Positively Osceola News Today, Osceola County's Leading and Trusted Source for News!

Sunday July 31, 2022

Judge Upholds Osceola School Board Termination of American Classical Charter Academy's Contract Click Here to Read More: https://bit.ly/3vs5F7L 15th Annual Tour de Turtles Underway From Disney’s Vero Beach Resort Kissimmee breaks ground on Mach1 Aviation Hangar, will be airport’s largest hangar once completed!

Osceola County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller Kelvin Soto Publishes “Osceola On the Rise” County Financial Report Manufacturing Career and Technical Education Academy coming to Liberty High School

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

WEEKLY LIVESTREAMS Good Morning Osceola Mon, Wed, Fri at 7:30AM

In the Loop LIVE Tue at 6:00PM

Daybreak LIVE Wed at 9:00AM

Osceola Matters Thu at 6:00PM

In the Loop LIVE Sat at 8:00AM For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS Daybreak LIVE with Guests: Wey Wey Wong and William Morea from Huntington Learning Center July 1st, 2022

LIVE with Park Ranger Demetrius Chappell, a man who has worn many hats in the St. Cloud community June 17th, 2022

LIVE with City of St. Cloud, Florida City Manager Bill Sturgeon, announcing his retirement effective September 2, 2022 June 17th, 2022

LIVE with District 1 Peggy Choudhry talking about the Town hall meeting!

June 14th, 2022

Good Morning Osceola LIVE with Krissi Hardy!

June 24th, 2022

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE for the start of the Team Kareem Memorial Foundation walk at Kissimmee Lakefront Park

LIVE with Bruce Vickers Osceola Tax Collector and Fanya Vasquez talking about the Osceola County hiring event

LIVE with Jeremy Thomas Lanier and Tommi Pritchett, talking about how to join the fight against HIV

LIVE with St. Cloud Police Department Chief Douglas Georke at Frankie’s Place for Coffee with a Cop

LIVE with Commissioner Brandon Arrington at the District 3 Drive-Thru Food Distribution For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

VIDEOS ON DEMAND LIVE with Nancy Alvarez of United Way talking about the brand new Born Learning Trail!

Westside K-8 School Teacher Austin Young Shares his Passion for Teaching in Osceola If you’ve been looking for a career that makes a positive impact in the community, and changes lives for the good, become a teacher!

Austin Young is a sixth-grade teacher at Westside K-8 School, and loves celebrating his students in both the big and small moments. If you have a bachelor’s degree, consider teaching in Osceola County. The Osceola County School District is ready to help you make it happen!

Osceola Animal Services’ Dog Fostering Program!

Do you want to help reduce the amount of dogs that are in need of a loving home in the community, 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 short-term in-home care for dogs in need. Its FREE and all veterinary care, food, and supplies are provided.

The Heat is Here, but Not the Rain, Let’s Conserve Water!

There’s no question it’s hot, but our summer rains are not in full swing yet. So With the hot, dry conditions, water usage is up as residents irrigate their landscapes. The City of St. Cloud, Florida is asking for a little help in conserving water by watering only on designated days and times. Visit myutilities.stcloud.org to view the irrigation schedule.

Old Town’s Import Car Show Old Town’s Sunday Night Import Car Show takes place on the last Sunday of the month from 4:00pm - 9:00pm, and it’s a one of a kind car show you do not want to miss. If you’re an owner of an awesome import car and you want to show it off to the public, there is no fee, so shine up that beautiful car or truck and bring it down to Old Town on the last Sunday of the month. You’ll be part of the show! #OldTown #ImportCars

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE

High School Students Nationwide Now Applying for Popular Disney Dreamers Academy Mentorship Program Teens from around the country are trying to put their best foot forward in hopes of being among the 100 students selected for the 2023 Disney Dreamers Academy. Applications are now underway for the inspiring and transformational mentorship program at Walt Disney World Resort for Black teens and students from underrepresented communities.

The application process for the 16th annual program, set for March 23-26, 2023, runs through October at www.DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. The 100 teen participants receive an all-expense-paid trip along with one parent or guardian to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to experience a combination of inspiration, education and fun at The Most Magical Place on Earth.

The program is an important part of Disney’s commitment to supporting diverse communities by encouraging the next generation of Black students to think big, so they can relentlessly pursue their dreams and make a difference in the lives of others.

“We’re excited to find the next group of Disney Dreamers and welcome them to Walt Disney World Resort for an experience they won’t soon forget,” said Tracey D. Powell, Disney Signature Experiences vice president and Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion. “If there is a teen in your life who has a dream, I would highly encourage them to apply. Taking a first step towards your dream is a hugely powerful moment.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3PY2QTL

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE

Osceola County Approves $2.1 Million for New Career/Technical Academy at Liberty High School

Osceola County Commissioners are moving forward with a $2.1 million agreement to establish a Manufacturing Career and Technical Education Academy at Liberty High School, championed by Chairman Brandon Arrington, who is providing $500,000 towards this project from his Targeted Recovery ARPA funds.

This is the latest example of the Commission’s resolve to assist in the success of students and to help prepare them for future employment and a successful transition to postsecondary education opportunities.

“This provides the training and education opportunities that mesh with market demand and create sustainable future employment for individuals,” said Arrington.

Liberty High is in Arrington’s district and is considered under-represented with a non-traditional student population, which makes the academy even more impactful.

“The Academy at Liberty will develop a local, skilled workforce to support long-term, economic resiliency and reduce workplace disruption.”

There is a workforce shortage in advanced manufacturing, with many jobs unfilled, officials noted. The Academy fits a goal of preparing the workforce for careers at NeoCity – a 500-acre technology district that is well suited to lead the nation’s domestic semiconductor production and to advance and accelerate existing investments in semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing, reversing socio-economic inequities in the region and establishing Central Florida as a regional semiconductor hub.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3RV3hQc

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS Kissimmee breaks ground on Mach1 Aviation Hangar, will be airport’s largest hangar once completed!

The City of Kissimmee hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for Mach1 Aviation, LLC, on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM), to officially start the construction of this company’s hangar and ultimately establish its aviation presence in Kissimmee. The hangar, once completed will be the airport’s largest hangar.

“It is with great appreciation and honor to recognize Mach1 Aviation’s significant investment in the Kissimmee Gateway Airport. This project will assist in meeting the demand for larger aircraft storage space and promoting business activity. As the first hangar to be constructed in the Airport Business Airpark, this first-class facility sets the bar for future hangars planned in the Airpark and the Airport,” said Shaun Germolus, Aviation Director at Kissimmee Gateway Airport.

Mach1 Aviation will provide helicopter training and maintenance and additional space to lease to other aviation companies. Mach 1 Aviation will be the first hangar constructed in the Kissimmee Airport’s Airpark and is certain to create many new aviation jobs in the area.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3zEG3H5

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS Osceola County helps keep the kiddos cool with new El Yunque Splash Pad in Buenaventura Lakes

It’s been a hot summer for sure, and on Monday, District 2 Osceola County Commissioner Viviana Janer welcomed a dozen children to cool off and experience the opening of the County’s first splash pad – inspired by Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest. The splash pad is designed to bring a “cool and refreshing” way for kiddos in her district to cool off and play at the 65th Infantry Veterans Park in Buenaventura Lakes.

“When I envisioned this splash pad and shared that dream with staff, I knew we would be creating a special place. But now that I’m standing here in front of the finished product, I can say that it has exceeded my expectations,” Janer said. “I’m so happy that I was able to make this splash pad happen for the residents of District 2. The timing is perfect because this summer is so hot – and now people in the BVL community have a convenient spot to cool off and enjoy some fun. Adding touches reflective of El Yunque helps make this a special place for those who have fond memories of that Puerto Rican treasure.”

As the only tropical rainforest in the United States national forest system, El Yunque is a landmark that attracts visitors from all over the world with incredible biological diversity, breathtaking scenery, clear mountain rivers and outdoor recreation opportunities year-round.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3cOzzw8 For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS

Wild Florida welcomes another Baby Albino Alligator to its gator park in Osceola County AND IT’S A BABY… ALBINO ALLIGATOR! Wild Florida’s superstar albino alligator parents Snowflake & Blizzard have done it again with the successful hatching of another baby albino alligator. The gator park’s newest addition recently hatched out of one of 9 eggs, making it Wild Florida’s third year in a row with albino gator babies successfully hatching.

Wild Florida remains the ONLY park on the planet Earth that has successfully bred albino alligators. In May 2017, Wild Florida acquired Blizzard and Snowflake who became the first pair of breeding albino alligators in Central Florida and one of the few places in the world where visitors can see these rare animals. Blizzard and Snowflake give visitors to Wild Florida from around the world a unique opportunity to not only learn more about alligators, but also the special care that goes into housing an albino species.

Congratulation to everyone on the Wild Florida team, and congratulations to the baby albino gator for being born at Central Florida’s most amazing attraction and caring place for animals from ALL over the world!

For more information about albino alligators and all the other amazing animals at Wild Florida, visit WildFL.com.

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS Education Foundation of Osceola’s “A Gift for Teaching” helping students and teachers, here’s how you can help!

The summer break will soon come to a close and for teachers, families, and students, preparing for that first day at school is now a top priority.

Making sure school supplies are in place is an important part of learning success. Here’s how you can help!

Unfortunately, many families in our community are unable to go out and purchase the items on the supply list provided by their teachers, especially this with inflation causing additional financial pressure, They are struggling to pay rent, buy clothing and food, so purchasing the tools their students need to participate in their education can be even more difficult this year. That’s where A Gift For Teaching of Osceola County comes in.

The Education Foundation of Osceola County’s Gift forTeaching free teacher supply store allows teachers to receive supplies for their students and classrooms for free all year long.

So, how can the community help make sure the teacher supply store has adequate supplies to fill this school year’s need?

Here are a few ways: • Donate new school supplies.

• Make a financial donation that is used to purchase school supplies for the Education Foundation of Osceola County’s Gift for Teaching program.

Making a financial contribution is quick and easy, just scan the QR code, and you’ll have made a positive impact in the community, in our schools, and in the lives of students that are working hard succeed in the Osceola County School District, and in life!

Click here for more information about the Education Foundation of Osceola County.

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS

The Osceola Chamber Hosts Hob Nob “Meet the Candidates – Straw Poll” Event at OHP, Here are the Results The Osceola Chamber hosted an in-person “Hob Nob – Meet the Candidates” event on Wednesday, July 20 at Osceola Heritage Park. It was the first time the event had taken place since 2018, after the it was “paused” due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For years, the Osceola Chamber’s Hob Nob has been looked as the most effective and efficient way for local residents to learn more about their local candidates in one setting.

Candidates that participated in the chamber event interfaced with attendees from their booth spaces and greeted the crowd during the “Parade of Candidates” emceed

by Chamber President/CEO John Newstreet. All candidates running in races were also invited to pre-record a brief statement for the event to help event attendees become better acquainted with their platforms and positions. The video statements played in loop throughout the event .

“The Osceola Chamber was pleased to host our Hob Nob for the community. As the saying goes, ‘Elections have consequences,’ and businesses of all sizes are feeling great pressure today and for the foreseeable future due, in large part, to decisions made by elected officials. Attendees were able to engage candidates, vote in our straw poll, and build their network. The event showcased candidates across the spectrum on the Osceola ballot and highlighted how ‘Business Works Better Together,” Chamber President John Newstreet shared.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3vafI0P For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS Osceola County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller Kelvin Soto Publishes “Osceola On the Rise” County Financial Report In January, the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office underwent some changes, as set forth by Amendment 10 in the Florida Constitution, and was re-established as the Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Office in order to provide a checks and balances system for Osceola County government’s finances.

To help citizens better understand the county’s finances, Osceola County Clerk of the Court & County Comptroller, Kelvin Soto, Esq. has published the inaugural edition of the Osceola On The Rise Popular Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year ended 2021.

“Osceola On The Rise” is a summary of the financial information provided in the Osceola County Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) which was jointly prepared by the Comptroller’s office and the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3cMpG24

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS Osceola County Association of REALTORS announces its August 2022 Primary Election Endorsements The Osceola County Association of REALTORS has announced their endorsements for the upcoming 2022 Primary Election Endorsements.

Each election cycle, the OSCAR Candidate Screening Task Force interviews local candidates to discuss their views on topics that concern the ease of access to homeownership and rights associated with ownership. As stated by the OSCAR in their recent news release, “the Association pays close attention to the political landscape, studying upcoming legislation, and interfacing with elected officials and candidates to have a dialogue on critical industry issues that affect homeowners and would-be homeowners. Each election cycle, our Candidate Screening Task Force interviews local candidates to discuss their views on topics that concern the ease of access to homeownership and rights associated with ownership.”

The association task force then makes a recommendation to their Board of Directors for final approval on which candidates to support.

OSCAR is supporting the following candidates for the upcoming primary election on August 23, 2022: Cheryl Grieb for County Commission District 4, Terry Castillo for School Board District 1, Jim Fisher for Kissimmee Commission Seat 4, Shawn Fletcher for St. Cloud Council Seat 5, Angela Eady for Kissimmee Commission Seat 2, Heather Kahoun for School Board District 4, Erika Booth for School Board District 5, Ken Gilbert for St. Cloud Council Seat 4, and Viviana Janer for County Commission District 2.

“To have a thriving real estate market, it is critical that local lawmakers keep the interests of homeowners in the foreground. The Osceola County Association of REALTORS® believes strong leadership and hard work is necessary to achieve this, and we are confident those values are represented in these candidates,” said 2022 OSCAR Board of Directors President, Alexandra Arena-Gil.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3zmM8rs For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS

Osceola Supervisor of Elections Maryjane Arrington reminds voters of upcoming election deadlines The old saying, every vote counts and every vote matters, is very true, and if you’ve been planning in voting in the upcoming Florida Primary Election there are some things you need to keep in mind.

The deadline to register for the first time or change your party affiliation for the August 23, 2022, Primary Election is July 25, 2022. Anyone wanting to register for the first time and vote in the upcoming 2022 Primary Election, must register no later than July 25, 2022. This deadline also applies to any voter who wishes to change their party affiliation for the upcoming 2022 Primary Election.

“Please remember that Florida is a Closed Primary State. Voters who wish to vote in a specific party’s primary must be registered under that party by July 25, 2022. I want to encourage voters to visit our website www.voteosceola.gov or call our office at 407.742.6000 to verify their voter status and/or party affiliation.” said Supervisor Arrington. For trusted information about state and local elections, visit the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections website www.voteosceola.gov, and the Florida Department of State’s website at DOS.Myflorida.com/elections. For additional information, please visit www.voteosceola.gov or call 407-742-6000.

Source: Osceola Supervisor of Elections For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

INJURY LAW Have you been a victim of road rage?

“Road rage,” may be a term that is thrown around loosely, but it is also a dangerous and increasingly common phenomenon. In fact, statistics reflect that 1 out of every 3 traffic accidents involve road rage. Road rage can include aggressive driving tactics such as honking, cutting other cars off, driving other vehicles off of the road, speeding, baiting other cars into accidents, and other actions intended to cause harm, confusion, and intimidation.

These actions pose a real threat to other drivers on the road, and should not be taken lightly. You can hold this driver responsible for their reckless and malicious conduct by bringing a personal injury lawsuit against them. If you have been injured by an aggressive driver, you do not have to fight this battle alone. Draper Law Office’s experienced Kissimmee car accident lawyers will make sure that you get the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. Contact the Draper Law Office today to schedule your consultation.

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

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

FAMILY LAW How Can a Divorced Parent Move with Children?

When Florida parents enter into a parenting plan, there are usually detailed provisions concerning how they will share their time with and make decisions concerning their children. If a parent wants to relocate with their children after this plan is in place, they will have to return for the court’s approval. Making this type of modification can be complicated especially when the other parent does not agree with the move.

Florida Law Florida law favors parenting plans which support the parent-child relationship through frequent contact with both parents. When a parent is seeking to move a child at least 50 miles away from their current residence, he or she is asking for a relocation. To make this modification to the parenting plan the requesting parent must file a petition for relocation with details about where the child will be moving, the reason for the move, and a post-relocation time-sharing plan.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3z5OOJT

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS Florida’s 2022 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins Monday July 25, what’s included and what’s not?

Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday starts on Monday July 25, and this year the tax holiday will last longer. Families can save when buying school supplies from July 25 to Aug. 7. Check out what items qualify and what items do not!

Here are some of the items that will qualify as tax free during the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday: • Clothing, footwear, and certain accessories with a sales price of $100 or less per item.

• A variety of school supplies $50 or less per item.

• Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles $30 or less.

• Personal computers and certain computer-related accessories $1,500 or less, when purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.

Here are some of the items that are NOT included in Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday: • Clothing items more than $100.

• School supply items more than $50.

• Computers and computer-related accessories with a sales price of more than $1,500.

• Computers and computer-related accessories purchased for commercial purposes.

• Rental of any eligible items.

• Repairs or alterations of any eligible items.

• Eligible items purchased at a theme park, entertainment complex, hotel resort or airport.

For more information about what items are and aren’t eligible in Florida’s Back-toSchool Sales Tax Holiday, just click here.

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS

School Lunches No Longer Automatically Free or Reduced for All Students, Families Must Apply, USDA Says The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that it is returning to prepandemic rules by requiring families to apply for free and reduced lunch. This means some students will no longer automatically receive free meals at school.

As a result, families must once again submit an application for free and reduced meals for the 2022-23 school year.

To see if your school qualifies as a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows all students to receive free and reduced lunch without completing the application, please visit: https://www.osceolaschools.net/Page/8916.

If your school does not fall under the CEP, you must apply based on income. The income eligibility requirements can be found here: https://bit.ly/ FreeReducedLunchEligibility. Qualifying families can submit an online application at: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application.

For families that do not qualify, school lunches will cost $2.40. You can start adding lunch money to your child’s MySchoolBucks account before the return of school on August 10th.

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

Political Advertisement, paid and approved by Erika Booth, nonpartisan candidate for Osceola School Board District 4

NEWS

St. Cloud Hires Former Osceola County Community Development Director Dave Tomek as Assistant City Manager St. Cloud City Manager Bill Sturgeon announced at Thursday evening’s City Council meeting that Dave Tomek, former Community Development Director with Osceola County has been hired as St. Cloud’s Assistant City Manager.

According to the city, Tomek will assist Sturgeon and Deputy City Manager Veronica Miller by developing and executing sustainability strategies, developing and managing legislative priorities, coordinating intergovernmental meetings, preparing data and assisting with development of the city’s annual budget.

“I’m excited to be adding Dave to the team here at the City of St. Cloud,” Sturgeon said. “His experience and depth of knowledge will help our team elevate to an even stronger level of service for our residents. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that will help our team be stronger, particularly as we continue to face unprecedented growth throughout our area.”

It’s a common thing to see Dave Tomek helping out in the KVLS building during the Osceola County Fair, always stepping up to lend a hand in whatever area is needing help.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3cjIiXc For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS FREE Back to School Immunization Events began on July 25, from FDOH in Osceola County The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County began offering free immunization events for Osceola County students, Monday, July 25. TDAP (Tetanus- Diphtheria-Pertussis) immunizations will be provided at the following events.

Michigan Avenue in St. Cloud.

• Monday, July 25, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. Cloud Middle School located at 1975

• Tuesday, July 26, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Kissimmee Middle School located at 2410 Dyer Blvd. in Kissimmee.

• Wednesday, July 27, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Bellalago Charter Academy located at 3651 Pleasant Hill Road in Kissimmee.

• Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Denn John Middle School located at 2001 Denn John Lane in Kissimmee.

In addition, the health department will host free back to school immunization events with walk-in availability for all required school immunizations at FDOH-Osceola’s main campus located at 1875 Fortune Road in Kissimmee on the following days.

• Saturday, July 30, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• Monday, August 1, 2022 to Friday, August 5, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Saturday, August 6, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• Monday, August 8, 2022 to Friday, August 12, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

COVID-19 vaccinations and 680 forms will be provided at all school and health department immunization events. A parent or legal guardian with valid ID must accompany the student and they are asked to bring the child’s recent immunization records as well as a birth certificate, passport, or other government issued ID.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3zvTl8E For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

High School Football Training Camps in Osceola Open Next Week, Expect to See Big Changes When fall training camps open next Monday for local high school football teams, massive changes –both on and off the field — will be noticeable.

One of the biggest changes comes with a new alignment of divisions and districts. Under the new format, teams were divided into four classes each of two divisions — either Metro (eight largest counties in Florida) or Suburban Schools (schools from rest of state). The move was approved to negate a perceived advantage that city schools had with “Open Enrollment” because of their ability to attract transfers from nearby schools. For past several decades, teams were divided based only on school enrollment.

Osceola, Tohopekaliga, and Celebration played in the largest division (8A), Harmony and St. Cloud were in 7A, while Liberty and Gateway were in 5A. Poinciana most recently played as an independent.

Under the new plan, Osceola, Celebration, Tohopekaliga, St. Cloud will form Suburban Class 4A, District 10; while Harmony will play in 4A, District 11 with Palm Bay Heritage, Viera and Melbourne. Liberty and Gateway move to Suburban Class 3A and will play in the six-team District 8 with Auburndale, Davenport, Lake Wales, and Lake Region. Poinciana, looking to play a more competitive schedule, will once again stay independent.

Although the changes will take perennial power Osceola in a different division than Orange and Seminole county powers Apopka, Seminole, West Orange, Dr. Phillips and Edgewater – the Kowboys will still play in the same bracket as state powers from Lakeland, Sarasota, Gainesville and several panhandle schools.

The four district winners in each region will still qualify for the playoffs, along with three at-large teams based on final rankings. Eight state champions will be crowned, with four each coming from the Suburban and the Metro classes.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3z4yOqo

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Celebration running back powerhouse Oniel Senatus leaves the Storm, joins the Kowboys Oniel Senatus, one of the top running backs in the state, has decided to transfer from Celebration High School with his destination being county powerhouse Osceola High. When contacted for another story, Storm head coach Jeremy Palmer confirmed that Senatus was no longer listed on the team nor was he listed on the school’s MaxPreps roster. “He came to me a few weeks ago and said he was planning to transfer,” Palmer said. “The reason he gave is he said he wanted to experience the FHSAA Playoffs and said he felt that he could not accomplish that at Celebration. Obviously it is huge loss for our roster.”

As a junior, Senatus shattered practically every offense single season record at Celebration. He set school marks for most rushing yards (1816), total yards (2417), rushing touchdowns (23), total touchdowns (27), and points (162). He rushed for more than 200 yards four times, including a career-high 314 yards and seven touchdowns against Lake Region on just 10 carries. He also tallied 271 yards against Gateway and had a 255 yard rushing effort against Poinciana.

Under then head coach Rich Pringle, Senatus played a huge role in leading Celebration to its most-successful season in school history. The team had just its second winning season in school history, going 7-4 overall, including a bowl game victory. Three of its four losses came to state powers Dr. Phillips, Osceola and West Orange.

For his three-year Celebration career he set school marks for rushing yards (2675), career carries (366), rushing touchdowns (28), all-purpose yards (3623), all-purpose yards per game (139.3), rushing yards per game (102.9), total touchdowns (33) and total points (200).

Osceola coach Eric Pinellas said he could only confirm that Senatus contacted him and presented his signed transfer papers.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3ol8QKj For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

OSCEOLA BUSINESS REFERRAL SERVICE

Making Business better, together

OBRS.net

COMMUNITY

Award-winning Manhattan Developers Present NeoCity’s City Center Plan to Osceola County Commissioners

At Monday’s Osceola County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Manhattan development team of Edward J. Minskoff Equities Inc. and Sciame Construction/ Development, along with SHoP Architects presented their vision of what NeoCity’s City Center would look like to the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners.

This is the developer’s first major project in the state of Florida, and they’re proposing a 21st century development plan for Osceola County’s NeoCity. NeoCity’s City Center will be the business, entertainment, residential, and community center of the County’s NeoCity campus.

Sciame, with a 47-year history of completing a wide range of architecturally significant buildings and interior spaces told the board that his company has the proven track record to move forward with what will be a magnet venue/hub within NeoCity that attracts people from throughout the nation.

Sciame, who is leading the effort to refine and develop the project, brought on Edward J Minskoff Equities (EJME) as co-developer and SHoP Architects to bring their global expertise and best practices from a broad portfolio of work.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3aWZuRM For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

COMMUNITY Osceola Arts in Kissimmee to Rock Out with Queen in “We Will Rock You” Osceola Arts in Kissimmee is ending its 2021-2022 theatre season in a “totally” rockin’ way – with the amazing production – We Will Rock You, a tribute to the epic rock band, QUEEN! For the very first time, the Osceola Arts Main Stage will feature this contemporary rock musical running Friday, July 15th through Sunday, July 31st.

government-controlled music?

So what will those in attendance experience? Well, what if the world was without individuality, and originality with

With more than 20 Queen hit songs, We Will Rock You follows two revolutionaries as they try to save rock ’n’ roll in a post-apocalyptic world where rock music is forbidden!

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3as8pdU Local Balloon Artists Heading to International Balloon Wonderland Build to Benefit Give Kids the World Village When you think of balloons or creating balloon art experiences, do you think of supporting an organization that cares for critically ill children and their families from around the world to visit Central Florida to make amazing memories? Stuart and Patti Gutter, Owners of American Balloon Decor are award winning balloon artists and were chosen as part of a talented team of international balloon professionals tasked with creating a gigantic, immersive balloon creation with Qualatex balloons at the Balloon Wonderland event in Orlando, Florida, all in aid of the charity Give Kids the World in Kissimmee, Florida.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3NP5ucG For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

COMMUNITY Osceola School District Announces 2022-2023 Back-To-School Open House Dates All Osceola students and parents are encouraged to attend their school’s Back-ToSchool Open House in order to prepare for the 2022-2023 school year. Osceola public schools will hold Open Houses according to the following schedule: • Friday, August 5 – All high schools will have Open House from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (including The Osceola County School for the Arts Grades 6-12) • Monday, August 8 – All middle schools and K-8 schools will have Open House from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

• Tuesday, August 9 – All elementary schools will have Open House from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Students in Osceola County will begin classes on Wednesday, August 10, 2022.

Parents can find the 2022-2023 school year academic calendar at www.osceolaschools.net/Academic-Calendar_2022-2023.

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

COMMUNITY Huntington Learning Center, Reading Tutoring For All Levels The power to read is inarguably one of the most important skills fundamental to a student’s ability to function and prosper in school and beyond. It infiltrates every facet of life, from the most miniscule tasks such as reading a menu to more difficult tasks like analyzing dense texts in advanced college courses. Setting a strong foundation from the very early stages of your child’s life is incredibly important for him or her to be able to build upon and grow as your child advances in school.

Huntington Learning Center offers reading tutoring programs designed to help students in elementary school through high school develop the language skills they will need in the classroom and beyond. Our highly experienced reading tutors strive to help students reach their full potential, instilling a strong understanding of reading basics that can then be applied in ways that help them to explore and understand the world around them in a meaningful way.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3uUBd5Z

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NOW HIRING

PART-TIME TEACHERS

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS NEAR YOU!

SPECIAL EDUCATION, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL THE OPPORTUNITY

• Work with students 1:1 or 4:1 • Flexible, part-time hours.

• Competitive hourly rate and paid training!

TUTORING TUTORING

REQUIREMENTS:

• 4-year degree required • Certification/License is a plus • Recent grads, current teachers & retired professionals encouraged to apply

TEST PREP PREP TEST

To apply, email StCloudFL@hlcmail.com today!

St. Cloud 4554 13th Street, Unit A-2, St. Cloud, FL 34769 407-789-0228

Personalized Attention. Proven Results.

HuntingtonHelps.com HLC1924A

HEALTH

Orlando Health joins other health care organizations in Florida completing pilot for health equity training program Orlando Health, United Way of Broward County, and Moffitt Cancer Center recently completed pilot sessions for a voluntary Health Equity Train-the-Trainer program to improve health equity across the state. The pilot sessions began in April and concluded in May. The partners will launch the first sessions later this summer.

The three organizations are partnering with support from a combined $2.5 million health equity grant awarded by the Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of the state’s Blue Cross Blue Shield plan.

The train-the-trainer program is designed to educate health care professionals on health equity issues and useful strategies that help ensure families and community members have both the access and opportunity to attain their full health potential and are not disadvantaged due to environmental, economic, and/or social circumstance.

“We are delighted and moved by the engagement of participants in the pilot and their eagerness to take the next steps for change in their organization and communities,” said Quibulah Graham, MSPH, BSN, senior director, Diversity & Minority Business Development, Orlando Health. “The training was uniquely designed with impactful content, which includes extensive research, real-life case studies, and other learning strategies. This approach helps ensure participants build their awareness about health care disparities, along with ways to implement viable solutions to turn health disparities into health equity. We hope these components help prepare participants to reach a comfort level to teach others to help improve care, continuing the process and opportunities to ensure health equity in all our communities.”

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3RGIy2P For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

HEALTH Orlando Health: Seven Ways to Boost Your Immune System Ashlee Wright MDA, RD, LD/N Outpatient Registered Dietitian Orlando Health

Todd Jeremy Sontag, DO Family Medicine Orlando Health

The best way to deal with any medical condition is by using prevention. It’s important that we do whatever we can to avoid getting sick, and that includes washing our hands thoroughly, regularly, and effectively. Many viruses are transmitted by your own hands.

Strengthen Your System Here are 7 ways to fight off possible infections by boosting your immune system: 1. Establish (or continue) an exercise routine. Regular exercise has been shown to keep your immune system functioning at top levels. When you’re physically active, you can keep pathogens out of your lungs and airways, minimizing illness. If you have a current routine you’re following, don’t let up on it. If you don’t, it might be a good time to begin.

2. Minimize stress. When you experience stress, it can release the hormone cortisol, boosting inflammation and actually suppressing your immune system, making it less effective. Many studies have shown those reporting the least amount of stress were also the least likely to get infections.

3. Maintain an adequate amount of sleep. This doesn’t only mean getting the right number of hours of shuteye, but also doing what you can do to ensure quality sleep as well. One reason for this: Sleep-deprived patients are more likely to develop an illness after exposure to a virus. Aim for 6-7 hours of quality sleep per night.

4. Drink less alcohol. Limiting alcohol consumption may mean a more restful night, but that’s not all. Studies have shown that excessive alcohol consumption leads to an increase in respiratory infections and impaired immune responses. Consider drinking moderately, up to one drink a day for women or two per day for men, according to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3OexaYY For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

“The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare” Will Terrify Guests at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights Beginning September 2

For the first time ever, multi award-winning artist The Weeknd joins forces with Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights to inspire all-new, terrifying haunted houses based on his record-breaking “After Hours” album. Beginning September 2 at Universal Orlando Resort and on September 8 at Universal Studios Hollywood, guests will spiral into the twisted mind of this mysterious artist to experience “The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare.”

Global phenomenon, The Weeknd, is renowned for his groundbreaking music that blends daring, provocative lyrics with innovative sounds and ominous undertones.

“After Hours” is The Weeknd’s fourth consecutive number one album and has spawned multiple chart-topping hits, including “Too Late,” “Heartless,” “In Your Eyes” and the wildly popular single “Blinding Lights” – which is ranked as the #1 Greatest Hot 100 Hit of All Time by Billboard. This fall, select tracks from the riveting album are being reimagined as a horror movie soundtrack for the haunting experience at Halloween Horror Nights.

The dark undercurrent behind The Weeknd’s enigmatic persona will permeate the allnew Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses on both coasts.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3oxULsX For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Rock the Universe, Florida’s Biggest Christian Music Festival Returns Jan. 2729, 2023, at Universal Orlando Resort

Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, Universal Orlando Resort’s Rock the Universe, will return on January 27-29. Rock the Universe will once again feature moving performances by some of Christian music’s top artists, powerful worship experiences and thrilling theme park attractions during an unforgettable weekend of faith, fun and fellowship at Universal Studios Florida.

This year’s rocking weekend kicks off Friday night across Universal’s two stages, Music Plaza Stage and Hollywood Stage, with six feature performances from top Christian artists. The festival continues Saturday night with an additional six performances. This year’s musical guests will be announced at a later date.

Beyond the main stage performances, Rock the Universe attendees may enjoy worship experiences throughout the weekend – including a Saturday ceremony with a special message and moving musical performance, a powerful Sunday morning worship service to wrap up the faith-filled weekend, plus a dedicated FanZone presented by Coca-Cola, featuring live performances from up-and-coming acts throughout the weekend.

Tickets and vacation packages will be on sale later this year. Additional details on Rock the Universe will be revealed soon. To learn more about the event, visit www.RocktheUniverse.com.

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

Age acl.gov/oam

my way!

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Marvel’s Newest Hero, Ms. Marvel, to join the “Avengers: Quantum Encounter” dining experience aboard Disney Wish With less than two weeks until the christening of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, Disney has released new details about one of its dining experiences on board, “Avengers: Quantum Encounter.”

Actress Iman Vellani — who stars as Ms. Marvel, the newest Super Hero to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, in a new series on Disney+ — is joining the star-studded line-up in “Avengers: Quantum Encounter,” an all-new interactive show premiering exclusively at Worlds of Marvel restaurant on board the Disney Wish!

She joins other world-renowned Marvel actors in this first-of-its-kind cinematic dining adventure, including Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as The Wasp, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, and Brie Larson as Captain Marvel.

Throughout the “Avengers: Quantum Encounter” dining experience, guests take part in a hands-on demonstration of the latest and greatest Pym Tech, the Quantum Core, hosted by Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne (Ant-Man and The Wasp). Joining in the action will be Ultron, voiced by actor Ross Marquand, eager to get his hands on the powerful “quantum technology.”

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

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

TechCentral is a brand new creative space providing access to tools and technologies that will help the community gain the necessary skills to make their dreams a reality!

Featuring: Recording Studio Sewing Studio iMac Computer Lab with Adobe Creative Suite Virtual Reality Equipment Robotics for Kids Photography Studio 3D Printing On Demand Located on the second floor of Hart Memorial Central Library 211 E Dakin Avenue | Kissimmee, FL | 34741

osceolalibrary.org/techcentral | 407.742.8888

Research from Home

with your Osceola Library Card!

Britannica Library

From the makers of Encyclopedia Britannica

Gale Business: Plan Builder Create a customized business plan

America’s News

Archives of newspapers from across America

Mango Languages Learn a new language

And so many more!

osceolalibrary.org/databases

osceolalibrary.org | 407.742.8888

POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Florida Chicken, Mushroom and Bacon Melt, It’s Positively Delicious!

Did you say bacon? Well, if you didn’t we did! And we said it like this… fried chicken, mushroom, and BACON melt.

Yes, a bacon melt. If you’ve never had one… this is the one to try, because we think you’ll agree. It’s Positively Delicious!

INGREDIENTS • 3-4 Florida chicken breasts • 1 (8-ounce) container Florida mushrooms, thinly sliced • 6 strips thick-cut bacon • 4 slices Havarti cheese • 1-2 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning (your favorite) • 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 4-6 sprigs fresh thyme • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste PREPARATION Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season chicken breasts with all-purpose seasoning on both sides and set aside.

Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and cook bacon until crisp. Remove from heat and set aside. Using same pan and rendered bacon grease, sear chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove from pan and place into casserole dish or sheet pan. Place a slice of cheese over each, place in oven and continue to cook for about 10 minutes or until internal thermometer reads 165 degrees. While chicken is in the oven, sauté the mushrooms in the same pan with any leftover pan drippings and butter.

Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon thyme leaves, salt and pepper. Add in the crumbled bacon and mix to combine.

Assemble dish by garnishing each piece of chicken with a spoonful of the mushroom and bacon mixture over top.

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Florida Grouper Sandwich with New Potato Salad, It’s Positively Delicious!

Florida seafood, it’s so good, and there are so many different ways to prepare it. It’s one of the many blessings we get to enjoy as Floridians or for those who are visiting. There’s one thing for sure, and we think you’ll agree… it’s Positively Delicious INGREDIENTS Florida Grouper Sandwich 8 (3-ounce) Florida grouper fillets, sliced thin 2 Florida tomatoes, sliced 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning 8 small rolls 1 small head romaine lettuce, shredded 1 red onion, sliced thin 1 tablespoon oil for cooking ⅓ cup mayonnaise ½ lemon, juiced 1 teaspoon paprika Cayenne pepper to taste Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste Florida New Potato Salad 6 cups Florida new potatoes, quartered, cooked and cooled 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 tablespoon olive oil

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3MDEk8a For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

POINT OF SALE IN OSCEOLA COUNTY

WHAT IS POINT OF SALE? When we say “Point of Sale,” we’re referring to marketing and promoting tobacco products in retail environments – like gas stations, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.

SOME TACTICS THEY USE ARE: Discounting products, appealing to children and young adults.

POINT OF SALE IS THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY’S MAIN MARKETING METHOD.

Paying retailers for prime product location and advertising.

Targeting lower-income communities.

WHY IS POINT OF SALE IMPORTANT?

Studies show that tobacco use is associated with exposure to retail advertising and relatively easy access to tobacco products.

Schools with a higher number of tobacco retailers nearby tend to have higher smoking rates.

More cigarettes are sold in convenience stores than in any other type of store.

WHAT IS OSCEOLA COUNTY DOING?

We are implementing tobacco education and prevention to create awareness within our community. This includes educating local decision makers about the local tobacco retail environment which includes information about product placement and the amount of tobacco retailers near schools.

YOU CAN GET INVOLVED!

CONTACT JEANNE@CIVCOM.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.