Mammography center opens

The Digital Mammography Center at St. Cloud Regional Medical Center will have a grand opening today featuring the “Threads of Warmth” quilt contest.

Those attending the grand opening from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1525 Budinger Ave., will be able to tour the center, meet staff, schedule appointments, enjoy healthy snacks, receive free gifts and health information.

Residents also will be able to vote for their favorite quilt from among entries through the Women’s Advisory Council.

For more information,call 407-891-2920 or e-mail speakupstcloud@hma.com.

School Bus Safety Week coming up

The Kissimmee Police Department will recognize School Bus Safety Week Oct. 18-22.

Each year, National School Bus Safety Week is celebrated in October to remind motorists to obey traffic laws and keep students safe. The Florida Department of Education, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Department of Transportation have teamed up to emphasize the importance of safety on the roads with a slogan of “Stop on Red, Kids Ahead.”

The Kissimmee Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit points out facts that every Florida driver should know:

• Florida law requires that motorists stop upon approaching any school bus that displays its flashing red lights and has its stop signs extended. The only exception is when a vehicle is traveling in the opposite direction of the school bus and traveling on a divided highway with an unpaved space of at least five feet or traveling on a divided highway with a raised median or physical barrier.

• Drivers who improperly pass a stopped school bus commit a moving violation subject to citation and will be required to complete a basic driver improvement course upon conviction.

• Passing a stopped school bus in Florida penalties may include: up to a $500 fine;

4 points on your driver license; and a ticket could lead to suspension of your driving privilege.

The Traffic Enforcement Unit will be monitoring bus stops and will exercise a zero tolerance policy for drivers who improperly pass stopped school buses. Additionally, there will be message board signs placed throughout the city to remind drivers to stop on red.

For more information related to Florida’s law related to school bus safety check out www.floridaschoolbussafety.gov.

Tourist taxes were up in August

Osceola County’s tourist development tax revenue climbed 7.4 percent in August compared to the same month a year earlier, following an 11.1 percent increase in July and a 12.4 percent jump in June, according to the latest report from the Osceola County Tax Collector’s office.

Tax revenue for the first 11 months of the fiscal year, which started Oct. 1, is still down 2.1 percent compared to last year for the same period, mainly because of a 21.1 percent decline in October of last year and double digit declines in January and February of this year.

The average daily hotel/ motel room rate in August was up 1.6 percent – at $62.27 this year versus $61.27 last year for the same month. The hotel/ motel occupancy rate for the month was up 1.7 percent, climbing to 48.8 percent this year compared to 48.0 percent last year. The occupancy and average daily room rates do not include Disney properties.

About $2.32 million was collected in tourist taxes in August this year compared to $2.16 million last year. So far this fiscal year, about $28.6 million has been collected.

Osceola County collects a 6 percent tax on overnight stays of 180 days or less.

The tax collector also reported sales tax receipts for July compared to the same month the prior year, based on a report from the Florida Department of Revenue:

• Lunchrooms, restaurants and catering services, revenue was up 8.9 percent.

• Hotel/motel accommodations, up 3.3 percent.

• Gifts, cards, novelty, hobby, crafts and toy stores, up 11.9 percent.

• Admissions, amusement and recreation services, up 12.4 percent.

Power Breakfast set for Oct. 26

St. Cloud Greater Osceola Chamber of Commerce will have an informative forum at its next Power Breakfast Tuesday, Oct. 26, at the St. Cloud Lakefront Marina Building.

The forum is an opportunity for residents and businesses to get first-hand information about Amendment 4 (formerly Hometown Democracy) — the pros and cons. Presenting the opposition will be Ted Brown while Terry Godts will represent proponents.

The buffet breakfast will be from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Cost is $13 for members, $16 for visitors. RSVP by noon Friday, Oct. 22, at 407-892-3671.

Commuter rail meeting set

The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission’s Technical Advisory Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3, at the Florida Department of Transportation’s Orlando Urban Office, 133 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando.

Any questions, or anyone needing special assistance, can contact Steve Olson at steve.olson@dot.state.fl.us or 386-943-5479.