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

Orlando Health Cancer Institute Oncology Suite St. Cloud Opens to Treat Cancer Patients Locally

St. Cloud to Rock New Year’s Eve with the return of Rockin’ the Cloud, and headliner The Supervillains!

Osceola County Announces Osceola Prosper 2023, FREE tuition for graduates planning to attend Valencia College or OTech

Kissimmee's Festival of Lights Parade to Shine Through the Streets of Kissimmee Saturday December 10

Osceola County Clerk and Comptroller’s Office to Offer Winter WonderWeddings During Holiday Season

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

IN & AROUND OSCEOLA

LIVE with City of Kissimmee’s Josef Bladek as they prepare for this Saturday’s Festival of Lights Parade

LIVE at the State of the County 2022

LIVE at the 2022 St Cloud Christmas Parade

LIVE at the St. Cloud Christmas Tree Lighting

LIVE for the Snowfall at Celebration’s Winter Wonderland

VIDEOS ON DEMAND

41st Annual Holiday Craft Market at Osceola Arts

The Osceola Arts Crafters’ Guild is inviting the community to the 41st Annual Holiday Craft Market at Osceola Arts in Kissimmee through December 18th. It’s the perfect way to find that very special and unique gift for that very special someone you care about in your life.

St. Cloud Light Up the Park

The City of St. Cloud, Florida will “Light Up the Park” on December 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Peghorn Nature Park, located at 2101 Peghorn Way in St. Cloud.

Osceola Business Referral Service

For over 20 years the Osceola Business Referral Service has been a trusted source for the community to look to for highly trusted, quality professionals for everything from custom home builders to pest control, and real estate in Osceola County. Just go to OBRS.net and you’ll find a host of businesses that are sure to exceed your expectations!

Kissimmee Valley Feed’s Customer Appreciation Day

Kissimmee Valley Feed’s Main Store in St. Cloud LOVES it’s customers, and to show that love, they are having a Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, December 10th, from 8am – 2pm. Everything in the store is on sale that day! It’s their way of saying thank you, and happy holidays.

Oliver at Osceola Arts

Next up at the Osceola Arts main stage is the Charles Dickens classic, Oliver! This must-see show will take place December 2nd through December 18th. Showtimes are Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. On Saturday, December 17th at 2pm there will be a special American Sign Language interpreted performance.

Orlando Health Cancer Institute Oncology Suite St. Cloud Opens to Treat Cancer Patients Locally

The Orlando Health Cancer Institute Oncology Suite St. Cloud just made it easier for cancer patients in the St. Cloud area to receive cancer infusions and treatments after opening their new office in the Orlando Health Medical Pavilion – St. Cloud, located on Budinger Avenue and 13th Street in St. Cloud.

Dr. Simi George, a board-certified medical oncologist at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute, who helps diagnose and treat all cancer types with a special expertise in gastrointestinal cancers, will head up the St. Cloud Office. Dr. George has already been helping cancer patients in need of oncology infusions/treatments at Orlando Health Medical Pavilion – Osceola, located at 1001 E. Osceola Pkwy in Kissimmee.

“We’re very excited to be here in St. Cloud at the new Orlando Health Cancer Institute Oncology Clinic and Infusion Center, where we’re able to see almost all cancer patients as well as those experiencing non-cancer blood issues, and provide complete cancer care, including cancer-related infusion, chemotherapy, chemo pills, IV iron infusions, and immunoglobulin infusions,” Dr. George shared with Positively Osceola. “Orlando Health has a great track record of providing state-of-the art cancer care in Orange County, and now for the first time they’re bringing it to Osceola County and St. Cloud, so I’m very excited to be part of that.”

Cloud

Get ready to rock in the new year with the City of St. Cloud’s 6th Annual Rockin’ the Cloud in downtown St. Cloud from 7 pm. to a am.

This year’s event will offer three stages of live entertainment with performances from Maiden Voyage, Harlequin, and event headliner The Supervillains!

Once again the countdown to midnight will include St. Cloud’s iconic Cloud Drop to ring in the New Year.

Tell your family – tell your friends, and get ready to rock in the new year with Rockin’ the Cloud in Downtown St. Cloud New Year’s Eve!

St.

to Rock New Year’s Eve with the return of Rockin’ the Cloud, and headliner The Supervillains!

Superintendent of Osceola School District, Dr. Debra Pace, Announces She’ll Retire in June 2023

Dr. Debra Pace, superintendent of the School District of Osceola County since March of 2013, has announced that she will retire June 30, 2023. Pace’s career in the education field has spanned more than 30 years, and has included teaching at Poinciana High School, before becoming Principal at both Poinciana and Harmony High School. Dr. Pace then spent a few years as Deputy Superintendent at Brevard County Schools before accepting her current position as Superintendent in the Osceola School District, where she oversees over 8000 employees.

https://bit.ly/3PbZEo8

St. Cloud to Light Up the Park, Beginning December 10, Get Ready to Play, Shop, and Eat!

The City of St. Cloud will “Light Up the Park” on December 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Peghorn Nature Park, located at 2101 Peghorn Way in St. Cloud.

Peghorn Park will be brilliantly lit for the season, while kiddos, and adults alike, will enjoy playing games, shopping, and enjoying delicious food.

It’s sure to be fun for the entire family right in the St. Cloud community.

Admission is $5 per person and children under the age of 2 are free. Save time and reserve your tickets online at webtrac.stcloud.org to purchase tickets at the event.

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Osceola County Announces Osceola Prosper 2023, FREE tuition for graduates planning to attend Valencia College or O-Tech

The State of Osceola County is strong, prosperous and well-positioned to provide new, high-paying job opportunities to residents for generations to come, County Commissioner Brandon Arrington announced during the 10th annual State of the County address on Wednesday.

Arrington also announced that all of Osceola County’s 2023 graduating seniors will benefit from a second round of a program that provides them –free of charge — the opportunity to earn a 2-year associates degree or technical training from Valencia College or oTech. The county announced a similar program for graduating seniors in 2022.

“We continue our Commission’s commitment to our residents and we’re changing lives with this investment of more than $8 million,” Arrington said.

https://bit.ly/3HnIiD6

Kissimmee’s Festival of Lights Parade to Shine Through the Streets of Kissimmee Saturday December 10

The Kissimmee Festival of Lights , one of Central Florida’s premier nighttime parades will return to the streets of Historic Downtown Kissimmee on Saturday, December 10th at 7:30pm, and it’s sure to be the brightest, the most electric, and the most magical Festival of Lights Parade of all time, sponsored by KUA.

Join thousands of residents and visitors for a holiday event full of music, dancing, and thousands of holiday lights that is perfect for the entire family. Before the parade, beginning at 3pm, head over to Kissimmee’s beautiful Lakefront Park Veterans Lawn for holiday festivities, including Letters to Santa, the KUA Kids Power Zone, cookie decorating, and pictures with the jolly old elf himself before he makes his way over to the parade at 7:30pm.

https://bit.ly/3uqR0Zu

FHP releases information on Tuesday Poinciana/US192 Crash that Killed Orlando an Pedestrian

A man was killed Tuesday night when a car struck him as he was crossing Poinciana Boulevard south of US192 in a marked crosswalk.

A 26-year-old Kissimmee man was driving a Dodge Challenger northbound on Poinciana Boulevard around 9:35 pm, entered the intersection on a green light, and and struck a 66-year-old Orlando man that was crossing Poinciana Boulevard in a crosswalk that was marked with pedestrian signals.

The pedestrian was transported to HCA Florida Osceola where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of car remained on scene and cooperated with authorities according to the news release. The crash remains under investigation.

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

The Osceola Chamber to Host 18th Annual Three Kings Day Celebration at Old Town January 3

The Three Kings will once again visit Osceola County in early 2023 in celebration of the Three Kings Day holiday when the Osceola Chamber hosts its 18th annual Three King’s Day Osceola at Old Town in Kissimmee on Sunday, January 8, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

In much of Latin America Three King’s Day, or Día de los Reyes, recognizes the Three Wise Men, or Kings, as they brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus. For children in many Latin American cultures, it is the day they most look forward to for holiday gifts and treats.

In the spirit of giving and celebration of Three Kings Day, The Osceola Chamber’s Three Kings Day celebration will include toy giveaways, bicycle and tablet raffles, business vendors, live music, and more. Three Kings Day 2023 is sponsored by Experience Kissimmee.

Serving Osceola County since the early 20th Century, the mission of The Osceola Chamber is to be champions for business and the Osceola community. The Osceola Chamber is nationally accredited five-star chamber and three-time “Chamber of the Year” for the state of Florida.

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

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Osceola County Clerk and Comptroller’s Office to Offer Winter WonderWeddings During Holiday Season

What could make the most wonderful time of the year even more wonderful? The answer is a beautiful Winter Wonderland wedding ceremony at the Osceola County Courthouse hosted by the Osceola County Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto’s office.

The Judge Jon B. Morgan Osceola County Courthouse has been transformed into a “Winter Wonderland” for festive wedding ceremonies, available through Jan. 10th and include a complimentary decorative certificate.

Make that very special day, unique, memorable, and filled with wonder by having your wedding ceremony in a Winter Wonderland at the Osceola County Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto’s office.

For more information visit OsceolaClerk.com/marriage.

The Osceola Chamber Receives 5

Star Accreditation by U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 9th in State of Florida to Receive Award

The Osceola Chamber, which has been named “Chamber of the Year” in the state of Florida three times, was recently awarded the designation of ‘Accredited with 5 Stars’ for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community from The U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The purpose of the U.S. Chamber’s Accreditation Program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the chamber industry and to foster a pro-business environment across America. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, communications, and technology. This extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete. The Osceola Chamber President/CEO John Newstreet said of the Accreditation news, “The Chamber’s tagline states ‘Business Works Better Together,’ and it is to the credit of our members, board, Chairman, and staff that we were able to demonstrate that message to our accreditors and walk away with a distinction that puts us among the top 3% of Chambers in the United States.”

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Cooper Haase Shoots for History in Wrestling, Osceola Kowboys Hope to Extend Streak

Although he is still in high school, senior Cooper Haase has a unique understanding of the history of Osceola High School wrestling.

He knows Osceola has had at least one state champion for 16 consecutive years. He knows that 17 different wrestlers have won a total of 32 state championship titles during that time and he knows that Fox Baldwin is the only Osceola wrestler to win four individual state championships.

So it’s no surprise that Haase – who has committed to wrestle at West Point – wants to become just the second wrestler in Osceola High history to win four consecutive titles. “We have had some incredibly talented wrestlers here,” Haase said. “Fox Baldwin was an absolute legend here, so to match him as the only guy to win four state championships would be both a goal and an honor for me.”

Still, Haase is the type of guy who sets his goals extremely high and he has added a huge caveat to that goal. He said he wants to join Baldwin by going undefeated his senior year. Last season, he swept through districts, regionals and states but because Osceola wrestles one of the toughest schedules in the country, he “only” went 50-3 last season. To go undefeated would mean that Haase would have to not only be the best in the state of Florida but would also have to run the table in both Osceola’s Knockout Christmas Classic on Dec. 21-22; as well as Powerade Christmas Classic, Dec. 28-29 in Cannonsburg, Pa. Both tournaments are considered among the premiere wrestling tournaments in the nation, featuring multiple state champions and All-Americans.

Whether Haase can pull off the undefeated remains to be seen; it’s a good bet he and Osceola will keep its streak of state champions alive this season.

Orange Belt Conference Girls Soccer Championship Tournament Continues This Week

Harmony is the top seed, as the Orange Belt Conference Girls Soccer Championship Started on Monday and will be contested this week in a bracket style tournament.

The tournament opened Monday with all the top seeds advancing as #1 Harmony defeated Liberty (14-0); #2 Gateway got by Osceola (8-0), #3 Celebration took down Poinciana (9-0) and #4 St. Cloud beat Tohopekaliga (5-0).

Led by midfielders Rebekah Wiles and Brynn Magner, top-seeded Harmony is coming off a 9-6-1 season. Coach Scott Marlega has an experienced group of seniors and says his team is confident heading into the tournament. “We want to compete for both an OBC and District championship and we certainly believe we have the experience and talent to do so.”

After early season losses to Celebration and St. Cloud, Jorge Molina’s Gateway squad took a three-game winning streak into the tournament as the number two seed. During that win streak they have out-scored the opposition, 24-0.

Celebration enters the OBC tournament as the hottest team in the county. Rebecca Camis’ team had won six in row since dropping a 2-0 decision to Freedom back on Nov. 8. The high-scoring Storm are led by senior Erin Ozyurek (10 goals) and sophomore Ellie Armstrong (9 goals).

“We have an outstanding mixture of experienced players and young talent,” Camis said. “We’re off to a really strong start and continue to build on the new culture we started to establish last year. We are hoping for a strong showing at OBCs this week as build to the post-season.” Celebration took a 4-0 mark against county opposition into the OBC tournament.

Up next at Osceola Arts, Lionel Bart’s ring a classic stage musical Oliver, plus other festive events

Osceola Arts, the county’s leading advocate for the arts, is back at beginning Friday, December 2nd and running through Sunday, December 18th, on the Osceola Arts Main stage with Lionel Bart’s classic Oliver!

Orphan Oliver ventures to the Victorian streets of London and joins Fagin and his group of petty pickpockets. After being taken in by Mr. Brownlow, Oliver must dodge Fagin’s henchmen who threaten his chances at finding love and acceptance in this musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ classic. Suitable for audiences of any age, Oliver! features a talented group of actors who are excited to bring this show to life under the direction of Elijah D. Gragg.

Tickets are only $28, with Senior, students and group rates available. Showtimes for Oliver! are 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, 2pm on Sundays, and an additional 2pm matinee performance on Saturday, December 17th. An American Sign Languageinterpreted performance will be featured during the December 17th matinee. Osceola Arts will also be bringing back the 41st Annual Holiday Craft Market. The Craft Market will feature handmade crafts by local artists, such as ornaments, woodwork, jewelry, wreaths and so much more.

Precautionary boil water advisory due to water main issued on Tuesday for Indian Ridge, Indian Ridge Villas customers

Due to a water main break Toho Water Authority (Toho) has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for customers in the Indian Ridge and Indian Ridge Villas communities. The precautionary boil water advisory will be in effect until lifted by Toho.

Water should be boiled prior to consumption (drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes) as a precautionary measure. A vigorous boil for one minute is adequate to render water bacteriologically safe for drinking. As an alternative bottled water may be used.

For more information, visit www.tohowater.com or contact Toho Water Authority’s customer service line at 407-944-5000.

St. Cloud’s City Council is looking for ways to incentivize Cathcart Construction, the company involved in the city’s downtown construction project, to complete the project as quickly as possible in order to help its downtown business community.

During the city’s Thursday night meeting Trevor Estill, owner of The Garage Bar and Thee Dog House on Pennsylvania Avenue, told Council members the delays are hurting his businesses.

”It has become absolutely dire,” Estill said. “I’ve been one of the most ardent supporters of this project. The outcome will be very beneficial to downtown and the businesses. But we are dying a slow, painful death because of all the construction delays.”

City Manager Veronica Miller said Cathcart Construction informed the city this week that the project again delayed. Cathcart was expecting the downtown project to be most complete by Dec. 2, in time for the Dec. 3 Christmas parade, but because of the impacts of the recent hurricane, along with a number of unforeseen underground conflicts, the construction company has extended the expected completion date.

St. Cloud explores ways to “speed up” construction company in its downtown construction project to help local businesses

Country Thunder to roar back to Osceola County in 2023 with Country Music Superstars

Keith Urban, Cody Johnson, & Hardy

Buckle up country music fans, Country Thunder Florida has announced that its October 2023 all-star lineup at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee will feature country music superstars Cody Johnson, HARDY, Keith Urban & so many more.

“When you have the world’s greatest country music fans show up the way they did in Florida in 2022, you owe them a follow-up of epic proportions,” says Country Thunder Music Festivals CEO, Troy Vollhoffer. “And we’re making that promise with one of the best lineups from start to finish we’ve had in years. We can’t wait to bring Cody Johnson, HARDY, and Keith Urban to the fans in Florida!”

Keith Urban has won four GRAMMY© Awards, thirteen CMAs, fifteen ACMs, three AMAs, two People’s Choice Awards and celebrated nine consecutive gold, platinum or multi-platinum albums. His concerts have become legendary – as unpredictable as they are explosive.

Florida KidCare covering monthly premium payments for families in Florida counties impacted by Hurricane Ian

Florida KidCare member families who live in one of the 26 counties impacted by Hurricane Ian can get a break on their premium payments through the end of the year.

The Florida Healthy Kids Corporation Board of Directors have approved Hurricane Ian premium relief for Florida KidCare member families. This premium relief applies to all 26 Florida counties designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as eligible for individual assistance. To help families following this storm, Florida Healthy Kids has agreed to cover 100% of eligible family monthly premium payments for October. Monthly premium payment relief will also be made available for November and December coverage to those who contact us with a need. READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3NlKg7I

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.

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.

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

OSCEOLA BUSINESS

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

Making Business better, together

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.

HEALTH

Orlando Health hospitals awarded top grades for patient safety

Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC), Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital and Orlando Health South Lake Hospital have received “A” grades for patient safety by The Leapfrog Group, an independent nonprofit organization committed to driving quality, safety and transparency in the U.S. health system. For Orlando Health South Lake, this is its 9th consecutive “A” grade from Leapfrog.

“Our clinical teams work extremely hard to achieve and maintain outstanding quality of care across the entire Orlando Health system,” said George Ralls, MD, chief medical officer, Orlando Health. “We have implemented quality and safety clinical practices across our system that protect our patients from harm and ensure the best possible outcomes. Our focus on quality and commitment to excellence has resulted in awards and recognition by other national, well-respected organizations.”

The American Heart Association recently recognized six Orlando Health hospitals for consistently following the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of stroke. In addition, U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, ranked five Orlando Health clinical programs amongst the top 50 in the US, including a number one ranking for Neonatology in the state of Florida in 2022. Additionally, six Orlando Health hospitals were recognized as 2022-2023 High Performing hospitals in a total of twelve categories. And Orlando Health recently received 24 Beacon Awards for Excellence in nursing care from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses – more than any other healthcare system in Florida – recognizing high-quality patient care and a healthy work environment.

“Earning top recognitions for quality and safety is a continual journey,” adds Dr. Ralls. “Every achievement is a reflection of our mission to improve the health and quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve”

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

HEALTH

Ashlee Wright MDA, RD, LD/N Orlando Health Outpatient Registered Dietitian

5 Tips for a Healthy, and Satisfying, Holiday Season From Orlando Health

It can be tough to resist your aunt’s special stuffing or mom’s once-ayear Bûche de Noël when you’re trying to avoid packing on the pounds over the holidays. The truth is: You don’t have to. You just need to be smart and intentional about what you eat.

The following tips will help you enjoy the holidays – and not feel regret come New Year’s Day.

Try These Strategies

1. Don’t abandon hard-earned good habits just because it’s the holiday season.

Even if you’re doing OK maintaining other parts of your healthy routine, like exercising and getting good sleep, food and alcohol — ever-present at this time — can create special challenges. But many holiday traditions — shopping, wrapping, decorating, caroling — don’t necessarily involve food. Make a list of celebratory activities that don’t revolve around eating, then enlist your family and friends to brainstorm even more personal, meaningful favorites.

2. Don’t skip breakfast — do skip treats you can get 365 days a year. (We see you, M&Ms.)

You can make mashed potatoes any day. But your aunt’s stuffing? That’s special‚ so enjoy it — but skip that store-bought roll. Yes, mindful eating can be hard to practice in a busy season, but the holidays roll around every year — odds are good this won’t be your last piece of pumpkin pie ever. Sugar cravings are real, for sure, and also totally normal. Rather than struggling to eliminate those feelings, try to manage them and find balance in your diet. Give yourself a “cookie budget” — or whatever it is that you really want — and then use it wisely on things that are truly special to you. Ordering pizza on a crazy night? Add a salad. A more balanced diet will help you stay mindful because you’ll get better nutritional value from what you are eating. Just slowing down and making more conscious decisions can cut the calories quickly. But don’t overthink it — if all else fails, eat a vegetable.

POSITIVELY DELICIOUS

Florida Shrimp Sandwich with Avocado, Positively Delicious!

Shrimp, not just any shrimp… Florida Shrimp, and add in some fresh avocado and without question. It’s positively delicious!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound medium-sized Florida shrimp, peeled

• 1 large Florida avocado, peeled and seed removed

• 1 small red onion, sliced thin

• ½ cup rice vinegar

• Seafood seasoning

• 4 slices whole-wheat bread

• Olive oil for cooking

• 1 lemon, juiced

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, stripped off the stem and chopped fine

• 6 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped fine

• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

PREPARATION

In a small bowl combine the thin-sliced red onion and vinegar; let this mixture marinate for about 10 minutes. Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Season the water with 2 tablespoons of your favorite seafood boil seasoning. Make a bath of ice water in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Place peeled shrimp into the seasoned boiling water. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes, or until cooked throughout. Remove shrimp from the hot water and place them in the ice water bath, allowing shrimp to cool. Place the bread on a cookie sheet; lightly drizzle with olive oil and a dash of seafood seasoning. Place the bread under the broiler to toast (being careful not to let them burn). Remove the shrimp from the ice bath to a bowl. Add 1 tsp olive oil, 1 tsp seafood seasoning, juice of ½ lemon, fresh thyme, and half the garlic; stir to coat.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3gBwC4C

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IN THE

- THEME PARK

Universal Orlando announces new Minions Land, complete with

attraction

and Minion Cafe’

Universal Orlando announces new Minions Land, complete with attraction and Minion Cafe’ If you’ve visited Universal Studios Orlando in 2022, you likely noticed that the Shrek 4D attraction closed, and that construction walls decorated with yellow Minion images were placed around the building. On Thursday morning Universal announced that there will be more Minions-based attractions moving in, including one called the “Villain-Con Minion Blast.”

Once open in the former Shrek 4-D building in the summer of 2023, Blast will be an interactive blaster game on a “motion-based pathway.” The new attraction will join the existing Despicable Me Minion Mayhem area, which debuted in 2012, and the newly announced Minion Cafe which will form Minion Land in the theme park.

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Seaworld’s Christmas Celebration Kicks off and runs through January 3

The holiday season is on the way, and no one does it better than SeaWorld Orlando. Gather your family and join all your festive friends at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, select dates through 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!

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

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