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TRT for Men in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL
Sexual dysfunction is common and is something that affects men.
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As a man, aging can bring about different emotions and experiences. For some, it's an exciting time when they get to enjoy the fruits of their labor without any stress. However, for others, it can be a scary prospect filled with exhaustion, depression, and sexual dysfunction. If you're over the age of 40 and have noticed decreased sex drive, irritability, and other unusual symptoms, don't despair. You may be suffering from a common issue that affects nearly 14 million men in the USA: low testosterone.
The good news is that low testosterone (also called low T) can be treated with relative ease. NV Medical Buena Ventura Lakes provides TRT in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL, to help men like you enjoy a fulfilling life without the debilitating symptoms of low testosterone. With our team of experts by your side, you can change the trajectory of your life one step at a time.
Like any new activity or medical procedure, it helps to have a strong foundation of knowledge before treatment. Before you make an appointment for testosterone replacement therapy testing, it pays to know a little about testosterone itself.
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Understanding the Importance of Testosterone in Your Body
When people hear the word "testosterone," they often associate it with overly aggressive or macho men. However, testosterone really has little impact on a man's masculinity, at least from a social standpoint. Rather, testosterone plays a much more important role in male development, from puberty to the end of life.
As the primary androgen, testosterone helps men develop typical male characteristics and is vital for the production of sperm. The pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the body control testosterone, and it helps men develop and maintain various functions such as:
- Sexual Health and Function
- Sexual Desire or Libido
- Healthy Sex Organs
- Body Hair and Facial Hair
- Optimal Levels of Red Blood Cells
- Density of Bones
- Muscle Mass
What Causes Low Testosterone?
As men age, they may experience lower levels of testosterone, also known as low T. This natural decline in testosterone can also be caused by drug abuse, obesity, prescribed medications, or testicle injuries. When testosterone levels decrease, it can affect the body's balance of testosterone and estrogen, leading to an increase in abdominal fat and higher levels of estrogen. This hormonal imbalance can lead to a variety of issues that, when left untreated, can affect your quality of life in several ways.
The most common low testosterone signs in males include the following:
- Erectile Dysfunction or ED
- Increased Amounts of Body Fat
- Lack of Concentration
- More Irritability
- Low Libido
- Low Sperm Count
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Decrease in Muscle Mass
- Lack of Motivation
If one or more of those symptoms are happening in your life right now, it could be because your body has a lack of testosterone. The only way to find out for certain is to have your testosterone levels tested at a qualified Sexual Wellness and Holistic Clinic, such as NV Medical Buena Ventura Lakes. If testing shows that you have low T, the next step in your recovery could be TRT in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL.
The Risks of Living Life with Low Testosterone
Some men may think to themselves, "I don't have the time or patience to undergo TRT in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL." While TRT treatments are quick, easy, and require no recovery time, we at NV Medical Buena Ventura Lakes understand that this type of therapy is not for everyone. Some men choose to rough it through this stage in their life, despite available solutions. While that is certainly an option, if you're considering this route, you should know that more is at risk than low libido and lack of motivation.
As frustrating as those symptoms can be, living with low testosterone often results in more serious issues that risk the health of your vital organs. If you're on the fence about bringing your testosterone levels back within normal range, keep these health risks in mind.
Diabetes
For those who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, it's possible that low testosterone levels could be a factor. Research has shown that men with low testosterone are more likely to develop diabetes as they age, and those with diabetes are also more likely to have low testosterone. Additionally, men with low T may struggle with insulin resistance. While testosterone replacement therapy won't cure diabetes, studies have suggested that men with healthy testosterone levels tend to have better blood sugar levels and a lower risk of obesity.
Heart Disease
If a doctor has informed you that you have high blood pressure, you may be curious about its root cause. Could it be due to aging? Is it hereditary? Or is there another factor at play? Research has shown that men who have low levels of testosterone are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases. When testosterone levels are low, red blood cell production is hindered, which can speed up the accumulation of plaque in your arteries. Over time, this plaque buildup can result in severe issues such as heart attacks and strokes.
Issues with Weight and Obesity
Many men face the challenge of excess body fat as they age, which can be discouraging when you're trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Despite eating well and exercising regularly, stubborn fat around the waistline can be difficult to get rid of. However, it's important to note that low testosterone levels may be the underlying cause. Studies have shown a correlation between low T and obesity, as testosterone helps regulate metabolism by controlling insulin, glucose, and fat. The good news is that undergoing TRT in combination with proper diet and exercise can lead to weight loss and improved blood glucose and low-density cholesterol levels.
Anemia
Anemia occurs when the body lacks or has dysfunctional red blood cells, resulting in reduced oxygen supply to organs. Men with low testosterone levels are at a higher risk of anemia since testosterone plays a role in healthy red blood cell production. A study conducted in 2009 revealed that older men with low T have five times more chances of being anemic compared to men with normal testosterone levels. Although testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is not a cure for anemia, it can help in the production of more red blood cells, which may prevent anemia.
TRT in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL: A Reliable Solution to Low Testosterone
To fully appreciate the advantages of testosterone replacement therapy from NV Medical Buena Ventura Lakes, it's crucial to grasp its mechanism. Testosterone was first synthesized in a laboratory in 1935 and has been prescribed to counteract low testosterone levels in clinical settings ever since. Over the last few decades, it has emerged as one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the US.
TRT works by restoring a healthy testosterone level in men who suffer from low T. Essentially, TRT is similar to insulin for people who have diabetes. The body lacks sufficient production of an essential hormone, and so requires an exogenous source to replace it - testosterone in this case. Although most men begin TRT after the age of 50, more men in their 30s and 40s are having their testosterone levels tested at wellness clinics like NV Medical Buena Ventura Lakes. If you're experiencing symptoms like ED but think you're too young for testosterone replacement therapy, it's worth having your T levels checked by a doctor.
Our TRT Process
As the name implies, TRT replaces the testosterone that your body is missing, so it can function as it should. Unlike some TRT clinics, however, our doctors and practitioners take a personalized, comprehensive approach to testosterone replacement therapy.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may indicate low testosterone levels, it is important to undergo a thorough evaluation, including a medical history and physical examination, as well as laboratory studies. After discussing the potential risks and benefits of testosterone therapy with your healthcare provider, a decision can be made about whether to proceed with treatment.
There are several methods for administering testosterone, such as a gel that is applied to the skin, injections, pellets that are placed under the skin, and a new oral pill that has recently become available. Once treatment begins, regular monitoring of your lab results is essential to ensure that the therapy is effective and to make any necessary adjustments based on additional factors. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and are interested in exploring testosterone therapy, please reach out to NV Medical Buena Ventura Lakes to schedule a private and confidential consultation with our Board-Certified Urologist.
These are the Benefits of Using TRT in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL
One of the most common questions we get at NV Medical Buena Ventura Lakes is, "Why should I take TRT? Are the benefits really worth it?" In short, yes - when you and your doctor agree that TRT is right for you, the benefits give man men in the United States a new lease on life.
That's especially true if you've tried other treatments but haven't had any success. Do you really want to undergo invasive surgery or take addictive medication, only to mask the symptoms that you're experiencing? TRT represents a natural, non-invasive alternative without relying on pills or surgeries. With NV Medical Buena Ventura Lakes's team of compassionate practitioners and doctors by your side, you can experience the benefits for yourself first-hand.
Some of the biggest advantages of taking TRT include the following:
Improved Sexual Health
One of the most popular reasons that men turn to TRT is to enhance their libido and reclaim their sexual health. Research has shown that testosterone levels increase in response to sexual activity and arousal. It's generally accepted that men with higher testosterone levels are more likely to engage in sexual activity. However, as men age, they require more testosterone to maintain healthy erectile function and libido. For older men looking to reignite the fire with their partner, TRT is often a viable solution.
Increased Muscle Mass and Stronger Bones
One of the most popular reasons that men turn to TRT is to enhance their libido and reclaim their sexual health. Research has shown that testosterone levels increase in response to sexual activity and arousal. It's generally accepted that men with higher testosterone levels are more likely to engage in sexual activity. However, as men age, they require more testosterAs men age and their testosterone levels decrease, their bone mineral density also decreases. This can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, which can negatively impact quality of life and athletic performance. However, research has shown that higher doses of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help increase bone density. In fact, recent clinical trials have discovered that TRT can also increase hip and spinal bone density. Strong bones are essential for supporting organs and muscles, so maintaining bone density is crucial for overall health and well-being.one to maintain healthy erectile function and libido. For older men looking to reignite the fire with their partner, TRT is often a viable solution.
Better Heart Health
Maintaining a healthy heart is crucial for ensuring that your organs and muscles receive sufficient oxygen to function properly. Testosterone plays a key role in the production of red blood cells via the bone marrow. Insufficient levels of testosterone can result in various health issues for your muscles and organs, including cardiovascular problems that warrant attention.
However, a recent study involving more than 80,000 men revealed that individuals whose testosterone levels were brought into normal ranges were 36% less likely to suffer from a stroke. They were also 24% less likely to experience a heart attack. That's a big deal! These positive findings suggest that TRT in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL, can effectively promote heart and blood health.
Enhanced Cognition and Memory
Several studies have indicated that having higher levels of testosterone may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, there is evidence that suggests a strong link between optimized testosterone levels and better memory, recall rate, and improved cognitive abilities.
Better Overall Mood
Having lower levels of testosterone can negatively impact one's quality of life, as it can lead to symptoms such as depression, fatigue, and irritability. However, studies have shown that this may only be true for men with hypogonadism, as men who experience a natural decrease in testosterone over time did not show an increase in depression.
Additionally, males with hypogonadism reported improvements in mood and well-being, as well as reduced fatigue and irritability. Some research has even suggested that this treatment may be an effective form of anti-depressant therapy.
Trust the NV Medical Buena Ventura Lakes Difference
Aging doesn't have to mean a decline in your health and well-being - take control of your life with NV Buena Ventura Lakes to guide you every step of the way. Our Sexual Wellness and Holistic Clinic in Buena Ventura Lakes was founded to give men like you - who are suffering from low T - a better quality of life. When you trust our physicians, you can rest easy knowing that you're in good hands. All our TRT options are tailored to your individual needs and goals, ensuring a safe and effective experience without the need for harmful medications or surgeries.
When combined with custom counseling, regular exercise, and a healthy diet, fighting back against low T is easier than ever before. If you're looking to bridge the gap between an unsatisfying past life and a more vibrant future, TRT in Buena Ventura Lakes, FL, could be the solution for you.
Unlike other TRT clinics in Buena Ventura Lakes, we know that every man's body and wellness goals are unique. As such, we don't provide a "set it and forget it" experience - we focus on individualized attention and purpose-built plans. If you're a man who is serious about reclaiming your life from the symptoms of low testosterone, you're in the right place.
Patients choose NV Medical Buena Ventura Lakes because we:
- Provide Expert Care from a Board-Certified Urologist and Certified Physician's Assistants
- Prioritize Custom Hormone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Tailored to Your Body
- Take the Time to Understand Your Needs and Goals
- Invest Resources into Innovative Therapies and Treatments for Men
- Offer Complementary Services to Maximize Your TRT Plan
If you're ready to recapture the vigor and vitality of your youth, it's never too late to start. But how will you know when it's time? Like most things in life, your body will let you know. If your body is telling you that change is needed, listen to it - contact our office today and take the next steps toward the life you're dreaming about.
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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.
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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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