The one-hour video, which will include more than 500 photographs of children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 states and 11 countries, will be displayed on two large Jumbotron screens above the Dos Caminos restaurant in Father Duffy Square. Hastings’ photo was chosen from over 2,600 submissions worldwide, and she is pictured at just seven months old in the nature preserve near her home.

Thanks to support from ClearChannel Outdoor, the video will be livestreamed on the NDSS Facebook page from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. ET on September 6. The presentation serves as the official kickoff for the New York City Buddy Walk®, held later that day at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park.

Since its inception in 1995, the NYC Buddy Walk® has been part of NDSS’s nationwide program promoting acceptance, inclusion, and support for people with Down syndrome. Today, more than 150 Buddy Walk® events take place annually in communities across the United States and select international locations.

Founded in 1979, NDSS is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome, advocating for policy change, creating resources, and building awareness through community engagement.

For more information about the National Buddy Walk® Program or to find an event near you, visit www.ndss.org.

The post Saint Cloud Resident to Shine in Times Square for National Down Syndrome Awareness appeared first on Positively Osceola.

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

• Shingle Creek Regional Park:
  Shingle Creek Regional Park, often referred to as the “Headwaters of the Everglades,” is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and fitness enthusiasts alike. This vast park offers a network of scenic trails suitable for running and walking. The trails wind through lush forests, along the banks of Shingle Creek, and provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or an intense trail run, Shingle Creek has something for everyone.
• Celebration Lakeside Park:
  Celebration, a charming community in Osceola County, and known to many as the ‘Town that Disney built,’ boasts Celebration Lakeside Park, a beautiful destination for runners and walkers. The park features a loop trail around Lake Rianhard, offering picturesque views of the water and surrounding greenery. The flat terrain and well-paved paths make it an excellent choice for a leisurely walk or a brisk run.
• Kissimmee Lakefront Park:
  Kissimmee Lakefront Park is a gem along the shore of Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho). The park features a scenic, tree-lined path that’s perfect for both walkers and runners. The views of the lake and the wildlife, including resident swans and various bird species, add to the charm of this urban oasis.
• Lake Lizzie Nature Preserve:
  Lake Lizzie Nature Preserve offers a runner’s paradise in the east side of Osceola County with over 1,000 acres of pristine wilderness, this preserve boasts well-marked trails that cater to runners of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely jog through serene pine flatwoods or a more challenging trail run along the shores of Lake Lizzie, this natural oasis provides a diverse range of terrains to explore. For runners seeking tranquility and a connection with nature while staying physically active, Lake Lizzie Nature Preserve is an ideal destination to lace up your running shoes and hit the trails.
• Lake Runnymede Conservation Area:
  Lake Runnymede Conservation Area is a pristine natural space where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Florida’s native flora and fauna. The conservation area in St. Cloud not far from East Lake Toho features a trail system that’s ideal for both runners and walkers. Trails meander through pine forests, majestic oaks, alongside lakes, and into the heart of the county’s wilderness.
• St. Cloud Lakefront Park:
  St. Cloud Lakefront Park offers a stunning backdrop for your outdoor fitness activities. With a paved path along East Lake Tohopekaliga, this park provides stunning panoramic views of the lake and opportunities for both walking and running. Be sure to visit during sunrise or sunset for an extra dose of natural beauty.
• Disney Wilderness Preserve:
  Located just south of Kissimmee, the 11,500-acre Disney Wilderness Preserve offers a unique escape for runners and walkers. This expansive conservation area features miles of well-maintained trails winding through restored wetlands, pine flatwoods, and pristine natural habitats. It’s a fantastic place to experience the unspoiled beauty of Osceola County while staying active and immersed in nature.
• Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area:
  Located just east of St. Cloud, this vast 62,000 acres conservation area that includes parts of the Kissimmee Prairie, features a network of unpaved trails through pristine wilderness and is a year-round habitat for the bald eagles. Runners and walkers can explore the natural beauty and may even spot native wildlife including deer, bobcat, mottled duck, and wild turkey. 
• Makinson Island:
  Accessible by boat or a scenic bridge, Makinson Island in Kissimmee offers a unique experience for runners and walkers. The island has trails that wind through a cypress swamp, offering a serene escape from the mainland. A 2-mile circular path located on the island’s southern tip meanders through open spaces and a lush sabal palm and hardwood hammock. Within this habitat, you can frequently spot songbirds like Loggerhead Shrikes, White-eyed Vireo, Eastern Phoebe (winter) and Gray Catbirds. Guided walks are offered several times per year
• The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek:
  If you’re looking for a blend of fitness and adventure, consider a run or walk along the picturesque Shingle Creek Regional Park followed by a canoe or kayak trip along Shingle Creek itself. It’s a unique way to experience Osceola County’s natural beauty.

Osceola County offers a plethora of opportunities for avid runners and walkers to engage in physical fitness while immersing themselves in the breathtaking beauty of nature. Whether you prefer the tranquility of a lakeside stroll, the challenge of a trail run through the woods, or a combination of both, Osceola County’s natural trails and spaces have something to offer everyone. So, lace up your running shoes or grab your walking gear, and embark on a journey to explore the stunning natural trails and spaces that Osceola County has to offer.

The post Exploring Osceola County’s Natural Trails and Spaces: A Paradise for Avid Runners, Walkers, and Kayakers appeared first on Positively Osceola.

Ramsey (45) is a lifelong resident of Osceola County, and a 4th generation cattle rancher and the owner of three successful businesses, P-R Sod Company, Ramsey Feed Company and Ramsey Cattle Company.  He is a community leader with a long history of public service. Scott’s wife, Laurel, is an Osceola County educator and they are proud parents to Reyce, who is starting his 8th grade year.

“I have a vested interest in Osceola County. If elected I will fight for safe schools, less standardized testing, and a commonsense curriculum,” Ramsey states. “I am ready to work hard to build a bright future for our schools,” Ramsey continued.

When not ranching, Scott is a very active member within the community, he volunteers as a coach for Harmony Youth Football and has been a coach for St. Cloud Little League. In 2013/2014 Scott served as the Big Boss for the Silver Spurs Rodeo and is currently the Chairman of the Rodeo Committee.

He is also a member of the Farm Services Agency Board for Osceola & Brevard Counties, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a member of the Board of Directors for Osceola County Farm Bureau, the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and a former President and current Board Member for the Osceola County Cattlemen’s Association.

Ramsey is a proud “Kowboy”, a graduate from Osceola High School in 1996 and then earned his Associates of Arts degree from Valencia State College. Scott and his family are members of the Eastern Avenue Baptist Church in St. Cloud. Scott resides with his family in Kenansville.

Ramsey has officially filed to run at the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Office.

The post Scott Ramsey Announces He Will Seek the District 5 Osceola County School Board Seat appeared first on Positively Osceola.

The story follows a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

Get your tickets today! 

Into the Woods Show Dates and Times:

• Friday, May 26th at 7pm
• Saturday, May 27th at 2pm
• Saturday, May 27th at 7pm
• Sunday, May 28th at 2:00pm
• Sunday, May 28th at 7pm
• Thursday: June 1st at 7pm
• Friday, June 2nd at 7pm
• Saturday, June 3rd at 2pm
• Saturday, June 3rd at 7pm
• Sunday, June 4th at 2:00pm

*Center Seating Seats are $26
*Side Front Seats are $21
*Side Rear Seats are $16

Save time in line and purchase your tickets here, or call the Osceola Arts Box Office at 407-846-6257.

The post Osceola Arts’ Young Actors Company to present “Into the Woods,” beginning this Friday, May 26 appeared first on Positively Osceola.

27-year-old Jaqwan Thomas Jacob Dockery, a former Osceola Kowboys football player died in the shooting that took place at the Key West Market on Old Dixie Highway. Three other people were injured in the incident. Two of those victims have been released from the hospital, and one is in stable condition, according the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to  contact Crimeline (800) 423-TIPS or the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at (407) 348-2222.

Sheriff Marcos López said his agency was unsure of what led up to the shooting but shared that Dockery would sometimes hang out at the convenience store and was standing outside when gunshots took place.

“We don’t have a motive, we don’t know why this happened,” López said. “We’re trying to put it together with video cams and video footage that we have.”

The post 5K reward set up after former Osceola Kowboys football player killed in Kissimmee drive-by shooting appeared first on Positively Osceola.

“Absolutely ecstatic at both the effort and performance,” Bird said shortly after Gunner Holland made it three for three for the Kowboys by winning the 160-lb. crown. “We brought seven wrestlers to the championship, put five on the podium and won three titles. This was just an outstanding meet all the way around for our guys.”

In addition to Holland, a sophomore who won his second consecutive championship, Osceola saw junior Cooper Haase win his third straight state title topping the 138-lb. class; while sophomore Anderson Heap won his first at 126-lbs., a year after finishing second at 113.

With sixth place finishes Melvin Ewen (145) and George Duncan (170) – along with points scored by Jomar Sanchez (220) and Elijah VanSickle (285), Osceola tallied 106.5 points for the meet and finished in fourth place in Class 3A. It was also the 15 th time in the last 16 years the Kowboys have posted a top five team finish in the state tournament. The three titles matched Palmetto Ridge for the most individual titles by a single Class 3A school.

As the first Kowboy to wrestle in the finals, it was Heap that officially extended the streak – defeating Northport’s Sean-Michael Gonzalez by second period pin. It was a rematch of last week’s Region 2 Final, also won by Heap, 10-4.

“When you wrestle someone you have already beaten during the year, it does give you a little confidence,” Heap, who went to 50-5 with the win. “But at the same time, I remember the tremendous disappointment I felt last year when I lost in the finals. I just did not want to experience that feeling again.”

Two matches later, Osceola had its second championship on the night when Cooper Haase pinned Riverview’s Nikolas Hernandez in the final. Haase dominated his opponents in the state tournament, winning three of his matches by pin and was close to a technical fall over Harmony’s JC McNichols before winning by injury default in the third period.

“Cooper is just a technician,” Bird said. “No one works harder, studies his opponents and strives to get better every time out.”

Haase, who went to 50-3 on the season, was happy with his third title but seemed more excited about Heap’s win. “He’s my brother and my training partner,” he said. “It was so exciting to watch him win a state championship. We constantly push each other to get better.”

The Kowboys would then complete their finals sweep with Holland’s win. Of the 13 other Class 3A state champions, none had suffered more than five losses this season. Holland came into the state tournament as a second place region finisher with 10 losses. In addition, three wrestlers in the 16-team bracket had posted wins over Holland during the season.

That didn’t seem to matter, as Holland went 4-0 in the tournament, beating Hagerty’s Kamdon Harrison in the finals, 3-0. Along the way, Holland did not give up a single point in the entire tournament, defeating Flagler’s Bryce Dodge in the opening round (16-0), South Dade’s Cordell White in the second round (3-0) and Northport’s Vincent Donatelle in the semifinals (4-0). “Given how tough the 160-lb. bracket is, not giving up a single point in the tournament is a remarkable feat,” Bird added. “There’s just some about Gunner’s will to win and his tenacity. When it comes to this tournament, he just doesn’t believe losing is in the equation.”

“We wrestle tough tournaments all year getting ready for states,” Holland said. “For me, it takes a while to go from football shape to wrestling shape. I’ll lose some during the regular season but mentally, when we get to this tournament, I believe I am going to be the best.”

All three wrestlers will return next year for Bird, with both Heap and Holland having two years of eligibility left. Heap becomes the 17 th different Kowboys wrestler to win a state championship in the Bird Era. Those 17 grapplers have won a total of 32 state championships.

“Osceola Wrestling has been able to build a great tradition and we were able to continue it this year,” Bird said. “It’s exciting to think all three of these guys will be back next year.”

Harmony, which finished 5 th in the Class 3A with 72 team points, sent 10 wrestlers to the state championship — the most of any county school. Nelson Toro was the top Longhorn finisher with a second place showing at 220. In addition to Toro, J.C. Nichols (50-3) capped a fine season by finishing fourth at 138-lbs. Nichols won his first two matches of the tournament, before dropping a semifinal decision to Haase. He then was pinned by Southwest’s Danny Martinez, a defending state champion, in the third place match. Rey Ortiz also reached the podium for Harmony in the 126-lb. weight class. Ortiz went 4-2 on the weekend, beating Wellington’s Sam Marvel (5-2) in the fifth place match; while Caden Gayle (25-10) placed 7th at 285.

“I think as a coach you always have higher expectations, but we did a lot of good things this week. Ten to the tournament, four on the podium, and a top five team finish is a good showing. We’re a young team and will have six of these guys back next year so we will continue to work and get better,” Harmony coach Vic Lorenzano said.

Osceola County’s other all-state finishers included Liberty’s Brainys Robles (2 nd , 2A, 285) and Celebration’s Charles McBroom (6 th , 3A, 152).

In addition to the boys tournament, the FHSAA also conducted the first sanctioned girls tournament in state history. Celebration’s Hayeni Costa (20-2) was the highest county finisher, making the finals at 170 where she was pinned by Mosely’s Henlee Haynes. Three other county wrestlers earned all-state honors. Gateway placed two wrestlers on the podium as Lily Yambor (33-4) took fourth place at 170-lbs. and teammate Emiliana Martinez (18-7) was the sixth place winner; while Osceola’s Kellianna Mack (31- 16) was fifth in the 125-lb. division.

The post Osceola Kowboys add three to list of State Champions in wrestling appeared first on Positively Osceola.

Participants wear white at the starting line and finish the race plastered in color. That’s because at each kilometer mark, “Color Runners” are doused from head to toe in a different colored powder.

Once the race is over, the fun continues at the Finish Festival, a larger-than-life party equipped with music, dancing, photo ops, activity booths, vendors, and more massive color throws, which create millions of vivid color combinations. Trust us, this is the best post-5K party on the planet!

Color Runners vary in demographics and reasons for running. With no winners or official times, The Color Run caters to everyone—first-time runners to seasoned athletes. More than half of The Color Run participants are first-time 5K runners.

For tickets go to TheColorRun.com.

The post The Happiest 5K on the Planet to Return to Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee in April appeared first on Positively Osceola.

The closure is necessary to conduct additional repairs for a sewer rehabilitation project in the area.

The project is being carried out by Garney Construction at is expected to be completed by the evening of Friday, April 16. Schedules could vary according to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Motorists and pedestrians are urged to use caution when approaching these areas, as workers will be present and speed limits may be reduced and sidewalks possibly closed and diverted.

TEMPORARY INCONVENIENCES
· Noise and vibrations
· Barricades and fencing for safety
· Trucks, machinery, and equipment
· Possible odors from the sewer system

SAFETY
· If you see a potentially unsafe situation or equipment or fencing that requires attention, please contact Toho’s Customer Service Department immediately at 407-944-5000.
· Please keep children away from the construction site at all times to avoid accidents.
· If you become aware of a public safety emergency, please call 911 immediately.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
· Garney Construction: 941-815-3659
· Toho Water Authority: 407-944-5000

Please visit www.tohowater.com/projects for more project details and updates.

The post Road closure to thru traffic at the Mendoza Dr./Ln. and San Remo Rd. intersection to resume April 12 for sewer project appeared first on Positively Osceola.

For residents of unincorporated Osceola County, curbside garbage and recycling collection will continue as normally scheduled on Monday. However, the Bass Road Resource Recovery Site and the administrative offices will be closed.

Please contact the Osceola County Community Outreach/Public Information Office at 407-742-0100 for more information.

Las Oficinas del Condado Osceola Estarán Cerradas el Día de Martin Luther King, Jr.

En observación del día de Martin Luther King, Jr. las Oficinas Administrativas del Condado Osceola y la Corte del Condado Osceola estarán cerradas el lunes, 18 de enero. Las oficinas reabrirán el martes, 19 de enero.

Para residentes en áreas no incorporadas del Condado Osceola, la recolección de basura y reciclaje continuarán en su horario regular el lunes. Sin embargo, el Centro de Desperdicios Sólidos de Bass Road y las oficinas de administración estarán cerradas.

Para más información, comuníquese con la Oficina de Alcance Comunitario e Información al Público del Condado Osceola al 407-742-0100.

The post Osceola County Administrative Offices and Courthouse to close for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day appeared first on Positively Osceola.

District 2 Commissioner Viviana Janer and Iglesia Cristiana Renuevo are inviting the community to a free, drive-thru “Parranda with Santa” Christmas distribution where each family will receive Christmas meal items including a frozen pork shoulder plus a family fun pack.

There is no need to register and it will be one per family – First come, first served while supplies last. The event is for Osceola County residents only.

The post Osceola County’s Vice-chair Viviana Janer to host drive-thru Parranda with Santa today appeared first on Positively Osceola.