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

Deadline to register to vote in November election is October 11, Here’s what you need to know

Osceola County updates community on Hurricane Ian response, meets with Governor Ron DeSantis

Hagerty’s Defense Shuts Down Longhorns, 24-3

Millie Bobby Brown Braves

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2022

Experience the wonder of the holidays with Seaworld’s Christmas Celebration

November 11 -January 3

ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS

Daybreak LIVE with Bri Stefek from Osceola Arts

October 6th, 2022

LIVE at Harmony High School’s

Homecoming Parade!

October 5th, 2022

Osceola Matters LIVE with Brandon

Arrington, Commissioner for District 3

September 20th, 2022

Daybreak LIVE with

Charlie Draper of Draper Law Office

September 21st, 2022

LIVE with Nolan and Rob, looking back and forward for Friday night football!

September 21st, 2022

IN & AROUND OSCEOLA

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

LIVE with Nolan and Rob, Talking About Upcoming Football Games in Osceola county

LIVE as Members of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team deploy to Fort Myers

LIVE at Kissimmee City Hall as they celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Osceola Arts

LIVE at the St. Cloud Police Department as St Cloud Shares an Update Pertaining to Hurricane Ian Floodwater in the Community

VIDEOS ON DEMAND

Glow-in-the-Dark Anti-bullying Event on Saturday, November 12th

Peggy Choudhry, Osceola County Commissioner District 1 invites Osceola students to participate in a free, unique glow-in-the-dark, antibullying event on Saturday, November 12th from 6:00pm - 10:00pm at 2925 International Drive. This outdoor event will provide opportunities for students to create chalk images with positive messages that will be lit by blacklights to “glow” for the evening.

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.

Osceola Animal Services’ Dog Fostering Program!

Do you want to help reduce the amount of dogs that are in need of a loving home in the community, but aren’t sure you can make the long term commitment? Osceola County Animal Services is encouraging the community to try their Dog #Fostering Program, for those that are willing to provide short-term in-home care for dogs in need.

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.

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.

Deadline to register to vote in November election

The deadline to register for the first time in Florida and be able to vote in the November 8, 2022 General Election is October 11, 2022.

In election “lingo,” it’s known as the “book closing” deadline. Per Florida Statute 97.055, the registration books must be closed on the 29th day before each election.

“I want to encourage voters to visit our website www.voteosceola.gov or call our office at 407.742.6000 to verify their voter status.” said Osceola County Supervisor of Elections, Mary Jane Arrington.

What are the qualifications for voting in Florida?

To be eligible to register to vote you must:

• Be a citizen of the United States, be a legal resident of Florida and be a legal resident of the county in which you seek to be registered.

• Be at least 18 years old to register and vote.

• Not be a person who has been adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting in Florida or any other state without having the right to vote restored.

• Not be a person convicted of a felony without having your right to vote restored.

Osceola County updates community on Hurricane Ian response, meets with Governor Ron DeSantis

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis met with local, state and federal officials at the South Florida Water Management District’s Osceola County field station Friday to hear about response to Hurricane Ian before touring one of the areas threatened by flood waters.

Officials remained optimistic about the continued status of lakes and waterways based on pumping and other measures taken by water managers. Osceola County Commissioner Ricky Booth joined county officials and thanked the South Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other partners for their cooperation and responded to the Governor regarding future needs for the governance and maintenance of a system that dates back to the 1960s and proved inadequate to the 15 inches of rain Ian dumped on the County.

Friday, officials continued response efforts in communities affected by the flooding – including a mission to Sherwood Forest, where many residents have refused to seek higher ground or shelter. Commissioner Peggy Choudhry joined a joint effort that was conducted by Osceola Fire Rescue, Emergency Management, the Sheriff’s Office and a team from FEMA to help people register for assistance. Registration is a key part of the response to IAN. For instance, once residents are registered, FEMA will notify them if they qualify for programs – such as Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA).

St. Cloud Police Chief Doug Goerke issues statement in relation to St. Cloud High School SRO incident

A 15-year-old St. Cloud High School student was arrested on Thursday after he grabbed and through to the ground one of the school resource officers that was attempting to break up a fight, according to St. Cloud Police. St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke released a statement on Friday about the incident. “I am aware of the video circulating on social media surrounding the events that took place at St. Cloud High School yesterday morning involving the arrest of a student for Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting an Officer with Violence. After reviewing all available videos, including Officer Ball’s Body Worn Camera, what I witnessed was extremely disturbing. As Officer Ball was separating two students from fighting each other, another student, suddenly and without provocation, walked up, dropped his backpack, and grabbed Officer Ball by the neck, pulling him away from the initial fight.”

Local leaders working together to speed up St. Cloud recovery operations

State Rep. Fred Hawkins and County Commissioner Ricky Booth visited the City of St. Cloud’s Emergency Operations Center on Wednesday to discuss the city’s storm recovery operations. They met with City Manager Veronica Miller, Mayor Nathan Blackwell and other members of the city’s leadership team. During the discussion, they went over the following recovery efforts:

Lake Levels: East Lake Toho is expected to crest around 61 feet between today and Friday; it’s currently at 60.9. City officials are partnering with the South Florida Water Management District to monitor the lake levels. We are cautiously optimistic that the lake level will stabilize over the next few days. We have notified more than 4,000 addresses of residents who live in floodplain areas that they may be impacted by flood waters because East Lake Toho is above flood stage. Our mitigation is helping, and the more days we go without rain, the more it helps us.

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.

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

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.”

Toho

Toho Water Authority (Toho) is announcing that it is easing its water usage advisories for its customers.

· Customers located off Cyrils Drive – Irrigation service is not available due to continued flooding conditions.

· All other locations – Customers can resume normal water use including irrigation. However, as always, Toho encourages customers to conserve water wherever possible including only irrigating when necessary.

Customers should still report any observed sewer backups by contacting our customer service at 407-944-5000. Toho crews continue to respond to impacted areas caused by the hurricane. Presently, no precautionary boil water advisories have been issued.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announces the opening of a fall red snapper season for private recreational anglers and state for-hire operations in the Gulf of Mexico on the following weekends: Oct. 8-9, Oct. 15-16, Oct. 22-23, Nov. 11-13, Nov. 25-27.

During this season, private recreational anglers may harvest red snapper in Gulf state and federal waters. However, state for-hire operations are limited to fishing for red snapper in Gulf state waters only. FWC will continue to monitor harvest relative to Florida’s available quota.

The City of St. Cloud has partnered with the Business Incubation Program at the University of Central Florida to offer Growth Wheel, free one-on-one counseling for local businesses.

“Through this partnership, our local businesses can meet one on one with business coaches to talk specifically about their unique business situation, and learn how to develop strategies to increase revenue, strengthen their business model and implement new growth strategies,” said Antranette Forbes, Economic Development & Special Projects Manager for the city. “This is a great opportunity for business owners to get some outside, professional help to strengthen their businesses.”

For more information, call Esther Vargas at 407-343-4300 or email her at esther.vargas@ucf.edu.

City of St. Cloud offers free ‘Growth Wheel’ one-onone business help via UCF partnership

Mecum,

Largest Collector Car Auction

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.

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.

MORE,

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

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.”

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.

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.”

Own a Small Business? You May Be Eligible for Help from Osceola’s $1.4 million Fund

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 onetime $5,000 grant to qualified, for-profit businesses located within unincorporated Osceola County to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus on a first-come, firstready basis. A total of approximately $1.4 million is available.

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.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3TH1Shh

Kissimmee

on-demand

The Osceola Chamber’s Downtown Kissimmee Council hosted its annual Osceola Update Breakfast on September 7 at the Kissimmee Civic Center and featured Osceola County Manager Don Fisher, and City of Kissimmee Manager Mike Steigerwald.

service in

Steigerwald shared what the community can expect to see in the near future in the city, including a change to the Kissimmee Connector, a fixed route bus service operated by LYNX that kicked off in January of 2019 and moves local riders around 18 different locations in a continuous loop around the city.

The cost of continous bus service is $540,000 annually with an average of 500 riders per month, which comes out to about $60 per rider.

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.

INJURY

Safe Bicycle

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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

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.

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.

Making Business better, together

Hagerty’s Defense Shuts Down Longhorns,

The undefeated Hagerty Huskies (5-0) dominated both sides of the line of scrimmage on Friday night, handing Harmony (3-2) its second loss of the season, 24-3.

Hagerty’s defense held the Longhorns to less than 100 yards of total offense and just six first downs in the game. The Longhorns longest play of the night was 12 yards and its only points of the game came off a turnover. Harmony gained just 23 yard on 16 first downs, constantly playing behind the chains.

It was no surprise that the Huskies defense was good. They came into the game allowing just 21 points in their previous four games and entered a game against a team that has been struggling on offense as Harmony has now gone 12 quarters without an offensive touchdown.

“Right now it’s a combination of several things. We have an inexperienced offensive line but we have also run into really stout defenses in back-to-back-to-back games,” Harmony coach Don Simon said. “We felt coming into this game that we would have to win first down and we simply were unable to do that. Hats off to them, we simply could not move the ball against them.”

Despite the offensive struggles, Harmony was in the game until late in the second half. Two outstanding defensive stops inside the red zone limited Hagerty to a 6-0 lead on a pair of Erwin Eberhardt field goals.

The Longhorns would get back into the game after recovering a muffed punt return and cutting the lead to 6-3 on an Alex Tuyo 35-yard field goal with 4:38 remaining in the quarter.

Harmony would then recover another fumble on the Hagerty 12-yard line and have a chance to take the lead. But three consecutive plays lost one yard and Tuyo missed from 30 yards out to keep it a three-point game with 2:56 left. Those final three minutes would prove fatal to the Longhorn chances.

Working from his own 12, quarterback Anthony Benjiza would hit Anthony White for 23 yards on a screen. A pass interference penalty moved the ball to the 50 and on the next play, Benjiza would side step a rush and loft a 50-yard touchdown pass to Ian Miller for a 13-3 advantage.

Osceola High School wins Orange Belt Conference Volleyball Championship, Freshman Cate Palmi Dominates

Freshman Cate Palmi recorded 20 kills, two aces and a block to lead Osceola to a straight set (25-22, 25-20, 25-10) win over Tohopekaliga to capture the 2022 Orange Belt Conference championship on Friday night. Harmony won the third place game with a win over Gateway (25-22, 25-15, 30-28); while St. Cloud defeated Celebration (25-17, 26-24, 2624) in the fifth place game.

“Winning the Orange Belt Conference title was one of our team goals coming into this season,” Osceola coach Carrie Palmi said. “This will hopefully give us some momentum heading into the final week of the regular season and then districts.”

The win was the 13th in a row for Osceola (20-2) and gave the Kowboys a third consecutive win over 2021 OBC champion Tohopekaliga (12-7) – a team that beat them three times last year.

Osceola’s win was even more impressive given the fact that the Kowboys were without the services of injured libero Eimy Negron. A senior defensive specialist, Negron was the team leaders in both digs (301) and aces (43). “We have some pretty good depth at that position, but she is such a valuable asset to this team,” Palmi said. “We really hope to get her back soon.”

Even without Negron, Osceola dominated on the night. They let for most of the first set, but the Tigers did rally to go up briefly at 15-13. But Osceola would score the next four, including three on kills from Kaitlyn Taylor, to take the lead back for good. The teams would battle down the stretch but two service errors by the Tigers gave Osceola the three-point win.

Game two was also tight before Osceola went on a 9-3 run. A thunderous Palmi spike off capped the run that gave the Kowboys a 20-15 lead. The would trade points the rest of the way with Sophie Spivey ending the game with a spike down the right side for a 2520 win.

Huntington Learning Center, Reading Tutoring For All Levels

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.

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.

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

the wonder of the holidays with Seaworld’s Christmas Celebration

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!

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.

PositivelyOsceola.com

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. 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.

Here’s an overview of the remaining experiences coming to Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2022:

SIX NEW ORIGINAL HAUNTED HOUSES

Six spine-chilling and unnerving stories will envelop guests in original haunted houses where they will:

• Enter an unsettling 1920s speakeasy only to discover that they are the main ingredient of witch’s brew in “Spirits of the Coven”

• Face a putrid, skin-crawling infestation of spiders, roaches, flies, bees and more in “Bugs: Eaten Alive”

• Escape or become prey to a no-longer mythical, fanged creature in “Fiesta de Chupacabras”

LOOP - THEME PARK

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.

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.

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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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.

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

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.

Positively Osceola,