Positively Osceola News Today, Osceola County's Leading and Trusted Source For Local News

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 2023

Hunchback of Notre Dame Musical Returns to the Stage Tonight at Osceola Arts in Kissimmee Gatorland's 5th Annual Halloween Spectacle Gators, Ghosts, and Goblins Opens Saturday!

Silver Spurs Quadrille Invited to Take the Spotlight in 2024 Rose Parade in California!

Shining a Light on Hope: 14th Annual Domestic DV Rally, Awareness Walk & Candlelight Vigil Returns to Kissimmee October 26 Poinciana High School Graduate Creates a Solid Base at Valencia College and Beyond Thanks to Osceola Prosper For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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Minutes from Home.

A Lifetime of Healing.

You’re not just our patient. You’re our neighbor. For more than 50 years, Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital has been honored to provide exceptional care for the Osceola County community we proudly call home. And because it’s your home, too, you deserve trusted healthcare within reach, so we can foster a partnership focused on health and wellness — together. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/StCloud

choose well.

IN & AROUND OSCEOLA Orlando Health Operations Manager about Orlando Healths booth at Viva Osceola

Tiffany Henderson and Adrianna Seda with KUA talk about Viva Osceola and what KUA is bringing to the table

LIVE at the start of the fourth quarter with the TIGER CHEERLEADERS at the Toho vs OCP Foodball game

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IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE for the 2023 Osceola Prosper press conference

LIVE with Hope Partnership in Kissimmee at the site of their motel, affordavle housing conversion LIVE with Lauren from Osceola County Animal Services, talking about their upcoming Community Appreciation Day on November 4th

LIVE at the City of Kissimmee’s Hispanic Heritage Month

LIVE at the Puerto Rican Parade, Business Expo, & Health Fair at Kissimmee Lakefront Park

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ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS LIVE with Keith Ronan and Charlie Draper of Draper Law Office September 20th, 2023

LIVE with Charlie Draper of Draper Law Office August 16th, 2023

LIVE with District 46 State Representative Kristen Arrington July 26th, 2023

LIVE with Michelle Incandela of Draper Law Office July 19th, 2023

LIVE with new Osceola School District Superintendent, Dr. Mark Shanoff June 26th, 2023

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VIDEOS ON DEMAND The Mayor’s Minute with St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell The Mayor’s Minute with Nathan Blackwell, Mayor of the City of St. Cloud, Florida. A free Movie in the Park at Hopkins Park featuring the movie “The Witches” will be held on Friday, Oct. 13th. St. Cloud’s annual Fall Festival is Oct. 14th and 15th at The Ranch. Pink Heals will be holding its annual Pinktoberfest at the Lakefront on Saturday, Oct. 21st.

Positively Osceola, Making a Positive Difference in and Around Osceola County!

Stay informed and inspired with Positively Osceola, your 24/7 go-to news in and around Osceola County! Positively Osceola shares the latest updates on local events, community achievements, and inspiring stories. From heartwarming features to breaking news, PO has you covered. Experience the power of positivity with Positively Osceola!

Kissimmee Utility Authority Hurricane Handbook With the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season here, Kissimmee Utility Authority has released its 2023 Osceola Hurricane Handbook, a free, bilingual, comprehensive preparedness guide offered annually to Osceola County residents.

Talent Tuesday at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital Every Tuesday is Talent Tuesday at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital from 1-3pm.

Country Thunder Florida Tickets on sale now for Country Thunder Florida, the Southeast’s most kickin’ country music festival, October 20 - 22 at Osceola Heritage Park.

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NEWS

Gatorland’s 5th Annual Halloween Spectacle Gators, Ghosts, and Goblins Opens Saturday!

Gatorland has something exciting in store for thrill-seekers and families alike this Halloween season. The popular “Gators, Ghosts and Goblins day-time Halloween event is returning for the fifth year, and it promises to be even more spine-tingling and entertaining than ever before. With daytime fun for all-ages, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Gatorland is the place to be this October. This year, the event spans three weekends, beginning on Friday October 14th, and for Florida residents, admission s 50% off.

Unveiling the ALL-NEW “Swamp Ghost’s Monster Museum” One of the most eagerly anticipated aspects of the Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event is the return of “Swamp Ghost’s Monster Museum.” This year’s exhibit is an allnew experience that promises to delve deeper into the origins of fan favorite haunted holiday, Halloween. Encounter specters, goblins, and more as you explore this museum, offering a fascinating journey into the history and folklore that has shaped Halloween into what we know today.

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NEWS

St. Cloud High School Named to Advanced Placement School Honor Roll St. Cloud High School has been named to the Advanced Placement Program AP School Honor Roll, earning Silver distinction, as announced by the College Board.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

St. Cloud High School had 65% of seniors who took at least one AP exam during high school, 35% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP exam, and 12% of seniors who took five or more AP exams.

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Poinciana High School Graduate Creates a Solid Base at Valencia College and Beyond Thanks to Osceola Prosper Kyle Scharfenberg has known what he wanted to be for years; he just didn’t know how he was going to make it happen.

The Poinciana High School graduate already had a history in carpentry and a love of welding, so after high school, he didn’t want to waste any time beginning his training for his dream career. Thanks to the Osceola Prosper program, he is already in the driver’s seat to his future.

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NEWS

Osceola County Weather: Warm, Muggy Weather Continues in Osceola, but Cooler Drier Air Arrives Sunday Happy Friday Osceola! Showers and some tropical moisture will stick around today, bringing muggy air, showers, and some storms to Osceola County. Expect to see cloudy skies with highs in the lower 90s. The heat is on again with a Heat index values as high as 102.

West wind 5 to 15 mph. Should be a beautiful weekend with cooler air arriving Sunday and hanging around for a while!

Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. West wind around 5 mph.

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Hunchback of Notre Dame Musical Takes Center Stage in Osceola Arts’ 63rd Season in Kissimmee Currently playing on select nights through Oct. 22, at Osceola Arts in Kissimmee is the musical ‘Hunchback of Notre Dame,’ a musical play based on the 1831 novel of the same name written by Victor Hugo and featuring songs from the 1996 Walt Disney Animation film adaptation of the novel. Tickets are still available for Saturday and Sunday’s shows and can be purchased online at OsceolaArts.org.

In 15th Century Paris, the world seems colorful and bright, but Quasimodo has been living alone in the shadows all his life. How will the world see him when he finally steps into the light? Backed by a striking score and features popular songs from the Disney animated film, this musical tells a timeless story of love, acceptance and finding the hero within.

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NEWS

Weed Crackdown: Osceola Sheriff’s Office Raids Marijuana Grow Operation, Seizes Plants The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office shutdown an illegal marijuana growing operation in a Kissimmee home on Monday, seizing $80,000 in weed.

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Intelligence Bureau executed a search warrant on an illegal marijuana growing operation at a Kissimmee residence located on Pine Needle Trail, between Pleasant Hill Road and Lake Tohopekaliga, not far from Valencia College’s Poinciana Campus.

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Hope Partnership Announces Thrive Studios: An Affordable Housing Beacon of Hope for Osceola County

Empowering neighbors, strengthening community bonds, and building hope – these are the driving forces behind Hope Partnership’s mission in Osceola County. On Thursday, October 5, 2023, Reverend Mary Lee Downey, the organization’s founder and CEO, unveiled another significant step towards achieving this mission.

Downey officially announced the beginning of the transformation of the old, run-down Crown Motel in Kissimmee into 34 affordable studio-style housing units for low-income residents, marking another stride in combating the escalating housing crisis in Central Florida.

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NEWS

Osceola County Sheriff’s Office arrest suspect in shooting outside Celebration Publix on Wednesday The Osceola County Sheriff’s arrested a 17-year-old that they say shot another 17-year-old multiple times in the back outside of a Publix near Celebration on Wednesday. The suspect was identified as 17-year-old Morrell Deon Lee Jr. by the young man that was shot.

Osceola investigators utilized surveillance cameras outside the Publix located in the Water Tower Shoppes Plaza to identify a blue vehicle involved in the shooting, registered to the driver 18-year-old Maliky Kris Blair from Polk County. A search warrant was served through collaborative efforts with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Blair was booked into the Polk County Jail on Criminal Traffic Violations, and other charges are forthcoming. Firearms were discovered during the investigation of Blair.

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Alerting All Pizza Lovers: Domino’s is Giving Away Free Emergency Pizzas!

When life gives you lemons, Domino’s gives you free pizza. Domino’s Pizza Inc., the largest pizza company in the world, is introducing Domino’s Emergency Pizza: a program that offers a free medium two-topping pizza to customers to use whenever they need it most.

“Perhaps you burned dinner, the power went out or maybe your in-laws just dropped in without notice – whatever your emergency situation, Domino’s believes a free pizza can make anything better,” said Kate Trumbull, Domino’s senior vice president – chief brand officer. “Why did we launch Domino’s Emergency Pizza? With so much uncertainty in everyday life, we believe everyone needs a pizza pick-me-up at some point! The hardest part may just be deciding when to use your Emergency Pizza!”

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NEWS

Silver Spurs Quadrille Invited to Take the Spotlight in 2024 Rose Parade in California!

The Silver Spurs Riding Club’s Quadrille has been invited to ride in the 135th Rose Parade on January 1, 2024, in Pasadena, California! The Pasadena Tournament of Roses selected the Silver Spurs Riding Club Quadrille as one of 18 Equestrian teams throughout the country to ride in the epic annual parade.

Since the start of the Tournament of Roses in 1890, equestrian units have played a key role in the Rose Parade and its surrounding festivities. In 2024, they will showcase a variety of horse breeds that entertain and highlight their majesty and poise. From horses that square dance to award-winning cowgirls and police horses who bring joy to children’s hospitals, these are just some of the acts people can expect at this year’s Rose Parade. Each unit promises a unique blend of skills and dazzling costumes, adding an extra layer of charm to the festivities. The Silver Spurs Riding Club Quadrille team is one of three equestrian units participating in their first Rose Parade.

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NEWS

KUA Seeks Student Art Entries for 2024 Energy Conservation Calendar Kissimmee Utility Authority invites Osceola County students to showcase their artistic expression to promote energy conversation in the utility’s 30th 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.

In their entry, students are asked to use crayons, markers, or paints to depict an energy conservation message. 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 2024 calendar.

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NEWS Driving Dreams: Osceola Council On Aging’s 4th Annual Car Raffle Fundraiser The Osceola Council On Aging has revved up its highly anticipated 4th Annual Car Raffle Fundraiser, an exciting event that promises to make dreams come true for both the lucky winner and the local senior community.

The 4th Annual Car Raffle Fundraiser is a testament to the OCOA’s commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of seniors, and brings together the community, local businesses, and philanthropic individuals in a spirit of generosity and camaraderie. This year’s lucky ticket will be drawn 30 minutes prior to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023.

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OSCEOLA’S BEST

The Cup Diner: Osceola’s Best Breakfast Award Shines Spotlight on St. Cloud’s Culinary and Community Gem In a heartwarming ceremony on Saturday, September 16, ‘The Cup Diner,’ a beloved restaurant nestled in the heart of St. Cloud, was presented with the prestigious “Osceola’s Best Breakfast” Award by Positively Osceola, marking a well-deserved recognition of their dedication to crafting exceptional dining experiences for their community.

The Cup Diner, a cozy family-owned eatery, has been a cherished part of St. Cloud’s culinary landscape for years, and is certainly more than just a local restaurant; it’s a home away from home for countless members of the community.

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Mutt’s on 13th in St. Cloud: Osceola’s Best Burger Award Winner, Celebrating 13 Years of Excellence

In the heart of St. Cloud, culinary excellence meets community spirit at Mutt’s on 13th, a vibrant local eatery that recently achieved the highly esteemed “Osceola’s Best Burger Award” from Positively Osceola. This accolade signifies not only their commitment to crafting mouthwatering burgers but also their dedication to creating a gathering place where residents and visitors can enjoy both excellent food and a sense of community. As if this achievement weren’t enough, Mutt’s on 13th is also celebrating its 13th year in business, making this recognition Positively Delicious!

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OSCEOLA’S BEST Granny’s Southern Smokehouse Does It Again: Voted ‘Osceola’s Best Barbecue’ by Community, Positively Osceola Nestled in Downtown St. Cloud, there’s a barbecue joint that has been turning heads and igniting taste buds for years. Granny’s Southern Smokehouse, a beloved local eatery, has recently received the prestigious ‘Osceola’s Best Barbecue Award’ for the second time, an honor presented

by Osceola County’s leading source for news, Positively Osceola. Behind the smoky goodness and fingerlicking flavors stands a true barbecue virtuoso, Jay Brown, owner and pitmaster extraordinaire.

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Junior QB Logan King Passes Bulldogs to Fourth Win of the Season, Sets School Record Junior Logan King tied a school record with six touchdown passes to lead the St. Cloud Bulldogs to a convincing 51-18 win over Tru Prep Academy (Miami Gardens) on Thursday night at Austin Tindall Park.

The game, which was added to the St. Cloud schedule after a Week 2 game contest with Pine Ridge was cancelled because of inclement weather, was the Bulldogs second consecutive win and pushed their record to 4-3 on the season. Tru Academy fell to 1-4.

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Silver Spurs Arena Hosts Sold-Out Rodeo Spectacle: Boots, Bulls, and Barrels Returns in Style on the Dirt

Osceola’s Silver Spurs Arena was the place to be on Saturday, October 7, as the thrilling rodeo extravaganza, “Boots, Bulls, and Barrels,” returned to “the dirt” at Osceola Heritage Park with a bang. The eagerly anticipated event had the crowd roaring with excitement, and it was no surprise that it was a sold-out show. Rodeo fans gathered to witness some of the best in professional rodeo compete in a tournament-style showdown that featured three beloved events: saddle bronc riding, bull riding, and barrel racing, all at their absolute best.

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NEWS

Walt Disney World Offers Ticket Deals for U.S. Military Families Disney is saying thank you to military families for their service to the U.S. by offering exclusive discounts on various offerings within its theme parks, including tickets, accommodations, and cruises.

between a four, or five-day ticket.

Active and retired members of the U.S. Military, as well as their spouses with valid and active U.S. military IDs, can take advantage of these special offers. Until the end of the year, military families planning a visit to Walt Disney World can choose

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NEWS Osceola School District Announces No Early Release Students On Four Wednesdays During Testing During 2023-2024 School Year The Osceola County School District has announced that students in all grade levels will have a full day of school on the Wednesdays when testing will be administered this current school year. There will be no early release of students on the following Wednesdays: • October 11, 2023 • March 20, 2024 • May 8, 2024 • May 15, 2024

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NEWS Pinktoberfest 2023: A Day of Unity, Hope, Faith, and Love in St. Cloud

Mark your calendars for October 21st from 10 am to 2 pm, and prepare to immerse yourself in the heartwarming spirit of Pinktoberfest 2023 at the picturesque Lakeshore Park in St. Cloud. The inspiration annual event, hosted by Pink Heals St. Cloud, is a celebration of unity and hope, aimed at raising awareness and providing support to those valiantly battling cancer in our beloved community.

Explore an array of unique gifts and treasures created by local artisans and crafters. Satisfy your craving for sweet and savory with mouthwatering food options from local food vendors, and experience one of the highlights of Pinktoberfest, the annual Pink Firetruck Pull, where teams from businesses and organizations across the community come together to show their support.

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VISIT OSCEOLA Exploring Osceola County’s Natural Trails and Spaces: A Paradise for Avid Runners, Walkers, and Kayakers Osceola County is a hidden gem for avid runners, walkers, and kayakers seeking a combination of physical fitness and natural beauty.

Although the county is one of the fastest growing regions in Florida, its picturesque landscapes, serene lakes, and wellmaintained trails, offer a haven for those who want to stay active while immersing themselves in nature.

In this article, we will take you on a journey through ten of Osceola County’s finest locations where you can experience invigorating runs and leisurely walks amid breathtaking natural landscapes.

• Shingle Creek Regional Park: Shingle Creek Regional Park, often referred to as the “Headwaters of the Everglades,” is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and fitness enthusiasts alike. This vast park offers a network of scenic trails suitable for running and walking. The trails wind through lush forests, along the banks of Shingle Creek, and provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or an intense trail run, Shingle Creek has something for everyone.

• Celebration Lakeside Park: Celebration, a charming community in Osceola County, and known to many as the ‘Town that Disney built,’ boasts Celebration Lakeside Park, a beautiful destination for runners and walkers. The park features a loop trail around Lake Rianhard, offering picturesque views of the water and surrounding greenery. The flat terrain and wellpaved paths make it an excellent choice for a leisurely walk or a brisk run.

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NEWS

Parkinson’s Support in Action: Orlando Health Advanced Rehabilitation Institute offering free community exercise classes for Parkinson’s patients Local patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease now have access to free fitness classes tailored to their medical needs, thanks to the Orlando Health Advanced Rehabilitation Institute and grant funding from the Parkinson Association of Central Florida. Patients do not need a physician referral to join the classes.

The fitness classes meet every other Monday from 3:30 pm-4:30 pm near the Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute, with Orlando Health neurologic physical therapists providing the exercise instruction. The classes include aerobic exercise, strength training, balance training, and more. Attendees should wear active clothes and bring water. They are also asked to have a care partner attend with them if they require additional physical assistance.

Please register for each class session you plan to attend by emailing parkinsonsclass@orlandohealth.com. Attendees can also call 321-841-4490 with any questions.

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NEWS Get Ready to Rock: ‘Burn the Jukebox’ Band to Take the Stage at 2024 Osceola County Fair in February!

Get ready to rock, as the sensational young band, ‘Burn the Jukebox,’ is set to take the stage at the 2024 Osceola County Fair this February. Comprising four immensely talented teenagers with an unwavering passion for music, Burn the Jukebox promises to deliver an electrifying performance that will leave the audience begging for more.

This powerhouse ensemble, with members aged 15 to 16, has dedicated countless hours to perfecting their craft and mastering a wide range of musical hits spanning the last five decades. From classic tunes to modern anthems, Burn the Jukebox knows how to captivate a crowd, get them moving, and keep them on their feet all night long.

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Osceola County Commissioners Herald Bright Futures for 2024 High School Graduates with Osceola Prosper

In its first 2 years, Osceola Prosper, a program that offers two years of paid college or technical training for every high school graduate in the County, has seen some 5,000 residents take advantage of the life-changing opportunity to improve their careers and future. On friday, County Commissioners, along with Osceola County School District and Valencia College officials, announced across the county that for the 3rd year, those set to graduate in the Spring of 2024 will be able to take advantage of the program.

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NEWS A Hauntingly Beautiful Affair: Osceola Clerk of Court & Comptroller Kelvin Soto Announces 2nd Annual Halloween Wedding ‘Scare-A-Mony’ Join Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller Kelvin Soto, Esq. for a Spooktacular Evening of ‘I Dos’ at its 2nd Annual Halloween Group Wedding ‘Scare-A-Mony’ and Reception!

This ‘enchanted’ event guarantees an unforgettable experience for 25 lucky couples.

The Halloween Group Wedding ScareA-Mony and Reception will take place in the idyllic setting of the Historic Osceola County Courthouse, the oldest continually operating courthouse in Florida. Couples will pledge their love and commitment in the midst of history, with the charm of the courthouse adding to the magic of the occasion.

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HEALTH

Kirbie Whitaker, MS, RD, LDN Clinical Oncology Dietitian

Orlando Health: A World Without Bacon?

What You Need To Know About Nitrates

Even for Americans who consciously consume less meat these days, a crispy rasher of bacon or a flame-grilled steak still rank among the splurge-worthy. But would your enthusiasm dampen if you knew each came with a significant cancer risk?

Bacon and charred meats each contain nitrates, which are under the microscope as researchers find links to increased disease risk and the European Parliament debates a total ban. A naturally occurring substance that historically allowed humans to preserve precious proteins, nitrates also are labeled a Class 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization, right up there with tobacco and asbestos.

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INJURY LAW Draper Law: Which vehicles are more likely to be involved in serious or fatal accidents?

Sadly, serious and fatal accidents take place on a daily basis in Central Florida. These crashes can happen in a number of ways and can be caused by not following traffic laws, inexperience, intoxication, distracted driving, fatigue, and medical issues.

Statistics show that fatal car accidents can often occur based on the type of vehicle.

You may think that sports cars are most likely to be in crashes due to their speed and performance. However, according to the NHTSA, it’s the everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs on the roadways that are involved more frequently in serious or even deadly accidents, with sedans and pickup trucks accounting for more than three-quarters of fatal accidents. If you drive out on the roadways, here’s what you need to know about which vehicles have been involved in many of the crashes.

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NEWS Beware of online scams when searching for home weatherization assistance programs The Osceola Council on Aging is warning the community to beware of fraudulent websites while searching for home weatherization programs. These websites ask people to fill out online forms, which are then used to steal the applicant’s personal information.

Unfortunately, when a victim of this malicious fraud attempts to contact the company, they receive no response or support.

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HEALTH

Christine E. Jablonski, MD Orlando Health Internal Medicine

Orlando Health: Best Exercises To Slow Osteoporosis Exercise can help slow osteoporosis.

But before you start working out, it helps to know which bone-strengthening exercises deliver the greatest benefit.

Osteoporosis — bone-density loss — affects one in three women older than 50, and one in five men will experience osteoporotic fractures in their lifetimes.

Osteoporosis slowly weakens your bones to the point where they easily break. It’s referred to as a “silent disease” because you often don’t know it’s happening until you break a bone. Osteoporosis commonly causes fractures in the hip, spine and wrist.

WHY WE LOSE BONE MASS As a living tissue, bones continually rebuild themselves to maintain strength. How? Your body breaks down existing bone and then restores it with new bone tissue.

It also helps to understand “the bone turnover cycle.” When you’re young, you build more bone than you lose. But as you age, you start to lose more bone than you build.

For women, bone loss increases after menopause as they lose hormones, causing a precipitous decline in bone mineral density. For men, especially those with low testosterone, osteoporosis usually happens a bit later — generally around age 65 or 70.

The development of osteoporosis is accelerated during this natural aging process and causes the bones to become thinner, more brittle and subject to breaks during a fall.

Besides age, other risk factors for osteoporosis include some medical conditions and lifestyle choices,

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NEWS

Valencia College Awarded Grant to Help Students with Child Care Costs Valencia College has been awarded a U. S. Department of Education grant totaling more than $1.3 million to subsidize child care for low-income parents attending college.

The new Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program will help low-income Valencia College students with the cost of child care through a network of quality, licensed child care providers in Orange and Osceola counties.

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: A Spooktacular Disney World Celebration As the Florida air begins to chill, well, hopefully it drops from the 90s to the 80s, there’s a special kind of magic that descends upon the Walt Disney World Resort when pumpkins light up with mischievous grins, ghosts and ghouls come out to play, and beloved Disney characters trade in their usual attire for enchanting costumes.

This can only mean one thing – it’s time for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, an annual event that combines the enchantment of Disney with the thrills of Halloween on select nights through Nov.1 from 7 p.m. to midnight.

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Universal Orlando announces lineup for January 2024 Rock the Universe Concert Universal Orlando Resort has announced its anticipated lineup of Rock the Universe, Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, taking place January 26 and 27, 2024.

The rocking weekend kicks off Friday night with performances by GRAMMY-nominated rock band, We The Kingdom, GRAMMY award-winning rapper, LECRAE and more.

The festival continues Saturday night with performances by Dove award-winning band, Casting Crowns, GRAMMY-nominated singer, Phil Wickham, GRAMMY award-winning singer, Brandon Lake and more. For the full weekend lineup, visit www.RocktheUniverse.com.

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS SeaWorld Orlando to Launch All-New Penguin Trek Family Coaster in Spring 2024 SeaWorld Orlando, known as Orlando’s Coaster Capital, has officially announced its next exciting roller coaster, Penguin Trek!

SeaWorld says that the unforgettable family launch coaster adventure will take guests through the breathtaking vastness of Antarctica. After boarding a snowmobilelike vehicle, riders will race along with their “expedition team” at up to 43 miles per hour, navigating twists and turns and narrowly escaping the crumbling hazards of an icy cavern.

When riders reach the end of the expedition they will arrive at a real penguin habitat, filled with SeaWord Orlando’s amazing penguins!

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Get Ready for Spooky Fun: Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts, and Goblins Event Returns in October Gatorland is bringing back its popular Gators, Ghosts and Goblins Halloween event for a fifth year in a row from Oct. 14th through October 29th.

The all-ages, daytime, familyfriendly event will take place over three weekends in October, and will feature the all-new exhibit “Swamp Ghost’s Monster Museum.”

Gators, Ghosts and Goblins will feature new haunt-zones like “The Creepy Creature Carnival,” where famous monsters moonlight as midway attractions, and the “Frightful Frontier”, an Old West Town populated with cursed cowboys.

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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Grilled Florida Chicken Sandwich, It’s Positively Delicious!

Fresh chicken with crisp Florida arugula on toasted bread, it’s Positively Delicious!

INGREDIENTS • 2 Florida chicken breasts, grilled • 1/2 cup olive oil • 1 Florida tomato, sliced thin • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature • 2 cups Florida arugula • Sandwich bread (your favorite) • 3 garlic cloves • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper • 1 lemon, zested and juiced

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/43XgVI3

End Your Summer Day with Grilled Florida Key Lime Shrimp Skewers, They’re Positively Delicious!

After a long day at the beach soaking up the sun, reward yourself with a delicious meal. Try these Grilled Shrimp skewers made with fresh Florida seafood…they’re Positively Delicious!

INGREDIENTS • 1 pound Florida shrimp, peeled and deveined • 4 Florida Key limes, juiced • ½ Florida avocado, mashed • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped • ½ cup mayonnaise • ½ cup sour cream • 2 tablespoons spicy mustard • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish • 1 teaspoon hot sauce • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced • 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning • 1 lemon, juiced • Oil for cooking • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Grilled Florida Mahi-Mahi with Mango Fried Rice, It’s Positively Delicious

Creating a delectable dish like Grilled Florida MahiMahi with Mango Fried Rice is a culinary journey that brings together the vibrant flavors of the Sunshine State.

Starting with the star of the dish, the succulent MahiMahi fillets are seasoned to perfection and then skillfully grilled to achieve a smoky char that complements the fish’s delicate taste. As the Mahi-Mahi grills, attention turns to the fragrant Mango Fried Rice. The rice, cooked to a fluffy perfection, becomes a canvas for a tropical symphony of flavors as juicy chunks of ripe mango, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic spices are introduced. With each forkful, the sweetness of the mango contrasts harmoniously with the savory rice, creating a fusion of tastes that transport you to a paradise of flavors. Together, the grilled Mahi-Mahi and the Mango Fried Rice create a Positively Delicious dish that encapsulates the essence of Florida’s bountiful harvest, offering a tantalizing experience that’s both satisfying and positively unforgettable.

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Florida Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Wings, It’s Positively Delicious!

Honey-glazed fried chicken wings with the perfect mix of crunch and tang…it’s Positively Delicious!

INGREDIENTS

• 12 Florida chicken wings • ⅓ cup Florida honey • ¼ cup Florida orange juice • 10 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped • 3 eggs, beaten

• 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 cups bread crumbs • 3 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning • Vegetable oil for frying • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3CDS3sU

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

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