St. Cloud Academy applications due Aug. 20

Resident who live and/or work in St. Cloud are invited to submit applications through Aug. 20 for the 2010 City of St. Cloud Citizens Academy, scheduled for every Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 27 through Nov. 15, with graduation set for Nov. 18.

Participants will learn about the dynamics of St. Cloud’s municipal government through interaction with public officials and on-site instruction at several city locations. Class members will learn about the various responsibilities handled by each department. Session topics will include the relationship between council and administration, functions of each department, permits, budgeting, employment protocols, computer support, public safety, fire prevention, and recreation.

“This is a great opportunity to look behind-the-scenes at city services and what it takes to effectively deliver them,” City Manager Tom Hurt said. “We also encourage people who may be interested in serving on one of our boards or committees to submit an application.”

Applications can be downloaded from www.stcloud.org, picked up at Human Re-sources (City Hall, Building A, second level), or requested for e-mail or mail delivery. For more information, call 407-957-7277 or e-mail rlovejoy@stcloud.org.

County works to bring after-hours clinic to BVL

The Osceola County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 9 approved the Five-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan for the county to become a Community Development Block Grant Entitlement community, allowing the county to receive an allocation directly from the Department of Housing and Urban Development on an annual basis.

Eligible activities for this program include community infrastructure, housing, economic development, housing rehabilitation, public services and public facilities.  

Included in the 2011 allocation of $1,284,433, the county is proposing to utilize approximately $578,000 toward the acquisition of real property within the Buenaventura Lakes area for an after-hours health clinic. The purpose of this clinic is to support uninsured and underinsured Osceola County low-to-moderate-income families after-hours when the main health clinic is closed. Exact operating hours have yet to be finalized.

“As a board, we designated one of our legislative priorities to be placing a

‘satellite’ medical clinic in Buenaventura Lakes (BVL). That vision is closer to becoming a reality,” Osceola County Commissioner John Quiñones said. “This will provide a needed service for the families in our community.”

The Five Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan will be submitted to HUD by Monday. If the projects are accepted by HUD, they may begin Oct. 1.

Commissioners earn certification

The Florida Association of Counties recently presented Osceola County Commissioners Brandon Arrington, Michael Harford and Fred Hawkins, Jr. with the Certified County Commissioner designation after their completion of a comprehensive study program developed by the association.

Harford, Hawkins and Arrington received the designation along with 46 other county commissioners during an awards ceremony at the FAC Annual Conference in Hillsborough.

“The Florida Association of Counties provides an excellent overall educational experience. The program compliments what you already know with the little things that can make you that much more of a public servant,” Hawkins said. “The interaction with fellow commissioners from around the state was invaluable as another source of insight for approaching challenging issues.”

CCC certification is not a requirement to serve as a county commissioner in Florida. However, county commissioners may voluntarily enroll in the program and complete a series of courses totaling 42 hours.  

“The Certified County Commissioner program was very thorough, covering topics from finance to our Sunshine Laws,” Arrington said.  “I certainly feel the insight I gained has helped me to be a better Commissioner.”

Get a break this weekend

The Back to School Sales Tax Holiday that started Friday will continue through Sunday on school supplies, books, clothing, and footwear.

Economists estimate the tax break will save Florida families $26 million.

During the holiday, Floridians will not pay sales tax on items that cost $50 or less, as well as school supplies that cost $10 or less.

Back to school

The following was not received for our recent Back-to-School section.

Heritage Christian School

1500 E. Vine St.

Kissimmee, FL 34744

407-847-4087

Fax: 407-932-2806

www.HeritageEagles.org

Administrator: Karla Beaver

Elementary principal: Barbara Smith

Grades: K3-12th grade

School enrollment: 550

Tuition: K3 to K5 $2,950; first through sixth grade, $3,050; seventh through 12th grade, $3,250.

Curriculum: A Beka, college prep school, advanced computer, music, art, choir, drama, athletic programs, after-school care.

Sports programs: Cheerleading, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, JV football.

Special programs: Veterans Day program, spring concert, K5 and 12th grade graduations, chapel, Spirit Week, field trips, good conduct trips, Christmas program, guidance counselor, help classes.