The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Staff Reports

Main Street Zephyrhills picks firm for Home Theater project

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Main Street Zephyrhills shared renderings by KMF Architects of the Home Theater Renewal project. Rendering courtesy of Main Street Zephyrhills

ZEPHYRHILLS – Main Street Zephyrhills has selected Ovation Construction to handle demolition work at the historic Home Theater property at 38521 5th Ave. 

The demolition will mark the first major on-site step toward converting the 1940s-era building into the future East Pasco Cultural Arts Center.

Ovation Construction will be responsible for the selective demolition phase of the project. This includes the removal of the unstable 1940s-era Quonset Hut structure at the rear of the property, clearing the way for construction crews to preserve the historic core of the main building while integrating modern spaces.

“Selecting Ovation Construction takes this project from the drawing board into real, physical progress,” said Linda Starr Kerns, president of Main Street Zephyrhills. “By removing the unstable rear structures, we are creating a blank canvas to build a vibrant place for live performances, community gatherings and economic growth in downtown Zephyrhills.”

The Home Theater originally opened its doors in 1948 under the direction of lumber magnate and former mayor I.A. Krusen. The theater closed in 2007 after anchoring local entertainment for decades.

Main Street Zephyrhills acquired the property using state funding designated during the 2024 and 2025 Florida legislative session. Earlier this year, initial architectural designs by KMF Architects envisioned a fully renovated performance venue, versatile indoor gathering spaces and a rooftop event deck.

Demolition work is scheduled to begin in late fall. Main Street Zephyrhills continues to seek donations and community partnerships to support the restoration.

Visit mainstreetzephyrhills.org/historic-home-theater/ to learn more about the project. 

 

Young patient finds her voice after ENT surgery

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Adeline celebrates with her care team after surgery to improve her breathing. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

DADE CITY – For years, 12-year-old Adeline thought struggling to breathe through her nose was normal. Chronic congestion made singing, acting and talking difficult until an orthodontic scan led her family to AdventHealth and a diagnosis that changed her life.

“Adeline always was a stuffy child,” said her mother, Courtney Burgess. “I assumed it was allergies. She pretty much lived on allergy medicine, and she just always sounded like she had a stuffy nose.”

During a routine orthodontic visit, imaging revealed that Adeline’s nasal passages were obstructed. The orthodontist recommended her family consult an ear, nose and throat specialist.

Dr. Joseph Derbyshire, an AdventHealth ENT and facial plastics specialist, evaluated Adeline. Derbyshire determined that surgery could help improve Adeline’s breathing, so she underwent removal of her adenoids and reduction of her turbinates, or the structures inside the nose that can contribute to congestion and impaired airflow.

“For most pediatric patients, the adenoids are one of the biggest sources of nasal obstruction,” Derbyshire said. “They are located at the back of the nose, where they can be difficult to see, but they can contribute to chronic congestion and sinus problems.”

Adeline reported a significant improvement just weeks after surgery.

“Before, I thought singing and acting and talking were hard, but now it’s so easy,” she said. “I’m able to breathe normally, and singing has changed so much. I’m able to hit the high notes that I’ve always wanted to hit but that I was never able to before.”

At a follow-up appointment, Adeline demonstrated her renewed range by singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” hitting high notes she once struggled to reach.

“It’s so nice to know now that if I ever go out for a role with a really high song, I could get it,” she said.

 

Grieving parents can get support at memorial service

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October is Pregnancy, Infant & Child Loss Awareness Month. Healing after the loss of a pregnancy or child is a lifelong journey. Coming together in grief and remembrance can offer comfort. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

TAMPA – AdventHealth Tampa will hold its annual memorial service in honor of National Pregnancy and Child Loss Remembrance Day.

The service will give the community an opportunity to remember their loved ones and connect with others who’ve experienced a similar loss. 

“To be surrounded in a group of people that truly have walked the same walk, have walked through the same grief journey, it’s very, very impactful,” said Rebeccah Vires, women’s health director at AdventHealth Tampa. “It also allows them to know it’s OK to still grieve someone years later, decade later, lifetimes later. It’s perfectly acceptable to do that.”  

The event is open to the public from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Oct. 15 at Taneja Chapel at AdventHealth Tampa, 3000 E. Fletcher Ave, Tampa. The hospital welcomes all who have experienced the loss of a child to come together to grieve and remember their loved one.  

“Maybe they didn’t realize that they weren’t alone, that there are a number of people who are also grieving and maybe there are things they have done in their journey that can be helpful to you,” said Alex Angellakis, mission and ministry director at AdventHealth Tampa.

Family and friends can honor their baby by writing their name on a heart to place on the memory tree. Participants can choose to share their stories and receive support or remain quiet and reflect in their own space.  

Siblings will also be provided with the opportunity to participate in doing crafts to honor their loved ones and talk with special counselors trained to work with children. 

“What we do is create an environment where, if they have other siblings, those siblings get to interact and play with our child-life specialists, creating an opportunity for them to tell us if they want to engage others or not,” Angellakis said.  

The event will conclude with a candle-lighting to pay tribute to all the lives lost. 

“It does give the opportunity for dialogue and to encounter others who’ve encountered loss if they want to, but if they just want to come in that solace and have that moment of remembering at the candle-lighting time, they can do that, and they can leave,” Angellakis said. 

Pasco Clerk & Comptroller expands access to statewide case information

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DADE CITY – The Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office has announced a new subscription-based service to make statewide court case research more convenient for attorneys, legal professionals and public researchers.

CaseAccess brings clerk-sourced case information together in one secure, streamlined statewide search platform. Through the Comprehensive Case Information System, subscribers can search case information from all 67 Florida counties without having to navigate individual clerk of court websites and separate search tools.

“Providing exceptional service means making it easier for our customers to find the information they need,” said Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, clerk and comptroller. “CaseAccess enhances customer access to search case information from all 67 Florida counties, saving them the time and effort of searching each clerk’s website separately. This statewide resource makes research more convenient and efficient while preserving each clerk’s role as the source of the official court record.”

CaseAccess is available through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and is intended for frequent professional users who routinely research cases across multiple Florida counties.

Subscriptions are available for $20 per month or $200 per year. The subscription supports the technology, processing, security, daily updates, maintenance and customer service required to operate the statewide platform.

The fee is for an enhanced statewide search experience and related services – not for the purchase of public court information.

Public case information will continue to be available at no charge through the existing public-access services provided by individual clerks. CaseAccess is an optional tool for users who want the convenience of conducting broader statewide research from one platform.

To subscribe, users must have an active Florida Courts E-Filing Portal account. After signing in, users can select “CaseAccess Subscription” from the command ribbon to manage their subscription. There is no cost to register for an E-Filing Portal account.

Learn more about CaseAccess and how to subscribe at www.pascoclerk.com.

 

Hillsborough County to treat for mosquitoes by air Oct. 12

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TAMPA – Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services will conduct aerial applications of Dibrom insecticide to control adult mosquitoes from 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 to 6 a.m. Oct. 13 at East Lake.

The affected treatment area includes: 

  • North boundary: Hillsborough River (body of water) / Harney Road
  • South boundary: Broadway Avenue
  • East boundary: Tampa Bypass Canal (body of water)
  • West boundary: North 44th Street (North of East Hanna Avenue) / North 50th Street (South of East Hanna Avenue)

A helicopter will fly at an altitude of 150 feet. The areas will be treated with an application rate of 0.66 ounces per acre. Oct. 13 and 14 have been identified as alternate spray dates.

Mosquito Management crews are increasing treatments by air and ground because the county’s mosquito traps in many neighborhoods are showing dengue fever virus activity in the mosquito populations. 

The county is working closely with the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County for surveillance, education and treatment in the impacted areas.  

Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services is urging residents across Hillsborough County to take action to protect themselves from mosquitoes. 

The county encourages residents to discard old tires, which can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Hillsborough Solid Waste customers can dispose of up to 12 tires a year at no cost at any of the five collection sites.    

Residents can help by following the 3 Ds:  

  • Dress in light-colored, long-sleeved clothing with closed-toed shoes.  
  • Defend using an insect repellent with a CDC-recommended ingredient such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.  
  • Dump or cover standing water.  

Residents can sign up to be notified where localized aerial treatments are occurring in their neighborhood at https://member.everbridge.net/1332612387832180/new

Get updates on future treatments at hcfl.gov/residents/property-owners-and-renters/mosquito-control/mosquito-operations.

 

Business Digest: Azalea Cay breaks ground in St. Petersburg

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Mayor Ken Welch, Pinellas County commissioners Brian Scott, René Flowers and Kathleen Peters, St. Petersburg City Councilmember Copley Gerdes, community leaders and project partners joined Metro Development Group and Porter Development to celebrate the start of construction. Photo courtesy of Metro Development Group

Azalea Cay breaks ground in St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG – Metro Development Group and Porter Development have broken ground on Azalea Cay, a new residential community at 1501 72nd St. N.

The project marks Metro Development Group’s entry into multifamily housing. The first phase represents an investment of about $109.8 million and will include 341 apartments.

Of those units, 51 will be reserved for households earning at or below 80% of area median income and another 51 for households earning at or below 120% of area median income. The remaining 239 apartments will be market rate.

The first phase is supported by $11.25 million in public funding, including $6 million from the City of St. Petersburg and $5.25 million in Penny for Pinellas affordable housing funds.

Azalea Cay is planned as a three-phase development with about 1,000 apartments at full buildout.

 

SBA awards grant to expand veteran business services in Florida

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration has awarded nearly $4.9 million in funding over five years to establish new Veterans Business Outreach Centers in Florida, Alaska and Louisiana.

Florida Is For Veterans Inc., which operates as Veterans Florida, received $400,000 for the initial grant period. 

The centers will provide free entrepreneurship training, counseling and technical assistance to veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses and eligible family members.

Services include help with business planning, financing, government contracting, marketing and business expansion. The centers will also provide Boots to Business instruction for service members transitioning from the military.

 

Climate conference to unveil coastal resilience initiative

SARASOTA – The Climate Adaptation Center will hold its sixth annual Florida Climate Conference from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at Selby Auditorium on the New College of Florida North Campus.

The conference will unveil a framework for the Sarasota Living Laboratory for Coastal Resilience. The initiative will combine observations of atmospheric, water and coastal conditions with climate science, forecasting and artificial intelligence to improve regional planning.

Speakers include Marie Selby Botanical Gardens President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki, The Bay Park Conservancy founding CEO A.G. Lafley, Sarasota Orchestra President and CEO Joe McKenna and University of Miami climate scientist Benjamin Kirtman.

General admission costs $109. Get tickets at theclimateadaptationcenter.org.

 

Sims Crane names chief commercial officer

TAMPA – Sims Crane & Equipment Co. has appointed Srdjan Vukajlovic as chief commercial officer.

Vukajlovic will lead the company’s sales division and oversee commercial strategy, market expansion, customer development and revenue growth.

He brings more than 17 years of experience in commercial strategy, executive leadership, operations and financial management. 

“Srdjan brings the commercial insight and leadership experience to take our sales organization forward with a clear focus on where the greatest opportunities exist,” President and CEO Deborah Weber said.

Sims Crane provides crane, rigging and lifting services across the Southeast.

 

Business Digest: Stay Sojo launches loyalty program

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“Stay Sojo has always lived somewhere between hospitality and home,” said Jana Collier, managing partner of Stay Sojo. Photo courtesy of Stay Sojo

Stay Sojo launches loyalty program for extended stays

TAMPA – Stay Sojo has launched a loyalty program for extended-stay guests as the furnished-living company approaches its fifth anniversary.

Guests who complete a qualifying stay of at least 30 days can join The Staylist and receive $100 toward a future stay as well as access to member offers and destination announcements.

Members who complete three qualifying stays qualify Loyalist status, which includes priority service, dining credits, a welcome gift and personalized benefits. Early arrival and late departure are also available when possible.

Stay Sojo launched in November 2021 and says it has served more than 11,000 guests across more than 680 U.S. cities. Repeat clients account for about 70% of its business.

The Tampa-based brand is part of Mainsail Lodging & Development and provides furnished accommodations for corporate travelers, relocating professionals, government employees and other extended-stay guests.

 

PulteGroup breaks ground on $18M amenity campus

PARRISH – PulteGroup broke ground Sept. 30 on an $18 million amenity campus at Explore by Del Webb North River Ranch.

The campus will be anchored by the 17,300-square-foot Foundry Clubhouse and adjoining Wellspring Wellness Center. Plans include a restaurant, wine lounge, café, golf simulator, game room, fitness center, massage room, infrared saunas and cold plunge.

Outdoor amenities will include a resort-style pool, lazy river, cabanas, shaded pickleball courts, yoga lawn, walking trails and dog park.

Explore by Del Webb North River Ranch began welcoming residents earlier this year. Homes range from about 1,500 to 3,400 square feet, with prices starting in the mid-$300,000s.

Construction on the amenity campus is expected to be completed in 2028.

 

Hotel Flor continues centennial countdown with 1940s theme

TAMPA – Hotel Flor is celebrating its history throughout October with “The Society Pages,” the fourth installment of its six-month centennial countdown.

The Dan will feature live music from 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays along with 1940s-inspired cocktails and décor drawn from the hotel’s history. The featured food item is Homefront Deviled Crab Cakes.

The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and became Hotel Flor Tampa Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in 2024.

The centennial series continues in November with “Mod & Martinis,” featuring a 1960s theme. Hotel Flor plans to conclude the countdown with a New Year’s Eve centennial gala.

 

SBA plans National Veterans Small Business Week

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration will recognize veteran entrepreneurs during its 13th annual National Veterans Small Business Week from Nov. 9 to 13.  

This year’s theme is “Honoring Veteran-Owned, American Made.” The SBA says veterans own about 1.6 million businesses nationwide.  

The SBA, its resource partners and local organizations will hold in-person and virtual events throughout the week. Topics will include manufacturing, access to capital, government contracting and business development.  

On the web: sba.gov/nvsbw.

 

SCSH principal proud of National Merit semifinalists

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DOVER – Seventeen students from Strawberry Crest High School have been named semifinals for National Merit Scholarships, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

The total is the highest among high schools in the Hillsborough County Public Schools and ties 

Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa. 

Students achieving the honor were Komal R. Brahmankar, Christopher A. Dawson, Joseph Deepesh, Madison Fang, Neha N. Gowda, Nitya Hargewar, Hannah G. Kim, Aayush Mehta, Eshaan Roy, Saisriharshe Sadineni, Harrison J. Shirey, Nitya L. Srikant, Alex Sun, Rhea Varma, Harshin S. Vemula, Ashrith Yeddula and Nathan C. Young.

Semifinalists represent some of the highest-achieving students in the nation. Earning semifinalist status requires exceptional performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, consistently strong academic record, leadership involvement and endorsement by the student’s school.

“This extraordinary accomplishment reflects the dedication, perseverance and academic excellence of our students, as well as the unwavering support provided by our teachers, counselors, families and community,” said Mark Watson, principal of Strawberry Crest High. 

He described the high number of semifinalists as “a testament to the culture of excellence that exists at Strawberry Crest.” 

Strawberry Crest offers traditional high school experiences as well as a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program focused on academic achievement, leadership development, career readiness and community engagement.

The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes academically talented students across the United States and provides opportunities for scholarship awards sponsored by colleges, universities, corporations and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

These students will now compete for National Merit Scholarships that will be announced later this spring. 

“This achievement reflects not only the talents of these exceptional students but also the collaborative efforts of our educators and families who support their academic journey every day,” Watson said. “We celebrate their success and the example they set for future Chargers.”

 

Business Digest: Chamber events

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North Tampa Bay events 

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host an Economic Development Briefing, a Lunch N Learn, a Tampa Networking Night and a ribbon cutting. 

  • David Engel, Pasco County planning, development and economic growth director, talks about how the county supports small businesses during the Economic Development Briefing from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 14 at Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel, 26640 Silver Maple Pkwy., Wesley Chapel. Members pay $15. Others pay $20. Register in advance.
  • Jeni Williams and Bill Blitman, of Western & Southern Life, talk about financial roadmaps during Lunch N Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at the North Tampa Bay Chamber Office, 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite 195, Wesley Chapel. Admission is $15. Registration is required.
  • Members mingle during Tampa Networking Night from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at Benchmark International Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. The event includes a buffet and open bar before a Tampa Bay Lightning game at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $85 for the 300 level and $175 for the 100 level. Register in advance. 
  • Members celebrate the grand opening of Waxing the City with a ribbon cutting from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 20 at 7800 Curley Road, Wesley Chapel. The ribbon will be cut at 4:30 p.m.

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host a Monthly Membership Breakfast, a Greater Pasco Veterans Roundtable, a ribbon cutting, business exchanges and women’s programming.

  • Members trade materials during the Land O’ Lakes Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 8 at SpringHill Suites, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $14. Register in advance. 
  • Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells speaks at the Monthly Membership Breakfast from 8:45 to 10 a.m. Oct. 9 at HCA Florida Hospital, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $25. Others pay $30. Register in advance.
  • Members celebrate the grand opening of Twisted Garden Café with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 13 at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital Medical Arts Building, 6633 Forest Ave., New Port Richey. The ribbon will be cut at noon.
  • Members attend the Greater Pasco Veterans Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Oct. 14 at 4 & Co Coworking Spaces, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance.
  • Members trade business materials during the Trinity Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 15 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $13. Register in advance. 
  • Bella Michele, of She Devil Jiu Jitsu Club, speaks at the next Professional Women in Business Networking Lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 21 at HCA Florida Hospital, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – The East Pasco Chamber will host a Monthly Business Breakfast, After Hours Networking, Coffee & Networking, Core Connections and women’s programming.

  • Members attend the Monthly Business Breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Oct. 8 at S&S Ranch Wedding & Entertainment Venue, 41003 River Road, Dade City. Registration costs $15. Register in advance.
  • Members mingle during After Hours Networking at 4 p.m. Oct. 8 at The ABL, 14135 7th St., Dade City. 
  • Members interact with each other during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 9 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and from 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 13 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.).
  • Valerie Lavin, CEO of Luminary Global, speaks at the Women of East Pasco Business Alliance luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 13 at Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, 12900 Lake Jovita Blvd., Dade City. Members pay $15. Others pay $20. Register in advance. 
  • Members network and learn about chamber perks during Core Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 15 at the Zephyrhills office, 38550 5th Ave., Zephyrhills. Register in advance. 
  • Members mingle during After Hours Networking at 4 p.m. Oct. 15 at The ABL, 14135 7th St., Dade City. 
  • Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 16 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and from 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 20 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.).

Health & Wellness: AdventHealth adds ambulance for moms, children

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AdventHealth says about 1,000 babies and children are transported by ambulance each year from its facilities across West Florida. The dedicated ambulance is expected to reduce wait times for specialized transfers. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

AdventHealth adds ambulance for mothers, children

TAMPA – AdventHealth has added a specialized ambulance to transport mothers, newborns and children who need advanced medical care across West Florida.

The ambulance began service in late September and can transport a mother and newborn together when they need a higher level of care.

“This new ambulance strengthens our ability to care for some of the most vulnerable patients in our community,” said Dr. Rajan Wadhawan, chief clinical officer for AdventHealth West Florida Division. “When a newborn or child needs specialized care, every moment counts. This investment allows our teams to respond quickly while providing the advanced medical support families need during critical moments.”

The vehicle is equipped with a neonatal incubator, advanced monitoring equipment and pediatric transport technology, allowing medical teams to continue providing care while transferring patients between AdventHealth hospitals.

The ambulance was funded entirely through donations to AdventHealth Foundation West Florida.

 

The new mom and baby room at Benchmark International Arena offers privacy and a little extra luxury for parents who want to care for their babies while attending a Lightning game or other arena event. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Arena opens mom and baby room

TAMPA – AdventHealth and the Tampa Bay Lightning have introduced a newly refurbished mom and baby room at Benchmark International Arena. 

The space features a private nursing room and lounge-style area, where parents can feed, care for and spend time with their babies while continuing to watch the game on television.

“As the Tampa Bay Lightning’s official health and wellness partner, AdventHealth is excited to support a space that helps mothers and caregivers feel cared for, comfortable and included,” said Nate Harvey, senior manager of strategic partnerships for AdventHealth.

 

GTE Financial supports Tampa General Hospital Foundation

TAMPA – GTE Financial selected Tampa General Hospital Foundation as its Charity of the Month for September.

The foundation supports Tampa General Hospital through donations that fund patient care, medical research, education and other programs.

Throughout September, GTE Financial employees participated in fundraising, volunteer opportunities and community engagement to support the foundation. Community members were also able to contribute.

“Tampa General Hospital plays an incredibly important role in the health and well-being of our region,” said Ashley Watson, chief of staff to president and CEO. “We are proud to support the foundation and the work it makes possible for patients and families across Tampa Bay.”

 

Charity walk celebrates recovery

NEW PORT RICHEY – Alliance for Healthy Communities and The Hope Shot hosted the annual Stronger Together Recovery Walk on Sept. 19 at Sims Park.

The event celebrated the power of recovery, promotes hope and brings the community together to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorders. 

“Recovery is possible, and no one should have to walk that journey alone,” said Kellie Rodriguez, executive director of Alliance for Healthy Communities. “The Stronger Together Recovery Walk is about hope, healing and reminding our community that recovery belongs to everyone. Together, we can break down stigma, celebrate resilience and create pathways to support.”

On the web: empoweredcommunities.org 

 

BayCare highlights growth in annual physician report

CLEARWATER – BayCare Health System has released its 2025 Physician and Provider Annual Report, highlighting growth in medical education, clinical programs and access to care across West Central Florida.

The report, titled “Vital Impact,” details BayCare’s academic expansion, collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, development of its 17th hospital in Manatee County and investments in research, technology and integrated care.

BayCare expanded graduate medical education to 18 residency programs and three fellowship programs, training nearly 300 residents. Eleven eligible acute-care hospitals also received “A” Hospital Safety Grades from The Leapfrog Group, according to the report.

BayCare Medical Group added 258 providers in 2025 and recorded more than 2.5 million annual patient visits.

The report also notes that BayCare achieved a 100% Match Day rate across its sponsored graduate medical education programs in 2025 and 2026.

Read the report at baycareproviders.org.

 

Hillsborough extends emergency over dengue activity

TAMPA – Hillsborough County has extended its state of local emergency through Oct. 8 as officials work to control mosquito populations and protect residents from dengue fever.

County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed the extension Oct. 1. The emergency declaration allows county officials to take expedited actions and provides a path for federal reimbursement of certain expenses.

Mosquito Management crews have increased aerial and ground treatments after county surveillance detected dengue virus activity in mosquitoes in multiple neighborhoods.

The county is working with the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County on education and mosquito treatment in affected areas. Residents are encouraged to take precautions against mosquito bites.

Call Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services at 813-635-5400 for details.

 

Men’s Health Huddle coming to Tampa Nov. 14

TAMPA – The nonprofit iCare About Me Inc. will host the Men’s Health Huddle, an event focused on preventive care, health screenings and education.

The event, presented in association with Cox Media Group and AdventHealth, takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 14 at the AdventHealth Training Center, 1 Buccaneer Place.

The program will feature discussions about annual physicals, screenings, cancer prevention, early detection and treatment. Onsite health testing, a Mini Combine and Kids Zone are also planned.

Former NFL players Derrick Brooks, James Harrell, Jerry Bell and Rogerick Green are expected to attend. 

On the web: Menshealthhuddle.com

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers support groups, classes

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers free in-person support groups and classes in November on breastfeeding, newborn and infant care, and grandparenting. 

  • Breastfeeding Support Group: Provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from peers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays, Nov. 5 and 19.
  • Understanding Breastfeeding: Provides information to expectant mothers 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 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5.
  • Grandparenting Class: Includes a discussion about the latest recommendations in newborn and infant care from the grandparenting perspective. Offered 2 to 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9.
  • Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to expectant mothers and an optional support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. Offered 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, and 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24.

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 appropriate group or class. Register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing “2” at the prompt.

The hospital is located at 4211 Van Dyke Road, Lutz.

 

Quick Hits

  • Saddlebrook Resort hosts a Wellness Expo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 17 at the resort, 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel.