County to host workshops for small businesses

The Osceola County Commission on Tuesday, May 31, and Wednesday, June 1, will host a free workshop to assist small businesses.

The workshops, which will be offered at the Extension Services building at Osceola Heritage Park, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee, will include various key topics beneficial to both established and potential small business owners as they contemplate future business plans or strategies.

The workshop, entitled “Moving Forward with Osceola County,”  will be conducted in both English and Spanish. The Spanish language workshop will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 31; the English language workshop will start with registration and networking at 8 a.m. followed by the workshop from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, June 1.

The workshops will feature presentations by several Osceola County departments on a variety of topics, including: the rules and processes for learning about bidding opportunities and how to compete for government contracts; well and septic system concerns that may affect some businesses; business tax receipts; economic development – incentives and tax abatement; and community development – permits, inspections, and special events.

Other speakers and community resources include the Small Business Development Center, Workforce Central Florida, Hispanic Businesses Initiative Fund, Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce and St. Cloud Greater Osceola Chamber of Commerce.

Businesses interested in participating can register on the county’s website, at www.osceola.org, or click the following link: http:// www.osceola.org/public_information_office/111-16162-17891/small_business_initiative_workshop_registration.cfm. Walk-ins are welcome.

For more information, contact the Osceola County Community Outreach/Public Information Office at 407-742-0101.

County offices to close May 13 for furlough day

With the exception of public safety and other specific operations, all Osceola County Board of County Commission offices and departments will be closed on Friday, May 13, for another unpaid staff furlough day.

Most BOCC departments and buildings, including libraries, Human Services, Road and Bridge, Animal Control, Permitting and others will be closed to the public.

Realtors offering scholarships for high school seniors

The Osceola County Realtors Association is offering five $1,000 scholarships for Osceola County students for continued education.

Applicants are required to submit a 250 word essay entitled, “The Value Realtor Professionals Contribute to our Community,” must provide their most recent high school transcript and include one letter of recommendation.

Further details, application forms and essay requirements can be downloaded at www.osceolarealtors.org/?p=2317, and under the blog “2011 Scholarship Applications”.  Applicants may also call the association at 407-846-0117 or visit its headquarters at 1105 Shady Lane, Kissimmee. The scholarship application deadline is 5 p.m. May 17.

Take Back Initiative results in 143 pounds of drugs collected

On Saturday, April 30, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement agencies, participated in the National Take Back Initiative and took in 143 pounds of drugs during the four-hour event at four locations.

The one-day effort brought national attention to the issue of pharmaceutical controlled substance abuse and addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.