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

St. Cloud to host annual Memorial Day Wreath laying ceremony at Mt. Peace Cemetery on Monday

Orlando International Airport prepares fr 1 million travelers during Memorial Day holiday

Osceola High School’s longtime Baseball coach Scott Birchler stepping down

Osceola County’s semiconductor technology takes leap forward with Korean tech institute signing

Wawa pledges $1 million to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to feed more children & families

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

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

LIVE

April 19th, 2023

LIVE

March

LIVE

March 23rd, 2023

February

February

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

St. Cloud to host annual Memorial Day Wreath laying ceremony at Mt. Peace Cemetery on Monday

On Monday May 29th, Memorial Day, our nation will honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. In St. Cloud, the community will come together at 10am at Mt. Peace Cemetery to pay our respects during the Annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony.

The ceremony will include the laying of wreaths, a gun salute by the the Osceola Veterans Council, reverent musical performances, and speeches by local elected officials.

It will be a solemn time of reflection, reverence, remembrance, and thankfulness for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that our nation remains free. Freedom is never free.

Mt. Peace Cemetery is located at 775 East 10th Street in St. Cloud.

Orlando International Airport prepares fr 1 million travelers during Memorial Day holiday

As the nation’s most visited destination, the Orlando area is preparing for an active Memorial Day weekend as more than 1.1 million travelers will move through Orlando International Airport (MCO) during the 7-day travel period, or about 16 percent more passengers than the year before.

For many, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of the summer travel season. Early indications, including growing demand and an increase in airline service and seat capacity, point to a busy summer for MCO, the global gateway to Central Florida.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Mvbj0x

St. Cloud to host 2023 culinary bicycle tour, Bicycles & Bites, on Saturday, June 3rd

How about enjoying some positively delicious fare in St. Cloud while getting some healthy, fun exercise at the same time? It’s St. Cloud’s 2023 Culinary Bicycle Tour – Bicycles & Bites, and it’s hitting the streets and the St. Cloud eateries on Saturday, June 3rd!

The bike tour tour is a five-mile relaxed ride through scenic St. Cloud, where you’ll experience up to ten local restaurants! Bring your own bike or take advantage of the bike rentals for only $5 per person.

The cost is $15 per person for ages 13 and older, and all ages are welcome to attend. Children 12 and under can ride for free!

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/436ocoL

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

Osceola County’s semiconductor technology takes leap forward with Korean tech institute signing

BRIDG recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea Institute of Advancement of Technology (KIAT), opening the door to further advancing semiconductor technology capabilities at NeoCity, in Osceola County.

The MOU ceremony took place during the official state visit of the Republic of Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Washington D.C., on April 27th. The U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Minister of Technology, Industry and Energy Lee Chang Yang, Osceola County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry, BRIDG President James Vandevere and KIAT President Byung Joo Min were in attendance.

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

Wawa pledges $1 million to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to feed more children & families

Tonight in Central Florida, one in five children is at risk of going to bed hungry. A $1 million grant from Wawa to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida will hopefully help change that statistic by increasing the amount of fresh produce sent home with kids who are experiencing food insecurity.

The goal of Wawa and Second Harvest’s “Fly Beyond” pilot program is to reach more than 53,000 households over a 12-month period through two of the food bank’s childhood hunger prevention initiatives: the School Partnerships and Summer Food Service programs.

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

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

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

Walking on the Shingle Creek Trail for ‘Walk Away May’ with Osceola History

Osceola History’s “Walk Away May” continues through 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.

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

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

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Osceola High School’s longtime Baseball coach Scott Birchler stepping down

After two stints and 21 seasons with Scott Birchler at the helm, Osceola High School will be looking for a new head baseball coach. Birchler, the all-times win leader in the school’s history, announced his retirement at the team’s annual baseball banquet on Wednesday night.

Birchler steps down after another successful campaign, where the Kowboys – despite playing one of the toughest schedules in the state – went 16-10, won a district championship, won a regional quarterfinal and then took eventual regional champion Park Vista to the limit in losing a 3-1 decision.

“No one thing led up to this decision,” Birchler said. “It’s always tough to figure out when it’s the right time to leave. I started to think about this last year when my son Blake was a senior and after this season, it just felt like the right time. Being the head baseball coach at a school like Osceola is a time-consuming job and honestly there is more to my life than just baseball. Trying to be a good husband, a good father and a good grandfather is extremely important to me and by stepping down it will give me more time to focus on those things.”

That game marked the end of a remarkable coaching career, where Birchler came to the school in 1993 as a teaching intern and assistant baseball coach but was thrust into the role of interim head coach with the sudden departure of Rob Beach.

He would remain head coach until 2000, when he resigned after winning the first of his eight district championships to become an assistant coach at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando. “My wife was pregnant and I felt I was needed a lot more around the house than on a baseball field,” Birchler said. “Dr. Phillips didn’t have lights at the time, they played afternoon games and being an assistant is a lot less time consuming that being a head coach. I just felt it was the right thing to do.”

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/434izqZ

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

Osceola Arts’ Young Actory Company presents “Into The Woods,” beginning this Firday, May 26

Osceola Arts in Kissimmee is kicking off the summer season in a big way with its Young Actors Company presentation of “Into The Woods,” hitting the studio theatre stage beginning this Friday May 26 at 7pm, through Sunday June 4 at 2pm. All actors in the presentation are between the ages of 16-19.

The story follows a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results. Get your tickets today!

Maria Bello, MD, MPH Family Medicine Orlando Health

Orlando Health: Why Women Get Insomnia and How To Get Better Sleep

Insomnia is a common condition, but women have more trouble sleeping than men. It’s estimated that one in every four women get insomnia, compared with one in every five men. A combination of physical and mental factors account for the difference, from menopause to pregnancy to depression. That’s why it’s especially important for women to practice good “sleep hygiene” to help ensure they get a good night of rest to prepare for the day ahead.

What Interferes with Women’s Sleep?

Multiple health factors in both men and women can lead to insomnia, including pulmonary and cardiac disorders, hypertension and chronic pain. Medications for those conditions may contribute to sleep disorders.

Sleep problems also are more common for both men and women as we age. But for older women, menopause makes insomnia even more likely. Hot flashes and night sweats can wake women up and then make it difficult to go back to sleep. These symptoms can last months or years.

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

Florida Governor Ron Desantis launches 2023

Florida Python challenge to tackle invasive species

Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that registration for the 2023 Florida Python Challenge is now open. Participants will have the chance to win a share of more than $30,000 in prizes while removing invasive Burmese pythons from the wild. Starting today, those interested in participating in the 2023 Florida Python Challenge® can complete the required online training to compete in the 10-day competition which runs August 4–13, 2023. The competition is open to both professional and novice participants.

Osceola County Commissioner Brandon Arrington to host drive-thru summertime food distribution

With some families and individuals in our community still experiencing food insecurity, non-profit organizations and local governments are continuing to come together to organize food distribution events to assist those who are in need.

On Saturday, June 25th, from 10am – 12pm, Osceola County Board 0f County Commissioner for District 3 Brandon Arrington will host a free, drive-thru Summertime food distribution, supported by 2nd Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and State Representative for District 46 Kristen Arrington.

The event will begin at 10 am at St. Rose of Lima Church, located at 3880 Pleasant Hill Road, Kissimmee. One meal pack will be given to each vehicle, and the food distribution will be first come, first served while supplies last.

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

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

Memorial Day and Veterans Day: the difference between the two holidays

There are special holidays throughout the year that were created to honor the men and women who have served to protect our country. Two of those holidays are Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Memorial Day and Veterans Day? Positively Osceola would like to help bring some clarification between these two holidays designed for the brave and courageous individuals we call heroes!

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

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

Dunkin’ Iced Coffee day returns, benefits Orlando Health to support kids battling illness

Dunkin’ recently gave their customers an extra reason for getting their iced coffee fix during the hot days of May with the return of Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day on Tuesday, May 23. On that day, guests made their coffee run count, with Dunkin’ donating $1 from every iced coffee sold at participating Dunkin’ locations to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation.

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation donated 100 percent of funds raised on Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day towards local children’s hospitals to help expand their impact in the community. In the Central Florida community, proceeds will go to Orlando Health to support kids battling illness in the community.

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

Robert P. Olson, MD Family Medicine Orlando Health

Orlando Health: 7 ways to keep an exercise schedule going strong through summer

Exercising during the summer months ought to be easy. As our days get warmer, it’s generally easier to fit a run or walk in. But summer is also a time to slip out of regular routines — especially if your kids are out of school and schedules have shifted.

The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. If you’re just starting an exercise program or want to keep one going, here are seven ways to keep summer schedules from derailing your fitness efforts.

The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week.

1. Start small. Many exercisers start off with a big plan — to run three miles without stopping or to exercise every day for a week. But the body needs time to adjust to those new physical demands, and if you start too much too soon, the mental and physical effort can be too much. Instead, start with a small goal, perhaps a 10 minute walk, a walk/run combination for a mile or a twice-weekly exercise schedule. It’s more reinforcing to start small and accomplish the goal than set a tough goal that you give up on.

2. Switch up your summer routine to make exercising more convenient. Instead of driving across town during rush hour to go to the gym, consider fitting exercise into your current activities. Run around the track during your daughter’s soccer practice. With daylight lasting longer, introduce a new activity of after-dinner walks with the family, or a game of 21 at the basketball court at the park.

3. Make exercise social and fun. Join a team to play a sport, train for a race or be a gym buddy. Knowing someone will miss you if you don’t show up can be a powerful motivator. And, by finding activities that you enjoy, you may get your steps in without even noticing.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3OERR4b

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

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

Enjoy a Summer Spectacular at

May 27-September 4

When the sun goes down, the night comes to life at SeaWorld’s Summer Spectacular, running from May 27 to September 4!

Stay late all summer to immerse yourself in exotic worlds of light and music and experience your favorite SeaWorld attractions in a whole new way. Dance the night away with world-class DJs for a family-friendly party beneath the waves. Then end the night with Ignite, a fireworks spectacular that brings the brilliance of the sea to the sky above.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3osl8Eq

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

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Universal Orlando Resort reveals details about Minion Land, opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida

Universal Orlando Resort has shared new details about all the ways guests can eat, laugh and make mischief with the Minions in the highly anticipated Minion Land on Illumination Ave. – an immersive new area created in partnership between Universal’s award-winning creative team and the acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination. Opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida, the new land expands upon the wildly popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and will debut a new collection of experiences for guests of all ages inspired by the beloved Minions franchise.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3BT4tNb

Universal Orlando Resort to celebrate 30th anniversary of iconic film Jurassic Park

Universal Orlando Resort is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the groundbreaking film Jurassic Park, with special #JurassicJune limited-time experiences. Theme park guests can celebrate one of the greatest cinematic adventures ever created with exclusive merchandise, specialty food and beverage offerings and screenings of the 1993 iconic film.

Here’s how guests can celebrate Jurassic Park at Universal Orlando Resort:

• Universal Orlando guests can step through the iconic gates of Jurassic Park at Universal Islands of Adventure and explore an immersive land home to exciting experiences inspired by the record-breaking franchise, including “Jurassic Park River Adventure” – where a leisure raft ride turns into a daring eight-story plunge to escape a ferocious T. rex; “Jurassic World VelociCoaster” – Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster; and more.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3IUwN67

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

POSITIVELY DELICIOUS

Florida Tropical Slaw with Fresh Cabbage, it’s Positively Delicious!

Summer is here! It’s the perfect time to try out this Tropical Slaw with Fresh Florida Cabbage… it’s Positively Delicious!

INGREDIENTS

• 1/3 head Florida red cabbage, thinly shredded

• 1/3 head Florida green cabbage, thinly shredded

• 2 Florida carrots, grated

• 1 Florida mango, diced small

• 2 tablespoons Florida sugar

• 2 tablespoons Florida orange juice

• 2 green onions, sliced thin

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped fine

• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

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

Florida

Watermelon Pizza, it’s Positively Delicious!

A delicious fruit pizza made with fresh Florida Watermelon…it’s Positively Delicious!

INGREDIENTS

• Florida Watermelon

• Vanilla flavored yogurt or other flavor, as desired

• Assorted Florida Fruit, Ex: Blueberries, Strawberries, Peaches, Oranges, and Mango

• Florida Honey

• Shredded Coconut

• Granola, optional

• Fresh mint, optional

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3oy7pf9

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

POSITIVELY DELICIOUS

Grilled Florida Ribeye with Herb-Citrus Butter, it’s Positively Delicious!

Juicy grilled steak fresh from Florida… It’s Positively Delicious.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 (12-ounce) Florida beef ribeye steaks

• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoon Florida HerbCitrus Butter

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3q18We4

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.