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

Holiday Home Tour and Winter Wonderland returns to Celebration December 3rd and 4th

Gateway Panthers, St. Cloud Lady Bulldogs Eye Next Step in Girls Basketball

AAA expects nearly 55 million Americans will travel during the long holiday weekend

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

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 as the Lee family (Celebration Sanitation Service) unveil their newest sanitation truck dedicated to their organ donor son, Dylan

LIVE with Osceola High School Girls varsity volleyball coach, Carrie Palmi, after her team beat Dr. Phillips in the Region 2 Finals

LIVE with the City of St. Cloud’s Finance Department for the Halloween Contest

Help Now of Osceola’s 13th Annual DV Rally, Awareness Walk & Candlelight Vigil

LIVE with the St. Cloud Police Department talking about their collaboration with the DEA in a national Rx take back

VIDEOS ON DEMAND

KUA Movie in the Park: Sing 2November 4th

Kissimmee Utility Authority will begin its 2022-2023 Movie in the Park series on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The event will feature free admission, free popcorn, prize giveaways, and the showing of Sing 2 on a 50-foot screen! Activities begin at 5:30pm and the movie at 7:00pm.

Orlando Health’s exciting volunteer opportunities!

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

Misery - Osceola Arts

Next up on the Osceola Arts Main Stage is William Goldman’s Misery at Osceola Arts directed by Jeremy Seghers! This must-see show will run from Friday, October 28th through Sunday, November 6th. Showtimes are Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. On Saturday, November 5th at 2pm there will be a special American Sign Language interpreted performance.

Good Samaritan Society Kissimmee Village

Hurricane Ian floodwaters have receded, but the residents of Good Samaritan Society Kissimmee Village are still looking for answers from the community owners.

2022 State of Osceola County

The Osceola Chamber will host its annual 2022 State of Osceola County, presented by the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners and Chairman Brandon Arrington, on Wednesday, December 7th from 12:00PM to 1:30PM at the Osceola Heritage Park Events Center, Hall B. The 2022 State of Osceola County is hosted by Osceola County in partnership with Osceola Heritage Park.

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

Holiday Home Tour and Winter Wonderland returns to Celebration December 3rd and 4th

The holiday season is upon us, and in December, homes throughout the Town of Celebration will be lit up with thousands of sparkling lights, beautifully decorated trees, and adorned inside and out with heart warming holiday decorations, sure to create joy-filled memories for all.

Celebration is once again excited to share exclusive access inside their seasonally decorated homes with its self-guided Holiday Home Tour and Winter Wonderland!

The Holiday Home Tour will take place Saturday December 3rd from 1 pm – 7 pm and Sunday December 4th from 12 noon – 4 pm.

Tickets are only 25 dollars and include Saturday or Sunday admission to Winter Wonderland, a one-stop shop to browse or purchase themed trees, tablescapes or that perfect holiday gift at The Market Place.

For tickets and more information go to celebrationfoundation.org/events.

St. Cloud Chamber Christmas Parade returns Saturday December 3, will feature Annhueser-Busch Clydesdales

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and on Saturday December 3rd, beginning at 10am, the streets of St. Cloud will be filled with residents and visitors alike ready to celebrate the official start to the holiday season with the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce’ 2022 Annual Christmas Parade, presented by Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, The City of St. Cloud, and Experience Kissimmee.

One of Central Florida’s largest and most popular Christmas Parades, with over 100 spectacular entries, will kick off from St. Cloud’s beautiful Lakefront as it makes its way towards downtown entertaining crowds along the way. This year’s parade theme, Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree, is sure to kick off the season in a big “St. Cloud Rockin’ Way and will feature the Annhueser-Busch Clydesdales

So, head on over early to St. Cloud on Saturday December 3rd, and pick out your favorite spot to experience the Annual St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade!

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

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.

free Movie in

Kissimmee Utility Authority, in partnership with the City of Kissimmee, will host a free Movie in the Park event Friday, Nov. 2 at the Veterans Lawn of Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The movie event is part of KUA’s annual 6-month Movie in the Park series held on the first Friday of every month, October through March.

The event will feature “The Grinch,” shown on a giant 50-foot screen. Activities begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the movie at 7 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. The movie will also feature closed captioning for the hearing impaired.

Attendees will enjoy KUA’s inflatable Kids Power Zone, craft station, photo booth, free popcorn, and prize giveaways. Onsite concessions will be available. Children participating in inflatable activities must be accompanied by an adult to sign a waiver.

Founded in 1901, KUA is Florida’s sixth largest community-owned utility powering 90,000 customers in Osceola County, Florida. For more information, visit www.kua.com.

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

KUA to host

the Park featuring ‘The Grinch’ Friday, December 2 at Kissimmee’s Lakefront Park

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.

It’s Manatee Awareness month and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reminding boaters to go slow, and look out below!

November is an important time for boaters to go slow and lookout below to watch for manatees as they travel to warmer water sites around the state.

Manatees depend on water generally warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit to survive the winter, so in the fall they travel to Florida springs, power plant discharges and other warm-water sites.

While manatees are large, they can be difficult to see in the water. That is why it is important to: follow guidelines and follow all manatee protection zones; look out while boating; wear polarized glasses and always give them space. Manatee protection zones are marked by waterway signs and maps of manatee protection zones are available online at MyFWC.com/Manatee by clicking on “Data and Maps.” During the colder months, seasonal manatee zones require boaters to slow down in certain areas to prevent manatees from being injured or killed by motorboats or personal watercraft.

FWC is reminding boaters to go slow, look out below during Manatee Awareness month and beyond

Kissimmee police arrest 17-year-old in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old girl

Kissimmee Police have arrested 17-year-old Anas Muhammad for the murder of 16-year-old Paola Pagan who was found at a Kissimmee apartment complex with lifethreatening injuries Thursday morning. KPD officers were called to the Kensington Apartments shortly after 6 am where they found the injured 16-year-old.

Pagan was treated by paramedics on the scene and taken to HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries, according to Kissimmee Police.

During the investigation, Kissimmee detectives identified Anas Muhammad as a person of interest. Muhammad, who lived at the same apartment complex as the victim, ultimately confessed to stabbing Pagan and led detectives to evidence related to the crime. Pagan was a student at Osceola High School.

Osceola County Schools sent a message to parents Thursday about Pagan’s death, but said additional information would come from KPD. “Our detectives have worked tirelessly during the day and throughout the night to bring justice to Paola and her family, and I am proud of their professionalism and dedication to bring this case to a close,” said Chief Jeff O’Dell.

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

Valencia College Graphic Design Student, Toho High School Grad Salma Sanchez Wins International Competition

Tohopekaliga High School graduate, and current Valencia College graphic design student, Salma Sanchez, is well on her way in becoming a successful graphic designer, and that journey has huge roots in Osceola County.

When Salma Sanchez arrived in the U.S. at age 15, she had never taken an art class. Sure, she’d been drawing and doodling and even created a cover for a book she made up. But Salma never had any formal art training, which wasn’t offered in her school in the Dominican Republic. Instead, she watched YouTube videos to learn different techniques.

So when she arrived at Tohopekaliga High School and saw Jenny Mohess’s classroom, she immediately asked if she could study graphic design. Mohess had a long career in graphic design, working for Apple and Microsoft before she shifted gears to teach at Toho High School in Osceola County.

There, Mohess is part of a team that helps Toho High students earn college credits at Valencia in arts-related fields.

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

Cane Island Power Park received a Top Plant Award from POWER Magazine for its continued success in providing affordable, reliable and clean power. The power generating facility is one of five natural gasfired 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.

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

| Orlando Health Dorado

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

• Mental Health and Counseling

• Substance Abuse

• Housing Assistance and Houselessness

• Health Care

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

From the first day that Creative Inspiration Journey School opened its doors in the Fall of 2019, it was easy to see that it wasn’t going to be just another tuition free public charter school, it was focused on creating an environment of learning for its students unlike any other school in the St. Cloud and Osceola communities.

CIJS uses the Reggio Emilia approach to learning, which allows children to direct their own learning process according to their needs, and in a less-structured environment. This gives the students a apportunity to grow at their own pace, both as individuals – and community members.

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

INJURY LAW

Draper Law: Tips for Safe Bicycle Riding in Central Florida

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

How bicyclists can stay safe on the roads

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

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

OSCEOLA BUSINESS

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

Making Business better, together

FAMILY LAW

Draper Law: Starting Over After Divorce

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

Financial Adjustments

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

Osceola County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller Kelvin

Soto Publishes “Osceola

On the Rise” County Financial Report

In January, the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office underwent some changes, as set forth by Amendment 10 in the Florida Constitution, and was reestablished as the Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Office in order to provide a checks and balances system for Osceola County government’s finances.

To help citizens better understand the county’s finances, Osceola County Clerk of the Court & County Comptroller, Kelvin Soto, Esq. has published the inaugural edition of the Osceola On The Rise Popular Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year ended 2021.

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

“I am proud to share with you this first ever Popular Annual Financial Report in Osceola County. As the County Comptroller, I am committed to fulfilling our constitutional duty of transparency in government and responsible stewardship of our citizen’s finances,” said Honorable Kelvin Soto, Esq. . “It is my hope that you will find Osceola On The Rise valuable, enjoyable and informative.”

Osceola On The Rise provides information about the Osceola County community like statistics and demographic information, directories of parks, recreation facilities, libraries, emergency services, public services and annual events, Clerk and County accomplishments, and an overview of the County’s financial well-being.

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

Osceola Kowboys to host Treasure Coast tonight in round two of high school football playoffs

Osceola’s opponent tonight in the Class 4 Suburban, Region 3 semifinals managed to win only three games in the regular season, they did not win their district, and they already lost a game to the Kowboys this year.

Given those facts, one would believe Osceola (83) received a pretty easy road to the regional finals and should be loaded with confidence when they face Treasure Coast (4-6) Friday night at Markus Paul Stadium at 7:30 p.m. You may think that, but don’t tell that to Osceola Coach Eric Pinellas and his players.

“They may have only won three games during the regular season but they have played one of the toughest non-district schedules in the state, so there is a reason they got an at-large bid and there’s a reason why they will have our full attention,” Pinellas said of the Titans, whose 2022 schedule included non-district games against state powers Seminole (8-2),   Chaminade-Madonna (9-0), Tampa Jesuit (7-4) and St. Thomas Aquinas (10-0)—in addition to Osceola.  In district, they finished second and took #1 seed and district foe Vero Beach to overtime, before losing 10-7.

“It’s not like we won easily the first time we played them,” Pinellas added.  “They run a similar single wing offense that DeLand did last week, they have a solid defense and they are battle tested.  We absolutely have to be ready for a battle.”

Treasure Coast reached the semifinals with a convincing 35-7 win over Martin County; while Osceola advanced with a thrilling 30-28 win over DeLand (read game story here:  https://www.positivelyosceola.com/osceola-gets-defensive-in-second-halfescapes-with-30-28-win-treasure-coast-up-next/ ).

HEALTH

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

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

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

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

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

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

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!

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee November 18, featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Get ready to put on the iconic blue parka and step into a wonderland of ice carved by expert artisans from Harbin, China out of two million pounds of colorful blocks of ice as ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms this holiday season!

Relive the magic of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” as you walk through elaborate displays in larger-than-life sculptures of ice, and plunge down slides made entirely of ice in this Gaylord Hotels original experience.

Walking through Who-ville will make your heart sing. Every last detail, every last thing. Zip down frozen chutes. Give them a whirl. They’re quite a hoot for all the Who boys and all the Who girls. ICE! opens at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee Nov. 18.

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

PositivelyOsceola.com

IN

- THEME PARK

The Holiday Season Has Officially Begun at Walt Disney World Resort

Overnight, wondrous décor transformed Magic Kingdom Park into an enchanting holiday sight to be seen. It’s the beginning of a multi-day transformation that will bring holiday magic to the four theme parks, more than 30 hotels and other areas across the 40-square-mile resort.

Glistening with colorful lights, festive decorations and Christmas trees galore, Walt Disney World Resort is full of holiday magic, ringing in this festive season like nowhere else. The 65-foot-tall Magic Kingdom Park Christmas tree, adorned with dazzling lights and ornaments, welcomes guests to the park where they’ll discover favorite attractions featuring special holiday overlays, Disney characters dressed in the spirit of the season and seasonal entertainment.

Ornately decorated shop windows beckon those in search of gifts for family and friends. And every night a wintry snow falls as guests wander down Main Street, U.S.A. and are immersed in the joyous atmosphere.

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Universal Orlando’s Holidays Celebration Kicks Off

Running daily through January 1, 2023, Universal Orlando Resort presents its destination-wide Holidays celebration.

Universal Orlando will feature an incredible collection of festivities inspired by pop culture’s most beloved stories and characters, including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and more. Guests can also savor an array of new and fan-favorite holiday-inspired menu offerings across the entire resort and visit the all-new Holiday Tribute Store to shop unique merchandise inspired by Dr. Seuss’s the Grinch, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s very own Earl the Squirrel character, and more.

Indulge in Holiday Delights Across the Resort

Universal Orlando Resort offers next-level cuisine for the whole family to enjoy this holiday season across the entire destination, including comforting classics, returning fan-favorite fare and tasty treats inspired by this year’s festivities.

See below for some of the must-try menu items Universal Orlando is serving up during the holidays:

• Earl’s Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Acorn Bomb (available at TODAY Café and Battery Park – located alongside the lagoon near Mel’s Drive-In): A holiday fan-favorite is back, now themed to the beloved, original Universal character – Earl the Squirrel. The delicious beverage consists of a chocolate acorn shell filled with salted caramel and mini marshmallows, served with Italian hot chocolate.

• Roast Beast Sandwich (available at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous): Guests looking for comfort food flavors can savor the Roast Beast Sandwich – a mini meatloaf sandwich featuring French onion soup-dipped roast beef with a cheddar cheese sauce –and even a “secret” sauce – served on a pretzel bun.

POSITIVELY DELICIOUS

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

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

INGREDIENTS

• 4 (6-ounce) Florida swordfish steaks

• 10 ounces Florida arugula

• 2 large Florida peaches, pit removed and diced small

• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

• 1 lime, juiced

• ½ red onion, diced small

• 1 lemon, juiced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

PREPARATION

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

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

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

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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS

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

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

INGREDIENTS

• 4 (6-ounce) Florida snapper fillets

• ½ pound medium Florida shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 shallots, minced

• 1 tablespoon capers

• 1 tablespoon pimentos, diced

• ½ cup white wine

• ½ cup bottled clam juice

• ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

• ½ cup fresh parsley, minced

• 12 ounces vermicelli or angel hair pasta, cooked

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons butter Sea salt, to taste

PREPARATION

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

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