Greetings

Hey there, amazing readers! 👋

Happy January 30, 2026! We hope your day is going splendidly. Dive into this month's edition as we bring you exciting updates, and, of course, sprinkle some joy into your inbox! Don't forget to stay curious and inspired! ✨

Today's St. Cloud Pulse

The Local Lowdown

• St. Cloud Police Department Hosts Expedited Hiring Event for Experienced Officers
  
• Health Department in Osceola Issues Rabies Alert in St. Cloud Area
  
• Osceola County Commemorates Veterans Day 2025 with Community Events and Activities

Get Out & Go!

• Witches & Maniacs: Trick or Treating, Block Party & Car Show
  
• Spooky Spectacular: Boos & Ghouls Night Out
  
• Pumpkins with a Purpose

Business Buzz

• Pioco's Chicken Expands to Saint Cloud
  
• Orange County's Surplus Auction Offers Vehicles and Equipment at Bargain Prices

Stay connected for more updates this week—and let’s work together to make it a great one for St. Cloud, Florida!

What is St. Cloud's official nickname, and why was it given that name?

Discover local gems! This newsletter is sponsored by St Cloud Zaarhubyour go-to online directory for finding the best local businesses in your community. Find everything from restaurants and shops to services and more. Visit Zaarhub today!

The Local Lowdown

🌟 Uncover the Essence of Your Community: Stay updated with the latest happenings, hidden gems, and exciting events right in your neighborhood, making you feel more connected than ever!

• St. Cloud Police Department Hosts Expedited Hiring Event for Experienced Officers
  
• Health Department in Osceola Issues Rabies Alert in St. Cloud Area
  
• Osceola County Commemorates Veterans Day 2025 with Community Events and Activities

The St. Cloud Police Department will host a two-day hiring event on January 30 and 31, running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the St. Cloud Civic Center on 17th Street.

This initiative is specially designed for Florida state-certified law enforcement officers and eligible out-of-state officers seeking Equivalency of Training (EOT).

By offering testing, interviews, and physical assessments all in one place, the department aims to cut down on hiring delays and travel costs.

Interested candidates are encouraged to RSVP with Sgt. Ronnie Morales by phone or email.

Further details can be accessed via the QR code provided on event flyers.

This effort highlights the department’s commitment to welcoming new officers dedicated to supporting St. Cloud’s fast-growing community.

Osceola County health officials have issued a rabies alert after confirming a rabid cat was euthanized on January 10, 2026, near Carolina Avenue in St. Cloud. The alert covers the area between Lakeshore Boulevard, Fertic Road, Old Hickory Tree Road, and Wisconsin Avenue for the next 60 days.

This announcement highlights the ongoing risk of rabies within the region’s wildlife. Residents and visitors are urged to vaccinate all pets and livestock, supervise animals outdoors, and avoid any contact with wild or stray creatures—especially raccoons, bats, and coyotes.

Officials stress the importance of not feeding wildlife or leaving food accessible outside.If bitten or scratched by an animal, immediate medical care is vital, and incidents should be reported to the Health Department at 407-742-8606.

Rabies is a fatal disease affecting the nervous system in both people and animals.

Today's Weather Outlook 

WEEKEND REMINDER

❄️ Weekend Reminder:

Temperatures are dropping, so bundle up and stay warm! Take this slower weekend as a chance to rest, reset, and recharge. Even small steps forward matter — be kind to yourself, enjoy something cozy, and remember that brighter days are always ahead. Stay safe, stay warm, and keep going. 🤍🧣✨

🌳GET OUT  & GO

🌟 **Feeling a little restless?** *It's time to switch things up, explore new places, and add some excitement to your routine with unique adventures and experiences.* ✨

• $5 Fridays at Blacklight Adventures!
• Riverside Park Free Winter Chill
  
• Soldier City Sundays – Community Market
  
  

Business Buzz!

We are thrilled to announce St Cloud Pulse's latest business addition! 🌟 Stay tuned for exciting updates on community initiatives and opportunities in the heart of Palm Bay!

• Pioco's Chicken Expands to Saint Cloud
  
• Orange County's Surplus Auction Offers Vehicles and Equipment at Bargain Prices
  

Pioco's Chicken, a beloved family eatery known for its Puerto Rican rotisserie chicken, is expanding to Saint Cloud at 5160 Boggy Creek Road.

This new spot brings Pioco’s culinary heritage to the thriving Lake Nona area of Osceola County.

Founded in 2000 in Buena Ventura Lakes by Miguel Fontanez Sr. and Jr., the restaurant has earned devoted fans with its savory chicken and Puerto Rican flavors.

The spacious new dining area will seat over 200 guests and feature vibrant murals that honor Pioco’s roots.

Diners can expect the famous rotisserie chicken in various portions, plus pork ribs, steak, fried pork, and classic sides like plantains, yuca, and tostones.

Fan-favorite mofongo will be served, with options for added proteins.

A dedicated takeout area promises speed and convenience. As anticipation builds, Lake Nona and Saint Cloud residents can soon savor Pioco’s signature hospitality and authentic taste.

Orange County is hosting its latest surplus auction, offering a unique chance for residents and businesses to score vehicles and equipment at budget-friendly prices.

The lineup includes SUVs, pickup trucks, dump trucks, vans, golf carts, and more—some with starting bids as low as $50.

Comptroller Phil Diamond notes this semi-annual tradition helps repurpose county inventory and supports essential services.

In August, the auction raised over $943,000, directly benefiting local parks, safety, and road improvements.

Bidding is open to everyone, but purchases must be picked up in person.

Besides vehicles, shoppers can find office furniture, construction tools, generators, and even fire hoses, with some bids starting at just $5.

All items are sold “as is”, so inspections at the county warehouse are encouraged before bidding closes on Wednesday, February 4.

Outdoor & Survival

🌿 Outdoor & Living Survival

Planning a Winter Nature Walk in Florida’s Natural Areas

Florida’s mild winters create the perfect opportunity to explore trails, wetlands, and wildlife preserves without the intense summer heat.

A thoughtful plan helps you enjoy nature comfortably while protecting the environment and staying safe outdoors.

• Dress in Light Layers: Mornings can be cool while afternoons warm up quickly.
  
  Wear breathable layers so you can adjust as temperatures change.
• Choose Wildlife-Friendly Trails: Stick to marked paths to protect fragile habitats and avoid disturbing nesting birds or resting animals.
• Bring Water and Snacks: Even in cooler weather, staying hydrated is important.
  
  Pack reusable bottles and light snacks for energy.
• Check Weather Conditions: Winter cold fronts can bring sudden wind or rain.
  
  Review forecasts before heading out and plan accordingly.
• Carry Sun Protection: Florida sun remains strong year-round — hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses help prevent overexposure.
• Practice Leave No Trace: Take all trash with you, avoid picking plants, and leave natural features undisturbed.

Tip: Bring binoculars or a camera to observe winter migratory birds and native wildlife — quiet observation adds magic to any nature walk.

⚠️ Safety: Watch for uneven terrain, wildlife crossings, and cooler evening temperatures.

Let someone know your plans, and turn back if conditions change.

Trivia Challenge!

"Congratulations to all who participated in this week's trivia! To enter our weekly drawing for a [local prize,
e.g., gift card to a local restaurant], email us your answers to all three trivia questions by January 30, 2026 at 8 PM."

St. Cloud's nickname is "The Soldier City" because it was founded as a retirement community for
Union Civil War veterans in 1909.)

Your weekend starts here with the Pulse! 🎉
Make the most of St. Cloud, Florida this weekend. 🌊 Have a furry friend that makes you smile? 🐾 We’d love a pic! 📷

🌐 Stay connected by visiting our website at stcloudpulse.com
📘 Follow us on Facebook for news and updates: facebook.com/stcloudpulse
👥 Join the conversation in our community group: facebook.com/groups/stcloudpulse

Check out our local business directory: zaarhub.com

Enjoy the weekend,

-St Cloud Pulse Team