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

Kissimmee woman winds $5 million top prize playing the Gold Rush limited scratch-off game

Seaworld Orlando announces stellar artist lineup for Summer Spectacular concert series

Stormy wet weather to continue today and through the weekend, stron winds, lightening likely

City of St. Cloud council approves new skatepark at Ted Broda Memorial Park

St. Cloud’s Lakefront to shine with the rockets’ Red Glare: Independence Day celebration returns

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IN & AROUND OSCEOLA

LIVE for the wreath laying ceremony at Mount Peace Cemetery in St. Cloud

LIVE for the Celebration Memorial Day Ceremony at Founders Park

LIVE with City of Kissimmee’s Rod Bargaineer and Stephanie Bachara talking Juneteenth festival June 17

LIVE with KUA’s Director of Corporate Communications Tiffany Henderson on their Osceola Hurricane Handbook!

LIVE with St. Cloud Police Department Chief Douglas talking safety on the roads

April

March

March

VIDEOS ON DEMAND

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

Our hot summer months are here, and that means the City of St. Cloud, Florida is hard at work creating impacting experiences and opportunities for the community!

World’s Largest Swimming Lesson

Swim lessons save lives! Sign up for the 14th annual World’s Largest Swimming Lesson on June 22nd from 9am-12pm.

City of St. Cloud Junior Lifeguard Training Program

Junior Lifeguard Training Program for ages 10 thru 15 begins June 9th. Each session is held over 3 days ending on July 30th. Classes are filling up! City of St. Cloud, Florida

City of St. Cloud’s 4th on the Lake Celebration

Join the City of St. Cloud for the 4th on the Lake Celebration that’s bigger and better than ever!

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

Kissimmee woman winds $5 million top prize playing the Gold Rush limited scratch-off game

The Florida Lottery announced on Thursday that 41-year-old Mensny Oreste of Kissimmee, claimed a $5 million top prize from the GOLD RUSH LIMITED Scratch-Off game at Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. She chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $3,960,000.00.

Oreste purchased her winning ticket from Circle K, located at 2500 South French Avenue in Sanford. The retailer will receive a $10,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.

According to the Florida Lottery, the $20 Scratch-Off game GOLD RUSH LIMITED, launched in September 2021 and features 32 top prizes of $5 million and 100 prizes of $1 million! Additionally, this ticket is filled with more than 33,000 prizes of $1,000 to $100,000! The game’s overall odds of winning are 1-in-2.65.

Congrats to Mensny Oreste of Kissimmee!

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3JsZ0kH

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

Seaworld Orlando announces stellar artist lineup for Summer Spectacular concert series

Experience an awesome summer of live music at SeaWorld Orlando’s Summer Spectacular Concert Series taking place every Saturday and Sunday night from July 8th to August 6th in Seaworld’s Nautilus Theater.

Top artists ranging from Pop to Classic Rock and Roll will take the stage every Saturday and Sunday night beginning at 6pm.

What makes this epic Summer Spectacular Concert Series even better? All concerts are FREE with park admission!

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3PszW0Y

Stormy wet weather to continue today and through the weekend, stron winds, lightening likely

It looks like another wet one in Osceola County and around Central Florida, with many areas seeing some strong morning showers. Storms will likely fire up again this afternoon, so be careful on the roads today! The wet weather pattern will continue through the weekend, with many storms being severe with frequent lightening. Here’s the Positively Osceola 3-day weather forecast:

Today

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 104. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

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

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

City of St. Cloud council approves new skatepark at Ted Broda Memorial Park

During Thursday night’s City Council meeting, approval was given for a new skatepark to be built at Ted Broda Memorial Park, which is located off of Michigan Avenue between Nolte Rd. and Royal St. Cloud Golf Links.

Deputy Parks & Recreation Director Michael Tennaro informed Council members that the initial plan was to upgrade the current skatepark at Peghorn Avenue’s Wheel Park. However, soil analysis revealed extensive remediation requirements would be needed if the skatepark was to be built there, making it financially unfeasible.

In a workshop held in January 2022, Council members were presented with alternative locations, with the council ultimately deciding on Ted Broda Park for the new skatepark, which will be 13,000 square feet and feature a bowl extension once completed, larger than the one it is replacing at Wheel Park.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3pk9Hz2

St. Cloud’s Lakefront to shine with the rockets’ Red Glare: Independence Day celebration returns

The rockets’ red glare will once again fill the skies over the City of St. Cloud Lakefront as the city hosts its 4th on the Lake, Celebrate the USA celebration on Tuesday, July 4th.

The celebration of our nation’s birthday in St. Cloud will begin at 5 pm and will feature an assortment of live music, food trucks, vendors, a beer garden, an awesome kid zone, games and prizes, and lots of fun.

One of Central Florida’s largest and exciting firework display begins at 9 pm, but remember to head down early to enjoy the Lakefront and to get your favorite spot to view the celebration of our amazing nation!

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3NF3ozA

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

Dr. Mark Shanoff to assume role of Superintendent

in Osceola School District

The School District of Osceola County selected Dr. Mark Shanoff as its next Superintendent during its Tuesday June 13 board meeting.

Dr. Shanoff is the current Chief Interim Information Officer with Orange County Public Schools, with prior experience as the Chief Operating Officer with the Volusia County School District and principal at a number of Orange County schools, including Edgewater High School, Ocoee Middle School, and Dillard Street Elementary School.

“I am excited to work with our forward-thinking Board, and alongside the outstanding professionals in the School District of Osceola County, to create opportunities for all students. The formal educational experience for our children is a mere short segment of their lives and we have a duty and an obligation to ensure it’s high quality, meaningful and positive.”

Shanoff received his teaching certification at Harvard University, his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education at Rollins College, his Master of Science in Educational Leadership at Nova Southeastern University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida, and his Doctorate in Education at the University of Central Florida.

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

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Tohopekaliga’s Nikko Martell to Take Over Kowboys Baseball Program

An anticipated exhaustive search for the right candidate to replace retiring Osceola baseball coach Scott Birchler lasted just a few days, as Kowboys Athletics Director Rick Tribit named former Tohopekaliga skipper Nikko Martell to the post on Tuesday afternoon.

“When he applied for the job I was intrigued by the possibility,” Tribit said. “From my days at Winter Springs, I know how difficult it can be to start a new program – especially in baseball where you are often behind the eight ball in terms of facilities, equipment, resources and even players. Nikko has done a fantastic job of building the program at Tohopekaliga. In a very short period of time, he not only transformed the Tigers into a competitive program but a winning one.”

Entering his 11th year as a high school coach, Martell spent five years as an assistant coach at Gateway. When Tohopekaliga opened for 2018-19 school year, Martell became the first head baseball coach. A 4-15 initial season was followed by a 3-4 Covid year and a 5-12 mark in 2020-21.

He posted his first winning season in 2022 with a 10-9 season before winning a school record 12 games last season. That achievement — combined with the culture he created — earned Martell the prestigious “Mike Fields Distinguished Leadership Award.” Named after the former St. Cloud and Harmony baseball coaching legend, the award recognizes athletic achievement, sportsmanship and community service. Under Martell, Tiger baseball players and staff volunteered to work numerous campus events, including handling parking duties and interacting with campus visitors.

For the past couple of years Martell has organized and run the XT Preseason Classic, an honorary baseball tournament to remember his friend Xavier Torres; he also works closely with the Latinos in Action, helping create a Roberto Clemente Community Service Award for high school athletes who do volunteer work inside the community.

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

Watch the weather, wait to water

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is encouraging residents who irrigate their lawns to take advantage of the upcoming summer rainy season and “watch the weather, wait to water.”

During the summer months of June, July, August and September, yards need no more than ½ to ¾ inch of water every two to three days. If your lawn has received enough water from rainfall, turn off the irrigation system and turn it back on when needed. The simplest way to determine if your yard needs water is to look for these visual clues:

• Grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least one-third of your yard.

• Grass blades appear blue-gray.

• Grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3J2qXiX

Nayer Canton Vafabakhsh, MD Orlando Health

Orlando Health: How soon should my child start swimming lessons?

Swimming can be a fun activity for kids, and with Florida’s warm weather, it can be a great way to cool down. But with drowning listed as the top cause of death for children between ages 1 and 4, swimming lessons are key to reducing the risk of tragedy.

So, at what age should you start considering swim lessons for your kids? This may be surprising, but getting them started by the age of 1 can reduce the risk of accidental drowning by 88 percent, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine. Your child won’t be swimming laps as a toddler, but those early lessons can help them overcome a natural fear of water, while teaching critical survival tactics such as keeping their head above water.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3phAjk8

Looking

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

Pawsitively Prepared: Essential steps to keep pets safe during storms and hurricanes, from KUA

When it comes to severe weather like tropical storms and hurricanes, humans can be at risk, but our pets can be at risk as well. In and around Osceola County we are prone to severe weather year-round, but from June through November, which is hurricane season, we do our best to be extra-prepared in case tropical weather comes our way. Here are some tips that KUA has provided from their 2023 Hurricane Guide to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet during severe storms.

Osceola County has three approved pet-friendly shelter locations:

• Harmony High School 3601 Arthur J. Gallagher Blvd. Harmony, FL 34771

• Liberty High School 250 Pleasant Hill Blvd. Kissimmee, FL 34746

• Kissimmee Middle School 2410 Dyer Blvd. Kissimmee, FL 34741

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Nh0K1j

Mecum Kissimmee’s “Summer Special” collector car auction to roar back into Kissimmee July 6-9

Mecum Kissimmee will hit the gas and pull back into Osceola Heritage Park July 6-9. Mecum Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction will once again place thousands of cars up for auction, along with a wide array of classic Road Art items, and more.

Mecum Kissimmee attendees can expect live auction action, entertainment acts, Dodge’s Thrill Ride, and the Mecum Midway, which offers food, exhibitors, and more.

The upcoming event in July at Osceola Heritage Park continues the tradition of the Mecum Kissimmee auctions, where car enthusiasts gather to buy and sell collectible vehicles of all kinds. This event attracts participants from around the world who are interested in classic cars, motorcycles, tractors, and other related items.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/42y9Zjh

Arts Unlimited presents ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’ at Osceola Council on Agining

ARTS Unlimited, LLC is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, a Tony Award-winning play by Christopher Durang. The performance will take place on Friday, July 28th at 7:00 p.m. for the public at the Osceola Council on Aging in Kissimmee.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is a hilarious comedy that revolves around three middle-aged siblings. Vanya and Sonia, who have spent their lives caring for their parents, find their routine disrupted when their glamorous movie-star sister, Masha, arrives with her new beau, Spike. With a soothsaying cleaning woman, an aspiring actress, and family plans in disarray, the stage is set for a laugh-out-loud ruckus.

INJURY LAW

Draper Law: What to know about parking lot accidents

Parking lots can be tricky for drivers to navigate. Whether you’re at a grocery store, restaurant, doctor’s office, apartment complex, concert or sports venue, or school, getting in and out of a parking lot can be tricky due to the sheer number of cars and pedestrians in the area.

Many of these accidents are caused by distracted driving. The good news is that these crashes are often at low speeds, so the injuries involved are not typically too bad.

Parking lots are often crowded, making accidents likely. If you have been involved in an accident, the Kissimmee auto accident lawyers at Draper Law Office can help you gather evidence and recover compensation for the losses you have suffered. To schedule a free consultation, call (407) 743-6628 or fill out the online form.

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

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.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/44DSoZo

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

Ashlee Wright, MDA, RD, LD/N Outpatient Registered Dietitian Orlando Health

Overhauling your diet sounds daunting, right? But small tweaks can make a lasting difference in your health and nutrition. These five changes — plus tips on how to achieve them — can help you score quick improvements in how you feel and give you the confidence to try for even bigger changes over time.

Eat More Fiber

If you’re only going to try one thing on this list, make it adding more fiber — it’s easier than you think. Look at a list of high-fiber foods — odds are, you’ll find things there that you already love (for example raspberries and blackberries, which each pack 8 grams of fiber per cup). Increasing fruits and veggies you already like is as simple as adding them to your grocery list more frequently.

Why does fiber matter? It’s often associated with improved digestion — a big plus for anybody who has issues there — but it also helps with blood-sugar control and weight management. A lot of fiber-rich food is also rich in prebiotics, which helps to feed the “good” bacteria in our gut. A word of caution: Go slowly. The goal is 25 grams of fiber a day — most Americans don’t get anywhere near that, and if you add that much in a hurry you may feel bloated and uncomfortable while your body adjusts. Instead aim to add about 5 grams a week until you reach the recommended amount.

Easy ways to start: Switch from white bread or pasta to whole wheat. For picky eaters, try the middle ground of breads and pastas with fiber added that don’t taste quite so wheaty.

Drink More Water

We know, we know — many people don’t like the taste of water. But being wellhydrated improves brain and digestive function, maintains your skin’s elasticity and keeps blood sugar better controlled (because it makes your blood more dilute and the sugars less concentrated than if you are dehydrated). You don’t have to guzzle from a jug — refilling a small cup multiple times a day can seem more doable at first. Try a bottle with a built-in infuser where you can add fresh fruit to flavor the water.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/442Me49

Erika Booth announces candidacy for Florida House District 35

Erika Booth, Osceola County School Board Member for District 5, has announced that she will run in the special election to fill former Representative Fred Hawkins’ District 35 seat in the Florida House. Hawkins recently resigned after accepting the position of President of South Florida State College.

“I’ve dedicated the last 20 years of my life to educating our children. Most importantly as a parent and also as a classroom teacher,” Booth said. “As I began my service on the school board, I have realized the issues facing educators, parents and our students cannot simply be solved locally and so, today, I have decided to run for State Representative.”

Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights dares guests to survive “The Last of Us”

Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights dares guests to survive “The Last of Us” as Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s award-winning post-pandemic video game comes to life – for the first time – as an all-new haunted house at Universal Orlando Resort, beginning Friday, September 1.

Set in a ravaged civilization, where Infected and hardened survivors run rampant, Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s “The Last of Us” video game, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, has captivated audiences since its release. And now, guests can immerse themselves in a real-life experience that puts them directly into the game’s frightening world.

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

Old Town and Fun Spot America Kissimmee present the 4th annual Fourth of July celebration

Celebrating the Fourth of July is an all-day affair at the Old Town Entertainment District, as Old Town will once again present live music from Rocktown on the Main Stage from 6 to 10 p.m. plus a spectacular fireworks display, in partnership with Fun Spot America Kissimmee, from the top of the Old Town Buildings in the South Entertainment area, beginning at 9 p.m.

The entire day of entertainment is free for the whole family.

“We are thrilled to partner with our friends at Fun Spot America Kissimmee to offer a whole day of free Fourth of July fun for everyone,” said Thearon Scurlock, Vice President and General Manager of Old Town. “You can’t find a better place to entertain the whole family all day with shops, restaurants, rides, music and more. Our fireworks are simply amazing.”

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

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

Celebrate 4th of July a LEGOLAND® Florida Resort with Red, White & Boom!

Summer is heating up at LEGOLAND® with Red, White & BOOM! Nightly from July 2nd – 4th, families can enjoy many fun activities and end the night with an unforgettable firework show that explodes into 3D LEGO® bricks right before your eyes with special viewing glasses!

During this exciting, limited-time event families can enjoy a LEGO flag building, MINILAND scavenger hunts, DJ dance parties that are sure to have everyone on their feet, a fireworks pre-show, and of course, FIREWORKS!

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3qsN3o8

Walt Disney World Resort celebrates halfway to the holidays with new offerings and returning favorites

Without question, Central Florida is experiencing some hot June weather, but Disney is celebrating Halfway to the Holidays with festive cheer already in the air at Walt Disney World Resort. This year, celebrate the season of all that is merry and bright in a magical way with new jolly experiences, glittering sights, sounds and scrumptious sweet treats. Plus, thrill to the return of fan-favorite Disney holiday traditions.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Njd8hA

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

Preserving the Past: St. cloud Historic District recognized by National Register of Historic places

The St. Cloud Historic District was officially recognized by the National Register of Historic Places this week, a goal St. Cloud Main Street has been focused on for a number of years. The National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program by the National Park Service to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic resources.

St. Cloud Main Street, led by Executive Director Paula Stark, obtained three grants which assisted in inventorying the downtown historic buildings along with the creation of the Historic Preservation Board, which assisted in obtaining its Certified Local Government designation in the summer of 2019.

First of two Florida disaster preparedness tax-free holidays

The first of two 14-day sales tax holidays to help residents save money on hurricane supplies is currently taking place and will continue through June, as the Atlantic Hurricane season rapidly approaches.

Florida House Bill 7063, which describes several sales tax holidays for Florida, was passed unanimously by the Legislature May 5 and sent to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis May 23, which he signed.

Here’a a list of what’s included in the 2023 list of tax-free items in Florida

• Self-powered lights of $40 or less.

• Portable self-powered radio, two-way radio or weather-band radio of $50 or less.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3WyNxp3

taking place now, here’s what’s on the list!

POSITIVELY DELICIOUS

Grilled Florida Chicken Sandwich, It’s Positively Delicious!

Fresh chicken with crisp Florida arugula on toasted bread, it’s Positively Delicious!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Florida chicken breasts, grilled

• 1 Florida tomato, sliced thin

• 2 cups Florida arugula

• 3 garlic cloves

• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• Sandwich bread (your favorite)

• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/43XgVI3

Garlic Roasted Florida Shrimp and Blueberry BBQ Saurce, It’s Positively Delicious!

This recipe puts a sweet twist on Florida Shrimp…it’s Positively Delicious!

INGREDIENTS

• 12 jumbo Florida shrimp, peeled and deveined with the tail on

• 2 tablespoons Florida Blueberry BBQ Sauce

• 1 tablespoon Florida seafood seasoning blend, divided

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 lemon, half juiced, half sliced for garnish

• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, thyme), chopped fine

• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced

• Hot sauce, to taste

• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Cw24Z9

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

POSITIVELY DELICIOUS

Fresh Florida Watermelon Pops, It’s Positively Delicious!

It’s heating up outside. Time to cool off my the pool with a Fresh Watermelon Popsicle… it’s Positively Delicious!

INGREDIENTS

• 4-6 cups Florida watermelon (seedless), cubed

• 4 tablespoons Florida Key lime juice

• ¼ cup Florida sugar

• 1 lime, zest only

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3P8dw4Z

Florida Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Wings, It’s Positively Delicious!

Honey-glazed fried chicken wings with the perfect mix of crunch and tang…it’s Positively Delicious!

INGREDIENTS

• 12 Florida chicken wings

• ⅓ cup Florida honey

• ¼ cup Florida orange juice

• 10 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped

• 3 eggs, beaten

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups bread crumbs

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning

• Vegetable oil for frying

• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3CDS3sU

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.