Issuu

Park Place honors Shanks at Dillingham grand opening

Council’s Corner. Page 3.

FHSAA considers plan for high school students to receive NIL. Page 3.

Bridging the meal gap while school is in recess; Pulse tribute idea, location concerning. Viewpoint. Page 4.

News Briefs. Page 7.

St. Cloud duo wins Senior Games tennis gold; All-County girls soccer. Sports. Page 9.

Local Services. Page 10.

Public Notices. Page 11.

Brain Food. Page 13.

LOG ON

By Ken Jackson Editor

Jim Shanks wasn’t present Tuesday morning as officials unveiled Dillingham Apartments, but he was very much there in spirit — and on the minds of those gathered.

Shanks was the CEO of Park Place Behavioral Health Services, and was instrumental in pulling together the funding and building partners to bring the project to life — 30 one and two-bedroom apartment units in a case-managed setting that ensures those diagnosed with mental illness or substance abuse issues have an opportunity to have a permanent and dignified place to call home.

Shanks helped break ground on it with city of Kissimmee and Osceola County officials in March 2023, but he passed away in August. The project pressed on, and Tuesday during the ribbon cutting, a plaque debuted, dedicating the James Shanks Building, honoring his near half-century

dedicated to persistently advocating for the most vulnerable — those needing mental health treatment.

School district cutting some sports programs — but keeping many others

By Ken Jackson Editor

In an effort to what the Osceola County School District calls making, “Necessary adjustments to ensure the sustainability and quality of our overall athletic program,” district officials have announced that some elementary and middle school sports programs won’t return for the 202425 school year.

Middle school wrestling, softball, and golf, and the elementary allsports championships have been eliminated for the next school year.

Prior to the May 28 School Board meeting, on May 22, during the week of high school graduations, the School District put notice on Facebook about the changes to the elementary and middle school athletic programs.

“Be assured that this decision was not made lightly. We understand the significant role that sports and physical activities play in the development and well-being of our

Commission set to vote on higher impact fees July 1

By Ken Jackson Editor

Watch the number of houses, businesses and other buildings are being built in Osceola County – they can be easily seen while waiting in traffic – and you know the county is growing extraordinarily.

At a workshop Monday to discuss proposed increases in fees assessed to new development, County Commissioner Ricky Booth put it succinctly.

“Take the Turnpike when you go home, and tell me this isn’t an extraordinary circumstance,” he told a consultant tasked with studying how

See Commission, Page 6.

Despite robust programs at a

students,” the release stated.

“We encourage our students to participate in the remaining sports and extracurricular activities offered and will be working to enhance these programs to accommodate increased interest.”

A number of middle school

programs do remain — basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, cross country, track and field and competitive cheerleading, and elementary school co-ed cross country, soccer and track and field.

School District Athletic Director Ryan Adams said that, while he doesn’t ever like to take away playing opportunities, discussions will continue about what elementary and middle school athletes have available on the way to playing sports in high school, such as club programs.

“The opportunities are there for kids, and growth takes place when they’re younger,” he said. “We discuss this with ADs all the time, and those discussions will continue. We need to make sure kids know about all of the opportunities available, such as club programs. But we just can’t offer 25 middle school sports.”

Adams said district administrators have directed him to assemble a committee to discuss the participation challenge with some

‘Signing Day’ for Osceola Fire Cadet graduates

By Debbie Daniel For the News-Gazette

Each year, at signing ceremonies across the country, student-athletes don the colors of their intended college and commit to attend and play for that school in exchange for a scholarship.

This year, in a pilot program developed by the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners and the county’s Human Resources Department, 20 Osceola County high school graduates attended similar “career signing” ceremonies as part of their journey to become first responders. Donning official Osceola County Fire Rescue EMS hats, these graduates enrolled as the Department’s first-ever class of full-time, noncertified firefighter candidates, known as Fire Cadets. The cadets will be full-time employees with Osceola County during their training and certification process.

Each cadet will earn a full-time salary and employee benefits – including insurance, retirement, vacation time, and more – while they are enrolled in certification coursework through Valencia College.

Park Place CEO and Shanks successor Dr. Garrett Griffin called Tuesday, the culmination of the $8.6

million, three-story community, “A monumental and important task.”

See Fire Cadets, Page 2.

PHOTO/OSCEOLA CO. FIRE RESCUE EMS

Twenty Osceola County high school graduates recently attended a career “signing” ceremony as part of their journey to become first responders.

PHOTO/KATIE WILLIAMS

couple of schools, the School District of Osceola County will no longer sponsor wrestling, along with softball and golf, as part of its middle school sports slate.

PHOTO/KEN JACKSON

From left, Kissimmee Vice Mayor Olga Castano, Jim Shanks’ widow Elaine and County Commissioner Cheryl Grieb cut the ceremonial ribbon for Dillingham Apartments Tuesday. RIGHT - A plaque dedicating it to Jim Shanks adorns the building.

See Sports Programs, Page 2.

aroundosceola.com

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The Osceola News-Gazette is published by Stidham Media Group Holdings, LLC. Phone 407-846-7600. Email at publisher@osceolanewsgazette.com. The Osceola News-Gazette is available online at: www.aroundosceola.com

FIRE CADETS

Continued from Front Page kind for us,” said Fire Rescue EMS Division Chief John Murphy. “We’ve sponsored partially certified firefighter candidates through some training, but this is the first time we’ve started with cadets at step one. It’s really exciting to be able to be part of their journey at this formative stage.”

Statewide, Florida is facing a rising deficit of qualified firefighters, with 1,469 current vacancies and 3,961 new vacancies expected in the next five years. In Osceola County - one of the fastestgrowing counties in the state – the push to recruit locally stems from a need for the department to meet the ever-increasing public safety needs of the county.

Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS has recently opened two new fire stations, with three more stations planned to open within the next five years. This, along with some anticipated employee retirements, presents significant staffing needs for the department. The cadet program is one of several avenues the department is exploring to increase recruitment and retention within the department.

“Our responsibility as a department is ensuring that we are not only recruiting to maintain our staffing and grow with our community, but also creating a career-oriented environment that encourages our firefighters to serve with our department long-term,” Murphy said. “By recruiting locally here in Osceola County, we are able to engage with public service-minded young

SPORTS PROGRAMS

Continued from Front Page

sports county wide, like wrestling.

“Right now our kids get to wrestle four times a year,” he said. “Imagine if we could get a county-wide tournament, and invite other schools, wrestle more, and see how that affects our county.”

Still, the reaction from parents, and coaches, has been overwhelming against the decision, and a number of them made their voices heard at that School Board meeting during the public comment section. Among the complaints were that the decision was made without transparency or input from teachers or coaches, and how the negative impacts include depriving extracurricular opportunities, undermining the sense of camaraderie, community and inclusion at school, and limiting chances for physical activity, personal growth and skill development.

“It’s something kids look forward to and get to be excited about at school,” said Kissimmee’s Aaron Clevenger.

A pair of wrestling coaches, Joseph Armington from Kissimmee Middle School and fellow Coach Brennon Chambers said well-rounded and attended programs at some schools should not suffer because other schools

The 20 new Osceola County Fire Rescue EMS cadets participated in a "signing" ceremony much like athletes do when signing their college scholarships.

men and women who already have a connection to our community. There’s something really special about being able to serve your hometown community, and we’re happy that we can offer these cadets a clear pathway to pursue this career.” The new cadets will begin their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification coursework this summer before moving to Florida Firefighting Standards in the fall. Once they complete their coursework and certifications, the cadets will transition to their initial training as probationary firefighters with Fire Rescue EMS.

do not have programs.

“I had a wrestling coach who changed the trajectory of my life,” Armington said. “I got into coaching to pay it forward.”

Said Chambers: “Taking three years of wrestling away from a kid can cut down on collegiate opportunities. Great coaches can change a life. Athletes are going to lose.”

Whether or not, for example, middle school wrestling programs serve as a feeder to high school teams, wrestlers from four different Osceola County high school programs have won state championships.

While not up for a vote at the School Board meeting, the topic did get some pushback from board members. Jon Arguello said he only received data on the subject, “A day or two before the announcement was made.”

“It’s not a decision I can support,” he said. “We need to allow parents an alternative.”

At the meeting, Board member Julius Melendez noted the move was less a financial decision than a participation decision.

“We need to see if these teams can form as a club and play in tournaments on their own,” he said. “There could be a wrestling club that could go to tournaments on their own.”

Voting Val and Cowboy Cal

PHOTO/OSCEOLA CO. FIRE RESCUE EMS

Council’s Corner

Surviving Hurricane Season 2024 — let’s get prepared

By Wendy Coschignano Ford President/CEO, Osceola Council on Aging

As the saying goes, “seasons change.” They come and go, year after year, but it seems certain seasons pass quicker than others, and others we wish would stick around longer. The Central Florida winter being one, as it is enveloped in a couple of months of holiday celebrations and traditions, coupled with mostly sunny days and cool temperatures. I personally like the Spring season which warms us up, day by day, as we see nature reviving itself after the winter.

In contrast, the annual, dreadful hurricane season

evolves year after year, and remains month after month throughout both the summer and the fall. Further, we never know what the weather will bring over those six months.

As writer Frederick A. Ober stated back in 1898 in the Orlando Evening Star, “The hurricane season will not allow itself to be ‘cribbed, cabined, and confined’ within the limits of three short months, and skips along whenever its blithe fancy takes it, having a way of turning up at the most unexpected seasons.”

This comment is amazingly true, even 126 years later.

The bottom line is hurricane season is hard on everyone, especially our seniors and disabled adults. Bracing for

the storm, fear gets projected from everywhere — the news media, the grocery store, or while simply filling up our gas tanks. We see it in each other’s faces, as we all fear a worst-case scenario.

What is the preventative course of action come the start of June? The simple answer is to be overly prepared at the beginning of each season.

In the past two years, three hurricanes have struck Florida, including Ian in 2022 that brought flooding rains. With that in mind, the 2024 Florida Hurricane Guide recommends everyone have at least seven days of supplies on hand as a preventative measure. Those supplies should include food (nonperishable items and

FHSAA considers compensation for student athletes; local leaders chime in

By Ryan Dailey News Service of Florida

The governing body that oversees Florida highschool athletics could soon approve a proposal that would lead to high-school athletes getting paid through business agreements such as endorsement deals.

The Florida High School Athletic Association held a recent discussion about a potential change to the organization’s bylaws that would allow student-athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness under what is commonly known as an NIL policy. The 13-member board, which includes eight members appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in August, is slated to vote on the proposal during a June 4 meeting.

The proposal would overhaul a part of the

FHSAA’s bylaws that govern “amateurism” in athletics. Schools and districts would have to remain on the sidelines in the deals, according to the plan.

“Student-athletes and their parents/guardians will be required to negotiate any NIL activities independent of their school, school district, or the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association),” the proposal says.

Business deals allowed under the policy would include, but not be limited to, commercial endorsements, promotional activities, social media presence, and product or service advertisements.

The potential change at the high-school level follows a seismic shift in collegiate sports over the past several years that allows college athletes to profit from their

name, image and likeness. An initial NIL law went into effect in Florida in July 2021, and last year DeSantis approved changes expanding the law to allow universities to become more involved in the process.

Under Florida’s collegiate NIL law, colleges and universities are required to offer financial literacy workshops for studentathletes before they graduate.

The high-school NIL policy discussed Thursday also seeks to promote financial education for athletes.

“By providing studentathletes with knowledge about potential legal and financial drawbacks associated with NIL activities, high schools can contribute to the overall welfare of their studentathletes,” the proposal says.

“The FHSAA stands ready

See Student Athletes, Page 13

a non-electric can opener), water (a gallon, per person, per day), medicine, batteries, flashlights, a weather radio, cash, and cell phone chargers. Other items include rain gear such as jackets, hats, umbrellas, and rain boots, along with sturdy shoes. A stocked firstaid kit should also be on hand for those unexpected medical emergencies.

It is important to maintain a list of phone numbers including doctors, banks, and out-of-town contacts.

Additional documentation should include insurance cards, medical records (including prescriptions), banking information, credit

Want to write a letter to the editor? Email it to Editor Ken Jackson at editor@osceolanewsgazette.com.

The views expressed by those contributing to the Viewpoint page do not necessarily reflect those of this newspaper or its staff. The News-Gazette offers a venue for writers—and readers—to express their opinions, and presents them as “opinions” or editorials, and not news.

GUEST EDITORIAL

Bridging the meal gap while school is in recess

By Nancy Brumbaugh

Each year, summer break brings mixed emotions. Kids are excited to be out of school and enjoying time away from alarm clocks, books and tests. But, for many parents–especially moms–the break also generates serious concern.

Despite great strides to close the gender gap, women are still juggling the demands of a full-time job, while also still serving as the primary household manager, overseeing childcare and maintaining the overall budget. In fact, 31% or responders to a 2023 Pew survey say they place more value on a woman’s contributions at home than their professional duties. I can relate. As a mom of four, summer was scary. My kids weren’t always heading to fun activities. They were home. Beyond my concern that they would set the kitchen on fire, no one was there to regulate how, when or what they ate.

Notice of Community Meeting

Osceola County

Housing and Community Services Department

Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)

Community Meeting – MARYDIA & TROPICAL PARK

You are invited to attend the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Community Meeting. This meeting will be an opportunity to discuss the needs of our community and provide input on the Annual Action Plan for fiscal year 2024-2025.

Date and Time: Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 10am – 11am

Location: Housing and Community Services’ Office, 1392 E. Vine St., Kissimmee, FL 34744

For more information or to request an accommodation, please email CDBG@osceola.org at least 48 hours prior to the event.

We look forward to your participation and valuable input!

Aviso de Reunión Comunitaria

Osceola County

Housing and Community Services Department

Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)

Reunión Comunitaria – MARYDIA & TROPICAL PARK

Están invitados a asistir a la Reunión Comunitaria del Programa de Subvenciones en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario (CDBG). Esta reunión será una oportunidad para discutir las necesidades de nuestra comunidad y proporcionar comentarios sobre el Plan de Acción Anual para el año fiscal 2024-2025.

Fecha y Hora: Jueves, 27 de junio de 2024, de 10:00am a 11:00am

Ubicación: Housing and Community Services’ Office, 1392 E. Vine St., Kissimmee, FL 34744

Para más información o para solicitar una adaptación, por favor envíe un correo electrónico a CDBG@osceola.org al menos 48 horas antes del evento. ¡Esperamos su participación y valiosos comentarios!

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) & Title VI Assistance

The Osceola Board of County Commissioners ensures meaningful access to County programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations (i.e., sign language interpreter or materials in accesible format) or individuals with Limited English Proficiency requiring language interpreters to participate in County sponsored meetings, please contact the County’s ADA/Title VI Coordinator, at 407-742-1200 (TTY Users Dial: 711 for the Florida Relay System) or ADA.Coordinator@osceola.org, at least four (4) days prior to the meeting or event.

060624.ONG

CITY OF KISSIMMEE

NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 STATE HOUSING INITIATIVES PARTNERSHIP (SHIP) PROGRAM

The City of Kissimmee was awarded State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program funds from the State of Florida in the amount of $628,202 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to provide affordable housing assistance to households residing within the City of Kissimmee.

A portion of the funds have been set aside for administration ($68,820) and for the Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program which includes the Roof Replacement Program ($333,332). Currently, there is a waiting list for these programs.

The rest of the funds will be allocated to the following eligible programs:

Programs Maximum Award per Unit Who is eligible to apply

Security and/or Utility Deposits

Eviction Prevention

Foreclosure Prevention

New ConstructionInfill Housing

New Construction of Rental Hsg

$5,000

$16,000

$15,000

$50,000 per project/$5,000 per unit

Assistance is available to very low and low income households.

Funds will be awarded to developers for the construction of single family housing for eligible very low and low income homebuyers.

Funds will be available to developers for the construction of rental projects/ units for eligible very low and low income renters.

The City of Kissimmee may also use funds for a Disaster Relief Program. Following a disaster as declared by the President or the Governor of the State, funds may be allocated to provide assistance for emergency supplies, tree/debris removal, and insurance deductible. In the event of a disaster, the City will advertise ways to access these funds.

SHIP funds will be available starting July 8, 2024. The amount budgeted for each program depends on the demand for the services. Assistance will be provided on a first qualified, first served basis with priorities to households who are very low income with special needs. Applications will be distributed until all of the funding has been spent.

And that meant more snacking and a heftier grocery budget. I know many families face this same situation.

According to recent data, the USDA recommends that a family of four set a monthly budget for groceries between $975 to $1,500–which can quickly spike over the summer. That’s where summer food service programs, like the one managed by Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, come in. The goal is to bridge the meal gap so that families who are at risk of not being able to afford enough food to eat every day can get the nourishment they need.

Now in its 15th year, the Summer Food Service Program provides more than 100,000 nutritious breakfasts and lunches to local children at 65 sites–primarily serving communities that are not within walking distance of a school that is also a federally funded Summer BreakSpot. With 1 in 5 children across Central Florida likely to experience food insecurity on any given day of the year, our feeding sites are needed more than ever. After covering inflexible costs–such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities and insurance–

Pulse

Dear Editor:

eliminating one or two trips to the grocery store a month can be the easiest way to balance a family’s household budget. But the long-term impacts of those skipped meals can add up quickly. That’s why our mission at Second Harvest Food Bank is to continue feeding hope over the summer so we can ease the burden for moms and other home managers. Mom-guilt can be unforgiving. We’re always second-guessing ourselves, asking if we’re doing enough

for our kids. My hope is that the Summer Food Service Program can eliminate just one worry for another mom, grandmother or primary caretaker. But making sure that happens takes community support. To sign up as a volunteer or to financially contribute as a monthly meal-maker, visit www.FeedHopeNow.org.

Nancy Brumbaugh, after working in the school system in food service, is the Chief Food Service Officer at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

tribute idea, location concerning

It was a surprise to most that our Osceola County Commissioners recently announced plans for a 49-foottall monument to be placed

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-36

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of St. Cloud, Florida, at a meeting to be held on June 13, 2024, in their Chamber at City Hall, 1300 9th Street, St. Cloud, Florida at 6:30 p.m., will consider the adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-36 entitled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. CLOUD, FLORIDA TO ANNEX INTO THE CITY OF ST. CLOUD APPROXIMATELY +/- 6.03 ACRES IDENTIFIED AS TOHO WATER AUTHORITY WATER PLANT, LOCATED AT 3201 KISSIMMEE PARK RD, SAINT CLOUD FL; IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 171.044, FLORIDA STATUTES.

in Brownie Wise Park in Kissimmee. It purports to be a “tribute” to the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting. Some of the survivors and family of that horrible day felt they should have been privy to that decision. Although we sympathize with the victims, family and community of this tragedy, it seems odd and out of place for Osceola County to take on such a project. The tragedy took place in the city of Orlando which has not yet completed its own memorial. Shouldn’t the city of Orlando be given the opportunity to complete their own memorial before our commissioners step in with their own “tribute” piece? Osceola County officials claim that the sculpture is intended to be a “tribute piece” and not as a memorial because a memorial belongs at the site of the tragedy. The rationale is that as a tribute piece it will not refer to the events that unfolded on that day as a memorial would. However, one might argue back that a 49’ “tribute piece” stands as a memorial in any case. Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to provide a plaque, or some other commemoration at the burial sites of victims who were from our own local communities? Couldn’t funding for this type of project come from the donations of those in favor of it?

Interested parties may appear at the meeting at which time this ORDINANCE is to be considered and shall be heard with respect to the proposed ORDINANCE at the Public Hearing thereon. This ORDINANCE in its entirety can be reviewed at the City Clerk’s office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Committee/Board, with respect to any matter considered at such hearing/meeting, such person will need a record of the proceedings and that, for this purpose, such person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based, and which record is not provided by the City of St. Cloud. (FS 286.0105)

Also concerning is the designated site. Choosing Brownie Wise Park isn’t practical. Altman Road is narrow and without sidewalks which runs through a residential area. People riding their bikes, or walking their dog are vulnerable to an increased traffic pattern.

Please contact Frances De Jesus, Housing and Community Development Manager at (407) 518-2156 or by e-mail Frances.Dejesus@kissimmee.gov if you would like to apply to any of these programs or would like to place your name of the waiting list for the Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program. You may find additional information on the City’s Housing and Community Development Division website: https://www.kissimmee.gov/ departments/development-services/housing-community-development It is unlawful to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. If any accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please contact the City of Kissimmee City Clerk’s office at (407) 518-2308. FAIR HOUSING/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY JURISDICTION 053024.ONG

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the Secretary/Clerk of the Committee/Board (listed below), prior to the meeting. (FS 286.26)

Ivy Llauro, City Clerk 1300 9th Street, St. Cloud, Florida 34769 407-957-7300

Even more troubling is that the $250,000 comes from unspent federal covid relief money. Shouldn’t these funds be used to benefit those in our community still struggling to pay their bills because they lost their jobs due to COVID? How about using that money to increase assistance to those who can’t pay their mortgage, afford groceries or child care? Shouldn’t designated relief funds be spent to relieve those it was intended for and not the pet project of a few? It appears that this idea was never voted on but decided by consensus only. It seems to be just another unaccountable misappropriation of funds which doesn’t reflect the desire or needs of Osceola County. Charles Owen Kissimmee

PHOTO/METRO CREATIVE

Poinciana

Shredding, gardening, and more at the

By Lisa Goldmacher St. Cloud Columnist

Learn the essentials of preparing for a hurricane by attending Hurricane Preparedness at the Poinciana Library, on Friday, June 7 from 10-11 a.m. Presented by Osceola County Office of Emergency Management this timely presentation will help prepare for what experts say will be an above-average storm season. The Osceola Library System’s Read, Renew, Repeat Summer Learning 2024 program has begun. There will be in-person programs for kids, teens and adults including performers, book clubs and more. There is also an Online Reading Challenge – a chance to win cool prizes on Beanstack, the Library’s reading log, for those who download the app. School age children aged 6-12 can join Camp iREAD on Thursday, June 6 from 2-3 p.m. Craft your own one-of-a-kind sun catcher. Read, Renew, Repeat: Come on Barbie, Let’s Go Party! Put on your perfect outfit on Monday, June 10 at 5 p.m. before participating in some of Barbie’s and Ken’s favorite activities! Teens ages 12-18 can watch the hit movie Barbie (PG-13). Make sure to bring a solid color t-shirt to create a personalized one.

Adults can join in on the Read, Renew, Repeat by attending the Book Swap. Bring an old favorite and leave with a new one on Tuesday, June 11 from 6:30-8 p.m. It is also an opportunity to connect with other readers. CampiREAD presents

Library

Gatorland on Wednesday, June 12 from 10-11 a.m. Meet Florida’s most famous resident and watch as an American Alligator is brought into the room. You will meet Gator Wranglers from Gatorland who will share stories of close encounters with these feared predators. Attendees will also have their own encounter with the alligator.

Kids age 6-11 can come back to CampiREAD where the topic is All About Busy Bees on Thursday, June 13 from 2-3 p.m. Learn about bees give us food, how beekeepers take care of them and how to protect these important insects.

Adults are invited to the Library on Friday, June 14th from 10 a.m.-noon for an arts and crafts morning. The title of this program is Recycled Button Art. That afternoon there is also a special Family Movie Matinee: Wall-E at 2 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon and keep cozy with a blanket and pillow from home. This G-rated movie’s plot is in the distant future a small wastecollecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.

The newly opened Burlington Coat Factory has donated to the National nonprofit AdoptAClassroom.org which supports classrooms and students. The donation of $5,000 will be used to help further educational programs at Deerwood Elementary School.

If you have any Poinciana news or information that you would like to share, call Lisa Concepcion at 407-319-9700 or email lisaconcepcion810@ yahoo.com.

By Terry Lloyd For the News-Gazette

Up until about 20 years ago, there was a long-running cartoon strip called “They’ll Do It Every Time.” In one or two panels, the cartoon would lampoon deceptive, pretentious, unwitting, or scheming human behavior. Well, if the strip were still around today, what is being called the “VA Bonus Scandal” would have been a great subject. In anticipation of over one million new toxic exposure claims made possible by the 2023 PACT Act, Congress authorized a $117 million bonus fund for the VA to retain staff deemed to have critical skills needed to manage the influx and attract new staff

Become a Florida Friendly Angler

Submitted by Florida FWC

Keep Florida the Fishing and Boating Capital of the World by becoming a Florida Friendly Angler (FFA) today. This free, self-paced, narrated online course is perfect for new and experienced anglers who want to learn about best fishing practices, protecting fish habitat and marine fisheries management.

FFA informs users about the state’s aquatic environments, best practices when fishing and the inner workings of fisheries management. By teaching the how and why behind topics that anglers encounter while fishing in Florida, the program reinforces practices that can reduce the impact while fishing, ensuring the creation of great future fishing stories. This course is now also offered in Spanish.

Veteran’s Voice

needed to plus up for the program.

About 180 of the VA’s most senior managers based in D.C. looked around, said “Well heck, I’m critical to the cause,” and skimmed $11 million off the top for themselves, even though they were in no way eligible. A very damming VA Inspector General report also determined that there was widespread reluctance among junior employees to point out the error, and even some cases of intimidation towards those “minions” who dared to question their bosses getting bonuses. Although required to pay back the erroneous bonuses, some executives are appealing and even taking legal action to keep their illgotten gain. Although I already know the answer, I will still

ask the question: why are these individuals still employed at the VA, and not facing criminal fraud charges? The IG report is available at https://bit. ly/4aOcS3T

Hurricane Preparedness and VA Healthcare

If you are a veteran new to Florida, or perhaps caring for a veteran, the VA has a very comprehensive website with great general hurricane preparedness tips and access to specific Orlando Area VA healthcare information during emergencies. You can never go wrong by being prepared as soon as we enter into the storm season, which starts in June, and by staying informed as individual storms become a potential threat to our area. More information at https://bit.

ly/3QYy9AD

CHAMPVA expands healthcare coverage In May, the VA expanded coverage for medical services, including mental health care, for the over 700,000 family members and primary family caregivers participating in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). These beneficiaries now have new coverage for audio-only telehealth, extended mental health care, and contraceptive services. For more information see https://bit.ly/3VbJuzH Always looking for your input and news on veteranrelated events, please send along to osceolavets@gmail. com.

By Lisa Goldmacher

St. Cloud Columnist

St. Cloud Summer BreakSpot meal locations for St Cloud

Summer BreakSpot provides nutritious meals at no cost to children ages 18 and under while school is out for the summer. Sites in the St. Cloud area will be:

Canoe Creek Charter Academy, breakfast MondayThursday 8:30-9:30 a.m., lunch Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.12:30 p.m.; Harmony Middle School, breakfast Monday-Thursday 7:15-9 a.m., lunch MondayThursday 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.;

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-40

Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission of the City of St. Cloud, Florida, at a meeting to be held on June 18, 2024, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1300 9th Street, St. Cloud, Florida at 6:00 p.m., will consider the issue and make a recommendation relative to enactment of Ordinance No. 2024-40 entitled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. CLOUD, FLORIDA, ASSIGNING A ZONING DISTRICT OF “PUD” PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT, COMPATIBLE WITH A “MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL” FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION CHANGE, ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE NO. 2024-39, FOR APPROXIMATELY +/- 23.28 ACRES IDENTIFIED AS EDEN LIVING PUD, LOCATED SOUTH OF HAYWOOD RUFFIN RD, EAST OF S. NARCOOSSEE RD, WEST OF PUFFIN RD, NORTH OF LILLIAN LEE RD; PROVIDING FOR ENTERING THE DESIGNATION ON THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP, PROVIDING FOR APPROVAL OF THE PRELIMINARY MASTER PLAN, FILING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION AND PROOF OF PUBLICATION, SEVERABILITY, AND EFFECTIVE DATE.

Interested parties may appear at the meeting at which time this ORDINANCE is to be considered and shall be heard with respect to the proposed ORDINANCE at the Public Hearing thereon. This ORDINANCE, in its entirety can be reviewed at the Community Development Department between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Katherine Day, Planning Commission Secretary 1300 9th Street, St. Cloud, FL 34769 (407) 957-8427

Ivy Llauro, City Clerk 1300 9th Street, St. Cloud, Florida 34769 407-957-7300

Mater Academy, breakfast Monday-Friday 8-8:30 a.m., lunch Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; St. Cloud Middle School, breakfast Monday-Thursday 8:45-9:30 a.m., lunch MondayThursday 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Michigan Avenue Elementary School, breakfast Monday-Friday 8:45-9:30 a.m., lunch Monday-Friday 11 a.m.12:30 p.m.; St. Cloud High School, Breakfast Monday-Thursday 7:15-8 a.m., lunch MondayThursday 11-11:30 a.m.

St. Cloud Preparatory School, breakfast MondayFriday 7-7:50 a.m., lunch Monday-Friday 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; St. Cloud Boys & Girls Club, lunch – Monday-Friday 12-1 p.m., snacks available MondayFriday 2:50-3:15 p.m.

Lakeview Elementary School, breakfast MondayFriday 8:45-9:30 a.m., lunch Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.;

Neptune Elementary School, breakfast MondayThursday 8:45-9:30 a.m., lunch Monday - Thursday 11 a.m.12:30 p.m.

If you are an incoming sixth grader zoned for Harmony Middle School, there are 6th Grade Orientations scheduled for Monday-Thursday June 10-3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on all days. The orientation is an introduction to the campus, staff, policies and procedures. Also covered will be learning key organizational skills for Middle School. To register, go to https://forms.office.com/r/ mbijxajv8p.

AMVETS Post 33 will host its inaugural Gator Tail Dinner. Enjoy gator tail, fries, coleslaw and dessert on Thursday, June 6 from 6-8 p.m. at 4310 Deer Run Road. Tickets are $25.

Enjoy raffles and karaoke with Woodman.

St. Cloud Main Street’s Storybook Adventures returns Saturdays, from June 8 to July 27. Each week children will begin their tour at St. Cloud Main Street’s Little Library Box at 903 Pennsylvania Ave., and pick up a map that will lead them to downtown St. Cloud. The map will take them to specific locations to glance into the store fronts of participating businesses, reading one page at a time until they complete that week’s story. On that week’s Saturday, at 10:30 a.m. the host business welcomes them to meet the author, and the first 20 families in attendance will receive a free book to have autographed and take photos with the author. If your child dresses in a costume, inspired by the book, they may win tickets to the St. Cloud Twin Theater. Those who attend all eight events, will be entered into a drawing to win a family ticket four-pack to Wild Florida. Signup for this free event at www.bit. ly/2024storybook.

Adults are invited to join Summer 2024 Adult Coed Softball League. Games are played on Wednesday nights from Jun 26 to Sept. 4. New this season: individual walkout music, players announced at plate and prizes and awards! Fee is $580 for a team and $60 for free agent. Register at https://www.goodcallsports. com/book-online? category=405d6a60=e1d94f55-a351-788bc74907eb. For more information, go to infogoodcallsports.com or call 407-308-5977.

If you have any St. Cloud news or information that you would like to share, call Lisa Goldmacher at 407-319-9700 or email lcgoldmacher@yahoo. com.

COMMISSION

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much the county charges, if it should be more, and how fast.

It is that intensity of the moment, as the need for services and improvements outweighs the impact fees Osceola County and the City of St. Cloud are collecting, that is moving them to increase those fees – dramatically. Impact fees, paid at the time a building permit is issued, are generally passed on from the builder or developer to the buyer. The one-time fee is paid to the county to maintain the same level of services, such as police and fire protection, medical services and transportation infrastructure. Residents also pay fees for fire protection out of their property taxes, “ad valorem” taxes that are based on a property’s value.

Osceola County discussed its plans and options to increase fees at the first of two workshops on Monday; the second is scheduled for this coming Monday at 1:30 p.m. The state mandates two such workshops must be offered to the public before a board can vote to put in immediate increases to address “extraordinary circumstances”. A vote on the increases is currently scheduled for July 1; the increases could not officially go into effect for 90 days after the vote. In this case, that would be October.

Two types of fees were discussed Monday: fire impact fees and mobility fees, and they pay for just what they say – fire protection and expansions related to roads. The state mandates any impact fee increase of 25% must be phased in over two years or 50% over four years, and fees can only be increased once in four years. And, by phasing in the fees, the county would actually receive less money in the first year, and see rates stay steady the next three years, before rates could jump in that fifth year.

That is, unless officials deem there are “extraordinary circumstances”. Factor in that Osceola County’s population is expected to nearly double by 2045 to 827,000, and that the cost of building a mile of road has increased from $3 million per mile in 2012 to $5 million in 2021 to $7.5 million in 2023, the ingredients are present for an emergency – that the fire department can’t fix.

Under a proposal, tied to an equation that takes the land use into account, the county’s mobility fee on a single-family home would increase 150% from $10,000 to $25,012. In St.

Cloud, the proposed rate would go from $6,442 to $20,866. Other land uses would see big jumps, like condos and apartments (129%), standalone grocery stores (tripling from $21,000 to $63,000) and pharmacies with a drivethrough from $14,000 to a staggering $100,000. The plan does include some decreases: a 10% drop in the county and 47% for fitness and athletic clubs, 8% and 29% for places of worship, and 50% for hospitals and clinics.

On July 1, the Board can vote to adopt the new fee structure, still adopt them at a lower rate, vote to phase them in over time, or leave them as is.

When Booth gave pause to making it harder for businesses to want to build in the county, County Manager Don Fisher said the county can’t “pick and choose” which categories to raise, per state statute, but can offer economic development incentives.

“I think we absolutely need to slow down residential construction. What we don’t need to slow down is commercial, industrial and employment center growth,” Booth said.“That’s the only thing that scares me. I hate beating this dead horse, but you’re exacerbating the issue by putting more houses on more land in an urban style without any commercial or employment center concurrent development.You’re actually making it worse than what it’s intended to do. I hate we’re raising this for commercial because it’s not what we need.”

While the fire fee increases met with less opposition – county Fire Chief Larry Collier noted the county is building two new fire stations, rebuilding another, needs new equipment and to buy new land (which isn’t coming cheap) – developers and business advocates took issue with the speed in which the process is moving.

“We need more time to study this,” said local attorney Jo Thacker, who often represents development applicants. It took a year to study this, and now you want to vote on it in a month.”

A number of building and apartment developers also expressed a need for “more reasonable and predictable increases,” and The Osceola Chamber (of Commerce) also asked for time to conduct a peer review study for input from its members.

COUNCIL’S CORNER

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card numbers, birth certificates and social security cards, at a minimum. Extra sets of car and house keys are also advisable. Other recommended supplies are listed at https://www. floridadisaster.org/planprepare/ hurricane-supply-checklist/.

Each hurricane season, the Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) partners with the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County (DOHOsceola), and the Osceola County Office of Emergency Management for Hurricane Season Shelter Training. This training helps the DOH-Osceola employees, and the OCOA be better prepared to serve the special needs population during this potentially volatile season.

“The partnership between DOH-Osceola, the Osceola County Office of Emergency Management, and OCOA ensures the most vulnerable in our community are cared for during a disaster,” said Vianca McCluskey, administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County.

“To support our planning efforts, those with special needs are encouraged to pre-register now if they have no other sheltering options available. Pre-registering allows our staff to verify that everyone meets those criteria or provide additional options if not eligible,” added McCluskey.

Further, the OCOA campus hosts countywide initiatives to support residents with special needs during a hurricane emergency. If you or someone you know may need specialized clinical care, call (407) 742-9001, or complete the online Special Needs Shelter registration, at snr.flhealthresponse.com, or visit Osceola.org.

With that, let’s all get prepared! And most importantly, once prepared, have a safe, fun, active, and blessed summer season.

On May 23, representatives from Joshua Stevens Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution delivered four diaper bags filled with diapers, wipes, clothing, bibs, handmade burp pads, toys and more, over $400 in needed baby gifts, to the Orlando VA Medical Center at Lake Nona for female veterans who are new mothers. This was ahead of the VA’s Women’s Clinic Baby Shower coming up in June.

In The News

Joshua Stevens DAR Chapter delivers baby gifts to VA Center

Chapter Regent Kim Tennison, Chapter Vice Regent Ginny Brown, Chapter America 250 Chair Nona Osha and HODAR (Husband Of DAR Member) Michael Osha headed up the collection and transportation. The Joshua Stevens Chapter collected items off the chapter’s Amazon Wish List from their members since January.

“It was exciting for our chapter to see this project come to completion. I am so amazed by the generosity of our members,” Chapter Regent Kim Tennison said. “Female veterans are often overlooked and our chapter members wanted to help change that.”

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of

information amassed by the DAR about these patriots.

Extended road closure at railroad crossing in Kissimmee

East Park Street between Lawrence Silas Boulevard and Brack Street on the northeast side of downtown Kissimmee will be closed as soon as Wednesday, June 5 for “an extended period of time” to allow for construction at the railroad crossing.

The Florida Department of Transportation said the work will continue through early September.

Residences on East Park Street will have local access, but Sidewalks on East Park Street will be closed during the project. The detour around the closure for those on Lawrence Silas will involve right turns onto Neptune Road, Main Street, Brack Street and Park. Or, go north on Brack Street, then right on Oak Street to get to Lawrence Silas. Work will be done around the clock to allow rail service, like SunRail, Amtrak and freight service, to be maintained during

construction. Nearby residents should expect additional train horns during the construction activity, FDOT said, due to federal regulations requiring train horns to sound as a safety measure to alert construction crews of an approaching train.

Inquiries should be directed to the District 5 Public Information Office at FDOTD5COMM@dot.state.fl.us or 386-943-5593.

Awards for St. Cloud: budgeting, economic advancement

The City of St. Cloud has earned awards from the Government Finance Officers Association and Florida League of Cities.

For the third consecutive year, the city earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation award. The City had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for. “How its budget serves as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide and a communications device.”

Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and in 14 criteria within those categories, to

SAY HELLO to

the POSSIBILITIES

receive the award.

“Our Finance Department has worked hard the past few years to ensure we are providing our residents with the best budget document we can, and we are proud that our efforts are recognized by our peers,” said City Finance Director Jeff Cooper.

The Florida League of Cities also announced St.

Cloud earned the Economic Advancement Award, which focuses on a city program that supports, highlights or partners with a city’s local business community to improve its economic well-being. The city developed a Downtown Economic Gardening Program, which promotes companies growing from within their own structure. In St. Cloud, that included financial and technical assistance programs for businesses affected by the pandemic and, later, the prolonged downtown streetscape construction project. The program offered $190,000 in grants, technical support, fee waivers and marketplace information for affected businesses.

BELLAVIVA AT WESTSIDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET; NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE IMPOSITION OF OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS, ADOPTION OF AN ASSESSMENT ROLL, AND THE LEVY, COLLECTION, AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE SAME; AND NOTICE OF REGULAR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING.

Upcoming Public Hearings, and Regular Meeting

The Board of Supervisors (“Board”) for the Bellaviva at Westside Community Development District (“District”) will hold the following two public hearings and a regular meeting:

DATE: June 25, 2024

TIME: 11:00 A.M.

LOCATION: Hampton Inn & Suites 4971 Calypso Cay Way Kissimmee, Florida 34746

The first public hearing is being held pursuant to Chapter 190, Florida Statutes to receive public comment and objections on the District’s proposed budget (“Proposed Budget”) for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2025 (“Fiscal Year 2025”). The second public hearing is being held pursuant to Chapters 190 and 197, Florida Statutes to consider the imposition of operations and maintenance special assessments (“O&M Assessments”) upon the lands located within the District, to fund the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2025; to consider the adoption of an assessment roll; and, to provide for the levy, collection, and enforcement of assessments. At the conclusion of the hearings, the Board will, by resolution, adopt a budget and levy O&M Assessments as finally approved by the Board. A Board meeting of the District will also be held where the Board may consider any other District business.

Description of Assessments

The District imposes O&M Assessments on benefitted property within the District for the purpose of funding the District’s general administrative, operations, and maintenance budget. A geographic depiction of the property potentially subject to the proposed O&M Assessments is identified in the map attached hereto. The table below shows the schedule of the proposed O&M Assessments, which are subject to change at the hearing:

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The proposed O&M Assessments as stated include collection costs and/or early payment discounts, which Osceola County (“County”) may impose on assessments that are collected on the County tax bill. Moreover, pursuant to Section 197.3632(4), Florida Statutes, the lien amount shall serve as the “maximum rate” authorized by law for O&M Assessments, such that no assessment hearing shall be held or notice provided in future years unless the assessments are proposed to be increased or another criterion within Section 197.3632(4), Florida Statutes, is met. Note that the O&M Assessments do not include any debt service assessments previously levied by the District that are due to be collected for Fiscal Year 2025.

For Fiscal Year 2025, the District intends to have the County tax collector collect the assessments imposed on certain developed property. It is important to pay your assessment because failure to pay will cause a tax certificate to be issued against the property which may result in loss of title, or for direct billed assessments, may result in a foreclosure action, which also may result in a loss of title. The District’s decision to collect assessments on the tax roll or by direct billing does not preclude the District from later electing to collect those or other assessments in a different manner at a future time.

Additional Provisions

The public hearings and meeting are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law. A copy of the Proposed Budget, proposed assessment roll, and the agenda for the hearings and meeting may be obtained at the offices of the District Manager, located at c/o Wrathell, Hunt and Associates, LLC, 2300 Glades Road, Suite 410W, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, Ph: (561) 571-0010 (“District Manager’s Office”), during normal business hours. The public hearings and meeting may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at the hearings or meeting. There may be occasions when staff or board members may participate by speaker telephone.

Any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Manager’s Office at least three (3) business days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1, or 1-800-955-8771 (TTY) / 1-800-955-8770 (Voice), for aid in contacting the District Manager’s Office.

Please note that all affected property owners have the right to appear at the public hearings and meeting and may also file written objections with the District Manager’s Office within twenty days of publication of this notice. Each person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the public hearings or meeting is advised that person will need a record of proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.

District Manager

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Joshue Stevens DAR Chapter collected over $400 for the VA’s new veteran mothers.

Notice of Community Meeting

Osceola County Housing and Community Services Department

Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Community Meeting – COUNTY-WIDE VIRTUAL

Date and Time: Tuesday, June 25, 2024, 6:00pm – 7:00pm Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86009710861?pwd=L1XNEKBgsDNFg0Ptc7BPVvuXR2To4a.1

Meeting ID: 860 0971 0861

Password: 185276

For more information or to request an accommodation, please email CDBG@osceola.org at least 48 hours prior to the event. We look forward to your participation and valuable input!

Aviso de Reunión Comunitaria

Osceola County Housing and Community Services Department

Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Reunión Comunitaria – COUNTY-WIDE VIRTUAL

Fecha y Hora: Martes, 25 de junio de 2024, de 6:00pm – 7:00pm Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86009710861?pwd=L1XNEKBgsDNFg0Ptc7BPVvuXR2To4a.1 Meeting ID: 860 0971 0861

Password: 185276

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) & Title VI Assistance

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

June 6, 2024

Osceola County 1392 E. Vine Street Kissimmee, FL 32437 (407) 742-8418

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by Osceola County.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about June 24, 2024, Osceola County will submit a request to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title 1 of the Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a project known as Marydia Pavilion Replacement Project for the purpose of replacing the pavilion at the park at 2942 Tampa Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34744. The project will use an estimated $63,000 of CDBG funding.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

Osceola County has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the Housing and Community Services office at 1392 E. Vine Street, Kissimmee, FL 32437 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8A.M to 5P.M. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Osceola County Housing and Community Services office, by phone at (407) 742-8414 or email Danika.Ransom@osceolacounty.org. All comments received by June 21, 2024, will be considered by Osceola County prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

Osceola County certifies to HUD that Don Fisher in his capacity as County Manager consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows Osceola County to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and Osceola County’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of Osceola County; (b) Osceola County has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to HUD Program Environmental Specialist at the HUD – Jacksonville Florida Field Office. Potential objectors should contact HUD Program Environmental Specialist at the HUD – Jacksonville Florida Field Office to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Don Fisher County Manager, Osceola County, Florida.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) & Title VI Assistance

The Osceola Board of County Commissioners ensures meaningful access to County programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations (i.e., sign language interpreter or materials in accesible format) or individuals with Limited English Proficiency requiring language interpreters to participate in County sponsored meetings, please contact the County’s ADA/ Title VI Coordinator, at 407-742-1200 (TTY Users Dial: 711 for the Florida Relay System) or ADA.Coordinator@osceola.org, at least four (4) days prior to the meeting or event.

PARK PLACE

Continued

Florida Housing Finance Corporation, the National Housing Trust Fund, Osceola County and City of Kissimmee provided funding.

“This offers affordable and supportive options to some of our most vulnerable citizens, those diagnosed with serious mental illness,” Griffin said. “We’ve worked hard to find the needs, for people in their darkest days. When it came time to built an apartment, we were a little overwhelmed. We’ve never built an apartment before.”

Griffin told of how Shanks would talk to those in health programs, forming the vision for Tuesday.

“Jim heard the plight of the challenges of those we serve, maintaining stable, affordable housing.”

Osceola County Commissioner Cheryl Grieb said the vision for Dillingham has been with her for over a decade, first as a city commissioner and as a professional Realtor.

“Looking at this piece of property, I knew it could be so much more,” Grieb said — on her birthday. “That’s part of why Park Place is the perfect partner. The funding source for these 30 units, it’s the first year it’s available. All the pieces fell in place.

“A lot of our chronic

homeless, our veterans, suffer from serious mental health issues — this is what we need. I know Jim would be so ecstatic, because he saw the vision as well. He’s not physically with us, but he’s here in spirit and in our hearts and will always be remembered.”

Kissimmee Vice Mayor Olga Castano said the city needs more facilities like Dillingham. “When we come together, this is what happens,” she said. Dillingham Apartments is currently taking applications. For information call TPI Management 407-908-7050 or email Dillingham@goTPI.gov.

Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Wetland

To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals

This is to give notice that Osceola County has determined that the following proposed action under Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and B-24-UC-12-0200 is located in the wetland, and Osceola County will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the wetland and the potential impacts on the wetland from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The project is for realignment of the existing crosswalk along Waters Edge Drive from Hidden Springs Circle to Coco Bay Circle to improve the pedestrian route to Ventura Elementary School. The project consists of removing and/or relocating curb ramps at the intersections of Waters Edge Drive and the following side streets: Hidden Springs Circle; Rock Springs Court; Blue Springs Court; Green Cove Court; Blue Bayou Drive; Blackwater Court; Lost Creek Court; Coco Bay Circle. The project will use $418,100.00 of CDBG funding to improve safety along the Waters Edge corridor by rebuilding existing sidewalk connections to code, building new ADA compliant crossings and crosswalks, and provide a safe walking and bicycling path for students attending Ventura Elementary School, at the southern end of the project limits, and for residents who want to access Waters Edge Community Neighborhood Park, located in the center of the project boundaries. Approximately 0.1 acres of wetlands will potentially be adversely affected by the project.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in wetlands and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the wetland, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by Osceola County at the following address on or before June 21, 2024: Osceola County Housing and Community Services, 1392 E Vine Street, Kissimmee, FL 34744 and 407-742-8418. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday at the address above and www.osceola.org. Comments may also be submitted via email at CDBG@osceola.org.

Date: June 6, 2024

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) & Title VI Assistance

The Osceola Board of County Commissioners ensures meaningful access to County programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations (i.e., sign language interpreter or materials in accesible format) or individuals with Limited English Proficiency requiring language interpreters to participate in County sponsored meetings, please contact the County’s ADA/Title VI Coordinator, at 407-742-1200 (TTY Users Dial: 711 for the Florida Relay System) or ADA.Coordinator@osceola.org at least four (4) days prior to the meeting or event

Notice of Community Meeting

Osceola County

Housing and Community Services Department

Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)

Community Meeting – BUENAVENTURA LAKES (BVL)

Date and Time: Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 10:00am – 11:00am

Location: Robert Guevera Community Center, 501 Florida Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34743

For more information or to request an accommodation, please email CDBG@osceola.org at least 48 hours prior to the event.

We look forward to your participation and valuable input!

Aviso de Reunión Comunitaria

Osceola County

Housing and Community Services Department

Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Reunión Comunitaria – BUENAVENTURA LAKES (BVL)

Fecha y Hora: Martes, 25 de junio de 2024, de 10:00am a 11:00am

Ubicación: Robert Guevera Community Center, 501 Florida Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34743

The Osceola Board of County Commissioners ensures meaningful access to County programs, services, and activities to

Local tennis duo proves you’re never too old to go for the Gold

By Debbie Daniel For the News-Gazette

Local tennis players Gary Greenberg and Jim Mead are proof that you’re never too old to go for the Gold. The partners competed in the regional Senior Games qualifiers in October and placed first, then went on to compete in the Florida State Senior Games in December, where they won Gold in the 7074 age division.

“I think we played very well, especially in the finals,” said Greenberg, 73, of St. Cloud. “It was nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time. We played against two very competitive and tough players.”

Greenberg first took up tennis when he was 47, which, as he says, is rather late to pick up a game that requires a lot of skill and practice. He participated in United States Tennis Association leagues for several years and improved his game over time. “I

think I’m playing better now than I ever have in the past,” he said.

Mead, 70, of Harmony, played tennis casually when he was in his teens, but never played in an organized league until he retired and moved to Florida.

“We had moved to Clermont, and they had a league in my community. That was in 2013, so I’ve been playing for about 10 years as a retiree,” he said.

When Mead moved to Harmony a couple of years ago, he started playing with a group of players at Twin Lakes in St. Cloud, where he met Greenberg.

“We decided to team up and play doubles and compete in the Florida Senior Games,” Mead said.

The Senior Games are an Olympic-style competition for athletes ages 50 and over. The duo has already qualified for this year’s State Games, which will be held in December. If they place in the top four, they qualify for the 2025 National Senior Games in Des Moines, Iowa.

GIRLS SOCCER

“That’s a stretch, but It would be wonderful to qualify for the National Senior Games,” Mead said.

The men have developed a friendship in the two years they have been tennis partners. In true tennis fashion, they lobbed compliments back and forth during their interview:

“Jim came through big time in the finals. He’s very dependable in many phases of the game. His serve is very, very good. In fact, I always let him serve first because he is so dependable,” Greenberg said.

“I’ll just brag on [Gary] a little bit. Have you ever heard the term ‘speed kills’? Speed kills in tennis, too, and Gary’s a killer. He’s so fast. His speed is really an asset to the team,” Mead returned.

“Jim is just very, very dependable. Very steady, very confident,” Greenberg added.

“It was Gary’s skill and unwillingness to lose that helped us win. But more, as a team, I think we both have a lot of trust in each other, so when things

Getting Defensive— Linscott led champion Longhorns

get tight, we both kind of bear down and we’re able to lean on each other for support and just will ourselves to win,” Mead said. That camaraderie is shared within the Twin Lakes tennis group, Greenberg said.

“It’s been a great relationship and a great opportunity, and I’ve really enjoyed playing with this Twin Lakes crew in St. Cloud. There are times when maybe in our tennis group, one of us doesn’t show up, and we’ll ask, ‘Are you OK?’ It’s almost as if you didn’t show up for work that day. Within our tennis group, there’s not only the social aspect, but support. We support each other,” he said.

“We play with a really good group of people, and we play very competitive tennis. There aren’t too many other sports where you can go out, run for two and a half hours, at the age of 70, 73, and enjoy it,” Greenberg said.

“Well, I also enjoy the nap that takes place later in the day,” Mead quipped.

By J. Daniel Pearson

For the News-Gazette

When it comes to soccer, defensive stars often have to take the back seat to the goal scorers and goalkeepers. But that was not the case for Harmony Longhorn center back Kendyll Linscott during the 2023-24 campaign.

Linscott was so dominant on defense, she was the choice of both the Orange Belt Conference coaches and the Osceola News Gazette Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

“Without question, she was the leader of our team,” said Coach Scott Marlega, who was also tabbed as our Coach of the Year. “Defensively, we allowed only 19 goals in 17 games and Kendyll was certainly a huge part of it. She and her teammates controlled a lot of possession and kept a lot of pressure off our goalie all season.”

Kendyll’s efforts helped Harmony to a 13-4 record and district and Orange Belt Conference championships. Even in a regional quarterfinal loss to Treasure Coast, Harmony allowed just one goal.

“I know the goal scorers get most of the attention and credit, but that has never bothered me,” Linscott said. “I’ve always loved the intensity needed to play on the backside. You are basically back there to keep the other team from scoring, but you can also turn the ball around and start a counter attack on offense. In some ways, it is easier to be a leader from the back.”

Linscott said her junior season

was extremely gratifying because there were few expectations for a team that lost outstanding seniors from the prior season’s regional qualifying team that went 12-4-3 and won a district title.

“We got off to a slow start because we had so many new players in key positions,” Linscott said. “But we really started to click and by the end of the season I thought we exceeded a lot of expectations people had for us.”

And while she looks forward to continuing her career at the next level, Linscott is also excited about her senior season at Harmony.

“We are returning a lot of good players –both on offense and defense,” she added. “Our team goals will be set high and we will strive to achieve them.”

Joining Linscott from Harmony on the All-County Team are midfielder Gabriella Guzman, Alycia Hizer and Machaela Looper as well as strikers Jadyn Frost and Lily Glassburn.

A sophomore, Guzman was the Longhorns’ top offensive force, leading the team with 13 goals and 13 assists from the midfield centerback position. Frost and Glassburn each scored seven goals from opposite wing positions, while Hizer was a tremendous defensive specialist and expert at free kicks–scoring 10 goals off penalties this past season.

Celebration (12-4) lost a tough 1-0 game to Harmony in the district championship game but impressed enough to earn an at-large regional bid. The Storm placed forward Ellie Armstrong

(9 goals, 8 assists, team MVP), wing Anna Balba (11 goals, 4 assists) and defenseman Jenna Mitchell and Oriana Moreno on the All-County Team. All four Celebration selections were underclassmen and Mitchell earns a nod as a freshman.

The goalies are Delilah Betances of Liberty and Tohpekaliga’s Melina Swaisgood. Betances made 130 saves this season while Swaisgood stopped 82 shots and had three clean sheets for the Tigers.

Rounding out the4 selections are Tohopekaliga’s Emely Ridriguez (24 goals), Teya Long (Defensemen) and Natalie Ocampo (midfield); Gateway’s Isabella Penate (defense) and strikers Victoria Pare of St. Cloud and Joselyn Bustamante of Poinciana.

PHOTO/KATIE WILLIAMS

Harmony junior Kendyll Linscott anchored the defense for the OBC and district girls soccer champion Harmony Longhorns.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

St. Cloud tennis partners Gary Greenberg and Jim Mead won gold in the 70-74 age division of the Florida Senior Games.

The 153rd Silver Spurs Rodeo comes to town

It’s just like it has been since 1944. The action was fast and furious this weekend at the 153rd Silver Spurs Rodeo. Professional cowboys came from all over, including local steer wrestlers Kamry Dymmek and Juan Alcazar, who topped the steer wrestling charts Friday night. In front of a sold-out crowd Saturday, the junior bull riders and Junior Quadrille showed their stuff, and the youngest rodeo fans got to try their hands at mutton bustin’ to see how long they could stay on a goat. At the heart of it, the Silver Spurs Riding Club kept its traditional focus on the community, providing charitable contributions to the Boys & Girls Club of St. Cloud and Safety First PediAquatics.

The annual Pridefest block party returns

The annual Pridefest block party returned to downtown Kissimmee Saturday, with food and craft vendors, local artists, and activities like the Lady GaGa Tribute Band and “Let’s Keep Dancing” competition keeping partygoers entertained. The celebration is grounded in welcoming, fostering awareness of, and acknowledging the impactful contributions of the local LGBTQ community.

Photos by Katie Williams

Photos courtesy of the City of Kissimmee

Photo by Katie Williams