Voters: look for notice in the mail about ‘24 elections
2024 is going to be a charged-up election year; if you are a registered voter in Osceola County, expect to receive a mailer this week with important information regarding the year’s election cycle.
That mailer will include election dates, election preparation tips, and important reminders for presidential primary (March), primary (August) and general (November) election. The mailer will have the voter’s polling location and political party. Voters are encouraged to review the information listed on the mailer to be prepared for the upcoming elections.
If you believe you are registered to vote but they do not receive this mailer, check your confirmed address or voter status at www.voteosceola.gov or contact the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Office at 407- 742- 6000.
St. Cloud seeks advisory board applications
The City of St. Cloud is accepting applications from residents who are interested in serving on advisory boards and committees. The City has a number of advisory boards and committees that provide recommendations to City Council, including the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), Planning Commission, Recreation Advisory Committee, Tree Advisory Committee, Teen Recreation, Finance Committee, and Zoning Board of Adjustments.
“Although most of our boards and committees are full currently, several of them have vacancies coming open in the next few months, so we are looking for applications from residents who would enjoy lending their expertise on one of these committees,” said City Clerk Ivy Llauro. “Residents can look on the website to review details on each committee, and determine which they may want to apply for.”
To learn more about the responsibilities of board and committee members, meeting schedules, or to submit an application, please visit the City website at www.stcloudfl. gov and click on City Government > Committees and Boards. Applications are due by Jan. 25. Call the City Clerk’s office at 407-957-7388 with any questions.
St. Cloud’s Forbes earns FRA certification
City Economic Development Director Antranette Forbes recently earned Florida Redevelopment Academy Redevelopment Professional (FRARP) certification. Hosted by the Florida Redevelopment Association, the Redevelopment Academy is a certification program designed to promote a high level of knowledge and professionalism in the field of redevelopment. It also encourages development and maintenance of professional competence for practicing redevelopment administrators.
“Antranette’s achievement highlights the emphasis the City places on professional development, helping ensure we are providing excellent services to our residents and business owners,” said City Manager Veronica Miller. “As our Economic Development Director, she is responsible for a variety of programs, including our Community Redevelopment Agency.”
Duke lowering base rate in 2024
The Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) unanimously approved Duke Energy’s request to lower rates starting in January 2024. A typical residential customer using 1,000 kWh will see a decrease in their January 2024 bill of $11.29, or about 6%, when compared to December 2023. Commercial and industrial customers will see a bill decrease between 5.6% and 7.2%, but the specific bill impact will vary depending on several factors. Duke Energy services areas in Osceola County south and east of Kissimmee and in much of the Poinciana area. The bill reduction includes storm recovery costs combined with lower fuel and capacity costs for 2024. “By combining Hurricane Idalia costs with the remaining balance of prior storms and previously filed bill reductions like lower fuel costs, we are able to provide some much-needed bill relief to our customers,” said Duke Energy Florida president Melissa Seixas. “We will continue to take steps to provide the best possible price for our customers, while delivering the reliable, cleaner energy customers deserve.”
The company encourages customers to take advantage of the numerous flexible billing and energy savings programs, including free home assessments, budget billing and usage alerts, to help customers save energy and money. To learn more about these programs, visit dukeenergy. com/SeasonalBills.
