Greetings

Hey there, amazing readers! 👋

Happy January 23, 2025! 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

• Experience the Magic of the Celebration Holiday Home Tour & Magical Marketplace in Celebration, Florida
  
• NEWS BRIEFS: New OBT Pedestrian Beacon; St. Cloud Parade Volunteers; HCA Florida Honored
  
• St. Cloud Residents Look Forward to Friday Fun Day at Lakeview Park.

Get Out & Go!

• St Cloud Fall Arts & Crafts Fair
  
• St Cloud Historic Downtown Walking Tour
  
• Sunday Morning Yoga & Wellness Walk

Business Buzz

• Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Construction of St. Cloud Fire Station 35 to Benefit Growing Community
  
• St. Cloud Suspends Riverboat Operations and Rejects Settlement with Concrete Plant Due to Safety and Environmental Concerns.

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

What famous Florida author wrote the book Their Eyes Were Watching God?

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!

• Experience the Magic of the Celebration Holiday Home Tour & Magical Marketplace in Celebration, Florida
  
• NEWS BRIEFS: New OBT Pedestrian Beacon; St. Cloud Parade Volunteers; HCA Florida Honored
  
• St. Cloud Residents Look Forward to Friday Fun Day at Lakeview Park.

The 2025 Celebration Holiday Home Tour & Magical Marketplace welcomes the community for another year of festive wonder.

On December 6, from 12–7 p.m., and December 7, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m., guests can explore stunningly decorated homes in the heart of Celebration, Florida, each aglow with holiday spirit and creative flair.

Visitors stroll picturesque neighborhoods, soaking in the seasonal cheer while gathering inspiration for their own celebrations.

The Magical Marketplace adds to the excitement, offering beautifully curated décor, thematic ornaments, and unique gifts—ideal for those seeking something special for loved ones.

Admission is $25 per person, available at the Celebration Foundation office or by phone at (407) 566-1234.

This cherished event is a joyful way to make holiday memories with friends and family.

New Safety Beacon Installed on North Orange Blossom Trail

The Florida Department of Transportation has launched a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) just north of Victory Charter School in Kissimmee to boost safety for those crossing the busy roadway.

This beacon alerts drivers through a distinctive light sequence, slowing and stopping traffic so pedestrians can cross securely.

Statistics show PHBs can decrease pedestrian crashes by 55%, underscoring their value in high-traffic spots.

Volunteers Needed for St. Cloud Christmas Parade

The St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers for the December 6 Christmas Parade to assist with crowd and barricade management.

This tradition is a community favorite, and volunteering offers locals a special way to get involved and celebrate together.

HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital Garners National Awards

HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital earned multiple Five-Star Ratings from Healthgrades for excellence in cardiac, orthopedic, and respiratory care, highlighting its dedication to quality health services for Osceola residents.

Today's Weather Outlook 

WEEKEND REMINDER

🌟 Weekend Reminder: Keep Your Goals in Sight

As you head into the weekend, take a moment to reconnect with your goals — big or small. You don’t have to finish everything at once. Just focus on one meaningful step that moves you forward.

✔️ Reflect on what matters
✔️ Reset your energy
✔️ Refresh your mindset
✔️ Realign with your purpose

Small progress is still progress. Be proud of how far you’ve come, and stay committed to where you're headed. You’ve got this! 💛

🌳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.* ✨

• St Cloud Fall Arts & Crafts Fair
  
• St Cloud Historic Downtown Walking Tour
  
• Sunday Morning Yoga & Wellness Walk
  
  

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!

• Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Construction of St. Cloud Fire Station 35 to Benefit Growing Community
  
• St. Cloud Suspends Riverboat Operations and Rejects Settlement with Concrete Plant Due to Safety and Environmental Concerns.
  

The St. Cloud City Council will keep Toho Riverboat Adventures closed until January 2025, giving time for new investors to step in after the arrest of owner Richard Lawrence and his fiancée, Frances Fernandez, on felony charges.

Local advocate Bobby Crisp remains hopeful about saving the popular riverboat, highlighting its value to the area's identity and tourism.

Deputy Mayor Shawn Fletcher praised the community’s swift action and ideas during this challenge.

The Council also voted against a settlement with Hickory Tree Industrial, LLC, responding to resident complaints about pollution from the company’s concrete crushing plant.

Mayor Chris Robertson agreed recycling is essential but said the current site is problematic, and Deputy Mayor Fletcher supports legal action to halt operations.

Other Council moves include reallocating revitalization funds to key downtown projects and updating city laws to ban public camping at civic sites, reinforcing St. Cloud’s commitment to community well-being.

Outdoor & Survival

🌿 Outdoor & Living Survival

Building a Survival Kit for Your Vehicle in Florida

Whether you're commuting across town or exploring Florida’s coastlines and backroads, keeping a well-stocked vehicle survival kit can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious emergency.

Florida’s heat, sudden storms, and occasional flooding mean your kit should focus on hydration, sun protection, and items that help you stay safe if you’re stranded.

• Water & Hydration: At least 2–4 liters of bottled water per person (rotate periodically).
  
  Include electrolyte packets for hot-weather emergencies.
• Food & Energy: Nonperishable, high-calorie snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruit).
  
  Replace every 6–12 months as needed.
• First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit with adhesive bandages, sterile gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, antihistamine, pain reliever, and any personal prescription meds.
• Shelter & Warmth: Emergency Mylar blanket(s), compact sleeping bag or lightweight blanket, and a waterproof tarp — useful during unexpected overnight waits or storm sheltering.
• Sun & Rain Protection: Broad-spectrum sunscreen, wide-brim hat or cap, sunglasses, and a lightweight rain poncho or packable rain jacket.
• Lighting & Power: Reliable flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, and a USB power bank for charging phones (keep it charged).
• Tools & Repair: Multi-tool, pocket knife, tire pressure gauge, portable air compressor or tire inflator, plug-and-seal tire repair kit, and duct tape.
• Recovery & Signaling: Tow strap/rope, jumper cables, reflective triangle/flares, high-visibility vest, and a whistle for signaling rescuers.
• Navigation & Communication: Paper maps of your area, a compass, and a car charger for your phone.
  
  Consider a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio.
• Vehicle Care: Small container of engine coolant/antifreeze, motor oil, spare fuses, and a basic set of tools (screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench).
• Comfort & Hygiene: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, extra socks, a change of lightweight clothing, and insect repellent (mosquitoes are common in Florida).
• Documents & Cash: Waterproof pouch with driver’s license, insurance card, vehicle registration, emergency contact list, and some cash (small bills).
• Special Considerations: If you travel with children, pets, or have medical needs, include appropriate supplies (child snacks, pet water bowl, meds, copies of prescriptions).

Tip: Store items in a sturdy, waterproof container and keep the kit secured in the trunk or cargo area.

Check your kit seasonally — replace expired food, batteries, and medications, and top off the power bank so it’s ready when you need it.

⚠️ Safety: In Florida, never drive through standing or flowing floodwater — six inches can stall a car and deeper water can sweep it away.

If stranded, stay with your vehicle whenever safe (it’s easier for rescuers to spot) unless staying put puts you at risk (rising water, fire, or hazardous surroundings).

Call emergency services when in doubt and avoid attempting roadside repairs in unsafe areas or at night without proper visibility and signaling.

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 23, 2026 at 8 PM."

Zora Neale Hurston

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