Well, here we are, another Wednesday, and another cool, damp, and cloudy day. And that’s just inside the County Administration building where the King and his court are trying to figure
and scheme how to make up as much as between a 20 to 30 Million dollar shortfall this coming budget year. We have suggestions, but that’ll be later. Some upper staff have said this year will be amongst the worst because every department EXCEPT the King’s are having to make sacrifices. The King has decided not to reduce his staff, and has actually added to it. Gone is Nanette, one of the best and most efficient staff members whose last day was Friday because the King simply did not like her. He truly is a meathead, as well as a joke!

[More:]

Yes, in case some of you weren’t aware, we understand the King now has his own “Personal aide” in the name of Merry whatever. She’s the wife of a local banker the King does business with, so naturally, he hired her. We just don’t recall the job ever being posted. We also wonder how many FORMER county employees who were laid off were invited to the job, considering the duties of this “aide” is to write resolutions for the King, and for which she has no experience in doing. However, there are former County Attorney people who know exactly how to write and frame resolutions, having done that work for years. Were any of them asked to come back?

Speaking of WASTE, Gary Pearce, the All American H.R. Director is now working (we told you a couple blogs back) to develop a marketing plan for Osceola Heritage Park! If it wasn’t so silly, it would be laughable. What the heck experience does he have to perform this job? The same amount of experience as he had when he became the H.R. Director. NONE! Yet, there he is, collecting a hefty salary and, if we’re not mistaken, attempting to do the job the management company for OHP is supposed to be doing. Why hasn’t the King dismissed them since he hired Gary? Come to think of it, why was Gary hired? Did he know too much about the King so he was given something to just keep him busy? We’re just curious.

Then there’s the new H.R. Director, Jeanette whomever. She comes in as the latest HR director in a line of them since about 5 years ago. We wonder if she’s aware a target may already be circled on her back? Also new at the HR department is an attorney, George A Sirmans, who will be taking on the task of handling union work/representation, as well as, what we’ve been told, lawsuits file involving the HR department. Now, call us silly, but that sure does seem like a violation of the County’s Charter! Not that the King is concerned about following any legal procedures, but he sure is showing everyone that he is in charge and not necessarily the commissioners. That’s mostly because the majority of commissioners whimper at the sight of the King. Those like Ken Smith, John Q, and Mike Harford, continue to side with the King no matter how wrong he is.
Oh, and by the way, the county also laid off a couple attorneys so were any of them invited to take the newly created position in H.R.? NO again! Even while the King has told the County Commission that everyone laid off is being given every opportunity to return to work, we have learned that may not be even close to the truth. In fact, when asked about it the King tried to blame certain department directors for not following his instructions. Coincidentally, those instructions don’t seem to be in writing!

Monday, it was assumed the airboat dillema would be close to being settled. We are now hearing that may not be the case because several commissioners may be just too darned silly to realize they’re on the losing end if this suit moves forward to the courts and will cost Osceola County millions of dollars we do NOT have iin legal and settlement fees. What the hell is wrong with our commissioners?

Also, on Monday, Commissioner Ken Smith finally admitted to what we’ve been saying for months. The juvenile crime rate has been reduced and is NOT a major problem in Osceola County. We told you, and him, about the report by the Department of Juvenile Justice quite awhile ago. The Sheriff, along with the Police Chiefs all saw and read it. Smith didn’t grasp it. But now, he still wants to SPEND OUR dollars on programs to help reduce juvenile crime. Hopefully, the remainder of the Osceola Commission will tell him NO, loudly and clearly. We do NOT have money to waste! In fact, the Commission, and Smith should take the lead on this, should be fighting to keep the Osceola Juvenile Detention center off of Simpson Road, open!
That’s right, as of now, the Governor is proposing the closure of the detention center, and there has already been talk about shutting down the drug treatment center just SouthWest of Intercession City. NOW is the time to challenge the Governor BEFORE the legislature gets involved because, as we all know, the Republican controlled legislature are truly the hand maidens for the Governor. Sorry, but they have been in charge of this state far too long. We don’t say the Democrats can do better, in fact, the entire state should go non partisan, giving an equal chance to independants. Anyways, get on that Ken Smith and get the Governor to change his mind.

There’s been an evil rumor started in the downtown area regarding relocating the County Administration building out of the Kissimmee downtown area. Not true according to some sources who say they have just enough money to develop what the county already owns downtown and the rumor may have been started by a couple people who were hoping to move the County Complex out near Partin Settlement Road. Perhaps the King’s realtors were hoping for their 2% on the move?

Remembering: Remember when the county departments ALL had to take cuts, and even when a certain department offered to work 4 day weeks in order to save some jobs, the King said NO? We remember too. Isn’t it funny how the King seems to be quite capable of telling others what to cut and where to cut, having told that particular department head that he wanted physical bodies cut, yet, he han’t EVER cut his own department? The King has NEVER taken so much as a dollar pay cut, reduced his staff, nor has he gained any respect of any of the employees since he started here. He talks badly about county commissioners, behind their backs we’re told, with the lates backstab going into the Chairman, Fred Hawkins. We’re told by some the King is adamantly opposed to the retreat coming up Friday and that he will not have all the information the commission wants because it’s too much for his inexperienced staff to get in time. IF this is true, he is performing his job poorly and should be swiftly dealt with. If the question was placed on the ballot, we predict a landslide vote to dismiss, AND to pay his one way fare on Grayhound to Idaho. We concur!

Looking back over this past weekend and early this week, we continue to shake our heads at how business is currently being done in our county. Even, as we said before, the good ol’ boys knew enough to keep the taxpayers somewhat happy. The king has no idea how to make anyone happy and we’re afraid the majority of the commission is feeling the very same way. A new direction is sorley needed for our County, and looking straight at a possible $30 Million shortfall this coming budget, we see a quick $220,000 which can be saved with 3 votes. And, now that this county is facing a 20 to 30 Million dollar shortfall, not one commissioner has suggested to cut back on the purchase of the Starling property in favor of moving the veteran’s to Osceola Heritage Park, and more sensible and logical location. Think about that.

God bless you all. We do appreciate you and your email! Be healthy and always be safe.

Now, a few messeges from our, and your friends:

Sex Offender Notification_January

Osceola County (February 1, 2010) – In an effort to keep citizens informed, the following information is being provided about several sex offenders who moved to the area or changed addresses in January:
Benn Gunn (DOB 01/19/70) was convicted of Sexual Assault of a Minor in Hartford Connecticut on November 1, 1998. He recently moved to 2741 Burrows Avenue in Kissimmee. He is released from sanctions and has no restrictions.
Brent Galbraith (DOB 11/05/72) was convicted of 2 counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation, Victim Under 16 in Osceola County on December 30, 2009. He recently moved to 2550 E 192 in Kissimmee. He is currently serving 10 years supervised probation.
Efrain Cruz-Fernandez (DOB 7/29/57) was convicted of Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition Victim Under 16 years Old in Osceola County on March 4, 2002. He recently moved to 2550 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. He is currently serving 8 years supervised probation.
Juan Antonio Perez (also known as Anthony Gambino) (DOB 11/23/63) was convicted of 3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in Beaufort South Carolina on March 31,1995. He recently moved to 832 Brack Street in Kissimmee. He is released from sanctions and has no restrictions.
Jernial Harris (DOB 4/24/72) was convicted of 2nd Degree Statutory Rape in Pike County Missouri on May 15, 2000. He recently moved to 4624 West Irlo Bronson Highway in Kissimmee. He is released from sanctions and has no restrictions.
Osvaldo Cortes (DOB 6/29/60) was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Baltimore Maryland on November 5, 1998. He recently moved to 4128 Vista Lago Circle in Kissimmee. He is currently released from sanctions and has no restrictions.
Mark Poffenberger (DOB 8/11/74) was convicted of Lewd and Lascivious Conduct Victim Under 16 years Old, in Seminole County on April 30,2004. He recently moved to 761 Siena Palm Drive in Kissimmee. He is currently released from sanctions and has no restrictions.
Wilson Rivera (DOB 5/23/62) was convicted of Luring a Child into a Motor Vehicle in Palmyra, Pennsylvania on April 22,1999. He recently moved to 2401 Cecile Street in Kissimmee. He is currently released from sanctions and has no restrictions.
Rafael Perez-Perez (DOB 12/21/55) was convicted of Abuse of a Child Engaging in Sexual Performance on December 20,2007. He recently moved to 205 Watts Lane in Kissimmee. He is currently released from sanctions.
Larry St Peter (DOB 9/25/74) was convicted of Child Molestation in Coweta, Georgia on November 22, 2002, and was also convicted of Sexual Battery Victim under 12 years of age in Lake County on February 26,2008. He was recently released from the Lake County jail on a Violation of Probation charge and recently moved to 816 E Flag Lane in Kissimmee. He is currently serving a probation term of 10 years.
John Krell (DOB12/31/32) was convicted of 2 counts of Sexual Battery Coerce Child, 2 counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation, and 1 count of Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition in Polk County on 11/04/2005. He was recently released from the Department of Corrections and moved to a new residence located at 2550 E 192. He is currently serving a 10 year probation sentence.
Benjamin Olivera (DOB 12/30/72) was convicted of Sexual Battery with a Weapon or Force in Hillsborough County on November 19, 1998. He recently moved to 1056 South Hoagland Boulevard in Kissimmee. He is currently released from sanction and has no restrictions.
Joel Rosario (DOB 12/19/69) was convicted of Sexual Battery Coerce Child by Adult in Orange County May 30,2006. He recently moved to a 2328 W Vine Street in Kissimmee. He is currently serving a 5 year probation sentence.
Darrell Moore (DOB 4/06/67) was convicted of Lewd Assault on a Child Under 16 in Duval County on May 25,1999. He recently moved to 714 Del Ray Drive in Kissimmee. He is currently released from sanctions and has no restrictions.
Curtis Copeland (DOB 8/10/72) was convicted of Indecency with a Child Exposes in Corsicana, Texas May 16, 2003. He recently moved to 4576 W Irlo Bronson Highway, in Kissimmee. He is currently released from sanctions and has no restrictions.
Felix Amaro (DOB 2/1/62) was convicted of Lewd/Lascivious on a Child Under 16 in Osceola County on July 22, 1999. He recently moved to 1410 Emmett Street in Kissimmee. He is currently released from sanctions and has no restrictions.
Chenita Dickerson (DOB 4/22/76) was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Hartford Maryland on October 2, 2003. She recently moved to 7300 W. Irlo Bronson Highway in Kissimmee. She is currently released from sanctions and has no restrictions.
Zachary Wells (DOB 3/15/88) was convicted of Lewd/Lascivious Battery Victim between 12-15 Years Old in Osceola County on July 30, 2008. He was recently released from the Osceola County Jail and is current living as a transient in the Kissimmee area. He is also serving his 5 year probation term and has a GPS ankle monitor.
Steven McCluskey (DOB 6/8/81) was convicted of Lewd and Lascivious Battery, Victim 12-15 years old in Osceola County on September 10, 2007. He recently moved to 1080 S. Hoagland Boulevard in Kissimmee. He is currently serving 7 years supervised probation
Eduardo Ortiz (DOB 1/27/69) was convicted of Lewd or Lascivious Battery Victim 12-15 Years Old in Osceola County on August 21, 2000. He recently moved to 721 Jenkins Street in Kissimmee. He is currently released from sanctions and has no restrictions.
Omar Maldonado (DOB 8/14/76) was convicted of Lewd or Lascivious Battery Victim 12-15 years old in Osceola County on January 4, 2010. He is currently living at 2705 Big Timber Drive in Kissimmee. He is currently serving 7 years supervised probation.
Miguel Rodriguez (DOB 11/14/82) was convicted of Lewd and Lascivious Battery, Victim 12-15 years Old in Osceola County on October 20, 2003. He recently moved to 1025 Sumner Street in Kissimmee. He is currently released from sanctions and has no restrictions
Alvin Omar Madera (DOB 10/22/77) was convicted of Second Degree Rape in Ontario, New York on August 9, 1999. He recently moved to 611 Oleander Lane in Kissimmee. He is currently released from sanctions and has no restrictions.
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New Study Shows Osceola School District Success Using Lee y serás® early literacy program from Scholastic
Bilingual workshops and online resources support families and early educators in preparing children for school and strengthening home-to-school connections

(photo attached: An Osceola County father and son work together to create a storybook as part of the Lee y serás® program.)

The Osceola School District is in the second year of providing Lee y serás® (Read and You Will Be) Latino early literacy initiative in communities throughout Osceola County. Developed by Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and a leader in educational technology and children’s media, the program emphasizes the critical role that families play as their child’s first teacher and role model. Lee y serás supports families and child care providers by encouraging the use of a family’s culture and native language in everyday activities like storytelling, cooking, and singing to help prepare young children for school.

A 2009 Evaluation Report, completed by the Education Development Center, Inc. on the implementation of Lee y serás in the Osceola School District, found positive outcomes for families, prekindergarten instructors, and child care providers who participated in the program workshops. Lee y serás gave parents a foundational understanding of the importance of providing oral language activities in day-to-day moments such as understanding signs in the community, reciting rhymes, and reading to their children.

“Ensuring that children become strong readers and develop crucial learning skills is one of our district’s top priorities, and the Lee y serás program helps parents prepare their children even before they begin their first year in kindergarten,” said Superintendent Dr. Michael A. Grego.

The study also showed that the workshops, taking place in the children’s schools, helped parents feel more connected to the school and the classroom. One parent stated, “You can teach children the letters of the alphabet with things you have in the house or during a visit to the supermarket!” The outcomes of the evaluation indicate that Lee y serás holds enormous potential for both families and early educators.

Lee y serás is currently scheduled with workshops in English and Spanish at Boggy Creek and Mill Creek Elementary Schools and Liberty High School for families of children enrolled in voluntary prekindergarten classes at those schools.

Educators and families can visit www.leeyseras.net to access the complete Osceola evaluation report as well as the program’s bilingual resources, literacy building games and activities. For more information about Lee y serás, contact the school district’s Prekindergarten Department at 407-870-4911 or Scholastic media contact Ivy Li, ili@scholastic.com and 212-343-6402
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Parents and Children Encouraged To “Love the Bus” In Honor Of School Bus Drivers and Attendants

As part of the fourth annual National Love the Bus program, the Osceola School District is encouraging parents, students, and teachers to take a moment and thank the men and women who transport more than 22,000 children safely to schools in the Osceola School District each school day.

To help celebrate “Love the Bus", parents, teachers, and children are being encouraged to write thank you notes or draw pictures to give to their school bus drivers and attendants during the month of February 2010, with a focus on the week of February 14. Students can complete the phrases “I appreciate my yellow bus because . . . ” or “I appreciate my school bus driver and attendant because. . . ” Individuals are encouraged to visit www.LoveTheBus.com to share stories about their favorite bus drivers and attendants and to find resources to make interactive cards to print and give to their bus driver and attendants throughout February.

“School bus drivers and attendants are vital links to the education system in our school district,” said Superintendent Dr. Michael Grego. “Without them, thousands of children in our area would have no other way to get to school each day. ‘Love the Bus’ is an opportunity for us to thank the drivers who not only safely take our children to school each day, but also serve as role models and mentors to children across the county.”

The “Love the Bus” program, founded in 2007 and coordinated by the American School Bus Council (ASBC), is celebrated on Valentine’s Day and throughout February in school districts across the country as a way to raise awareness and appreciation for the hundreds of thousands of school bus drivers who safely transport more than 26 million school children to and from school each day. It is also an opportunity for parents and children to learn more about the safety and environmental benefits of school bus transportation.
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Kissimmee police detectives are looking for a suspect involved in an aggravated assault.

On January 18 2010 at 1:00 a.m., an unknown Hispanic male suspect pointed a handgun at the victim in the parking lot of Advanced Auto Parts located at 1608 North Main Street in Kissimmee. The suspect then entered the 7-Eleven store at 51 West Vine Street. The suspect got into a verbal confrontation with the victim while at the 7-Eleven. The suspect left the area in a burgundy two-door vehicle. The victim was not injured during the altercation.

Detectives were able to obtain a photograph of the suspect from the surveillance camera at the 7-Eleven. Anyone with information about the suspect or the crime is asked to contact the Kissimmee Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit at 407-846-3333, by email at seeitsayit@kissimmee.org or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).
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Kissimmee, Fla. (February 1, 2010) – Each year over 3000 police officers join Special Olympics athletes to carry the “Flame of Hope” torch on a 1500 mile relay through more than 60 Florida counties during the Law Enforcement Torch Run The Kissimmee Police Department is proud to be a part of such a worthy cause.

In addition to participating in the Torch Run, the Department holds several different fundraisers to support the Special Olympics athletes. Monies raised from these fundraisers go directly to the athletes and families to assist with expenses associated with competing in the games, i.e. lodging, transportation and food.

The Tip-A-Cop program is one of the most popular fundraisers that the Department organizes. Kissimmee Police Officers and Command Staff will assist servers at the Kissimmee Fat Boys Restaurant located at 1606 W. Vine Street on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The “tips” donated by the patrons to the officers will go directly to the Special Olympic Florida fundraising efforts. This year, 102Jamz is joining in the fun. Listen to 102Jamz on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 4:00pm during Jay Love’s show. Tip-A-Cop will be featured during the 4play @4 Countdown.
“We are excited 102Jamz has partnered with us for 2010 Special Olympics Florida Tip-A-Cop,” explains Chief Fran Iwanski, “We wanted to start the year off with a powerful and popular fundraiser which was a perfect fit for the radio station. We have several more events planned for the coming months and hope to raise a substantial amount to support the Special Olympics athletes and are confident with the help of 102Jamz we will accomplish that goal.”

Don’t miss your opportunity to be “served” by some of Kissimmee’s finest during the Tip-A-Cop scheduled February 3, 2010. For more information about Tip-A-Cop or any other Special Olympic fundraisers the Department is planning, please contact the Public/Media Relations Unit at 407-847-0176EXT 3670.
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