
Horse corral opens at YMCA Camp Cristina
RIVERVIEW – AdventHealth partnered with the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA to fund a new 50-by-120-foot horse corral at YMCA Camp Cristina.
The project provides shade and shelter for children participating in the camp’s equestrian program.
“We’re excited to create even more opportunities for young people to learn, grow and challenge themselves in an encouraging, engaging environment,” Matt Lewis, vice president of membership and programs at the Tampa Y, said. “This new shaded riding arena does just that, reinforcing our commitment to youth development at YMCA Camp Cristina for years to come.”
YMCA Camp Cristina is located on 65 acres at 9840 Balm Riverview Road. The camp also offers youth sports, after-school care, camps, family activities and leadership development programs.
“We’re excited to partner with the YMCA to help create a space where children can experience the joy of horseback riding while gaining skills and confidence that will stay with them long after the lesson ends,” said Jason Newmyer, president and CEO of AdventHealth Riverview.

Pampers, AdventHealth celebrate Sept. 9 newborns
TAMPA – Families of babies born Sept. 9 at select AdventHealth hospitals in the Tampa and Orlando areas received coupons for a three-month supply of Pampers. The babies also had the opportunity to have newborn photographs taken.
The collaboration between Pampers and AdventHealth recognizes Sept. 9 as the most common birthday of the year.
“At AdventHealth, we believe caring for a family begins even before a baby arrives,” said Dr. Michael Cacciatore, chief clinical officer. “Welcoming a new child is one of life’s most meaningful moments, and we’re honored to celebrate these growing families with a thoughtful gift that brings joy, preserves precious memories and supports parents during those first days together.”
AdventHealth reports rise in flu cases
ORLANDO – AdventHealth Centra Care reported a 67% increase in flu diagnoses at its Florida clinics during the first week of September, with influenza B accounting for most new cases.
COVID-19 diagnoses among Centra Care patients remained elevated but relatively stable during the same period.
“While it’s still early in the season, we’re seeing a notable increase in flu activity, particularly influenza B,” said Dr. Tim Hendrix, chief medical officer of AdventHealth Centra Care. “This is a good time for individuals and families to be aware of symptoms, take steps to help prevent illness and seek care when needed.”
Centra Care recommends preventive measures such as getting an annual flu vaccine when appropriate, washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick.
Registration extended for Active Life Games
TAMPA – Registration for the Tampa Bay Active Life Games has been extended through Sept. 18.
The Olympic-style competition for adults ages 50 and older will take place Sept. 28 through Oct. 9 at locations throughout Hillsborough County. Events include track and field, billiards, pickleball, shuffleboard and horseshoes.
Opening ceremonies begin at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 28 at Barksdale Senior Center, 1801 N. Lincoln Ave., Tampa, and include a Torch Lighting Walk. Closing ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. Oct. 9 at Northdale Recreation Center, 15510 Hooting Owls Place, Tampa. The games serve as a regional qualifier for the Florida Senior Games.
Registration costs $35 and allows participants to compete in multiple events. Visit HCFL.gov/ActiveLife for registration details.
Pasco residents urged to remain vigilant amid dengue activity
PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco County Mosquito Control District is urging residents to remain vigilant as dengue activity increases across the Tampa Bay region.
Two cases involve Pasco County residents with ties to affected areas in neighboring communities. State surveillance data announced Sept. 4 also identified 59 locally acquired cases in Hillsborough County, five in Pinellas County and one in Citrus County.
Pasco mosquito control is assisting Hillsborough County with its response, deploying a helicopter, specialized Wide Area Larvicide Spray equipment and personnel.
The treatment targets immature Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in water-holding containers. The regional response also includes surveillance, source reduction, mosquito control and public education.
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers support groups, classes
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers free in-person support groups and classes in October on breastfeeding, newborn and infant care and grandparenting.
- Breastfeeding Support Group: Provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays, Oct. 1, 15, 22 and 29.
- Understanding Breastfeeding: Provides information to the expectant mother and an optional support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. Offered 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1.
- Grandparenting Class: Includes a discussion about the latest recommendations in newborn and infant care from the grandparenting perspective. Offered 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7.
- Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and an optional support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. Offered 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 and 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.
The events are free, but St. Joseph’s Hospital-North requests advance registration. Visit BayCareEvents.org and choose “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scroll to the group or class you are interested in attending. You can also get the schedule and register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing “2” at the prompt.
The hospital is located at 4211 Van Dyke Road, Lutz.