Florida’s first ‘tool time’ sales tax holiday is ready to gear up beginning September 3 Big Plays, Breaks Sink Osceola Kowboys in Overtime, 28-27 St. Cloud Council approves Veronica Miller to be next city manager Osceola County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller Kelvin Soto Publishes “Osceola On the Rise” County Financial Report For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com Inside this issue Osceola County Awarded $50.8 Million for NeoCity from Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2022
Mon,GoodLIVESTREAMSMorningOsceolaWed,Friat7:30AMIntheLoopLIVETueat6:00PMDaybreakLIVEWedat9:00AMOsceolaMattersThuat6:00PMIntheLoopLIVESatat8:00AM
For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com WEEKLY
Good Morning Osceola LIVE with Krissi Hardy! June 29th, 2022 Good Morning Osceola LIVE with Krissi Hardy! August 1st, 2022 In the Loop LIVE with Krissi Hardy! July 30th, 2022 Daybreak LIVE with Antranette Forbes, Economic Development & Special Projects Manager with City of St. Cloud August 1st, 2022 For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS Daybreak LIVE with Chris Burns, Fine and Performing Arts Resource Specialist at the Osceola County School District July 14th, 2022
LIVE with St. Cloud High School football head coach Mike Short talking about his Bulldogs this upcoming season
LIVE with Osceola County Commissioner Cheryl Grieb at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Food Distribution
LIVE with Osceola County Commissioner Viviana Janer at her Drive-thru Backpack Giveaway
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LIVE with Harmony High School football head coach Don Simon on the first official day of practice
LIVE at Neptune Middle School as Addition Financial reveals their classroom renovation for Tamera Forrester-Bell, a 6th grade research teacher
IN & AROUND OSCEOLA
On Wednesday, August 10th from 6:00pm – 7:00pm the Osceola Library System ’s Veteran’s Memorial Library St. Cloud Branch will host Adoptions Simplified. Have all of your adoption questions answered by Barbara Harris, Executive Director of United in Love Adoptions, a local team with a mission of bringing families together and providing families comprehensive support through all aspects of adoption.
Every month we ask the City of St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell to share with us what’s going on in and around the City of St. Cloud. Here’s the Mayor’s Minute with St. Cloud Mayor, Nathan Blackwell. The Mayor’s Minute with City of St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell
Creative Inspiration Journey School is enrolling for the upcoming school year!
Every month we ask the City of Kissimmee Mayor Olga Gonzalez to share with us what’s going on in and around the City of Kissimmee. Here’s the Mayor’s Minute with Kissimmee Mayor, Olga Gonzalez.
VIDEOS ON DEMAND
Adoptions Simplified from the Osceola Library System
Creative Inspiration Journey School approaches the charter-school learning model differently than any other school in the St. Cloud and Osceola Community. Creative Inspiration Journey School has some open availability for the 2022/2023 school year, but don’t wait... those openings are expected to fill up quickly! To enroll to CIJS, simply visit CIJSStCloud.org to apply today.
OneBlood en el Departamento de Policía de St. Cloud el 16 de agosto
El martes 16 de agosto de 11 am a 4 pm, el Departamento de Policía de St. Cloud se asociará con OneBlood para brindar a la comunidad un lugar conveniente para donar sangre en el Departamento de Policía de St. Cloud ubicado en 4700 Neptune Road en St. Cloud. Los donantes pueden programar citas en Oneblood.org/donate-now usando el código de patrocinador #23834.
The Mayor’s Minute with City of Kissimmee Mayor Olga Gonzalez For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com
*No purchase necessary. Limit one per guest. Excludes Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew. Additional charges may apply. Participation may vary. To learn more about Dunkin’, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com
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Teachers have returned to classrooms for the start of the new school year, so Dunkin’ is brewing up the perfect way to say “thank you” to those who go above and beyond for our students. In celebration of all local educators, participating Dunkin’ restaurants in and around Osceola County are treating teachers to a Free Medium Hot or Iced Coffee on Thursday, September 1.
“Teachers play an invaluable role in our communities and help provide their students with the means for a better future,” said Katie Gaston, Dunkin’ Senior Field Marketing Manager. “We’re excited to offer our deserving educators a coffee break and recognize them for their passion and dedication to our youth.”
NEWS
The return of the school year also marks the return of everyone’s favorite fall flavors, especially Dunkin’s pumpkin lineup! Teachers can kick-off the school year and enjoy the perfect pour with Dunkin’s pumpkin flavor swirl available in its hot or iced coffee.
Dunkin’ Raises a Cup to Teachers with Free Medium Coffee Offer Thursday September 1
Florida’s first ‘tool
Utility Authority has announced that their customers can now opt-in to a new text-based scam alert system by texting SCAMALERT to 877-5827700. KUA’s scam alert is proactive and designed to increase security and protection for its customers. The phone number from which the customer sends the text message must be registered to their KUATheaccount.newscam alert program sends users text alerts about active utility scams targeting KUA customers in real-time. When KUA receives information about a local scam targeting customers, the utility will proactively send a text to those customers who have opted into the program. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com time’ sales tax holiday is ready to gear up September 3
NEWS
Florida’s brand new “tool time” sales tax holiday on tools and other home repair and construction items will ‘gear up’ during the Labor Day weekend from September 3, 2022 through September 9, 2022 and is part of a wide-ranging tax bill passed this year by the Florida legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. The name of the tax-free holiday is reminiscent of the homeimprovement sitcom show in the 1990s called “Home Improvement, and will allow shoppers to avoid paying sales taxes on numerous home repair and construction items. During the holiday, purchases of the following items are exempt from sales tax:
beginning
• Power tools selling for $300 or less
• Hand tools selling for $50 or less
• Power tool batteries selling for $150 or Kissimmeeless
Kissimmee Utility Authority Launches Scam Alert Text Program READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3eaZFtX READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3KBoKKJ
With today’s expansion, the Department of Elder Affairs and the state’s eleven Area Agencies on Aging established their own Hope Navigators, who will further break down traditional community silos by uniting seniors and caregivers with community partners, giving seniors direct access to help locating immediate needs. In addition, the Hope Navigators will help identify ways for these seniors to find purpose, which could take the form of volunteering or mentoring. To be paired with a Hope Navigator, call 850-300-HOPE.Forseniorswho wish to give back to society, Hope Florida – A Pathway to Purpose is simplifying opportunities for seniors to help meet the needs of their communities. One way to serve is with Elder Affairs’ newly established “Hope Heroes Program,” through which retirees can learn how to support seniors in need. To become a Hope Hero or to learn about additional volunteer opportunities, call 800-96-ELDER or visit helpcreatehope.com.
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NEWS
First Lady Casey DeSantis Expands Hope Florida to Support Seniors through ‘A Pathway to Purpose’
First Lady Casey DeSantis announced on Tuesday the expansion of her Hope Florida initiative to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. This expansion, called Hope Florida – A Pathway to Purpose, will provide support for Florida’s elders by increasing assistance for seniors in need while helping to facilitate opportunities for seniors looking to serve. This announcement comes on the heels of the First Lady’s Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity initiative, which she launched in 2021 to break down traditional community silos to unite the private sector, faith-based institutions, nonprofits, and government entities to maximize resources and uncover opportunities for Floridians in need. Implemented by the Florida Department of Children and Families, Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity has served nearly 50,000 individuals, helping them find an individualized path to prosperity, economic self-sufficiency, and hope.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3wHzoda
NEWS For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com
VIVA Osceola, presented by Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, returns to Kissimmee’s Lakefront Park on Saturday October 8th from 11am – 6pm and will celebrate 30 years of heritage, and 30 years of you! Experience headliners Domino Saints, Nano Cabrera, and Sammy Velez on Viva Osceola’s main stage, or enjoy local talent at the Exitos 96.5’s Somos Kissimmee Stage.It’san event for the whole family with authentic Latin food from Sabor Boricua, and for the kiddos, the KUA Kid’s Power Zone will be at Viva Osceola complete with bounce houses, free snow cones, and a kids craft activity, and don’t forget to visit the FREE Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital Photo booth to capture memories of your day!
Viva Osceola Returns to Kissimmee’s Lakefront Park October 8, presented by Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital
Viva Osceola, brought to you by The Osceola Chamber and Orlando Health St Cloud Hospital, coming to Kissimmee on Saturday, October 8th!
Osceola County Offices to Close for Labor Day
The football stands were filled with St. Cloud Bulldog fans Friday night to welcome back High School football, but after the game, Tom Gannarelli field was filled with those coming to together to show their support and love for Jacob Verdecia and his family, after the 16-yearold boy was seriously injured in a car crash on Florida’s Turnpike earlier in August and is now fighting to recover in the hospital.
In observance of Labor Day, the Osceola County Courthouse and Osceola County Administration offices, including libraries and the Bass Road Resource Recycle Center, will be closed on Monday, September 5th.
NEWS
St. Cloud community comes together to show support for 16-year-old Jacob Verdecia, hospitalized after Turnpike crash
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3ct4bUe
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County offices and services will resume on Tuesday, September 6th. Please contact the Osceola County Communications Office at 407-742-0100 for more information.
For residents of unincorporated Osceola County, curbside collection will continue as scheduled.
Jacob, who is a junior at St. Cloud High School and a member of the St. Cloud Bulldog Basketball team, was riding in the backseat of a car with his friends on a rainy night on the Turnpike when the driver lost control of the car, crossed over four turnpike lanes before striking hard into a guardrail. The force of the collision caused Jacob, who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt at the time, to quickly move forward and into the front seat of the car where he sustained serious injuries, possibly from striking the windshield, dashboard, or airbag, according to Jacob’s family.
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3ed4vqU
NEWS
Toho Water Authority’s (Toho) administrative office will be closed Monday, Sept. 5, in observance of Labor Day. Regular business hours will resume at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6.
Toho Water Authority Administrative Office to Close Monday, Sept. 5, in Observance of Labor Day
Do you own a small business and has it been impacted by COVID-19? The Osceola County Housing and Community Services Department’s Microenterprise Assistance Program provides financial aid to qualifying small businesses. The program offers a one-time $5,000 grant to qualified, for-profit businesses located within unincorporated Osceola County to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus on a firstcome, first-ready basis. A total of approximately $1.4 million is available.
Customers can always make payments, report emergencies and use other self-service features at www.tohowater.com, or by using the 24-hour customer service line at 407-944-5000.
Own a Small Business? You May Be Eligible for Help from Osceola’s $1.4 million Fund
Applicants must possess a business license and must be current on all County taxes, assessments, and fees to participate. They also must be income eligible – with a threshold of 80 percent of below the Area Median Income has calculated by HUD. Furthermore: Applicants must have no outstanding Safety Code Enforcement violations and be free of violations within the last 12 months prior the application date. Business must meet HUD’s microenterprise definition: a pro-profit business with 5 employees or less; including prospective owner(s).
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Making a Positive Difference in Osceola County, Hope Partnership and CEO Mary Lee Downey
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But while we don’t have an exact count, we know that thousands of students in Central Florida will leave our schools at the end of the day to spend the night in hotel rooms, vehicles, and other places that are unfit for habitation. Florida is experiencing a full-scale housing crisis, and that crisis affects our kids as well.
Reverend Mary Lee Downey CEO, Hope Partnership Inc.
One piece of the housing puzzle is school impact fees. Fees on new development are essential in order to provide quality education for students. Those same fees also contribute to the rising costs of housing. When we raise impact fees, housing prices go up; when we lower fees, we shortchange our students and teachers. There are no simple answers in this conversation, as there are no simple fixes to the issues surrounding student homelessness. However, there is one thing we can all do as we work to solve these issues: we can decide what we believe. I’d like to invite everyone to share this belief that we hold at Hope Partnership: everyone in our community — including every child and teenager – deserves a safe place to call home. If we can all begin from that place, we can make progress toward better outcomes for our kids.
MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE
In Positively Osceola News Today, our daily digital news issue, we feature organizations and leaders in the community that are focused on solutions to challenges in the Osceola County community. In this issue, we are featuring Reverend Mary Downey and sharing a message she recently shared with the community. As our kids head back to school this month, I’m thinking about all of the children in our schools who don’t have a safe place to call home. We rely on our school districts to provide us with data on how many students are experiencing forms of homelessness. They base those numbers on domicile forms that families complete. As students age into middle and high school, many decide not to bring those domicile forms home.
INJURY LAW For more
Twenty Five Percent of all vehicle crashes in Florida are hit-and-run READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3dNYfp3
On July 1, 2014, the penalties for hit-and-run drivers changed when the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act was signed into Florida law. The statute is named after Aaron Cohen, a 31-year-old cyclist, and father of two that was fatally struck by an alcohol-impaired driver that fled the crash scene in February 2012 in central Florida. Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com
Nearly 25 percent of all crashes in Florida involve a hit-and-run. Most hit-and-run crashes only result in property damage, but tragically, hit-and-run crashes can also be deadly. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has initiated a “Stay at the Scene” campaign which aims to reduce the number of hit-and-run crashes in Florida by educating drivers on their responsibilities if involved in a crash and the serious consequences they face if they choose not to Stay at the Scene.
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NEWS
Florida-based artist Alberto Gomez is a humble observer with an artistic vision that is rooted in his native Colombia. “I consider my work to be categorized as magical realism in the visual sense similar to the writings of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Isabel Allende. This style is a tradition in my Latin American homeland. My work depicts the combination of daily life and fantasy together in the story. I consider my technique to mirror that of the poet using symbols, and a sense of place with the people presented in my art. My inspiration comes from my love of people.
Osceola Arts to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with “The Tie That Binds/ El Lazo Que Une: works by Alberto Gomez” READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3R6GMaf
Osceola Arts celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with a new visual arts exhibit “The Tie That Binds/ El Lazo Que Une: works by Alberto Gomez” from September 1 through November 6.
NEWS For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3wbfyXv
From the first day that Creative Inspiration Journey School opened its doors in the Fall of 2019, it was easy to see that it wasn’t going to be just another tuition free public charter school, it was focused on creating an environment of learning for its students unlike any other school in the St. Cloud and Osceola communities. CIJS uses the Reggio Emilia approach to learning, which allows children to direct their own learning process according to their needs, and in a less-structured environment. This gives the students a apportunity to grow at their own pace, both as individuals – and community members.
Creative Inspiration Journey School sees continued student growth amid school facility expansion
Beginning in September
NEWS
Have you been thinking about learning Spanish, maybe just enough to better understand casual conversations, or to begin your path toward being a proficient Spanish speaker? The Osceola Library System’s Hart Memorial Library in Kissimmee may have exactly what you’re looking for.
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Beginning Thursday, September 8, at Hart Memorial Central Library from 6 – 8pm, you’ll be able to boost your Spanish language skills for free by learning basic conversational phrases that will help you communicate better on a daily basis. The classes will be taught by Ivonne Sanchez, and it’s sure to be very helping in learning Spanish, and lots of Thefun. course is free, and presented by the Osceola Library System. Hart Memorial Library is located at 211 E Dakin Avenue in Kissimmee, and the class will be taught on the 2nd floor. For more information call 407) 742-8888 or visit Osceolalibrary.org. A new irrigation schedule based on the last number of an address has been rolled out for new and existing water utility customers of St. Cloud Utilities, who will be welcomed by Toho Water Authority (Toho) Oct. 1, 2022. Approved by the South Florida Water Management District, the revision was needed to meet growth needs. Adjusting irrigation timers to the outlined days and times (attached) will help to ensure adequate supply for both potable and reuse water used to water yards and landscaping. Questions: Customer Service at 407-957-7344 or online at: stcloudfl.gov/1683/Watering-Schedules. New irrigation schedule for St. Cloud customers READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3TaserN
Hart Memorial Library in Kissimmee to Offer Free Spanish for Beginners Classes
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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 reestablished 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 view or download the “Osceola On The Rise” publication just click here. Print copies are available by request. Contact communications@osceolaclerk.org.
Osceola On The Rise provides information about the Osceola County community like statistics and demographic information, directories of parks, recreation facilities, libraries, emergency services, public services and annual events, Clerk and County accomplishments, and an overview of the County’s financial well-being.
“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.“Iamproudto share with you this first ever Popular Annual Financial Report in Osceola County. As the County Comptroller, I am committed to fulfilling our constitutional duty of transparency in government and responsible stewardship of our citizen’s finances,” said Honorable Kelvin Soto, Esq. . “It is my hope that you will find Osceola On The Rise valuable, enjoyable and informative.”
NEWS
Osceola County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller Kelvin Soto Publishes “Osceola On the Rise” County Financial Report
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.
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FAMILY LAW
Safety Plans
Violence between spouses is often part of a cycle of abuse wherein a spouse will hurt the other, reconcile with them, and then assault them again. This pattern can be replicated over and over and is often difficult to escape. When an abused partner leaves the relationship, he or she may be vulnerable to the other spouse’s reaction and at risk for increased violence. Therefore, it is critical that the individual has a safe place to stay and a safety plan in place which details what to do should they feel threatened. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3AA2Fcd
Divorce Issues When Your Spouse is Violent In many cases, when one partner is physically abusive towards the other, this brutal conduct will be the reason the marriage ends in divorce. When the couple begins a divorce, this history of violence can have critical implications for both sides. Here are some considerations about divorce issues when your spouse is violent.
The Osceola Council On Aging announced Friday, that it would be receiving a $5.69 Million HUD grant for an affordable housing project in BVL called Buen Vecino, which translates to “good neighbor.” The affordable apartments project, scheduled to open in 2023, will benefit Osceola low-income seniors who the Osceola Council on Aging serves for housing, food, and services. For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website! PositivelyOsceola.com
affordable housing HUD
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3deoogP
With the cost of housing continuing to increase in and around Osceola County, many families and individuals are finding it more and more challenging to find attainable or affordable housing, especially lowincome seniors, who are already struggling with inflation and increasing rental expense as they try to make ends meet on fixed incomes.
Osceola Council On Aging awarded Million grant for seniors, Osceola and Kissimmee add $4.3 Million more
NEWS
$5.69
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Q8YZCF
“It got pretty bad last year and we made a difficult decision that we hoped would pull the rest of the players together.It seemed to work and that has carried through spring and the early days of fall camp,” Beeken said.“We hopefully have everybody on the same page now.”
Two big names that should help Poinciana are a pair of Osceola High transfers in WR Donald Cummings and RB/DB Perry Garrett. Garrett averaged more than seven yards a carry and nearly 20 yards a reception for the Kowboys, although he saw limited action.
Cummings is a home run threat of a wide receiver, as he scored four touchdowns and averaged 26.4 yard per reception for Osceola – despite only catching 15 total passes as back-up. Garrett has already been penciled in as the starting running back.
Beeken is hopeful that the new culture, combined with the addition on several talented transfers, could lead to the first winning season in the school’s 33-year history.
SPORTS
As the 2021 season was winding down, Poinciana football was at a low point. Head Coach Randy Beeken made a difficult decision to suspend several high profile players from the team. In the end, the Eagles rallied to win two of their last three games. Poinciana beat Avon Park 28-16 in their Kickoff Classic, but lost their opening game 39-15 loss to Parrish Community. What looks to be a big change over last year, is the positive outlook for the season.
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“We had good numbers in the spring and summer,” Beeken said. “We also had a bevy of transfers come in, but technically I don’t consider a lot of them transfers many of them were originally zoned to attend this school to begin with.”
Transfers, New Culture Could Lead Poinciana Eagles to First Winning Season
Dav’Rell Cohn, a defensive back who saw very limited action for the Kowboys, also transferred from Osceola and could contend for a starting spot with the Eagles. A key returning player will be quarterback Jahmari Corbett, who threw for 700 yards and six touchdowns as a part-time starter last year, has improved greatly from last fall.
For the fourth time in its five years of existence, Tohopekaliga has started its football season with a new head coach at the helm. The first two coaches –Anthony Davis and Marc Deas – built a successful program, but the team backslid dramatically last year. Enter Athony Paradiso, who takes over after a successful run at Lake Nona High School where he guided the Lions to eight trips to the post-season.
“I think there are three keys to building a successful program. Create an identity, improve facilities and make the program attractive for the players,” Paradiso said. “We have made it attractive by getting new uniforms and creating new combinations. We have started branding our facilities with paint and logos. The biggest key is building an identity. We are going to run a fast-paced fun offense the athletes going to want to play in. But most importantly, we are going to do everything we can to put our players in a position to be successful and get to the next level if that is their goal and that includes in the classroom or on the field. That is the real identity we want to establish. We won’t worry about wins, because if we do everything right the wins will take care of themselves.”
Although just entering ninth grade, Sabby Meassick will be showcased on the varsity as he has already been named the team’s starting quarterback.
Paradiso likely enjoyed last week’s opener as the Tigers easily beat Liberty 49-0.
Paradiso, who went 72-43-0 at Lake Nona, has already started to change the culture at Tohopekaliga.
SPORTS
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New Look Tohopekaliga Tigers Look to Reverse 2021 READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3pVD5bB
The early results have been encouraging. Because of transfers and athletes leaving the team, Tohopekaliga finished with less than 40 players on the roster at the end of last season. Under Paradiso, the team had almost 90 players at the beginning of camp. “Toho was not able to field even a junior varsity team the last couple of years,” Paradiso said. “I hoping we will have a varsity, JV and freshmen team this year.”
Making Business better, together OSCEOLA BUSINESS R E F E R R A L S E R V I C E OBRS.net
COMMUNITY
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) 2022-23 School Fishing Club Program, previously named the High School Fishing Program, offers school fishing clubs or teams the opportunity to apply for the Florida R3 Fishing Grant. The application period is open now until Sept. 16, 2022. This grant program is focused on engaging youth anglers to ensure the future of fishing in Florida.TheFlorida
Forty
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3QphUKt
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School is back in session, and now is the time for Florida parents, teachers and school staff to apply for funding to support school fishing clubs for students, like our local high school fishing club, the Osceola Anglers. Forty high school fishing clubs or teams can apply for a $500 grant to assist with club expenses.
FWC’s School Fishing Club Program to Award High School Fishing Clubs $500, Apply Now!
Sport Fish Restoration R3 Fishing Grant will award up to 40 high school fishing clubs or teams $500 to assist with club expenses, the purchase of fishing licenses or gear for participants.
Huntington Learning Center, Reading Tutoring For All Levels READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3uUBd5Z
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COMMUNITY
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.
HuntingtonHelps.com Personalized Attention. Proven Results. NOW HIRINGTESTTUTORINGPREP THE OPPORTUNITY • Work with students 1:1 or 4:1 • Flexible, part-time hours. • Competitive hourly rate and paid training! REQUIREMENTS: • 4-year degree required • Certification/License is a plus • Recent grads, current teachers & retired professionals encouraged to apply PART-TIME TEACHERS IMMEDIATE OPENINGS NEAR YOU! SPECIAL EDUCATION, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL HLC1924A To apply, email StCloudFL@hlcmail.com today! St. Cloud 4554 13th Street, Unit A-2, St. Cloud, FL 34769 407-789-0228
• Get at least 15 minutes of sunshine per day, which is shown to boost vitamin D and elevate your mood.
Mental health poses unique challenges for women. Throughout her life, a woman’s body is constantly changing, putting pressure on her to adapt to new purposes and perceptions. Puberty, pregnancy and childbirth, menopause — they all force women to reckon with new bodies and new ways they fit into the world around them. Some of these physical changes can trigger mental conditions specific to women, including perinatal depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and perimenopause-related depression.
• Spend half an hour in nature whenever you can. Whether on a park trail, a riverway or the beach, nature boosts well-being.
Teacher. Caregiver. Chef. The pandemic created distinct challenges and stressors for women as many are faced with fulfilling multiple roles while still meeting the expectations of their jobs and careers. The situation is particularly significant when you consider that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 20 percent of American women already were struggling with a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, according to the Office on Women’s Health.
HEALTH
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Ways to Boost Your Mental Health
five suggestions:
• Take a short trip, exploring what’s in your local area. Experiencing a change of scenery can provide much-needed stimulation and reduce anxiety.
Strategies to manage your mental health vary widely, and what works for one woman will not necessarily appeal to another. Focus on developing a unique strategy for yourself based on your interests, rather than pursuing an activity because it worked for a Herefriend.are
Orlando Health: 5 Ways Women Can Improve Their Mental Health
READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3CEFqzp
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:
• Weakness—can contribute to imbalance and falls.
Fear of Falling?
Orlando Health: Tips for Fall Prevention in the ElderlyHEALTH
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• Foot pain or poor footwear—increase likelihood of tripping/falling.
• 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.
• Vitamin D deficiency—a lack of bone strength can lead to weakness and falls.
• Hazards in the home—throw rugs that present tripping hazards or broken or uneven steps can increase the risk of falls.
Proper follow-up care can be instrumental in helping to identify and minimize risks for future falls.
Understanding the risks of falling or suffering an actual fall can make you fearful, leading you to curtail activities. Remember, falls do happen. Ironically, avoiding normal activities and exercises may actually increase your risk for falls and serious injury.
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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.
New 2023 voyage dates for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will soon be available at Walt Disney World Resort. Beginning Sept. 1, 2022, guests may book two-night vacation experiences aboard Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser for voyage dates through the end of September 2023.
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Making its debut earlier this year at Walt Disney World Resort, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser introduced a first-of-its-kind immersive experience going beyond anything Disney has created before and continues to receive stellar reviews from guests of all ages. Guests become the heroes of their own Star Wars stories during a two-night adventure aboard the Halcyon starcruiser, a vessel known for its impeccable service and exotic destinations. Passengers relax in well-appointed cabins, enjoy exquisite dining and out-of-this-world entertainment, experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in new ways, and explore the ship in search of hidden secrets and newThroughoutopportunities.thevoyage,
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guests’ choices determine their personal stories as they interact with characters, crew and other passengers, becoming part of the action and the broader Star Wars saga. They may be asked to keep a secret, deliver a covert message, take part in a high-stakes heist, defend the ship, hide an ally … the possibilities are seemingly endless.
New 2023 Voyages Aboard Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Set to Launch Sept. 1, 2022
• Guests can dress in their happiest or most-haunted Halloween costumes to get in the spirit of the season!
• Also new this year, guests can join Zombies and Cheerleaders at the ZOM-BEATZ BASH! as they BAMM out to music inspired by the ZOMBIES original movies on Disney Channel.•Several
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Walt Disney World gets “dressed up” for some festive Fall fun for the entire family
classic Magic Kingdom attractions will be costumed for Halloween including Mad Tea Party, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.
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The return of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks off a fall full of fun at Walt Disney World Resort. The special ticket event is offered at Magic Kingdom Park on select nights from Aug. 12 to Oct. 31 after normal park hours from 7 p.m. to midnight.
Fall family fun is brewing throughout Walt Disney World Resort. This year, there are so many ways to celebrate fall and Halloween with new flavors, sights and experiences, plus the return of fanfavorite events. Here is an overview of festive fall offerings guests can enjoy across Walt Disney World: Haunting Halloween Festivities Commence with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
• Frightfully fun entertainment abounds in “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade,” the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show featuring the Sanderson
• New for 2022, partygoers awaiting “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade” can ‘Stand Out’ and dance their way onto Main Street U.S.A., with a majorly awesome 90’s crew led by Max Goof cosplaying as Powerline – his favorite pop superstar!
• Sisters, and “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular” nighttime extravaganza hosted by Jack Skellington, featuring fireworks, projections, iconic Disney characters and more.
The party has started at SeaWorld as they once again serve up an incredible party for craft beer lovers.Featuring more than 100 crafts brews, wines, seltzers, and cocktails, SeaWorld’s Craft Beer Festival provides an unbeatable mix of domestic and local Florida favorites. Plus, savor more than 15 food items expertly paired to match your preferred brew. And that’s not all that’s brewing at SeaWorld, festive entertainment will keep the party going all day long. This is the one craft beer celebration you won’t want to miss. SeaWorld Orlando’s Craft Beer Festival takes place Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays, through Sept. 5.
Life
Universal Orlando Resort has revealed more gruesome details about the impending terror that awaits guests brave enough to face Halloween Horror Nights 2022 – including the six horrifying original concepts that complete this year’s lineup of 10 haunted houses, five sinister scare zones and two live shows. The event kicks off Friday, September 2 and runs select nights through October 31. All Tickets are On Sale Now – Click Here to Purchase As the world’s premier Halloween event turns 31 this fall, a haunting conglomerate of unfathomable experiences inspired by traditional Halloween elements and some of guests’ worst fears come to life in this year’s collection of original haunted houses and scare zones. Attention craft beer lovers, SeaWorld Orlando is serving up a big time party for you!
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to feature 10 Haunted Houses, Five Scare Zones, Two Shows to Bring Deepest Fears
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Universal Florida to
Studios
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WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN – A NEW TERROR SURFACES
SHOW OFF YOUR COSTUMES
Halloween is back with candy, costumes, your favorite Sesame Street friends, and plenty of spooky surprises. Treat your family to all the festive fun of SeaWorld Spooktacular, select dates, Sept. 17 – Oct. 31
Kids love trick-or-treating during this daytime event as they explore the decorated trail and meet all sorts of colorful characters. And that’s just the beginning! From spooky stories and a Halloween dance party to moments with furry friends like Count von Count, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and more, this is immersive family fun you’ll only find at AllSeaWorld.guestsare welcome to dress up in costumes. Guests who are ages 13 and older may not wear costume masks or hoods, and all costumes are subject to the normal dress code for the park. In addition, face painting is not permitted on any guests unless it is done by park artists.
Family Halloween Fun is Back with SeaWorld Orlando’s Spooktacular
Howl-O-Scream has washed ashore at SeaWorld Orlando, and this time, the fear is everywhere. Experience the family fun by day and the bone-chilling terror by night.
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The weekend features a Coco-themed 5K, a Raya and the Last Dragon-themed 10K and a half marathon celebrating the music and magic of Soul. Guests can also experience the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, including the opportunity to buy merchandise and gadgets for runners.
Race into Fall with the Disney Wine & Dine Half-Marathon Weekend
The 2022-23 runDisney race season kicks off Nov. 3-6 with the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. The popular race weekend features a 5K, 10K and half marathon, as well as the Disney Two Course Challenge (10K and half marathon) and Post-Race Party. Guests can experience the blend of music, stories, and culinary delights found during the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration.
Olympic track and field champion and reality TV star Sanya Richards-Ross will be among the thousands of competitors at this year’s race weekend. The magical weekend will be capped off with a unique Post-Race Party at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Half Marathon and Challenge registration includes entry to this after-hours event. Friends and family can purchase Post-Race Party tickets to join in the celebration with their favorite runners.
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Howl-O-Scream to Return to SeaWorld Orlando beginning in September with new scares and more
Make your way through angry haunts and scare zones as you attempt to find shelter indoors, only to find you’ve entered a house of horrors. Experience nighttime coaster rides, quench your thirst for fear at a fiendishly interactive bar, and enjoy the freakishness of one of SeaWorld’s live shows.
NEWS
Howl-O-Scream is intended for a mature audience. This event contains intense adult content such as violence, gore, and blood. Howl-O-Scream 2022 is a separately-ticketed night event. No guest costumes will be allowed.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream will wash ashore for its second year in Orlando on select nights from September 9 through October 31, 2022, and as SeaWorld says, there will be “nowhere” to hide! This year promises to be bigger ands badder with more pulsepounding, sweat-inducing haunts, thrills, and chills, and night-time eerie coaster riding!
Be Among the First to Scream. Sign up for Howl-O-Scream emails now and get access to exciting updates, promotions, exclusive offers, and more.
Evil is returning—with a howl and a scream and 28 nights of fully immersive fear in fall 2022, only at SeaWorld Orlando.
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Nothing cools you down like a bowl of ice cream in the summer. Especially if it’s Florida Mango ice cream! It’s Florida fresh and we think you’ll agree, it’s Positively Delicious! INGREDIENTS • 2 Florida mangoes, diced small•2½ cups Florida sugar • 6 cups whole milk • 2 cups heavy cream • 16 egg yolks • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise • ½ stick unsalted butter • ⅓ cup dark brown sugar • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat a small pot over medium heat. Add mangoes, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until butter and sugar are melted, and mangoes have softened. Remove from heat and cool completely. Combine milk, heavy cream, and vanilla bean in a large pot and bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Meanwhile, in a separate mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until completely combined. Temper egg mixture with a third of the hot milk, then slowly pour back into large pot with milk and cream, whisking constantly. Cook over medium heat until custard reaches 180-185 degrees (stir constantly) and is slightly thickened. Strain through mesh strainer into a clean bowl and chill completely (over ice bath or in refrigerator). Pour into ice cream machine and follow manufacturer’s instructions. Approximately 5-10 minutes before ice cream is set, add mango mixture. Place in freezer-safe container and allow to set for at least 2 hours before serving.
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PREPARATION
Florida Mango Ice Cream, It’s PositivelyPOSITIVELYDelicious DELICIOUS
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In Florida we’re still in the hot summer months, and that means it’s the perfect time to grill outside. Today we’re talking steak, Florida beef ribeye steak, and we think you’ll agree. It’s Positively Delicious!
INGREDIENTS 2 (12 ounce) Florida beef ribeye steaks Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste 2 (1-tablespoon slices) Florida Herb-Citrus Butter
PREPARATION Preheat charcoal or gas grill to medium-high. Season each side of the beef with salt and pepper. Carefully place steaks on the hot grill. Grill the steaks for 2 to 4 minutes on each side. When the desired doneness is reached, remove from the grill, and allow to rest. Serve warm and garnish with herb-citrus butter.
Fresh tip: The best way to check if the steak is your preferred temperature is to stick an internal read food-safe thermometer in the thickest part of the steak. For medium-rare, pull the steak out at 110 degrees, medium 120 degrees, medium-well 130 degrees, and cooked well 140 degrees. It’s going to be Positively Delicious! Source: Fresh from Florida Grilled Florida Ribeye with HerbCitrus Butter, It’s Positively Delicious POSITIVELY DELICIOUS
WHAT IS POINT OF SALE? WHY IS POINT OF SALE IMPORTANT?
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.
More cigarettes are sold in convenience stores than in any other type of store.
YOU CAN GET INVOLVED! CONTACT JJEANNE@CIVCOM.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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.
POINT OF SALE IS THE INDUSTRY’STOBACCOMAINMARKETINGMETHOD.
POINT OF SALE IN OSCEOLA COUNTY
SOME TACTICS THEY USE ARE: Discounting products, appealing to children and young adults. Paying retailers for prime product location and advertising. Targeting communities.lower-income
WHAT IS OOSCEOLA 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.
