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Local Steps parents, kids can take to stop bullying
Kissimmee teen’s At its last meeting, the School According to that website and the they saw, and don’t question them in murder trial Board passed a proclamation nam- school district, adults should respond front of other kids; don’t talk to those moved to Spotlight on ing November as Bullying Prevention to acts of bullying with a multi-pronged involved together, only separately; and February Awareness Month, and students from attack. don’t make those involved apologize bullying two schools will participate in an Stop it on the spot. An imme- or “patch things up” on the spot. Konrad Schafer, the anti-bullying campaign at next week’s diate and consistent response sends a Get help — the right kind. Seek Kissimmee 16-year-old By Ken Jackson meeting. message that bullying is not accept- police or medical attention if a weap- who was implicated in Staff Writer Yet with all of these prevention able, and can stop the behavior over on is involved, there are threats of a pair of murders this measures in place, the children in time. So intervening immediately is physical injury or hate-motivated vio- In part four of the News-Gazette’s schools still have the adults outnum- key, and it is always acceptable to lence, there is seriously bodily harm summer, had his court in-depth look at school bullying, we date postponed in one bered, and there will be cases of bully- enlist another adult to help. (including sexual abuse), or someone advise what parents, friends and ing. But there are constructive ways to Separating those involved is also is accused of an illegal act, such as of the cases to Febru- students themselves can and should ary. deal with it and hopefully end it before important, but any act to do so must using force to get money, property, do if they, their child or friends are it becomes a damaging problem that be made calmly and reassuringly to or services. bullied. See page A-2 ends with some sort of violence, or those involved and bystanders. The If the bullying is occurring on school Osceola County’s educators are in the recent case of a Lakeland teen behavior shown during intervention property, seeking out the child’s teach- serious when it comes to bullying. The who allegedly was incessantly bullied, must be a model, respectful behavior. er, counselor or principal, the school School District has a full-time employ- suicide. Conversely, do not ignore superintendent or the Department of ee dedicated to bullying prevention, Stopbullying.gov is a government it — and don’t assume that children Education. Police news and part of that agenda is annually initiative sponsored by the U.S. can always work out their differenc- Find out what happened. Get training staffers on each public school Department of Health and Human es without adult help. Among other the facts, and determine if it is really campus in how to prevent and deal Services, which recognizes that bul- don’ts: avoid forcing other children Poinciana with the subject. lying is becoming a health problem. or bystanders to say publicly what See Bullying, page A-2 man jailed for attempted murder Local agencies helping Giving typhoon victims overseas peppers By Tiffanie Reynolds working in the area. The Sal- Staff Writer vation Army, in addition to some pop While international relief their 177 active pastors and efforts are underway for thou- 50 employees in the Phil- sands devastated by Typhoon ippines, has 11,000 active News-Gazette Photo/ Haiyan in the Philippines, volunteers in the area. Both Andrew Sullivan local organizations are doing organizations are sending vol- Allen Smith, of Smitty’s Osceola County their part to contribute in the unteers nationwide, but have Bar-B-Q, layers sliced Sheriff’s deputies recovery of the area. not called Mid-Florida Red peppers with cheese Cross or Kissimmee Corps arrested a Kissimmee Mid-Florida Region Red and cuts of baked ham man on Thursday for Cross and the Salvation Army of the Salvation Army to the the attempted murder country. prior to roasting and sell- Kissimmee Corps are collect- ing them at the Peghorn on an elderly woman. ing funds that will be sent to While these organizations their centers in the Philippines are heading immediate relief Pigout last Saturday. See page A-2 for basic necessities, such efforts, a third local organiza- The free event, held as food, water and medical tion, International Life Foun- at St. Cloud’s Peghorn equipment. Funds are the top dation in St. Cloud, will focus Park, featured a bar- priority for both of these orga- its funds and efforts to long- becue competition, live nizations, as they are easier term rebuilding of the country. music and admission to send to the area and free They are currently in the plan- and information about those on the ground to be able ning stages of their efforts, the park. President Obama to buy what they need. All working with other charitable announced that he would funds will go to the national organizations to figure out the have insurers reinstate branch of their organizations, best way to help begin the anyone’s canceled health which will then be sent to the country’s recovery process. insurance policy. Did he centers in the Philippines. “Allow the organizations wait too long to act? whose mission is short-term “That helps with not hav- ing expensive shipping from crisis management, let them • Yes. the U.S., and allowing to free- do their work. We’ll be able to • No. up the customs and the ports assess in a month or three or • I’m not sure. for the really basic necessities even longer, and put togeth- • No opinion. to get through,” Erin Pagan, er a collaborative team of director of communications non-government and possible for Mid-Florida Red Cross, government organizations said. to begin to rebuild and re- Vote at As of Tuesday, nearly implement the education, the www.around 600,000 people in the Phil- literacy component and the osceola.com ippines were displaced. Red health care component, in Cross volunteer efforts have those communities,” Robert helped move 125,000 fami- Dent, president and founder Results from the lies to shelters, and started of International Life Founda- Nov. 9 Question of the family tracing services to help tion, said. High school dean challenges board week: family members contact those Since 2007, the organiza- in the hardest hit areas. The tion’s main focus is on educa- Do you think Miami Salvation Army’s focus was tion and health. In the Philip- member over 2007 reprimand letter Dolphins football player pines, it will rebuild schools on supplies, and according to By Ken Jackson tigation centers on where the a log maintained of those who Jonathan Martin was and health clinics torn down published reports, seven tons original copy of the document access a file showed “singular bullied? by the storm, as well as send Staff Writer of food in individual packages went and how it was removed. access by Horn” twice since school and medical supplies, if The Osceola County School were ready to be distributed to Emails obtained by the June 3, 2008. Horn said she Yes. – 56% the need is great. District is in the middle of an • the city of Tacloban. News-Gazette show that Singer was waiting on the results of • No. – 33% International Life Foun- investigation involving a current The Red Cross currently sent an email to School Super- the investigation to comment • I’m not sure. – School Board member and its has 1,000 staff members and intendent Melba Luciano on fully, but that she “never had 11% former head of human resourc- 500,000 active volunteers See Agencies, page A-3 Oct. 29 requesting an investiga- the opportunity to remove • No opinion. – 0% es who is now an Osceola High School administrative dean. tion into the missing reprimand anything from my file.” District spokesperson Dana letter. In the email, he stated “I had a good record there,” Schafer said that investigators that during an appointment to said Horn, who worked at Mill Bill Nelson: Florida will could finalize their findings next see Horn’s file on Oct. 11, he Creek for 22 years. week regarding a missing let- was made to view the file in the At the School Board’s Oct. ter of reprimand placed in the board’s chambers under the 15 meeting, it voted on Sing- Index cooperate with White House personnel file of board member supervision of Horn and Board er’s nomination as a dean at Barbara Horn in 2007, when Attorney Larry Brown, which Osceola High. It passed 4-1, on saving canceled policies she was a bookkeeper at Mill was not district policy during with Horn casting the dissent- Creek Elementary. his Human Resources tenure, ing vote. Page A4, Editorial U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fl, son got from a top admin- Stuart Singer, the district’s he said. At its Nov. 5 meeting, said that Florida would coop- istration official just before human relations director from “I was advised there had not Singer appeared during the Page A5, Sports erate with the White House the president went on 2004-11 and now the fresh- been any change in the policy public comment segment to on saving canceled insurance national television to make man class dean at OHS, said previously in force and effect address Horn publicly, say- Page B4, Community polices. the announcement about the the letter had disappeared from until the moment of my request ing that when she was first Page B1, Lifestyles President Barack Obama policies, according to a press Horn’s file when he filed a to view the Horn files,” his running for election in 2010 announced on Thursday release. public records request to view it email read. “I cannot see how , “She told people she was Page C1, Classi ed that he would have insurers Because health insurance is earlier this fall. the process for public access going to fire me.” reinstate anyone’s canceled regulated by the state, Florida The letter, a copy of a con- to view the personnel file of “Barbara bullied me and Page C3, Legals health insurance policies, and officials will have to approve cern and complaint letter dated a former employee could be every employee in the district Florida officials have assured reinstatement of the canceled April 17, 2007, according to changed simply because the office who she had a personal Page B7, Obituaries the White House that they will policies. district Human Resources offi- former employee now serves as vendetta against,” he said. “I fully cooperate. cials, was re-submitted in Octo- a School Board member.” want the world to know that That’s the word that Nel- See Florida, page A-2 ber of this year, and the inves- He also, in the email, said was not true professionalism.” Page A2, NEWS-GAZETTE • Online All The Time • www.aroundosceola.com • Saturday, November 16, 2013 Kissimmee teenager’s murder trial moved to February By Ken Jackson ance asked for by both Assis- 5, when he will face charges rob Roopnarine at his Men- the case himself, taking the hours of June 26. Detectives Staff Writer tant State’s Attorney Sara of first-degree doza Lane home in Poinciana lead in a case for the first time believe that he used that same Hatch and Schafer’s pub- murder and around 11:30 p.m. July 3. since winning election to the rifle, purchased just two days Konrad Schafer, the Kis- lic defender representative armed bur- The report said he stabbed office’s top post in last year. prior by his father, Lothar simmee 16-year-old who was in the case of the shoot- glary with a the victim after co-defendant At some point, Schafer also Schafer, to kill Guerrero and implicated in a pair of mur- ing death of Poinciana resi- firearm. David Damus shot him with will face a count of first-degree fire shots into homes — some ders this summer, had his dent Eric Roopnarine on Police a Hi-point carbine action rifle murder in the shooting death occupied — throughout the court date postponed in one July 3. allege Scha- when Roopnarine failed to of 17-year-old David Guerre- county over the following of the cases to February. Originally set to go to trial fer, along produce more than $300 dur- ro, who Kissimmee police said week. Damus was accused of On Wednesday, Ninth Dec. 2, Schafer now is sched- with three ing the robbery. Schafer gunned down near driving when Schafer allegedly Circuit Court Judge Jon B. uled to appear Feb. 17, with Schafer accomplices, Ninth Circuit State Attor- a bus stop on North Central shot Guerrero and into the Morgan granted a continu- a pre-trial hearing set for Feb. were part of a scheme to ney Jeff Ashton is prosecuting Avenue in the early-morning facades of those homes. Florida Poinciana man jailed Tourism study is Continued from Page A-1 “Congress enacted health istration has to fix the web- care reform to help unin- site and start getting new for attempted murder expected in December sured Americans get cover- enrollees through the door.” age, and it was not intended As a former Florida Cabi- spoke to several witnesses By Ken Jackson In September, the county to take away from folks poli- net member and the elected Police news who told deputies that they Staff Writer heard feedback from a con- cies they’re happy with,” insurance commissioner of saw Pierre repeatedly bat- Experience Kissimmee, sultant sought out to advise Nelson said. “The president Florida in the mid-1990’s, Osceola County Sheriff’s ter the victim. The victim’s Osceola County’s tourism how Experience Kissimmee did the right thing today Nelson’s duties included reg- deputies arrested a Kissim- daughter said that the vic- development and marketing can better serve the county (Thursday). Now, the admin- ulating health insurance. mee man on Thursday for tim was visiting, and didn’t arm, will stay as is through and the local tourism indus- the attempted murder on an live at the residence. She at least the end of the year. try. Bill Geist of Zeitgeist elderly woman. said that at the time of the County Manager Don Consulting said the agency incident, she and her hus- has enough positive attri- Bullying Scott Pierre, 18, of Poin- Fisher said at a recent Continued from Page A-1 ciana was band were asleep when they County Commission meet- butes that it can remain a heard someone kicking down government entity with just charged with ing that an internal study of bullying — avoid calling it ing behavior that include non- attempted their front door. They heard whether the marketing firm a few adjustments, such as glass break several seconds offering more incentives to bullying while trying to under- physical, non-hostile means. felony, mur- should continue as a public, stand what happened. Praise and reinforce your der, burglary later, triggering the house government-run agency or a the sales force. alarm. The daughter and her Commissioner Mike Harf- Osceola County School child for following those rules with battery, private-sector business will District Prevention Specialist when they are pressed to do kidnapping, husband ran to a neighbor’s not be ready to be delivered ord offered up evidence that house for help when they saw the agency was helping tour- Donna Gasiorowski helped so. Share your concerns with aggravated to the board until its Dec. 16 write the district’s bullying your child’s teacher, coun- Pierre battery on an Pierre drag the victim out of meeting. ism expand, making all of the house and hit her mul- the work unnecessary. He policies and said, in short, it selor, or principal. elderly person A pair of what Fisher falls into one of three facets: it Teach and implore your and criminal mischief. tiple times before returning to called “good studies” that proposed a motion to keep his own residence next door. Experience Kissimmee in its must be repetitive, intention- child to be more than a Deputies responded to an look into each option are al, or involve an “imbalance of bystander. Stopbullying.gov Orne Court home in Kissim- Pierre was taken into cus- well under way. Monday’s current state as an arm of tody, but is not cooperat- county government, but it power,” such as an individual says that three out of four chil- mee around 4:45 a.m. When meeting agenda included dis- against a group, a difference dren see bullying on a regular they arrived, they discovered ing with the investigation. cussion regarding the future received no second. Based on multiple witness “We’ve made real prog- in physical size, or when the basis, but only 20 percent (1 a 72 year-old woman lying governance of the tourism victim has a disability. Accord- in 5) of those try to stop it. in front of the residence with statements, Pierre was development outfit, but Fish- ress with the staff we have charged and transported to in place now,” he said. “It’s ing to the definition, a single Children must be taught critical injuries, who was air- er said staff chose to hold off incident would not be bullying not to encourage bullying lifted to Osceola Regional the Osceola County Jail. on the discussion for another my understanding we just had our best month ever until it repeats or begins to behavior by giving it an audi- Medical Center. month in order to provide follow a pattern. ence. Letting a bully know Police detained Pierre, and See Police, page A-3 more-detailed feedback. See Tourism, page A-3 “Everybody uses bullying as that behavior isn’t entertain- a blanket term now. We don’t ing or constructive is a better want to see it used if it is not way to defuse the situation bullying,” she said. rather that laughing at or sup- Assure a child being bullied porting it. Those who bully that it isn’t their fault. Ask are encouraged by the atten- the child what can be done to tion that they receive from feel safer, but try to minimize bystanders, so by acting disin- changes in normal routines. terested or stating they don’t Rearranging classroom or bus think the bullying is entertain- seating plans are often a sim- ing or funny, children can ple step. If bigger moves are help stop bullying. necessary, such as switching If the bullying doesn’t stop, classrooms or bus routes, the children should be encour- child who is bullied should not aged to tell a trusted adult be forced to change. about it. If your child is the bully, make it clear that behavior Contact Ken Jackson at isn’t tolerated. Develop clear 321-402-0435 or by email at and consistent rules regard- kjackson@osceolanews gazette.com.
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NMLS#204032 407-957-5344 407-931-3800 www.dentistorlando.com Call us to discuss how you can become a proud homeowner once again. 083113.SNG Saturday, November 16, 2013 • Online All The Time • www.aroundosceola.com • NEWS-GAZETTE, Page A3 Police news Continued from Page A-2 Two nabbed in community response team. County crash on Florida’s burglary spree Since June, they have inves- Turnpike on Sunday. Osceola County Sheriff’s tigated numerous reports of The victims’ 2005 Ford deputies cleared 15 burglary unoccupied residential bur- van was traveling south on cases after the Community glaries in the Neptune Pointe the turnpike at mile-marker Response Team arrested two subdivision, Remington sub- 210, when the driver, Kathi Kissimmee residents for steal- division and Neptune Road/ Davis, 49, suddenly lost con- ing from unoccupied homes. Kings Highway area. The trol of the vehicle and veered Antonio Torres, 25 and suspects would knock on a into the median, Florida Claudio Fernandez, 25, both door of a residence. If no one Highway Patrol reports stat- from Kissimmee were arrest- answered, they would break ed. The van then struck the ed and charged with posses- in through a door or window guardrail and overturned into sion of burglary tools, unoc- and steal electronics and jew- the northbound lanes. Davis cupied burglary to a dwell- elry, Sheriff’s Office reports was ejected from the van and ing, unoccupied burglary to stated. They would pawn off was pronounced dead at the a structure, criminal mischief, these stolen items at local scene. The passenger, Elsie grand theft and resisting with- pawnshops in Kissimmee. Watkins 87, was pronounced out violence. dead at Holmes Regional The arrests were a result of Two killed in Hospital. Neither was wear- an undercover investigation turnpike crash ing a seat belt, reports stated. with detective from the east Two Georgia residents The crash is still under property crimes unit and east were killed in an Osceola investigation. Tourism Continued from Page A-2 in tourist tax collections. In Development Council chair- former director Shelley Mac- 2010, their Facebook page man, said his board is moni- cini resigned the post in May. had 24,000 ‘likes,’ now it has toring the ongoing process Around that same time, Com- 620,000. Long-term home but has not offered an opinion missioner Fred Hawkins Jr. rentals have become a big yet. had asked for the county to part of our market. “We’re letting the county look into the marketing arm “There’s a lot of effort work with the consultant. We being run privately. going on, and I don’t get haven’t been active partici- Deputy County Manager a strong feeling we want to pants,” he said. “Certainly it Beth Knight said a full-time change the way we do things.” affects us, but ultimately it is a director wouldn’t be named Commission Chairman board decision. Do they want until the county’s studies are Frank Attkisson said the pro- the control they’ve had for 40 fully completed. cess should play itself out years or not? Even if it stays “Those studies will outline before further action is taken. under their control, I know the direction the county takes “We’ve set up a process, there will be changes for the and will define the role that and out of fairness we owe it better.” person will play,” Knight said. to let the process continue,” Former Director of Sales Contact Ken Jackson at he said. “I think we’ll get a Tracy Ward has been serving 321-402-0435 or by email at good decision.” as Experience Kissimmee’s kjackson@osceolanews Brian Wong, the Tourism acting executive director since gazette.com. Agencies Continued from Page A-1 dation’s main effort is to you can donate money to website, http://internation- raise funds for education and both Red Cross and the allifefoundation.org, or by health projects around the Salvation Army online at sending checks made out to world. redcross.org and https:// International Life Foundation They partner with other donate.salvationarmyusa. to their 707 Tennessee Ave- organizations, writing grants org/typhoonhaiyan, or over nue, St. Cloud, FL 34769 that are needed and even the phone at 1-800-RED- address. traveling to the area of need, CROSS and (407)-396- to make a greater impact on 0080. Contact Tiffanie Reynolds the areas they assist. People can donate funds at 321-402-0434 or by email For anyone interested in to International Life Foun- at treynolds@osceolanews 111613.SNG contributing to relief efforts, dation by going to their gazette.com.
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Y0011_77858 0913 C: 09/2013 111413.TNG 111413.TNG Page A4, NEWS-GAZETTE • Online All The Time • www.aroundosceola.com • Saturday, November 16, 2013 OOPINIONPINION Our view Their view Reach out to small Mr. President, businesses this holiday you lied Dear Mr. President: You lied. shopping season More often than anyone can count The blast of chilly air that swept in Wednesday you’ve said some version of the follow- reminded us that the holidays of Thanksgiving and ing in defense of the Affordable Care Christmas are not far off. And these days, you can’t buy Act: “If you like your health-care plan, your Thanksgiving turkey without being reminded of you’ll be able to keep your health-care Christmas shopping. plan, period.” Stores are already rolling out the welcome mat We learn now that perhaps as many with holiday-themed deals, and Dec. 25 is still almost as 2 million Americans cannot, in fact, six weeks away. It will be impossible to miss the big do that under the new law. It requires advertisements the nationally-based chain stores will that health insurance cover a compre- be bombarding us with, especially those “can’t miss” hensive range of benefits, though more Black Friday deals (which are now spilling over into modest policies can be grandfathered Turkey Thursday) that are a staple of annual Christ- in, provided those policies have not mas shopping. been significantly changed since the But there’s another day during that weekend that ACA was enacted in 2010. Anyone potential shoppers should consider — Small Business whose policy fails to meet one of those Saturday, which began in 2010 to highlight retail two criteria must get a new one. options in the community owned and operated by those So what you said was incorrect, and who live and work there. These stores, often “mom-and- that’s bad enough. You made matters pop” single-store operations, offer more personalized worse in a Nov. 4 service than found at a national chain store. speech in which you As an added benefit to the local economy, profits claimed you didn’t say made in a small business tend to stay in a community and Your view what you did. help it grow, rather than watching a bulk of that money “What we said,” go to a corporate headquarters in another town or state. Should Poinciana offer in our great nation: representation by you told the audience, Studies show that for every $100 spent in locally- election. Naturally, you and other residents “was, you can keep owned stores, $68 returns to the community via taxes, become a city? would elect the office holders of an incorporat- it if it hasn’t changed payroll and other revenue streams. Only $43 of it ed Poinciana, just as each household currently since the law passed.” Leonard remains if spent at a national chain store, and none of To the Editor: This question is on the mind of every com- elects the APV board members to represent The Pants on Fire rat- what is spent online remains locally. you. One should then ponder these questions: ing that you got from Pitts Some downtown Kissimmee merchants are par- munity member as we wait for legislative delegations from Polk and Osceola counties Is the election of city officials a superior form PolitiFact was richly Tribune ticipating in the 3/50 Project, a marketing initiative of representation to the election of board deserved. Media rewarded shoppers for doing business locally. They to decide whether to authorize a referendum for residents to vote on. Regardless of where members? Does it justify the cost of paying It is hardly news can get a “passport” from the Kissimmee Main Street (through taxes) for a new layer of government that presidents lie. Bill office at Neptune Road and Main Street, and once one stands on this issue, we all want the same thing: solutions that make Poinciana the best bureaucracy? Clinton parsed an intransitive verb to they spend $50 among at least three local businesses, These are questions only you can answer, hide his dalliance with a White House they can return the passport to be included in a draw- community possible. One option is to retain our present system and your answers will determine the future of intern, George W. Bush claimed he ing for prizes. your community. I encourage you to be well never advocated “stay the course” in According to the program’s website, if more people of management consisting of the community’s board of directors and the management com- informed on this issue, and use the information Iraq, Ronald Reagan swore he never nationwide spent $50 in small businesses a month, those to carefully evaluate the available options. The traded weapons for hostages to arm the businesses could generate up to $42 billion in revenue pany, FirstService Residential, which provides community services under the board’s direc- better informed we are, the better decisions we Contras in Nicaragua, Lyndon Johnson that would circulate throughout the community as busi- make–and together, through smart choices, we escalated U.S. involvement in Vietnam ness owners spend it locally. tion. Is this option a good one? Is it a viable solution for Poinciana’s present (and future!) make Poinciana the best community possible. by claiming American warships had suf- In an area that has seen the economy grow of late, Mark Maldonado, fered unprovoked attacks in the Gulf of but still freshly remembers what it was like at its worst, needs? These are questions that you, the Poinciana General Manager, Association of Tonkin, Richard Nixon said, “I’m not a this is a lift we can all use going into 2014. Anything Poinciana Villages crook.” that can help residents spread holiday cheer after a resident, must decide for yourself. As your community manager, I would like to share But surely you understand by now nice Thanksgiving meal sounds like a happy ringing that you are not just another president. of a bell to us. some information that may help you arrive at Let the people decide your decision, whatever it may be. You are, rather, the embodiment of Through direction of the APV Board of on incorporation a movement, Exhibit A in the argu- ment that a new America is taking Directors, FirstService Residential has been To the Editor: providing community services for Poinciana shape before our eyes. So, the rules In response to Jeff Goldmacher’s letter and expectations are different for you. Got a gripe? for the past nine months. From the beginning, published in your Nov. 9 edition, it is time our goals have been to work for a stronger No one who has been buoyed by to start wondering what drives this individual that movement, no citizen of that new Submit letters to the editor to Osceo- community – and to operate in a completely who does not reside in Poinciana to oppose transparent manner, so that our performance America, wants to see you acting like la News-Gazette, 108 Church St., Kissim- the will of the people. What ulterior motives just another president, any more than can be clearly observed and accurately evalu- cause him to make statements publicly, such mee, FL 34741. If you wish to fax your ated by you and all Poinciana residents. During anyone wanted to see Jackie Robinson as; “If Poinciana incorporates the Osceola and strike out at bat or Neil Armstrong stum- letter to the newspaper, the number is these nine months, and under the direction of Polk sheriff’s offices will leave immediately” or the APV Board of Directors, FirstService Resi- ble while stepping off the lunar lander. 407-846-8516. Email letters to news@ “Poinciana shouldn’t be allowed to vote because Is that fair? No. So what? dential has initiated a Community Enhance- only 7 percent of registered voters voted in the osceolanewsgazette.com. ment Project, including the hiring of new You are probably familiar with the last election.” Both of those statements have political axiom that one campaigns in No more than one letter per writer will be associate residents from Poinciana, improve- been proven false by officials in those respective ments in the performance of landscaping and poetry, but governs in prose. That’s published each month. An individual will be agencies. true enough, ordinarily, something vot- park maintenance services and other initiatives I respected his position in 2009 when he allowed to submit one letter of rebuttal if he that strengthen our community. This project, ers understand, if only instinctively. But opposed incorporation. His nudist community the byproduct of embodying a move- which has delivered good results thus far, is was a part of the proposed city. At this time I or an organization he represents is the sub- part of a program of continuous improvements ment is that when you promise poetry, can’t fathom what drives him to oppose it today. people expect a little poetry. This latest ject of a letter to the editor. that the APV Board of Directors envisions for He claims to represent people who oppose Poinciana. episode amounts to torpid prose. All letters include the name, address and incorporation but I have yet to see him hold a It is worth noting that people main- We have also arranged for government meeting to gather those people. daytime phone number of the writer for veri- agencies such as Access Florida and the Puerto tain a deep reservoir of goodwill toward Poinciana residents opposing incorporation Rico Federal Affairs Administration to come you, even now. And it says something fication purposes. The News-Gazette will not are truly respected by those of us who are pro- into our community and provide vital govern- that even after three years of strident, publish the writer’s phone number. ponents of the incorporation. I believe they have ment services to our residents. hypocritical, extreme and often delu- the right to oppose it and rally people to their Letters to the editor are published on Under the direction of the APV Board of sional Republican pounding, even after side but this individual, whose claim to fame is bizarre comparisons with the Third Thursdays and Saturdays. They also may be Directors, FirstService Residential has reached out to Polk and Osceola County govern- that “he” stopped incorporation when the Asso- Reich and slavery, even after claims published in other Florida Sun Publications, ments with excellent results. For example, Polk ciation of Poinciana Villages Inc. (APV) moved that death panels are coming after including on the News-Gazette website. If County provided $3.2 million in funds for the to have Poinciana become a city in 2009, and Nana, the ACA remains popular with who launched a political campaign based on nearly half the American public. you have any questions about letters to the Village 7 Park, while Osceola County is com- mitting $6.5 million for capital improvements that claim, and who was rejected by 78 percent This is something of a political mir- editor or the Opinion page, contact Editor in our community. Successes such as these of the voters, I don’t believe he has skin in this acle. But you stretch your luck beyond game and should return back to trying to make breaking if you think you can continue Brian McBride at 321-402-0436. Email at demonstrate the strong relationships that exist between Poinciana and county governments. his own community better. It appears his com- to defy gravity while absorbing both the [email protected]. One wonders what benefits incorporation panions are limited to the developer and the wounds Republicans inflict upon you would bring – and if there were benefits, would current APV management. Again, what ulterior and those you needlessly inflict upon they outweigh the addition of a new tier of motives drive him? A popular saying where I yourself. government and bureaucracy and all the added come from states the following; “Tell me who The botched rollout of the ACA OSCEOLA NEWS-GAZETTE expenses to you and other Poinciana residents. you walk with and I will tell you who you are.” with its amateur-hour website was All we ask as American citizens is to be bad enough. Now there’s this. An Year 117 – No. 97 (USPS Number 513540) I would like to clarify a key point in deciding whether or not to incorporate. The Association allowed to exercise one of our most precious observer can only wonder what you (ISSN 1060-1244) Published each were thinking. Did you believe the Publisher Thursday and Saturday for $52 per of Poinciana Villages (APV) is a not-for-profit rights, the right to vote and decide our own MATT PLOCHA lie would not be discovered? Did you year, by Sun Publications of Florida, corporation whose property and assets are destiny. I know by his own statements that he Editor a division of Lakeway Publishers of privately owned by you and the thousands of doesn’t believe that right to be of paramount think the political gain was worth the BRIAN McBRIDE Florida, Inc. All rights reserved. other residents who pay yearly HOA fees. It importance, after all, as he stated, “we are not embarrassment? Did you not know Advertising Sales Manager Periodicals postage paid at is important to consider this because privately a democracy we are a Republic.” Jeff, we are enough about the law to realize this JERRY TURNER Kissimmee, FL. owned property and assets–your property and a Republic based on democratic ideals. Those bomb was ticking? Sports Editor assets–cannot and will not be “transferred” democratic ideals drove me to wear the Armed None of those scenarios reflects well RICK PEDONE Postmaster: Send address to city ownership should incorporation occur. Forces uniform of this great nation. I still believe upon you. changes to: News-Gazette, Lifestyles Editor Instead, not only will you continue to pay in those ideals today. Let the people decide and Thankfully, you have apologized 108 Church St., and promised, albeit without specif- PETER COVINO county taxes, you will also pay for the city’s if incorporation is defeated, so be it. What do Kissimmee, FL 34741. operating expenses by paying city taxes in you fear? ics, to provide relief for people who
Chief Photographer addition to your current HOA fees. now need to buy insurance despite Call 407-846-7600. Valentin Ramos ANDREW SULLIVAN There is one benefit that governing bodies Poinciana your blanket promises. That needs Fax 407-846-8516. to happen yesterday. Your legacy Circulation Manager Email at KATHY BECKHAM teeters here, Mr. President, Jackie [email protected]. Production Manager Robinson waiting for the pitch, Neil STEVE KRAUS Armstrong poised above lunar soil. The Osceola News-Gazette is on No newspaper? Two words of advice: Art Director the World Wide Web at: www. If you have signed up to receive copies of the Osceola News- Do better. JERRY TESTA aroundosceola.com. Gazette and it is not being delivered, contact Kathy Beck- Leonard Pitts is a columnist for Sun Publications of Florida cannot be held responsible for adver- The Miami Herald, 1 Herald Plaza, tising claims. We reserve the right to refuse or discontinue any ham, circulation manager, by phone at 321-402-0401, or by email at advertising, and to edit editorial content. All materials in these Miami, Fla., 33132. Readers may publications are copyrighted. Publisher will not be liable for any [email protected]. errors in advertising to a greater extent than the cost of the space contact him via email at lpitts@ occupied by the error, and accepts responsibility only for an error in the fi rst week’s issue. miamiherald.com. Saturday, November 16, 2013 • Online All The Time • www.aroundosceola.com • NEWS-GAZETTE, Page A5
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Picks of the Weak Wrestling preview Now Bucs, Osceola seeks 3A crown Jags are Baldwin just bad We can declare any and all intrigue eyes 4th involving Florida’s NFL football fran- chises officially dead and gone. Well, except for the bullied offensive state title lineman in Miami, but we’ve all dissected By Rick Pedone that episode down to microscopic par- Sports Editor ticles over the past three weeks. Perhaps soon the Fins’ old “happy dolphin” There are new districts mascot will testify that he was bullied in place for the 2013-14 from the team’s logo last winter to make wrestling season, but one room for the team’s new “sleek dolphin” thing that won’t change is mascot. that Osceola’s recent domi- Jacksonville and Tampa Bay had an nation of the Orange Belt opportunity to roll goose eggs for the Conference should con- season – how much fun would that have tinue. been? – but, they both won last week. The Kowboys, with sev- Now all we have are eral returning state plac- a couple of bad teams ers, are among the favorites who keep pre-empt- to win the Class 3A state ing better games from championship. our TVs each Sunday. Several other Osceola The Jaguars had County teams boast strong the good sense to rosters with wrestlers capa- knock Titans start- ble of reaching, and plac- ing quarterback Jake ing, at the state meets in Locker from the Ten- Rick February. nessee game to help Pedone Osceola joins Celebra- with their win last tion, Gateway and St. Cloud week, and the Bucs Sports in 3A District 5, which also includes Haines City and only had to line up Editor News-Gazette Photo/Andrew Sullivan against the disintegrat- Ridge Community. ing Dolphins on Mon- Harmony and Liberty Class 3A runner-up at 220 pounds Ben Cruz (top) is one of four state meet participants who return to the day night to pick up their first win. are in district 2A-6 with Kowboys lineup this season. Orange and Volusia County At least Florida State and UCF are class seems pretty secure senior Spencer Lacey a trip to Los Angeles for training to again become a competition, while Poinci- providing thrills on the college stage. for OHS. Junior Fox Bald- (fourth at state the past two the Megatron invitational, key player in Central Flori- ana is in A-9 with several The Noles have an opportunity to do win is a three-time state years) and state runner-up the South Dade District 16 da competition. Polk County schools. what only one other FSU team ever has champion who may break Ben Cruz (220). Duals and Osceola’s Knock- “We have a long way to done – become an undefeated national Osceola the national record for Devin Acevedo out Christmas Classic, all go before we will be where champion. The Noles have clear sailing Coach Jim Bird has career high school wins (106/113) and Jose in December. All of those we need to be, but I am on the field, but quarterback Jameis Win- guided the Kowboys to one (324) and pins (242) now Cueves (106) will own the tournaments are loaded cautiously optimistic about ston’s potential legal problems involving state championship (2009) held by his brother, Pete, a first two spots in the lineup, with elite competition. this season,” Scrivens said. an alleged sexual assault could stop all and should have this year’s 2011 OHS graduate. Fox Bird said, and Tyler Schutz “I’ve been telling every- Among the key return- this fun cold. If Winston is given the all- team in the thick of things has 288 wins and 211 pins and Cody Newsom will one that if we can survive ers this season, Scrivens clear, FSU should be in Pasadena, site at the Class 3A state meet. entering the season. hold down the 126-pound December, we’ll have a said, are junior Kyle Mul- of the BCS championship game. Right Runners-up to Brandon He sat out several weight class. chance,” Bird said. lens, who competed at 132 now, nobody looks better. last year, the Kowboys ben- months this summer Cody Dana (132) won Former Gateway High pounds last season. Florida, which should have been a efit by Brandon’s move to because of a shoulder inju- 28 matches last season, standout and St. Cloud “He’s coming off of an significant problem for the Noles, is Class 2A for the next two ry, but over the past two while Richard Bermudez assistant Jose Vazquez joins injury to his shoulder. Kyle tumbling into the dark recesses alongside seasons. months Baldwin has taken and Alex Gillford are at the OHS coaching staff has had a great off-season, the state’s NFL teams. A 17-point loss “We hear the talk, but on several of the nation’s 138. Gio Bonilla could which also includes Rick and is pound for pound one to Vanderbilt for homecoming? How there are some pretty tal- elite wrestlers at a series of have a breakout season at Tribit, Matt Jones, Javier of the strongest kids on the are those Georgia Southern tickets next ented programs in Class preseason tournaments at 145, Bird said. Maldonado and Jennifer team. He finished fourth in week selling? The question is, will Gators 3A,” Bird said. “We’ll be events like the Who’s No. Nazayah Brown and Glover-Harmon. the district last year behind fans surrender and sell tickets to the in the mix, but right now 1 tournament in Pennsyl- Joseph Pereira are among The Kowboys host their three really tough seniors,” jubilant Noles supporters in two weeks? we’ve got some holes we’ve vania, where he beat two- the candidates at 160, eight-team Marvin Haven Scrivens said. UCF, after hanging on to beat Hous- got to fill in our lineup.” time Texas state champion while Lacey (170), Frank- Turkey Duals today at 9:30 Junior Tristan Cuatchon ton last week, is in such good shape for OHS is strong even after Nicky Reenan, 7-1. lyn Lantigua (182), Rashad a.m. at the OHS gym in the has state tournament talent, the American Athletic Conference BCS the loss of state champi- “Fox is Fox. There’s Marshall (195), Ben Cruz regular season opener. Scrivens said, and senior bid that it can even take a mulligan over ons Ariel Dominguez (106) nobody like him. He never (220) and Daltyn Horak and Devin Winter is one of the its last four games and still collect its and Chris Pagan (195) to stops working, he never Derek Rivers hold down the St. Cloud team’s best all-around per- bowl invitation. It’s no fluke. The Knights graduation, along with state stops trying to improve upper weight classes. Coach Eric Scrivens, a formers, the coach said. look like a top 15, maybe a top 10 team. qualifiers Hakeem Butler, himself,” Bird said. As usual, Bird will take former Liberty head coach “Devin finished second This year, UCF is No. 2 in the state. It Jhlan Flanders and Paul Three more state quali- his team through a series of and Celebration assistant, in the district behind the might be next year, as well. Zupofska. fiers are back: sophomore demanding regular season takes over the Bulldogs pro- The Mighty News-Gazette Divine The 152-pound weight John Locksmith (120), tournaments that includes gram and said the team is See Wrestling, page A-7 Nine: No. 1: The Noles. No. 2. Roll Tide. No. 3: The OSU. No. 4: The Bears (the green version, from Baylor). No. 5: The Sports briefs Knights. No. 6: The Chiefs. No. 7: Drew Brees and friends. Nos. 8-9: The Bucs Lady Bulldogs SC AAU volleyball and Jags (yes, it’s a mercy ranking). AAU volleyball is being To the picks: offered in St. Cloud for girls Miami (-3) at Duke: Does it seem ages 10-17 (fifth to 11th crazy to think that Duke should be 13th at state grades). favored here? Blue Devils by 4 in the Tryouts will be Sunday Cameron Crazies Upset Special. from 2 to 3:30 p.m. for UCF (-16.5) at Temple: Oh, to be fifth to 8th grades and 3:30 in Philly on a chilly autumn afternoon. cross country p.m. to 5 for ninth through 11th grades. Please arrive Keystone State native Ken “Young” th Jackson says that, certainly not anyone By Rick Pedone have been nice, but 13 one half hour early for reg- is still good. I am proud suiting up for the Knights. Knights by Sports Editor istration. All eighth through of these girls. They have a Chilly 9. The St. Cloud Lady Bull- 11th graders must be zoned Florida at South Carolina (-13.5): The dogs cross country team worked so hard and they all for St Cloud High. An AAU Ol’ Ball Coach should avert his eyes placed 13th at the Class made huge gains this year.” membership is required in from the disaster that resides on the UF 4A state meet Saturday at St. Cloud was ranked order to participate using fifth in 4A Region 2, one sideline. Actually, we all should. Game- Tallahassee. club code WW3D4B. of the most competitive birds by 21. Grace Miller led the Lady Please email Ettie Sin- Georgia at Auburn (-3.5): The SEC Bulldogs with a season-best regions in the state. gleton at singlete@osceola. Liberty’s Rogelio Arai- k12.fl.us for more informa- Game of the Century of the Week. The time of 19:15, placing th Tigers should give Gators fans hope. 15th. za (34 , 16:16) compet- tion before tryouts. They were a disaster only a year ago, Karissa Solorzano, the ed as an individual at the OHS Volleyball and this season they might play for the Orange Belt Conference Class 3A meet. The top 15 runners from teams not Club national championship. War Eagle by champion, ran 19:39 and Osceola Volleyball Club th advancing to the state meet 4. finished 29 . tryouts will be Nov. 30 from Oklahoma State (-3) at Texas: Defense Also scoring for the Lady are eligible to compete as 7 to 9 p.m. in the Osceola is permitted in the Big 12, but nobody Bulldogs were Kim Napo- individuals. th High gymnasium. Partici- really bothers with it. Cowboys by 6. leon (90 , 21:13.34), “Rogelio had a good st pants should arrive at 6:15 The paid professionals: Octavia Gonzalez (91 , race, but not a great race. p.m. in the gym lobby for Atlanta (-1.5) at Tampa Bay: Pre- 21:13.92) and Devin Mon- At that level, you have to th registration. Tryouts are season, this looked like a pretty impor- talvo (115 , 21:40). have a great race to be open to girls ages 9-17. If tant game. Of course, in the preseason, Jessica Martin and Emily in contention,” Chargers you’re currently in eighth our brains were baked. Bucs by 2 in Henderson also competed Coach Robert Pauley said. through 11th grades, you the Baked Brain Upset Special. for St. Cloud. “This was the second-fast- must be zoned for Osceola San Diego at Miami (-2): Speaking of “Grace ran amazing, est he has ever run. He High School to participate. baked brains, who thinks the Dolphins Karissa had a good day and had a great season, best in News-Gazette Photo/Donald Lamb Register at www.aaus- are better in this one? Chargers by 4 Kim ran a season-best,” school history.” ports.org under club code: in the Why Are We Underdogs Upset Grace Miller ran her fastest time of the season Coach Kevin Harkema said. Araiza, won his second WW3E4A. Tryouts are free (19:15) and placed 15th for St. Cloud at the Class “The best we could have Orange Belt Conference See Column, page A-7 th once you’re registered for 4A state cross country meet last week. been is 10 , which would championship in October. AAU. Page A6, NEWS-GAZETTE • Online All The Time • www.aroundosceola.com • Saturday, November 16, 2013 Hydrilla treatments for Lake Toho will commence Monday
The Florida Fish and Gilson from Wyoming and
111413.TNG Wildlife Conservation Com- we put 11 fish in the boat, mission is treating hydrilla even though we were off the in portions of Lake Toho water by 9 a.m. this month and December, We were fishing with wild “We Pay The Most For Your Used Gun” weather permitting. shiners along the edges of It will treat 2,000 acres topped out hydrilla. We’ve BUY • SELL • TRADE in various sections of the still been catching some lake. An additional nice bass on plastic ALL FIREARMS 900 acres will be worms, lipless crank treated in February. baits and some top- The treatments water lures. are planned to Most of the good enable navigation fishing has been Big T’s access, protect flood early in the morning. control areas and The cooler weather prevent encroach- may chill the water ment of hydrilla on Jacque down enough to native submerged Mitchell slow them down for aquatic plants. Fishin’ a little while, but it’s What makes supposed to warm hydrilla control so Fun back up quickly, so complicated is that fishing will improve it often benefits recreation- fast too. al anglers and waterfowl Spec fishermen are still hunters and it supports the out there in deeper water. endangered snail kite. Most are trolling or drifting
GG 102613.SNG The FWC attempts to bal- jigs and minnows. I think U NS ance these needs while man- it will help the spec fishing Concealed Weapons Classes aging hydrilla. when the water starts to cool A pretty decent cold front down. Offered in English and Spanish Illustration/Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission moved through the state on Send information about The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commis- Wednesday accompanied by your big catch to capjac@ sion will treat Lake Toho for hydrilla over three ses- some strong winds. usfamily.net. 407-518-9820 I was out on the lake You may also send fish- 1352 Bill Beck Boulevard • Kissimmee sions beginning Monday (blue area). The red area will Wednesday morning with ing information and photos be treated in early December, and the yellow area is my long-time friend Clyde to rpedone@osceolanewsga- scheduled for treatment in February.
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