Burn bans in place for Kissimmee, Osceola County

The city of Kissimmee and Osceola County on Friday issued bans on open burning due to the continued dry weather, especially during October, when there was no measurable rainfall recorded in most locations.

Osceola County’s ban is for all types of outside burning including open fire pits, campfires and yard debris within the unincorporated areas. As per Osceola County Ordinance 09-12, any time the Keetch-Byram Drought Index reaches 500 or greater, a burn ban is put into effect.

The ban would be lifted if and when weather and vegetation conditions improve. The ban will be enforced by Osceola County Code Enforcement, law enforcement and emergency services personnel.

Osceola County Fire Rescue will continue to monitor the situation to determine when the burn ban will be lifted.

On Monday, Fire Rescue Chief Rich Collins said Osceola County’s average on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index is above 500, which is in the moderate range, and that his department would be doing all it can to educate residents about how to reduce the fire risk to their properties.

Residents may still apply for burn permits from the Division of Forestry at 407-856-6512. For more information, contact Niki Whisler at 407-742-9017.

The Kissimmee Fire Department issued a burn ban that was to be in effect for 45 days.

The burn ban addresses all types of outside burning, including permitted commercial debris fires, open fire pits and campfires. The ban will be subject to extensions as long as necessary.

City residents are reminded that at no time is the burning of trash, garbage or yard debris allowed.

For more information, call the Kissimmee Fire and Life Safety Hotline at 407-518-2585 or visit the city's website at www.kissimmee.org.

Tussock being removed from lake

The city of Kissimmee Parks and Recreation De-partment is receiving assistance from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission

to remove large parcels of tussock from Lake Toho-pekaliga.

Tussock is rootless grass that grows in an island formation. In recent days, an island of tussock had broken away from the lake’s sea wall, causing the boating path to be blocked. The crews were scheduled to begin work Monday.

Since this portion of Lake Tohopekaliga falls under the state’s jurisdiction, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has agreed to cover the entire cost associated with bringing in a large harvester to sweep up the tussock and clear the boating path, which will make it possible for boaters to navigate the waterway.

It is extremely costly to operate the machinery. As a result, the crews will conduct a considerable amount of clean up on the water, but this activity will not involve the removal of hydrilla. The city will provide in-kind services of hauling the tussock away immediately upon its removal.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 407-518-2501.

Lynx service changes announced

The Central Florida Re-gional Transportation Authority, or Lynx, has finalized service changes that will take effect Dec. 19.

Lynx, customer service has been going through training and will be available to assist all riders as the service changes are initiated. Customers also may visit www.golynx.com to view maps and plan their trips through the online Trip Planner or call 407-841-LYNX (5969) to speak with a customer service representative for assistance. A new Rider’s Guide schedule book will be available in early December.

The next service efficiencies will take place in April 2011.

Changes that will impact Osceola County include:

• Link 18: South Orange Avenue/Kissimmee (Orange County/Osceola County), minor schedule adjustments.

• Link 57: John Young Parkway (Orange County/ Osceola County), timepoint No. 4 will be removed. Timepoint No. 5 will be moved to John Young Parkway and Osceola Parkway.

• Link 306: Downtown Disney Direct (Osceola County), extending morning service to Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Route will depart Downtown Disney West Side Transfer Center at 7:05 a.m., with a 7:15 a.m. arrival at the Hilton. Afternoon service will begin at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Route will depart Hilton at 5:05 p.m. and arrive at Downtown Disney West Side Transfer Center at 5:15 p.m.

• Link 426, Poinciana Circulator (Osceola County/Polk County). Service will be extended to Village 5.