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

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1 2023

Driving Dreams: Osceola Council On Aging’s 4th Annual Car Raffle Fundraiser Osceola County Weather: The Heat and Humidity Continue With Strong Afternoon Showers Possible In and Around Osceola U.S. News & World Report names Orlando Health hospitals among the nation’s top 50 hospitals for Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery

Historical Museum of Osceola County to Officially Open New Permanent Exhibit, ¡Hola History August 9 at 6pm

Festive Fall Decor Arrives in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE at T-Mobile in Kissimmee where Dr. Mark Shanoff and Sheriff Marcos Lopez have teamed up for a back to school backpack giveaway!

LIVE as the City of St. Cloud breaks ground on classroom and office space expansion at its Fire Training Facility

LIVE for the Sesame Street Party Parade at SeaWorld Orlando!

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE as the Central Florida Expressway Authority speaks about the Southport 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

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS 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

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

VIDEOS ON DEMAND The Mayor’s Minute with St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell 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.

Positively Osceola, Making a Positive Difference in and Around Osceola County!

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!

Kissimmee Utility Authority Hurricane Handbook 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.

Talent Tuesday at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital Every Tuesday is Talent Tuesday at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital from 1-3pm.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Summer Spectacular Concert Series Check out the lineup for SeaWorld Orlando’s Summer Spectacular Concert Series every Saturday and Sunday night from July 8th to August 6th.

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS

Driving Dreams: Osceola Council On Aging’s 4th Annual Car Raffle Fundraiser 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.

Empowering Seniors, Enriching Lives For over four decades, the Osceola Council On Aging has been a driving force in enhancing the lives of seniors in and around Osceola County. Dedicated to providing essential services, support, and resources, the OCOA has played a pivotal role in empowering seniors, and others in need, to lead fulfilling lives and maintain their independence within the community.

From nutrition programs, transportation services, and health and wellness initiatives to social activities and educational opportunities, the OCOA has been a lifeline for thousands of seniors and their families. However, such impactful work requires substantial financial support, and this is where the Car Raffle Fundraiser comes into the picture.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3rWR6tE

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS Osceola County Weather: The Heat and Humidity Continue With Strong Afternoon Showers Possible In and Around Osceola Happy Tuesday Osceola! We’re looking at a humid Tuesday with highs in the low to mid-90s. Storms will likely make their way into Osceola in the late afternoon today with some storms becoming strong, with heavy rain, wind, and dangerous lightening. Rain chances will drop to 40% on Friday and for Saturday with high temps in the mid 90s through the weekend.

Here’s the Positively Osceola day-by-day and week-ahead weather forecast: Today Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 103. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3QmcHG5

U.S. News & World Report names Orlando Health hospitals among the nation’s top 50 hospitals for Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery U.S. News & World Report has recognized Orlando Health hospitals in three categories in its 2023-24 Best Hospitals rankings. The distinctions include a top 50 national ranking in Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery; regional rankings in Florida and the Orlando area; and high performing ratings in adult specialties and adult procedure and conditions.

Best Hospitals On a national level, Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, and Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital ranked No. 49 in Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery. The hospitals also ranked high performing in three additional specialties: Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Pulmonology & Lung Surgery, Urology.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3OE8LQ0

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS Historical Museum of Osceola County to Officially Open New Permanent Exhibit, ¡Hola History August 9 at 6pm 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.

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

Festive Fall Decor Arrives in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS

Back-to-School Spending Expected to Decline as Inflation Takes its Toll After 18 months of inflation, higher prices weigh on many K-12 families as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

In addition to a 23.7% increase in the cost of school supplies in the past two years (per the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index), 3 in 10 (31%) surveyed parents say their households are in a worse financial situation than last year, and half (51%) expect the economy to weaken in the next six months. According to the “2023 Deloitte Back-to-School Survey,” consumers across income groups are expected to prioritize their spending and find ways to economize throughout the season. However, most parents are also willing to splurge on specific items for their children, signaling an opportunity for retailers heading into the back-to-school shopping season.

Deloitte’s back-to-school survey was conducted online using an independent research panel between May 26 and June 1, 2023 and surveyed 1,212 parents with at least one child attending school in grades K-12 this fall.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3O0I5aD For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS Preserving the Past: Program Recognizing Historic Buildings in City of St. Cloud Now Accepting Applications 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

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Breaking: Former Harmony pitcher Caden Scarborough officially signs with Texas Rangers, includes $515,000 signing bonus If there was any question how bad the Texas Rangers wanted to get sixth round draft pick and former Harmony pitcher Caden Scarborough under contract, it was answered late last week. The Rangers reached contract terms with Scarborough – signing him to agreement that included a $515,000 bonus.

Scarborough became just the second of Texas’ 18-draft picks to reach agreement. Texas released the Scarborough signing moments after they announced that they came to terms with first round draft pick Wyatt Langford – a former University of Florida star who received a $7.69 million signing bonus.

Reached by phone on Wednesday night, Scarborough said he was not sure where or when the Rangers would assign him to his first professional location, but that he “was excited to start his professional baseball journey.”

“It’s been a crazy couple of weeks, but I’m glad it’s over and happy to officially be a Texas Ranger,” Scarborough said. “Wherever they want me to go, is fine – I’m just ready to go.”

The 6-5, right-handed Scarborough was not high on the radar of many professional or college scouts early, as he was injured for part of his junior season. But the stock of the Hillsborough Community College commit rose dramatically during his senior year — where he sported a 1-1 record with a 2.19 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 38.1 innings pitched.

He helped the Longhorns to an Orange Belt Conference championship, was named AllOBC, All-County, Player of the Year and All-Region by the Orlando Sentinel.

He gained additional notoriety with his performance at the FHSAA All-Star game in Lakeland, where he faced the best high school seniors in the state and struck out four batters in two innings. Scarborough was later offered by Dallas Baptist, a Division-1 baseball power. The San Diego Padres then flew him out to Petco Park for a private workout, where he struck out several college players that were also brought in for draft evaluations.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/44Xp5jS For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS Osceola County Vice Chair, District 4 Commissioner Cheryl Grieb to host Back to School Backpack at Kissimmee Hart Memorial Library With the 2023-2024 school year coming fast, it’s time to make sure students in Osceola County have everything they need to succeed in school – right from the first day back!

Osceola County Vice Chair, District 4 Commissioner Cheryl Grieb is inviting K-12 students to a back to school giveaway at Hart Memorial Library, located at 211 East Dakin Avenue in Kissimmee on Friday July 28th at 9am.

It’s Osceola County and the Osceola Library System working together to ensure that your kiddos are ready for another exciting school year!

The backpack giveaway is for Osceola County residents only.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3XUwCO9

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS

Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital recognized by American Heart Association for stroke care 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

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS Arrive Alive This Summer: Be Safe, Slow Down, Never Drive Impaired, Buckle Up Traveling throughout Florida can be just as fun as getting to your destination. During the summer travel season, Florida’s roads can be some of the busiest in the country. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is educating everyone on safe driving practices to always Arrive Alive.

SPEEDING – SLOW DOWN, STAY COOL • As a motorist, it’s your responsibility to know and obey the speed limit on each road you travel.

• Speed limits are in place to keep you and those around you safe. Together, we can create a safer summer for all by slowing down and staying cool on the road.

• In Florida, the speed limit will never be higher than 70 mph on highways. Slow down – no excuses.

• Speeding is against the law and extremely dangerous. Obeying speed limits improves safety by reducing the probability and severity of crashes.

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

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS

Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Begins Today, Monday July 24. Check Out What You Can Save On!

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

Malaria Outbreak in Sarasota County Prompts Proactive Mosquito Warning to Osceola County Residents 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

NEWS FDOT to hold public meeting Thursday about upcoming West US192 pedestrians and drivers safety improvements The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public meeting regarding project plans on U.S. 192 from Bamboo Lane to Main Street in Kissimmee on Thursday, August 3, at 5:30 p.m. at the Events Center at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, by phone, and virtually.

The purpose of this project is to construct safety improvements for pedestrians and drivers and to repave the corridor to extend the life of the roadway.

The Department is offering multiple ways for the community to participate in the meeting. All participants, regardless of platform they choose, will participate in the same live meeting.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/4531RJk

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS

St. Cloud Police to host “One Blood” donation event to help save lives 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

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

HEALTH

Shannon O’Meara, MS, RD Orlando Health: Nutrition

Orlando Health: Cottage Cheese: The Protein Powerhouse That’s a Dreamy, Creamy TikTok Hit 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

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

INJURY LAW Draper Law: Which vehicles are more likely to be involved in serious or fatal accidents?

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.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3ptK6Uz

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS 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

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

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.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3W6o3yN

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

HEALTH

David Willis, RN Orlando Health

Orlando Health: Tips for Fall Prevention in the Elderly 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.

WHY DO OLDER PEOPLE FALL? 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 For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS 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 wellbeing of your pet during severe storms.

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

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS Attention Shark Fin-atics: Explore the Ultimate Shark Experience at SeaWorld Orlando and Support Ocean Conservation SeaWorld Orlando is giving shark fin-atics the ultimate encounter in its parks with a brand new ‘Ultimate Shark Experience’ ticket on sale now through July 28. This new limited-time ticket offers a full day of unique and immersive experiences to get up close to see, feed, touch and learn about sharks, know what it’s like to move like a shark on shark-inspired thrill rides, take home shark swag, and honor the ocean’s VIPs with $25 of every ticket going to shark conservation.

Take a guided tour not accessible to the public above the aquarium to see sharks, meet shark curators, and learn more about the sharks in SeaWorld care. Get up close and touch small sharks in a private group setting as educators share more about SeaWorld’s world-class, around the clock animal care for sharks.

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

Minion Land to Officially Open at Universal Orlando Resort August 11

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS Delicious Adventures Await as the 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Begins at Walt Disney World Resort

It’s the tastiest time of the year as the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE kicks off at Walt Disney World Resort July 27, 2023, and continues through Nov. 18, 2023. That’s 114 days of tempting tastes, live entertainment and festival fun for all ages.

Guests can set out on an international expedition of flavor visiting Global Marketplaces that showcase culinary delights from every corner of the world. Whimsical scavenger hunts and food strolls encourage guests to stop and savor every detail. And each evening, musical acts from yesterday and today take to the stage during the Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare. Special packages are available that include dinner in one of the park’s world-class restaurants and guaranteed seating for a concert performance.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Qiq1eG

Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights to Transports Guests Back to the Upside Down in All New Haunted House Inspired 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 For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS Osceola Chair District 2 Commissioner Viviana Janer, District 1 Commissioner Peggy Choudhry to Host Free Back to School Bash With the 2023-2024 school year coming fast, it’s time to make sure students in Osceola County have everything they need to succeed in school – right from the first day back!

Osceola County Chair, District 2 Commissioner Viviana Janer, and Osceola County Commissioner for District 1 Peggy Choudhry are coming together to welcome K-12 students in Osceola County to a Free Back to School Bash on August 2nd from 10am til noon at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee.

The event is drive-thru only while supplies last. Registration is not required, but kiddos must be present to receive a backpack and school supplies.

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

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

NEWS Embrace Families Hosts Back-to-School Drive to Benefit Youth in Foster Care

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

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

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 • 1/2 cup olive oil • 1 Florida tomato, sliced thin • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature • 2 cups Florida arugula • Sandwich bread (your favorite) • 3 garlic cloves • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper • 1 lemon, zested and juiced

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

End Your Summer Day with Grilled Florida Key Lime Shrimp Skewers, They’re Positively Delicious!

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!

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Florida Vegetable and Chicken Pasta, It’s Positively Delicious!

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

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.