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

State Begins Aerial Mosquito Spraying in Osceola County Behind Tyler Emans and Harmony's Defense, Longhorns Rout Tohopekaliga Tigers

Osceola Claims District Volleyball Title, Gateway, St. Cloud Fall in Finals

Florida Health Officials Issue Blue-Green Algae Bloom Alert for Lake Marian

“If You Fail to Plan, You Are Planning to Fail”

— Benjamin Franklin

This year’s Chamber Business Academy is focusing on the elements of a Business Plan. Attendees will build a plan specific to their business with assistance from the Small Business Development Center while learning from professional presenters in the fields of Finance, Legal, Marketing and more. Two-hour sessions over five weeks AND lunch is included!

WEEKLY LIVESTREAMS

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

In the Loop LIVE Tue at 6:00PM

Daybreak LIVE Wed at 9:00AM

Osceola Matters Thu at 6:00PM

In the Loop LIVE Sat at 8:00AM

ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS

Daybreak LIVE with Dr. Christopher Burns and Dr. Joseph D’Ambrosi from SDOC Arts October 13th, 2022

Daybreak LIVE with Bri Stefek from Osceola Arts October 6th, 2022

Osceola Matters LIVE with Brandon Arrington, Commissioner for District 3 October 12th, 2022

Daybreak LIVE with Silver Spurs Big Boss Clifton Chapman October 12th, 2022

Daybreak LIVE with Charlie Draper of Draper Law Office September 21st, 2022

For more

IN & AROUND OSCEOLA

LIVE with St. Cloud Police Department during their OneBlood Blood Donation Drive

LIVE with Osceola County Commissioner Viviana Janer teams up with World Food Trucks to Serve Hundreds of FREE Hot Meals in BVL

Positively Osceola’s Krissi Marie Hardy spent some time at Wild Florida to learn about their amazing Capybaras!

LIVE at Tohopekaliga High School for the OBC Volleyball between the Harmony Longhorns and the Tohopekaliga Tigers!

LIVE with Kowboys Girls Volleyball Head Coach Carrie Palmi About Their Big Win and Future Plans

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VIDEOS ON DEMAND

St. Cloud’s Trail of Terror: Freak Show

The City of St. Cloud, Florida’s Trail of Terror - FREAK SHOW is “creeping” it’s way back to Peghorn Park in St. Cloud for two terrifying weekends, Friday and Saturday October 21st and 22nd, as well as Friday and Saturday October 28th and 29th. The annual event will once again take you on the haunted trail at Peghorn Nature Park.

Country Thunder Florida

Buckle up country music fans, Country Thunder Florida is returning to Osceola County’s hottest venue, Osceola Heritage Park, October 21st through the 23rd. The 2022 edition of the south-east’s most kickin’ country music festival will feature performances from Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, Chris Young, and many more.

St Cloud’s Downtown Monthly Market on October 26th

It’s time again for another stroll through the Saint Cloud Downtown Monthly Market. On Wednesday, October 26th, you can enjoy walking through St. Cloud’s beautiful downtown district, browsing through the iconic shops and pop-up vendors. Enjoy live music along with a great selection of positively delicious fare from downtown St. Cloud’s unforgettable restaurants.

Florida Extreme Motor Show Expo

On Sunday, October 16th at 11am the Florida Extreme Motor Show Expo is pulling back into Osceola Heritage Park, Central Florida’s hottest event venues for Car Show Fans of every kind with over $3,000 in cash prizes. There will be Live music and LIVE entertainment for the whole family!

KUA SCAM ALERT

Kissimmee Utility Authority has announced that their customers can now opt-in to a new text-based scam alert system by texting SCAMALERT to 877-582-7700. KUA’s scam alert is proactive and designed to increase security and protection for its customers.

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DIABETES EVENT

Free and Open to the Public

Presented by

Orlando Health Physician Associates Diabetes Education Program

Wednesday, November 2 nd, 2022 10:00AM 2:00PM

Our Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist will be on site to answer your questions.

For more information, call 321 842 6436.

Orlando Health Medical Pavilion – St. Cloud Main Lobby

1330 Budinger Ave. St. Cloud, FL 34769

EVENTO DE LA DIABETES Gratis & Abierto al Publico

Presentado Por

Orlando Health Physician Associates Diabetes Education Program

Miercoles, 2 de Noviembre , 2022

10:00AM 2:00PM

Nuestro especialista certificado en educación y cuidado de la diabetes estará en el lugar para responder sus preguntas.

Para mas informacion, favor de llamar al 321 842 6436.

Osceola County Commissioner Viviana Janer Kicks Off ‘The HotSpot’ at BVL Library

The BVL Library, part of the Osceola Library System, officially opened a new 190-square-foot covered patio known as “the HotSpot” on Thursday offering Internet access to the public in a more social setting, thanks to the efforts of Viviana Janer, County Commissioner for District 2.

“This is a great new feature that will allow people to interact in a much more social environment without disrupting patrons inside the library. I thought this was a unique way to expand the library’s footprint – as well as its impact on the community,” said Janer. “I envision residents working on projects or surfing the internet on their own personal devices while sipping on a cup of coffee and enjoying a pastry from their favorite bakery, which is something you can’t do inside the library.”

The HotSpot is fully ADA accessible and offers seating for 7 and a convenient countertop workspace. In addition to wi-fi access to the Internet, there are electrical power outlets for phone and computer charging/power, as well as a high-volume fan for ventilation and comfort of patrons. The new area was designed and constructed to match and complement the architecture of the existing library building with an open plan for increased visibility and security.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Tl4O2o

Abbott Issues Recall of Certain Ready-to-Feed Baby Formulas

Abbott has issued a press release voluntarily recalling certain lots of 2 fluid ounce/59 milliliter bottles of Ready-to-Feed (RTF) liquid formula products. For a list of products and lot numbers included in the recall, click here or call 1-800-986-8540. According to Abbott, “These products are being recalled because a small percentage of bottles (less than 1%) in the recalled lots have bottle caps that may not have sealed completely, which could result in spoilage.” The brands included in this recall are:

• Similac® Pro-Total Comfort®

• Similac® 360 Total Care®

• Similac® 360 Total Care® Sensitive

• Similac® Special Care® 24

• Similac® Stage 1

• Similac® Water (Sterilized)

• Similac® NeoSure®

After almost three weeks since Hurricane Ian, Good Samaritan residents still can’t return to their homes, where floodwaters from Shingle Creek once again triggered a mandatory evacuation.

During Monday night’s Osceola County Commission meeting Osceola County leaders said an evacuation order is still in effect and will continue because Good Samaritan Village in Kissimmee is still not safe for the senior residents.

Osceola County leaders extended the order until this weekend and said they can’t let residents back in because the sewer system is still down.

“You just can’t have people moving back into residential units whether they were low or high, in an unsanitary and unsafe condition like that,” said county manager Don Fisher. We’ve been working with residents to get them in touch with FEMA in the recovery center for shelter assistance and a variety of things to get them in a better spot, and of course Good Samaritan Village does have another location located in Demand that hopefully some of those residents can be housed there as well.

Osceola County creates action plan as Good Samaritan Village evacuation order continues, future for residents still uncertain

One-Stop-Shop Disaster Recovery Center in Kissimmee Continues to Serve Those Impacted by Hurricane Ian

The Disaster Recovery Center at the Hart Memorial Library in downtown Kissimmee, a “one-stop-shop” continues to assist individuals and businesses recovering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ian.

In partnership with FEMA, state and Osceola County agencies, the DRC, located at 211 E Dakin Ave., is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. Some of the services that the DRC provides include:

• Guidance regarding disaster recovery assistance and programs for survivors

• Clarification of any written correspondence received from FEMA

• Housing assistance and rental resource informatio

• Answers to questions, resolution to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance

• Status of applications being processed by FEMA

St. Cloud to host trick or treat event 5-7pm October 29, broom/witch dancing contest at 8pm, ghost tour at 9pm, 2000 maniacs movie at 10pm

If you’ve been looking for a place to celebrate the Halloween weekend, St. Cloud Main Street has the evening event for you on Saturday 29th beginning from 5 to 7pm with kiddos safely scrolling door to door through St. Cloud downtown grabbing delicious Halloween treat from the local businesses. It’s a popular annual event for the family filled with costumes, candy, and more candy, and more candy. Did we mention there will be LOTS of trick or treat candy? Not enough Halloween for you… don’t worry, it’s just getting started.

At 8pm in front of Phyre Brewery and Tavern, German Witches will hit the street to entertain the crowd in spooktacular fashion with a phantasmic decorated broom contest and dance contest. There will be prizes given for Best Costume and Best Decorated Broom/Staff!

Join in the fun and enter the contest! There will be a rehearsal at Garage Bar on October 22nd at 10:00am. The dance is simple enough to learn in one session and the performance will take place in front of Phyre Pinup Speakeasy & Brewery.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3D4gkcL

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Osceola School District To Host 2022 Choice Fair For Parents And Students November 17

The Osceola School District will host a Choice Fair on November 17, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Events Center at Osceola Heritage Park to showcase the highquality options available to students and their families in kindergarten through Grade 12.

Parents are encouraged to visit the Fair at the best time for their family’s schedule. Staff members in the district’s Educational Choices and Innovation Department will be available to assist parents in completing the choice application onsite at the designated electronic application center.

This free event will help families make sense of the district’s school choice process and give them the tools they need to make the right choice for their children.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3CYoKT3

Osceola County SunRail stations to reopen after Hurricane Ian damage

SunRail said it is set reopen two of its Osceola County stations today, Monday October 17 after repairing tracks damaged by Hurricane Ian.

The Kissimmee and Poinciana stations were closed after the ground under a section of the railroad track washed away during the hurricane about two weeks ago.

Commuter rail passengers had to be bused to and from the Kissimmee and Poinciana stations in order to catch the train.

Repair work along the Central Florida Rail Corridor is now complete. The corridor sustained damages to the track following Hurricane Ian. With all repairs now complete, SunRail will begin running their normal schedule to all 16 stations from DeBary to Poinciana starting on Monday, October 17, 2022. View the full schedule at SunRail.com.

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

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Supervisor of Elections Office Mails Sample Ballots for the 2022 General Election

Sample Ballots for the upcoming 2022 General Election are being mailed out by the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections to registered voters in the county.

According to Supervisor of Elections Mary Jane Arrington, her office will be mailing Sample Ballots to all registered voters who do not have a ‘Vote by Mail Ballot’ request on file.

Voters may also visit the elections office website at www.voteosceola.gov/en-us/ Voter-Information/Check-Your-Voter-Status to see their Sample Ballot.

“I want to encourage voters to study their Sample Ballot, mark their choices and bring it with them to their Polling Location or Early Voting site and use it as a guide.” said Supervisor Arrington.

For trusted information about state and local elections, visit the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections website voteosceola.gov, and the Florida Department of State’s website at DOS.Myflorida.com/elections. For additional information, visit www.voteosceola.gov or call 407-742-6000.

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Kissimmee Police Officer Arrested for Grand Theft and Scheme to Defraud, KPD says

A Kissimmee police officer turned himself into the Osceola County Jail on Wednesday after being accused of logging “off-duty” detail hours and getting paid, but never working those hours, according to a KPD news release.

Officer Plenio Massiah is accused of documenting that he worked an off-duty detail, which the victim paid KPD for, but the department was unable to find any evidence that Massiah physically worked the off-duty detail.

A review of Massiah’s work history discovered that were other off-duty details he claimed to have worked, but according to KPD they couldn’t locate proof that he physically did the work.

An arrest warrant was issued for Massiah for two counts of grand theft and one count of scheme to defraud, all felony charges.

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Osceola County deputies searching for missing Kissimmee Woman

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help in locating a woman from Kissimmee who has been missing since Monday morning, according to a release from the sheriff’s office.

Crina Bilika Cirpaci, 40, was last seen Monday morning at 11:30 a.m. by a relative in the west area of Kissimmee, deputies said. Surveillance footage shows Cirpaci near West Gate Tower in a blue Honda.

Osceola deputies said they contacted the driver of the Honda, who gave Cirpaci a ride to the Orlando International Airport.

Cirpaci is 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs 177 pounds with brown eyes and blonde hair.

Anyone with information about Cirpaci’s whereabouts is asked to notify the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at 407-348-2222.

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Toho Water Authority begins management of utility in St. Cloud

As of Saturday, Oct. 1, Toho Water Authority (Toho), the largest provider of water, wastewater and reclaimed water services in Osceola County, and the City of St. Cloud Environmental Utilities Department united and began operations as one utility serving customers throughout the region, including Osceola County, the Cities of St. Cloud and Kissimmee and portions of Polk and Orange counties.

Since the St. Cloud City Council approval in February for Toho to manage the St. Cloud utility, the teams have been working hand-in-hand to ensure a smooth transition. “Toho is committed to providing all of our customers dependable, quality water services,” said Toho Executive Director Todd Swingle.

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KUA’s Cane Island Power Park Named Top Power Plant by POWER Magazine

Cane Island Power Park received a Top Plant Award from POWER Magazine for its continued success in providing affordable, reliable and clean power. The power generating facility is one of five natural gas-fired power plants in the world to be recognized and the only one located in Florida.

The award recognizes top performing power plants that have distinguished themselves as industry leaders through equipment enhancements, innovative design and successful operations.

The plant received the award for its excellent operating record in 2021, which plays an essential role in providing customers with affordable, reliable power. This was especially true when Hurricane Ian hit Central Florida as a Category 4 storm on Sept. 28. Cane Island operated throughout the storm and supplied electricity to customers who were able to take power.

“We rely on Cane Island to generate nearly half of our energy,” said Jacob Williams, Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) General Manager and CEO. “The facility’s operating performance during Hurricane Ian shows just how reliable the units are.”

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Say ‘I Boo’ with a Halloween Wedding “Scare-amony” at the Osceola County Clerk and Comptroller’s Office

If you’ve been thinking of saying “I boo” and still haven’t decided where the “scare-amony” will be, how about making that special moment happen at the office of Kelvin Soto, Esq. Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller Office?

The Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller Office will host a Spooky Celebration of love & marriage at their Halloween Group Wedding Ceremony & Reception on October 31st, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in English at 2:00 p.m. in Spanish.

Registration is first come, first serve for up to 15 couples and will be open from Monday, September 19th, 2022 – Thursday, October 27th, 2022. Couples must purchase their marriage license from the Osceola County Clerk of Circuit Court. See the information listed above for details regarding marriage licenses.

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First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces Florida Cancer Connect Spanish Translations

First Lady Casey DeSantis has announced updates to Florida Cancer Connect, Florida’s centralized website providing tools for individuals and families battling cancer. Updates include a fully translated Spanish website and testimonials from Hispanic cancer survivors, recorded and produced in both Spanish and English, premiering over the next month. Existing English survivor testimonials will have Spanish subtitles available.

“Florida Cancer Connect is an extension of our longstanding commitment to all Floridians impacted by cancer,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “Our goal is to make cancer resources user friendly, which is why I’m excited to announce the addition of readily available Spanish resources to increase the accessibility of support to those in the cancer fight looking for help and hope.”

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KUA Seeks Student Art Entries for 2023 Calendar of Electrical Safety

Kissimmee Utility Authority invites Osceola County students to showcase their artistic expression to promote electrical safety in the utility’s 29th Annual Calendar Art Contest.

The annual contest is open to Osceola County students enrolled in Kindergarten through fifth grade, including public, charter, private, and homeschooled students.

Students are asked to use crayons, markers or paints to depict an electrical safety topic specified by grade level in the entry form. A panel of local judges will select the 12 best entries to be used for each calendar month, which will be featured in the utility’s 2023 calendar. The 12 winning students will have their artwork featured in the calendar and receive a $150 cash prize. A grand prize winner, selected from the 12 winning students, will have artwork featured on the calendar cover along with the student’s name and affixed to one of KUA’s fleet vehicles for one year.

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Margaritaville at Sea offering free 3-day cruises for military, first responders and teachers

The Margaritaville at Sea cruise line is offering a 3-day, 2-night cruise to Grand Bahama Island to all active and veteran military, first responders, law enforcement, and educators for their dedication to serving our communities at home and abroad. The cruise will sail from the Port of Palm Beach in Florida to Freeport in the Bahamas.

The Heroes Sail Free offer applies only to the registered member(s) sailing in your party. You will see the Heroes Sail Free fare discount applied during checkout after entering in all guests’ information and clicking “View pricing by Guests.” Please visit the GovX site for more details on GovX membership eligibility. The Margaritaville at Sea cruise line says they are currently experiencing significant call volume into their reservations center due to a high level of excitement for this program.

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Mecum, World’s Largest Collector Car Auction Returns to Kissimmee January 4-15 with 4,000 Cars

With a projected 4,000 vehicle consignments to be offered at the annual live auction event at Osceola Heritage Park in Florida, Mecum Kissimmee 2023, the world’s largest collector car auction, will feature a broad selection of American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, exotics, trucks, Hot Rods, customs and more to cross the auction block Jan. 4-15.

The 2023 auction lineup is building momentum right out of the gates with The Chuck Cocoma Judge & GTO Ram Air IV Collection joining the roster to kick things off with serious muscle power. The collection is led by an exceedingly rare Orbit Orange 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air IV Convertible and includes a total of six Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air IVs from the 1969 and 1970 model years among the nine lots that make up the rare muscle-car collection.

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Osceola Library System’s social worker, Matthew Jarmon, helps individuals and families in the community

The Osceola Library System is now offering a professional social worker to better connect Osceola County citizens with important community resources, programs, and services critical to improving lives and fostering greater well-being.

Their new social worker, Matthew Jarmon, will offer individual or family assistance and referral in many important areas, including:

Mental Health and Counseling

Substance Abuse

Housing Assistance and Houselessness

Health Care

Creative Inspiration Journey School sees continued student growth amid school facility expansion

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.

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

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INJURY LAW

Draper Law: Tips for Safe Bicycle Riding in Central Florida

Few things are better in the Sunshine State than taking your bicycle out for a spin. Unfortunately, Florida leads the nation for bicycle fatalities. Here are some tips for bicyclists and drivers to keep the roads safe.

How bicyclists can stay safe on the roads

Bikers should make sure their vehicles meet Florida safety guidelines. Specifically, bicyclists should use a headlight while the sun is set, which lets other vehicles see them at night. Additionally, all bikes should have reflective lights and working breaks.

Although Florida doesn’t require cyclists over 16 years old to wear helmets, wearing one can minimize injury and can even save your life if you’re hit by a car.

Osceola Arts to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with “The Tie That Binds/ El Lazo Que Une: works by Alberto Gomez”

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.

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.

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FAMILY LAW

Draper Law: Starting Over After Divorce

Divorce can be one of the most emotionally and financially devastating experiences a person can have. After the process is complete, the newly divorced person is left to recover from the pain of losing their marriage and rebuild their lives. While staring over after divorce may seem daunting, there are steps you can take to get back on your feet.

Financial Adjustments

Going from sharing a home and finances with your former spouse to being on your own can be a difficult change. While you may not have control over the difference to your financial situation, you can control your budgeting and spending. Sit down and create a realistic budget which includes some savings. Even putting a small amount aside each month is a positive habit and can help you be prepared should you have unexpected expenses.

Osceola County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller Kelvin Soto Publishes “Osceola On the Rise” County Financial Report

In January, the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office underwent some changes, as set forth by Amendment 10 in the Florida Constitution, and was 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 help citizens better understand the county’s finances, Osceola County Clerk of the Court & County Comptroller, Kelvin Soto, Esq. has published the inaugural edition of the Osceola On The Rise Popular Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year ended 2021.

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

“I am proud to 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.”

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.

To view or download the “Osceola On The Rise” publication just click here. Print copies are available by request. Contact communications@osceolaclerk.org.

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R E F E R R A L S E R V I C E

Making Business better, together

SPORTS

St. Cloud Boys Complete Bulldog Sweep of OBC Golf

When the last putt dropped, it was no surprise that the St. Cloud Bulldogs once again sit on top of the Orange Belt Conference throne as county golf champions.

The St. Cloud boys’ team shot an impressive team score of 302 on Tuesday morning to outduel Celebration by just 10 shots (312). Harmony (381) was third and Tohopekaliga (415) finished fourth. The effort capped off a sweep for the school, as the Lady Bulldogs (318) easily got by Harmony (359) and Celebration (368) to win sixth consecutive OBC crown on Monday afternoon. Both championships were contested at Royal St. Cloud Golf Course.

In the boys’ championship, St. Cloud senior Gunnar Green posted a roller coaster round of level par 72 to win the individual championship over teammate Alexander Owen (74) and Celebration’s George Aguilera (74), who tied for second.

It was a crazy round for Green, who birdied the first hole and then proceeded to bogey three of the next five holes to fall two-over after six. He would then birdie holes eight and nine to finish the front side in even par 36. He would make three birdies on the back side also bogey three holes to finish 36-36-72 on the 6,711-yard layout. Overall, he made par on just six of 18 holes.

“I rolled in a good putt for a birdie on one and was feeling pretty good,” Green said. “But then I got a couple wet, dicey lies and just missed some greens. It was a pretty strange round, one where I could have shot really low, but it also one where I had to make some shots down the stretch and felt really fortunate to finish at 72.”

Overall, the Bulldogs had all four counting scores at 79 or better. Joining Green and Owen on the All-OBC team where teammates Espn Pool (5th-77) and Ethan Parrish (7th79). “We did not get off to a great start,” Bulldogs coach Jim Endicott said. “I was really proud of the way they battled back to finish.”

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Harmony Divers Propel Longhorns Swimming Teams to Orange Belt Conference Titles

Although the boys’ and girls’ one-meter diving was just two of the 26 events in the 2022 Orange Belt Conference Swimming Championships, those two events played a huge role in the Harmony Longhorns winning both teams titles at Markinson Aquatic Center.

The Harmony girls won for the ninth time in 11 years and claimed their 14th title over. Their team total of 155 bested Celebration. Gateway (113) was third; followed by St. Cloud (64), Tohopekaliga (41) and Osceola (32).

The Longhorn boys (153.50) narrowly ended Celebration’s (146.50) quest for a fourth straight title. St. Cloud (63) was third with Gateway (59), Osceola (55) and Tohopekaliga (6) rounding out the field.

The 1-meter diving event, which was held on Wednesday night before Thursday’s swimming events, gave Harmony big leads heading into the swimming competition. On the girl’s side, Meredith Wagner (284.9 points) led a first, second, fourth and fifth place finish for the Lady Longhorns. That gave the Harmony team a 25-3 lead over Celebration after one event.

In the boys’ diving, Nick Vishunanand won the event with 234.15 points to lead a Harmony a 1-2-3 finish in the event and stake the Longhorns 22-0 advantage over Celebration and the rest of the field heading into the swimming events.

“It just one of 15 events on both sides, but it certainly gave us a boost heading into the main competition,” Harmony dive coach Stephanie Clark said. “But the main this is we are all a team. Our swimmers came out to the complex last night to support our divers and the divers were here today to cheer on the swimmers during their events.” For the Longhorns, Sarina Steele and Eli Christ both played big parts in the victory.

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HEALTH

Thomas R. Kelley, MD Family Medicine Orlando Health

Orlando Health: Being a Grandparent Can Add Years to Your Life

Ask any grandparent about their grandkids, and you’ll likely hear all about the joy they bring. But as it turns out, your adorable grandchild can add more than just a smile to your face – they can add years to your life.

Studies show that active grandparenting reduces stress, increases mental engagement, encourages better physical health and boosts longevity. Even in older adults without grandchildren, research shows that spending time with young children and caring for them extends life span.

Grandchildren Keep You Active

If you’ve ever babysat for a toddler, you know they don’t sit still, which means you don’t, either. Whether playing catch, making meals or just picking up their toys, one big benefit of helping care for your grandchildren is that it gets you up and moving.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults should get 2.5 hours of moderate exercise each week to help to maintain their strength and stamina, as well as reduce health risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis.

The added motivation of wanting to stay healthy and present for your grandkid’s milestones prompts, many seniors to keep those preventative doctor visits and make healthier food choices.

Grandkids Keep You Mentally Alert

In addition to moving your body, taking care of grandchildren exercises your brain. Spending time with them requires memory, analysis and multi-tasking, not to mention quick reflexes. This boost to your mental activity strengthens nerve cell connections, helping to slow cognitive decline and potentially ward off Alzheimer’s disease. To keep engaged with older grandchildren, stay involved in their interests, music or technology. Many seniors find themselves learning to play video games or attending sporting events that might not have been a part of their daily life before grandkids.

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HEALTH

Orlando Health: Study evaluates college football players’ positions for risk of concussions

A new research study looks inside the brains of college football athletes to measure levels of traumatic brain injury (TBI) biomarkers by player position. This study, conducted in collaboration with researchers at Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC) and Penn State University, and published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, sheds light on which positions are at the greatest risk for elevations in brain injury biomarkers. The biomarkers are proteins and other substances released from the brain after it has been damaged.

Researchers followed 52 college football athletes, pre-season and post-season, and measured four biomarkers (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 [UCH-L1], total Tau, and neurofilament light chain polypeptide [NF-L]). The players were grouped by two established classification systems: speed versus nonspeed positions, and Profile 1, Profile 2, and Profile 3.

“We found the biomarkers were much higher in football players in speed positions such as quarterbacks, wide receivers, defensive backs, running backs, halfbacks, fullbacks, tight ends, defensive backs, safety, and linebackers who build up momentum prior to tackling or being tackled, compared to non-speed positions like offensive and defensive linemen who engage other players before significant momentum can be generated,” said Linda Papa, MD, lead author of the study and emergency medicine physician and director, Academic Clinical Research, Orlando Health ORMC. “Interestingly, biomarkers increased in all positions over the course of the season despite very few players being diagnosed with a concussion. This suggests that repetitive head impact exposures elevate TBI biomarkers without having a concussion.”

Furthermore, Papa and colleagues used a three-tier player position classification system developed by researchers using biomechanical measurements including head impact strain magnitude, head impact frequency and intervals.

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Universal Orlando to Celebrate the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Beginning Saturday November 12

Universal Orlando Resort guests will experience the merriment of the holidays this year when the Orlando theme park’s festive experiences kick off Saturday, November 12 and runs select dates through Sunday, January 1, 2023.

Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration will feature an amazing collection of festivities that range from traditional merriments to irreverent twists on holiday classics – including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and live concerts by Mannheim Steamroller (on select nights).

The popular dining experience, The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast, is back this year for Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, allowing guests to start their day with a delicious breakfast and appearances by some of their favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including the Grinch.

The Holiday Festivities Continue at Universal’s Hotels

The awesomest celebration of the season continues at all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels, complete with festive décor that perfectly complements each hotel’s individual theme, holiday feasts and special activities filled with holiday cheer for the whole family. Universal hotel guests can enjoy special menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holidays, menorah lighting ceremonies, holiday crafts for kids and more. Plus, select hotels offer additional holiday entertainment that includes Christmas tree lightings, strolling carolers and more.

For more information about the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com/holidays.

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Experience the wonder of the holidays with Seaworld’s Christmas Celebration November 11 -January 3

The holiday season is on the way, and no one does it better than SeaWorld Orlando, Positively Osceola’s favorite theme park to celebrate the holidays with. Gather your family and join all your festive friends at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, select dates, Nov. 11 – Jan. 3, 2023.

Watch as SeaWorld Orlando is transformed into a winter wonderland sparkling with over 3 million beautiful lights.

Create unforgettable holiday memories at SeaWorld’s wondrous Christmas celebration with Rudolph and his friends, SeaWorld’s award winning Celebration on Ice, SeaWorld’s Sesame Street Christmas Celebration, the “Sounds of the Season” Performance Series, and so much more. SeaWorld has it all for the holidays.

And of course, delicious holiday treats and shopping of every kind. It’s SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration!

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Millie Bobby Brown Braves Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2022

Universal Orlando Resort recently welcomed Emmy Award-nominated actress Millie Bobby Brown to Halloween Horror Nights, where she encountered hordes of terrifying creatures – including undead fisherman in the “Dead Man’s Pier: Winter’s Wake” haunted house – during her visit.

Running select nights through October 31, Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights unleashes some of the biggest names in horror and pop culture alongside twisted original abominations in 10 haunted houses and five scare zones filled with menacing creatures. When guests need a break from the scares, they can enjoy two outrageous shows, sink their teeth into a “killer” menu of uniquely themed food and beverage, shop the latest merchandise in a new Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store and enjoy Universal Studios Florida’s most thrilling attractions. For more information, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Halloween.

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Universal Studios Florida to feature 10 Haunted Houses, Five Scare Zones, Two Shows to Bring Deepest Fears to 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 – unleashing everything from vengeance-seeking pumpkins and witches to twisted trick-or-treaters and grotesque bugs to prey upon guests.

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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 PostRace 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.

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.

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.

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Family Halloween Fun is Back with SeaWorld Orlando’s Spooktacular

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

SHOW OFF YOUR COSTUMES

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 SeaWorld.

All guests are 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.

WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN – A NEW TERROR SURFACES

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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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS

Seared Florida Swordfish Steaks with Arugula and Peach Salsa, it’s Positively Delicious!

Here’s a recipe for Florida Swordfish that takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, and we think you’ll agree that it’s positively delicious!

INGREDIENTS

• 4 (6-ounce) Florida swordfish steaks

• 10 ounces Florida arugula

• 2 large Florida peaches, pit removed and diced small

• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

• 1 lime, juiced

• ½ red onion, diced small

• 1 lemon, juiced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste PREPARATION

In a small mixing bowl, combine diced peaches, lime juice, diced red onion, cilantro and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Stir ingredients to combine. Taste salsa and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Keep refrigerated until use.

Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the sauté pan. Lightly season both sides of the swordfish steaks with salt and pepper. Carefully add the seasoned swordfish steaks to the sauté pan and cook for about 3 minutes on each side or until swordfish is cooked throughout. Remove swordfish from pan and let drain on a paper towel.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the arugula, lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss the arugula to coat and season lightly with salt and pepper. To serve, place an even amount of arugula on each of the 4 plates. Place a swordfish steak on top of the arugula on each plate. Top the swordfish steaks with an even amount of peach salsa. Serve immediately. SOURCE: Fresh from Florida

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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS

Florida Snapper and Shrimp Scampi, it’s Positively Delicious!

Florida seafood, fresh, abundant, healthy to eat, and without a question, positively delicious! Check out this simple recipe for Florida snapper and shrimp scampi!

INGREDIENTS

• 4 (6-ounce) Florida snapper fillets

• ½ pound medium Florida shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 shallots, minced

• 1 tablespoon capers

• 1 tablespoon pimentos, diced

• ½ cup white wine

• ½ cup bottled clam juice

• ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

• ½ cup fresh parsley, minced

• 12 ounces vermicelli or angel hair pasta, cooked

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons butter Sea salt, to taste

PREPARATION

Heat the oil and butter in a large sauté pan. Add garlic and shallots and sauté for 2 minutes over low heat, stirring often. Raise heat to medium, add capers, pimentos, wine, clam juice and pepper; simmer for 2 minutes. Add fillets and simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes. Add shrimp, spreading them evenly over the skillet; simmer for 3 minutes until fillets and shrimp are cooked through. Stir in parsley; add salt to taste. Place fillets and shrimp on pasta on individual plates. Spoon scampi sauce over all and serve.

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