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Health & Wellness (10/16/24): Hospital evacuates ahead of storm

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AdventHealth North Pinellas evacuates ahead of storm

TARPON SPRINGS  – AdventHealth North Pinellas decided to evacuate the hospital as Hurricane Milton approached due to the hospital’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and potential impacts from the storm. 

Staff began transferring 40 patients to other AdventHealth facilities around 5 p.m. Oct. 7.

“We have been in constant communication with state and local emergency management teams throughout our preparation for the storm,” said Ryan Quattlebaum, president and CEO of AdventHealth North Pinellas. “Given Milton’s projected impact, we are evacuating out of an abundance of caution.”
The AdventHealth Palm Harbor ER, located at 34106 US Hwy 19 N. in Palm Harbor, remained open throughout the storm to serve the community’s emergency needs.

AdventHealth gives out pink light bulbs

TAMPA – AdventHealth has been giving away 6,000 pink light bulbs across seven counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco throughout October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness.

AdventHealth will distribute the pink bulbs at a series of “Pink Out” events for the #PinkPorchFL initiative throughout October to encourage women to prioritize breast cancer screenings and early detection.

While picking up their pink light bulb, women ages 40 and older are encouraged to schedule a mammogram at any AdventHealth Care Pavilion location. For women without insurance coverage, AdventHealth offers mammograms for $99.

Visit ScheduleYourMammoToday.com to learn more.

Dr. Rachel Burke, a breast cancer diagnostic radiologist with the Kay Meyer Breast Center at AdventHealth Tampa, says it’s important for women to have regular screenings and speak to their health care provider regarding their family history and breast cancer risk.

“Every 14 seconds, somewhere in the world, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer,” Burke said. “Mammograms and health checks are not just appointments; they’re opportunities to safeguard your future.”

 

Hurricane delays grand openings

RUSKIN –Hurricane Milton delayed health-related openings in the area. 

  • Elite DNA Behavioral Health, a comprehensive behavioral and mental health service provider, postponed an Oct. 8   ribbon cutting for its new location in Ruskin. The practice offers a range of in-person and virtual mental and behavioral health services, including psychiatry, therapy and medication management. 
  • Saint Leo University postponed the Oct. 10 grand opening celebration of its new nursing floor. The floor will be home to the Bachelor of Science in nursing program.

 

AdventHealth provided virtual care during storm

TAMPA – AdventHealth Centra Care offered free virtual urgent care for the state of Florida from Oct. 9 to 10.

AdventHealth medical professionals were available to provide virtual consultations and recommended treatment for urgent, non-life-threatening medical needs via the AdventHealth app. 

People could bypass payment pages with the code MILTON.

Visit AdventHealthVideoVisits.com for details. 

 

Hotline helps Alzheimer’s caregivers

NEW  YORK – The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America reminded families in areas affected by hurricanes who are caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related illnesses that it AFA Helpline is available for assistance, answers and support. 

FA’s Helpline is staffed seven days a week by licensed social workers specifically trained in dementia care. They can address questions such as:

  • How do I answer questions about the hurricane and its consequences?
  • How can I keep my loved one feeling safe?
  • How do I help them cope with disorientation, stress or anxiety?
  • What can I do to help prevent or reduce agitation?
  • How do I help my loved one handle disruptions to their daily routine?
  • How do I acclimate my loved one to new surroundings after evacuating?

Call 866-232-8484, text 646-586-5283 or web chat at www.alzfdn.org for details.

 

DOH-Pasco issues alert about beaches, pools

Pasco County – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County advised the public not to enter the water following Hurricane Milton due to the increased risk of water-borne illness.

Heavy winds and rain can negatively impact coastal waters. Excessive amounts of rain and storm surge can increase the levels of harmful bacteria in public beaches. The sources of the bacteria can vary and include failing septic systems, sewer line breaks, overflowing manholes, and wildlife.

Debris brought onto beaches by storm surge and floodwaters can be hazardous and may carry harmful bacteria. No one should handle debris without proper safety equipment.

Residents and visitors should avoid swimming in coastal waters until bacterial testing shows an acceptable level in accordance with state guidelines. Test results can be accessed at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.

Residents and visitors should avoid swimming in any pool until it has been properly cleaned and is fully functional. Public swimming pools need to be approved for opening by DOH-Pasco. 

 

DOH-Pasco offers mold cleanup tips

PASCO COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County suggests these post-storm tips for mold cleanup:

  • Any items soaked with flood waters that can’t be cleaned or dried completely within 24 to 48 hours should be disposed of.
  • Open all doors and windows when removing wet or moldy items to avoid exposure.
  • Scrub wet surfaces with detergent and water to remove visible mold. 
  • Remove visible mold before painting or caulking.
  • Never mix bleach with other cleansers or ammonia to avoid health issues.

Visit pasco.floridahealth.gov/ for more tips. 

 

DOH-Pasco offers flood safety tips

PASCO COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County urges residents to be aware of the health risks associated with flooding. 

Skin contact with flood waters does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk. However, health hazards are a concern when waters are or become contaminated with bacteria or contain dangerous debris.

DOH-Pasco recommends the following to prevent illness or injury from flood waters:

  • Basic hygiene is critical. If you are under a boil water notice, use commercially bottled water for mixing baby formula. Wash hands with soap and either disinfected or boiled and cooled water, especially before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after handling a soiled diaper, after participating in flood cleanup activities and after handling objects contaminated with flood water or sewage.
  • Avoid eating or drinking anything that has been contaminated with flood waters. 
  • Avoid contact with flood waters, especially if you have open cuts or sores.
  • If you have any open cuts or sores and come in contact with flood waters, wash the area well with soap to prevent infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.
  • Residents who sustain lacerations or puncture wounds are encouraged to contact their primary health care provider to make sure they are current on their tetanus vaccine and possibly get a booster.

Visit pasco.floridahealth.gov/ for more tips. 

 

Healthy Kids board approves KidCare aid

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Healthy Kids Corporation board of directors approved financial and administrative relief for families impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

These relief measures apply to families residing in the 22 Florida counties currently designated by FEMA as eligible for individual assistance. This included Pasco and Hillsborough counties. 

To help families following the storm, the corporation agreed to cover 100% of eligible October monthly payments for November coverage. An additional month of payment relief will be made available to those who contact the Florida KidCare Call Center expressing a need. Members enrolled in both subsidized and full-pay plans are included.

On top of monthly payment support, families with annual renewals scheduled for September or October will have extra time – until Nov. 30 – to complete the renewal process.

Altogether, more than 48,000 children live in the 22 identified counties, representing more than 25% of the total Florida KidCare population (excluding Medicaid). The cost to cover waived October payments is an estimated $2,300,000.

 

TRICARE authorizes temporary prescription refill waivers

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The Defense Health Agency announced TRICARE beneficiaries in 51 Florida counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco, may receive emergency prescription refills now through Oct. 17 due to Hurricane Milton.

To receive an emergency refill of prescription medications, TRICARE beneficiaries should take their prescription bottle to any TRICARE retail network pharmacy. If the bottle is unavailable or the label is damaged or missing, beneficiaries should contact Express Scripts Inc., or their retail network pharmacy for assistance.

Beneficiaries may call Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303 to find a network pharmacy.

 

Cell tower gets bad reception from Pasco County neighbors

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Anthemnet provided this aerial map to the Pasco County Planning Commissioner to show where a cell phone tower would be located. Photo courtesy of Pasco County

DADE CITY – A request to install a 195-foot-tall monopine cell phone tower did not gain a favorable recommendation from the Pasco County Planning Commission on Oct. 3. 

Cynthia M Barthle/Anthemnet, Inc./Verizon Wireless had requested a conditional use that would enable the cell tower to be located on the northwest corner of the intersection of St. Joe Road and Mt. Zion Road. 

County staff recommended the planning commission send a favorable recommendation with conditions to the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners, which has final authority. 

If approved, the proposed cell tower would have dense branching and could accommodate Verizon Wireless and up to three additional cell carriers. It would be located within a 2,500-square-foot fenced compound area within an overall parcel that contains 4.22 acres.

Mary Solik, who is legal counsel for the applicant, told the planning commission that the area where they wanted the cell tower to be placed was the result of a long search to find a site that was buildable, leasable and that would meet locational and performance criteria. 

“We were left with very few options and unfortunately we have unhappy neighbors,” Solik said.

Some residents of the nearby Willow Run subdivision objected to the proposed placement of the tower at that location.

Nancy Cabiness Johnson described Willow Run as a gated, deed restricted, high value residential community. Johnson said she believed the placement of the cell tower so close to Willow Run that it would have a negative impact on the community’s property values.

Robert Welbourn, who is president of the Willow Run Property Owners Association, told members the home values in his neighborhood “range probably anywhere from $700,000 to $1.5 million. 

“This has a greater financial impact on our residents and our community,” Welbourn said. “It has a more unfair impact to us financially because we have a greater investment.” Welbourn believes placing the cell tower at the proposed location would stigmatize the property.

Solik responded to some of the concerns of neighbors.

“The Barthle property was really all we had left,” Solik said.

“It truly looks like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree up on a pole,” planning commission member Jon Moody said.

Planning commission member Chris Poole said he understood that 5G technology, which is being used, would require tighter spacing of cell towers for it to work efficiently. However, Poole said, “I’m struggling with the need for a tower a mile away from another tower.”

David Taulbee, of Tampa-based Lee Pallardy Inc., told the planning commission that he has 25 years experience evaluating whether cell towers have negative impacts on property values.

“Not once has your appraiser or any appraiser along the whole west coast of Florida and into central Florida made a reduction in an assessment of property – commercial, rural, residential, urban, whatever you want to call it – because of proximity to a tower,” Taulbee said. “There’s simply no market data that indicates and supports that these towers impact values.”

Charles Grey, who chairs the planning commission, disagreed with Taulbee’s view on whether cell towers impact property values.

“I tend to take the common-sense approach,” Grey said. “I’ve been in the real estate business for over 50 years here. So, in my opinion, if I had that monstrosity next to my house then it would impact the value of my property. So if you think it doesn’t you’re just making up a story.

“We’re here to protect our people. That’s our number one job.”

Moody asked the applicant if they would rather have a long continuance so they could either find another site or a tower that could be more compatible with the area, or if they preferred a recommendation of denial.

“I don’t often bring you a site like this but this one is what it is because of what’s on the ground out there,” Solik said. “We have limited choices so I think we would prefer to keep it moving.

“I’m sorry that you’re choosing to penalize Anthemnet going forward.”

“I want you to understand,” Grey said, “that we’re not penalizing anyone. We’re just protecting the people that live here – the same thing I would do for you if you lived here.”

Solik and the people accompanying her were reminded that Moody had given them the option to do a continuance so the issues could be readdressed and they hadn’t done that.

Planning commission members then voted to recommend to county commissioners to deny the request. County commissioners are scheduled to vote Nov. 12.

 

Dade City interviewing for new city manager

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DADE CITY – Leslie Porter resigned as the city manager of the City of Dade City, effective Oct. 10.

Porter had worked for Dade City for more than 10 years. Prior to becoming city manager, she was the city’s finance officer from 2014 to 2019.

Her departure from the position occurred after members of the Dade City Commission expressed a desire earlier in the year for a new administrator to take the city in a different direction. 

An amicable separation agreement was negotiated between the commission and Porter regarding a severance package. The agreement emphasized that Porter’s termination from employment was not “for cause or for misconduct.” It also said that she would be eligible for future employment with Dade City if she applied for a position for which she was qualified either through education or experience.

Mayor Scott Black praised Porter during an emergency meeting Oct. 7 in preparation for Hurricane Milton.

“It has been a pleasure to work with you as finance officer and city manager,” Black said. “Thank you for your grace, your composure and your dedication. It means a lot to me.” 

Commissioner James Shive also spoke highly of Porter and her accomplishments.

“I really want to thank you for your 10 years of service to Dade City,” Shive said. “We appreciate what you’ve done for Dade City and we wish you the best moving forward.”

Porter recommended during the Oct. 7 meeting that her executive assistant, Marieke vanErven, be appointed as acting city manager, effective Oct. 11, until an interim city manager is hired.

Commissioners agreed by a vote of 4-1 to appoint vanErven as acting city manager.

Black, Shive and commissioners Kristin Church and Ann Cosentino voted in favor of vanErven’s appointment. Mayor Pro Tempore Normita Woodard abstained from voting. City attorney Patrick Brackins said Woodard’s abstention was considered a vote against vanErven’s appointment.

In addition to having served as Porter’s executive assistant, vanErven is also the city’s public relations specialist and staff liaison to the Youth Council, Redevelopment Advisory Committee and Community Redevelopment Agency.

The city had planned to conduct interviews with two applicants for the interim city manager position during the week of Oct. 7. However, those interviews were rescheduled due to Hurricane Milton.

Brackins asked if the interviews could be conducted virtually through Zoom because it wasn’t known at that time how much damage might be caused by Hurricane Milton.

Black said he would only want to conduct the interviews that way “as the last resort.”

The two applicants for the interim city manager position are:

  • James Gabbard, who is an executive search consultant for the Florida Police Chiefs Association. He has served in that capacity since 2018. Prior to that, he was a senior manager for the International City/County Managers Association Police Consulting Services from 2008 to 2018. He was city manager for the City of Vero Beach from 2005 to 2011.
  • Glenn Irby, who has been city manager for the City of Edgewater from 2019 to 2024. Prior to that, he was city administrator for the City of Apopka from 2015 to 2018 and city manager for the City of Umatilla – airport manager, from 2006 to 2015.

The dates for these interviews weren’t available by print deadline. 

 

 

 

Hillsborough County declares state of emergency

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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed an executive order Oct. 6 declaring a state of local emergency ahead of Hurricane Milton. 

The order went into effect Oct. 6. A state of local emergency can be in effect for only seven days, unless rescinded or extended. 

The emergency declaration gives the county administrator and emergency managers the ability to quickly take certain actions to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community, and provides a path for federal reimbursement of certain expenses. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis also declared a state of emergency for tFlorida in response to the storm. 

Read the Hillsborough County order declaring a state of local emergency. A state of local emergency already exists for Hurricane Helene.  

 

County opens safe haven for residents 

Hillsborough County will open Middleton High School this afternoon as a safe haven in advance of inclement weather for residents who were impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Middleton High School will open at 1 p.m. Oct. 6, at 4801 N. 22nd St., Tampa. The forecast calls for heavy rain and wind on Sunday afternoon through Sunday night.  

Residents who need transportation assistance to Middleton High School should call 833-HC STORM or 833-427-8676 to make arrangements. The storm information and helpline is open until 7 p.m.

 

County opens three sandbag operation sites 

Hillsborough County will open three sandbag operation sites at noon Oct. 6 to help residents prepare for potential heavy rain moving into the area in the days ahead.

The following sandbag operation sites will be open, weather permitting, from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 6 and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 7. The sites are self-serve, meaning residents should be prepared to fill the sandbags themselves.

  • E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, 2401 19th Ave. NW, Ruskin (Park will be closed to the public on Saturday)
  • Ed Radice Sports Complex, 14720 Ed Radice Drive, Tampa. (Park will remain open to the public on Saturday)
  • Larry Sanders Sports Complex, 5855 S. 78th St., Tampa.

Hillsborough County residents are eligible for a maximum of 10 sandbags per vehicle. Residents must show ID verifying they live in the county; a driver’s license or utility bill will serve as proper identification.  

 

County continues storm debris pick up

Hillsborough County has mobilized resources to expedite storm debris removal from affected residential neighborhoods including Dana Shores, Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Tampa Shores, Bay Crest, and Town ’N Country in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s west coast.

The county is launching a temporary debris drop-off site at its Resource Recovery Facility at 350 N. Falkenburg Road, Tampa.

 

Temporary debris drop-off site opens at Resource Recovery Facility

Starting at 4 p.m. Oct. 6, residents and contractors can drop off yard waste, construction and demolition debris, furniture and other household items at no charge. All appliances must be emptied of their contents. The site will remain open until further notice.

What can be dropped off:

  • Yard waste (trees, branches, etc.)
  • Construction and demolition debris
  • Furniture
  • Other storm-damaged household items
  • Appliances (must be empty)

What cannot be dropped off:

  • Household hazardous waste (paint, chemicals, etc.)
  • Regular household garbage

 

Community collection centers offer extended hours until further notice

The County’s five Community Collection Centers are open with extended hours to accommodate post-storm cleanup, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice. Photo ID is required.

  • Alderman’s Ford Solid Waste Facility – 9402 County Road 39, Plant City, FL 33567
  • Hillsborough Heights Solid Waste Facility – 6209 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584
  • Northwest County Solid Waste Facility – 8001 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa, FL 33625
  • South County Solid Waste Facility – 13000 U.S. 41, Gibsonton, FL 33534
  • Wimauma Solid Waste Facility – 16180 W. Lake Dr., Wimauma, FL 33598

 

All five locations accept a variety of household items, including furniture, couches, chairs, tables, mattresses, washer, dryers, tires and microwaves. Additionally, the centers accept batteries, electronics and paint.

The Northwest County and South County Solid Waste Facilities are the only Community Collection Center sites that accept residential yard waste and wood disposal.

 

Additional yard waste site added

The county previously announced the opening of an additional yard waste site at the Hillsborough Heights Community Collection Center located at 6209 County Road 579, Seffner. The yard waste drop-off facility is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week for all Hillsborough County residents with identification. The site will be open until further notice.  

 

Storm debris information and tips  

The county is using its solid waste collectors and disaster debris contractors to maximize efficiency. The county will continue these intensive debris removal efforts until tropical force winds reach 30 mph, at which point operations will be temporarily suspended to ensure the safety of personnel.  

Residents with debris curbside that has been prepared for pickup who are unable to dispose of debris at one of the county’s sites are urged to take the following precautions in advance of the tropical storm:

Secure Loose Debris

  • Weigh down loose storm debris to prevent it from being blown away during high winds.
  • Use heavy objects such as bricks or sandbags inside or around debris piles to minimize movement.

Organize Curbside Debris

  • Heavier items like mattresses and sofas may be less likely to become windblown.
  • Place lighter items underneath heavier ones to prevent them from becoming airborne during the storm.
  • Consider using straps, ropes, or bungee cords to secure debris from becoming airborne.

 

Get Connected

Residents and visitors are encouraged to register for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County’s official public notification system for emergency and urgent alerts. 

To receive messages by email, phone, and text, go to HCFL.gov/StaySafe. 

Residents without digital access are encouraged to call 833-427-8676, the county’s storm information and help line.

Pasco County issues state of emergency for Hurricane Milton

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NEW PORT RICHEY – The Pasco Board of County Commissioners convened an emergency meeting Oct. 6 to declare a State of Emergency ahead of Hurricane Milton. 

The board convened about five minutes after the tropical storm was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane, according to Andrew Fossa, director of emergency management for Pasco County.

“Currently, its projected path is going to put us in harm’s way,” Fossa told commissioners. “By the time it makes landfall, it’s projected to be a very strong Category 3 hurricane.”

He said the area should get tropical storm force winds from Tuesday evening to late Wednesday afternoon. The coast is also expected to sustain a six-foot storm surge. 

“We are going to have issues,” Fossa said. “We are going to have debris floating. We’re going to have missiles flying everywhere with the debris. So we’re asking for this local state of emergency and then we’re going to follow up also with a request for an evacuation order.”

The county has issued mandatory evacuations, which go into effect at 10 a.m. Oct. 7 for the following:

  • Evacuation Zones A and B.
  • Everyone living in a manufactured home, mobile home or RV anywhere in Pasco.
  • Everyone in low-lying areas or areas prone to flooding.
  • Everyone in an area ordered evacuated by local authorities due to life-safety hazards.

Voluntary evacuations will go into effect at 10 a.m. Oct. 7 for the following:

  • Evacuation Zone C.
  • Everyone registered with Pasco as a special needs resident.
  • Everyone who would be vulnerable in the event of a power loss.

Visit https://pascogis.pascocountyfl.net/evaczone/finder.html to enter your street address and determine your zone. 

District 5 Commissioner Jack Mariano asked Fossa to compare the storm surges of recent hurricanes Helene and Idalia to give people perspective about how important it is to evacuate. 

Pasco County saw storm surges of seven feet during Idalia and 12 to 15 feet during Helene. 

“It’s extremely important to evacuate,” Fossa replied. “We’ve preached that through Helene. We preached that through Idalia. When we issue an evacuation order for surge – we’re doing it to save people’s lives. Fortunately, Pasco County was one of the few counties that had zero fatalities.”

Pasco County tallied over 200 rescues in the aftermath of Helene. Fossa said citizens don’t have to evacuate hundreds of miles but tens of miles. He encouraged people to go to a hotel or stay at a shelter.

Pasco County is also opening shelters Oct. 7 for anyone who needs to leave their home ahead of the storm and has nowhere else to stay.

The following shelters open Oct. 7 at noon (and accept family pets): 

• Centennial Middle School, 38505 Centennial Road, Dade City.
• Fivay High School, 12115 Chicago Ave., Hudson.
• River Ridge Middle and High Schools, 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey.
• Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel.
• Fasano Regional Hurricane Center, 11611 Denton Ave., Hudson (Special Needs Only).

GoPasco bus services will operate regular routes Oct. 7 and offer free rides to shelters. Visit mypas.co/PetHurricanePrep for details about what to bring.

Mariano was encouraged by the work of the county. He mentioned how the county was helping evacuate residents of four trailer parks. 

Mariano also expressed concern about debris left over from Hurricane Helene flying around during high winds from Hurricane Milton.
“Citizens also need to remember with all this debris on the ground right now, first responders are not going to be able to navigate those roads,” Fossa said. “It’s going to damage their vehicles and put them in harm’s way also.” 

District 3 Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said the Gulf Harbors community was going to get attention as it has one way in and one way out. 

“We are working very hard today to clear that road to be sure that people can evacuate,” Starkey said. “You’re going to inconvenienced maybe by one way traffic or stop-and-go traffic but it is just paramount that we keep at least that road clear so people can get out.”

Commercial haulers will be coming in Oct. 7 to remove as much debris as possible, according to John Battista, operations director for the solid waste department. 

“We want to get the storm debris off the roads,” Battista said. 

Commissioners were pleased with county staff’s work post-Helene and pre-Milton. District 4 Commissioner Lisa Yeager gave a shoutout not just to county staff but also the community. 

“It’s just really awesome to see our community come together and everybody helping everybody,” Yeager said. “It’s just been a huge movement. I’m just really proud to be living in Pasco County.”

 

Have questions?

Pasco County Customer Service is open until 7 p.m. Oct. 6 and will be open 24 hours beginning Oct. 7 at 7 a.m.  Call 727.847.2411 or chat with the county online at MyPasco.net.

Tampa Bay Lightning visit pediatric patients

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Tampa Bay Lightning players Jake Guentzel, Erik Cernak, Zemgus Girgensons and Mikey Eyssimont giving a Buddy Bear to a pediatric patient during today’s hospital visit. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
The players gave out the newest version of Buddy Bears wearing the Lightning’s new away jerseys with the AdventHealth logo. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

TAMPA – Tampa Bay Lightning players Jake Guentzel, Erik Cernak, Zemgus Girgensons and Mikey Eyssimont, along with team mascot ThunderBug, visited AdventHealth Tampa’s Pediatric Unit on Oct. 1 as part of the Community Kickoff Day celebration.  

This event highlights the Patch with a Purpose initiative, which expands the NHL team’s impact off the ice and into the Tampa Bay community.

As part of the initiative, the players wore white road jerseys featuring the new AdventHealth patch, the first purpose-driven jersey in the NHL. The program supports critical local nonprofits, with a focus on promoting wellness and community health throughout the region.

During their visit, Guentzel, Cernak, Girgensons, Eyssimont and ThunderBug interacted with patients and families, signed autographs, took photos and gave out the newest version of “Buddy Bears” that don the team’s new away jerseys with the AdventHealth logo.

“We were honored to have the Lightning players bring some joy to our young patients,” said Sandra Burnetter, pediatric services director at AdventHealth Tampa. “This visit was a wonderful reminder of how community partnerships like Patch with a Purpose help uplift the spirits of children and families during their hospital stay.”

As the Official Health and Wellness Partner of the Tampa Bay Lightning, AdventHealth aims to promote a healthier, more active and more engaged community.

 

School superintendent  proud of district’s hurricane response

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Kurt Browning

LAND O’ LAKES – Superintendent Kurt Browning said he was proud of how Pasco County Schools opened and staffed five shelters in anticipation of Hurricane Helene. 

Shelters were at Centennial Middle (Dade City); Fivay High (Hudson); Wiregrass Ranch High (Wesley Chapel); River Ridge middle and high (New Port Richey); and Sunlake High (Land O’ Lakes).

“The superintendent’s immediate staff just coalesced so quickly to address all the needs from finances to staffing of shelters to payroll to damage control, mitigation, employee care, battening down schools,” Browning said during the Oct. 1 school board meeting. “I can’t thank them enough for what they did, and it just wasn’t between the hours of 8 and 5.”

Browning said the district is assessing employees that have been adversely impacted by the storm. 

“We do have several principals and also one of our assistant superintendents who were impacted by the storm and they’ve all been continuing to do their work as well as trying to keep their lives in order and support their staff who were also affected,” said Tom Barker, assistant superintendent for elementary schools. “I echo the sentiment that we have amazing staff in this county.“

Jeff Larsen, president of the United School Employees of Pasco, said the response to Hurricane Helene demonstrated how district staff are heroes.

Larsen said many district employees left work on Wednesday to assist members of the community staying at shelters. And several have been helping with hurricane recovery.

“On Monday, many of these impacted people paused their own recovery efforts to come to work,” Larsen said. “I know of teachers and (school-related personnel) that lost everything due to flooding and they still came to work on Monday.”

One teacher told Larsen, “I just wanted my students to be able to feel normal.“

 

Pasco County Schools is here to support you

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Colleen Beaudoin

I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the catastrophic loss that some of our families, employees and community members suffered last week due to Hurricane Helene. 

We know you are hurting, and we will do what we can to support you. 

Thank you to all our employees, our community partners, our first responders for your efforts to keep our Pasco residents safe during the storm, and for all the help cleaning up and coming to aid all of our residents in the aftermath.

We had our employees away from their own families working in shelters and evaluating damages to our sites.

I want to thank the superintendent and his staff for keeping the board informed throughout the weekend. 

This storm was devastating to our community and across several states as we know 

I know we are all feeling the impacts and are concerned about everyone’s well-being. 

As we get back to business today, let’s keep our students and our employees as well as all our Pasco residents at the forefront of our decisions – all the decisions we make as we always do. 

Colleen Beaudoin, a District 2 representative, on the Pasco County Schools Board of Education, gave these remarks Oct. 1 during the school board meeting. 

Renczkowski has watched Pasco County region grow over 30 years

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Suzanne Renczkowski

The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners recently recognized Suzanne Renczkowski for having worked for Pasco Economic Development Council for 30 years.

She is currently Pasco EDC’s director of operations.

The Pasco County Committee of 100 originally hired her on July 18, 1994. Its name officially changed to Pasco Economic Development Council on Oct. 1, 1998.

Pasco EDC is dedicated to the growth and prosperity of Pasco County through the development of a sustainable and diversified economy.  

Renczkowski, who is now 63, said she plans to work for Pasco EDC for two more years until she reaches the magic age of 65 when she will qualify for Medicare.

She added that her husband of 43 years, John Renczkowski, has already retired.

“Suzanne Renczkowski has been devoted to the Pasco Economic Development Council and its mission and vision for 30 years, demonstrating unwavering commitment and dedication to enhancing the professional landscape of Pasco County since beginning her career with them in 1994,” said part of the resolution the board adopted in August to recognize her accomplishments.

“Oh, gosh, no!” she said when asked if she had anticipated working for Pasco EDC for three decades. 

“It’s worked out well with me and my family. I like to work Monday through Friday and to have a very stable work environment,” Renczkowski said. 

Her job there has been very satisfying, said Renczkowski, who works in a significant support role for the organization.

“This job’s never boring because it’s always changing,” she said. That’s because of how Pasco County has continued to grow over the years, even during 2009 when the national economy took a downturn, she added.

As director of operations she is responsible for, among other things, serving as executive assistant to Bill Cronin, who has been Pasco EDC’s president/CEO since Jan. 19, 2016. She also assisted two other former chief executives – John Hagen, who led Pasco EDC from January 2010 to October 2015; and Mary Jane Stanley, who headed up Pasco EDC – and its predecessor the Pasco County Committee of 100 – from 1994 to June 30, 2009. 

Some of Renczkowski’s other duties include handling the organization’s payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and playing a pivotal role in the planning and execution of all major events for Pasco EDC, including the Annual Awards, NetFest and the Holiday Social.

She’s not quite as heavily involved in as many of those major roles now because Pasco EDC currently has a staff of 14 people, she said. This is a lot more employees than were working for the Committee of 100 when she started there in 1994, she added.

Although much of her work has been done “behind the scenes,” as she described it, Renczkowski said she’s thrilled about the number of things her employer has been able to accomplish during the time she has worked for them.

Some of her coworkers refer to her as the “office psychologist,” Renczkowski said with a chuckle. She explained that is because they come to her for help when they have questions or concerns. She’s able to help them, she said, because she knows a lot of the history of both Pasco EDC and Pasco County. 

The board’s resolution also gave Renczkowski credit for having “served as a mentor to many team members over the years.”

She has a solid background in business because she is a graduate of Taylor Business Institute, based in New Jersey. Renczkowski was one of its students during 1980 while she had worked for eye surgeon Dr. John Norris as he was developing cataract surgery with Dr. Gills. And she also took business courses at Saint Leo University in 1993 while working there as its public affairs coordinator, part of the board’s resolution said.

“Suzanne’s commitment to the betterment of Pasco County throughout her extensive career has not only bolstered economic development in Pasco County but has been an inspiration to many and has shown true passion for her community,” the board’s resolution said. 

 

Hurricane recovery efforts are underway in Pasco County

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Thousands of Pasco County residents and an unknown number of business owners have begun what will be a lengthy process for many to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene.

The powerful Category 4 hurricane passed alongside the county’s west side in the early evening hours of Friday, Sept. 27, before it made landfall later that day on Florida’s Big Bend area.

Both of the unincorporated areas of Hudson and Holiday sustained widespread damage from storm surges of four- to five-feet accompanied by heavy rainfall as Hurricane Helene passed by on her way northward.

Pasco Information Office spokespeople reported that damage assessments had been made at more than 10,000 locations throughout the county as of Monday, Sept. 30. It was also reported that this number was subject to change, as damage assessment teams would continue to make countywide inspections.

It was also advised that using the Pasco County online reporting tool – mypas.co/ReportDamage – would be the fastest way to report storm damage to homes and businesses and to get help and schedule assessments with Pasco County. “This was a major hurricane with incredible impact to life and property across our state. We stand united as Floridians and are ready to help our neighbors in need. We are about to see the best of Florida,” state Sen. Danny Burgess said Sept. 27 in a widely distributed email message.

Burgess, who is a Republican who represents District 23 in Hillsborough and Pasco counties, also said that he wanted to “salute those who helped our community 

get through this storm: our emergency responders, linemen, those who work in our Emergency Operations Centers, and everyone else who kept us safe. You have made us all proud.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a recent press conference in the Hudson area that hundreds of travel trailers were available throughout the state which residents could stay in for between six and 18 months while they repair or rebuild their homes. DeSantis added that officials are working to provide more travel trailers.

The State of Florida and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are providing the travel trailers.

Residents can apply for a travel trailer by calling the Florida Hope Line at 1-833-GET-HOPE. The Hope Line directs those affected by the storm to the resources they need to recover, according to DeSantis.

Residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene can apply for financial help at disasterassistance.gov.

DeSantis also said while he was in Hudson that it was anticipated that power would soon be available to most Pasco County customers who had experienced outages. However, it is necessary, county officials said, to have homes inspected by electricians before the power is turned back on. This is because of the danger caused by salt water having flooded many of those homes.

Thirty-five fires were reported as a result of storm surges from Hurricane Helene entering residences and shorting out the electrical systems, according to PIO.

Pasco County opened three Comfort Stations on the county’s western side on Sept. 30 that will be available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. according to PIO. 

They are located at the Hudson Library, 8012 Library Road, in Hudson; the J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex, 2830 Gulf Trace Blvd., in Holiday; and Aripeka Baptist Church, 18731 Aripeka Road, in Aripeka. 

Food and supplies are available at the locations in Hudson and Holiday while supplies last.

All three of the stations have air conditioning, restrooms, charging stations and showers and laundry. People need to bring their own supplies for the showers and laundry.

The purpose of the Comfort Stations is to provide essentials to Hurricane Helene victims, according to PIO. 

The City of New Port Richey also has a Comfort Station located at the New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Center, 6630 Van Buren St., New Port Richey. It will also be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. “until further notice.”

Pasco County has begun picking up storm debris in affected neighborhoods.

All storm debris should be separated, whether it is taken to a drop off site or left at the curb. The drop-off site is located at the West Pasco Resource Recovery Center, 14606 Hays Road, Spring Hill.

Yard debris (branches, leaves, etc.) should not be mixed with home debris (mattresses, chairs, couches, etc.) or with household garbage.

Refrigerators and freezers must be emptied and the doors must either be secured or removed.

Only residential storm debris is eligible for free disposal. Commercial debris will not be accepted.

Both the West Pasco Resource Recovery Center and the East Pasco Transfer Station located at 9626 Handcart Road in Dade City will be open for regular garbage drop-off.

Visiting pascocountyfl.net for more information about Hurricane Helene’s impact on Pasco County and what recovery resources are available.