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

Chamber Business Academy

— 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!

LIVESTREAMS

Daybreak

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

October 12th, 2022

September 21st, 2022

& AROUND OSCEOLA

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.

Orlando Health’s exciting volunteer opportunities!

Orlando Health has some exciting volunteer opportunities that are sure to make a positive difference in the lives of those who volunteer at one of its facilities. Orlando Health is asking community members to consider choosing one or more of its facilities to #volunteer at. For more information, visit www.OrlandoHealth.com/Volunteer-Services

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.

Good Samaritan Society Kissimmee Village

Hurricane Ian floodwaters have receded, but the residents of Good Samaritan

Village are still looking for answers from

Los Pasos Para Ser Maestro

¿Le gustaría hacer una diferencia en la vida de nuestros estudiantes siendo un maestro? Si tiene al menos una licenciatura (Bachelor’s Degree), es posible que pueda obtener una certificación de maestro en Florida. El Departamento de Recursos Humanos del Distrito Escolar de Osceola llevará a cabo una sesión informativa virtual describiendo los pasos para obtener certificación de maestro en Florida.

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.

Early voting begins Today in Osceola County:

Early voting begins on Monday, October 24, 2022 in Osceola County, and will take place from 9am-7pm through November 6, 2022

During Early Voting, voters may visit any of Osceola County’s nine early voting locations to cast their vote. Each voter must bring a photo and signature identification.

Here are the county’s Early Voting locations:

Supervisor of Elections Office

2509 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway Kissimmee, Florida 34744

West Osceola Branch Library (Celebration) 305 Campus Street Celebration, FL 34747

Robert Guevara Community Center 501 Florida Parkway Kissimmee, FL 34743

St. Cloud Civic Center 3001 17th Street St. Cloud, FL 34769

Kissimmee Civic Center 201 E. Dakin Avenue Kissimmee, FL 34741

The Gym & Aquatic Center 625 Country Club Drive Poinciana, FL 34759

Narcoossee Community Center 5354 Rambling Road St. Cloud, Florida 34771

Tax Collector (Campbell City Branch) 4730 S. Orange Blossom Trail Kissimmee, FL 34746

Orlando Health acquires Sabanera Health Dorado in Puerto Rico to create Doctors’ Center Hospital | Orlando Health Dorado

Orlando Health is joining forces with Doctors’ Center Hospital in Puerto Rico to create Doctors’ Center Hospital |Orlando Health Dorado. The new brand replaces Sabanera Health Dorado, the former name of Puerto Rico’s most advanced acute care hospital.

Orlando Health, a non-profit healthcare organization that serves the southeastern United States, announced recently that it has acquired PRISA Group’s and Triple-S Management’s participation in Sabanera Health Dorado, an agreement that both parties identified as a huge step on taking the new facility to its next level of excellence and benefiting all residents of Puerto Rico’s northern region while solidifying the efforts to promote medical tourism on the island.

The Orlando-based healthcare system and Doctors’ Center Hospital have also forged an agreement to team up on four additional hospitals on the island: Doctors’ Center Hospital San Juan, Doctors’ Center Hospital Bayamón, Doctors’ Center Hospital Manatí and Doctors’ Center Hospital San Fernando De La Carolina.

D-SNAP third phase opens today in Osceola County for residents affected by Hurricane Ian

The third phase of the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or D-SNAP, opens today, Monday, Oct. 24 for Osceola residents affected by Hurricane Ian.

D-SNAP will provide food assistance to families and individuals affected by Hurricane Ian who are not already receiving food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP), according to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).

“The first two phases of D-SNAP have been highly successful with $69.7 million disbursed to more than 112,000 households,” said Secretary Shevaun Harris. “The Department has been offering and encouraging families to use the phone option for their interview, and has hundreds of call center agents available each day to support these efforts.

READ MORE, CLICK

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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

https://bit.ly/3CYoKT3

PositivelyOsceola.com

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

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.

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

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.

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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.

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

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.

Osceola,

our

PositivelyOsceola.com

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.

PositivelyOsceola.com

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.

Osceola,

Social

PositivelyOsceola.com

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.”

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.

PositivelyOsceola.com

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

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.”

Launched last month, Florida Cancer Connect is a First Lady DeSantis initiative that provides information on cancer treatment, caregiver tools and stories from brave Floridians who have fought this disease on one centralized website. The Florida Cancer Connect website updates include:

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PositivelyOsceola.com

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.

PositivelyOsceola.com

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.

PositivelyOsceola.com

Mecum, World’s Largest Collector Car Auction Returns to Kissimmee

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.

PositivelyOsceola.com

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

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

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.

PositivelyOsceola.com

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.

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Osceola Looks to Clinch District Title, Harmony Tries to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

A district championship will be on the line Friday night when the upstart Tohopekaliga Tigers (6-2, 2-0) travel to Osceola to face the Kowboys (5-3, 2-0). At stake is the Suburban 4, District 10 title and the automatic bid in the FHSAA regional playoffs that start Nov. 11.

Tohopekaliga features a prolific offense that has been averaging more than 40 points a game behind the exploits of record setting freshman quarterback Sabby Meassick and the play of wide receivers Nick Rawls and Julian Nasco.

Still, the Tigers will be significant underdogs to perennial powerhouse Osceola, which appears to be hitting their stride after an uncharacteristic 2-3 start. In their last five games, Osceola has defeated two highly-ranked teams in the state; including Rockledge (#2, Suburban 3) and Daytona Beach-Mainland (#1, Suburban 3). They are also undefeated in their last three games, having out-scored their opponents 131-9.

The Kowboys record is a bit misleading, as two of their losses came on the road to state powers Jones and Lakeland; and their third loss coming in overtime to stateranked Seminole; where a missed extra point in the final seconds cost them a win. Those three losses have come to teams with a combined 20-3 record and all three are currently ranked in the top 20 of all Florida high school teams, including Lakeland which 6th overall and #1 in Suburban 4.

Although significant underdogs, first-year head coach Anthony Paradiso and his staff deserve a ton of credit for turning around the Tigers football fortunes less than a year. The Tigers have assured themselves a winning season after last year’s 2-8 record, where they were outscored 412-62 and were shutout six times. In other games, Harmony (5-3) has a huge game this week – hosting district opponent Heritage (3-5). The Longhorns are coming off a roller-coaster week, being eliminated from the district championship race with a heart-wrenching 9-7 loss to Melbourne last Tuesday and coming back on just two days rest to blast Tohopekaliga on the road by a score on 40-7.

PositivelyOsceola.com

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.

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.

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Fantasmic! Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Nightly Beginning November 3

Forces of good and evil will once again battle it out in Mickey’s dream as the long-awaited return of Fantasmic! debuts Nov. 3 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort.

The legendary nighttime spectacular invites guests into Mickey’s imagination for a largerthan-life show painted on a grand canvas of dancing water overflowing with silly and suspenseful surprises.

The elaborate 29-minute nighttime spectacular takes place nightly – a kaleidoscope of entertainment featuring thrilling stunts, dazzling special effects and a rousing score based on classic Disney animated films. Fantasmic! is just one of many new and returning live-entertainment experiences guests can enjoy during the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration. “Fantasmic! is a show that will take you on a journey to see so many characters, so many villains and heroes,” says Melanie Gagne, entertainment proprietor for Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

PositivelyOsceola.com

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Experience the wonder of the holidays with

Christmas Celebration

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!

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

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.

PositivelyOsceola.com

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

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

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. When guests need a break from the scares, they can watch two outrageous live shows, satiate their appetite with sinfully delicious food and beverage, shop the latest merchandise in an all-new Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store and enjoy Universal Studios’ most exciting rides and attractions.

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

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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PositivelyOsceola.com

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

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.

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

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.

For