Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital is now offering 3D mammography.
Rotary Sporting Clay Shoot net $80K Operation Outdoor Freedom donation
The Rotary Clubs of Kissimmee and Bartow combined to donate $80,000 from their recent Sporting Clay Shoot to Operation Outdoor Freedom.
“I’ve spent a lot of time in difficult places around the world, but some of the toughest moments for myself and veterans alike actually happened after coming home—when the structure, the team, and the mission are suddenly gone. That’s where Operation Outdoor Freedom steps in,” said Eric Lee, founder of the Valiant Ridge Foundation.
Operation Outdoor Freedom provides recreational and rehabilitative opportunities to wounded veterans on state forests, agricultural lands and private lands throughout Florida at no cost.
“When you’re in the military, every day has purpose. You know where to be, who you’re responsible for, and that someone is depending on you. Then one day it stops. And nobody really prepares you for the silence that comes with that,” Lee said. “A lot of veterans don’t struggle because they faced hardship. They struggle because they lost connection. The brotherhood, the routine, the shared experience. You can sit in a crowded room and still feel completely alone.
"I’ve learned that some of the most impactful conversations do not happen inside four walls, they happen outside. That’s why programs like Operation Outdoor Freedom matter," Lee said. "They give these veterans with disabilities access to places they otherwise wouldn’t have — but more importantly, they give back independence. For a few hours or a few days, someone isn’t defined by injury, stress, or their past. They’re just part of the moment. Programs like this don’t work because of buildings or equipment. They work because communities decide people matter. Because someone chooses to make space for another person to relax and be present again. So when you support Operation Outdoor Freedom, you’re not just supporting an activity. You’re restoring confidence, dignity, and belonging. And many of the veterans impacted may not know where the support comes from— but they will carry the results of your generosity with them for the rest of their lives."
St. Cloud Hospital now offering 3D mammography
Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital is now offering 3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, expanding access to advanced breast cancer screening, the hospital announced Monday.
3D mammography creates a three-dimensional image by capturing multiple images from different angles, which enables breast tissue to be evaluated layer by layer rather than as a single flat image. That added depth significantly improves the ability to identify small, invasive cancers earlier, particularly in patients with dense breast tissue, while also reducing unnecessary callbacks.
“Every clearer image represents an opportunity to detect cancer at an early stage, which means more treatment options that are typically less invasive,” said Sara Ardila, MD, breast surgical oncologist with Orlando Health Cancer Institute—St. Cloud. “When patients can access advanced screening close to home, they are more likely to stay consistent with annual mammograms. Screenings truly save lives, and having 3D mammography available in the St. Cloud community ensures that our patients receive the highest standard of care.”
Education Foundation raises $55K at Clays 4 Kids
The Education Foundation Osceola County raised more than $55,000 at the 6th annual Ken Smith Clays 4 Kids Sporting Clay Classic on Feb. 28 at Triple N Range.
Proceeds from the event support the Foundation’s core programs, including free school supplies for students in need, literacy initiatives that strengthen early reading skills, career exploration opportunities, mentorship programs, and scholarships for graduating seniors. Funds raised help remove barriers and create opportunities for students at every stage of their academic journey.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our sponsors, the enthusiasm of our participants, and the dedication of our volunteers,” said Kerry Avery, Executive Director of the Education Foundation Osceola County. “This event represents a community coming together to invest in students and strengthen the future of Osceola County.”
The champions were: Toho Marine (First Place), The Smith Family (Second) and Pace Construction and ARNCO Construction (tie for Third Place), Jesse Dance (Top Male Shooter) and Lauren Kager (Top Female Shooter).
Animal Welfare bill heads to Governor’s desk The Florida Senate has approved House Bill 559, committing to protecting children and safeguarding animals from abuse. The bill closes a critical gap in statute by ensuring that when an abuser commits an act of animal cruelty in the presence of a minor or forces a child to participate face increased penalties.
“Protecting children means protecting them from every form of violence, including the trauma of witnessing animal cruelty,” said Sen. Kristen Arrington (D-Kissimmee). “For too long, there has been a gap in our statutes when abusers weaponize cruelty in front of a child or force them to participate. CS/HB 559 ensures the proper tools are in place to hold offenders fully accountable. By addressing this intersection of violence, we are taking meaningful action to break the cycle of abuse and safeguard both our youth and our animals.”
“I filed this bill because committing animal crimes in front of minors is a serious issue that often co-occurs with other forms of family violence and can have severe, longterm traumatic effects on the children involved,” Rep. Linda Chaney (R- St. Pete Beach) said. “Children who witness domestic violence at home are significantly more likely to abuse animals themselves. HB 559 aims to prevent that.
With overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers, CS/HB 559 now advances to the Governor’s desk for signature. The measure is part of Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Protecting Puppies” legislative initiative, a package of proposals aimed at strengthening animal welfare protections statewide. With a signature, this legislation would take effect on Oct. 1.
