Positively Osceola News Today, Osceola County's Leading Source of News

SUNDAY, JULY 10 2022

Kowboys Athletics Director, Wrestling Coach Jim Bird to Leave Osceola High School, a Legendary Career Comes to an End Click Here to Read More: https://bit.ly/3Ro9dAZ Get to Know the Candidates at The Osceola Chamber’s 2022 Hob Nob, July 20 at OHP New Traffic Pattern to Begin Today, Sunday July 10 at I-4 and CR 532 Near Championsgate

Huntington Learning Center, Reading Tutoring For All Levels

St. Cloud’s Sykes Claims Medals, Carr Just Misses at National Championships

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District 3 Commissioner Brandon Arrington invites you to a free, drive-thru Summer Meal Distribution.

Meal Packages will be distributed to the first 600 families. This is a drive-thru event. Packages will be distributed one per car. First come, first served.

While supplies last.

WEEKLY LIVESTREAMS Good Morning Osceola Mon, Wed, Fri at 7:30AM

In the Loop LIVE Tue at 6:00PM

Daybreak LIVE Wed at 9:00AM

Osceola Matters Thu at 6:00PM

In the Loop LIVE Sat at 8:00AM For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS Daybreak LIVE with Guests: Wey Wey Wong and William Morea from Huntington Learning Center July 1st, 2022

LIVE with Park Ranger Demetrius Chappell, a man who has worn many hats in the St. Cloud community June 17th, 2022

LIVE with City of St. Cloud, Florida City Manager Bill Sturgeon, announcing his retirement effective September 2, 2022 June 17th, 2022

LIVE with District 1 Peggy Choudhry talking about the Town hall meeting!

June 14th, 2022

Good Morning Osceola LIVE with Krissi Hardy!

June 24th, 2022

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IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE for the start of the Team Kareem Memorial Foundation walk at Kissimmee Lakefront Park

LIVE with Bruce Vickers Osceola Tax Collector and Fanya Vasquez talking about the Osceola County hiring event

LIVE with Jeremy Thomas Lanier and Tommi Pritchett, talking about how to join the fight against HIV

LIVE with St. Cloud Police Department Chief Douglas Georke at Frankie’s Place for Coffee with a Cop

LIVE with Commissioner Brandon Arrington at the District 3 Drive-Thru Food Distribution For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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VIDEOS ON DEMAND LIVE with Nancy Alvarez of United Way talking about the brand new Born Learning Trail!

Westside K-8 School Teacher Austin Young Shares his Passion for Teaching in Osceola If you’ve been looking for a career that makes a positive impact in the community, and changes lives for the good, become a teacher!

Austin Young is a sixth-grade teacher at Westside K-8 School, and loves celebrating his students in both the big and small moments. If you have a bachelor’s degree, consider teaching in Osceola County. The Osceola County School District is ready to help you make it happen!

Osceola Animal Services’ Dog Fostering Program!

Do you want to help reduce the amount of dogs that are in need of a loving home in the community, but aren’t sure you can make the long term commitment? Osceola County Animal Services is encouraging the community to try their Dog #Fostering Program, for those that are willing to provide short-term in-home care for dogs in need. Its FREE and all veterinary care, food, and supplies are provided.

The Heat is Here, but Not the Rain, Let’s Conserve Water!

There’s no question it’s hot, but our summer rains are not in full swing yet. So With the hot, dry conditions, water usage is up as residents irrigate their landscapes. The City of St. Cloud, Florida is asking for a little help in conserving water by watering only on designated days and times. Visit myutilities.stcloud.org to view the irrigation schedule.

Old Town’s Import Car Show Old Town’s Sunday Night Import Car Show takes place on the last Sunday of the month from 4:00pm - 9:00pm, and it’s a one of a kind car show you do not want to miss. If you’re an owner of an awesome import car and you want to show it off to the public, there is no fee, so shine up that beautiful car or truck and bring it down to Old Town on the last Sunday of the month. You’ll be part of the show! #OldTown #ImportCars

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MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE

Beyond the Call of Duty – Ride to Remember rolls into Osceola County Sheriff’s Office to honor and to bring healing The “Beyond the Call of Duty – Ride to Remember” team road into Osceola County on Thursday for an “End of Watch Ride” tribute ceremony at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, to honor fallen Osceola Deputy Michael Riley Webb and his family members who were in attendance.

The “End of Watch Ride” kicked off its 22,000+ mile cross country trek in Spokane, Washington, on June 1, 2022 and is traveling across the United States in 79 days making tribute stops at hundreds of law enforcement agencies to honor fallen law enforcement officers. The organization’s purpose is to ensure that no officer is forgotten, that their families know their loved one has not been forgotten; and that there is recognition, support and understanding to help them heal. According to their website they also support department safety and training to help lower the number of fallen officers we see each year.

The ceremony began with prayer, led by the Sheriff’s Office Chaplain “Benny” Valentin, followed by “Beyond the Call of Duty” founder Jagrut Shah.

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MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE

Osceola County Fire Rescue Extinguishes Fire at Good Samaritan Village, Cares for Resident and Resident’s Dog Units from Osceola County Fire Rescue Stations 42, 64, and 72 were dispatched on Wednesday to a residential structure fire that started in the kitchen of a townhome unit in Good Samaritan Village. The Osceola Fire Rescue team quickly contained and extinguished the fire, provided care to a resident for smoke inhalation, and then the crew from Rescue 142 rescued the homeowner’s pet dog.

From arrival on scene to ‘fire out’ took the fire crews less than 4 minutes, but as Osceola County Fire Rescue said, “that short amount of time is still enough to fill a home with dangerous smoke – underscoring the importance of having an effective evacuation plan for your home.”

Remember to check your smoke alarms to ensure they are functional and that the battery is strong, and as the Osceola County Fire Rescue said… have a plan. It can save your life, and your family’s lives.

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District 2 Commissioner Viviana Janer and Fonseca invite you to a FREE Seniors Fun Day! Activities include: • Zumba • Health Talk • Cardio • Lunch • Super Bingo • Prizes

NEWS Governor Ron DeSantis issues prescription drug price transparency executive order Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 22-164 on Friday to drive transparency in prescription costs for Floridians. The purpose of the order is to ensure reforms are in place to hold Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs) accountable when managing prescription drug benefits for insurance companies.

“Florida continues to lead the nation in ensuring accountability in the health care industry and in introducing reforms to combat rising prescriptions costs,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This executive order requires accountability and transparency for pharmaceutical middlemen when doing business with the state, thereby reducing the upward pressure on prescription drug costs.”

“For far too long leaders have chosen the path of inaction, rather than action, and fallen victim to a pharmaceutical system driven by drug companies rather than consumers,” said Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Simone Marstiller.

“Today’s actions will provide insight into the FDA’s review process and all agency health care contracts through the end of the decade.”

The Executive Order directs all executive agencies to include provisions in all future contracts and solicitations with these PBMs, services that include the following: • Prohibit spread pricing for all PBMs; • Prohibit reimbursement clawbacks for all PBMs; • Directs agencies to include data transparency and reporting requirements, including a review of all rebates, payments, and relationships between pharmacies, insurers, and manufacturers; and • Directs all impacted agencies to amend all contracts to the extent feasible with these same provisions.

A copy of Executive Order 22-164 can be found HERE.

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NEWS

Florida School Grades Released, State Says Grades Far Exceed Expectations

The Florida Department of Education released school grades for the 2021-2022 academic year on Thursday, saying that schools in Florida statewide exceeded expectations. The 2021-2022 school grades mark the first full school grade data release since 2019 due to the lack of assessments in the 2019-2020 school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In Central Florida, Osceola County’s grade was unchanged with a B, while Orange County Schools moved from an A to a B overall in the assessment.

Key Highlights: • Fifty-three schools exited the School Improvement Support list in 2022.

• 100% of schools graded F in 2019 improved their grades in 2022, including one that earned a B and six that earned a C. • 84% of schools graded D and F in 2019 improved their grades in 2022.

Overall, elementary schools had the largest increase in the percentage of schools increasing their grade with 20% (351) of elementary schools improving one or more letter grade. 469 schools increased their grade in 2022, while 825 schools maintained an A grade and 348 schools maintained a B grade compared to 2019.

“From Spring 2021 to Spring 2022, it’s clear that our teachers and school leaders used every resource at their disposal to lift Florida’s students well beyond expectations,” said Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr.

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NEWS USPS Prices Increase on Sunday July 10.

Here’s How Much More It Will Cost to Send Mail If you’re a penny pincher, here’s a reminder that on Sunday July 10, The United States Postal Service is raising stamp prices on its Forever stamps from 58 cents to 60 cents, and increasing some other prices as well.

So, if you purchased a book of Forever stamps 10 years ago, and the stamps cost only 45 cents each, you can still use them to mail letters today, even with the forever stamps costing more now. Hence, they are called – forever stamps. So, if you like to save and you use a good amount of stamps, you may want to head to the Post Office quickly to stock up!

Forever stamps aren’t the only thing going up at the post office. The following USPS price increases are also slated for July 10: USPS Product Current cost Cost after July 10: • Letters (1 oz.) 58 cents 60 cents • Letters (metered 1 oz.) 53 cents 57 cents • Letters (additional ounces) 20 cents 24 cents • Domestic postcards 40 cents 44 cents • International letters (1 oz.) $1.30 $1.40 The price hike, which raises the cost of First-Class Mail by 6.5%, is still lower than high inflation rates, the Postal Service said. The cost of all goods is up 8.6% over the past year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Forever stamp prices just increased less than a year ago, from 55 to 58 cents, and the USPS has hinted that prices are likely to continue to increase.

As inflation and increased operating expenses continue, these price adjustments are intended to help with the implementation of the Delivering for America plan, including a $40 billion investment in core Postal Service infrastructure over the next ten years, according to the USPS.

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NEWS

Sip, Sip, Hooray! Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day Raises $30,000 to Bring Joy to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation recently called on America to sip from their hearts on Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day and help bring joy to kids in local hospitals across the country. $1 from every iced coffee purchased at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide supported the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation’s mission to bring joy to kids battling illness. Today, Dunkin’ of Greater Orlando is proud to announce that $30,000 will be granted locally to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children through the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation.

Thanks to support from guests nationwide, Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day collectively raised $1.8 Million to support kids in children’s hospitals throughout the country with $1 from every iced coffee purchased at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide supported the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation’s mission to bring joy to kids battling illness. Thanks to the generosity of Dunkin’ franchisees across the country, 100 percent of the funds raised will be granted locally to children’s hospitals in their respective communities.

The grant funding will help enhance child life programming spanning from art, music and integrated therapy programs, including yoga and reiki, to electronic gaming equipment and specialized summer camps that provide joyful experiences and environments for patients and their families.

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NEWS Man arrested for snatching gold necklace off an 85-year-old woman’s neck in BVL, Osceola deputies say Osceola deputies arrested a man on Thursday that they say reached into an 85-yearold woman’s car and snatched a gold necklace off of her neck then fled.

On Wednesday, June 29th the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Royal Palm Drive and San Blas Avenue in Kissimmee after receiving a report of a robbery.

According to Osceola deputies, two men in a silver Toyota Camry followed an 85-year-old woman who had just left a closed bank in the Buenaventura Lakes area to the Royal Palm Drive area. Osceola deputies say the two men drove pulled their Toyota next to the woman’s car and flagged her down, saying they needed gas money. The woman pulled over making it possible for one of the men to walk up to her car window to speak to her.

While talking to the woman, the man reached inside her car and snatched a gold necklace from around her neck and then ran back to the Camry and drove away.

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FDOT’s New Traffic Pattern to Begin Sunday July 10 at I-4 and CR 532 Near Championsgate The Florida Department of Transportation has announced that the new I-4 and County Road 532 diverging diamond interchange near ChampionsGate will open its new traffic pattern Sunday, July 10 as part of its I-4 Beyond the Ultimate project.

The new pattern will move motorists approaching the interchange on C.R. 532 to switch to the left side of the road at a traffic signal. After passing under the interstate, they will return to the right side at another traffic signal.

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NEWS Get to Know the Candidates at The Osceola Chamber’s 2022 Hob Nob, July 20 at OHP When voting, whether it’s a national, state or local election, it’s extremely important to understand what candidates stand for, what they plan on doing if elected, and who they are as individuals and leaders. Nothing can make that happen better than a face-toface discussion, and that’s what The Osceola Chamber of Commerce is providing on Wednesday, July 20, at 5:30 pm with Osceola’s premier political event – the Osceola Hob Nob, that will take place at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee.

There is simply no better way to meet those who are running for office all in one place, and it’s a great way to support those that you are already are planning on voting for.

Mix, mingle, rub elbows with local politicians, and network with the areas top business leaders while enjoying great food, fun and festivities. And don’t forget to vote in the influential Straw Ballot Poll.

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

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NEWS

Osceola County breaks ground on Station 45, will be county’s 17th fire station upon completion Osceola County held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday morning for Fire Station 45 on Calypso Cay Way, not far from the U.S. 192 and S.R. 535 intersection.

The ceremony was conducted by Osceola Fire Chief Larry Collier, and was attended by representatives from architectural firm BRPH and construction manager Arnco.

Once completed, Station 45 will bring the total number of fire stations to 17 within unincorporated Osceola County.

“Station 45 is the second time this year that we’ve started work on a new station, which is a tremendous commitment to public safety,” said County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry. Station 45 is in Choudhry’s district in Osceola County’s bustling tourist corridor. “The bottom line is that this station allows us to be more responsive – and to increase the service we provide to the community. It will help us respond as quickly as possible when someone calls 9-1-1, which can save lives.”

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NEWS

Incoming Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital Brian Wetzel’s inspiring journey

Sometimes the path to leading one of the most advanced and complex organizations in a community starts on a dirt road. Brian Wetzel, who takes over as president of Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital on July 1, can remember that when his family moved to St. Cloud in 1983 there were still unpaved roads in town. Back then, days for Brian and his brothers were filled with baseball, basketball, and the other stuff of typical kids at St. Cloud Middle and St. Cloud High School.

But it was during those formative years and experiences that Brian developed the character and fundamental qualities that would take him into one of the most challenging leadership roles imaginable.

“I’ve spent the last quarter-century learning how great high functioning hospitals operate, and how exceptional quality and compassionate care is provided to our patients,” said Wetzel. “Now I get to bring that experience back to my hometown, St. Cloud. It’s extremely satisfying.”

Wetzel started his career at St. Cloud hospital as an entry-level employee in 1996 where he registered patients in the emergency department. His career with Orlando Health has been steadily growing in responsibility ever since.

“Brian has lived in St. Cloud for about 40 years,” said Thibaut Van Marcke, President of Orlando Health Dr. Phillips Hospital and senior vice President of Orlando Health’s southeast region, which includes Orlando Health St. Cloud. “Now, nearly 25 years after joining Orlando Health, he is president of his hometown hospital.”

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NEWS

The Osceola Chamber’s Young Professionals Taking Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Nominations Through July 15 If you know someone under 40 who works or lives in Osceola County who you consider an up-and-coming leader in our community? Nominate them by July 15 for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Award presented by the Young Professionals of The Osceola Chamber.vNominees will submit a detailed application and winners will be honored at a cocktail reception in the fall. Click here to complete the nomination form.

2021’s honorees were LaVell Monger with RTW Photography, Kendyl Bass with the Osceola County School District, Henry Thacker with Balfour Beatty Construction, Kari Ewalt with the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections, and Natasha Billyer, Assistant Attorney with Osceola County. Each award recipient was presented with an engraved statue by 2021 Chairman of the Young Professionals Board of Directors, Melissa Thacker.

Source: The Osceola Chamber

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NEWS

Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital celebrates 2 years, announces enhanced patient safety measures Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital has operated under the Orlando Health umbrella for two years now, and along with the recent announcement of their new President and long-time St. Cloud resident Brian Wetzel, Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital is announcing mew patient safety and quality measures that have been introduced since being acquired by Orlando Health July 1, 2020.

“One of the first steps in our quality-enhancement program was to bring in a physician champion,” said Thibaut van Marcke, president of Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital and senior vice president of Orlando Health’s southeast region, which includes Orlando Health St. Cloud. “Aparna Sharma, MD, joined the organization in April 2021, becoming the hospital’s first-ever chief quality officer. She has implemented processes and procedures, such as safety checklists and daily huddles, that promote a system-wide focus on providing the highest quality of care to our patients,” added Mr. van Marcke.

Included in the process and procedural changes is an extremely successful hospitalwide hand hygiene initiative, the compliance of which is monitored daily. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), when integrated with other critical measures, appropriate hand hygiene is the single most effective action to stop the spread of infection.

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OSCEOLA BUSINESS REFERRAL SERVICE

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INJURY LAW Have you been a victim of road rage?

“Road rage,” may be a term that is thrown around loosely, but it is also a dangerous and increasingly common phenomenon. In fact, statistics reflect that 1 out of every 3 traffic accidents involve road rage. Road rage can include aggressive driving tactics such as honking, cutting other cars off, driving other vehicles off of the road, speeding, baiting other cars into accidents, and other actions intended to cause harm, confusion, and intimidation.

These actions pose a real threat to other drivers on the road, and should not be taken lightly. You can hold this driver responsible for their reckless and malicious conduct by bringing a personal injury lawsuit against them. If you have been injured by an aggressive driver, you do not have to fight this battle alone. Draper Law Office’s experienced Kissimmee car accident lawyers will make sure that you get the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. Contact the Draper Law Office today to schedule your consultation.

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FAMILY LAW Common Myths About Florida Divorces

Whether you are thinking about leaving your marriage or have just been served with divorce papers, when you have the wrong information about what to expect, this already tense situation becomes more difficult. However, by knowing some of the common myths about Florida divorce, you can avoid unnecessary stress and confusion.

Committing Adultery Means Losing Everything Florida is a “no-fault” divorce state which means that neither party’s role in causing the marriage to end will be a basis for filing for divorce. This does not mean, however, that adultery is irrelevant during a Florida divorce. If the unfaithful party has used marital resources in connection with their affair, the court can consider this fact when deciding how to divide the couple’s property and debts. Additionally, the court can look at the financial harm which the unfaithful spouse caused the other when determining whether or not to award alimony.

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

St. Cloud High School Adds Lacrosse to Varsity Lineup The sport of lacrosse is one of the most popular and fastest growing sports in the country and that trend continues in Osceola County as St. Cloud High becomes the third county school to add the sport to its varsity line-up – joining Celebration and Tohopekaliga.

“It’s a go,” St. Cloud athletic director Bryan Smart said. “Zach Beaverson, who will serve as our first head coach, and some students approached my predecessor Eric Godfrey last year and talked to him about starting a team. Eric was more than supportive and helped get a club team off the ground. The interest is definitely there and we decided to go varsity this season.”

In addition to Godfrey, Smart also praised Tohopekaliga coach Robert Weilert for his assistance. “Whether it was ideas, suggestions, tips or program protocols, Coach Weilert has been a tremendous asset. He obviously has his own program to worry about but has been totally unselfish in helping us out,” Smart said.

Beaverson will coach both the boys and girls teams and will be assisted by Todd Schultz, who played varsity lacrosse in college. Beaverson hopes to add an additional assistant or two in the future.

Smart noted that many challenges will face the school’s new lacrosse program, including budget, equipment and the scheduling of fields for practice times and games.

“Obviously we will need to find money for uniforms, equipment and to pay game officials. There also only so much on-campus practice field space and we have and many teams that need to use them; so scheduling becomes an issue” Smart said. “But at St. Cloud High School our main priority is the always the student. They wanted this program, so we will find a way to make it work.”

Interest has been solid in the early going. In addition to fielding a club team last school year, Beaverson said he has had a steady crowd of student-athletes show up three times a week for summer workouts.

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

St. Cloud’s Sykes Claims Medals, Carr Just Misses at National Championships Recently graduated St. Cloud High School senior Julian Sykes continued to fill his trophy case this past week as he finished in second place in the clean and jerk and grabbing third in the combined at the 2022 NIKE/USA National Weightlifting Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada this past week.

The country’s national governing body for the sport, USA Weightlifting holds the competition to select its Olympic, National and Junior National teams. Sykes qualified for the championships based on his performance at the FHSAA State Championships and other competitions during the past year.

Representing Team Florida Elite, Sykes competed in the Junior/160-lb. weight class.

He hoisted a best effort of 105 kilograms in the Snatch competition (231.5 pounds) and 140 kilos in the Clean and Jerk (308.7 pounds) for a total of 245 kilos (540.33 pounds); which was good enough for the bronze medal. He finished behind Caden Cahoy (295) and EJ Hein (260). The top two finishers generally receive invitations to join the Team USA National Weightlifting Team. Separate medals were awarded in each of the two lifts, and Sykes effort in Clean and Jerk earned him a silver medal.

“Absolutely a tremendous performance put in by Julian. Going in, we knew Caden Cahoy was probably going to win — he is one of the best lifters in the country — but we thought Julian had a real good chance for second and the national team invite.

Hats off to EJ though, he sort of came from nowhere and had a great meet,” St. Cloud head coach Cory Aun said. “As far as eventually competing with the national team, it is not over yet. Injuries or someone electing not to accept the national team invitation could put Julian first in line as an alternate.” It was just the latest in a long list of accomplishments and awards for the recently graduated Bulldog lifter.

He won gold medals in both the traditional (clean and jerk / bench press) and the snatch competition at the 2022 FHSAA State Championships to go with double wins at the Orange Belt Conference, District and Regional competitions this year.

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COMMUNITY

Osceola Arts in Kissimmee to Rock Out with Queen in “We Will Rock You” Osceola Arts in Kissimmee is ending its 2021-2022 theatre season in a “totally” rockin’ way – with the amazing production – We Will Rock You, a tribute to the epic rock band, QUEEN! For the very first time, the Osceola Arts Main Stage will feature this contemporary rock musical running Friday, July 15th through Sunday, July 31st.

So what will those in attendance experience? Well, what if the world was without individuality, and originality with government-controlled music?

With more than 20 Queen hit songs, We Will Rock You follows two revolutionaries as they try to save rock ’n’ roll in a post-apocalyptic world where rock music is forbidden!

Directed by Osceola Arts newcomer Rob A. Lott, the musical features an incredibly talented cast and live band excited to share some well-known rock songs with audiences. For additional information and to purchase show tickets visit OsceolaArts.org or call 407-846-6257.

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COMMUNITY District 1 Commissioner Peggy Choudhry to host Town Hall July 19 at 6pm If you’ve been looking to be better connected with your local representatives in Osceola County, District 1 Commissioner Peggy Choudhry has just what you’re looking for with her upcoming Town Hall Meeting on July 19th at 6pm.

The Town Hall will take place at Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South at 4955 Kings Heath Road in Kissimmee and will be a great way to connect with Commissioner Choudhry for updates on District 1, Osceola County, COVID-19, Community Events, and much more. The Town Hall will also include a question and answer session. All residents are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

Reserve your spot by contacting Commissioner Choudhry’s office at Peggy.Choudhry@osceola.org or 407-742-2387.

Local Balloon Artists Heading to International Balloon Wonderland Build to Benefit Give Kids the World Village When you think of balloons or creating balloon art experiences, do you think of supporting an organization that cares for critically ill children and their families from around the world to visit Central Florida to make amazing memories? Stuart and Patti Gutter, Owners of American Balloon Decor are award winning balloon artists and were chosen as part of a talented team of international balloon professionals tasked with creating a gigantic, immersive balloon creation with Qualatex balloons at the Balloon Wonderland event in Orlando, Florida, all in aid of the charity Give Kids the World in Kissimmee, Florida.

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COMMUNITY

Huntington Learning Center: What Matters for College Admissions, Presented

by Bestselling Author Jeff Selingo Huntington Learning Center in St. Cloud knows what matters in college admissions, and in their “On Demand” webinar by bestselling author Jeff Selingo, who spent a year embedded inside the admissions offices of three campuses for his book, Who Gets In and Why, explains to students, parents, and counselors how the evaluation process works, what really matters to getting in, and how to think about test scores in a shifting admissions environment.

The webinar covers: • How your application is reviewed by admissions offices; • The ways test scores are used in admissions decisions and awarding financial aid; • What specific strategies you can use to determine what your test score might mean for getting in; • How the pandemic has shifted the admissions landscape and steps you can take to reduce the ambiguity of the process, and more!

To view the webinar simply click here, register, and get ready for some of the most impacting college admissions content you’ll ever find. If you’re for a learning center that will be a part of your student’s education this upcoming school year, look no further.

Huntington Center has positively impacts students’ grades, their college paths, and their futures. To learn more go to HuntingtonHelps.com.

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COMMUNITY Huntington Learning Center, Reading Tutoring For All Levels The power to read is inarguably one of the most important skills fundamental to a student’s ability to function and prosper in school and beyond. It infiltrates every facet of life, from the most miniscule tasks such as reading a menu to more difficult tasks like analyzing dense texts in advanced college courses. Setting a strong foundation from the very early stages of your child’s life is incredibly important for him or her to be able to build upon and grow as your child advances in school.

Huntington Learning Center offers reading tutoring programs designed to help students in elementary school through high school develop the language skills they will need in the classroom and beyond. Our highly experienced reading tutors strive to help students reach their full potential, instilling a strong understanding of reading basics that can then be applied in ways that help them to explore and understand the world around them in a meaningful way.

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COMMUNITY Osceola School District Announces 2022-2023 Back-To-School Open House Dates All Osceola students and parents are encouraged to attend their school’s Back-ToSchool Open House in order to prepare for the 2022-2023 school year. Osceola public schools will hold Open Houses according to the following schedule: • Friday, August 5 – All high schools will have Open House from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (including The Osceola County School for the Arts Grades 6-12) • Monday, August 8 – All middle schools and K-8 schools will have Open House from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

• Tuesday, August 9 – All elementary schools will have Open House from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Students in Osceola County will begin classes on Wednesday, August 10, 2022.

Parents can find the 2022-2023 school year academic calendar at www.osceolaschools.net/Academic-Calendar_2022-2023.

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HEALTH

Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital physician Dr. Peter Morrow retires after over 40 years of caring for the community Peter T. Morrow, MD, board-certified internal medicine physician with Orlando Health Physician Associates Internal Medicine in St. Cloud, after over 40 years of caring for the community’s health needs, will be retiring this month. Dr. Morrow was celebrated and honored on Friday by Orlando Health St. Cloud co-workers, leadership, patients, and community members.

“It’s been a true privilege to care for you all, to care for you, the generations, the parents, the grandparents, that I’ve seen over the years, and I constantly thank God for the privilege that I’ve had to do that. I hoped my practiced would be that way, and it was an answer to prayer to find a town like St. Cloud to be able to carry out my practice,” Dr. Morrow shared during the retirement event. “There are great things coming to this community, this hospital and the care here has grown dramatically under the leadership here, and for that I’m very grateful.”

Dr. Morrow earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine and undergraduate degree in clinical chemistry, graduating magna cum laude, from the University of South Florida in Tampa. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Presbyterian Medical Center in Denver.

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HEALTH

Rachael Prete, DO Pediatrics Orlando Health

Orlando Health: Parents Urged To Keep Following SIDS Guidelines Pediatricians are urging parents to continue following CDC guidelines to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome after a recent study grabbed headlines that incorrectly suggested the cause of SIDS had been discovered.

Each year in the United States, about 3,400 babies die unexpectedly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These deaths of infants under a year old include SIDS as well as accidental suffocation while sleeping and other unknown causes.

Australian researchers identified a potential link between low levels of the enzyme butyrylcholinesterase and the likelihood of SIDS. However, at this early stage, it’s too soon to make recommendations based on one study with a sample size of 722 babies.

Many babies in the Australian study who died from SIDS did have low levels of the identified enzyme, but many others who also had low levels of the enzyme are still alive and healthy.

This tells us that there is not a direct, causal relationship between low levels of butyrylcholinesterase and SIDS. The study, though hopeful, is not enough to conclusively say that SIDS results solely from low levels of this one enzyme. Instead, more research needs to be conducted to determine more about the link between butyrylcholinesterase and SIDS. Measuring this enzyme is not the cure for SIDS, and the study is not enough to clinically indicate that doctors should start testing for this enzyme to keep babies safe from SIDS. The best way to protect your sleeping baby is to follow these guidelines: • Place your baby on their back when the baby is sleeping. This practice is recommended for both naps and nighttime sleeping.

• Rely on a firm, flat surface for your baby to sleep on.

• Have your baby sleep in the same room that you do until the infant is between 6 and 12 months old.

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Say ‘Aloha’ to Universal Orlando Resort’s Vibrant New Luau and Family-Friendly Dinner Show Universal Orlando Resort embraces the ‘aloha’ spirit with the much-anticipated return of Loews Royal Pacific Resort’s Wantilan Luau. The festive, family-friendly luau and dinner show returns on Saturdays at 6:00 pm.

The hotel’s captivating evening event unfolds at an outdoor covered pavilion, with the roar of the drums and traditional chants before performers make a dramatic entrance and take the stage. Guests will then take a memorable journey through Polynesian culture featuring the elegance and enchantment of Hawaii, the ancient and vibrating pounding of the Nafa drums of Tonga, the mesmerizing hip shaking dance of Tahiti and the exhilarating and flaming art of the warrior fire dance from Samoa.

“We are delighted to offer this incredible event again to our resort guests, as well as Central Florida residents,” says Managing Director Larry Beiderman. “Every luau is a party and we are thrilled to have many guests come to celebrate birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and other special moments with us.”

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS Disney’s Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical is Back along with its singing, zany comedy and loads of laughs!

Frontier-style family fun is back on the menu as Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue has returned to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground at Walt Disney World Resort.

The Disney-fan favorite features a high-spirited musical performance by the Pioneer Hall Players complete with foot-stompin’ folk songs, singing, dancing, zany comedy, and a fantastic feast—all in the rustic setting of an Old West dance hall.

In between skits and song standards, chow down on all-you-care-to-enjoy fried chicken and smoked BBQ pork ribs, as well as a tossed green salad, cowboy beans, fresh-baked cornbread, macaroni-and-cheese and creamy coleslaw. And be sure to save room for the grand finale… strawberry shortcake!

Unlimited draft beer, wine and sangria are available for Guests 21 years of age and up (proper ID required), and soft drinks are also included. Now in its 48th year, Hoop-DeeDoo Musical Revue is one of the longest-running dinner shows in the United States.

Free Beer is Back All Summer Long at SeaWorld Orlando

It’s looking like it’s going to be a hot summer, so SeaWorld has welcomed back free beer to help those who are fans of a cold one, as they make their way around Central Florida’s favorite theme park!

Now through Aug. 4th, celebrate the summer with a FREE beer at Waterway Grill from 10:30 am until one hour prior to park close. Guests 21 years and older can enjoy one complimentary 7-ounce beer.

The 7-ounce ice-cold draft will be available at the park daily and pairs perfectly with Electric Ocean at SeaWorld Orlando. Cool down with world-class shows, water rides and coasters, including SeaWorld’s NEW Ice Breaker or the always breathtaking Mako!

Looking for the perfect place to view fireworks this July 4th, check out SeaWorld Orlando with four nights of fireworks from Friday, July 1st to Monday, July 4th, weather permitting. For more information, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Marvel’s Newest Hero, Ms. Marvel, to join the “Avengers: Quantum Encounter” dining experience aboard Disney Wish With less than two weeks until the christening of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, Disney has released new details about one of its dining experiences on board, “Avengers: Quantum Encounter.”

Actress Iman Vellani — who stars as Ms. Marvel, the newest Super Hero to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, in a new series on Disney+ — is joining the star-studded line-up in “Avengers: Quantum Encounter,” an all-new interactive show premiering exclusively at Worlds of Marvel restaurant on board the Disney Wish!

She joins other world-renowned Marvel actors in this first-of-its-kind cinematic dining adventure, including Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as The Wasp, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, and Brie Larson as Captain Marvel.

Throughout the “Avengers: Quantum Encounter” dining experience, guests take part in a hands-on demonstration of the latest and greatest Pym Tech, the Quantum Core, hosted by Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne (Ant-Man and The Wasp). Joining in the action will be Ultron, voiced by actor Ross Marquand, eager to get his hands on the powerful “quantum technology.”

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

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Halloween’s Relentless Slasher Michael Myers to Make His Vengeful Return to Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights John Carpenter’s classic 1978 slasher film Halloween returns to stalk Halloween Horror Nights in terrifying haunted houses where guests come face-to-face with the merciless Michael Myers, beginning September 2 at Universal Orlando Resort.

Halloween is one of the most popular horror films of all time and to many fans, spawned the most-feared antagonist in horror movie history – Michael Myers. As the franchise’s latest trilogy concludes with Universal Pictures’ release of Halloween Ends on October 14, guests will venture back to where it all began in “Halloween” – eerily authentic haunted houses that depict the most chilling moments from the criticallyacclaimed original film.

On both coasts, this year’s harrowing experiences will transport guests to the infamous town of Haddonfield, Ill. on Halloween night, when Michael Myers first donned his notorious mask to embark on his brutal rampage. As guests make their way through his dilapidated home and iconic scenes from the movie, they’ll narrowly dodge attacks from the knife-wielding Myers as he stalks their every move.

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TechCentral is a brand new creative space providing access to tools and technologies that will help the community gain the necessary skills to make their dreams a reality!

Featuring: Recording Studio Sewing Studio iMac Computer Lab with Adobe Creative Suite Virtual Reality Equipment Robotics for Kids Photography Studio 3D Printing On Demand Located on the second floor of Hart Memorial Central Library 211 E Dakin Avenue | Kissimmee, FL | 34741

osceolalibrary.org/techcentral | 407.742.8888

Research from Home

with your Osceola Library Card!

Britannica Library

From the makers of Encyclopedia Britannica

Gale Business: Plan Builder Create a customized business plan

America’s News

Archives of newspapers from across America

Mango Languages Learn a new language

And so many more!

osceolalibrary.org/databases

osceolalibrary.org | 407.742.8888

POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Florida Chicken, Mushroom and Bacon Melt, It’s Positively Delicious!

Did you say bacon? Well, if you didn’t we did! And we said it like this… fried chicken, mushroom, and BACON melt.

Yes, a bacon melt. If you’ve never had one… this is the one to try, because we think you’ll agree. It’s Positively Delicious!

INGREDIENTS • 3-4 Florida chicken breasts • 1 (8-ounce) container Florida mushrooms, thinly sliced • 6 strips thick-cut bacon • 4 slices Havarti cheese • 1-2 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning (your favorite) • 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 4-6 sprigs fresh thyme • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste PREPARATION Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season chicken breasts with all-purpose seasoning on both sides and set aside.

Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and cook bacon until crisp. Remove from heat and set aside. Using same pan and rendered bacon grease, sear chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove from pan and place into casserole dish or sheet pan. Place a slice of cheese over each, place in oven and continue to cook for about 10 minutes or until internal thermometer reads 165 degrees. While chicken is in the oven, sauté the mushrooms in the same pan with any leftover pan drippings and butter.

Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon thyme leaves, salt and pepper. Add in the crumbled bacon and mix to combine.

Assemble dish by garnishing each piece of chicken with a spoonful of the mushroom and bacon mixture over top.

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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Florida Grouper Sandwich with New Potato Salad, It’s Positively Delicious!

Florida seafood, it’s so good, and there are so many different ways to prepare it. It’s one of the many blessings we get to enjoy as Floridians or for those who are visiting. There’s one thing for sure, and we think you’ll agree… it’s Positively Delicious INGREDIENTS Florida Grouper Sandwich 8 (3-ounce) Florida grouper fillets, sliced thin 2 Florida tomatoes, sliced 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning 8 small rolls 1 small head romaine lettuce, shredded 1 red onion, sliced thin 1 tablespoon oil for cooking ⅓ cup mayonnaise ½ lemon, juiced 1 teaspoon paprika Cayenne pepper to taste Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste Florida New Potato Salad 6 cups Florida new potatoes, quartered, cooked and cooled 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 tablespoon olive oil

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POINT OF SALE IN OSCEOLA COUNTY

WHAT IS POINT OF SALE? When we say “Point of Sale,” we’re referring to marketing and promoting tobacco products in retail environments – like gas stations, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.

SOME TACTICS THEY USE ARE: Discounting products, appealing to children and young adults.

POINT OF SALE IS THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY’S MAIN MARKETING METHOD.

Paying retailers for prime product location and advertising.

Targeting lower-income communities.

WHY IS POINT OF SALE IMPORTANT?

Studies show that tobacco use is associated with exposure to retail advertising and relatively easy access to tobacco products.

Schools with a higher number of tobacco retailers nearby tend to have higher smoking rates.

More cigarettes are sold in convenience stores than in any other type of store.

WHAT IS OSCEOLA COUNTY DOING?

We are implementing tobacco education and prevention to create awareness within our community. This includes educating local decision makers about the local tobacco retail environment which includes information about product placement and the amount of tobacco retailers near schools.

YOU CAN GET INVOLVED!

CONTACT JEANNE@CIVCOM.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.