Mary Rathman

Health News 05/22/2024

May 21, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Promoting mental health awareness
Throughout the month of May, Tampa Bay Thrives is promoting the priority of emotionally healthy communities and mental health.

Tampa City Hall is lit up in the color green in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Thrives)

Official buildings and bridges in the City of Tampa were illuminated in the color green on May 1 and May 2 to kick off Mental Health Awareness Month.

Thrives also is highlighting a series of four video vignettes as part of its original awareness campaign, #IYKYK (If you know, you know), featuring residents across the region sharing their mental health journeys.

The #IYKYK project tackles topics such as:

Talking to a primary care doctor about mental health concerns
How to choose a therapist and evaluate clinical options
What to expect when you walk into that first session
Advice on how to know when you’ve found the right therapist for you, and how to handle a conversation when the fit is not right

The month will conclude with the illumination of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge May 28 to May 31.

Tampa Bay Thrives is an affiliate of Mental Health America and offers a free online screening tool for a quick and easy way to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Visit https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/?ref=TampaBayThrives.

There also is a Let’s Talk line for support: call 844-YOU-OKAY (968-6529).

For more information about the organization, visit TampaBayThrives.org.

NAMI launches new guide
Mental Health America and its affiliates across the country have led the observance of May as Mental Health Awareness Month since 1949, by reaching millions through media, local events and screenings.

Cities and businesses throughout the country host various events to support mental health and open up the lines of communication.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has announced the launch of the Schizophrenia and Psychosis Lexicon Guide to help transform how we talk about, understand, and treat schizophrenia and psychosis. This represents a step in NAMI’s mission to foster understanding, empathy and respect in mental health communication, according to a news release.

The new guide is a collaborative effort involving mental health experts, individuals with lived experience, and comprehensive research, which ensures that the guide is a well-rounded resource, the release says.

The guide is available on NAMI’s website, https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Publications-Reports/Guides/Schizophrenia-Psychosis-Guide-Care-Advocacy-Engagement/, and provides health care professionals, caregivers, advocates, and the media with an approach to conversations that respects the experiences of individuals living with these conditions and promotes positive engagement.

Chalk Talk 05/22/2024

May 21, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Saint Leo director awarded bronze medal
Saint Leo University’s Dr. Anne Barngrover, associate professor of creative writing and director of the Master of Arts in Creating Writing program, has been awarded the 2024 Bronze Medal by the Florida Book Awards for her poetry collection, “Everwhen,” according to a news release.

(Courtesy of Mary McCoy/Saint Leo University)

The Florida Book Awards was established in 2006 and the 18th annual competition featured 170 eligible publications submitted across 11 categories for books published in 2023.

Barngrover’s “Everwhen” will be among the other Florida Book award-winning titles on permanent display in the library at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee and in an exhibit case on the third floor of Florida State University’s Strozier Library. This is Barngrover’s third poetry collection. Her book, “Brazen Creature,” published in 2018, was a finalist for the 2019 Ohioana Award for Poetry.

This summer, the professor will lead the 2024 master’s in creative writing summer residency as well as a micro-credential program in creative writing, which will provide feedback from creative writing faculty and peers on what participants are working on — new fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry.

The program will run from July 8 to July 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Saint Leo’s campus, 33701 County Road 52 in St. Leo. The deadline to sign up is June 15.

For more information, email .

Extreme Summer Challenge returns
Pasco County Schools has brought back, by popular demand, the Extreme Summer Challenge from May 25 to July 9. The program is for pre-K through 11th grade students.

The goal is for Pasco students to increase their math and reading proficiency by practicing the skills tailored to each student with learning and practice exercises through the Beanstack, Zearn, and Lexia programs.

The programs provide differentiated learning pathways to engage students in building knowledge and skills for math and literacy. Students may engage in one or all challenges for prizes.

To take the challenge, launch into the programs on your myPascoConnect dashboard.

Pasco graduation dates
Pasco County Schools has released the graduation dates, times and locations for the 2023-20214 school year:

May 28, 5 p.m.: Marchman Technical College, at Generations Christian Church
May 30, 6 p.m.: Wendell Krinn Technical High School, at the school gymnasium
May 31, at USF Yuengling Center: 8 a.m., Gulf High School; noon, Anclote High School; 4 p.m., Cypress Creek High; 8 p.m., Pasco High
June 1, at USF Yuengling Center: 9 a.m., Hudson High; 1 p.m., Land O’ Lakes High; 5 p.m., Wesley Chapel High
June 3, at USF Yuengling Center: 9 a.m., River Ridge High; 1 p.m., Zephyrhills High; 5 p.m., Wiregrass Ranch High
June 4, at USF Yuengling Center: 9 a.m., Fivay High; 1 p.m., Sunlake High; 5 p.m., J.W. Mitchell High
June 5, 1 p.m.: Pasco eSchool, at River Ridge High Performing Arts Center

For the Hillsborough County schools’ graduation ceremony schedule, visit Hillsborough County Public Schools on Facebook.

College savings head start
Fifth Third Bank has provided a savings boost for future education to 71 babies born in Tampa Bay on Fifth Third Day (May 3). Each child received a gift of $1,054 to be put toward a 529 savings account, according to a news release.

The gift was designed by Fifth Third Bank, in collaboration with hospital systems, to help parents start saving early for their child’s education, whether it is a college program, vocational or trade school.

Fifth Third regional president Cary Putrino and Tampa Bay Buccaneers K.J. Britt and YaYa Diaby greeted the new moms and dads and presented the college savings gift along with a care package that included gift cards, a onesie, beanie and bib.

Since the program’s launch in 2017, the bank has gifted more than 600 babies with the savings.

Children do not have to be born on May 3 to start saving — Fifth Third is extending its Fifth Third Babies gift to all communities with the Fifth Third Babies Sweepstakes. Parents can enter to win $1,053 by following Fifth Third Bank and commenting on a sweepstakes post on Facebook and Instagram until May 29.

Five winners will receive a head start on a college savings fund.

(Courtesy of Corey Dierdorff/Pasco County Schools)

Seniors complete teacher academy
Twenty-seven high school seniors completed the Pasco County Schools Teacher Academy program and celebrated with family, friends and faculty at the media center of River Ridge High School. ‘This is more than a ceremony; it’s a testament to the dedication and passion these young individuals have for education,’ said academy educator Beth Hess, in a news release. The future educators signed contracts guaranteeing them an opportunity to return to Pasco County Schools for employment after their graduation, the release says.

Drumline summer program
The 501(c)3 nonprofit Samaritan Corporation of Pasco County Inc.’s Blue Diamond Drumline will begin its summer program on June 3 at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel, for students ages 6 to 17.

No musical experience is necessary and no prior knowledge of reading music is required.

Sign-up begins on May 28 at the park, where there is a display that includes schedules, brochures and business cards. Parents can provide the student’s name and phone number on the sign-up sheet and will be contacted regarding the student’s start date.

All classes will be on Mondays and Tuesdays, starting June 3, at 6:15 p.m., for advanced students who started in January, and at 7:15 p.m., for all beginners.

For more information, contact Clyde Carter at 813-953-7263 or .

Pasco water customers should follow new schedule

May 14, 2024 By Mary Rathman

As western Florida’s drought conditions continue, Pasco County Utilities is using reclaimed water customers to voluntarily limit watering to once a week, according to a news release.

The newly implemented irrigation schedule for reclaimed water irrigation customers is to help consumers and the community save water.

“The lack of rainfall is straining Pasco’s reclaimed water supply and conservation is key to maximizing our supply,” said Pasco Utilities Director David Allen, in the release.

“By switching to once-a-week irrigation, more reclaimed water customers will be able to irrigate and maintain their landscapes, as well,” said Allen.

Beginning on May 15, and until further notice, residents should reset their irrigation controllers to the new one-day-per-week watering schedule. It is important, too, to water only between midnight and 8 a.m., and only on the new designated day and only once that day.

The new reclaimed water schedule is as follows:

If your house number ends in 0-1, water only on Monday; 2-3, Tuesday; 4-5, Wednesday; 6-7, Thursday; 8-9, Friday; and mixed address or no address, Friday.

Year-round irrigation for potable, well and surface water customers remains in place in Pasco County between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Anyone who needs assistance with resetting their irrigation controller can email .

For additional tips for outdoor water conservation and efficiency, visit bit.ly/PascoLawn.

For information about the Pasco Utilities services, visit PascoCountyUtilities.com.

Published May 15, 2024

Most envied career in Florida revealed

May 14, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Many people invest in higher education and professional training with the goal of landing lucrative positions traditionally associated with success, such as being a lawyer, investment banker or software engineer. On the flip side, a coveted niche of unique careers can offer not just financial stability but also, in some cases, the allure of the great outdoors.

Hosting Advice recently conducted a poll of 3,000 Floridian respondents to find the most envied career in Florida and found the following results, according to a news release.

The top three choices were: wildlife photographer, chocolatier, and adventure tour guide.

Other careers Floridians envied included: luxury real estate agent, vineyard manager/winemaker, craft brewer, social media influencer, environmental specialist, video game developer, and cheese artisan.

Additional notable professions were: marine biologist, fashion designer, TV anchor/host, aerospace engineer for space exploration companies, digital nomad web designer, magazine editor, and entertainment lawyer.

“In this ever-evolving landscape of work, our recent findings shine a spotlight on an extraordinary shift in interest toward careers that offer more than just a paycheck,” said Christina Lewis from HostingAdvice.com, in the release.

“These sought-after professions celebrate the richness of life, inviting people to follow their passions into their daily work. They represent what today’s workforce dreams of — engagement with the great outdoors, the freedom of creativity, and the satisfaction of making a tangible impact,” said Lewis.

Published May 15, 2024

Gulfside honors thrift shop volunteers

May 14, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Jill Skinner receives her President Lifetime Achievement Award from Aaron Barrish, director of thrift shops at Gulfside. (Courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services)

Gulfside Healthcare Services celebrated National Volunteer Appreciation Day on April 24 with a tribute to its dedicated thrift shop volunteers, recognizing their invaluable contributions through their unwavering dedication and commitment in support of Gulfside Hospice patients.

The day of appreciation included breakfast, lunch and snacks to fuel their spirits, and each volunteer was presented with a gift as a token of thanks for their selfless service.

Four individuals were honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award — Fran Hunt, Hudson; Beth Dwyer, Dade City; Jill Skinner, Zephyrhills; and Dick Rudy, New Port Richey.

In addition, more than 60 volunteers received the Gold Award.

Gulfside Healthcare is committed to fostering a culture of appreciation and support for its volunteers, recognizing their vital role in fulfilling the organization’s mission of providing exceptional care and support to those in need.

For more information about Gulfside and its volunteer programs, visit Gulfside.org/volunteer-with-gulfside.

Published May 15, 2024

On the move? The Better Business Bureau has you covered

May 14, 2024 By Mary Rathman

May is National Moving Month, the beginning of what is known as “Moving Season,” as half of all household moves occur in the summer, according to a Better Business Bureau (BBB) news release.

Moving across town or the country requires time, patience, money and trust. Movers are among the top categories of companies searched for on BBB.org, which has more than 13,000 business profiles on moving-related companies, the release says.

In 2023, consumers accessed moving companies’ BBB business profiles more than 1.5 million times, while customers filed over 5,900 complaints about movers and moving companies with the BBB. Complaints ranged from damaged or missing items to unexpected expenses and late deliveries.

To avoid mishaps, consumers should be vigilant in selecting a mover. The bureau offers a variety of resources and educational materials designed to assist consumers at every stage of their move, including:

Choosing the right mover. Learn how to research and select reputable moving companies to avoid scams and fraudulent practices.
Understanding rights and responsibilities. Learn about your rights and responsibilities when hiring movers, including information about contracts, insurance and claims processes.
Packing and unpacking tips. Get practical advice on efficient packing techniques and unpacking strategies to minimize stress and streamline the moving processes.
Budgeting and cost-saving strategies. Receive guidance on creating a realistic moving budget and tips for saving money on moving expenses.
Settling into a new home. Get advice on settling into a new community, including tips for finding reputable service providers and local resources.

The Better Business Bureau encourages consumers to utilize its online resources, including customer reviews, business profiles and complaint resolution services to make informed decisions.

Check out the bureau’s new Moving HQ at BBB.org/Moving.

Published May 15, 2024

A common sight

May 14, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Daysun Stewart snapped this photo of two sandhill cranes in his backyard near a preserve. Sandhill cranes are large birds that live in open habitats, so they’re fairly easy to spot. Their bugling calls are unique and can be heard from miles away, which can help alert people to this species’ presence, particularly as they pass overhead on migration.

Health News 05/15/2024

May 14, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Bucs Babies celebrates 10 years
The AdventHealth Bucs Babies Program, an ongoing partnership between AdventHealth West Florida and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, continues to celebrate each newborn arriving at any AdventHealth hospital across the Greater Tampa Bay area as an AdventHealth Bucs Baby.

Marking the milestone of the program’s 10th year, infants born during the NFL draft week are officially inducted into the “rookie class,” receiving an exclusive Bucs Babies Draft Kit, according to a news release.

Included in the kit are essential items for new parents, such as newborn wash, shampoo, lotion, a hat, and an array of Bucs-themed gear.

The program also includes an invitation to the annual Bucs Babies Birthday Bash, a free event each year at the AdventHealth Training Center where parents and their little ones can enjoy activities and photo opportunities.

Health center consolidation
The Pediatric Health Center, near downtown New Port Richey, has merged with a new comprehensive health center on Rowan Road. The last day of medical and dental services at the Pediatric Health Center was April 30, according to a news release.

The New Port Richey Family Health Center, 5957 Rowan Road, offers a wide range of services under one roof, including medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services for children, ensuring greater convenience and accessibility to patients, the release says.

For more information and questions, call 352-518-2000, or visit PremierHC.org.

Mosquito activity increases
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) is advising residents there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Pasco County, according to a news release.

Eastern equine encephalitis virus was detected in a group of sick emus. The risk of transmission to humans has increased. Pasco County Mosquito Control and DOH-Pasco will continue surveillance and prevention efforts, the release says.

Residents and visitors are reminded to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, remember to “Drain and Cover.”

Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater collects.
Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.
Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
Maintain swimming pools in good condition and properly chlorinated. Empty plastic pools when not in use.

Cover skin with clothing or repellent.

Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone and IR3535 are effective. Ensure repellent is safe for children and age-appropriate. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.

To learn about what repellent is right for you, use the Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool to help choose skin-applied repellent products.

The DOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue.

For information, visit the department’s website, or call DOH-Pasco at 727-619-0300.

For more on the Pasco County Mosquito Control District, visit PascoMosquito.org.

Chalk Talk 05/15/2024

May 14, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Local student speaks for Earth Day
Ava Frederick (left), a sophomore at Land O’ Lakes High School and president of the Little Women of Lutz Juniorette Club, is introduced by GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club member Jan King during a commemoration of Earth Day/Week. Frederick was invited to speak on the ecosystems of the state and the importance of keeping waterways clean and safe to protect the community and the environment. She also recently was elected state director of GFWC Juniorette Clubs.

Programming feedback
Residents are again invited to provide feedback on potential programming opportunities at the Hillsborough County’s new African American Arts and Cultural Center (AAACC), at 2103 N. Rome Ave., in Tampa, the current site of the West Tampa Community Resource Center. This is the second round of public input for this project.

Those interested can attend an in-person public meeting on May 20 at 6:30 p.m., at the Resource Center. Attendees can learn about possible indoor and outdoor spaces, including themed rooms such as an art studio, cultural studio, music studio and dance studio, as well as potential events like Movies on the Lawn, wellness events, vendor markets, and performances.

Residents also can provide input through the county’s engagement and education hub, online at HCFL.gov/HCEngage, until May 20.

The design phase of the project is currently underway and funded by a State of Florida African American Cultural and Historical grant.

Yvenie Derosiers, a Bachelor of Social Work senior and a coordinator of Saint Leo’s Why Vote? Campaign, interviews State Rep. Susan Valdes at Saint Leo’s Civic Engagement Day. (Courtesy of Renee Gerstein/Saint Leo University)

Civic Engagement Day
Saint Leo University hosted its first Civic Engagement Day with a theme of “Empower, Elevate, and Educate!” The event’s activities and speakers were hosted by Saint Leo’s Why Vote? Campaign, Social Work Club and the Undergraduate Social Work Department. It also drew not only Saint Leo students, but also social work students from the University of South Florida.

Members of nonpartisan community organizations, candidates for office, and others spoke with students, faculty, staff and members of the public on the importance of civic engagement, the impact of civic engagement and voting, and how students can make a difference in the upcoming 2024 election.

Saint Leo social work students and the school’s Why Vote? Campaign were recognized in March for being No. 1 in the nation in the VOT-ER student-led voter registration competition.

For the next academic year, the Why Vote? Campaign will coordinate events for civic “holidays,” including National Voter Education Day, Civic Engagement Week, and more. The group is creating a university website focused on voting resources and working with orientation leaders to incorporate civic engagement into their programs.

VoteHillsborough recognitions
Hillsborough County students and schools were recognized by the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office for their civic engagement at a county school board meeting last month.

The county’s newest, award-winning ‘I Voted’ sticker was unveiled, as part of an award presentation recognizing the three high school winners of the Supervisor of Elections’ annual VoteHillsborough Art Contest.

The top three student artists were: Aurora Gomez Garcia, King High School, first place; Aryanna Joyette, Tampa Bay Technical High, second place; and Scout Pytlak, Blake High, third place.

The first-place sticker will be given to voters during the Early Voting period of the 2024 Primary and General elections.

In addition, Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer named six schools — Durant High, King High, Patel High, Newsome High, Plant City High and Summer High — as 2024 VoteHillsborough Champions.

The elections office holds voter registration drives in high schools every fall and spring semester.

For more information, election dates and deadlines, visit VoteHillsborough.gov.

Discovery Education Awards
Discovery Education, a global edtech leader, announced the recipients of the inaugural Discovery Education Awards that honor districts, schools and educators who accelerate achievement among students by tapping into their natural curiosity and desire to learn, according to a news release.

The awards recognized those who have impacted student learning by adapting and personalizing instruction to better pique curiosity and engagement.

Recipients were selected through a competitive nomination and application process, which highlighted district, school and educator commitment to fostering student growth.

The 2024 recipients include:

Districts of the Year
Kansas City School District, Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Collier – Missouri
Pasco County School District, Superintendent Dr. Kurt S. Browning – Florida
Richland County School District Two, Superintendent Dr. Kim D. Moore – South Carolina

Schools of the Year
Franklin Regional Intermediate School – Murrysville, Pennsylvania
Madison Rose Lane Elementary School – Phoenix, Arizona

Educators of the Year
McKenna Akane, Alberton School District – Montana
Frank Bogden, Loudoun County Public Schools – Virginia
Rodney Crouse, Guilford County Schools – North Carolina
Debbie Martin, Frederick County Public Schools – Virginia
Rita Mortenson, Verona Area School District – Wisconsin

Help name Lutz school
The Pasco County School Board invites the community to propose names for the new K-8 school under construction on Sky Brooke Boulevard, just south of State Road 54 in Lutz. Currently, the school is referred to as LL K-8. The new state-of-the-art educational facility will serve students from kindergarten through eighth grade and is set to open in fall 2025, according to a news release.

In keeping with school board policy, suggestions are welcome from community members, educators and students for the new name. Ideal names may reflect the geographical location of the school, distinctive characteristics of the local area, or significant historical aspects. If a personal name is proposed, it should honor an individual of local or national significance who has made a notable contribution to the community or to education. Note: If the individual is a former elected official or school district employee, they must have been deceased, out of public office, or not employed by the school district for at least two years.

Name suggestions should be submitted by May 30. The final decision on the school’s name will be made through a school board vote.

Visit https://ryu.pasco.k12.fl.us/do-mform/view.php?id=851047 to submit a new name for consideration.

Former educator receives award
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners presented the 2024 Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award to Doretha Wynn Edgecomb, a former member of the Hillsborough County School Board. The award is presented annually to an individual or a group of individuals who played a significant role in improving government through leadership and vision, according to a news release.

A native of Tampa, Edgecomb worked as an educator at Hillsborough County Public Schools, a career that spanned over 50 years. She served in numerous capacities, including as a teacher, district level supervisor, and principal.

Edgecomb was elected to the Hillsborough County School Board in 2004, where she served until 2016. She continues to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Hillsborough Education Foundation. In 2020, the former educator was inducted into Hillsborough County’s Women Hall of Fame.

After retirement, Edgecomb supported and participated in the establishment of the George Edgecomb Society in memory of her late husband, in partnership with the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center.

In 2021, the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County honored her by naming one of its seven family resource centers in her honor: the Doretha Wynn Edgecomb Family Resource Center. In addition, the Doretha Edgecomb Female Symposium named for her is designed to empower, inspire and encourage young women through a day of activities and interactions with successful women in the community.

Extreme Summer Challenge
Pasco County Schools has brought back, by popular demand, the Extreme Summer Challenge from May 25 to July 9. The program is for pre-K through 11th grade students.

The programs provide differentiated learning pathways to engage students in building knowledge and skills for math and literacy. Students may engage in one or all challenges for prizes.

To take the challenge, launch into the programs on your myPascoConnect dashboard.

Freedom summer savings announced

May 7, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced the signing of the Freedom Summer Sales Tax Holiday, in the budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, according to a news release.

The Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday will take place during the month of July and will make items such as fishing supplies, outdoor recreation equipment, admissions to state parks and museums sales tax free.

Canoes and kayaks that cost $500 or less are included in the Freedom Sales Tax Holiday. (Alyssa Moore/Unsplash)

Florida State Parks also will offer free admission on Memorial Day weekend, May 24 to May 27, to kick off the summer for families, the release says.

The July sales tax holiday will remove the sales tax on:

Boating and water activity supplies
Fishing supplies
Camping supplies
Outdoor supplies
Admissions to events or performances scheduled to be held between July 1 and Dec. 31, such as live music events, live sporting events, movies in a movie theater, ballet, plays, fairs and festivals
Admissions purchased for museums and state parks, including annual passes; and season tickets for ballets, plays, music events and musical theater performances

For more information and a list of individual items priced for sales tax exemption, visit https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/3999fac.

Published May 08, 2024