The Osceola County Commission adopted a resolution Monday to create a new advisory committee that will be responsible for helping to form a plan to enhance the aesthetics and business viability of areas along U.S. Highway 192 and several roadways connecting to it.

News-Gazette Photo/Andrew Sullivan

Kissimmee Police Department Detectives Rafael Sanchez, center, and Racquel Lopez, right, try to convince Greg Traynor, left, a tourist and Elvis impersonator from Ireland, to audition for a commercial and subsequently give them his personal identification information.

By Juliana A. Torres
Staff Writer

A pair of professionally dressed representatives from Duarf Productions stood on the corner of Monument and Broadway avenues in downtown Kissimmee Thursday afternoon, stopping people as they passed with a tempting offer.

“Do you want to audition for a commercial?” they asked tourists and local residents alike. “You get $25 just for auditioning, and then we’ll call and let you know if you’ve been selected.”

News-Gazette Photo/Andrew Sullivan

Julie Bowerman, a martial arts instructor for the city of Kissimmee Parks and Recreation Department, adjusts the gi and belt of 4-year-old student and Kissimmee resident Bo Brightman. Bowerman was recently recognized by the Southeast Martial Arts Association as Assistant Instructor of the Year.

What started as a happenstance activity for St. Cloud’s Julie Bowerman has become a life’s passion — and now a source of recognition.

Bowerman, who for nearly three years has taught a children’s martial arts class for the Kissimmee Parks and Recreation Department, was named Assistant Instructor of the Year for the state of Florida through the Southeast Martial Arts Association shortly before Christmas.

Kissimmee commissioners agreed at an annual retreat last week that the ongoing recession would not dissuade them from pursuing their long-term vision for the city, including advancing Vine Street and Lakefront Park improvements.