Poinciana News & Opinion

Sonoma Coffee Joins Bellalago Shopping Center

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:33:00 GMT

A new Sonoma Coffee has joined the lineup at the $25 million Village Shops at Bellalago shopping center center in Poinciana.

Sonoma Coffee joins several other retailers that plan late August or early September openings at the Village Shops: McDonald's, Walgreens, Fifth/Third Bank and Jazzy Nail Spa and Boutique.

Osceola County Commissioner Message - Sept 2008

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:22:00 GMT

This year, Labor Day resonated to many with a more substantial meaning. We recognized the many contributions of workers when the fact is the challenging economic times have impacted many families. In the midst of it all, let us value the everyday work we do, not just once a year, but every day and be thankful.

No Chili's For Poinciana?

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:00:00 GMT

It seems like a never-ending battle for Poinciana residents to get some decent food, healthcare and entertainment in the area. As I drove by the empty lot besides Burger King that was supposed to go to Chili's, I noticed a Land For Sale sign instead of the big red and green pepper. Upon doing some research on the internet, there seems to be a rumor that Chili's backed out, even giving up the deposit they had down. This is of course speculative, but seems like a reasonable explanation.

Oh what I would give to bring visitors to my home to a decent sit-down establishment. I wonder if Starbucks or Wendy's are going to move ahead? If Chili's thinks the market isn't right, I can't imagine why Starbucks would.

Of course, we don't read about such negative things in our trusty Poinciana Pioneer. They fail to mention when businesses back out. Actually, they don't do a real good job of letting us know when businesses sign up!

Adding a little plug: Disney Vacation Discounts!

Osceola County Commissioner Message - February 2008

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Welcome to February, the shortest month of the year but one of great celebrations such as the American Heart Month and Black History Month. Knowing, commemorating and celebrating the many contributions our ancestors built, makes history exceptionally rich.

Osceola County Commissioner Message - December 2007

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 20:41:00 GMT

Progress is seen in a number of ventures around Poinciana. A new signal has been installed at the northern most drive-way on Pleasant Hill Road. New sidewalks are planned north of the school on the west side to provide a continuous path. The County Commission approved 07/08 fiscal year budget appropriating funds for sidewalks within the county.

Osceola County Commissioner Message - November

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 20:54:00 GMT

Osceola and Polk residents in the Poinciana area need convenient and timely access to emergency services and healthcare; that is a reality. Another reality we are facing is the tough budgetary restraints statewide.

Osceola County Commissioner Message - September

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 21:20:00 GMT

As in other areas of the county, crime, juvenile delinquency and violence have threatened the safety and security of our neighborhood. We stand strong, in partnership with Avatar, YMCA, APV and the Sheriff’s Office for Polk and Osceola counties, in joining efforts for providing programs and alternatives that will make a positive difference. I believe in developing strong communities, and in doing so, we must empower our youth by providing opportunities to enhance their recreational and social experiences in a supportive environment. We are genuinely concerned and are working together in our pledge to a safer community.

Osceola County Sheriff's Office - Aug 2007

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 23:34:00 GMT

On August 7, neighborhoods across Osceola County are encouraged to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide to celebrate the 24th Annual National Night Out (NNO), a crime and drug prevention event. The Sheriff's Office is asking residents to turn on an outside ight from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. to support the campaign.

Osceola County Commissioner Message - August

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 21:47:00 GMT

Dear Poinciana Citizens,

Summer days have flown by and we are moving forward to a new school year! School supplies, new teachers, new friends, and maybe even a new school. Schools in Osceola County are back in session on Monday, August 20th. Researches overwhelmingly demonstrate that parent involvement in children's learning is positively related to achievement. Let us encourage our children to strive for excellence and promote them toward their highest potential.

Murder Investigation in Poinciana

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:09:00 GMT

Osceola County Sheriff's detectives arrested and charged 19 year old Enmanuel Mendez (DOB 5/13/88) from Poinciana with murder in the death of Hakeem Ahmed Rasheed. A warrant was issued for Mendez on July 21 and detectives located him at a residence on Brixham Court at approximately 10:00 p.m. The investigation is on-going with additional charges pending.

Poinciana Parkway Hitting Roadblocks

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Apparently Avatar is running into some problems getting the much-hyped Poinciana Parkway approved. The current parkway plans take the road through what’s known as the Reedy Creek Mitigation Bank. This is a 3,520-acre wetland habitat set aside in order to offset environmental damage done by Central Florida construction projects in the past.

Starbucks, Pizza and Tacos in Poinciana

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

So we know that Starbucks is joining a growing list of businesses that are entering into the new Cypress Plaza in Poinciana near Walmart. I'm not sure if putting more caffeine inside the drivers around here is the best idea in the world, but hey, at least I can now get me a nice Grande Vanilla Latte in the morning before work.

Also joining Starbucks in the new $15 million shopping center will be N.Y.P.D Pizza Delicatessen and The Taco Maker. Just like Chinese restaurants, I'm not entirely sure we need another Pizza joint.

The Taco Maker sounds interesting, but I have never heard of them. Apparently there is only one other location in all of Florida. The Taco Maker franchise is a Mexican Quick Service Restaurant (QSR). I just hope that their food isn't quite as cheesy as their logo.

According to a press release from Avatar, Starbucks and N.Y.P.D. will share one of three free standing restaurant sites. Pollo Tropical and Panda Express will be taking over the other two. Oddly, they don't mention anything about the reported new Chilis, which I hope is still on the menu. Cypress Plaza is currently scheduled to be open for business in February of 2008.

Tags: Poinciana, Florida, Starbucks

Osceola County Commissioner Message - July

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 20:46:00 GMT

Dear Poinciana Citizens: Hot weather, swimming, the smell of hot dogs on the grill, summer camps and family time best depict the summer season! As we struggle with managing so many priorities, it is important to remember there is nothing more enjoyable than spending quality time with the ones you love. "Quality time" is time spent doing an important activity together, sharing thoughts and feelings, or having the opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with your loved ones.

Poinciana Post Office Approved!

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Although I personally haven’t been in Poinciana long enough to truly understand the battle it must have been, it appears that the creation of a new Post Office in Poinciana, FL is finally becoming a reality. An aid to Congressman Adam Putnam recently made an appearance at a local meeting and confirmed that $3.4 million dollars of funding has been approved to create a 7,000 square foot post office facility. The proposed area where the building will be constructed is in the area of San Remo Road and Doverplum Avenue.

Jeanette Coughenour, the Association of Poinciana Villages Manager, states that we should have only one more Christmas having to deal with the currently cramped Post Office. Special thanks to the Congressman for listening to the residents. And a special thanks to the residents for speaking up.

Poinciana Train - Travel Required

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 01:00:00 GMT

There has been a lot of hype about the future addition of a commuter railroad train that will travel between Orlando and Poinciana. This would certainly help get some drivers off the congested roads. It appears there is just one problem with the idea at this point, and that is the planned location of the train station.

Sandra Gutierrez is the rail transportation project manager for the Florida Department of Transportation's Orlando Urban office. She recently gave a presentation to a group of business representatives at a Poinciana Area Council meeting. There, she stated that the train station would be located almost 10 miles away from the majority of Poinciana housing, in the Poinciana Industrial Park.

Gutierrez states "we will have feeder buses that will take people to the stations" as a way of helping commuters who do not want to drive to the stations or simply do not have a car.

The reasons given for the location of the new terminal were cost. Railroad tracks already exist in this area, and it was much more cost effective to buy existing tracks from CSX then to build a whole new rail line.

When complete, the new rail system will run a total of 61 miles. The project is to be built in two phases. Phase 1 begins in Volusia County near the town of Debary, and runs 31 miles to downtown Orlando. The second phase begins at Orlando Regional Medical Center and runs 23 miles to Poinciana.

There will be five stations, and the trains will have restrooms, power outlets, bicycle racks and single- and bi-level passenger cars.

Service is expected to begin in 2010.

Osceola County Sheriff's Office - July 2007

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 19:10:00 GMT

Did you know only 2 years ago, identity theft was the second fastest growing crime in the United States? Over the last year, we've seen the number of identity theft cases increase. Here's some basic information you should know to keep you safe.

Osceola County Commissioner Message - June

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 12:11:00 GMT

We are in the middle month of the summer season and summer break and I hope you have had the opportunity to spend time with your families! As a follow-up to my previous article, Hurricane season officially began June 1 and ends November 31. This is a good time to assess your preparation supplies and have a plan in place, if you have not done so already. Awareness and preparation are the best tools!

New Poinciana High School

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 23:30:00 GMT

Poinciana’s new EEE high school finally has a name: Liberty High School. The new $49 million campus is slated to open for classes in August of 2007, with guided tours expected to take place July, according to Principal Gary Preisser.