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

Brian Wetzel, Vice President of Orlando Health and President of Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office’s human trafficking awareness event

St. Cloud Little League’s Opening Day Highlights!

Harmony High School catcher Natalie Booth protecting the plate

ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS

LIVE with State Representative

Kristen Arrington for District 46

February 20th, 2023

LIVE with Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital

President Brian Wetzel

February 14th, 2023

LIVE with Ryan Munns, of Bogin, Munns and Munns

January 26th, 2023

LIVE with Dr. Chris Burns, from SDOC Fine and Performing Arts

January 19th, 2023

LIVE with William Morea & Wey Wey Wong, from Huntington Learning Center

January 19th, 2023

VIDEOS ON DEMAND

Kissimmee’s Kowtown Festival

If you love birthday parties, here’s one you don’t want to miss! On Saturday, March 18th from noon until 4pm, the City of Kissimmee is inviting the community to a birthday bash like no other. It’s the 2023 Kowtown Festival! #KissimmeeNews

St. Patrick’s Day Light Parade and Street Party

The City of St. Cloud, Florida will host the St. Patrick’s Day Light Parade and Street Party on Saturday, March 18th at 7pm - 11pm. Parade starts at Lakeshore Boulevard, comes south on Pennsylvania to 11th, over to Massachusetts and ends back at Lakeshore. At the street party, there will be live music, dance performances, and food trucks!

Sweet Charity at Osceola Arts!

Bob Fosse’s musical comedy Charity Valentine will take the main stage at Osceola Arts on March 10th! Sweet Charity will run through Sunday, March 26th. For tickets and more info, visit bit.ly/oaCharity

St. Cloud Walking Ghost Tours

Once a month through May 31st, St. Cloud Main Street will host a series of historic ghost tours featuring multiple stops where you’ll have an opportunity to learn about the ghosts they say haunt some of the old downtown buildings as well as the history behind them.

Next Historic Ghost Tour - Wednesday March 29th.

Sloth Encounters at Wild Florida

Positively Osceola’s Krissi Marie Hardy spent some time with one of Wild Florida’s educators, Desiree, to learn about an amazing animal, Chloe the Sloth! To learn more about Wild Florida, visit WildFL.com

New Southport Farmers Market Returns

This Saturday March 18 at 10am, Sponsored by Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, a “must-see” attraction for travelers from around the world with its fleet of 12 airboats that has taken several million nature lovers into the beautiful wetlands of Kissimmee, is excited to be the presenting sponsor of a new Farmer’s Market being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Saturday of every month at the adjacent Southport Park in Kissimmee, returns this Saturday March 18.

The Southport Farmers Market will feature local live entertainment, a Family Fun Area with bouncy house and face painting, and lots of local vendors selling fruit and vegetables, handcrafted items, baked goods and other food, local honey, plants, jellies, jams and sauces, organic pet treats and pet food, and much more. Visitors to the Southport Farmers Market will receive free admission to Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, 10 percent off Airboat Tours that day, free nectar for the Butterfly Encounter and 50 percent off Annual Passes.

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

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City of St. Cloud recognizes nearly 60 employees for years of service to city, residents

The City of St. Cloud recently recognized nearly 60 employees for their years of service to St. Cloud residents, including Misael Cortez, support services manager at the St. Cloud Police Department, who was recognized for 30 years of service to the City of St. Cloud and its residents.

“I am proud of each of our employees who come to work every day and do their jobs to provide excellent services to our residents. The longevity of these employees is a testament to their dedication to helping us meet our goal of continuing to make St. Cloud a great place to live, work, play and do business.”

Veronica Miller

City Manager, City of St. Cloud

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

Osceola County, Park Place Behavioral Healthcare, City of Kissimmee break ground on affordable apartments

Osceola County, along with Park Place Behavioral Health Services, the City of Kissimmee Government, and Birdsong Housing, held a groundbreaking on Friday for 30 affordable apartment units off of Martin Luther King Boulevard in Kissimmee.

The Dillingham Apartments, a Park Place Behavioral Health Services project, which will be built at the intersection of Dillingham Avenue and June Street, are part of a commitment to ensure individuals with mental illness or substance abuse issues have an opportunity to have a permanent place to call home.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3Tdib5E

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Governor DeSantis Announces Florida’s Unemployment Rate Remains Lower Than the Nation for 27th Consecutive Month

Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Monday that in January, Florida’s unemployment rate was 2.6% and remained lower than the nation for the 27th consecutive month, while job growth outperformed the nation for the 22nd consecutive month.

Florida’s private sector employment grew by 5.3 percent (433,100 jobs) over the year in January 2023, 1.7 percent faster than the national rate of 3.6 percent over the same time period. In January 2023, Florida’s private sector employment increased by 29,800 over the month (+0.3 percent).

“Florida is number one in net migration, tourism, and new business formations because we have bucked the elites and forged our own path forward towards success,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We will continue to prioritize policies that support Florida families as they continue to face persistent inflation and national economic headwinds.”

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3J8slji

In come the Spring breakers, up go gas prices in Florida

Gas prices in Florida are on the rise as spring breakers make their way into the Sunshine State.

“The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline increased nearly a dime since last week to $3.46, while Floridians are paying an average price of $3.31 per gallon. Osceola County is seeing prices a nickel cheaper with an average gallon of regular unleaded at $3.26.

Refineries conducting spring maintenance and getting ready to switch to summer gasoline, coupled with the increase in traffic from spring break, are fueling these hikes,” according to said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group.

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

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Help Now’s 5th Annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” to Focus on Domestic Violence Awareness March 29

Walking a mile in someone else’s shoes… not an easy thing to literally do, but on Wednesday night March 29th at 6 pm, Help Now of Osceola will host the 5th Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event where a group of men will walk down New York Avenue during the St. Cloud Monthly Market event, wearing heels, and hoping to raise awareness of domestic violence in the community. The goal is to get people listening, learning, thinking, and working together to help solve this terrible reality of abuse.

The walk will begin – in heels of course – at St. Cloud City Hall and will make its way down New York Avenue, in conjunction with the St. Cloud Monthly Market. This event is not only for men, though! Women and children are welcome and encouraged to join the walk to make a collective voice to end domestic and sexual violence in our community. Here are some domestic violence statistics:

• Every two minutes another American is sexually assaulted.

• 1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime (14.8% completed, 2.8% attempted).

• 11.2% of all students experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation (among all graduate and undergraduate students).

• Male college-aged students (18-24) are 78% more likely than non-students of the same age to be a victim of rape or sexual assault.

• Female college-aged students (18-24) are 20% less likely than non-students of the same age to be a victim of rape or sexual assault.

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is an international men’s march where men and boys lead the way on the road to end sexual and domestic violence.

NEED IMMEDIATE HELP?

For immediate assistance, please dial 911. If you are in immediate need or wish to speak with a domestic violence counselor or advocate, please call our 24-hour crisis hotline at (407) 847-8562 or text us at (321) 306-0677.

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

SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Spring Sports Kick Into Gear, Osceola’s Jayden

Bradford Headed to ‘Noles

As the last winter sports concluded with several FHSAA State Championships last week, spring sports kicked into full gear with baseball, softball, tennis, boys volleyball, weight lifting, lacrosse, girls beach volleyball, and track and field all gearing up.

And although most teams are taking this week off for spring break, Osceola and Harmony’s baseball teams are participating in spring baseball tournaments. A look around the county:

BASEBALL: A lopsided loss to Osceola has been the only setback on Tohopekaliga’s record, as the Tigers are off to a 6-1 start this season. Sophomore Hudson Moberly (.600 batting average) and junior Deric Cruz Jr. (.533) have been the top offensive players for the Tigers; while pitcher Jose Mantalvo has a 2-0 mark and a 1.70 ERA. The 6-1 start is the best ever for Tohopekaliga, who went 22-40 in their first four seasons and had their only winning record last year with a 10-9 mark.

After winning their first three games, the Kowboys fell to 4-3 on the season with losses to district foe Lake Nona, state power Monteverde Academy and rival Harmony. Jason Ramos (.368, 8 RBI), Nick Palmi (.368. 8 R, 4 RBI) and Louis Rodriguez (.364, 1 HR, 5 RBI) are the Kowboys leading hitters; while Michelangelo Cruz (2-0, 2.27 ERA has been solid on the mound for Osceola. Osceola will not be taking the week off for spring break as they will participate in a tournament in Winter Haven, Fla.

Playing a difficult schedule, Harmony found itself at 2-5 this season but had a big win over Osceola. Junior Cade Walter (.389) and sophomore Sam Castillo (.304) were leading the Longhorn offense heading into this week’s O-Town National Classic. After wins over Harmony and Liberty, St. Cloud fell to 3-4 on the season with a hard-fought 2-0 loss to Winter Haven. The Bulldogs, who will be off for spring break, are being led offensively by senior Ben Segura who is sporting a.462 batting average.

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

Ken Smith Clays 4 Kids Sporting Clay Classic Raises Support for Education Foundation Osceola County

The Education Foundation’s 3rd annual Clay Shooting event took place last Saturday weekend at the Triple N Shooting Range in east Osceola County, and for first time, the very successful clay shooting fundraiser had a new name, the Ken Smith Clays 4 Kids Sporting Clay Classic.

“The Education Foundation proudly renamed this year’s clays tournament to the Ken Smith Clays 4 Kids Sporting Clays Classic to honor the memory of Ken Smith, past president of the Foundation. This past Saturday, the sporting clays community came out to support Ken’s legacy and the programs that serve the students, teachers, classrooms and families across Osceola County. The event was a huge fundraising success and we felt Ken smiling down on us Saturday.”

Kerry Avery, Executive Director, Education Foundation Osceola County

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/41zC4HK

Looking to Plan Your Next Vacation? Check Out Visit Orlando’s Free Vacation Planning Services

Do you find planning vacations difficult?. Well if you do, you’re not alone. Start planning your dream Orlando getaway with the help of Visit Orlando’s complimentary Vacation Planning Services, which includes insider advice and special offers on the best Orlando experiences.

Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planning Services are staffed by friendly, knowledgeable Vacation Planners who are available via telephone, email and live chat. They offer trusted resources and unbiased destination information like trip-planning advice, dining and entertainment options, and more.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3KQxbE8

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

Kowtown Festival to Celebrate

Kissimmee’s 140th Birthday March 18 at Kissimmee Lakefront

If you love birthday parties, here’s one you don’t want to miss! On Saturday March 18th from noon until 4pm, the City of Kissimmee is inviting the community to a birthday bash like no other. It’s the 2023 Kowtown Festival!

Kissimmee Lakefront Park is the perfect place for Kissimmee’s community-wide birthday celebration that will feature great food, live music, the KUA kid’s zone, and lots of local craft vendors.

Celebrate with the City of Kissimmee at a birthday party big enough for the whole City, it’s the 2023 Kowtown Festival!

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3S3z9CW

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

St. Cloud Little League Season Opens with Record 80 Teams, 945 Players

The St. Cloud Little League began it’s 2023 season on Saturday with an opening ceremony that included a record number of players, coaches, families, elected officials, and community members, all wanting to hear the proverbial ‘Play Ball’ over the PA system.

The first pitches were thrown by Osceola County Commissioner Ricky Booth, and his wife, School Board member Erika Booth. Also in attendance were St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell, St. Cloud Commissioner Linette Matheny, St. Cloud Fire Marshall Richard Tonks, owners of Headquarters Co-working Keith and Kelly Trace, and Canoe Creek Christian Church Pastor Ross Reynolds.

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

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Florida welcomes 137.6 million visitors in 2022, highest in state history

Florida had record visitation in 2022 with 137.6 million visitors, an increase of five percent over 2019 and 12.9 percent over 2021, according to Visit Florida.

Florida welcomed 33.2 million travelers between October and December 2022, marking a six percent increase from Q4 2021, and the sixth consecutive quarter of overall visitation surpassing prepandemic levels. 30.1 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in Q4 2022, representing 21 months of domestic visitation growth from 2019, according to Visit Florida.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3Z0W97X

Tesla to build third Central Florida dealership in Kissimmee, more V3 charging stations on the way

Tesla, the world’s most recognizable name in electric vehicle development and manufacturing, looks to be building a dealership in Kissimmee, its third in Central Florida, according to a report in GrowthSpotter.

Currently, there is a dealership located in Maitland/Eatonville, and one being built in Clermont. The proposed third dealership would be located on S. Orange Blossom Trail near Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee on a 5.3-acre site across from the Orange Blossom Plaza.

Tesla, which describes itself as an artificial intelligence and clean energy company, recently announced that it would open 3,500 new and existing superchargers along highways to non-Tesla customers, and would offer 4,000 slower chargers at locations like hotels and restaurants.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3Z0Qvmd

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Florida Department of Health in Osceola County to Distribute Narcan Nasal Spray kits

The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County (FDOH-Osceola) is announcing the availability of free Naloxone (Narcan) Nasal Spray kits. This lifesaving medication could reduce thousands of substance abuse deaths across the state.

Naloxone is available to people who use drugs, people with a history of drug use, others at risk of experiencing an overdose, friends, family members, and others who may witness an overdose. Kits consist of two Naloxone nasal sprays that are administered even without a health care professional present.

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

Orlando Health Cancer Institute Introduces CAR T-Cell Therapy for Treating Advanced Blood Cancers

Orlando Health Cancer Institute has added CAR T-cell therapy as a new option for treating advanced blood cancers.

CAR T-cell therapy is an immunotherapy that works by harnessing the power of a patient’s immune system to attack tumors. Treatment begins with the collection of the patient’s T-cells, which help protect the body from infection. The T-cells are then sent to a laboratory, where they are genetically re-engineered to produce proteins on their surface called chimeric antigen receptors. The new T-cells are reproduced by the millions in preparation for infusion back into the patient.

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

INJURY LAW

Car accidents can happen in an instant. Even though these crashes happen quickly, recovery is not always quick and easy. A car accident can cause a variety of injuries, including back injuries. Even a minor crash can cause back injuries because the back tends to absorb most of the impact in an accident.

If you have suffered a back injury, seek prompt medical treatment. These injuries can be hard to treat, and sometimes can lead to secondary medical issues, such as hypotension, osteoporosis, pressure ulcers, sleep apnea, bowel problems, urinary tract infections, sexual dysfunction, and more. Draper Law Office understands how serious a back injury can be. These injuries can be long-lasting and costly to treat. Schedule a consultation by filling out the online form or by calling their office at (407) 846.0075.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3VmqbB0

Draper Law: Even minor car accidents can cause back injuries, don’t wait to seek medical attention

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.

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

FAMILY LAW

Draper Law: Ten Mistakes to Avoid During Your Divorce

When you are going through a divorce, it can feel like every aspect of your life from where you live to how you are going to support yourself is at risk. At a time like this it is a natural response to be afraid but, if you are not careful, that fear can lead you to make errors which could hurt your case. The good news is that you can avoid mistakes during your divorce.

Knowing what actions to avoid during divorce is critical. Draper Law Office has experience helping clients circumvent mistakes and make the right choices during divorce. Call 407.846.0075 today or go to DraperLawOffice.com to set up your free, no-obligation consultation in one of their three locations: St. Cloud, Kissimmee, and Orlando.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3i91cD0

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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!”

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

HEALTH

Ana Cristina Mercedes Germosen, MD Orlando Health FACC – Cardiovascular Disease

Orlando Health: 9 Sneaky Signs of Heart Disease

It’s February – American Heart Month – a time when the nation spotlights heart disease, the No. 1 killer of Americans. You’re probably familiar with the most common symptoms of heart disease. The one that gets the most attention is chest pain (or angina), which can feel like tightness, pressure, aching or pain in your chest, but heart disease can create a wide range of symptoms, some far less common than others. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Struggling To Breathe While Lying Flat

You may find yourself gasping for breath or otherwise struggling to breathe easily while lying down. You might only be able to sleep by propping yourself up with several pillows. This could be related to fluid buildup in your lungs. If your heart isn’t pumping as strongly as it should be, it will have difficulty keeping your blood flowing, allowing more of it to pool. For some people, this condition – known as orthopnea – may be the only symptom of congestive heart failure.

Legs or Hips Hurt While Walking

If your legs feel fine while resting, but then start hurting or cramping when you go for a walk, it could be a sign of congestion or blockage in your arteries. The pain (claudication) is often a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is caused by the buildup of plaque (fats and cholesterol) on artery walls.

The pain occurs when you become active because your muscles can’t get enough oxygen and nutrients from your clogged arteries. The pain then fades away when you rest. People with PAD are at higher risk of congestive heart failure.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by several things, including diabetes and stress. But it may also be an indicator of heart disease. The root cause is endothelial dysfunction, a condition in which the blood vessels have a hard time expanding or contracting the way they’re supposed to. The condition reduces blood flow both to the penis and the heart.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3IXM6er

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Brings Even More Toy-Sized Fun to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Beginning March 23

Yee-haw! Andy’s backyard will welcome more toys when Roundup Rodeo BBQ opens in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios March 23.

A unique collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney World Food & Beverage, this one-of-akind dining experience will be the first “Toy Story” table service restaurant in the world.

Like all of Toy Story Land, Roundup Rodeo brings to life the stories, characters and heart from the award-winning Disney Pixar “Toy Story” films. It is a place where guests shrink to the size of a toy and feel like they have stepped into a clever, whimsical world filled with beloved toys.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3kJ9hzv

Island

H2O

Water Park to reopen with “Selfie Spot Beach” this

Spring

This week’s upcoming warm weather will serve as a reminder that it won’t be long before we’ll be looking for some “relief from high temps,” and Island H2O Water Park is inviting everyone to hit the waves as it reopens for its 2023 season, Friday, March 10, with an all-new Instagrammable pop-pop “Selfie Spot Beach.” This is a limited time experience for families to capture the perfect family photo and share on social media.

“We are thrilled to welcome guests back to our water park, just in time for the spring break season,” said Island H2O Water Park Senior Regional Director of Marketing Todd Andrus. “We are constantly working to innovate and create experiences that not only offer value to families but most importantly, that are joyful and memorable for all ages.”

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

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

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Surf’s Up! Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park to Reopen March 19

Surf’s up! Just in time for the Spring season, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is set to reopen March 19. Guests can look forward to swells of totally tropical fun, including the return of the vibrant, late-night party, H2O Glow After Hours, at the paradisethemed water park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

H2O Glow After Hours lights up starting May 20 on select nights through September 2. The glowing guest-favorite party allows guests to enjoy their favorite attractions under the stars for three hours (8-11 p.m.) after the water park closes to daytime guests, giving everyone easier access to their favorite Typhoon Lagoon thrills. Tickets go on sale March 3 for the limited-capacity event on the Walt Disney World Resort website.

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

Get ready for oceans of flavor and fun at SeaWorld

Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival

From foodies to families, everyone will find tasty delights among more than 200 distinct offerings and more than 50 fresh global cuisine choices to pair with over 75 refreshing wine and cocktail selections, including more than 75 craft brews at SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival Thursdays -Sundays through May 7.

Revitalize your taste buds as you add a taste of rock, country, Latin, or throwback sounds at SeaWorld’s live music shows, and enjoy even more diverse entertainment and surprises during special times like Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and Cinco de Mayo. With so many exquisite flavors to top off exhilarating coasters and extraordinary animal encounters, SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival is a voyage to stir the soul!

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/3SG20h1

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

be confident.

We provide trusted, quality care in your community. At Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, get access to care from an expert and compassionate clinical team for all of your healthcare needs — from emergency services to heart care, surgical services and more — all close to home. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/StCloud choose well.