a platform for key government officials, transportation experts, and stakeholders to share insights about ongoing road projects, future plans, and the positive impact these initiatives will have on residents and visitors in and around Osceola County.

The event’s transportation keynote speakers were Osceola County Chairwoman and Commissioner for District Viviana Janer, MetroPlan Orlando Executive Director Gary Huttmann, Osceola County Deputy Manager Tawny Olore, FDOT Secretary from District 5 John Tyler, Executive Director and CEO from Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise Nicola Liquori, and Central Florida Expressway Authority Executive Director Michelle Maikisch.

Mark A. Steiner, MD Cardiology Orlando Health

Orlando Health: preventing heart attacks: is it time to learn your calcium score?

If you’re wondering about your chances of having a heart attack over the next five years, a calcium score screening test could offer important insights. These tests, which have been around for more than a decade, measure the amount of calcium that has accumulated in your coronary arteries. They are quite good at predicting risk for heart attack and other cardiac problems. Most importantly, they can help your doctor recommend lifestyle changes and medications to reduce your risk.

When Should You Learn Your Calcium Score?

This isn’t one of those tests – like a colonoscopy, for example – that everyone is urged to get by a certain age. It’s based more on your individual health situation.

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

FWC announces 2023 Lionfish challenge to tackle invasive species

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced the 2023 Lionfish Challenge, in sponsorship with Zookeeper. As a Florida-based lionfish hunting gear and apparel outfitter, the Zookeeper team is aware of the negative impacts lionfish have caused and want to support the organizations and divers working to fight the lionfish invasion. This year’s tournament shirt was custom-designed and printed by Zookeeper and will be awarded to participants who reach the first prize tier.

The Lionfish Challenge is a free summer-long lionfish tournament open to recreational and commercial competitors of all ages around the state of Florida. There’ been an astounding number of lionfish removed as part of this challenge – more than 165,000. As we kick off the eighth year of the Lionfish Challenge, our goal remains the same: remove as many lionfish as we can in just four months. Are you up for the Challenge?

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Opp8jp

Experience the jaw-dropping excitement of Gator Week 2023 at Wild Florida May29-June 3

Get ready gator enthusiasts, Gator Week at Wild Florida returns May 29 – June 3!

During this week, guests can receive free Gator Park admission when they make a small donation towards the Wild Florida Scholarship Fund to help Osceola County high school students pay for college.

DAILY SCHEDULE THROUGHOUT GATOR WEEK

Exotic Animal Show – During Wild Florida’s regularly scheduled Exotic Animal Show performances, they’ll focus our segments on different types of crocodilians. For instance, Wild Florida will bring out a Nile, caiman, albino and regular American alligator. In addition to an educational seminar, they’ll also have alligator calling contests and Q&A trivia.

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

St. Cloud Council approves two Hopkins Park area projects

St. Cloud’s City Council approved two large projects during Thursday’s council meeting focused on bringing improvements to the River Road/Hopkins Park area.

The council voted to accept a $1,051.360 Community Project Funding grant for the construction of a centralized sewer system to replace aging, privately-owned septic sewer systems at homes along River Road, Bibbens Street, and Mency Street near Hopkins Park. Grant funds will be used to cover the cost for residents to connect to Toho’s sewer system. Once connected to the sewer system, residents will be responsible for paying the monthly utility bill for sewer.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/41NnCM7

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Two Osceola Heritage Park Executives earn nominations for 2023 SPORTYS Awards

Robb Larson, General Manager of OHP, and Mary Burd, Assistant General Manager & Director of Finance at OHP have been nominated for the 2023 SPORTYS Awards, which are presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute and honor sports business professionals who excel in their field, and whose contributions and help make the Greater Orlando area one of the country’s premier sports destinations.

Robb Larson, General Manager of OHP, has been nominated for Executive of the Year, and Mary Burd, Assistant General Manager & Director of Finance at OHP, was nominated the Best in Business Operations.

The 2023 SPORTYS will air on WKMG-TV News 6 and stream online on Saturday, June 17 at 7:00 PM with the winners being revealed during the broadcast.

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

Beware of online scams when searching for home weatherization assistance programs

The Osceola Council on Aging is warning the community to beware of fraudulent websites while searching for home weatherization programs. These websites ask people to fill out online forms, which are then used to steal the applicant’s personal information. Unfortunately, when a victim of this malicious fraud attempts to contact the company, they receive no response or support.

FAMILY LAW

Draper Law: Showing positive parenting

When parents of minor children divorce, it can be several years before their involvement with the court will end. Ideally, both parties will abide by their thoughtfully created parenting agreement and make changes which support their children’s wellbeing. However, as time passes and circumstances change, it is not uncommon for parents to disagree about what is in the best interest of their kids. A parent may also claim the other does not have good parenting abilities and seek to make legal changes to the parenting plan. In this situation, the other parent may have to provide evidence of their positive parenting skills.

The Draper Law Office has attorneys who are experienced with helping clients with child custody and parenting time issues and can help. 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.

HEALTH

Maria S. Echavez-Arroyo, MD Internal Medicine Orlando Health

Orlando Health: common cold - or something more serious?

You feel it coming on: itchy eyes, runny nose, a tickle in your throat. Over the next few days, your symptoms progress to include sneezing, congestion, fatigue, cough and a sore throat. Despite your best efforts, it looks like you’ve caught the common cold, and if you’re not attentive it could get worse.

HOW COMMON IS THE COLD?

Colds are a minor viral infection that account for more doctor visits than any other illness. Adults, on average, catch two to four colds a year — kids even more — with most cases reported between September and May.

Highly contagious, colds spread much like the flu, by droplets of fluid or inhaled. The most common cause, rhinovirus, accounts for more than 40 percent of reported cases, usually last less than 10 days and can be treated with symptom relief medications and rest.

If left unchecked however, a cold can progress to more serious illnesses. And sneezing, congestion and sore throat also can be symptoms of other ailments.

• Think it might be the flu? Although both viral in nature, colds differ from the flu, which ramps up faster and includes more severe symptoms such as weakness, chills and body aches.

• Think it might be allergies? Allergies can share symptoms with the common cold, but allergies are noncontagious responses of your immune system to an allergen, often seasonal and controllable by antihistamines.

OTHER ILLNESSES CAN STEM FROM A COLD

Fighting any minor ailment weakens your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to other illnesses.

For more information visit OrlandoHealth.com.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/41H6mac

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Walt Disney World offers limited-time Florida resident ticket this summer

Summer is right around the corner, and right now, Florida residents can take advantage of great value and plenty of Disney thrills at Walt Disney World theme parks with the new Florida Resident Disney Summer Magic Ticket.

Beginning May 16, 2023, Florida residents can purchase a 4-day ticket for $58 per day plus tax ($229 total plus tax) or a 3-day ticket for $70 per day plus tax ($209 total plus tax). Tickets are valid through September 29, 2023 (subject to blockout dates from May 26 to May 29, July 1 to July 4 and September 1 to September 4, 2023). To learn more about the Disney Summer Magic Ticket, visit DisneyWorld.com/SummerMagic .

Time to Celebrate #AlltheDisneyThrills

Florida residents can make this summer extra special when they visit a Walt Disney World theme park with friends and loved ones. Each of the four theme parks offers thrills for every age and interest.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3pTYcy0

SeaWorld Orlando’s Pipeline: the world’s first surf coaster starts breaking waves at SeaWorld Orlando on May 27th

Pipeline, the World’s first surf coaster begins breaking waves at SeaWorld Orlando on May 27th.

SeaWorld guests will have an opportunity to feel the incredible power of the ocean in a whole new way as they experience the thrill of launching up 110 foot “waves” while feeling every bank and curve like the real deal.

The rush of SeaWorld’s new coaster is created by innovative dynamic seats that give you, the surfer, an unparalleled freedom of movement.

With the opening of SeaWorld’s seventh coaster, it strengthens its claim to the tagline, Coaster Capital of Orlando.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3LQ1udi

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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

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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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS

Tomato and Avocado Salsa with fresh Florida Sweet Corn, it’s Positively Delicious!

There’s nothing like relaxing on a hot summers day while enjoying tasty salsa made with Fresh Florida Sweet Corn… It’s Positively Delicious.

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup Florida bell pepper, chopped fine

• ½ cup red onion, chopped fine

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, hand-torn

• 4 ears Florida sweet corn

• 2 large Florida tomatoes, diced

• 1 large Florida avocado, peeled, pit removed and diced

• 1 lime, juiced

• 1 teaspoon powdered cumin

• Dash of your favorite hot sauce

• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper

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

Florida Blueberry Cheesecake, it’s Positively Delicious!

Fresh Florida Blueberries on a tangy cheesecake…It’s positively delicious!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 whole cheesecake (homemade or store bought)

• 4 pints Florida blueberries, rinsed

• 1 cup Florida sugar

• ½ lemon, juiced

• 1 cup water

• Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3n7vdG2

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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS

Florida Strawberries with white and dark chocolate mousse, it’s Positively Delicious

Smooth chocolate mousse with sweet Florida Strawberries… It’s Positively Delicious.

INGREDIENTS

• 12 large Florida strawberries, rinsed and sliced

• Fresh mint, for garnish

• 3 ounces white chocolate, broken into pieces

• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream, divided

• 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 ounces dark chocolate for baking, broken into pieces

• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream, divided

• 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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

Chargrilled Florida Oysters, it’s Positively Delicious!

Buttery Florida Oysters fresh from the sea… It’s Positively Delicious.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 dozen fresh Florida oysters, shucked and on the half shell

• Your favorite hot sauce, to taste

• 1 stick unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 3 lemons (1 for juice, 2 cut for garnish)

• 1 loaf crusty French bread

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper

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

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

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.