Bay, Bass streets in Kissimmee to close for sewer work
Parts of Bay Street and East Bass Street, just northeast of downtown Kissimmee, will close for a sewer rehabilitation project, Toho Water Authority announced Monday.
Bay Street between Park and Bass is already closed as the project is underway, and should be completed by Friday.
Monday, East Bass Street is scheduled to be closed between Brack and Bay. That work should be completed by July 25.
Then, Bay between Bass and East Lake Street is scheduled for closure on July 26 for work expected to be completed in August.
For more information, call the Toho Water Project Feedback Line at 407-270-3999, email TohoPIO@qcausa.com or visit www.tohowater.com/projects
KUA adopts $309 million budget with no rate increase
The Kissimmee Utility Authority board of directors last week approved a $309 million operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2023, which begins Oct. 1, after several Board discussions and a public hearing on the budget.
The approved budget is a 29.5 percent increase from the 2022 budget. The increase is related primarily to higher expenditures in fuel and purchased power. The budget maintains 287 fulltime equivalent positions and includes a 4 percent market level adjustment for employees.
This also marks the utility’s 18th consecutive year without a base rate increase.
The budget includes $174 million for fuel and purchased power, $19 million for capital expenditures, $31 million for transfers to the City of Kissimmee and Osceola County, payroll of $43 million, and expected customer growth of 3.3 percent and forecasted energy sales increase of 1.7 percent over the current fiscal budget.
AdventHealth Celebration earns Stroke Center certification
AdventHealth Celebration received a Comprehensive Stroke Center certification, a designation that recognizes proven expertise in treating patients who experience the most complex stroke cases.
The certification was issued by the DNV GL Healthcare, an approved hospital accreditation organization through the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid.
“When it comes to stroke care, you must have the best clinicians and resources to treat patients. You need to have the capability to act with extreme effectiveness because of the time-crucial nature of these events,” said Dr. Walter Morgan, medical director of Neurology at AdventHealth Celebration. “The certification validates our commitment to the health and safety of our patients.”
The DNV GL Healthcare Comprehensive Stroke Center certification is based on standards set by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, and confirms that AdventHealth Celebration addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.
A Comprehensive Stroke Center delivers the highest quality of care to the most complicated cases. The AdventHealth Celebration stroke team combines its health care professional team with state-of-the-art technology to improve outcomes for stroke patients in the community, as well as visitors from around the world who unexpectedly require medical care while visiting the area.
“AdventHealth Celebration was founded 25 years ago with the goal of creating a world-class hospital with a unique healing environment,” said Doug Harcombe, CEO of AdventHealth Celebration and the Osceola Market. “Obtaining this certification speaks volumes about our team members’ dedication to providing the most advanced, lifesaving care close to home.”
New food, retail, medical tenants coming to St. Cloud Commons
New retailers are coming to St. Cloud Commons, on U.S. Highway 192 just east of Florida’s Turnpike, on recently-sold outparcels. Earlier this year, the outparcels were sold to developer MHW, with planned leases for new locations of First Watch, Pollo Campero, Mattress Firm, and DECA Dental.
According to a developer’s release, three inline spaces at the center remain available for leasing plus one outparcel are available for ground lease.
St. Cloud Commons already features national tenants including Bath & Body Works, Marshalls, Ross, Hobby Lobby, Ulta Beauty, Five Below, and Old Navy, as well as some small shop spaces.
Herstich named Farm Bureau manager
Judy Herstich of St. Cloud has been selected as the new Agency Manager of Osceola County Farm Bureau. She replaces Blair Harris, who’s been promoted as Agency Manager of Citrus, Hernando and Sumter counties.
Herstich contracted with Florida Farm Bureau in 2018 after 30 years in the tourist publication/advertising business. She is a 50-year resident of Osceola County with long time ties to the Farm Bureau Family, even having been named Miss Florida Agriculture in 1984.
The Florida Farm Bureau Federation is Florida’s largest non-profit agricultural organization, advocating for farming and ranching families, property owners and promote environmental stewardship. Osceola County is one of 60 county Farm Bureaus, which provide member benefits, such as Florida Farm Bureau insurance products, discounts on Ford vehicles, National hotel and rental car companies and more. For information on the Florida Farm Bureau Federation visit www.FloridaFarmBureau.org.
