A Place for Grace in St. Cloud, FL, is a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to helping families…read moreovercome poverty by providing food, clothing, and emergency assistance. Founded in 2009, A Place for Grace was established in memory of a child lost by one of its founding couples. They began as an outreach serving meals at the downtown VFW in St. Cloud and grew into A Place for Grace Ministries, Inc., which was officially incorporated in 2011. Today, the organization partners with more than 30 local churches and 20 community agencies to serve individuals and families throughout the greater St. Cloud area. One of its primary ministries is operating a food pantry for those in need. A source of funding for the ministry comes from Grace's Attic, the nonprofit's thrift store, which I recently visited. The store offers a great selection of gently used furniture, clothing, accessories, toys, and household goods at affordable prices. I didn't leave empty handed. I found a few name brand shirts for just $2 in the Daniel's Den section. If you enjoy bargain hunting while supporting a ministry that helps the community, look no further than Grace's Attic where every purchase and donation helps those in need.

So grateful for true Christian, Bible based, compassionate, wisdom filled and prayerful based…read morecounseling.

In 1909, the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), the fraternal organization of Union Civil War…read moreveterans, sought a location to establish a veterans' colony. St. Cloud was ultimately selected for its mild climate and fertile farmland. That same year, the G.A.R. purchased 35,000 acres of the former Disston Sugar Plantation, laying the foundation for what would become the City of St. Cloud. The organization promoted the new community through its newspaper, encouraging aging Union veterans to settle there. Building lots sold for about $50, and many new arrivals came by rail, living in tents while their homes were being constructed. Upon arrival, veterans picked up their property deeds at the Seminole Land & Investment Company office. Because of its unique origins, St. Cloud became known as "Soldier City." When the town's first local veteran, Lucius L. Mitchell, passed away in December 1909, St. Cloud did not yet have a cemetery, so he was buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in nearby Kissimmee. To establish a local cemetery, the Seminole Land & Investment Company deeded a 10-acre tract, formerly an old logging camp on the outskirts of town, to the local chapter of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Mount Peace Cemetery Association for the price of one dollar. Union veterans, many of them seniors by this time, cleared the land by hand using basic tools. The first official burial at Mount Peace Cemetery was Union veteran Oris B. King on February 5, 1910. After the cemetery opened, Lucius Mitchell's remains were reinterred at Mount Peace. Today, Mount Peace Cemetery is one of the largest non-battlefield Union cemeteries south of the Mason-Dixon Line. It contains the graves of 429 Union veterans as well as many other military servicemembers. Notable burials include a Medal of Honor recipient, three African American soldiers of the United States Colored Troops, 15 survivors of Andersonville Prison, and even two Confederate veterans, one of whom served in both armies. The last Union veteran laid to rest here was William C. Russell, who died on August 12, 1942. Veterans of the Plains Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War are also buried here. This cemetery is part of the Florida Historical Marker Program, one of the Division of Historical Resources' most popular and valued public history programs. It raises awareness of Florida's cultural history while enhancing the enjoyment of historic sites for residents and tourists. The blue historic markers tell the stories of the people and places that were important to Florida's history and they can be found in front of churches, schools, buildings, roads, archaeological sites, battlefields, and cemeteries like this one. Historic Marker F-1081, located at the entrance to the cemetery, was erected in 2019 by the Soldier City Chapter Historical Society, the City of St. Cloud, and the Florida Department of State. As a fan of history and old cemeteries, I made a point of visiting Mount Peace Cemetery during my trip to St. Cloud. In addition to learning some fascinating history, I had a memorable encounter with a very vocal red-shouldered hawk. Many people don't realize that historic cemeteries are also excellent places for birdwatching, making Mount Peace ideal for history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Orange Blossom Lodge No. 80, Free & Accepted Masons, was chartered by the Most Worshipful Grand…read moreLodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Florida on January 22, 1885. The original charter still adorns the wall directly behind the Worshipful Master. Orange Blossom Lodge No.80 has been supporting Masonic Activities in Central Florida of the PROUD! 17th Masonic District for over 125 years!! They are the closest Masonic Lodge to the Greatest Family Place on Earth, Walt Disney World the Vacation Capital of the World. Meetings are held every 1st and 3rd Monday at 7:30 PM, with a Gourmet Meal open to everyone at 6:00 PM preceding the meeting. Contact E-Mail: OBL80Masons@gmail.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Orange-Blossom-Lodge-No80-FAM-Kissimmee-FL/146163332120151

Great club with an RV area, a large amount of track and friendly people. They have many events…read morethroughout the year.

Not sure how I found out about this, but happy I did none the less. The website describes it this…read moreway: The Sports Enthusiasts program gives community members a chance to be involved in their community, be a part of their favorite sporting events and support various charities while having a great time with friends and family. How I describe it? A fun way to earn free Disney park tickets! I've been able to assist with several marathons, including the Iron Man triathlon, and the Disney Princess marathon, while being inspired by all those participating. Some of the volunteer jobs might include helping at the finish line, water stations, medals, registration, and you can even register to be a screaming fan. I love this role most of all because it gives me a reason to scream and use my air horns and cow bell. I am super impressed with how Disney organizes sporting events--it's quite unbelievable how this company organizes so many people together all at once. Along with incentive park tickets, Disney usually gives out tee shirts, and a meal or snack when you volunteer. I love to see the kids out volunteering as well--it's a great experience. Each event has an age requirement. I believe it's around 15 for most. Now, I should mention, a lot of times, volunteering means showing up at 5:30 am in preparation, in addition to picking up credential packages days prior to the event. I think it's worth it, however. Volunteers are needed for many events, and some fill up fast, so it's important to register as soon as notices go out if you would like to participate.

Amazing Explorers is an amazing school! I can't stress more enough how this staff, teachers focus…read moreon the kids education. My child is doing more at a 3 year old and already advance as a first grader. Always clean! Great food for the kids, Customer service on 10 stars, Love Daniela! She's the best

We began coming to AE in October 2020 after moving to the area from Fort Lauderdale. Our daughter…read morehad never been to another school so we were very nervous about the transition but we had heard such good things about AE and the wait list reflects that. We got very lucky and were offered a spot when we called to inquire about space because many parents weren't sending their kids back due to COVID. Our daughter had a rough first couple of weeks transitioning but the staff at AE did such a great job supporting her. Even the director at the time, Jamie, would greet her everyday and talk with her. She got comfortable quickly after those first couple of weeks and she's been thriving ever since! They do parent teacher conferences every 6mos and let you know how your child is doing and what areas they could work in at home (counting, tracing letters, etc). They also provide great feedback and insight on how to work on behaviors or transitions (potty training for example) at home! We love AE and all of the teachers our daughter has been fortunate to have. We recently put our son in school there (he just turned 6mos) and it's been a great experience as well!

My son loves his teacher Ms Brasha. She is amazing with him…read moreand has helped made us both feel comfortable there. The staff are all friendly, caring, and quickly responsive towards messages. I like that they go to chapel every week, play outside and make a lot of art work. I also like that they are open later than a lot of daycares and go up to kindergarten. They are also one of the that they are open later than a lot of daycares and go up to kindergarten. They are also one of the few daycares that accepts children with EpiPens in winter haven.

This is the best preschool in Winter Haven. The teachers are absolutely wonderful and caring. They…read moreare so creative and fun in fostering education for VPK4 and make each kid know they are important and can learn/do anything. My daughter is ecstatic to go to school everyday and absolutely adores her teachers. The director is absolutely wonderful and deeply cares for each baby-kid that attends. The school is safe and secure. So welcoming with artwork everywhere. Communication is always clear and exact

This is basically the club house. If you are a resident, you can go eat Breakfast lunch or dinner…read more I actually wouldn't be reviewing it except For the 2 appetizers we ordered. They were incredible. We had oven roasted Ricotta bolognese with garlic toast and Carne Asada Fries.. both were out of control delicious... like go back every time I am here delicious. The service is good and the prices for food were surprisingly reasonable.