Osceola County News Feed

Narcoossee Area Community Visioning Meeting a Success

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, Florida – Osceola County District 5 Commissioner Fred Hawkins, Jr., joined by Osceola County Smart Growth, Public Works and Growth Management staff, recently hosted a three-day public visioning workshop at the Narcoossee Community Center. The purpose of the workshop was to discuss challenges and opportunities in relation to expected future growth along the Narcoossee corridor.

Residents were invited to participate in a visual preference survey illustrating several different scenarios in which the Narcoossee community might grow in the future. Continual discussions were held over a large aerial map of the area on which residents were asked to write their comments.

“This community workshop was the first of its kind in Osceola County,” explained Commissioner Hawkins. “The comments and ideas generated from those living in the area will be compiled into a report and made available to residents. We will use the report as a reference guide for planning and managing future growth in Narcoossee and the surrounding area.”

For more information, contact the Osceola County Public Information Office at 407-742-0100.

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“Keep Osceola Beautiful”

Photo Caption: Osceola County staff meet with Narcoossee residents during a three-day visioning workshop on the future growth of the area.

Permit Extension Requirements

Osceola County, Florida

Effective June 1, 2009, whenever a permit extension is granted or a contractor is changes on an existing permit, a 1070 (Building- Other) inspection must be scheduled. This inspection is to evaluate the current status of construction and must be completed before re-commencing work on the project. The 1070 inspection will allow the builder and inspector to meet and review the previously completed inspections as well as familiarize themselves with the project in its current condition.

El Condado Se Une a Patronos Locales Para Auspiciar Evento Antibasura al Este del Lago Tohopekaliga

Osceola County, Florida

Condado de Osceola - Los residentes del Condado de Osceola y sus visitantes están invitados a participar del próximo evento de limpieza de basura del Lago Tohopekaliga Este, el cual se llevará a cabo este sábado, 20 de junio desde las 8:00 de la mañana hasta el Mediodía en el Parque Chisholm en la Carretera Narcoossee al este del Condado de Osceola.

La actividad de limpieza será auspiciada por el Comité Asesor de la Administración de Lagos del Condado de Osceola, junto con la Ciudad de Kissimmee, Ciudad de St. Cloud, Distrito Sur de la Administración de Agua de la Florida, La Comisión de Conservación de Pesca y Fauna, La Asociación de “Airboat” de Osceola, y el patrón “Boggy Creek Airboat Rides” quienes ofrecen paseos en áreas pantanosas.

“Como ciudadanos, tenemos una responsabilidad de proteger y conservar nuestros recursos naturales,” dijo el Comisionado del Condado de Osceola Fred Hawkins, Hijo “Nuestros lagos son conocidos alrededor del mundo para eventos de pesca y otras actividades vacacionales. Tenemos que preservarlos como las joyas que son.”

Le pedimos a todos los voluntarios que se reúnan en el Parque Chisholm para recibir instrucciones y para recoger las bolsas de basura. Los participantes deberán asegurarse de traer bloqueador solar, repelentes de insectos y suficiente agua. No se require tener un barco.

Para información adicional, comuníquese con la Oficina de Información Pública del Condado de Osceola al 407.742.0100.

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Osceola County Teams up with Local Partners to Sponsor East Lake Tohopekaliga Anti-Litter Event

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, Florida - Osceola County residents and visitors are invited to participate in the next East Lake Tohopekaliga litter clean-up event, to be held this Saturday, June 20th from 8:00 a.m. to Noon at Chisholm Park off Narcoossee Road in east Osceola County.

The clean-up activity is sponsored by Osceola County Lakes Management Advisory Committee, in partnership with the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, South Florida Water Management District, Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Osceola Airboat Association, and Boggy Creek Airboat Rides.

“As citizens, we have a responsibility to protect and preserve our natural resources,” said Osceola County Commissioner Fred Hawkins, Jr. “Our lakes are known around the world for their bass fishing and other leisure activities. We need to maintain them as the jewels they are.”

All volunteers are asked to meet at Chisholm Park for instructions and to pick up trash bags. Participants should be sure to bring sun screen, bug repellent and plenty of water. No boat is required.

For more information, please call the Osceola County Public Information Office at 407.742.0100.

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“Keep Osceola Beautiful”

Lake Cleanup on East Lake Toho!

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County Lakes Management Advisory Committee is sponsoring a Lake Cleanup on East Lake Toho on Saturday, June 20th from 8:00 a.m.— Noon.

All participants are asked to meet at Chisholm Park for instructions & trash bags. And be sure to bring sun screen, bug repellent and PLENTY of water!

No boat is required.

This event is in partnership with

City of Kissimmee
City of St. Cloud
South Florida Water Management District
Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Osceola Airboat Association
Boggy Creek Airboat Rides

For more information, please call 407-742-8650.

Lake Cleanup on East Lake Toho!

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County Lakes Management Advisory Committee is sponsoring a Lake Cleanup on East Lake Toho on Saturday, June 20th from 8:00 a.m.— Noon.

All participants are asked to meet at Chisholm Park for instructions & trash bags. Please be sure to dress appropriately, and remember to bring sun screen, bug repellent and PLENTY of water!

No boat is required.

This event is in partnership with

City of Kissimmee
City of St. Cloud
South Florida Water Management District
Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Osceola Airboat Association
Boggy Creek Airboat Rides

For more information, please call 407-742-8650.

Osceola County Extension Service Programs

Osceola County, Florida

The Osceola County Extension Service Program provides many classes and seminars to the public. Registration is required for ALL programs. Classes are taught in English and are free unless otherwise specified. Please call 321-697-3000 or the number provided for registration.

Below you will find a schedule of these events and where they take place.

These events are continuously updated to help you learn more about the place you live and how to make it more livable...

Monday – Friday, June 15 - 19, 2009
Moola Venture Camp – age 14 – 18 years
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee
Fee - $25 per registrant – deadline May 29, 2009
An interactive money camp offering teens 14 to 18 years of age vital skills regarding personal finance skills.
Wednesday, June 16, 209
Woods/Nature Walk- Saint Cloud Lakeshore
6:30 am – 7:30 am
Wellness- Physical Well Being
Registration is required. Please call 321-697-3000.
Learn about local lands and wildlife on a guided walk. Learn about the flora and fauna in our natural ecosystem and meet others with similar interests.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Food Safety Jeopardy
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Osceola County Clerk of Court – Jury Room
1 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee
Learn about food safety concepts that apply to you and your family through the use of this fun interactive game.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Rain Gardens
10:00 am – noon
Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee
Rain gardens can be a solution for that soggy area in your yard, and prevent fertilizer and pesticides from polluting our lakes. You'll learn how to design and maintain rain gardens at this workshop.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Sunset Nature Walk - Chisholm Park
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wellness - Physical Well Being
Registration is required. Please call 321-697-3000.
Learn about local lands and wildlife on a guided walk. Learn about the flora and fauna in our natural ecosystem and meet others with similar interests.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Homeowner Irrigation Workshop
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee
Registration at 407-518-2578 or http://www.tohowater.com/events.aspx
Learn how to: Save on your water bill, operate your irrigation controller, keep your landscape healthy, check your system for leaks.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Become Captain of Your Financial Ship
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Council on Aging – 700 Generation Point, Kissimmee, FL 34744
Plug your spending leaks and keep your money from sailing out of your control by becoming captain of your financial ship.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Woods/Nature Walk- Shingle Creek Park
6:30 am – 7:30 am
Wellness- Physical Well Being
Registration is required. Please call 321-697-3000.
Learn about local lands and wildlife on a guided walk. Learn about the flora and fauna in our natural ecosystem and meet others with similar interests.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
World of Energy
7:00 am – 8:00 am
Road and Bridge –St. Cloud, 3850 Old Canoe Creek Road
Everyone knows they need to exercise but what types of exercise are there and what do they do for your body? Understand the various types of exercise and how they complement each other in getting your body fit.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Stretching Your Dollars
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Sheriff’s Office, 2601 E. Irlo Bronson Hwy. Kissimmee
This class helps you identify ways to stretch your dollars and get the most for your money! Several dollar stretching ideas will be shared.
Wednesday, June 25, 2009
Woods/Nature Walk- Shingle Creek Park
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
If an afternoon shower occurs time will adjust to: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Wellness- Physical Well-Being
Registration is required. Please call 321-697-3000.
Learn about local lands and wildlife on a guided walk. Learn about the flora and fauna in our natural ecosystem and meet others with similar interests.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Parenting: Babysitting Skills
9;00 am – 10:00 am
Osceola County Administrative Building - Room 2501
1 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee
Friday, July 10, 2009
Household Pest Control
2:00 p.m. -3:30 p.m.
Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park
1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee
Registration is required. Please call 321-697-3000.
Learn how to safely reduce pests in your home, including ants, cockroaches, rodents, and pantry pests.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Homeowner Irrigation Workshop
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park
1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee
Registration at 407-518-2578 or http://www.tohowater.com/events.aspx
Learn how to: Save on your water bill, operate your irrigation controller, keep your landscape healthy, check your system for leaks.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Household Pest Control
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park
1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee
Registration is required. Please call 321-697-3000.
Learn how to safely reduce pests in your home, including ants, cockroaches, rodents, and pantry pests.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Fall Vegetable Gardening
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park
1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee
Registration is required. Please call 321-697-3000.
This class will teach you the basics of growing vegetables in Florida including the different vegetable seasons and common pest and diseases that may attack your crops.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Landscaping for Wildlife
Noon – 1:00 pm
Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park
1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee
Registration is required. Please call 321-697-3000.
Learn how to make your yard a habitat for Florida’s wildlife.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Homeowner Irrigation Workshop
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park
1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee
Registration at 407-518-2578 or http://www.tohowater.com/events.aspx
Learn how to: Save on your water bill, operate your irrigation controller, keep your landscape healthy, check your system for leaks.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Fall Vegetable Gardening
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Extension Services, Osceola Heritage Park
1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee
Registration is required. Please call 321-697-3000.
This class will teach you the basics of growing vegetables in Florida including the different vegetable seasons and common pest and diseases that may attack your crops.

All Osceola County Extension programs are available to individuals and groups that function without regard to race, color, sex, disability or national origin.

PLANT CLINIC

Open Daily from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

ASK AN EXPERT

This program launched Thursday, September 28, 2006. The FREE sessions are held at Osceola Heritage Park, Extension Services Building.

Please call 321-697-3000 or e-mail your question ahead of time to oscmg@osceola.org.

Supplier Diversity Program Moving Along

Osceola County, Florida

It has been forty-five (45) days since the approval of Resolution #09-037R. In our first announcement, we stated we would be offering certification services within ninety (90) days. We are currently on schedule to meeting that goal. Our policies and procedures have been drafted and are currently under review.

We'd also like to add the acceptance of certifications from the Florida Minority Supplier Development Council and Women's Business Enterprise National Council.

We promise to keep the community informed of our progress and will update our announcement section as news becomes available. We appreciate your patience as we develop this new program.

El 2do Día de Campo Anual de Hydrilla del Condado de Osceola Marcha "a Las Mil Maravillas"

Osceola County, Florida

Condado de Osceola, Florida – Sobre más de 100 personas participaron del Segundo Día de Campo Anual de Hydrilla del Condado Osceola, llevado a cabo el jueves, 4 de junio en el Parque de Lakefront de Kissimmee en las orillas del Lago Tohopekaliga.

El Condado de Osceola y personal de la Universidad de la Florida, junto con Jardineros del Condado de Osceola y expertos de la Comisión de Fauna y Pesca de la Florida, el Centro de Plantas Acuáticas e Invasivas, el Distrito de Manejo de Agua del Sur de la Florida y la Corporación de Ingenieros del Ejército de los Estados Unidos estuvieron presentes con demostraciones, estaciones de educación, y viajes de “airboat” a las áreas afectadas del Lago Toho para demostrar los retos que enfrentan las agencias locales y estatales con los hierbajos acuáticos invasivos de hydrilla e hygrophila.

La Hydrilla y otros hierbajos acuáticos invasivos son una amenaza directa para la economía del Condado de Osceola y el ambiente. Un estudio de economía por la Universidad del Estado de la Florida en el 2006 estimó que el Condado de Osceola está cerca de perder $50 millones de ingresos recreacionales de nuestras aguas si los hierbajos acuáticos no son manejados. De los $10 millones que el Estado invirtió en el tratamiento de hierbajo acuático en el 2006-2007, la mitad se invirtió en el Condado de Osceola solamente.

"Nuestros lagos prístinos y canales son cruciales para nuestra calidad de vida y turístico paisaje” dijo el Comisionado del Condado de Osceola Brandon Arrington. “La conservación y el mantenimiento de ellos siguen siendo una prioridad superior, y una gran parte de nosotros trabaja en encontrar modos de controlar estos hierbajos. Es precisamente de esto de qué se trata este día de campo."

Los expertos y exhibiciones en el lugar pudieron exponer los resultados del Proyecto de Demostración de $2.9 millones concedido al Condado de Osceola por la Agencia de Protección Ambiental para estudiar este problema ambiental y económico. Este es el único proyecto de su clase en el país.

"La Hydrilla es una preocupación grande, no sólo para nosotros, sino para el Estado entero. El Condado de Osceola está en primera fila y preparado para desafiar este reto,” dijo el Comisionado del Condado de Osceola Michael Harford. “Tenemos algunos compañeros claves quienes trabajan junto con nosotros para asegurar que nuestros lagos continúen siendo reconocidos por su oportunidades recreacionales y de categoría mundial de pesca."

También participando en el evento este año estuvieron presentes ciudadanos preocupados, las administraciones municipales, grupos y clubes interesados, y compañías en el manejo de plantas acuáticas.

Para información adicional, comuníquese con la Oficina de Información Pública del Condado de Osceola al 407.742.0100.

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Foto: Mientras un grupo regresa, otro grupo se prepara para su viaje a las áreas afectadas del Lago Toho durante el 2do Día de Campo Anual de Hydrilla recientemente.

"Mantenga Bello a Osceola"

2nd Annual Osceola County Hydrilla Field Day Goes Off "Swimmingly"

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, Florida – Over 100 people participated in Osceola County’s Second Annual Hydrilla Field Day, held on Thursday, June 4th at Kissimmee’s Lakefront Park on the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga.

Osceola County and University of Florida staff, along with Osceola County Master Gardeners and experts from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, South Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were on-hand with displays, education stations, and airboat tours of affected areas of Lake Toho to demonstrate the challenges local and State agencies face with the invasive aquatic weeds hydrilla and hygrophila.

Hydrilla and other invasive aquatic weeds are a direct threat to Osceola County’s economy and the environment. An economic study by Florida State University in 2006 estimated that Osceola County stands to lose $50 million of recreational income from our waters if aquatic weeds are not managed. Of the $10 million the State spent on aquatic weed treatment in 2006-2007, half was spent in Osceola County alone.

“Our pristine lakes and waterways are crucial to our quality of life and economic landscape,” said Osceola County Commissioner Brandon Arrington. “Preserving and maintaining them continues to be a top priority, and a large part of us doing that is working to find ways to control these weeds. That’s what this field day is all about.”

Experts and on-site exhibits highlighted results of the $2.9 million Demonstration Project Grant awarded to Osceola County from the Environmental Protection Agency to study this environmental and economic problem. This is the only project of its kind in the country.

“Hydrilla is a big concern, not only for us but for the entire State. Osceola County is on the cutting edge of dealing with this challenge,” said Osceola County Commissioner Michael Harford. “We have some key partners who are working with us to ensure our lakes will continue to be known for their world-class bass fishing and recreational opportunities.”

Also participating in this year’s event were concerned citizens, local governments, interested groups and clubs, and aquatic plant management companies.

For more information, please contact the Osceola County Public Information Office at 407.742.0100.

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Photo Caption: As one group returns, another group prepares for its tour of affected areas of Lake Toho during the 2nd Annual Hydrilla Field Day recently.

"Keep Osceola Beautiful"

Compañía de Construcción estará aceptando ofertas en las Renovaciones del Centro Comunitario

Osceola County, Florida

Condado de Osceola, Florida – La Companía de Construcción Clancy & Theys estará aceptando ofertas para las adiciones y renovaviones del Centro Comunitario Roberto Guevara, localizado en 501 Florida Parkway, Kissimmee, Florida 34743 el 9 de Junio del 2009 a las 2:00 p.m.

Las adiciones al centro comunitario inclúyen sobre 4,000 pies cuadrados de nuevas oficinas, pasillo, baños, cuartos para reuniones y conferencias, y un cuarto para hacer ejercicios. La facilidad renovada incluirá una oficina de correos, cocina, área médica, cuartos para reuniones, y una sala de usos múltiples.

"En ésta economía difícil, éste proyecto provee nuevas oportunidades de empleos y el desarrollo economico para los ciudadanos locales," dijo el presidente de la Comisión del Condado de Osceola, John Quiñones.

Para los documentos de oferta y para información adicional, favor de comunicarse con Michelle Whitehead de Clancy & They’s a:

Clancy & Theys Construction Company
7308 Greenbriar Parkway
Orlando, FL 32819
Teléfono: 407-578-1449
Fax: 407-578-1439
michellew@ctorlando.com

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"Mantenga Bello a Osceola"

Construction Company To Accept Bids on Community Center Renovations

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, Florida – Clancy & Theys Construction Company will be accepting bids for the additions and renovations to the Robert Guevara Community Center, located at 501 Florida Parkway, Kissimmee, Florida 34743 on June 9, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.

The additions to the community center include over 4,000 square feet of new offices, lobby, restrooms, meeting and conference rooms, and an exercise room. The renovated facility will include a post office, kitchen, medical area, meeting rooms, and a multi-purpose room.

"In this tough economy, this project provides opportunities for new jobs and economic development for local citizens," said Osceola County Chairman John Quiñones.

For bidding documents and additional information, please contact Michelle Whitehead at Clancy & They’s: at:

Clancy & Theys Construction Company
7308 Greenbriar Parkway
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-578-1449
Fax: 407-578-1439
michellew@ctorlando.com

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"Keep Osceola Beautiful"

Ruptura de Tubo de Alcantarillado Bajo Buenaventura Boulevard

Osceola County, Florida

Condado de Osceola, Florida – Apróximadamente a las 11:00 PM de anoche un tubo de alcantarilla cedió debajo de la carretera Buenaventura Boulevard entre Boggy Creek y Royal Palm Drive. La carretera está cerrada hasta que las reparaciones puedan ser hechas. Los conductores deberán seguir los signos de desvío hacia la carretera Royal Palm o Oakwood Drive.

Las brigadas de trabajo comenzarán reparaciones tan pronto como el Condado reciba una alcantarilla de reemplazo. Se espera que las reparaciones duren varias semanas. El costo aún no ha sido determinado. Mientras tanto, los conductores deberán ejercer precaución al acercarse a esta área.

"La alcantarilla fue probablemente instalada por el desarrollador de Buenaventura Lakes," dijo Kenneth Atkins, Administrador de Servicios Públicos del Condado de Osceola. "Estaba programado para ser sustituido y las recientes fuertes lluvias pueden haber contribuido al fallo." Las brigadas de trabajo de Servicios Públicos han determinado que esto no se trata de un sumidero, conocido en inglés como "sinkhole."

Para información adicional, comuníquese con la Oficina de Información Pública del Condado al 407-742-0100.

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"Mantenga Bello a Osceola"

Culvert Pipe Breaks Under Buenaventura Boulevard

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, Florida – Last night at approximately 11:00 p.m. a culvert pipe failed underneath Buenaventura Boulevard between Boggy Creek Road and Royal Palm Drive. The road is closed until repairs can be made. Motorists should follow the detour signs to Royal Palm Drive or Oakwood Drive.

Road crews will begin repairs as soon as the County receives a replacement culvert. Repairs are expected to last several weeks. The cost has not yet been determined. In the meantime, motorists should use caution when approaching this area.

"The culvert was probably installed by the developer of Buenaventura Lakes," said Kenneth Atkins, Osceola County Public Works Administrator. "It was scheduled to be replaced and the recent heavy rains may have contributed to the failure." Public Works crews have determined this is not a sinkhole.

For more information, contact the Osceola County Public Information Office at 407-742-0100.

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"Keep Osceola Beautiful"

Osceola County Commissioners Lift Burn Ban

Osceola County, Florida

In light of recent rainfall amounts in Osceola County, County Commissioners lifted the burn ban this week that has been in effect for several months.

According to Osceola County Fire Chief Richard Collins, residents should continue to practice caution when burning, and obtain permits where necessary. Residents should also be mindful of wind conditions when using grills and open pit fires.

To confirm whether a burn permit is necessary, or to obtain a permit, please call the Florida Division of Forestry, at 407-856-6512. Osceola County does not issue burn permits.

For more information, contact the Osceola County Public Information Office at 407-742-0100.