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Connector Expressway at Valencia College’s Poinciana Campus
LIVE for the grand opening of the renovated Cannery Park building in the City of St. Cloud
LIVE as Suncoast Credit Union, Florida’s largest credit union, celebrates the Grand Opening of its first branch in Central Florida
LIVE at Carinos Cafe for their ribbon cutting as they officially share the, “hall of umbrellas” with the community!
LIVE for the City of St. Cloud, Floridas 4th of July Fireworks Show
LIVE with District 46 State Representative Kristen Arrington
July 26th, 2023
LIVE with Michelle Incandela of Draper Law Office
July 19th, 2023
LIVE with new Osceola School District Superintendent, Dr. Mark Shanoff
June 26th, 2023
LIVE with Michelle Incandela of Draper Law Office
June 21st, 2023
LIVE with Charlie Draper of Draper Law Office
April 19th, 2023
The Florida Avenue Multi-Use Trail has begun construction. This new trail will connect the Lakefront with the downtown area. A new skatepark is also under construction at Ted Broda Park on Michigan Avenue.
Stay informed and inspired with Positively Osceola, your 24/7 go-to news in and around Osceola County! Positively Osceola shares the latest updates on local events, community achievements, and inspiring stories. From heartwarming features to breaking news, PO has you covered. Experience the power of positivity with Positively Osceola!
With the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season here, Kissimmee Utility Authority has released its 2023 Osceola Hurricane Handbook, a free, bilingual, comprehensive preparedness guide offered annually to Osceola County residents.
Every Tuesday is Talent Tuesday at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital from 1-3pm.
Check out the lineup for SeaWorld Orlando’s Summer Spectacular Concert Series every Saturday and Sunday night from July 8th to August 6th.
The Board of Directors of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida has announced the appointment of its new President & CEO, Jamie Merrill.
Merrill is an expert in operations management. A resident of Lake County, Merrill has spent the last 16 years in positions of increasing responsibility in the senior living and health care industries, culminating in the position of Chief Operating Officer of Sonata Senior Living in Orlando. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President of Operations for Brookdale Senior Living, directing the operations for 72 senior living communities across Florida. Merrill serves on several local and national boards, including Florida Senior Living Association, The University of Central Florida Senior Living and Hospitality and Argentum Women in Leadership, and was awarded the 2022 McKnight’s Woman of Distinction. A graduate of Wayne State University, Merrill and her husband Blake are parents of two children.
“Jamie is a visionary leader with a heart for service and developing others,” said Lisa Mihelich, Chair of BGCCF. “She has the clear-eyed vision and experience-forged wisdom necessary to help build on the tremendous strengths of our organization, and our staff’s outstanding track record enriching the lives and prospects of underserved children.”
For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com
The Osceola Council On Aging has revved up its highly anticipated 4th Annual Car Raffle Fundraiser, an exciting event that promises to make dreams come true for both the lucky winner and the local senior community.
The 4th Annual Car Raffle Fundraiser is a testament to the OCOA’s commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of seniors, and brings together the community, local businesses, and philanthropic individuals in a spirit of generosity and camaraderie. This year’s lucky ticket being drawn 30 minutes prior to the 12:00 p.m. pm drawing on Friday, December 29, 2023, and is a chance to make a positive impact on the lives of seniors in Osceola County.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3rWR6tE
Being involved in a car accident is a distressing experience that can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts. After an accident, victims often worry about their health, vehicle repairs, and potential legal issues. Among these concerns, many wonder whether their insurance rates will increase after making a claim for injuries sustained in the accident.
Car insurance premiums are the regular payments policyholders make to maintain their coverage. Insurance companies use a complex set of factors to determine these premiums.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3OgsW50
For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com
In honor of National Mustard Day on August 5th, French’s and SKITTLES have teamed up to release this summer’s tangiest yellow candy: the first-ever mouthwatering French’s Mustard flavored SKITTLES.
Fun-sized packs will be given away for free while supplies last via an online sweepstakes and at in-person pop-up events in Atlanta, Washington D.C., and New York City.
“From Mustard Ice Cream to last year’s viral Mustard Donuts, this year marks the fifth time French’s has gone all out with unique, flavorful innovations to celebrate National Mustard Day. With the yellow holiday landing on August 5th, we knew we had to outdo ourselves,” said Valda Coryat, North America Vice President of Marketing for McCormick & Company. “We are thrilled to collaborate with SKITTLES to deliver our beloved Classic Yellow® Mustard tang in a new, fun way to French’s and SKITTLES fans alike.”
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/44UUaoP
As schools prepare for the return of over 70,000 children to classrooms in Osceola County on August 10, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and School District of Osceola County and their School Resource Officers have been working hard to ensure the safety of the students, teachers, and administrative staff into the unlikely event of a school shooter engaging a school in the district. Although a school shooting is highly unlikely, school resource officers have spent several days specifically training for this worst-case scenario.
Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez and the Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff held a join press conference on Wednesday to talk about their training and how it will keep our schools as safe as possible.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/44QTYXS
For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com
The Historical Museum of Osceola County is inviting the public on August 9 at 6pm to experience a new permanent exhibit with a special focus on the contributions the Latin American community has made to Osceola County’s history, ¡Hola History!
Visitors to the exhibit will be able to learn how members of the latin American community have made to help shape the cultural tapestry of Osceola County. From the early settlers to contemporary times, the exhibit vividly showcases the stories, achievements, and indelible impact of the Latin American community on the region’s growth and identity.
The event will feature a live performance by a talented local Latin music artist, filling the air with enchanting melodies that resonate with the spirit of Latin heritage. Attendees will also have the opportunity to savor delectable Latin cuisine, offering a delightful taste of the region’s culinary delights.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Ynmcag
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St. Cloud Main Street and the City of St. Cloud are currently accepting applications for their Historic Preservation Awards & Plaques program. This initiative aims to recognize historic buildings located within the city limits.
St. Cloud Main Street and the City of St. Cloud began working together in May to recognize historic buildings within the city limits. Through this program homes that meet eligibility criteria can apply or be nominated for a Historic Preservation award or Historic Plaque. The next deadline to apply is in February 2024 with awards being presented in May. If you would like to request an application email Tristian at office@stcloudmainstreet.org or visit here for more information: https://stcloudmainstreet.org/historic-preservation-awards-plaques/ READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/44LNoBI
Dylan Murphy will become the first head coach of the Osceola Magic.
Murphy spent the last five seasons in the Orlando Magic organization – including two seasons as a basketball operations analyst (2018-20), providing analytics support to the coaching staff. He was promoted to assistant coach in 2020, where he has worked the last three seasons.
The Osceola Magic is the Orlando Magic’s entry in the developmental NBA G-League. The team operated as the Lakeland Magic, before moving to Silver Spurs Arena in Heritage Park in time for the 2023-24 season.
In making the announcement, Orlando Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman noted that “Dylan has done a tremendous job in regard to player development in his role as assistant coach with the Magic. He also brings past G-League experience to the position and we look forward to his continued leadership and seamless connectivity between the Osceola and Orlando Magic.”
In addition to being the first head coach in Osceola Magic history, Murphy was also the head coach of the Orlando Magic’s NBA Summer League team in 2023.
Murphy brings a wealth of basketball experience to the position. Prior to joining the Magic, he served as a graduate assistant coach at Ball State and spent one season in the NBA G-League as a scout for the Atlanta Hawks. In that role, he was responsible for identifying potential call-up candidates for the Hawks NBA roster.
Prior to Atlanta, Murphy spent three seasons (2013-16) as assistant coach of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA G League. In 2013-14, the Mad Ants won the NBA G League championship, posting a league-best record of 34-16 during the regular season and going a perfect 6-0 during their playoff run. In the following season (2014-15), the Mad Ants earned a second-straight trip to the G League Finals.
For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com
Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital has achieved national recognition with the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award. The award recognizes the hospital’s dedication to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.
“This award reaffirms our commitment to improving stroke care,” said Amit Bansal, MD, chief quality officer, Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. “We are proud of our dedicated team, who continue to make significant strides in early stroke detection and treatment, which is key to improving a patient’s health and recovery.”
Get With The Guidelines – Stroke, is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the longterm effects of a stroke and prevent death.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3pYJcj6
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At Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, researchers from the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) and Disney Conservation released two sea turtles as part of the 16th annual Tour de Turtles “migration marathon.” Tour de Turtles is a fun, educational event that follows the migration of sea turtles from their nesting beaches to their feeding grounds and, ultimately, provides scientific data on how best to protect their species.
The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) and Disney Cruise Line are each sponsoring a turtle this year, whose names, Madame Leota and Harriet, are the names of characters in Disney’s frighteningly fun adventure movie “Haunted Mansion,” now playing in theaters. Not unlike Gabbie, another character in the film who enlists a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters – Tour de Turtles brings together a team of researchers from the STC and Disney Conservation annually to undertake a daunting mission – using satellite telemetry to track two female turtles to determine where and how far they swim during the migration season.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/44OB8QU
The first of Florida’s two upcoming tax-free holidays for back-to-school-supplies begins today, Monday July 24, and will run through August 6. The back-to-school- tax holiday is a great way for families to save a great amount of money on qualifying items. The next tax-free holiday after that will happen during the first two weeks of January.
DURING THE SALES TAX HOLIDAY PERIOD, QUALIFYING ITEMS WILL BE EXEMPT FROM TAX, INCLUDING:
• Clothing, footwear, and certain accessories with a sales price of $100 or less per item
• Certain school supplies with a sales price of $50 or less per item,
• Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles with a sales price of $30 or less
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3q0x6pB
Osceola County Mosquito Control is urging its residents to remain proactive throughout the year in safeguarding the community against bothersome and disease-carrying mosquitoes. Recently, the Florida Department of Health (FLDOH) issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory for the local transmission of Malaria in Sarasota County.
“OCMC continuously monitors mosquito populations, and we take action as populations start to increase or disease is identified in our area,” said Natural Resource Manager Susan Gosselin.
Malaria is transmitted by a certain type of mosquito, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, which is currently at low population levels in freshwater swamp areas of Osceola County. OCMC is very aware of the concern of residents and is keeping a close eye on the situation.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3qaSRTO
For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com
Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County has launched a new program focused on reducing home insurance costs, and uncover home maintenance issues and critical home preservation obstacles.
Habitat Inspects provides qualified homeowners free wind mitigation inspection vouchers, valued at $150, to help reduce home insurance costs and maintenance issues. In addition to the free inspections, the program also provides free disaster preparedness education and home insurance courses to the public. The program will help families take preventative action to protect their most important asset, their home.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3DA4uXw
The St. Cloud Police Department will partner with One Blood on Tuesday, August 15th from 11am to 4pm at the St. Cloud Police Department, offering citizens a convenient location for donating blood, and helping to save lives.
The St. Cloud PD donation site is for everyone 16 years and older. Donors who are 16 years old will need parental permission, and everyone planning to donate will need to present a valid ID to donate.
To schedule an appointment, visit oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code #23834.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3XHEOkL
More than 550 million views on TikTok can’t be wrong: Cottage cheese is hot. Blended into ice cream or bread dough or straight off the spoon, it’s fun to watch Gen Z discover the creamy goodness your grandmother loved.
But cottage cheese goes back further than that — curdled-milk cheese is mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey, and there’s evidence of its existence in the Middle East as early as 5,000 B.C. So why the hullabaloo now?
Some put it down to Americans’ insatiable taste for soft and creamy comfort foods. But cottage cheese has survived the eons for a good reason: It’s packed with protein. One cup can contain as much as 25 grams, the equivalent of a double cheeseburger. But as with that burger, there can be other things to be aware of, like the amount of salt and added sugar.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3DuzMiv
Sadly, serious and fatal accidents take place on a daily basis in Central Florida. These crashes can happen in a number of ways and can be caused by not following traffic laws, inexperience, intoxication, distracted driving, fatigue, and medical issues.
Statistics show that fatal car accidents can often occur based on the type of vehicle. You may think that sports cars are most likely to be in crashes due to their speed and performance. However, according to the NHTSA, it’s the everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs on the roadways that are involved more frequently in serious or even deadly accidents, with sedans and pickup trucks accounting for more than three-quarters of fatal accidents. If you drive out on the roadways, here’s what you need to know about which vehicles have been involved in many of the crashes.
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
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.
We are all susceptible to falls. But, older adults have an increased risk of falling, and the harm sustained can be more complicated than just your average cut, scrape or bruise. Serious injuries may occur in the form of fractured or broken bones and internal bleeding.
Each year, more than three million people 65 and older are treated in emergency rooms for fall injuries. Unfortunately, fewer than half of them follow up with their primary physician about the accident, increasing the likelihood of another fall. Proper follow-up care can be instrumental in helping to identify and minimize risks for future falls.
Falls can occur for a variety of reasons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists these common causes:
• Impaired vision—as you get older, your vision may not be as clear, making it more difficult to see tripping hazards.
• Health conditions–diabetes, heart disease and other health issues can affect your balance.
• Medications— sedatives and antidepressants can make you dizzy or sleepy. Other over-the-counter medicines may also lead to conditions that alter your balance.
• Weakness—can contribute to imbalance and falls.
• Vitamin D deficiency—a lack of bone strength can lead to weakness and falls.
• Foot pain or poor footwear—increase likelihood of tripping/falling.
• Hazards in the home—throw rugs that present tripping hazards or broken or uneven steps can increase the risk of falls.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Y8AOde
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 wellbeing of your pet during severe storms.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Nh0K1j
It may not feel like Fall is in the air, with temperatures in the mid 90s and thunderstorms soaking Osceola County nearly every afternoon, but at Disney World, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are welcoming the first touches of fall on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.
Fall decor can be enjoyed by guests through Nov. 1 and is just one of many festive touches that visitors can look forward to experiencing this autumn at the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”
Disney is also currently celebrating with its 2023 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, going on now through Nov. 18th at Walt Disney World!
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3OkjE8h
Today Universal Orlando Resort revealed that Minion Land on Illumination Avenue will officially open to guests on August 11, 2023 at Universal Studios Florida. Currently in preview for guests, Minion Land was created in partnership between the visionary teams at Universal Creative and Illumination and brings to life a whole new level of Minion mischief and diabolical fun.
For more information about Minion Land at Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/44Sf1t8
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SeaWorld Orlando‘s Craft Beer Festival isn’t just about the brews. They’ve got Positively Delicious fresh food choices to tempt you too every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Sept. 4—included with park admission.
From the new Pipeline Pretzel and Short Rib Poutine to returning staples like Beignets and Walking Tacos, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your next craving.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Kr3aKp
by Netflix’s Stranger Things
Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights brings season 4 of Netflix’s original series “Stranger Things” to life in a terrifying all-new haunted house, beginning Friday, September 1 at Universal Orlando Resort.
This year’s petrifying haunted house will once again transport guests to Hawkins, Indiana, where they will encounter the newest supernatural villain, Vecna, who is hell-bent on obliterating the volatile barrier between the eerie Upside Down and the real world in an attempt to reign supreme.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3pPa9FM
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The Osceola Magic’s mascot Swish, joined “The New Start Thrift Store” and ‘Clancy & Theys Construction Company” in reminding the community that the Education Foundation of Osceola County is still accepting donations for school supplies for the school year.
The New Start Thrift Store donated $2,000 and Clancy & Theys Construction Company donated $1,000 to the foundation’s school supply drive during Tuesday’s school board meeting.
The lead nonprofit agency overseeing foster care in Osceola, Orange, and Seminole counties says it needs the community’s support now more than ever, especially when it comes to meeting the back-to-school needs of children and teens, ages 2 to 18.
For a child experiencing foster care, normalcy can look as simple as a new backpack or pair of shoes, providing a sense of belonging as they start a new school year. The campaign is designed to help offset some of the financial stresses many caregiver families experience as the kids head back to the classroom. In particular, new, unused backpacks, lunchboxes and water bottles are needed.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/46I9LJM
Fresh chicken with crisp Florida arugula on toasted bread, it’s Positively Delicious!
• 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
After a long day at the beach soaking up the sun, reward yourself with a delicious meal. Try these Grilled Shrimp skewers made with fresh Florida seafood…they’re Positively Delicious!
• 1 pound Florida shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 Florida Key limes, juiced
• ½ Florida avocado, mashed
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons spicy mustard
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Oil for cooking
• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3XNATmC
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Looking for a fun dish to bring to summer cook-outs? Try this chicken pasta with fresh Florida vegetables…it’s Positively Delicious!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups Florida Chicken, cooked and chopped
• 2 Florida tomatoes and Florida zucchini, diced
• 2 cups Florida spinach
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 12 ounces whole wheat penne, cooked
• ½ cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Olive oil, for cooking
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3X6XRon
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
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be confident.
We provide trusted, quality care in your community. At Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, get access to care from an expert and compassionate clinical team for all of your healthcare needs — from emergency services to heart care, surgical services and more — all close to home. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/StCloud choose well.