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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23 2023

Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Thanksgiving: A Celebration of Gratitude, History, and Tradition Gatorland Announces 4th Annual Holiday Ho, Ho, HoDown Christmas Event Starting Dec. 2, Select Dates Through Dec. 17 AAA offering free “Tow to Go” backup plan for impaired drivers in Florida for Thanksgiving Holiday

Survey Finds Inflation Still Top of Mind For Holiday Shoppers Old Town Kissimmee To Hold Cruiser Toy Drive Dec. 1 and 2 For Cruisers and The Public To Donate Unwrapped Toys For Osceola Council on Aging 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 LIVE at the groundbreaking of the upcoming Food Truck Park Orlando in Kissimmee between the KissimmeeSt. Cloud Turnpike entrance

LIVE as St. Cloud High School Athlete, William Sutphen, signs his letter of intent to play Volleyball at The Ohio State University!

LIVE with the Osceola County School District and Osceola Arts as we present the Positively Osceola Inspirational Arts Educator and Student of the Month Award!

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IN & AROUND OSCEOLA Osceola County Commission Chairwoman, Viviana Janer, Osceola County Fire Rescue and EMS, and community leaders celebrate official opening of Fire Station 45

LIVE at the Celebration Veteran’s Day Parade

Live at SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration Fireworks Show LIVE as St. Cloud High School Athlete, Hannah Kline, signs her letter of intent to Western Carolina University for High Jump Osceola County and the Osceola Magic make it official at Osceola Heritage Park where the Orlando Magic G League team will play For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS LIVE with Keith Ronan and Charlie Draper of Draper Law Office October 18th, 2023

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

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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. Community Thanksgiving on Saturday, Nov. 18th, Downtown Monthly Market on Wednesday, Nov. 15th, Visit resilientstcloud.com for St. Cloud’s Vulnerability Assessment Survey.

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.

Don Schmidt Roofing Don Schmidt Roofing takes pride in every project by using only the finest materials and craftmanship.

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NEWS

Unwrap a Season of Spectacular Holiday Events in and Around Osceola from Experience Kissimmee Positively Osceola’s friends at Experience Kissimmee have put together an AWESOME list of what’s happening in and around Osceola through the holidays. There are so many things to enjoy, so get ready to Experience Kissimmee and unwrap a season of spectacular holiday events!

Holiday Events and Attractions All–New “Holiday Nights” Light Spectacular at Island H2O A flurry of tropical holiday magic is coming to Island H2O Water Park with the park’s all-new “Holiday Nights” immersive island-themed holiday spectacle. During 44 nights, hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, themed displays, unique photo spots, live entertainment, and tantalizingly themed treats and gifts will transform Island H2O Water Park into an extravaganza for the whole family. Holiday Lights will light up every Wednesday through Sunday through Dec. 10 and everyday Dec. 13 – 31.

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NEWS 55.4 Million Americans Expected to Travel for Thanksgiving, Today, November 22, Expected to be Busiest Day AAA projects 55.4 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. This year’s Thanksgiving forecast is an increase of 2.3% over last year and marks the third-highest Thanksgiving forecast since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000.

Most Thanksgiving travelers will drive to their destinations. AAA projects 49.1 million Americans will get behind the wheel, an increase of 1.7% compared to 2022. INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Wednesday, November 22, to be the busiest day on the roads during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, with average travel times as high as 80% over normal in some metro areas. INRIX recommends leaving in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid the heaviest holiday congestion.

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AAA offering free “Tow to Go” backup plan for impaired drivers in Florida for Thanksgiving Holiday As AAA prepares to rescue more than 300,000 drivers nationwide with car trouble this Thanksgiving Holiday, it will also provide a free service in effort to keep impaired drivers off the road. The Auto Club Group is activating its Tow to Go program in Florida and other select states, offering a safe ride for would-be impaired drivers and their vehicles.

The Auto Club Group has provided the Tow to Go program for over two decades. When called upon, The Auto Club Group dispatches a tow truck to transport the driver and vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius for free. Since its inception, Tow to Go has removed more than 25,000 impaired drivers from the road.

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NEWS Gatorland Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals Feature Exclusive Annual Pass and Zipline Savings Gatorland has announced a series of special offers for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, giving rare savings off their annual passes and the park’s popular Screamin’ Gator Zipline.

Starting 3 PM on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, and running through midnight on Nov. 26, Adult Annual Passes will be $43.99 plus tax, which is a savings of 12 percent off the regular adult price of $49.99 plus tax and the Children’s Annual Pass, ages 3-12, will be just $31.99 plus tax, which is over 8 percent savings off the regular price of $34.99 plus tax. The Black Friday Annual Pass Deal can be purchased online or at the admission gate and must be retrieved within 90 days of purchase. Online buyers must bring their confirmation to Gatorland admissions to redeem their Annual Pass.

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Osceola County to Receive up to $289 Million from U.S. Department of Defense to Build develop Next-generation Microchips The U.S. Department of Defense has granted Osceola County a five-year contract, starting with an initial funding of $3.65 million and a spending cap of $120 million to develop next-generation microchips for the U.S. military. The contract, which aims at creating a specialized production environment for advanced semiconductor packaging systems is expected to enhance the domestic capability for producing secure and sophisticated electronic components, and includes options for an additional $169 million, potentially elevating the total award to $289 million, paving the way for substantial growth and impact.

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OSCEOLA WEATHER

Osceola County Weather: Sunny morning with scattered showers in the afternoon, cooler evening and Thanksgiving Day

Happy Wednesday Osceola! Sunny skies will be back again today with slightly warmer temps. We’ll climb to the low 80s with a 40% chance of rain in the afternoon afternoon along with a south wind 10 to 20 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. The possible showers will usher in some cooler temps this evening and for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Thanksgiving Day Partly sunny, with a high near 71. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. North northeast wind around 5 mph.

Friday A 30 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. North wind around 5 mph.

Friday Night A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

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NEWS Florida Health Officials Issue Blue-Green Algae Bloom Alert for Lake Marian The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County has issued a Health Alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Lake Marian, near the boat ramp.

This is in response to a water sample taken on 11/14/2023. The public should exercise caution in and around Lake Marian.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions: • Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom.

• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.

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NEWS Osceola Arts Unveils “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” – A Delightful Blend of Holiday Turmoil and Heartfelt Warmth That cherished holiday time of the year is upon us, and Osceola Arts is set to infuse magic into the traditional Christmas pageant with “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical.”

Running from December 1 to December 17, 2023, this jolly and heart-warming musical is set to capture the hearts of audiences with its mix of mischief, humor, and holiday spirit.

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Experience Holiday Magic as the St. Cloud Chamber Hosts its 2023 Christmas Parade Sponsored by Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, City of St. Cloud, in Partnership with Experience Kissimmee Saturday, December 2nd, 10 am, Downtown St. Cloud – Mark Your Calendars!

Get ready to be enchanted by the magic of the holiday season as the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the return of its much-awaited 2023 Annual Christmas Parade, sponsored Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, the City of St. Cloud, and Experience Kissimmee on Saturday, December 2nd, at 10 am, in the heart of Downtown St. Cloud. This year’s event promises to be an unforgettable celebration for families and friends alike with the cheerful theme of “Christmas Movie Time,” attendees can expect an extravaganza inspired by their favorite yuletide classics.

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NEWS Feeding Florida: FLHSMV, FHP Gear Up for the Annual ‘Stuff The Charger’ Food Drive The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol, have announced the start of the annual “Stuff the Charger” food drive – a statewide effort to support Floridians who could benefit from a little extra help this holiday season. Today through November 30, the department is collecting nonperishable food donations for food banks across the state.

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NEWS The Holiday Season Just Got Sweeter: Wendy’s Celebrating Return of Peppermint Flavor with a FREE Frosty Offer The weather outside might be frightful, well not in Osceola County, but Frosty time is so delightful. Beginning today, Wendy’s fans can indulge in Frosty time with the twice-as-nice return of the Peppermint Frosty and the new Peppermint Frosty Cream Cold Brew!

With a free small Frosty or small Frosty Cream Cold Brew offer available with the offer in the Wendy’s app. That’s right… this offer is an in-app gift for fans to enjoy a Frosty treat of their choice – no purchase required.

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Home for the Howlidays: Osceola County Animal Services Launches Festive Sleepover Program for Shelter Dogs

Osceola County Animal Services has launched its Holiday Sleepover program, providing local families with the unique opportunity to host a shelter dog temporarily. The initiative aims to offer a break from the shelter routine for adoptable pets and create meaningful connections with potential adopters during the holiday season.

The program runs through January 9 and matches dogs to homes based on the comfort of host and dog – with consideration of other pets, children, and individual needs.

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NEWS Station 45, a Milestone in Safety: Osceola County Officially Places 17th Fire Station in Service on Tuesday Osceola County officially expanded the number of fire stations it operates on Tuesday when it inaugurated Station 45, its 17th in the county and the second new fire station added this year. Station 67 on Boggy Creek Road near Austin-Tindall Park was placed into service in June.

Station 45, which aligns with the department’s master plan to accommodate the rapid growth occurring in that area of the county, is located at 4490 Calypso Cay Way near State Road 535 and sets a record for the highest number of stations in service since the inception of the professional Fire Rescue and EMS service in 1989. The station is staffed with 21 people, 7 per shift, 3 shifts per day. Stations that have a ‘tower ladder engine’ are staffed with an additional 3 people.

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Help Now of Osceola’s Amethyst Breakfast Honors Advocates and Champions Against Domestic Violence

On Wednesday, the picturesque setting of the St. Cloud Marina Building provided the backdrop for an impactful event: Help Now of Osceola‘s Amethyst Breakfast. Attended by community leaders, elected officials, and compassionate individuals, the morning served as a momentous occasion to recognize outstanding contributions in supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence, while reaffirming the collective mission to eradicate this pressing issue.

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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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NEWS Universal Orlando Resort Salutes Active Duty and Retired Military Members With 2024 Military Freedom Pass Universal Orlando Resort is honoring active duty and retired military members with a selection of exclusive offers they can take advantage of to experience the award-winning theme park destination. Offers include the “2024 Military Freedom Pass” which gives military personnel and their families access to Universal’s theme parks every day from November 16, 2023 through December 20, 2024 with limited blockout dates, special vacation packages and discounts at Universal Orlando hotels.

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

McClung Magic: Record-Breaking 44 Points Propel Osceola to Comeback Victory Against Memphis Hustle Mac McClung scored a franchise-record 44 points, as the Osceola Magic defeated the Memphis Hustle 125-116 at Osceola Heritage Park Friday night in Kissimmee.

McClung broke the previous scoring record of 43 points, set by Andrew Rowsey on February 1, 2020 vs the Capital City Go-Go. Trevelin Queen added a double-double for Osceola, tallying 23 points and 10 rebounds. The Magic had five players score in double figures. GG Jackson led Memphis with 26 points and 11 rebounds.

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Stellar Start: Osceola Magic Shines in Home Opener Against Texas Legends at Osceola Heritage Park The Osceola Magic defeated the Texas Legends 136-129 Thursday night in front of an energized crowd in the first game in Osceola County at Osceola Heritage Park.

Former Philadelphia 76er Mac McClung led Osceola with a game-high 35 points and six assists, while Brandon Williams added 28 points.

The Magic had six players that scored in double figures. Texas’ Justin Jackson led the Legends in scoring with 33 points, while A.J. Lawson netted 27 points.

“It was really good to play at home and have a great crowd,” Osceola head coach Dylan Murphy said. “When we needed it our crowd gave us energy, it was awesome.”

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NEWS Help Now’s 14th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk and Candlelight Vigil Sheds Light on Community Support and Solidarity

supporting those affected by it.

Osceola County witnessed a powerful show of solidarity and support for survivors of domestic violence Thursday night at Help Now’s 14th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk and Candlelight Vigil, held on the steps of the Osceola County Courthouse. Led by Help Now’s Executive Director, Tammy Douglass, the event brought together community leaders, law enforcement officials, and advocates to emphasize the importance of standing against domestic violence and

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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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OSCEOLA BUSINESS REFERRAL SERVICE

Making Business Better, Together

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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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Heads Up. We’re Here.

We know emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. With 14 ER locations throughout Central Florida, we’re ready to provide expert emergency care if you’re facing one. No matter which one you choose, you’ll find a place where chaos meets calm and uncertainty finds answers. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/ER

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park Returns!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is just one of the holiday highlights that guests can experience during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park in Lake Buena Vista.

The separately ticketed event also features dazzling stage shows, fireworks, complimentary sweet treats and so much more. It takes place on 25 select nights Nov. 9-Dec. 22. Now in its 40th year, the event has become a holiday tradition for families and kids of all ages.

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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 Universal Orlando Resort’s Holidays Celebration Kicks Off This Friday November 17 Through December 31 Universal Orlando Resort’s annual Holidays celebration officially kicks off on Friday – inviting guests to set their festive side free with a multitude of merry experiences across the awardwinning theme park destination.

Beginning November 17 and running daily through December 31, guests can celebrate the most wonderful time of year at Universal Orlando as they enjoy Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, a delicious assortment of festive-themed fare, an all-new incredibly themed Holiday Tribute Store and so much more.

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Dive into the Magic of the Holidays as SeaWorld’s Award-winning Christmas Celebration Returns!

Get ready to immerse yourselves in the holiday spirit at SeaWorld’s award-winning Christmas Celebration, available on select dates through January 2. Come see the park transformed into a winter wonderland sparkling with millions of beautiful lights as you create unforgettable memories at a wondrous Christmas celebration you’ll only find at SeaWorld Orlando!

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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

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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

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