City Council - Regular Meeting

Good afternoon, and welcome to the Osceola Board of County Commissioners meeting for 05/04/2026. This time, if everyone will please silence any electronic noise making devices you might have with you and stand for a moment of silence followed by the pledge of

allegiance led by commissioner Booth.

Yes, sir. You don't mind. Commissioner Booth.

Please join me in honoring our flag and country.

To the flag of The United States Of America, republic for which it stands, one nation under for all. Thank you so much. Please be seated. Well, that now brings us to our approval of the agenda. County attorney, are there any changes?

No changes.

Thank you.

Thank you very much. County manager, any changes today?

Thank you, board and commission. Yes. I have two changes. One is a revision to item number 15, which is the memorandum of understanding between Osceola County and Elspeth, clarifying that the amount of property conveyed would be a maximum of 39.56 acres. And then removing item consent agenda item number 23, which is the statement of legislative intent related to the ordinance for regulation of water conservation rules. That's all that I have. Thank you.

Alright. Bring it back to the board.

Move to approve.

I have a motion and a second. All those in favor, state by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion passes unanimously. Board, that now brings us to our recognitions, proclamations, and presentations, and we have a number of them today. The first one is an adoption of a proclamation declaring the week of 05/03/2026 through 05/09/2026 as National Travel and Tourism Week here in Osceola County presented by commissioner Chaudhry.

And today, can I please have our amazing and fabulous tourism community folks representing CFHLA and Experience Kissimmee? I'm gonna read our proclamation. Proclamation. It reads as, whereas the Central Florida region is among the most visited destinations in the world with more than 75,000,000 visitors in 2024 alone, with a robust travel industry that has positive impact on Florida and the national's economic prosperity. And whereas the help to boost our image on a global scale, while also creating a record breaking 94,500,000,000 in positive economic impact, supporting 37% of the total regional workforce over 450 team members in 2024.

And whereas tourism in Osceola County provides more than $685,000,000 in state and local taxes in 2024, which resulted in nearly 4,500 in annual tax savings for every household. With over 50,000 overnight accommodations, tourism is the county's largest industry, generating more than 10,600,000,000 in economic impact, and supporting more than 40,700 jobs locally. And whereas leisure travel for Osceola County, not only enriches the quality of life for our residents, but also acts as a significant economic catalyst, fueling the region's progress and prosperity through the creation of jobs, expansion of business, influx of investments, and whereas the travel industry continues to drive the county's economy and workforce by both domestic and international visitors. And whereas, Experience Kissimmee serves as the county's official tourism agency, serving more than 1,000 industry and community partners by marketing, branding and selling the destination worldwide with representation here, and in 17 different counties around the globe. And whereas the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association is the largest regional hospitality association in the nation, representing nearly 130,000 hotel rooms throughout Central Florida, as well as nearly 500 supply partners that do business with hospitality and tourism industry.

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that we, Osceola County Board of County Commissioners, does hereby proclaim the week of May 2026 to be known as National Travel and Tourism Week.

Second.

We have a motion and a second. All in favor, state by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion passes unanimously. Congratulations. On

a very personal note, I want to thank both DT and of course, DT's leadership and all his hard work and dedication to our community when it comes to giving back. I also want to recognize CFHLA because lots of folks don't realize that CFHLA actually gives back so much more to our community as by working with schools, working with our non profits. So when people talk about tourism, it's not just employment for our residents, and of course, tourism market, but it's also giving back to our community. I think that's one thing that I like to Robert, thank you so much for your efforts. DT, thank you for your efforts. And I would love for both of you to say a few words before we take

a photo. Thank you.

Yes. Thank

you so much, Commissioner. This week, as you see, is national. It's celebrated all over the country. And in a lot of areas and a lot of counties, the destination marketing organization, which experienced customers, utilizes this week to really educate the elected officials and the county officials about the importance of tourism. But we are so fortunate here in Osceola County because our county commissioners, our elected officials, and our county officials all understand this is the largest industry in Osceola County, and they know the importance of it.

And they support us every day with our efforts to market Osceola County around the world. So I just want to say a big thank you to all of the commissioners and county admin for their continued support of Experience Kissimmee. Robert.

Robert: And thank you very much, Commissioner. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to all of other commissioners for your recognition this week. And on behalf of the Central Florida Hotel Lodging Association and our chair, John McGavin, and our board of directors, I wanna say thank you so much for your continued support for our vibrant tourism and hospitality industry as DTA and both mister Chowdhury mentioned, which now employs more than 468,000 across the Central Florida region. And not only do we know that the tourism is the backbone of our economy here in Central Florida, but it's also small business week.

And it's also a great reminder that over 500 small businesses are also involved with our organization, many of which that work directly with the hospitality industry. May some things you may or may not recognize, you know, such as our landscapers, HVAC companies, cleaning and sanitation products, laundry facilities, printing, and so much more. And on the dais, we have provided with you from one of our small businesses here in Central Florida, Harvill's Produce. So we hope that you'll enjoy this wonderful and delicious and ripe pineapple with you and your families celebrating

Yes.

National Shabbat Day

and Tourism Week. But to to touch on commissioner Chaudhry, I just wanna highlight a couple of things about our give back into the community. I am very proud of our industry and what we do to together. And through our foundation, just last year, we gave over a 163 $60,000 to 62 different students who received a student scholarship, including several that were from Osceola County to go on to continue their education. In fact, over in total, we've given out over $1,500,000 in student scholarships across the region.

And then also recently, we worked with our local school districts, including Osceola County Public Schools, to collect more than 128,000 items that are given back to students in need across our region. And then lastly, our Adopt a School program, which we have now 121 schools across the region that we support, including many here in Osceola County like Thacker Elementary, Highlands Elementary, Reed Creek Elementary, and so many others. And this is in addition to so many different of our law enforcement and first responders that we also support. And every year, we proudly work together as a region to support our Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast, not only to remember the events of nineeleven, but to also say thank you to our heroes and our community who go above and beyond each and every day. And last year, the fire rescue here from Osceola County the fire department, excuse me, from Osceola County was recognized with one of our awards the fire rescue and EMS heroism award.

And so these are just some of the highlights of our industry working together and make a lasting impact on our community beyond the jobs, the significant tax revenue, and of course, our competitive wages and benefits. So once again, thank you all so much for your continued support and collaboration with our industry. Between Experience Kissimmee and CFHLA, we are so proud of us continuing to partner together to grow our community, recognize our community, and certainly elevate our community. And so thank you all again for your time. I very much appreciate the recognition.

Thank you. Yes.

Commissioners, if I may, I would like to update you on the situation that happened Saturday night at 3AM with it's kind of awkward here.

I'm sorry. Just talking. I'm around. Turn around.

Magic. Yeah. I would like to update you with the situation at 3AM last Saturday with Spirit Airlines. That is gonna be a big impact. I know I worked throughout the weekend with Visit Florida and others to we a lot of people displaced. They're trying to get home. We have a lot of people that had bought tickets and were planning to come this summer. To put it in perspective, last year, Spirit Airlines flew 2,800,000 passengers into Orlando International alone. So it's gonna be a huge impact. We're working through it.

And, you know, it's we're we're really trying to work with the airlines and everything to get they're they're working very feverishly to get more aircraft in the air to to Orlando to replace that missed service, but it's gonna take some time, to replace that amount of of seats into Orlando International. So I just wanted you to know that we're on top of the situation, but also how big of an impact it is for our destination.

Thank you.

So we'll keep you apprised as things develop.

Thank you so much for that, DT. Thank you. For next up, we have an adoption of proclamation declaring the week of May 3 through 05/09/2026 as National Small Business Week here in Osceola County presented by Commissioner Green.

Yes. Thank you. And I have behind me UCF and all the power. Go Knights. John.

Alright. Where as small businesses are the foundation of American economy and are responsible for creating the majority of new jobs, driving innovation and enhancing economic competitiveness, and whereas Osceola County small businesses play a critical role in strengthening the local economy, supporting families, and contributing to the overall quality of life for residents, and whereas entrepreneurs and small business owners exemplify courage, perseverance, and vision as they invest in their communities and overcome challenges to achieve success, and whereas small business contribute to the unique character of our community by providing diverse products and services, fostering a sense of local identity and pride, and whereas National Small Business Week, as recognized by the U. S. Small Business Administration, highlights the accomplishments of small business owners and their contributions to economic growth and community development, and whereas it is appropriate to recognize and celebrate the contributions of small businesses and encourage residents to support local enterprise throughout the year. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the Osceola Board of County Commissioners does hereby proclaim the week of May 2026, to be known as National Small Business Week, and I so move.

Second. We have a motion and a second. All those in favor, state by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion passes unanimously. Congratulations.

Good

afternoon, Mr. Chairman, County Manager, Commissioners. We are honored to be in front of you today as we celebrate National Small Business Week. If you were here after 09:11, you recognized the importance of diversifying our local economy. At that point, our leadership in Central Florida got together.

And fast forward to 2026, we have been able to generate 1,400 small businesses supporting the Department of Defense, Aerospace and Space in Central Florida. Although we love our tourism, we love our attraction, it is crucial, essential that we continue to diversify our economy. Thanks to the leadership and vision of Osceola County, we can continue this trajectory, attracting companies like Skywater Technologies, IMAC, but without losing sight on the smaller businesses who are the fillers in this economy, which is about 31% of them. We applaud you for your continued investment in programs like New York City and small business resources. Thank you for your commitment to create an environment where small businesses can strive here in Orlando, Central Florida region.

Thank you so much.

Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you, Board of County Commissioners. Rafael spoke to the broader impact. And I will just add that at the incubator here in Osceola County, we see the human side of that every day. Entrepreneurs taking real risks to build something meaningful for their families, their industries, and for this community. And the support system around them is what really makes a big difference.

Your leadership helps create an environment where these businesses can grow, expand and succeed. And we have here one of our entrepreneurs from the incubator. And we thank you for your continued support in helping turn these innovative ideas into real economic impact. Hugoardo?

Good afternoon, Chair Commissioners and distinguished guests here. My name is Hualdo Ceda. I represent the IT Group Technology Consultant USA, an international software development company specialized in mobile solution and distribution, logistic and cell operation. It's truly an honor to be here today representing not only our company, but also the UCF Business Inquiration Program, an initiative that is creating a real and measurable impact on business like ours in Osceola County. As company expanding into The United States market, we came to Central Florida with experience, technology and vision.

But like many business, we need a guidance to adapt, connect and grow in a new environment. That is where the USF Business Inquiration Program made a real difference. They help us better understand the local market, improve our strategy, and connect with the right people. Because of their support today, we are actively working with the business in the region, helping them improve their sales, streamline their operation, and become more competitive. On behalf of IT Group, thank you for supporting this program like this and for supporting small business in Osceola County.

We are proud to be part of this community, and we are committed to growing and contributing here. Thank you.

You all very much. Next, have an adoption of a proclamation declaring the week of 05/06/2026 through 05/12/2026 as National Nurses Week here in Oslo County.

Have chief Neely and any representatives for this nurses proclamation, please? Step forward. Thank you. It says, here's the rest of the team. Now that looks more like this.

No offense, Chief Meehan. All right. Whereas the profession of nursing is one of the most respective and vital in our society and nurses play a critical role in the well-being of our community and whereas nurses with their unwavering compassion, dedication, and expertise are the backbone of our healthcare system providing comfort, care, and healing to patients and families in times of need. And whereas Osceola County recognizes and appreciates the invaluable contributions of nurses who tirelessly work to ensure the health and safety of our residents and whereas nurses are critical members of the healthcare team working long hours often under stressful conditions to ensure the health and well-being of patients in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, and correctional facilities. And whereas National Nurses Week observed annually from May is a time to honor and celebrate the achievements and contribution of nurses.

Now therefore be it proclaimed that the Osceola Board of County Commissioners does hereby proclaim the week of May 6 through the twelfth twenty twenty six to be known as National Nurses Week. So moved.

I have a motion and a second. All those in favor state by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion passes unanimously. Congratulations.

Do want me take two more and then we'll take a picture?

Yes. Be Alright. Glad to. Thank you. And good afternoon everyone. I'd be remiss if I didn't just take a couple of minutes to really speak about the invaluable medical team, especially this being nurses week. You know, it transcends just, you know, your typical hospital setting, nurses' home, nursing homes. But when we think about a correctional facility, it's exceptional. The fact that these individuals bravely come into a correctional facility where many in the medical industry shy away from says a lot about them. Their commitment to come in daily and serve a population that is extremely ill, they don't present at their best.

These are individuals who have not seen a medical professional in quite some time, but yet without unwavering dedication, their true dedication rather, they make it happen on a daily basis to ensure that the citizens who come through our doors and visitors are being treated and receiving the same level of care that's expected in the community. And that's extremely important. So I would like to invite Amy Vitani, the health care, rather, just to say a few words about this team. So Amy, if you would.

Thank you, chief Milley. And thank you to the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners recognizing the vital contributions of nurses, especially those that provide essential care to our incarcerated individuals every day. These heroes are the backbone, as we discussed, of the Correctional Facilities Health Services Division, providing care and support to the inmate population, which is mostly under challenging circumstances. Celebrating correctional nurses publicly validates their contributions and encourages future generations to enter a career in this noble profession. Expressing thanks to the nurses and the commissioners who acknowledge them strengthens the community task and emphasizes the critical role of correctional nurses keeping our community healthy.

Healthy. We salute the nurses for their dedication, compassion, and expertise. Happy Nurses Week.

Oh, yeah. Alright, board. And next, we have an adoption of proclamation declaring May 3 through May 9 as national correction officers in employees week in Osceola County.

Okay. And I promise, this is the last proclamation we

used to Don't don't leave the chief up here, guys. Come on up now.

We we we usually don't have this many, but

we've bunch today.

Y'all from tourism.

It's a very hot week.

To small businesses, to nurses, and now corrections. So we couldn't leave anybody out. Alright. Look at this exceptional team. Everybody come on up.

Okay.

Whereas in 1984, president Ronald Reagan created National Correction Officers Week so that the first full week in May honors the work of correctional officers and correctional personnel nationwide. And whereas in 1996, congress officially named the week up to National Correction Officers and Employees Week n, whereas the operation of correctional facilities represents a crucial component of our criminal justice system and whereas correctional personnel play a vital role in protecting the rights of the public to be safeguarded from criminal activity and whereas correctional personnel are responsible for the safety and dignity of human beings charged to their care and whereas correctional personnel work under demanding circumstances and face danger in their daily work lives and whereas we commend all those who currently serve in the corrections profession and those who have served and those who have given their lives in pursuit of this most honorable profession. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the Osceola Board of County Commissioners does hereby proclaim the week of May 3 through the ninth twenty twenty six to be known as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week. So moved.

Second. We have a motion and an early second. All those in favor, by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion passes unanimously. Congratulations, Beth.

I'm gonna I'm gonna ask chief McNeely to say a few words, but I'd be remiss if I don't say a few words. And I always always make sure I say something because these men and women that you see here, plus all their counterparts that couldn't be here today, it's a three sixty five, 20 fourseven job. And there's not always something that we recognize and we say thank you and and we we think of when we think of people giving back to our community. So I just wanna once again, me personally, thank you for all you do. We certainly appreciate it here. I know the entire board does. I just wanna make sure that I personally say thank you again. Chief Neely.

Thank you for those kind words. And again, good afternoon, everyone. It is indeed my pleasure to stand beside these men and women, as they receive this recognition on this one week. However, I think it's important that we also remember to recognize them all the time because, as indicated, this is a 20 fourseven, operation that we're running, whether it's in an emergency type situation, hurricanes, you name it, the staff is always on duty. But more importantly, they do it with skill, they do it with compassion, and of course they do it with dignity.

I mean, to have the opportunity to come in and do a public service job where the personnel on a daily basis come in to make a difference, I am going to tell you that we can't have just one week where we just simply say thank you, but this must be something that we do on a regular occasion. And I know it's often said that they're like the hidden heroes. They're not seen, but the work they do on a daily basis, I'm going tell you, makes a difference as we are an integral part of the criminal justice community. So I would be remiss if I didn't personally say thank you to each and every one of you, but commissioners, I wanna thank you for the proclamation today that's presented before us because it says that you are too, thankful for the work that these men and women do on a daily basis. So to all my hidden heroes, Ronald Reagan said it best and I would just simply reiterate it, no group of Americans has a more difficult or less publicly visible job than the brave men and women who work in our correctional facilities.

And that was on 05/05/1987. And that message resonates today and it continues. So thank you.

Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you. And,

chief, I believe you have something here.

Board next, we have a up presentation a proclamation regarding proclamations for the week of proclamations of the May 3 through the sixth. County manager, if you join me down front for recognition of the county employees employee of the month. Proclamation.

How's the bridge? You're serious.

Good afternoon, commissioners. Brenda Hernandez, human resources to recognize those who are celebrating milestone anniversaries and our employee of the month from May 2026. Celebrating ten years of service, we will begin with Hannah Dawn Towns from our corrections department. Celebrating twenty years of service, we have Danica Ransom, Housing and Community. Also celebrating twenty years of service, Jennifer Herron, Housing and Community Services.

Moving on to those celebrating twenty five years of service, we will begin with Brian Kent Brown, community development. And finally, celebrating twenty five years of service, David Lynn Montgomery Court Administration. And now our employee of the month for May 2026, it is Kelly Stransky from our Osceola Management Emergency Management. Since 2001, Kelly Stransky has been an integral member of county wide communications ensuring the operational reliability of the county radio system. She consistently prioritizes the safety of the first responders and the community in her work demonstrating technical proficiency and keen awareness of real world requirements faced by undercover officers, school resource deputies, patrol units, dispatchers, and firefighters.

Kelly assesses the radio system from a user centric perspective, addressing practical concerns such as transmission clarity, maintenance schedules and console stability during emergencies. Her attention to operational detail enhances both the effectiveness and safety of the system users. Kelly is proactive and detail oriented, actively working to strengthen system resiliency and uptime. In the past year, she spearheaded the implementation of a point to point microwave connection between the prime site and St. Cloud Police Department, improving radio dispatch console reliability.

Kelly provides essential support to the sheriff's office, fire corrections, Saint Cloud, Kissimmee, Osceola Schools, and Toho Water. She collaborates closely with the Motorola technicians and maintains consistent professionalism in supporting its users. Kelly also mentors staff fostering knowledge, confidence and problem solving skills. Her contributions elevate the operational performance beyond routine responsibilities. Kelly's leadership expertise and dedication to communication reliability have measurable impact on public safety.

It is for those reasons that Kelly Stransky is recognized as Osceola County's employee of the month for May 2026. Congratulations. Thank you, commissioner.

Alright. Well, then that brings us to hear the audience. And county attorney, I don't believe there's any signed up.

Are there That's correct. No sign ups.

Alright. Thank you very much. Board, that now brings us to the business of our meeting, which is item seven through 30. Commissioner Booth, I know you wanted to make a comment on item 24. Are there any other items the board would like to pull for a separate discussion and or vote? Alright. We have a motion to approve. Is there a second? Alright. We have a second. Discussion. Yes, sir.

Commissioner Booth. Don't need to remove item 24, but I did just wanna thank our park staff and our administrative staff. And I know this has been a long time coming. This is part of the JPA, the joint planning agreement with the city of Saint Cloud. The Hickory Tree Community Park has a very unique history. Some football dads just went out there and kinda build a football field on on some county owned land, think, and just kinda plopped it out there. Then it all kinda came about. My son has played youth football there. My my daughters have played some some events there as well. So it's an amazing park for the city of Saint Cloud.

And and as we transition over to Saint Cloud, as we should, I just wanted to note that it was a lot of hard work by our staff to get that done and and wanna thank the city of Saint Cloud too for finally taking that over. So that that's just wanted to make that comment.

Perfect. Thank you for that, mister Booth. We have a motion and a second. Seeing no further discussion, all those in favor state by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion passes unanimously, board. Board, I don't believe we have any constitutional officers in here. They're here. I overlooked them. County attorney, anything to add today?

Nothing to add. Thank you.

Thank you very much. County manager, anything to add?

Just a couple of items, board. As I indicated at the last meeting, we were visited by the Build Back Better Regional Challenge Community of Practice. This is their it was supposed to be their last visit throughout the country. About 60 people showed up. They really appreciated the investment that the commission's made and the story and the reasons around it.

And all in all, was very successful. I also want to mention, although it was on consent, thanks to the board on the LSPIS item, pointing out that that is a $470,000,000 investment, 600 jobs. And it's really the reason that the county started that project to begin. I wanted to thank Amanda, Christina, and Lily for getting the item done, and particularly the county attorney's office that helped us wrap everything up to get this on the agenda. So thanks so much. Appreciate it.

Great job. Alright. Commissioner Janer, you wanna start us off today?

Sure. I just had to commend Don had a slide today.

They made me.

And and that $470,000,000 investment is by Elspeth, not by Osceola County, just for the record.

That's correct. That's private investment.

Coming in somebody's gonna be listening to this thing.

Absolutely. Okay.

So a couple things. Like many of you commissioners, we had a nice tree planting over at the sixty fifth infantry for Earth Day, and it was nice to visit trees of years past and some of them blooming, magnolia that was in, bloom. So very nice. And I learned something. They are small and large, species of magnolia trees.

So I did not know that. So anyway, next we have, I did some Betterment grant check presentations to some of our local schools. These are just three of them. I opened the opportunity to all the schools in my districts. And there's things like STEM equipment, musical instruments, sports equipment. So I was happy to visit Paths, Den John Middle and as well as Creek, Mill Slough Elementary. Yeah, Mill Creek Elementary.

Mill Creek.

That's the name. It's on Mill Slough so. True. Anyway, they were very happy and they're gonna, I'm sure, make very good usage of these funds for the kids. So next we have, yesterday I had the honor to be invited to the seventh annual Asian Food Cultural Festival.

And I was able to present them with a certificate of appreciation. This group, the Bangladesh American Foundation of Central Florida, puts this festival on with no help. This is their seventh year and they bring thousands of people into the area. And it was at our own OHP. And it was Saturday and Sunday. So if you're interested, check them out next year. It's some interesting food and definitely multicultural music. When I got there, they were doing African dance. So very interesting. And I think, oh, actually I have a couple more.

Of course, our Healthy Seniors Initiative, we have Sit Be Fit and Bingo coming up. We have a Tuesday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 26 for the Sit and be fit. And the bingo, we have it on May 5, which is tomorrow, and Tuesday, May 19. So for anybody 55 or and and over looking for something to do, it's open to all of Osceola County at the Robert Guevara Community Center at 501 Florida Parkway. Next, board.

I'd like to invite each and every one of you and anybody in the, community that's interested, in this groundbreaking for It's a senior, living community that's gonna be, Thursday, May 14 over on Oakwood, Drive. So

I know. It sounds like spider webs.

Las Margaritas. So Las Margaritas just is not named after a drink. Just so you know, Las Margaritas in Spanish is daisies. And so it's it's named after a flower. And so we're hoping to have a good partnership with Oceola Arts and do a mural, picturing some daisies or something for this. And I'm hoping, board, that this might be a pilot for future senior living. Commissioner Chaudhry, I know you've mentioned like tiny homes. These are not exactly tiny homes, but it's very, very similar on foundations though. They don't have to evacuate when a hurricane comes along. And this property staff has worked very dentalgy.

I to thank especially Ray Stangel. It's less than an acre and I think we're getting something like nine or 10 units on there. So again, I think that if this all works out and said and done, this could be a model, especially for seniors, for affordability. And I'm hoping that the model will be that we give it to the senior as a homeownership, but it reverts reverts back to the county upon death and so that we can assign it to the next needy senior. But we we have to iron out the final details on that.

So with that, and speaking of senior housing, I was hoping we could get a head nod. There is a development over in my district by the Tupperware SunRail Station. So it's not only by buses, it's by the train and it's walkable for seniors just for us to give them it's not a lot of money financially. I think it's 400,000, but we give them a letter of support that they're our preferred project. Because it's for seniors and affordable, I hope Commissioner Booth, I know you're not for affordable housing, but this is for specifically our seniors.

I'm hoping for this. I'm hoping that we could get your support on this one. So if we could get the county manager ahead not okay.

That's a

great location.

Finally, that's all for me.

That's all you got? Okay.

Did. If could still have Margaritas at the groundbreaking, though.

Yeah, Margaritas would be good.

I think he might have a better showing,

but okay.

I got to do the opening remarks at the Build Back Better Regional Challenge Conference that Don talked about. So we both have slides on that, but he filled you in on it. But a very successful conference. Next up, just came back from the trade mission trip with the Osceola Chamber. And while I was there, we had approved already the developer's agreement with SRS. So, we did the official signing in South Korea. So, it was pretty cool. They had press and such there as well. You can see our chamber delegation there on the right hand side. Very successful trip overall.

The chamber members were very happy with all the different companies that they got to meet, the information they learned. I already received an email from LG and they want to have some conference call meetings and such. So, again, all that is coming to fruition of all the years that we have been kind of dripping on them over in the area. Of course, LSPET is what they call a unicorn in Korea. In Korea, there is like five top companies that you have heard of. LG, SK, Samsung, Hyundai, Lotte. But LSPETH is not one of those. But it is a billion dollar company from South Korea. So therefore it unicorn. Very unique.

And lastly, we have beach bingo coming up on Wednesday, May 13. So Ricky, if you wear your Speedo, you get an extra bingo card.

Yeah, nobody wants to be there

for that.

But if you have the margaritas first and then go That's all for today. Thank you.

Alright. Commissioner Joudre, you've gotta follow suit. We got margaritas, beaches, and can't see to see where you land today.

Haven't had any margarita events lately. So

Let me get me at your event too.

So just to recap on one of the senior fun days, instead of margaritas, we gave ice cream. So we had also joined with ice cream social, great prizes. Our seniors had a wonderful time. I just wanna open it up and let all of our senior citizens know these events are taking place all the time. If you want some more information, just reach out to me, and I'm happy to send it directly to you to make sure you attend.

We've got some great great folks out, and the prizes are awesome as you can see. And it's just a really great time to interact and to answer any questions that you guys may have. Next, the twenty twenty six community event is coming up on the sixth this week. So please, if you need any resources or have any questions on resources, please make sure you come out to this or send it to a friend. It's gonna take place from 10AM to 1PM at the Earl of Apartments, which is right on 192. Very easy access to get to. It's including public transportation. So love to see some folks out there. And the next thing is we have our twenty twenty six summer bash for the students. The students are out of school soon enough, and they're looking to celebrate and kick off their summer.

So it's going to be on June 6. Parents, if you, like, need some information, please reach out to me. But it will be taking place at Eagle's Edge Golf Course, which is in Champions Gate. It's like the top golf idea, and it's really cool. Lots of fun. The student committee went out and evaluated it themselves. They approved. So that is where it's going to take place. It's lots of fun. I do encourage folks to come out.

You do need to register, so please reach out to me at Osceola dot org for that. And I know we still have some openings, so just reaching out to the crowds regarding any boards that you would like to participate in. We do still have openings in the Lake Advisory Committee, I see. I do believe I have received one application so far in my district. But please, for those who want to join and just participate in any of these county boards, please reach out to us. There are opening positions here that we would love to fill with our residents. And that's all I have.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Commissioner Booth, anything that's okay?

Get your lake advisory folks there because my two guys are raring to go. My two Okay. Curmudgeony guys. They are ready to have some meetings. Get your lake advisory in it. I was excited about Las Margaritas by

the way.

I've been in I saw that. I said, man, that doesn't look like a bar, but I've been in a lot shadier places than that and had drinks before. But but that that's great. And I 100% support your project, just so you know. So purse auction, Osceola Women Council realtor, whatever, however you say it. They invite me every year. I can't do it every year. And the main reason is, as you see representative Booth is there with me in the middle, is because she invites herself. And I do this for free, but it actually ends up costing me because she goes home with the purse every time. But it's a wonderful group of ladies.

They do such a great job. Actually, most of them small business owners themselves in our community and we just we had a lot of fun that day and they fed me and kept kept my whistle wet so I appreciated that but we had a lot of fun and it was right here in Downtown Kissimmee. Alright. Next. Unlike the rest of the commissioners I actually dug that hole myself. No, you didn't. Yeah. You you can see how clean that shovel is. No. I am really glad to do this.

I think one thing I'd like to mention, talk about the tree planting and all that, we actually did this on Arbor Day, which was a lot of fun at the Veterans Memorial is that you know we don't have any I think a lot of folks don't understand that you have personal property rights if you own a piece of property the County can't tell you if you can cut down tree and you know what I you know where I live I wouldn't want the county telling me I can or can't cut down a tree. But I can tell you what we can do to answer the question of trees getting cut down is plant a bunch of them which is what we've done and so I think it's it's such a worthwhile program. I love that we have the tree farm. I think they told me we've planted over 30,000 trees this year. And we've we've got 10,000 more growing right now over at the tree farm.

So thank you to to the staff that that helped put all that together. And thank you guys for coming out and and pretending to shovel dirt with me. Actually, some of them actually did do the shoveling. And last, we did have our district five tree giveaway. We said we were gonna give away 500 trees. They ended up bringing 600 trees. Still amazes me.

Find up again.

Downtown Saint Cloud at we were gonna start giving away trees at five. I got there around 04:30. The line was already two blocks long to get a tree. It's amazing. We had magnolias and hollies and and oaks and pines.

I think, we tried to pack up. I think the last 20 trees as people were as it it died down, but people were straggling in. First of all, thank you to the downtown, monthly market, the small businesses in Saint Cloud because we coordinate with their event that they do monthly there, their monthly market, and they are so gracious to have us there. As we were dying down, we tried to pack up the last trees and people just kept coming over and I think they went home with there may have been a couple Charlie Brown looking trees left in there at the end, but that was about it. They handed out we said we're gonna do 500.

We handed out almost 600 trees. It was an amazing event and, just so good to I enjoyed just walking through the line and talking to folks. That's what I like to do. And everybody was excited to do it. And that's what got to tell a story of planting a tree with my sister that's now a 40 foot palm tree in my parents' yard, which is the house she lives in. And that's what I got to tell these stories to these young folks here is, you know, plant that memory. And, twenty, thirty years from now, you know, you get to see this big tree. So it was a lot of excitement, lot of fun. Again, thank you to the staff, for helping put that together. I thought I was gonna outdo you guys today because I had three things, and everybody had all kind of stuff. Yeah. But that's it, mister chair.

Thank you so much, commissioner Booth. That's the great stuff. And it is such a great program. I'm so proud that we've got that. And I think one of our team members told me they did 30,000 this year. We're trying to do a 100,000 this year is what they said. Nice. So I'm I'm up for that goal. So

They could probably run that past me just to find out. Just just a thought.

I was I was down for it. Real quick, just one thing. We had our mega bingo in District 3. I was not able to attend, but thank you to staff for once again putting this on and reaching out to our community. Before we finish, just want to kudos, follow-up with Don and set up regarding Elspeth. I believe this is the largest economic development project in the history of our community. So I'm looking forward to the day we turn dirt on such an amazing investment and start bringing in those jobs here in our community. And I think to to the board, I think this is this is this is just a showing of the vision we've laid out and and continue to to have the backbone to hold tight to. And we've got a great team that makes it all happen. I mean, we we just lay out the vision. They go do all the hard stuff. So so kudos to everybody who actually made this happen. And with that, we stand adjourned.