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

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 2023

A Hauntingly Beautiful Affair: Osceola Clerk of Court & Comptroller Kelvin Soto Announces 2nd Annual Halloween Wedding ‘Scare-A-Mony’ Valencia College Unveils ‘VCentials’ Space to Better Serve Students with Food Insecurities Osceola County Weather: More Sun, More Heat, With Rain and Storms Returning in the Afternoon Wednesday

Get Ready to Ride: Brightline Orlando to Officially Launch Service on September 22 Axiom Space’s Next Chapter: Astronauts Chosen for Third Voyage to the ISS

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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. Community teenagers are encouraged to serve on the Teen Recreation Advisory Committee. Toddler Open Gym resumes on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning Sept. 11th. Operation Nerf Battle at the St. Cloud Civic Center Sept. 16th

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.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Summer Spectacular Concert Series Check out the lineup for SeaWorld Orlando’s Summer Spectacular Concert Series every Saturday and Sunday night from July 8th to August 6th.

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NEWS

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

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

Included with the “Scare-A-Mony” is a delightful reception featuring cupcakes, beverages, and themed music that will set the perfect atmosphere for celebration. Each couple will receive a decorative certificate commemorating their special day, themed photo opportunities, and a printed keepsake photo to cherish the memories forever.

Guests and couples alike are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the season by wearing family-friendly costumes or Halloween attire, adding a touch of whimsy and magic to the festivities.

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

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NEWS

Valencia College Unveils ‘VCentials’ Space to Better Serve Students with Food Insecurities

Valencia College unveiled ‘VCentials’ this week at its West Campus, a newly expanded pantry and holistic support center that will give students in need a way to get grocery items at no cost.

According to a 2021 Valencia College survey, Forty percent of Valencia College students reported that they were financially unable to buy adequate amounts of food.

This is where the college’s VCentials space comes in.

‘VCentials,’ will provide more essential items for students than the existing food pantry space. The name VCentials grew from a desire to find a stigma-free approach to increasing food access among students experiencing hunger, after the college learned that the word “pantry” could be off-putting to some students. The long-term goal is for VCentials to become a one-stop location for students to access support with basic needs, such as food, community and social services, counseling, financial literacy and more.

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Osceola County Weather: More Sun, More Heat, With Rain and Storms Returning in the Afternoon Wednesday

Happy Wednesday Osceola! After starting the day with sunny skies, we’ll heat up into the low 90s with 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Some storms will be severe with dangerous lightening possible. Heat index values will be as high as 104. Rain chances will stay high through the week and into the weekend with highs dipping into the high 80s.

Tonight

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. East northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

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NEWS

Get Ready to Ride: Brightline Orlando to Officially Launch Service on September 22 Brightline has announced that service from Orlando International Airport and South Florida will officially begin on September 22, 2023.

Get ready to connect between Orlando and South Florida (Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach) with inaugural rides available for booking at gobrightline.com or by downloading the Brightline app on iOS and Android.

“Opening Orlando fulfills our ultimate business model. We have seen incredible enthusiasm from the business and tourism industries eager to travel between Central and South Florida,” shared Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “As we start service to Orlando for peak holiday seasons, I encourage everyone to check calendars, make plans, visit our website or app and reserve a seat now.”

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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 ISSpartner approval for the fourperson, multi-national team to travel to the orbiting laboratory no earlier than January 2024.

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

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

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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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Protecting Your Investment: A Guide to Preventative Maintenance for Roofs in Florida from Don Schmidt Roofing

Florida’s climate is known for its beautiful sunshine and tropical breezes, but it also comes with some unique challenges, particularly for your home’s roof. The Sunshine State’s weather, including intense sunlight, heavy rains, and the occasional hurricane, can take a toll on your roofing system. To ensure the longevity and performance of your roof, preventative maintenance is key. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of roof maintenance in Florida, introduce you to Don Schmidt Roofing and Contracting, a trusted roofing company serving the Greater Osceola community for over 35 years, and explain why it’s wise to reach out to them for a free inspection.

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NEWS Anheuser-Busch, MADD, and Uber Launch ‘Decide To Ride’ Campaign On College Campuses Encouraging Fans To Plan Ahead For Sober Rides On Game Days Anheuser-Busch, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Uber, have launched a joint campaign on college campuses with the aim of preventing drunk driving on football game days this fall, called Decide to Ride!

Consumers who are aware of the campaign are 40 percent more likely to avoid drunk driving by using a ridesharing app to get safely to and from their destinations, according to internal campaign research developed by the coalition.

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NEWS

Powerball Jackpot Climbs to $550 Million for Wednesday Draw The Powerball jackpot has picked up new steam since the start of the week. The jackpot has climbed to an estimated $550 million for the next Powerball drawing on Wednesday, Sept 13. The jackpot has a cash value of $266 million.

The Powerball jackpot rolled Monday night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 9, 25, 27, 53, 66 and red Powerball 5.

The Power Play® multiplier was 2X. The Monday drawing produced more than 745-thousand winning tickets across the country, including one ticket in Michigan that matched all five white balls to win a $1 million prize.

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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 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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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 finger-licking flavors stands a true barbecue virtuoso, Jay Brown, owner and pitmaster extraordinaire.

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OSCEOLA’S BEST Osceola’s Best Wings: Canoe Creek Sports Tavern Reigns Supreme, Presented by Positively Osceola In a celebration of culinary excellence and community spirit, Canoe Creek Sports Tavern in St. Cloud received the prestigious “Osceola’s Best Wings Award” on Thursday, presented to owner Stephanie Chmielewski by Positively Osceola. The highly coveted recognition is a testament to Canoe Creek Sports Tavern’s commitment to delivering not only positively delicious food, but also fostering a welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike. The award underscores Canoe Creek Sports Tavern’s dedication to exceptional customer experiences.

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Kowboys Search for First Win, Tohopekaliga Looks to Remain Undefeated, in Week Four of Osceola County Football Week four of the high school regular season finds two intriguing games on the schedule as the Tohopekaliga Tigers (2-0) look to remain undefeated as they host St. Cloud (1-1) in the district opener for both teams; while Osceola — which is off to an uncharacteristic 0-3 start– will have its hands full when it hosts defending Class 4S State Champion at Markus Paul Stadium at 7 p.m.

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St. Cloud Bulldogs Grab First Win of the Season After Commanding 42-7 Victory Over Liberty Chargers The St. Cloud Bulldogs took home their first win of the season after beating the Liberty Chargers 42-7 Friday night at Austin Tindall Sports Complex.

It was a big offensive night for St. Cloud that began with a kickoff return by #14 Jr. Jacob Hernandez who powered his way past Liberty’s 35 yard-line. It was a breath of fresh air last week, when officials at Austin Tindall Park declared the field unplayable against Pine Ridge due to a pounding rain storm.

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Osceola Magic Unveils Inaugural 2023-24 Schedule: Home Opener Set for November 16th at Osceola Heritage Park

The Osceola Magic will open their inaugural season on Friday, November 10 in Mexico City against the Capitanes. Their first home opener will take place at Osceola Heritage Park on Thursday, November 16 vs the Texas Legends, NBA G League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks. Game time is 7 p.m. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a replica jersey courtesy of AdventHealth.

For the third consecutive season, the schedule will be split into two parts – a 16-game Showcase Cup and a traditional 34-game regular season. Following the Showcase Cup, team records will reset in advance of the 34-game regular season. Each NBA G League team will play 50 games: 24 home, 24 away and two neutral site games at the annual Winter Showcase.

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Race for Orange Belt Conference Cross Country Title Could Be Wide Open Affair If Tohopekaliga (boys) and Celebration (girls) want to repeat as Orange Belt Conference cross country champions this year, they are going to have to rely on a relatively new cast of characters to do so.

That’s because after several years of the county cross country scene being dominated by a handful of outstanding athletes like Celebration’s Catalina Edwards and Tohopekaliga’s Johan Comacho, graduation has finally taken its toll – leaving a crop of relatively young athletes to fill the void.

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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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osceolalibrary.org | 407.742.8888

Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month!

11am - 1:30pm, Friday, September 15

Osceola County Courthouse Clerk & Comptroller’s Office, 2nd Floor

The Library is coming to YOU to make it convenient to get a new Library Card or renew. All Courthouse employees are eligible for a card, whether you live in Osceola County or not. Save money with streaming content, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, skills training, and more! Find out all the Library has to offer by visiting our table.

Who can sign up for a Library card?

Documents needed to sign up:

Anyone who lives, works, attends school or owns property in Osceola County.

Photo ID with proof of current home, work, or school address.

What Do You Get With A Card?

Hotsposts Books for

eBooks

Kids & Adults

eAudiobooks

Chromebooks Streaming

Books are just the beginning!

& Much More!

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

Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital recognized by American Heart Association for stroke care Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital has achieved national recognition with the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award. The award recognizes the hospital’s dedication to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.

“This award reaffirms our commitment to improving stroke care,” said Amit Bansal, MD, chief quality officer, Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. “We are proud of our dedicated team, who continue to make significant strides in early stroke detection and treatment, which is key to improving a patient’s health and recovery.”

Get With The Guidelines – Stroke, is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the longterm effects of a stroke and prevent death.

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NEWS Dunkin’ to Keep Knights Fans Running with Free Coffee Offer & NEW Fan-Favorite Donut Attention UCF Knights fans, Dunkin’ has announced it is celebrating the return of UCF football with a new Free Coffee Mondays offer. Every Monday from now until October 30, Dunkin’ Rewards members can receive a free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase at participating Dunkin’ restaurants throughout the greater Orlando area.* Throughout the Knight’s regular season, fans can also showcase their pride with the NEW Space U Donut – featuring blue vanilla icing and topped with white sprinkles. The Space U Donut is available at participating Dunkin’ locations throughout the greater Orlando area, while supplies last.**

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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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Safety Behind the Wheel: Enroll Now in the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Teen Driver Challenge Class September 23

In an effort to ensure safer roads and instill responsible driving habits in young individuals, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office offers a very special program called the Teen Driver Challenge.

Aimed at equipping teen drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges of the road, this initiative has proven to be a significant step towards reducing accidents and promoting road safety. The next class is scheduled for September 23, 2023 at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Training Facility, located at 3901 Arthur J Gallagher Blvd. in St. Cloud.

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NEWS Boots, Bulls, and Barrels to hit the Silver Spurs Arena Dirt in Kissimmee October 7 The best in professional rodeo action returns to the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee October 7, 2023 at 7:30pm with a one-night-only rodeo, Boots, Bulls and Barrels event you do not want to miss!

Boots, Bulls, and Barrels, a tournament-style event will feature two of the rodeo fan’s favorite events: barrel racing and bull riding at its best!

Real cowboys and cowgirls will compete for bragging rights and cold hard cash.

Watch as they compete in multiple bull riding sets and hang until the buzzer rings, while the barrel racers will run out of the gate and go up against the clock (and one another) to win prize money.

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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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OSCEOLA BUSINESS REFERRAL SERVICE

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HEALTH

Shannon O’Meara, MS, RD Orlando Health: Nutrition

Orlando Health: Cottage Cheese: The Protein Powerhouse That’s a Dreamy, Creamy TikTok Hit More than 550 million views on TikTok can’t be wrong: Cottage cheese is hot. Blended into ice cream or bread dough or straight off the spoon, it’s fun to watch Gen Z discover the creamy goodness your grandmother loved.

But cottage cheese goes back further than that — curdled-milk cheese is mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey, and there’s evidence of its existence in the Middle East as early as 5,000 B.C. So why the hullabaloo now?

Some put it down to Americans’ insatiable taste for soft and creamy comfort foods. But cottage cheese has survived the eons for a good reason: It’s packed with protein. One cup can contain as much as 25 grams, the equivalent of a double cheeseburger. But as with that burger, there can be other things to be aware of, like the amount of salt and added sugar.

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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 Steering St. Cloud: Weigh in on the Future of Transportation with St. Cloud’s Public Input Online Survey

The City’s of St. Cloud’s Transportation Planning department is seeking additional public input on transportation needs in and around the city, as they work to update its Transportation & Mobility Master Plan.

Earlier this year, the City held public meetings to solicit input on transportation needs, and are now asking the public for additional feedback through an online Virtual Meeting Room. The master planning process includes data collection, inventory of unfunded projects, and evaluation of potential projects, as well as considering areas in the Osceola County/St. Cloud Joint Planning Area (JPA).

To learn more about the project and complete a survey about transportation needs, visit the Virtual Meeting Room, where you can view a slide show, watch a video, and complete the survey.

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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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Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins Halloween Event Returns For Fifth Year of Family Fun and Fright Done Right!

Gatorland is bringing back its popular Gators, Ghosts and Goblins Halloween event for a fifth year in a row of family fun and fright done right! The all-ages, daytime, family-friendly event takes place over three weekends in October, from Oct. 14 through 29, 2023.

For more Gatorland information, visit www.gatorland.com or call 800-393JAWS.

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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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Disney College Program Offers College Students, Recent Graduates an Internship Experience of a Lifetime

Applications for the Disney College Program have opened for the spring 2024 semester, giving college students and recent graduates a unique internship opportunity to work, learn and play at Walt Disney World.

Disney College Program participants are chosen to work in a variety of frontline roles across Disney’s theme parks and resorts, where they gain transferable new skills and get hands-on experience making magic for the millions of guests who visit Walt Disney World each year.

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NEWS St. Cloud Police Utilizing State-of-theArt Interactive Training Simulator The St. Cloud Police Department open its doors to the media on Friday to showcase its new VirTra interactive training simulator.

The simulator, which cost approximately $315,000, is used to train officers in a variety of scenarios, including de-escalation, judgmental use of force, and active shooter response.

“We are excited to add this state-of-the-art simulator to our training arsenal,” said Police Chief Douglas Goerke.

“This simulator will allow us to provide our officers with realistic and challenging training that will help them make the best decisions in critical situations.”

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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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