KUA releases 2025 Hurricane Guide
Ahead of what tropical experts predict will be an “above-average” storm season, Kissimmee Utility Authority released its 2025 Osceola Hurricane Guide, a free, bilingual, comprehensive preparedness guide offered annually to Osceola County residents.
A partnership between KUA, Osceola County, the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud, Toho Water Authority, the Osceola County Property Appraiser, and UF IFAS Extension in Osceola County, the handbook includes information on emergency shelters, evacuation routes, generator safety and power outage restoration as well as helpful telephone numbers, and a disaster supplies checklist.
The guide can be downloaded in English and Spanish from KUA’s website at kua.com/storm. Printed copies of the bilingual handbook are now available in KUA’s Carroll Street lobby, located at 1701 W. Carroll St.
“We urge families to begin reviewing the information in this guide to help them develop a plan to prepare for hurricane season,” said KUA President and General Manager Brian Horton.
New “Leaving the scene” law goes into effect Oct. 1 A new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last week will hold drivers who leave the scene of a crash responsible for damage they caused.
If a driver is convicted for leaving the scene of a crash that he or she caused, and if that crash resulted in damage to another vehicle or property, a court can order the driver to make restitution for the damage.
The legislation, sponsored by Osceola County Sen. Kristen Arrington (D-Kissimmee) will help everyday Floridians who are unfairly stuck with the bill, she said.
“I am grateful to have been able to work on this legislation to ensure that those who leave the scene are held accountable. It’s about responsibility, fairness, and doing the right thing,” she added.
The effective date of the law is Oct. 1.
St. Cloud to hold grants training sessions
The city of St. Cloud is holding a series of four free training sessions at the Cannery Park building (9th Street and Virginia Avenue) designed to help non-profits learn to successfully secure and manage grant funding.
Wednesday, May 14— Writing Compelling Grant Proposals, 10 a.m. to noon: This training session aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to write effective and persuasive grant proposals. Attendees will learn how to present their organization or project in the best light, tailoring their narratives to match the interests and requirements of potential funders.
Prospect Research and Identifying Funding Opportunities, 1-3 p.m.: Designed to help participants efficiently identify and research potential funding sources. It covers strategies for uncovering and selecting opportunities that align with their mission and projects, thus maximizing their chances of securing funding.
Wednesday, May 28— Developing a Grant Strategy, 10 a.m. to noon: Focus on creating a comprehensive grant-seeking strategy that aligns with the organization’s goals and resources. Participants will learn how to manage their grant pipeline, from planning to submission to follow-up, ensuring a sustainable approach to securing funding.
Understanding Grant Budgets and Financial Management, 1-3 p.m.: This aims to demystify the financial aspects of grant management. Attendees will gain insights into developing realistic budgets that meet both their needs and the funder’s expectations, along with skills for managing finances responsibly throughout the grant period.
The classes are free but preregistration is appreciated. To register, please visit www. stcloudfl.gov/2322/Grant-Resources.
Kissimmee resident publishes debut poetry collection
Kissimmee-based poet Danielle Klahr has launched her debut poetry collection, Beneath the Palms.
Described as lyrical, reflective, and deeply personal, Beneath the Palms is a meditation on memory, transformation, and the small moments that shape a life. With themes ranging from resilience to gratitude, love, loss, and renewal, this debut invites readers to slow down, pay attention, and find meaning in everyday experiences.
Readers of poetry and prose alike will find resonance in Klahr’s voice, and fans of nature-inspired writing will appreciate her thoughtful reflections. Beneath the Palms is not only a poetic journey, it marks the beginning of Klahr’s broader literary career, as she is currently drafting her first novel.
Beneath the Palms is available now on Amazon.
Gatorland Global focuses on conservation, protection and education Gatorland Global, a conservation arm of Orlando’s Gatorland, has announced that it is officially Gatorland Global International Conservation Organization, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Gatorland sought to formalize and advance its reach to save alligators and crocodiles through the official development of Gatorland Global as a 501(c)(3) not-forprofit to provide dedicated resources to help conservation organizations locally and around the world.
“As the world leader in alligator safety and education since 1949, we are extremely proud to now be leading the way in global alligator and crocodile conservation through Gatorland Global,” Gatorland President and CEO Mark McHugh said. “Locally, we protect nuisance alligators by working with state trappers to give them a home in our huge lakes. Internationally, Gatorland Global supports several research facilities and sanctuaries to conserve critically endangered crocodilians and their dwindling habitats. Globally, we educate people, schools, and communities on the importance of alligators and crocodiles to healthy ecosystems and teach people how to safely live near these dangerous, yet incredible animals.”
For more information on Gatorland Global visit www. gatorlandglobal.org.
