Columbia Avenue closed; grant to help with repairs

The city of Kissimmee has announced that Columbia Avenue between U.S. 441 (Orange Blossom Trail) and Central Avenue is closed to all through-traffic due to a deteriorating culvert at a city drainage ditch and the need to replace the structure.

The city previously restricted truck traffic on the roadway but the culvert crossing continues to deteriorate and is also restricting the flow of stormwater.

The city has determined that making the proposed road and drainage improvements are necessary to ensure safe travel by all vehicles and to prevent future flooding.

The culvert replacement will be funded in part through a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Florida Department of Community Affairs. The cost is estimated at $242,305.

The funding, provided to mitigate the effects of Tropical Storm Fay, will be administered by the Florida Department of Community Affairs. Projects that fall under the Community Development Block Grant program are eligible, if no other funding is available to meet the need.

The public will have an opportunity to comment on the use of the grant, The grant agreement is at the department on Monday, May 31.

Information relating to the proposed project and application is available for public review between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the city of Kissimmee Public Works and Engineering Department administration office, 101 N. Church St. The city will accommodate non-English speaking residents.

For more information, contact Lawrence Clough at Lclough@Kissimmee.org or call the Public Works and Engineering Department 407-518-2170.

Osceola County announces K-9program at jail

The Osceola County Corrections Department recently implemented a tactical K-9 unit with funding from the Edward Byrne Memorial Assistance Grant Program, which is administered through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

It is the mission of the unit to enhance the safety and security of the jail facility, department officials stated in a press release, adding that the skilled and specialized services of this unit will assist with the reduction of illegal narcotics and contraband in and around the correctional facility.

The unit also will provide assistance to local law enforcement agencies in a mutual aid capacity, if deemed appropriate by department officials.

The unit will focus on its continued training and searching of the Osceola County Jail and each day will search specific areas of concern, as well as target random areas within the jail, to enhance the security and safety of the public, staff and inmate population by reducing contraband entering the facility, department officials stated.

County launches commercial property website

Osceola County government Monday launched its free commercial property online database, according to the county’s Economic Development Department.

The database will allow property owners and real estate agents to list their properties as the primary response system for possible economic development projects.

“We think this new method of property listings will be more efficient and cost-effective for everyone,” Maria Toumazos, Economic Development administrator, said. “In addition, it is a great way for all those with commercial properties to showcase them to key decision-makers. Our website is a great resource for companies that are seeking to relocate and this database will only enhance that utility. Anyone with commercial property should take advantage of this free service.”

The new system was built by the county’s Information Technology Department. It will replace a less efficient e-mail query system, as well as a more costly commercial subscription system.

The full-featured online search is phase 2 of the department’s website, which already offers a user-friendly online presence that enables site consultants and targeted industries searching for the best place to relocate or expand their headquarters, manufacturing, distribution or research facility to easily access information.

The new search system can be accessed through ChooseOsceola.com/go/propertysearch.

For more information, call Toumazos at 407-742-4200.

Sportsmen save money on licenses if they buy early

There will be an increase in the cost of some of Florida’s hunting and saltwater fishing permits, beginning July 1. If sportsmen act now, however, they can beat the price increase.

On July 1, cost of a turkey permit will go up from $5 to $10 for Florida residents and from $100 to $125 for nonresidents. In addition, Florida waterfowl permits will increase as well, from $3 to $5.

Cost of two saltwater fishing permits also will go up July 1. The snook permit will increase from $2 to $10, and lobster permits will increase from $2 to $5.

Until July 1, sportsmen can buy all of these permits at the current prices, and all permits are valid for one year after the date of purchase.

There also is a new deer permit that will be required whenever hunting deer in Florida, beginning during the upcoming 2010-11 hunting season. The permit will cost $5 and will not be available for purchase until July 1.

Those with a Sportsman’s License, Gold Sportsman’s License, 64 or Older Sportsman’s License, Military Gold Sportsman’s License, Lifetime Hunting License or Lifetime Sportsman’s License will not need to purchase the new deer permit because it has already been included in each of these licenses, even if they were purchased before July 1.

However, the deer permit is not included with a hunting license, combination hunting/ freshwater fishing license, combination hunting/freshwater/ saltwater license or a five-year hunting license. Anyone hunting deer with either of these licenses must also buy the $5 deer permit to hunt deer legally.

All permits and related licenses can be purchased at county tax collectors’ offices, retail outlets that sell fishing and hunting supplies, online at www.fl.wildlifelicense.com or by calling toll-free 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356).

Thacker appointed to KUA board

At a recent meeting of the Kissimmee Utility Authority board of directors, Kathleen Thacker was nominated to serve a five-year term on the utility's governing board. The Kissimmee City Commission Tuesday confirmed the appointment.

Thacker will be sworn in at the KUA board's October meeting and serve until Sept. 30, 2015.

Thacker is a retired school psychologist from Orange County Public Schools. A graduate of St. Cloud High School, she holds degrees from Florida State University and Western Carolina University. Thacker is a seven-year resident of Kissimmee and a graduate of the Kissimmee School of Government.

KUA launches interactive 2009 annual report

Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida's sixth largest municipally owned utility, recently released its 2009 annual report.

The report – titled “Let it Shine” – shines a light on the utility’s partnerships with local nonprofits and government agencies that work to help those in need. The report also features complete utility financial documents that can be viewed or downloaded.

KUA has more than 62,000 customers in Osceola County.

The report can be accessed at www.kua.com/annualreport.

Among the utility’s financial highlights for 2009:

• Operating revenue decreased by 9 percent to $190.5 million from $209.2 in 2008.

• Operating expenses decreased by 7.3 percent to $179.5 million from $193.6 million in 2008.

• KUA assets exceeded liabilities by $162.4 million (net assets). Of this amount, $30 million is available to meet ongoing obligations to customers and creditors.

• The utility’s total outstanding long-term debt decreased 3.6 percent to $221.9 million from $230.2 million in 2008.

Posey receives Defender of Liberty Award

Congressman Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, recently received the Defender of Liberty Award from the American Conservative Union in recognition of his commitment to America’s core principles, the nation’s Constitution and for his 100 percent conservative score in the 2009 Annual ACU Ratings of Congress.

The organization grants the award to members of Congress who have displayed a record of protecting liberty and fighting against big-government in Washington.

“I’m honored to receive this award for upholding the core principles of the Constitution,” Posey said. “It’s clear to me that Washington needs more transparency and accountability. Without either, our liberties take a back seat to big government bureaucracies.”

Recently, Posey received the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for key votes to help the private sector expand and create jobs. He was also awarded the Constituent Service Award from National Write Your Congressman, a non-partisan organization that encourages Americans to communicate directly with their elected officials.