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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 2023

FDOT Announces Timelines to Widen I-4, Add Express Lanes Near Champions Gate in Major ‘Moving Florida Forward’ Projects in Osceola County Osceola County Weather: Friday with start warm and humid ahead of afternoon showers, storms State Representative Kristen Arrington Delivers $250,000 to Victory Village in Osceola County for Affordable Housing

SeaWorld Orlando to Launch All-New Penguin Trek Family Coaster in Spring 2024 St. Cloud Council Gives Final Approval to $191.9 million 2023-24 Budget For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE at Harmony High School, first year Head Coach, Nick Lippert, looks to lead the Longhorns to victory in their home season opener Introducing the soul of Friday Nights at Harmony, the 2023 Harmony High School Marching Band

Central Avenue Elementary School was the recipient of a huge school supply donation made by the Central Florida Indian Community

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IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE at the Downtown Kissimmee Councils Downtown Upate as Rick Lewellyan with Downtown Gather & Grow speaks

LIVE with Jurassic Jungle at the Kissimmee Civic Center

LIVE at the Downtown Kissimmee Councils Downtown Update as Deputy Chief Manager, Desiree Matthews, updates the community

LIVE at Bella Roma Pizzeria, voted Osceola’s Best Pizza

LIVE with Jude Smith of City of Life Church, whose wish was granted by the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation

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

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

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

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

LIVE with Michelle Incandela of Draper Law Office June 21st, 2023 For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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NEWS

FDOT Announces Timelines to Widen I-4, Add Express Lanes Near Champions Gate in Major ‘Moving Florida Forward’ Projects in Osceola County If you’ve ever driven on I-4 near Champions Gate in Osceola County, you understand the significance of the Florida Department of Transportation unveiling schedules for the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, expected to reduce traffic congestion along the stretch from Champions Gate to Osceola Parkway, as well as on I-4 between U.S. 27 and Champions Gate.

Proposed to the Legislature in January 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative will accelerate priority infrastructure projects across the state through an allocation of $4 Billion from the General Revenue Surplus starting in the 2023-2024 budget year. These projects are slated to address congestion, improve safety, ensure a resilient transportation system, enhance the supply chain and economic growth, and address future needs as the state continues to experience rapid growth.

“I’m proud we are investing $2 billion of the $4 billion ‘Moving Florida Forward’ funds in our backyard,” District 46 State Representative and candidate for Florida Senate District 25 said after the ‘Moving Florida Forward’ news conference.

“Bringing major infrastructure projects to life 15 to 20 years sooner through the Moving Florida Forward Initiative is a huge win for Florida’s families as they battle congestion on roadways across the state,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E.

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NEWS

Osceola County Weather: Friday with start warm and humid ahead of afternoon showers, storms Happy Friday Osceola! We’re expecting another day with highs in the upper 80s and a 70% chance of showers and storms in the afternoon. Storms will be most likely between 2pm and 8pm, but some areas in the county will see showers linger into the evening. The chance of rain will lower through the remainder of the week and into the weekend, but keep the umbrella close, and be mindful of possible lightening-filled storms.

Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers between 11pm and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

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State Representative Kristen Arrington Delivers $250,000 to Victory Village in Osceola County for Affordable Housing District 46 State Representative Kristen A. Arrington joined the Transition House, Inc. recently in presenting a $250,000 check in appropriations funds to the Victory Village affordable housing project in Osceola County.

Victory Village apartments is the first permanent supportive housing program in Osceola County and works to allow homeless families the ability to live comfortably and independently so that they can re-establish themselves into society.

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NEWS

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

an icy cavern.

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

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

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St. Cloud Council Gives Final Approval to $191.9 million 2023-24 Budget The St. Cloud City Council on Thursday approved its $191.9 million 2023-24 budget. The $191.9 million budget is $146.8 million less than the current year budget, and holds the millage rate at 5.1128, where it has been since 2013-14.

One mill is equal to $1 in property tax levied per $1,000 of a property’s assessed value. Ad valorem taxes pay for such city services as public safety, law enforcement, parks and facilities, utilities, roads and planning.

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NEWS

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

The annual contest is open to Osceola County students enrolled in kindergarten through fifth grade, including public, charter, private, and homeschooled students.

In their entry, students are asked to use crayons, markers, or paints to depict an energy conservation message. A panel of local judges will select the 12 best entries to be used for each calendar month, which will be featured in the utility’s 2024 calendar.

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NEWS

It’s National Coffee Day, here’s where you can a get free cup of coffee, or a deal Coffee lovers unite…. this is your day! Well, if you’re a coffee lover then every day is likely “your day,” but today there are some pretty decent deals out there and, depending on your coffee preference, you might be able to save a buck, and enjoy your favorite beverage!

According to the National Coffee Association’s 2023 National Coffee Data Trends Report, nearly 60% of Americans choose coffee each day over other beverages, including tap water – but remember, there is water in coffee!

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NEWS Honoring the Brave: Kissimmee Police Department Hosts Quarterly Recognition Event On Wednesday, the Kissimmee Police Department hosted its quarterly awards ceremony at the Kissimmee Civic Center. This special event served as a platform to recognize and honor the dedicated men and women who tirelessly serve and protect the community, going above and beyond the call of duty.

Officers, their families, community members, and local dignitaries gathered to celebrate the exemplary achievements and acts of valor performed by KPD’s finest and community members. The quarterly awards ceremony acknowledge the unwavering commitment of these officers.

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

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

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OSCEOLA’S BEST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Osceola Drops Battle of Top 10s Against Hagerty in Girls Volleyball Last December, Osceola met Hagerty in the FHSAA Class 7A state volleyball semifinals – where they dropped a heart-breaking five-set match. On Monday night, the two-teams met again and unfortunately for the Kowboys, the result was the same as Hagerty came away with another five-set win in a battle of two top-10 teams.

Hagerty, ranked sixth in Class 7A, went to 11-4 with the win; the Kowboys – who came in ranked fifth in 7A, fell to 11-5.

“Without question the second set was the killer for us,” Osceola coach Carrie Palmi said of her team’s 17-25, 28-26, 25-15, 23-25, 15-11 setback. “We won the first set and looked to have the second in hand and we let it slip away. There’s no question we had all the momentum on our side and may have been looking at a sweep, but when we dropped the second set that momentum went to the other side in a hurry.”

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100th Edition of “The Game” Between the Osceola Kowboys and St. Cloud Bulldogs Highlights Week 6 Football Action “To tell you the truth, it’s hard to consider it a rivalry when one team is dominating every year. The Harmony game may be more of a rivalry for us, but this is still The Game.”

Those words were uttered a few years ago by then St. Cloud head coach Bryan Smart when he was asked about the upcoming game between his Bulldogs and Osceola Kowboys. And while Smart was just being candid, he quickly followed that statement up with the point that the contest still has significant meaning to both sides and is a game that he hopes is still being played into the next century. “We have parents that played in this game and their parents played in this game and some of the parents’ parents played in this game. It’s hugely important to the community,” Smart said.

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Defensive Stand, Suspect Penalties Cost Tohopekaliga Tigers In Loss Reading the box score, one would assume that Melbourne (1-4) scored a touchdown in overtime and then stuffed Tohopekaliga’s Churandy Duval on a fourth and goal from the one to record a 31-24 win over the previously undefeated Tigers.

But Friday night’s loss was much more than that. Tohopekaliga would be called for numerous holding penalties and personal fouls, including two highly suspect “targeting calls” that held their high-flying offense in check all night and kept several Melbourne touchdown drives alive – including the game-tying one with 34 seconds remaining.

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Liberty Chargers, Head Coach Hart Get First Win as Liberty Beats Celebration , 20-17 It was a long time in coming, but Liberty got their first win in 22 months as the Chargers build a 20-8 lead and then held on for a 20-17 win over Celebration on Thursday night.

“Absolutely feels great and it’s something these kids needed and deserved,” Liberty Coach Dee Hart said. “Despite losing four lop-sided games to start the season, this team never gave up in any of those games and continued to work their tails off to get better. The next step was to learn what it feels like to win a game and tonight we got that feeling. I am just so proud of these guys right now.”

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NEWS

‘Osceola On the Rise,’ Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2022 Now Available from Osceola Clerk of Court, Comptroller Kelvin Soto

Kelvin Soto, Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller, has released the second edition of Osceola on the Rise, the county’s Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2022.

Osceola on the Rise serves as a summary of the financial information presented in the Osceola County Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and offers citizens a clearer understanding of Osceola County’s financial trends. New to this edition is “Helpful Chirps,” designed to provide insights into the PAFR presented by “Mocki,” the mockingbird from the office’s seal. Osceola on the Rise also includes statistics about the county’s rapidly growing and diverse community.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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NEWS

Nine Osceola Students Named Semifinalists In The National Merit Scholarship Program Nine Osceola County students have been named as Semifinalists in the 69th annual 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. The academically-talented students will now go on to compete with 16,000 other students for some 7,140 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $28 million that will be offered in the spring.

The students from the Osceola County School District are: –Matthew Cardenas – NeoCity Academy –Katelyn Hornak – NeoCity Academy –Noah Illick – Osceola High –Aiden Dai – Celebration High

–Noah Fermin – Celebration High

–Joshua Haines – Celebration High

–Noah Lingo – Celebration High

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A Hauntingly Beautiful Affair: Osceola Clerk of Court & Comptroller Kelvin Soto Announces 2nd Annual Halloween Wedding ‘Scare-A-Mony’ Join Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller Kelvin Soto, Esq. for a Spooktacular Evening of ‘I Dos’ at its 2nd Annual Halloween Group Wedding ‘Scare-AMony’ and Reception! This ‘enchanted’ event guarantees an unforgettable experience for 25 lucky couples.

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

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NEWS

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

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

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

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NEWS Gatorland Welcomes Sanford Alligator with a Half-Missing Mouth, Asking the Community to Help Name its Newest Resident Gatorland, recently opened its arms to welcome an extraordinary guest, an alligator from Sanford that made its way to Gatorland’s care, bearing a story unlike any other. A female alligator with the top half of its mouth being missing was spotted by a woman near a kayak loading area in Sanford.

Worried about the injured gator, she contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hoping they could help locate and rescue the gator.

A local trapper was able to capture the gator and brought her to Gatorland. The trapper said he believes the alligator had likely had been severely injured a few years ago by a boat propeller and miraculously survived.

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COMMUNITY SAFETY Bringing the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office to the Community: Sheriff Marcos Lopez Launches New Mobile Office Initiative Sheriff Marcos Lopez and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office have launched a new initiative, focused on revolutionizing, simplifying, and increasing community engagement with the law enforcement agency.

The primary objective of this endeavor is to bridge the gap between the Sheriff’s Office and the community it serves. By bringing the Sheriff’s Office directly to the community, it aims to create a valuable platform for education, recruitment, and fostering stronger connections.

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Celebrating National Police Women’s Day: Honoring the Dedication and Bravery of Female Officers

National Police Women’s Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the remarkable achievements and contributions of female police officers across the country.

This annual observance, held on September 12th, serves as an opportunity to recognize the invaluable role that women play in law enforcement and their unwavering commitment to serving and protecting their communities.

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NEWS Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Honoring Culture, Contributions, and Community Each year from September 15th to October 15th, the United States proudly observes Hispanic Heritage Month. This month-long celebration is a time to honor the rich and diverse cultural tapestry woven by Hispanic and Latino communities across the country. It provides an opportunity for everyone to learn about, appreciate, and celebrate the heritage, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans to the nation’s history and society.

Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off on September 15th, marking the anniversary of the independence of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th, respectively. These historic milestones serve as a reminder of the enduring spirit of freedom and selfdetermination that is at the core of Hispanic and Latinx cultures.

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NEWS Osceola Prosper Initiative Continues to Advance Opportunities for Osceola County Graduates Osceola County’s groundbreaking initiative, Osceola Prosper, continues to redefine the educational landscape in Osceola County.

The program, which went into to effect last year for 2021 Osceola County graduates, has already begun to revolutionize the way students approach post-secondary education in Osceola County with 2500 students participating in the first year, 133 students obtaining associate degrees, and 108 students acquiring certifications. That means about 10% of “Osceola Prosper students” have already received some type of credential.

In December of 2022, Osceola County officials announced plans to expand the Osceola Prosper program for another year, offering the funding to 2022 Osceola County graduates.

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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 Meet Big Boss Sara Berlinksi, Leading Silver Spurs Riding Club’s Rodeo and Community Initiatives in 2023-2024

There’s a new Big Boss in town, and her name is Sara, Sara Berlinski that is.

Sara Berlinsky is the “Big Boss” of the Silver Spurs Riding Club for the 2023-2024 term, and with her deep-rooted passion for preserving Osceola County’s heritage and her dedication to community service, Sara is the perfect choice to lead the organization and uphold its values.

Sara’s story is firmly rooted in the heart of St. Cloud. From a young age, she grasped the significance of community engagement and the preservation of Osceola County’s agricultural heritage. It was this understanding that propelled her into becoming a dedicated volunteer at the Silver Spurs Riding Club, and to be a committed part of the Silver Spurs Rodeo.

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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

Salvador N. Lanza, MD Cardiologist Orlando Health Heart and Vascular Institute

Orlando Health: Unraveling Cardiac Arrest Among Young Athletes When a prominent young athlete suffers a cardiac arrest, it creates shockwaves in the world of sports and beyond.

How does this happen to someone in peak physical condition? And what does that mean for the rest of us?

In the most recent incident, Bronny James – son of NBA superstar LeBron James – had a cardiac arrest during a team practice at the University of Southern California. The 18-year-old James survived, in part, because of quick action by team staffers. Among the general population, the survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest is less than 12 percent, largely because bystanders don’t take appropriate action.

These high-profile events – as was the case earlier this year when NFL player Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during a game – draw attention to potential heart problems faced by young athletes.

Although these are rare occurrences, sudden cardiac arrest is still the No. 1 cause of death among this group. Sports programs are getting better at detecting potential problems before they arise.

We still don’t know exactly what caused James’ heart issue. But we can look at some of the potential causes.

CARDIAC ARREST IN YOUNG ATHLETES When cardiac arrest in occurs in people under the age of 35, it’s usually not caused by the same factors (artery blockage, for example) responsible for cardiac arrest in older adults. Instead, it tends to be a condition the athlete was born with or something that was acquired.

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NEWS

Heavy Metal Band Metallica Gives Valencia Student Scholarships for Fourth Year Heavy metal band Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands, continues its multimilliondollar investment in critical workforce programs at community colleges nationwide, including Valencia College, that has been invited to return for a fourth year and will continue to receive Metallica Scholars funding to enhance career and technical education programs.

Altogether, Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation has provided $185,000 in scholarships to students in Valencia’s short-term training programs – providing adults the chance to become welders, truck drivers, heavy equipment operators and industrial automation technicians.

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

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

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

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

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

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Unleashing Fear and Fun: SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream

SeaWorld Orlando, known for its marine life exhibits and thrilling rides, is set to transform into a realm of fright and excitement with its annual Halloween event, “Howl-O-Scream,” taking place on select nights September 8 – October 31.

This spine-chilling extravaganza promises a unique blend of scares, thrills, and entertainment that will leave guests trembling with fear and delight. As the sun sets, the park’s atmosphere changes, and the haunting fun begins. Let’s delve into what makes SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream a must-visit event for those seeking a different kind of theme park experience.

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

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

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

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NEWS Axiom Space’s Next Chapter: Astronauts Chosen for Third Voyage to the ISS Axiom Space has announced the full crew complement for its third mission, Axiom Mission 3, to the International Space Station, after receiving NASA and ISS-partner approval for the fourperson, multi-national team to travel to the orbiting laboratory no earlier than January 2024.

Ax-3 will be the first all-European commercial astronaut mission to launch to the ISS – redefining the pathway to low-Earth orbit (LEO) and helping chart a course toward Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station.

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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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