50 CENTS 113TH YEAR • THURSDAY EDITION JUNE 28, 2012 A series of guest columns written by local leaders in the community begins in this issue. See the Opinion section, page A-4. OOSCEOLASCEOLA NNEWSEWS-G-GAZETTEAZETTE www.aroundosceola.com • www.holaosceola.com School Board to hold special meeting on replacing Andrews By Fallan Patterson Hartig accused Andrews of A superintendent search day’s workshop, agreed with Staff Writer breech of contract and pre- typically takes between two Wheeler. The Osceola County sented a box of evidence per- and four months to complete, “I don’t think that’s fair,” School Board at an upcoming taining to such at the June 19 School Board attorney Larry he said. “The board would be special meeting will discuss School Board meeting. Brown said. doing a disservice if we ap- whether to appoint an inter- Chairman Barbara Horn Board member Jay Wheel- point somebody (permanent) im superintendent or conduct initially made the motion last er opposed finding a perma- before the new board is sat.” News-Gazette Photo/Andrew Sullivan a search for a permanent re- week requesting his termina- nent replacement until after Hartig disagreed, citing While Debby hasn’t caused major damage in Osceola County, placement after current Su- tion from the position. The the election in which Hartig discussions with district staff several days of rain still leaves the hazard of standing water perintendent Terry Andrews motion failed 3-2. is running for re-election and who expressed to her their Vice Chairman Julius Melen- desire to have a permanent on roadways. The above photo was taken Tuesday morn- accelerated his planned re- At the workshop, Horn suggested the board begin dez, who is running for Con- superintendent with at least a ing on Michigan Avenue in Kissimmee, just south of Osceola tirement via email last week after two board members re- discussing how to prepare gress, will be replaced. three-year contract in place. Parkway. quested his termination. for Andrews replacement, “Whoever gets elected “Many people in leader- During the special meet- whether to appoint an in- has the right to participate,” ship have said they would ing, tentatively scheduled for terim superintendent or con- Wheeler said. like us to put in a superinten- July 9 at 9:30 a.m. pending duct a search for a permanent Board member Tom Long, dent, for that stability. And Debby leaves Osceola Andrews’ schedule, Andrews’ replacement. Andrews last who referenced a lengthy I understand that,” she said, transition and succession will week announced he will re- discussion with Andrews fol- adding staff should have a be discussed, board members tire October 31, nine months lowing the email but declined say about the matter. “The damp from downpours said at a workshop Tuesday. earlier than his original date to provide specifics as An- leadership team has to live Board member Cindy of June 2013. drews was absent from Tues- with the person.” By Ken Jackson vice office in Melbourne. Staff Writer A tornado watch was in While Tropical Storm effect for most of Central Debby has been little more Florida nearly all day Mon- than a nuisance to local day. The Florida Highway residents with its drench- Patrol reported damage to a ing downpours Sunday, Florida’s Turnpike toll plaza impromptu severe storm at Yeehaw Junction, and St. cells Monday and blustery Cloud Fire Rescue Chief Bill winds Tuesday, it provided Johnston also reported evi- public works and local emer- dence of a tornado touch- gency operations officials a down early Monday morning practical dress rehearsal for along the new stretch of hurricane season. Nolte Road between Michi- Thanks to the fickle and gan Avenue and Old Hickory slow-moving storm, which Tree Road. Damage was con- began its meandering path fined to small trees, although through the Gulf of Mexico some St. Cloud residents Saturday and was forecasted reported other minor storm- to finally exit into the Atlan- related damage to homes tic Ocean today, parts of and structures. Osceola County saw rainfall The rain was mostly totals upward of five inches replaced Tuesday by winds, for the period, according to the National Weather Ser- See Debby, page A-3 File Photo A crowd of people, right, watch fireworks during 2009 Fourth of July festivities in St. Cloud in 2009. St. Cloud’s Local detectives join task celebration will start Tuesday this year at the lakefront of East Lake Tohopekaliga. force to solve cold cases Independence Day celebrations expected to be a blast By Fallan Patterson assist with the new task Staff Writer force. By Peter Covino St. Cloud gets a head start Choir singing patriotic favor- Chamber of Commerce Two detectives from lo- “We’ll continue to inves- Lifestyles Editor on the holiday Tuesday with ites. events. tigate any homicide in the cal police departments were If there is no Ernesto or a Margaritaville Party at the The Central Florida attrac- While everyone expects city but this is a huge re- sworn in as members of the Florence by Wednesday (the St. Cloud lakefront. tion Wild Florida also will be the fireworks and other source for us if we need it,” new Joint Homicide Investi- next two names for Atlan- The Key West-themed on hand providing 30-minute events on July 4, the Key St. Cloud police Chief Pete gative Team, a collaborative tic tropical systems), there party features music by Vol- rides on the lake on its 17- West-themed event is a new Gauntlett said. effort among law enforce- should be lots of fireworks cano Joe and the Hot Lava foot airboat. Cost is $15 per one for the city, said Linda The purpose of the multi- ment in Osceola and Or- and red, white and blue ac- Band, a Jimmy Buffett-style person. Pinkerton, chamber events agency task force, which in- ange counties to help solve tivities in Osceola County for group. Another fun event coordinator. cludes detectives from 12 cold case homicides and July 4th. Other Tuesday night Wednesday night is a leashed “We are trying to promote area police departments provide assistance with new St. Cloud and Kissimmee events include a zumba dance dog walk charity event. Any- it,” because a lot of people as well as members of the murders. will have their traditional party time, Key West style one can participate. Glow- don’t know about it, she said. Orange-Osceola State At- St. Cloud Police Depart- holiday events, with the St. refreshments and food. The in-the-dark collars will be The fireworks show will torney’s office, the Florida ment Det. Jeffrey Munoz Cloud event actually lasting party is from 6 to 10 p.m. available for purchase for the happen on Wednesday, rain Department of Law En- and Kissimmee Police De- two days, while Kissimmee The fun continues July 4 8:50 p.m. event. or shine, Stephanie Holt- forcement and Crimeline, is partment Det. Isa Hasbun officials are promising the with music, food, games, a The big event concludes kamp, St. Cloud Parks and to consolidate resources for were selected by their re- biggest July Fourth fireworks beer tent, veteran tributes, with fireworks at 9:20 p.m. recreation director said. active and cold case homi- spective superiors to rep- display in the city’s history. the Hot Property Band and Both St. Cloud events are See July 4th, page A-3 resent Osceola County and See Task force, page A-5 the Osceola Community St. Cloud/Greater Osceola Inside Community Homefinder News for you Classifieds C-4 For the St. Cloud St. Cloud, Community B-3 latest Main Street Kissimmee and Homefinder C-1 announces surrounding Legals C-6 activities, Opinion A-4 events and its Heavenly areas featured Obituaries B-4 classes, Home award in Around zoned Local news A-2 see ... editions. Sports A-7 Page B-3/4 Page C-1 Section B 072812.TNG Page A2, NEWS-GAZETTE • Online All The Time • www.aroundosceola.com • Thursday, June 28, 2012 Residents to receive energy-saving adaptors Sex battery suspect sought Osceola County Sheriff’s her to the west end of the Rock standby energy that the LGA ing up.” the University of Central Florida detectives are asking for the Church where he sexually bat- can help eliminate include com- Shafer said residents who Business Incubator in St. Cloud, public’s help in identifying a sex tered her prior to leaving the St. Cloud puter printers, speakers, lamps need more than 20 plugs will a partnership with the univer- battery suspect. area on foot, reports said. The and those that actually pose a fire eventually be able to purchase sity that provides companies that According victim said the suspect as a His- By Ken Jackson hazard if left unattended such as them from the Logicor.com web- have unique business models or to Sheriff’s panic male, approximately 30 Staff Writer irons, coffee makers, cell phone site. products with tools, training and Office reports, years old, 6 feet tall and 180 Some St. Cloud residents chargers and hair dryers. “We think that most home- infrastructure to create financially on Sunday at pounds. He speaks English with will have a chance to be a part But it’s not all about curtail- owners have about 40 in-home stable growth and impact in their approximately a slight Spanish accent. He had of a “Green revolution” simply ing standby energy drain. Lower products that could benefit from enterprises. 4:30 a.m., the shaved hair along the front hair- by plugging in a free power power usage creates a small- it,” he said.