‘Crush the Crisis’ on Take Back Day Oct. 24
Law enforcement and local hospitals will partner Saturday to encourage the safe disposal of unused or expired medication.
Central Florida residents can help “Crush the Crisis” at several prescription drug take-back day events on Oct. 24, from 10 a.m.—2 p.m. The Crush the Crisis events coincide with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and offer local residents an opportunity to safely and anonymously dispose of unneeded or expired medications that may be left over from previous procedures or other medical visits. HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital, UCF Lake Nona Hospital, the St. Cloud Police Department, … MOAR SPOTS Tablets, capsules and patches of prescription opioids and other medications including ointments, lotions, drops, liquid medication in leak-proof containers, vape cartridges without batteries and pet medication will be accepted. Needles, syringes, lancets or liquids will not be accepted.
Osceola Library System Receives grant to expand America 250 collection
Florida Humanities, a statewide, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), has awarded The Osceola Library System $5,000 to expand its circulating collection with more than 400 new titles through its America 250 Book Collection Grants initiative. The America250 digital and physical collections invite you to discover the stories that have shaped the nation and our shared experience. From early histories to movements for change, these books offer many perspectives on the American journey. Everyone is welcome to discover, reflect, and connect through history as we look toward the future together!
“Public libraries are vital spaces for democracy in our nation, providing community members of all ages with access to a wealth of knowledge,” said Florida Humanities Associate Director Patricia Putman. “Florida Humanities is thrilled to support these American institutions by providing them the resources they need to expand and enhance their collections just in time for our nation’s semiquincentennial.”
Florida Humanities awarded more than $78,000 to 123 libraries and library systems statewide, supporting the purchase of more than 4,000 books in communities across 25 Florida counties to provide library visitors with new opportunities to engage with our nation’s 250-year journey while inspiring the next chapter of our country.
St. Cloud Hospital earns APEX Recognition Award
Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital earned its second APEX Recognition Award from the American Association for Respiratory Care.
The respiratory department at Orlando Health St. Cloud was among 48 recipients in the United States of the 20272028 Apex Recognition Award, including Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. Both Orlando Health facilities were honored in the Acute Care Hospital category. “We are honored to see our team recognized for their dedication, clinical expertise and the compassionate care they provide to patients in the community we are grateful to serve,” said Farzana Ganpat BHS, RRT-NPS, director of respiratory care at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital.
Take SunRail to the Orlando Magic games
SunRail riders and Orlando Magic fans will have even more reason to cheer during all weeknight games during the 2026-27 season, as Magic ticketholders can ride SunRail to the game for free.
Game attendees just need to show their gameday ticket, either hard copy or electronically, to a SunRail conductor or fare inspector to use the free service for any one of this season’s 31 home games.
The Orlando Magic play at The Kia Center less than two blocks from SunRail’s Church Street Station. The last northbound train to leave the Church Street Station is 10:32 p.m. and the last southbound train for weeknight games leaves at 11:01 p.m.
Duke Energy offers bill credits for charging EVs at off-peak hours
Duke Energy, which powers parts of our community south and west of Kissimmee, is offering an Off-Peak Charging Credit program, allowing customers to get paid for charging their EVs during times when demand for energy is typically lower.
Those using a Level 2 charger can earn $7.50 credit on their monthly electric bills for charging their EVs between 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and 11 p.m.-5 a.m. Monday through Friday and anytime on weekends and holidays. Up to two EVs can be enrolled per account.
“For EV drivers, participating in the Off-Peak Charging Credit program is a simple, almost effortless way to lower their monthly bills, so we encourage all eligible customers to sign up and start taking advantage of it today,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president.
For more information and to apply for the program, visit duke-energy.com/OffPeak.
