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HRT for Women in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL
Discover Effortless Aging with Hormone Therapy for Women
There's real substance to the notion that every woman is different. No two person's attitudes, bodies, or goals in life are ever exactly the same. But if there's one thing that every person shares, it's that our bodies change as we get older. That's especially true for females over the age of 50. One day you wake up, roll out of bed, and attack the day with vigor and positivity.
The next day, it seems like your emotions are out of control. Despite dieting and healthy life choices, your weight won't go down. It seems like you're having to deal with uncomfortable hot flashes every other hour of the day. Life can be hard after 50, especially when it seems like your body is plotting against you.
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But the truth is, these changes are a completely normal part of the aging process for women. As you might be aware, this change is called menopause, and according to the NIH, more than one million women go through it every year. This change in life marks the end of your period. During this time, your hormones begin to deplete, causing a range of symptoms that can be difficult to deal with without professional help. Some of the most common symptoms of menopause include:
- Hot Flashes
- Vaginal Dryness
- Low Libido or Sexual Desire
- Mood Swings
- Lack of Focus
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic Tiredness
- Increased Body Weight
Trying to juggle and cope with the symptoms of hormone deficiency can be rough for women and their partners because many of them are linked to nutrition, stress, and lack of exercise.
Fortunately, getting older and going through menopause doesn't have to be the worst time in your life. Hormone replacement therapy for women in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL, can help correct the imbalances in your body that are brought on by menopause. These safe, proven treatments from NV Medical Orlando can help balance your hormones during menopause and even help you reclaim your youth.
AboutWhat is HRT for Women?
As a locally owned and operated shutter business, doing right by our customers is our top priority. We know that there are many options out there, so we at the Shutter Shop specialize in providing our customers the highest quality product at the most reasonable price.
We're able to offer impeccable customer service and high-quality shutters and blinds at low prices because, unlike others, we are the manufacturers. That means everything you order from the Shutter Shop is made right here in Georgetown, FL by our talented team. We're proud to say that products made here at The Shutter Shop are shipped to builders and homeowners all across the United States.
It all started when Shawn Reardon, The Shutter Shop's sole owner, and his wife moved from Santee to Georgetown in 2003. They were new to the ins and outs of shutters but wanted to start up a new business on the coast of South Carolina. They started out manufacturing plantation shutters only and a couple years later began manufacturing all exterior window coverings also.
How Does Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women Work?
At NV Medical Orlando, our HRT treatments for women include the use of pellets, which are about the size of a tic-tac and contain hormones like estrogen and testosterone. These pellets are implanted subcutaneously to supply your body with the hormones it needs. Each pellet contains a tiny number of bioidentical hormones that are released steadily into your bloodstream for up to five months.
Unlike other sexual health centers, every HRT treatment provided by our women's sexual health clinic is tailored to our patients. While natural hormone replacement therapy is effective for many women, every patient is different. That's why it's important that you speak with a board-certified doctor, like Gina Kirkpatrick, before starting any HRT treatment to make sure it's right for you.
Is HRT for Women in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL, Right for You?
When a woman's hormones are balanced, there's a better chance that she will be able to live a happy, normal life. That's where the beauty of HRT for women begins to unfold because it balances hormones in your body that would otherwise be disrupted due to menopause.
HRT treatments for women are revolutionary in that they allow you to enjoy life without suffering through all the pitfalls associated with getting older. However, at NV Medical Orlando, our team understands that no two women have the same bodies or hormone imbalances. That's why our board-certified and fellowship-trained urologist, Gina Kirkpatrick, D.O., provides personalized HRT therapy options for women.
Is HRT treatment from NV Medical Orlando the answer to your mood, weight, and exhaustion problems? That's the million-dollar question we get almost every day. And honestly, it's difficult to say until we can see you in our office and conduct a thorough examination. What we can say is that when your hormones are balanced optimally during menopause, you have a much better chance of living a normal life without the overwhelming symptoms that many women experience.
At NV Medical Orlando, we prioritize helping women balance their hormones to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Our HRT therapy options aren't just about getting you on a regimen - it's about giving your body the nutrition and love it deserves through a patient-first approach.
DifferenceThe NV Medical Orlando Difference
Unlike some clinics that rush their patients into therapy, our team focuses on our patient's needs and goals first. To achieve those goals, we conduct thorough blood tests and comprehensively examine your health during your first visit. That way, we can discover your underlying problems, determine your hormone levels, and get a better sense of your needs.
After that, our dedicated physician will develop a personalized treatment plan for you. The goal of this plan is to outline your HRT journey so that we can balance your hormones and your whole body. During this process, we'll keep a close eye on your hormone replacement therapy for women in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL. Like a web, HRT therapy covers several facets of female health. Each piece of that web works in tandem with others to make up how you feel. If we need to tweak aspects of your plan to help you feel better, we'll let you know and will adjust accordingly.
At the end of the day, we want you to feel safe, empowered, and like you're part of our family. After all, true HRT for women doesn't just balance hormones - it optimizes wellbeing and health, too. That's why NV Medical Orlando is dedicated to giving you a one-of-a-kind experience and specialized care, so you'll never feel like you're falling through the cracks.
Up to this point, we've talked about all the greatness that can come with HRT from NV Medical Orlando - but what are the actual benefits? Let's take a look.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL
Most women who consider natural hormone therapy are curious about its benefits and the results of long-term clinical investigations. Who wouldn't be? When it comes to the symptoms of menopause, natural estrogen therapy can be incredibly effective for conditions like lack of sleep, weight gain, excessive sweating, mood swings, and more.
In addition to promoting overall health, HRT for women can help reverse sexual symptoms of menopause, like vaginal dryness and general discomfort during intercourse.
When used as part of a comprehensive preventive healthcare plan, HRT can be an invaluable tool for women. That's because hormone therapies like estrogen treatment have been shown in clinical investigations to reduce the risk of serious concerns like osteoporosis and bone loss.
But that's just the start. Clinical studies report a wide range of HRT benefits, including:
- Improved Mood
- Better Memory
- Improved Concentration
- Longer and Healthier Sleep
- Fewer Hot Flashes
- Less Chance of Depression
- Optimized Vaginal Health
- Improved Muscle Mass and Strength
- Improved Blood Pressure
- Better Cholesterol Levels
- Less Risk of Alzheimer's
- Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer
To learn more about the benefits of HRT and whether treatment is right for you, contact our office today. If you're ready to feel better about getting older, NV Medical Orlando is here to help you every step of the way.
Your HRT Timeline
As we mentioned earlier, no two women will have the same hormone levels or HRT therapy needs. As such, every woman's timeline for menopause relief will be different. Generally, however, a standard HRT timeline may look like this:
Around week one, many women notice that they experience fewer hot flashes than normal. Some women notice these improvements only a few days after their first treatment.
After about two to three weeks of HRT for women in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL, many women notice that they have less irritability, anxiety, and fewer mood swings. During this phase, hot flashes should continue diminishing, and sleep may improve. Other benefits of HRT, like increased libido and more energy, are also expected during this phase.
Starting around weeks three to four, many HRT patients will notice drastic improvements in menopausal symptoms.
Around weeks five and six, it's common for women to notice physical differences like healthier skin, less hair loss, and even weight loss. With time, these improvements become even more pronounced.
Additional Services for Optimal Female Health
At NV Medical Orlando, we don't only treat our patients for sexual health and wellness. Because Dr. Gina Kirkpatrick is a fellowship-trained urologist, our clinic has the capacity to treat all matters related to sexual health and wellness, including certain urologic conditions.
Vaginal Rejuvenation
Have you started to notice that things “down under†are different than they were years ago? Are you experiencing disconcerting symptoms such as:
- Burning
- Irritation After Sex
- Dryness
- Urinary Incontinence
- Unfulfilling Intercourse
- Vaginal Laxity (Lack of Tightness)
- Diminished Lubrication During Intercourse
If you've noticed any of the above symptoms, you may be dealing with vaginal or pelvic floor laxity. For women dealing with these issues, vaginal rejuvenation often answers their problems. Vaginal rejuvenation is an umbrella term that covers several vaginal corrective procedures. These procedures can correct problems that occur after giving birth or during menopause.
Traditionally, these conditions have been treated with invasive surgeries and with supplements like vaginal estrogen or hyaluronic acid. However, modern treatment options like laser vaginal rejuvenation are growing in popularity and can help women avoid the pitfalls of surgery.
In fact, study centers around the world are using monopolar radiofrequency for vaginal laxity in premenopausal women. Studies show that treatment is safe and helps improve vaginal laxity and other sexual dysfunctions. Additionally, anecdotal evidence shows that patients have less urine leakage when coughing, laughing, sneezing, and exercising.
If you're unsatisfied with the appearance of your vagina or have noticed increased looseness or diminished lubrication, don't lose hope. Vaginal rejuvenation, HRT for women in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL, or a combo of the two may be right for you.
Vaginal Dryness
The primary cause of vaginal atrophy or vaginal dryness is the reduction of estrogen. Typically, women lose estrogen during and after menopause. Childbirth and hysterectomy can also be causes that reduce estrogen production. To help women restore natural levels of estrogen, thereby treating vaginal dryness, NV Medical Orlando offers three types of therapies:
Vaginal Therapy
Estrogen cream is applied intravaginally at night to improve vaginal blood flow, lubrication, and elasticity. Alternatively, women can choose s Hyaluronic Acid Vaginal Suppository, which provides hormone-free relief from vaginal dryness. This treatment is best for women who cannot undergo hormone replacement therapy.
Minimally Invasive Vaginal Therapy
Viveve Radiofrequency Technology, which uses cryogen-cooled radio frequencies to heat and cool vaginal tissue, is designed to improve:
- Blood Flow
- Vaginal Lubrication
- Vaginal Laxity
- Stress Urinary Incontinence
This popular treatment is performed discreetly, is painless, and usually takes less than an hour to complete.
Systemic Therapy
HRT for women in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL, can be administered as oral pills, creams, pellets, or as injections under the skin. The specific type of hormones, their delivery mechanisms, and dosage levels are determined on a patient-by-patient basis after a detailed history, physical exam, and laboratory study.
Low Libido in Women
If you're a woman who finds herself lacking sexual desire or the act of sexual intercourse, you're not alone. In fact, research from 1999 shows that as much as 22% of women in the U.S. report low sex drive. Though this issue is often underreported, its causes and the available treatments are well-known.
Causes of low libido in women include:
Surgery
Hysterectomies often result in a drastic drop of testosterone and estrogen in a woman's body. This drop in hormones has been linked to low libido.
Medications
Some medicines that are used to treat depression and anxiety, specifically SSRIs that inhibit serotonin, have been demonstrated to reduce sexual arousal.
Hormones
Estrogen affects blood flow to vaginal and genital tissues. Reducing estrogen, which can occur during and after menopause, childbirth or surgical menopause created secondary to a hysterectomy can result in reduced vaginal blood flow and lubrication.
Overall Health
Studies on post-menopausal women have demonstrated that patients in poor health report lower sexual desire. In fact, symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, and mood swings caused by chronic illnesses all contribute to decreased female libido.
Though low libido and the effects of unbalanced hormones can be concerning, treatment is available at NV Medical Orlando. First, a thorough physical exam and health history will be conducted to help our experts develop an optimal treatment plan for you. During your evaluation, you may be asked to complete a questionnaire that helps us assess your symptoms further. That way, we can craft an appropriate treatment regimen to address your symptoms and concerns.
The type of treatment recommended depends on your identified needs and may include hormone replacement therapy for women, vaginal treatments, oral medications, sexual therapies, or additional treatment regimens.
The Premier Choice for FDA-Approved HRT for Women in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL
If you're a woman suffering day-to-day from the symptoms of menopause, now is the time to balance your hormones and reclaim your life. Sure, menopause is a natural process that occurs in almost every woman's body. But that doesn't mean you must forego treatments like HRT to make your transition easier. Who says the second half of your life can't be better than the first?
At NV Medical Orlando, we have helped countless women overcome the life-changing symptoms associated with menopause and hormone imbalances, and we're here for you, too. Contact our office today to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward long-term relief.
407-730-4244
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Latest News in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL
Flood waters continue rising in Osceola after Hurricane Ian; commissioner has to be rescued
Natalia Jaramillohttps://www.orlandosentinel.com/2022/10/01/flood-waters-continue-rising-in-osceola-after-hurricane-ian-commissioner-has-to-be-rescued/
Flood waters are expected to continue rising for the next four days in Osceola County, Commissioner Brandon Arrington said at a press conference Saturday morning.“Obviously a lot of us woke up today to different circumstances than we ended our day with yesterday,” Arrington said. “I’m specifically one of those individuals as I had to be rescued from my house this morning in order to be here today.”There continues to be historic flood water levels across the county and many local and state organizat...
Flood waters are expected to continue rising for the next four days in Osceola County, Commissioner Brandon Arrington said at a press conference Saturday morning.
“Obviously a lot of us woke up today to different circumstances than we ended our day with yesterday,” Arrington said. “I’m specifically one of those individuals as I had to be rescued from my house this morning in order to be here today.”
There continues to be historic flood water levels across the county and many local and state organizations continued rescue efforts all night Friday across the county, Arrington said.
Due to rising flood waters, there will be a voluntary evacuation order for Shingle Creek Reserve at the Oaks, Arrington said. Osceola County Fire Rescue led the operation to evacuate several people, including Arrington, from the area, a county spokeswoman said.
Areas still experiencing extreme flooding include Shingle Creek, parts of Buenaventura Lakes, Pebble Point and low lying areas of Poinciana.
East Lake Toho water levels could rise another two feet, Arrington said.
“Places that have never experienced flooding are now experiencing flooding,” Arrington said. “I can tell you as a native Osceola County resident I have never seen so much water throughout our community.”
Arrington asked residents living near creeks to evacuate prior to water levels beginning to rise or continuing to rise.
“Please, please look to evacuate” Arrington said.
The Kissimmee Civic Center will serve as the Osceola County shelter and the county recovery center, Arrington said.
In order to combat water entering resident’s homes, sandbag operations will begin Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Osceola Heritage Park and at the St. Cloud Civic Center.
As recovery efforts continue, Arrington said the U.S. Corp of Engineers is on its way to help pump water from the hardest hit areas and the county is working on opening a mass eating center for those needing meals.
The South Florida Water Management District is supporting local drainage systems around the clock to move water through the interconnected Kissimmee chain of lakes system and has deployed temporary pumps to drain these lakes as quickly as possible, spokesperson Sean Cooley said in a statement read by Arrington.
Those wanting to help can donate through osceolareadi.org/donate which will go towards buying specific items needed for those impacted by Hurricane Ian, Arrington said.
Osceola County Shares Friday Update for Hurricane Ian, Good Samaritan Village in Mandatory Evacuation
Positively Osceolahttps://www.positivelyosceola.com/osceola-county-shares-friday-update-for-hurricane-ian-good-samaritan-village-in-mandatory-evacuation/
Osceola County declared a mandatory evacuation for Good Samaritan Village Friday afternoon after it was clear that residents refusing to leave the community were putting themselves and their potential rescuers at risk.“After consulting with our experts in law enforcement, water management and fire rescue, it was clear that we take action to evacuate the Good Samaritan community. Shingle Creek is at a historically high level and it is only going to rise. Giving our first-responders the ability to get these few residents o...
Osceola County declared a mandatory evacuation for Good Samaritan Village Friday afternoon after it was clear that residents refusing to leave the community were putting themselves and their potential rescuers at risk.
“After consulting with our experts in law enforcement, water management and fire rescue, it was clear that we take action to evacuate the Good Samaritan community. Shingle Creek is at a historically high level and it is only going to rise. Giving our first-responders the ability to get these few residents out of harm’s way was imperative. This will allow us to focus on our recovery efforts moving forward and keep as many people safe as possible,” Osceola Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington said.
A day after Hurricane Ian passed through Florida, Osceola County communities such as Good Samaritan Village were still dealing with rising flood waters after at least 14 inches of rain fell across the County. Other areas of concern include Buenaventura Lakes, Pebble Point, Poinciana, Indian Wells and Kings Highway.
The City of Kissimmee canceled its curfew. In other areas, water was receding – even as residents were able to begin the recovery process by registering for federal assistance. Visit www.disasterassistance.gov to apply today if you need home repairs or have other property damages. Residents could qualify for $37,900 for repairs.
Officials said that flood concerns would remain top of mind due to the persistent flow of water along Shingle, Boggy and Reedy creeks that flows south from Orange County. Thursday there were more than 300 people rescued by Osceola County Fire Rescue and the City of Kissimmee. This number does NOT include the Sheriff’s Office operations.
The School District of Osceola County announced schools would remain closed on Monday.
Residents and visitors are urged to avoid venturing onto flooded roadways – many of which are still impassable. The County continues to update a map of road closures at www.osceola.org. SunRail suffered major damage due to the storm. Service in Osceola will be suspended for at least the next several weeks as they work on repairs
Floodwater also poses health risks and people should avoid playing, swimming or standing in it.
LYNX fixed route service will begin using a Sunday/Holiday schedule through the weekend. Please visit www.golynx.com additional information.
Toho Water Authority crews continue to assess impacted areas, and at this time no water service outages have been reported and no precautionary boil water advisories have been issued.
Local power companies also continue to assess the power outage situations. It is estimated there are about 5,600 households in the County without power. Everyone is reminded to never touch a downed power line or wire. Instead, they should report the fallen line to their utility company.
You can always dial 9-1-1 for an emergency, or if you have any other concern, call the CIC at 407-742-0000.
Osceola’s residential garbage and recycling collection resumed Friday. In an effort to utilize all collection vehicles to recover outstanding garbage and recycling from Thursday and Friday, and resume normal operations next week, yard waste and bulk collection will be suspended for the remainder of this week.
Thursday’s garbage and recycling was being picked up Friday. And Friday’s regularly scheduled pick-ups will happen on Saturday.
Again, make up services are only for garbage and recycling carts ONLY. No bulk items or yard waste will be recovered.
The City of Kissimmee will resume solid waste services next week. Debris removal operations for flooded areas within the city will have priority. Costs for debris and bulk pick-up have been waived for City of Kissimmee residents at this time.
The Kissimmee permitting office will open on Monday. Permit fees for recovery efforts will be waived until further notice.
For St. Cloud residents solid Waste crews were out Friday and again Saturday with the clam truck to pick up tree debris from Hurricane Ian. The St. Cloud Transfer Station was also opened Friday and again Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular residential curbside collection schedules will resume on Monday.
Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud and School District offices will all reopen on Monday.
The only shelter open in Osceola right now is at St. Cloud High School. There are less than 100 people there.
PHOTO SOURCE: Osceola Airboat Association
Missing man found dead in submerged wreck recovered in Buena Ventura Lakes
Anthony Talcotthttps://www.clickorlando.com/traffic/2023/05/19/vehicle-recovered-from-water-in-buena-ventura-lakes/
No compatible source was found for this media.OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A man was found dead on Friday afternoon after first responders recovered a submerged vehicle from a nearby pond in Buena Ventura Lakes, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.Deputies said 36-year-old Jose Lebron was reported missing after having last been seen on May 15 near Ward Road and Bishop Landing Way. At the time, Lebron had been driving a 2013 Black Cadillac ATS, deputies added.However, the Cadillac was re...
No compatible source was found for this media.
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A man was found dead on Friday afternoon after first responders recovered a submerged vehicle from a nearby pond in Buena Ventura Lakes, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said 36-year-old Jose Lebron was reported missing after having last been seen on May 15 near Ward Road and Bishop Landing Way. At the time, Lebron had been driving a 2013 Black Cadillac ATS, deputies added.
However, the Cadillac was recovered from a pond in Buena Ventura Lakes on Friday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Sky 6 video shows that the Cadillac was towed out of a pond off Blue Bayou and Waters Edge Drive around 3:30 p.m. Deputies later announced that Lebron had been found dead inside of the vehicle.
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Troopers explained that the Cadillac had been driving south along Waters Edge Drive, but the driver failed to negotiate the curve, instead running off the roadway.
As a result, the car struck a utility box and crashed into the pond, trapping the driver inside as the car filled with water, troopers said.
No additional information has been provided at this time.
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Correction:
In a previous version of this article, News 6 reported that the vehicle was recovered in Lake Buena Vista. The wreck was actually recovered in Buena Ventura Lakes, according to law enforcement. The article has been corrected to reflect this fact.
Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.
Osceola County issues evacuation, cleanup efforts after Hurricane Ian brings historic flooding
Samantha Dunnehttps://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/09/30/osceola-county-leaders-respond-to-flooding-damage-caused-by-ian/
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Osceola County officials provided an update Saturday on the ongoing evacuations and cleanup efforts underway since Hurricane Ian brought historic flooding through the area.“We are continuing as we stated yesterday to see historic rise and flooding throughout Osceola County for the over 15 inches of rain we received and not o...
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Osceola County officials provided an update Saturday on the ongoing evacuations and cleanup efforts underway since Hurricane Ian brought historic flooding through the area.
“We are continuing as we stated yesterday to see historic rise and flooding throughout Osceola County for the over 15 inches of rain we received and not only we received but the Orange County and Seminole County north of us had also received. Our main focus this morning continues to be the rising waters and water rescues across Osceola County,” said Commissioner Brandon Arrington, who spoke alongside other officials after pointing out he had to be rescued from his home to attend the briefing on Saturday.
Our Fire Rescue teams are working diligently to assist families evacuate from Shingle Creek Reserve in the Oaks and other neighborhoods that are experiencing extensive flooding. Please call 9-1-1 if you need emergency assistance. pic.twitter.com/aBxDJfDKv5
— Kissimmee Fire (@KissimmeeFire) October 1, 2022
Arrington said areas still experiencing historic levels of flooding include Shingle Creek, portions of Buenaventura Lakes, Pebble Point and parts of Poinciana.
They are estimating East Lake Tahoe and Lake Tahoe water levels could rise another two feet and may not crest for another four days.
[TRENDING: Osceola County officials provide Ian update after voluntary evacuation issued in Shingle Creek area | Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties now eligible for FEMA assistance in Ian’s wake | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
The city of Kissimmee on Saturday issued a voluntary evacuation for Shingle Creek Reserve at The Oaks due to rising waters, which has since been canceled as of Monday.
Due to rising waters, there's a voluntary evacuation for Shingle Creek Reserve at The Oaks. If evacuation assistance is needed, dial 911. When evacuating, no wake when driving. pic.twitter.com/sRwGYqgeTH
— City of Kissimmee (@CityofKissimmee) October 1, 2022
County officials began responding to historic flooding Thursday, evacuating residents and assessing the scope of damage done in the wake of Ian.
Leaders urged residents in flood prone areas to seek safe shelter and avoid roadways in an update Friday as they continue to feel the impact of the storm in the area.
[TRENDING: SATELLITE, TRACK, MODELS: Tropical Storm Ian aims for Atlantic after swamping southwest Florida | Ian: County-by-county impacts in Central Florida | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
“If you live in the Reedy Creek area, the Boggy Creek area or the Shingle Creek area, we are at the highest water levels we have seen in my lifetime and there is a good chance all of them can continue to increase another foot and rise,” Osceola Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington said in a briefing on Friday. “So, if you’re in those areas, please take this opportunity to get out and find safe shelter.”
The county is reporting at least 14 inches of rain, and water along Shingle, Boggy and Reedy creeks has been flowing south from Orange County into Osceola County, officials said.
“For those who have reached out about the floodgates being open, they are actually open,” Arrington said. “We’ve been working with South Florida Water Management to make sure all the locks are completely open so all the water can flow from our county as quick as possible.”
Areas in downtown Kissimmee along Shingle Creek, portions of Buenaventura Lakes, Pebble Point, and other low-lying and flood-prone areas experienced extreme levels of flooding. As a result, the city issued a mandatory curfew from 9 p.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Friday.
Arrington additionally ordered a mandatory evacuation of Good Samaritan Society, a retirement community in Kissimmee Village, for the safety of the residents and the first responders who spent Friday recovering people.
“As a lifelong resident of Osceola County, I can tell you that places that have never experienced flooding are now experiencing flooding,” Arrington said in an update Saturday. “If you are getting messages to leave your homes, you should heed those warnings and seek safe shelter. We can’t say this enough -- if you’re near bodies of water, we do expect water levels to continue to rise for the next several days, at least. Please make evacuation plans before it is too late. For those impacted, help is on the way: FEMA and state and regional resources are mobilizing to help.”
First responders showed up to Good Samaritan to try to get as many residents out of the area as they could following the emergency evacuation zone declaration.
“A lot of people refused to leave because it wasn’t a mandatory evacuation,” Sheriff Marcos Lopez told News 6. “And now that the water is not going down, we’re getting calls of people that (said), ‘Hey, we changed our minds, we want to go.’”
County officials said the sheriff’s office, fire rescue, National Guard, law enforcement agencies and residents successfully evacuated 37 people from high water areas in the Kissimmee Village retirement community on Saturday with one airboat on standby if needed.
“There’s only so much we can do with Mother Nature, especially in waterways. We have obviously worked with South Florida to open up... the gates, to open (as) low as humanly possible. Unfortunately, we’re south of Orange County and Seminole County so as water continues to flow south to Osceola, we’re going to have to deal with with that accumulation as well,” Arrington said. “That’s why we’ve stressed to folks in those low-lying areas, specifically in those creeks, that they take opportunities to get out now.”
Multiple roadways throughout the county are also experiencing road closures. Find the complete list of closures here. SunRail in Osceola County also suffered major damage due to the storm, forcing officials to suspend its service for the upcoming weeks. LYNX, however, is offering a fixed route bus service throughout Osceola County that runs on the same schedule SunRail does. Routes include Links 10, 26, 55, 56 and 306. For more information, click here.
County and city offices in Osceola County, Kissimmee and St. Cloud reopened on Monday. Residential curbside collection services also resumed on Monday.
Schools within the district reopened Tuesday, Oct. 4. School officials said make-up days will be determined if they’re required by the state.
“Hurricane Ian brought challenges on a scale we’ve never faced before, but I’m confident that our community will rally together,” Osceola Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington said in a statement. “Osceola is resilient, and I’m so proud of the way everyone is already working together to help one another and move forward. Special thanks to all staff at the county, cities, school district, utilities and more who are putting our residents and visitors first. I urge everyone to remain safe and follow recommendations as we move forward with recovery efforts.”
As of Thursday, a special needs shelter was set up in the Events Center at Osceola Heritage Park, located at 1901 Chief Osceola Trail in Kissimmee, and a general population shelter was set up in the Silver Spurs Arena at the same location. Both shelters are pet-friendly.
You can enter your city and state or zip code to see if your area has been declared for Individual Assistance: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
A likely MLB 1st-round pick, Kissimmee flamethrower Charlee Soto blazes his own trail
Nate Marrerohttps://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/07/07/charlee-soto-kissimmee-pitcher-mlb-draft-first-round/
Sunday, Charlee Soto will sit with his family in Seattle, more than 3,000 miles away from home, watching the MLB draft and awaiting the phone call of a lifetime.Soto, a 17-year-old pitcher from Kissimmee who is the No. 28 prospect by MLB.com, is projected to be taken on the first day and be one of ...
Sunday, Charlee Soto will sit with his family in Seattle, more than 3,000 miles away from home, watching the MLB draft and awaiting the phone call of a lifetime.
Soto, a 17-year-old pitcher from Kissimmee who is the No. 28 prospect by MLB.com, is projected to be taken on the first day and be one of the 39 first-round picks. Rounds 1 and 2 will be followed by 3-10 Monday and 11-20 on Tuesday.
That phone call will change everything for the 6-foot-5, 210-pound flamethrowing right-hander and his family.
Here’s what Orlando’s proposed MLB stadium would look like
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“It’s going to be very emotional [when] I get that call,“ Soto said. “Very emotional because none of my family members have been a professional athlete. I know my parents and I are going to cry a little bit. … I know my heart is going to drop because it’s something I’ve been working toward all my life.”
For as much as Soto has been focused on the draft process and working out for teams, he’s been just as focused on his community. His work ranges from helping at food drives to meeting with kids at the youth baseball fields. Soto’s impact in Kissimmee earned him recognition from Viviana Janer, the vice-chairwoman of the county board of commissioners, and he also received a letter of recognition from Orange County commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero.
“As a County Commissioner and a passionate supporter of our local talent, I am truly impressed by your dedication, skill, and the positive impact you have made in our community,” Cordero wrote. “Your focus on leaving a legacy beyond baseball, both in our local community and in Puerto Rico, demonstrates your profound understanding of the importance of building a better future for all.”
His ability to impact the community has heightened with his progression on the mound.
“I love the city of Kissimmee,“ Soto said. “I want Kissimmee on the map. I want to be the first first-rounder to get drafted out of Kissimmee. Seeing all these little kids, when they come up to me here in the community, it puts a smile on my face every day. I just want to work toward my dream so I can leave a legacy in Kissimmee.”
Iron will
Soto, who speaks fluent English and Spanish, was born in Philadelphia before moving to Florida when he was 1. Like many kids, he began playing baseball early. His journey is assisted by father Carlos Soto Sr., mother Wanda Ivelisse Rivera and older brother Carlos Jr.
“They’re always there for me to give me whatever I need,” Charlee said. “They’ve been supportive ever since I stepped on the field, and I’m just grateful to have parents like that.”
Charlee’s older brother, who is 23, played an instrumental role in his development. Carlos Jr. pitched for Benedictine University in Mesa, Ariz.
Nearly every time Carlos Jr. went to the field, he brought Charlee. Carlos spent countless days throwing him batting practice, hitting him groundballs and catching bullpen sessions. Charlee also credits his father for pushing them to their limits and instilling discipline.
Carlos Jr. saw the payoff when Charlee was 12. He watched him pitch against a nationally ranked team from Miami at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. Charlee answered the bell at every turn before giving up a run in the sixth inning in a 1-0 loss.
Charlee’s toughness and attitude despite the loss showed that he was built differently.
“He literally battled his way through the whole game,” Carlos said. “I knew that he could compete with any team, whether it be the best team or the worst team. He was always competing no matter what. Even after the game, he wasn’t mad, wasn’t crying. He just knew that he had to work harder for the next one.”
Charlee, who commited to play at UCF in 2021, was a two-way player for most of his baseball career before following in the footsteps of his father and brother as a pitcher. Carlos Sr. made it to the equivalent of AA in a baseball league in Puerto Rico.
In the summer of 2021, Charlee played for the Gamblers Elite travel baseball organization, then split time between Gamblers and Power Baseball in the summer of 2022. Gamblers Elite was founded in 1981 in New York and revived by Mike Ciprianni with the help of friend Duke Thrush in Palm Beach Gardens in 2009.
The travel baseball organization prioritized helping kids and giving back to its community.
One of those kids was Charlee.
Leveling up
Charlee and Ciprianni’s relationship goes back to when he was 12. Miguel Marrero, who coached the Gamblers’ 12-18-year-old teams to numerous championships, lived nearby and was good friends with Carlos Sr.
Marrero connected them with Ciprianni, and he helped Charlee’s family before he even played for the Gamblers three years later. Ciprianni was there for his family in times of need, and it didn’t always involve baseball. Charlee doesn’t forget to text him on a holiday or his birthday.
“My relationship with Charlee is probably the top two or three relationships I’ve ever had with a kid and his family because Charlee had gravitated toward me,“ Ciprianni said. “As a mentor, he would call me for advice, or he would ask me questions that [were] more like a father and son. … I read some of his text messages and they bring tears to my eyes. They were always so grateful.”
Charlee made a name for himself in 2021. That summer, he began an exercise program at the behest of his draft adviser, Luis Arzeno, who was a catcher in the Philadelphia Phillies organization from 2003-09 and a coach there from 2009-13. Arzeno has been a draft adviser or coach for multiple players who have been drafted, including Edwin Arroyo, an infielder in the Cincinnati Reds organization.
The exercise program focused on Charlee’s shoulder blade, which is like a catapult for pitchers. Charlee would sit on a massage table for two hours doing exercises Monday-Friday for six consecutive months.
Charlee immediately saw the results. It set the stage for a record-breaking performance at a Perfect Game Showcase in December.
The showcase took place at the Boston Red Sox’s spring training facility in Fort Myers. With one throw from shortstop and one fastball from the mound, Charlee made history. His 97 mph throw in the infield and 96 mph fastball broke event records.
Charlee still holds the record for the fastest pitch; three players have tied his infield record. Charlee also was a Perfect Game All-American and was named to the 2022 Perfect Game All-American Classic.
Charlee had reached another level.
“It gives me a bunch of confidence,“ he said. “Confidence that I didn’t have in me because that same summer I was only throwing 90 miles per hour, which I know is pretty hard, but it’s a big difference from 90 to 96. I was down because I was behind. I had seen a lot of guys throwing 94, 95 that summer. When I threw that, I had seen all of the hard work pay off.”
Charlee has consistently thrown 98 mph on the mound and is one of the top high school arms in the upcoming draft.
Pushing to be great
After wrapping up his senior season at Reborn Christian Academy, Charlee’s focus shifted.
He has worked out for multiple MLB teams and went to the MLB Draft Combine at Chase Field in Phoenix, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. There he interviewed with teams, saw former teammates and his brother for the first time since last summer.
Carlos passed on playing summer ball in Puerto Rico to be with his younger brother one last time on the travel-ball circuit.
“He decided to take off and go to all of my events because it was my last summer,“ Charlee said. “He was out there helping me whether it was in the weight room or at the field. He was always there to push me to just be great.”
Charlee will be with his father, mother, brother, sister Ashley Soto, grandmother Anna Ortiz, multiple cousins, aunts and uncles. He also will be with Arzeno, Ciprianni and other coaches and advisers.
Now he’ll be positioned to help those who sacrificed for him.
“It’s still getting to me that I have a chance to be in the first round,” Charlee said. “The fact that I have a chance to do so and make my parents proud and give back to the community, it just means everything to me.”
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