The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Two changes you may notice at your next dentist appointment

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Practices in oral and overall health care continually advance to keep you well. Here are two changes affecting dental care you might notice at your next visit.

1. Updated recommendations for dental X-rays. In the past, when your dentist took X-rays of your teeth, you probably wore a leaded apron or thyroid collar. That may change with your next visit.

According to 2024 safety recommendations by an expert panel of dentists at the American Dental Association (ADA), abdominal and thyroid shielding is no longer needed for patients of all ages and health statuses (like pregnancy). These tools can block the main X-ray beam. When this happens, additional X-rays may be needed, something your dentist wants to avoid.

(Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels)

To get the best images of your teeth, your dentist or dental team will make sure you are properly positioned for your X-rays and that the beam is focused on the area of interest. Shielding may still be used in some practices due to local regulations, so ask your dentist if you have any questions about X-rays.

ADA experts also recommend that X-rays be taken only when your dentist believes they will provide the necessary diagnostic information to help you reach your best dental health. Dental X-rays emit very low doses of radiation, which makes the risk of experiencing potentially harmful effects very small. Still, taking X-rays in moderation lessens radiation exposure.

2. New guidelines to manage dental pain. If you see your dentist for a tooth extraction, recent guidelines endorsed by the ADA recommend that you be prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to manage short-term dental pain.

When used as directed, on their own or in combination with acetaminophen, NSAIDs are an appropriate and effective way to manage the inflammatory pain that comes after a tooth extraction or during a toothache when dental care is not immediately available. This guidance applies to patients of every age.

In the unlikely event that your pain does not improve after the second or third day following your procedure, return to your dentist to rule out complications or other sources of pain.

In limited circumstances, an opioid prescription may be appropriate for patients 12 and older, though dentists should use extreme caution when prescribing opioids to those 12 to 17 years old. When discussing options to treat your dental pain, inform your dentist of your history with opioids and any factors that may contribute to dependence on or misuse of such medication.

If your dentist prescribes opioids for pain management, the guidelines recommend that you be given the lowest effective dose, with the fewest tablets and for a short period. “Just in case” prescriptions are not recommended, and your dentist should instruct you on the proper storage and disposal of the medication.

To search for an ADA dentist in your area, visit FindADentist.ada.org. Learn more about caring for your smile at MouthHealthy.org, the ADA’s website for oral health education.

Oral health guidelines change over time with advancements in technology and data regarding best practices to enhance patient safety and well-being. With any change, your dentist’s priority remains the same: to provide you with the best dental care possible. Talk to your dentist if you have any questions about the latest recommendations in oral health.

-StatePoint

Published April 24, 2024

Governor signs bill that eases acquisition of land for conservation purposes

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(The Center Square) — Legislation signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday will make it easier for the state to purchase land for conservation purposes.

DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1638, which provides that 96% of revenues from the 2021 gaming compact between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the state be deposited in the Indian Gaming Revenue Fund to acquire and manage conservation land.

(Daniel Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

“This is really a landmark piece of legislation, and it’s one in a series of landmark efforts that we’ve done over these last five-plus years to conserve Florida’s natural resources and to restore some of the great treasures that this state has, such as our Florida Everglades,” DeSantis said during a news conference held Thursday.

DeSantis stated that during his first term, he promised that his administration would take conservation efforts seriously, allocating around $3.3 billion for conservation preservation and water quality improvements.

DeSantis noted that the current year’s budget has $1.7 billion and that his administration is way ahead of schedule on keeping those promises worth $3.5 billion over the next four years.

“We have now either completed or started more than 65 Everglades-related projects since January of 2019,” DeSantis said. “We broke ground and completed the old Tamiami Road bed removal project six months ahead of schedule and completed the raising of the Tamiami Trail, which (has) allowed more water to flow south into Everglades National Park.”

DeSantis pointed out that the C-44 reservoir and stormwater treatment area have been completed, allowing fresh water into the Indian River Lagoon in the St. Lucie estuary. The C-43 reservoir is on its way to completion.

“We’ve also made major progress on the crown jewel of Everglades restoration, the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir (EAA). We broke ground on the treatment wetland portion of the EAA project a full year ahead of schedule,” DeSantis said.

Marcellus Osceola Jr., the elected chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, spoke in support of the projects and thanked the efforts of the legislature to make them a reality.

“Without your efforts and your tirelessness towards the efforts of cleaning up the water, cleaning up the Everglades, not only just for us but for all native Floridians…we all have to do our part…so do your best and educate everybody else around, because without that what do we have? That’s our greatest natural resource,” Osceola said.

Published April 17, 2024

Dade City’s ‘crown jewel’ shines brightly

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With hundreds of people involved and hundreds of thousands of dollars spent, a renovated Touchton Park in Dade City officially opened on April 4 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The conclusion of the two-year project was celebrated with remarks from dignitaries and a reception afterwards at the Dade City Garden Club.

This plaque on a wall at the entrance identifies the site as Touchton Park. Some of the work that was done as part of the renovation project is visible in the background. (Joe Potter)

“This is truly a blessing for the City of Dade City,” the Rev. Clyde E. Carter said as he offered a prayer. The park will be there for generations to come because of the renovation, Carter added.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the visionaries, planners and hardworking individuals who turned this dream into a reality. Their dedication, creativity and unwavering commitment . . . transformed an idea into this beautiful park we stand in today. This project is the crowning jewel of Dade City,” Dade City Mayor James “Jim” Shive said.

J. Thomas Touchton of Tampa provided substantial financial support for the park’s renovation between 2023 and 2024. He is a grandson of Ruth Embry “Miss Polly” Touchton. He also established an endowment fund to help pay for the park’s future maintenance.

“This park was named for my grandmother Ruth Embry ‘Miss Polly’ Touchton after her death in 1986 at the age of 99 — and at the end of her 89 years of living in, and contributing to, Dade City,” Touchton said in an interview.

Conversations he had with Pat Carver, who was a member of the Dade City Garden Club for 60 years before she died in 2023, and others, prompted him to ask Dade City’s leadership if he “could renovate the park as a gift to Dade City and rename it simply ‘Touchton Park,’ so I could recognize my grandfather and my parents (and, in the end, also my great-grandparents) with plaques that mention many of their civic, business, personal and political contributions to Dade City over almost nine decades,” Touchton said.

Touchton’s financial contribution for the renovation led to the park being renamed Touchton Park. He also helped to establish an endowment fund to be used for the park’s future upkeep.

J. Thomas “Tom” Touchton, at the podium, left, accepts a plaque from James “Jim” Shive, Mayor of Dade City, during a rededication of Touchton Park. Standing behind the men, from left: Rev. Clyde E. Carter; Scott Black and Ann Cosentino, city commissioners; and Normita “Angel” Woodard, mayor pro tem. (Courtesy of Joe Potter)

The park has two levels for people to visit and enjoy. The upper level is known as The Grove and sits 22 feet higher than the lower level, The Garden. Steps were installed so people could have access to both levels of the park.

A retention wall was placed between the upper and lower levels, and underground infrastructure was installed along Southview Avenue and Fifth Street to help improve stormwater drainage there. 

New parking spaces also were created along Southview Avenue and Fifth Street, and other amenities were provided as part of the city’s investment of $192,000 in the park, according to City Clerk Angelia “Angie” Guy.

In addition, new sidewalks, benches, picnic tables and swings were installed. 

Tampa Electric Company (TECO) contributed $50,000 that was used to buy new trees, plants and shrubs to improve the landscape of the park that’s located adjacent to the Dade City Garden Club on Fifth Street.

Some of the park’s past history was provided as part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

It was noted that longtime Dade City residents Paul and Brenda Rhinesmith donated the nearly 2-acre site where the park is located to Dade City in 1979. They required that the park be named after “Miss Polly” Touchton, who was widely known as a matriarch and civic leader in Dade City for more than 75 years. 

Memorial plaques that tell about the many accomplishments of members of the Touchton family have been installed at the park.

Some family members whose names are listed on the plaques include: Touchton’s great-parents, Wallace Estill Embry (1846-1911) and his wife, Minerva Carolyn “Sallie” Cooper Embry (1857-1950), who brought their seven sons and one daughter, “Polly,” with them when they left Kentucky and arrived in Dade City by train on Jan. 5, 1898. “He came here to grow shade tobacco – which developed a virus in the nineteen teens – which put him out of that business – but he was known as an enthusiastic “booster” for Dade City and Eastern Pasco County,” Touchton said.

His great-grandmother Embry was charter president of the Dade City Woman’s Club and was active in her church. Their home place was where the Dade City Post Office is now located, Touchton said.

From left: Scott Black, Dade City commissioner; Charles Touchton III and his wife, Jan, of Tampa; Judy Touchton, a sister of Silver Spring, Maryland; Susan Touchton and John Touchton of Tampa, who are J. Thomas Touchton’s daughter-in-law and son; J. Thomas “Tom” Touchton of Tampa, who paid to renovate most of the park; James “Jim” Shive, mayor of Dade City; Angelia “Angie” Guy, clerk of Dade City; Normita “Angel” Woodard, mayor pro tem;, Ann Cosentino, Dade City commissioner; and Lisa Simon, former Dade City commissioner.
(Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

His great-uncle, Hugh Embry, one of the seven Embry sons, started Dade City’s library, which carries his name today, Touchton said. He was one of “Polly” Touchton’s brothers.

Sallie Embry Massey, the daughter of another Embry son, Boone — and the mother of Julia Massey Pittman — married Herbert Massey, one of the founders of Pasco Packing Company (later Lykes Pasco) — at one time the largest citrus processing plant in the world, Touchton said.

His grandfather, Charles F. Touchton Sr., was born on July 7, 1883. He was one of the organizers of the Dade City Board of Trade (now the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce) and later chaired the Board of Trade Committee that brought the first major installation of electric streetlights to Meridian Street in downtown Dade City. He was a charter member of the Dade City Kiwanis Club; chairman of the Board of Deacons of the First Baptist Church; and a pharmacist, rancher and citrus grower. He died on June 8, 1957.

His grandmother, Ruth Embry “Miss Polly” Touchton, who was a church leader and Sunday school teacher, rolled bandages for the Red Cross during World War I. She was the longest serving member — 77 years — of the First Presbyterian Church here and sang in its choir for 55 years. And she was a charter member of the Dade City Woman’s Club and of the Dade City Garden Club. She died on May 1, 1986, at 99 years of age. “Much loved and respected — certainly worthy of having a park named for her,” Touchton said. 

His grandparent’s home was where City Hall is now located, Touchton said.

His parents, Charles F. Touchton Jr., and Thelma Gray Hannon Touchton’s names are also on memorial plaques. 

His father was born in 1911 and became the first Eagle Scout in Pasco County in 1927. He was charter president of the Dade City Rotary Club and a member of the Pasco County School Board. In addition, he was a city commissioner and mayor of Dade City, and chairman of the Jackson Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees. He was known to many in Dade City as both “Mister Insurance” and “Dade City’s official greeter.” He was a fundraiser for the Dade City Armory, the Boy Scouts and the March of Dimes. Some of his father’s other roles were a rancher, citrus grower and salesman. He died on May 26, 1988.

His mother was born on Sept. 24, 1911, and was well-known as a wife, mother and gardener. She was originally from Gainesville and was a smart, independent woman.  An avid reader, she introduced the arts and reading to her children. An organizer of the Dade City Garden Club and its second president, she was also president of the Jackson Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and was a leader of women in two churches — Presbyterian and Methodist — in Dade City. She died on Dec. 9, 1988, Touchton said. 

In his closing remarks, Touchton said he hoped visitors to the park would bring their children and grandchildren so they could read the memorial plaques. He said he also hoped that they, as well others in future generations, would be influenced by what his family had done and would also seek to play major roles in Dade City.

Published April 17, 2024

State to penalize those who expose law enforcement officers to fentanyl

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(The Center Square) — Penalties are set to increase in the Sunshine State for those who expose law enforcement officers to fentanyl, after new legislation was signed Monday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate bills 718 and 66. The first creates a second-degree felony for any adult individual who recklessly exposes first responders to fentanyl that results in an overdose or serious bodily harm.

SB 718 also expands protections for individuals against prosecution if they seek help for themselves or someone else if they believe an overdose is happening. SB 66 designates June 6 as Revive Awareness Day, while directing the Florida Department of Health to raise awareness of the dangers of exposure to opioids.

(Ron Rogers/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

DeSantis said during a news conference in Sanford there is a huge amount of fentanyl pouring over the southern border from Mexico. He also added that this has had a huge impact on communities throughout the U.S.

“It’s not just a southern border problem; this fentanyl ends up in communities from coast to coast,” DeSantis said. “We have been setting records as a country for the amount of opioid overdose deaths, driven by fentanyl coming across the southern border.”

DeSantis noted that the state of Florida has done what it could to help with the southern border, including sending state troopers, other law enforcement and the State Guard to Texas to help stem the flow of undocumented migrants.

“We’re happy to do that because I think it’s an American problem, not just a Texas problem, and the Federal government is really just not doing the job that it needs to do and has really helped facilitate the mess that we’re in,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis stated that fentanyl is often laced into other recreational drugs, which is causing more people to overdose, essentially poisoning them.

“Maybe someone buys the pill thinking it is something else, it’s laced with fentanyl, then all of a sudden that one pill could be enough to kill somebody,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis also noted that the Biden administration is responsible for this crisis and that the new legislation will help curb some of that by keeping first responders safer in their jobs.

“Because of the Biden administration’s unwillingness to secure the southern border, law enforcement officers are encountering fentanyl at alarming rates. I’m signing legislation today to keep officers safe on the job, and to further combat the opioid epidemic.” DeSantis said.

DeSantis also expanded the state’s Coordinated Opioid Response (CORE) network from 12 counties to 29.

“Opioid addiction has been a scourge in the lives of too many Floridians and too many Americans around the country,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. “Thanks to Gov. DeSantis and the support of our legislators, we are continuing to take steps to address this human tragedy. CORE’s expansion will support and treat more Floridians and serve as a model for states around the country.”

Published April 17, 2024

Large employment project gains initial approval

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A rezoning request for property within Pasco County’s I-75 Interstate Employment Area gained initial approval from the Pasco County Planning Commission during its April 4 meeting.

The approximately 745-acre site is located north of State Road 52 and west of Interstate 75. It is currently zoned for agricultural, single family/mobile homes and general commercial purposes.

The request by Mulandco Liquidating Company LLC to have the zoning changed to Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD) will be considered by the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) during its May 7 meeting in Dade City. The Planning Commission (PC) acts in an advisory capacity to the BOCC.

(Etienne Girardet/Unsplash)

If approved, the applicant plans to develop 190,000 square feet of retail/commercial space, 3,000,000 square feet of light industrial space, 500,000 square feet of office space, a 250-room hotel, 1,550 multi-family apartments, 150 townhomes, 600 single family homes and 27 single family estate homes. 

“So far, it is the third largest employment project behind Speros (16.5 million square feet) and Double Branch (4.7 million square feet),” said Ryan Hughes, a Pasco County public information officer.

Plans call for between 375 acres and 400 acres of the property to be used to help increase the number of people working in Pasco County, said Clarke Hobby, an attorney with the law firm of Hobby & Hobby who was representing the applicant. 

However, the PC didn’t give Mulandco Liquidating Company LLC everything it had asked for in its request for rezoning the property — they had to withdraw three variances they had requested from Pasco County’s Land Development Code.

Those variances would have provided for the amount of land that had to be set aside for neighborhood parks to be calculated differently, the amount of buffering and screening required within the development to be reduced, and for being allowed to have a minimum width of 1.7 parking spaces per apartment unit rather than 1.9.

Those requests may be made to the county’s planning staff in the future and then presented to the PC or BOCC depending on which has final authority in the matter.

In other business before the PC last week:

• Agreed to send a request by Timber Ridge MPUD – Timber Ridge Dade City LLC for a zoning amendment to the BOCC. Approximately 48.2 acres of property on the west side of U.S. 301, west of 14th Street, is currently zoned R-3 Medium Density Residential District. The applicant is seeking for it to be rezoned to a Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD) so a maximum of 190 single family detached units may be constructed on the site. 

Some area residents told PC members they were opposed to the request because of concerns the traffic flow on 14th Street would be adversely impacted. 

Traffic on 14th Street south of the proposed project is currently using 20% of the street’s capacity in the afternoon, said Michael “Mike” Raysor of Tampa-based Raysor Transportation Consulting. After the project is completed, traffic would use 35% of the street’s capacity, Raysor said.

Traffic on 14th Street north of the proposed project is currently using 15% of the street’s capacity. Traffic there would be 35% after the project is completed, Raysor said.

Nancy Hazelwood, a resident of Trilby, asked the PC to restrict where traffic could come from out of the development, and to reduce the subdivision’s density.

The applicant withdrew its request to be able to have a stub-out for future connection to a vacant parcel on the northwest portion of the site.  The plans still call for Catalina Drive to be used for emergency access purposes. Also, there never was any intention by the planners to connect to Powerline Road, said attorney Clarke Hobby, who was representing the applicant.

And 291 single-family homes could currently be built on the property so the developer is proposing to reduce that amount by 101 homes, Hobby said. 

The BOCC will consider Timber Ridge’s request during its May 7 meeting in Dade City.

• The PC also agreed to send a request by Russell K. and Leann Finlay for a change in zoning from an A-C Agricultural District to a C-2 General Commercial District to the BOCC. The request is for approximately 3.49 acres located on two lots on the east side of US 301, approximately 200 feet north of Marka Drive. If the request is approved, the Finlays plan to construct a small commercial center containing approximately 21,000 square feet.

The Finlays plan to use part of that space for a business of their own, said Anne Pollack, an attorney with the St. Petersburg-based law firm of Fletcher Fischer Pollack P.I, representing the Finlays. This would make it possible for them to employ an additional six people, so they would then have 10 people working for them, said Pollack. 

The number of people employed in the area could also be increased by other businesses leasing the six or eight other spaces that could be available in the commercial center, Pollack said. 

The PC made some changes to the Finlays request prior to agreeing to send it on to the BOCC. The Finlays had agreed to some voluntary deed restrictions that PC members didn’t think were appropriate since the proposed commercial center would be in a rural setting.

The BOCC will consider the request at a future meeting.

Published April 17, 2024

Closing the STEM skills gap to create new possibilities for kids

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Over the next decade, it’s projected that nearly 3.5 million manufacturing and STEM-related jobs will be available, yet 2 million are expected to go unfilled due to a skills gap, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Advocates are addressing systemic educational barriers that impact student success in order to fill this skills gap and expand opportunities for young people.

(Kevin Jarrett/Unsplash)

That’s the idea behind Driving Possibilities, a $110 million STEM career readiness and community engagement initiative of the Toyota USA Foundation. Its unique approach brings industry and academia together, while coordinating nonprofit services that address barriers and societal disparities—all to prepare youth for successful futures.

“From machine learning and connected technologies to autonomous vehicles and electrification, the career opportunities of tomorrow will be boundless for those with STEM skills. During this time of rapid industry advancement, it’s more important than ever to give all young people an equal opportunity to access rewarding careers in high-growth industries tomorrow,” says Colleen Casey, executive director, Driving Possibilities.

With the goal of increasing student awareness, excitement and interest in STEM learning, the multi-pronged approach of Driving Possibilities includes innovative, hands-on STEM programming from pre-K to 12th grade levels, professional and leadership development for teachers, and industry exposure and mentorship opportunities for students. The program also addresses students’ essential needs to ensure they have the food, transportation, mental health services, after-school programming and early intervention literacy support they need to succeed.

This long-term initiative is already making a huge impact for thousands of families in such high-need locations near Toyota’s operations in Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana and Alabama. And while the program looks a little different in each location because it is based on the unique needs of each community, the mission remains the same: to level the playing field for students facing educational barriers.

“Young people are tomorrow’s problem-solvers, makers and innovators. But they can face many roadblocks on their journey. Listening to what students need and then working within their communities to come up with solutions, will contribute to thriving communities, stronger local economies and limitless possibilities for all,” says Casey.

Published April 17, 2024

New Florida law increases penalties for organized retail theft, porch piracy

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(The Center Square) — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law on Tuesday a measure designed to combat organized retail theft and porch piracy.

DeSantis signed House Bill 549, which lowers the threshold value for third-degree felony theft. The governor added that retail theft results in skyrocketing customer prices because businesses need to recoup their losses.

“That has an impact on you as a consumer because the prices will go up to reflect those stolen goods,” DeSantis said. “That’s just basic business. If they’re not able to sell those goods, if those are losses, then they gotta find a way to compensate.”

(Meanwell Packaging, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

DeSantis said that the recent phenomenon of stores locking away certain goods to prevent them from being stolen is demoralizing for customers. They said it is not good for quality of life. He further noted that the behavior of thieves shows contempt for the law.

“Then of course, if you have people come in and just steal retail and walk out, that creates a contempt for the rule of law that has a spillover effect in areas far beyond retail theft,” DeSantis said.

“Florida is a law-and-order state, and our policies combating organized retail theft are another shining example of how we are leading the nation,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody. “Grateful for Gov. DeSantis signing this important piece of legislation into law, as well as for the work of Representative Rommel and Senator Trumbull this session to keep building a stronger, safer Florida.”

According to DeSantis, Florida has seen a decline in retail theft over the last four years and added that he thinks it’s because people know that Florida is not a state a thief would want to “try that” in.

“We are seeing issues with retail theft across the country, nationwide 88% of retailers have reported that shoplifters are more aggressive and violent now, compared to just a few years ago, 49% said they have observed much more violent and aggressive behavior,” DeSantis said.

He noted that those committing these crimes do not think they will be held accountable, and in some parts of the country, stores are closing down all together.

“You see stores closing down in other parts of the United States, whether that’s Target closing nine stores in Portland and Seattle, Walmart closing stores in Chicago, Nordstrom closing stores in San Francisco, that is a direct result of the lack of commitment to the rule of law and holding criminals accountable,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis stated that is not what will happen in Florida and that the new legislation will ensure that retailers can continue operating their businesses and criminals are held accountable.

Published April 17, 2024

What every mom and soon-to-be-mom needs to know about their heart

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Over the last three decades, the United States has seen pregnancy-related deaths rise nearly 140%, and heart disease continues to be the leading cause. Furthermore, women who have prenatal complications, such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, have a significantly higher risk of heart disease and stroke later in life, yet many are not getting the care they need.

According to the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (NCIT), an advocacy collaborative working to pass policies that make it possible for all expectant parents, infants and toddlers to thrive, the United States is in the midst of a maternal health crisis.

(Giulia Bertelli/Unsplash)

This sentiment is echoed by “Opportunities in the Postpartum Period to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk Following Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes,” a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA), which was recently published in “Circulation,” the Association’s flagship peer-reviewed journal.

“Healthcare professionals and the public alike often think of heart disease as a man’s disease. While heart disease is also the leading cause of death for women, fewer than 50% of women identify it as such. This is creating a dangerous situation for women, especially during higher-risk periods of their life, as their symptoms often go undiagnosed and untreated,” says Dr. Sadiya S. Khan, one of the statement’s authors. “As adverse pregnancy outcomes become increasingly common, it’s important for women to be aware of their risk for heart disease, the actions they can take to lower their risk if they experience pregnancy complications, and for birth justice policy interventions to take place that will improve their care during their pregnancy, and throughout their lifetimes.”

Many women face significant barriers in accessing primary care after delivery. Up to 40% of women do not access postpartum care, and only an estimated 18% to 25% of postpartum patients with pregnancy complications or chronic health conditions are seen by a primary care clinician within 6 months of delivery. Women of color, and women in rural areas are disproportionately impacted by barriers to care that could leave them vulnerable to further health complications.

According to NCIT, policy interventions such as expanded Medicaid coverage for 12 months postpartum in all states, expanded income eligibility for health insurance programs, paid family and medical leave, community-based doulas, and evidence-based home visiting programs can help promote ethnic, racial and socioeconomic birth equity, and help ensure all expectant and new parents have access to insurance, care and the supports needed to thrive.

Also supporting women in all stages of life, and all stages of pregnancy is Go Red for Women, an AHA initiative empowering women to take charge of their heart health. One way they can do that, according to the initiative, is by understanding their heart disease risks, and coming to their doctors’ appointments prepared to discuss their personal and family health history and other factors that could impact their chance of a healthy pregnancy. Women can also proactively manage their heart disease risk factors during pregnancy and after delivery using the AHA’s Life Essential 8 cardiovascular health metrics as a framework. These include: eating better, being more active, quitting tobacco, getting healthy sleep, managing weight, controlling cholesterol, managing blood sugar and managing blood pressure.

“Stemming the tide of this maternal health crisis is vital for families, and it starts with bringing light to the tremendous need for better delivery of care to moms and soon-to-be moms with a focus on heart health,” says Dr. Khan.

-StatePoint

Published April 17, 2024

State board approves premium reimbursement formula to help insurers

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(The Center Square) — The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) Advisory Council has approved a new premium reimbursement formula that will help alleviate the burden on insurance companies operating in Florida.

The FHCF operates under the State Board of Administration and is a tax-exempt state trust fund that reimburses a portion of hurricane losses to residential property insurance companies in the Sunshine State.

(Andrea Booher, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

According to FHCF’s website, it operates to protect and advance Florida’s interest in maintaining sufficient insurance capacity. All residential property insurance companies are mandated to participate in the FHCF and enter into a reimbursement contract.

Under Florida statutes, contracts must stipulate that coverage for each contract year does not exceed the funds-paying capacity of the FHCF, which is limited to $17 billion.

In late March, the FHCF approved a new reimbursement formula that would be reduced by 6.86% for insurance companies that do not change their coverage selections for contract year 2024-25. The FHCF overall rate change is projected to decrease by 7.38%, after adjusting for individual company coverage selection changes from the previous year.

According to the FHCF 2024 Ratemaking Formula Report, based on 2023 market shares and 2024 coverage selections, the average coverage is projected to be 86.874% in 2024, a 0.56% decrease from 2023 which was 87.36%.

The report states that the decrease in average coverage selection for FHCF, generates the 2024 FHCF layer of $19.5 billion, a slight increase over 2023’s $19.4 billion layer. It further states that rate changes vary by deductible, construction type and territory.

In the report’s summary of changes to the 2024 rate-making formula, it states that several notable factors impact the rate and premium changes including projected growth in the fund’s exposure; modeled loss cost decreases; law and ordinance assumption changes; pre-event note expenses and mobile home manufacture dates.

Projected loss retention for 2024 is $9.9 billion, increasing from $9.4 billion in 2023, while the FHCF premium will increase from $1.513 billion to $1.532 billion. This is due to exposure growth, coverage selection changes, and rate decreases.

In January, Bloomberg reported that the Florida State Board of Administration made a securities filing that indicated it intended to generate at least $1.5 billion from the sale of municipal bonds to replenish the FHCF and provide a further safety net for insurers.

Published April 17, 2024

Local athlete shines for Para Track and Field team

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Lutz native Dani Kanas becomes National Para Track and Field champion. (Courtesy of University of Alabama)

Danielle Kanas, a standout thrower representing the University of Alabama’s inaugural Para Track and Field team, clinched the prestigious 2024 National Championship in the Javelin F46 category for USA Para Track and Field. She did it while beating her previous personal best throw of 27.59 meters.

“The championship was an important step towards making it on the world team,” Kanas said, in a news release. “Even though I wasn’t able to make the list, it was a great experience, and I had the opportunity to show coaches what I can do. It also showed how the work I was doing at Alabama is paying off.” 

The champion thrower only has her right arm. As a baby, she was found in a Chinese train station, and upon moving her to an orphanage, an infection was discovered in her left arm, leading it to have to be amputated below the elbow.

It clearly hasn’t hindered her athletic prowess — she’s been throwing javelin for over 10 years, and represented Team USA at the World Abilitysport Games.

Published April 17, 2024