The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Parent questions school quarantine policy

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When Mike Kidd’s daughter was exposed to someone at Sunlake High who tested positive for COVID-19, the school called to inform the family that she would need to quarantine.

Kidd took it in stride.

After all, the district has been asking families to do their part to help stop the spread of the virus.

In fact, he told the school that there were two other girls in the family that attend the same school, so his family would keep them home, too.

Initially, the school official agreed.

But then, the family was notified that the two girls who had not been directly exposed were deemed as being absent from school.

When the family tried to explain they were keeping the girls at home because their sister had been exposed to COVID-19, they were told that wasn’t the district’s policy, Kidd said.

The district’s practice follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance, Steve Hegarty, a spokesman for Pasco County Schools, said via email.

The Department of Health — Pasco County also follows the CDC’s guidance, according to an email from Melissa Watts, spokeswoman for the health department.

But that doesn’t make sense to Kidd, who said if his daughter was exposed at school and came down with the virus, it was very likely that the virus would be spread to his other two daughters, since they are frequently in close contact with each other.

“Obviously if students wearing masks and “socially distanced” at school would need to quarantine, my other daughters who sleep in the same room, lay in the same bed/couch and watch movies, hug, etc., should also quarantine,” Kidd told The Laker/Lutz News, in a letter to the editor, he sent via  email.

It just seems practical to quarantine the student’s siblings, when another student in the family is required to quarantine, he said.

Hegarty explained the school district’s practice works like this: “The family would have received a call from the school, as well as an official letter from the Pasco Health Department informing them of the need to quarantine their daughter. That letter would not have instructed anyone else in the home to quarantine because there was no evidence that any other family members had been in close contact with a person who tested positive.”

Hegarty said the district requires quarantine only “for those students and staff members who were in close contact.”

He also noted: “What definitely would not be practical is requiring quarantine for anyone who came in close contact with a person who came in close contact with a person who tested positive.

The district has had thousands of students quarantining and the number would be much higher, if it followed the practice of quarantining all siblings, Hegarty wrote. In fact, that practice could result in entire school populations being sent home, in some cases.

A parent can decide to keep a student at home, Hegarty said.

“It will be marked as an absence. It could be an excused absence, but still an absence. It would be up to the school and the family to ensure that the students don’t fall behind academically – regardless of whether they are quarantined or simply absent,” the school district spokesman said.

Pasco County Schools, COVID numbers*
1,319 positive student cases; 16,999 students impacted
594 positive employee cases; 1,492 employees impacted
Impacted cases are those who were required to stay away from school due to a positive case that resulted in quarantine.

* As of Jan. 25

Source: Pasco County Schools

Published January 27, 2021

Health News 01/27/2021

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Equipment grant
Florida Medical Clinic and the Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring presented a $20,900 grant to the Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) West Campus in New Port Richey, for health care training equipment at PHSC.

The college will use the funds to purchase innovative airway management simulation units, which will help to prepare students to provide excellent health care to the residents of the community.

For information on making a gift in support of the PHSC programs, contact the PHSC Foundation at 727-816-3410 or .

Lung cancer stats
LawnStarter, an outdoor services provider and clean-air advocate, released a report on the Best and Worst States for Lung Cancer Patients.

LawnStarter compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 32 key indicators of lung cancer risk, prevalence, prevention, treatment accessibility and treatment affordability.

Here is Florida’s rank in each category (1=Best)

  • Risk: 17th
  • Treatment Accessibility: 27th
  • Prevention: 44th
  • Prevalence: 46th
  • Treatment Affordability: 48th

NAMI/Pasco addresses growing need for its services

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NAMI/Pasco County — part of the grassroots National Alliance on Mental Illness — is a 33-year-old organization that provides free advocacy, education, support and outreach for individuals with mental health conditions.

In the last year, it has named its first full-time executive director, Debbie Proulx.

And, the organization’s growth has been at warp speed.

It aims to reach all those who need help — a lofty ambition, for sure.

NAMI/Pasco is supported solely by private donations or grants.

Debbie Proulx is executive director of NAMI/Pasco County, part of the grassroots National Alliance on Mental Illness. (Courtesy of Debbie Proulx)

It hosts fundraisers.

It has a vision for a NAMI building, where meetings could be held and real-time aid could be provided.

Since Proulx’s arrival, the organization went from having one group meeting per week to having meetings every day of the week.

In 2019, 20 people participated in group meetings. Last year, there were 360.

“And that doesn’t count the emails, the texts, the referrals, the phone calls that we get,’’ said Proulx (whose name rhymes with “true’’). “We are marketing our services. We’re putting out a lot of educational materials, but we’re still not able to help everyone. The need in our area is so great. But we are growing, and we will be able to help more and more.’’

Proulx said NAMI/Pasco is constantly seeking to partner with community organizations, such as churches and youth groups, while finding community members to participate. Its board of directors includes community members from hospitals and civic organizations. Trained volunteers are certified to administer the various programs.

“We are trying to fill in the gaps,’’ Proulx said. “COVID-19 has had a major impact, obviously. We have Zoom programs, but some of the senior citizens don’t have technology, or they are afraid of it. “We have one in-person meeting to help cover that.

“We really want to make sure that people who aren’t being helped know of our service. Sometimes, people don’t have insurance. Sometimes, there’s a wait list of up to six months to see a therapist. “Even though we don’t provide actual therapy, we’re a great placeholder with our programs and support groups until someone can get to see a therapist.

“When we get calls, we refer them to a therapist, giving them three names at random. But, we understand the wait can be very long. In our support groups, you can find like-minded people going through the same thing. Our group members are so open and welcoming. People have told us, ‘This is like a family I’ve chosen.’ ”

What kind of assistance is provided by NAMI/Pasco?
One group member, wishing to be identified by the initials M.M., said the help has been immeasurable.

“NAMI/Pasco literally saved my life,’’ M.M. wrote in an email.

M.M. wrote about being taken in by the group and finding a quick fit.

“(Proulx) welcomed me and treated me like a family member,’’ M.M. wrote. “I have never felt more like I belonged in my life. … Now we have so many groups on Zoom (and) they are the highlight of my day. For many of us, they are the only reason we get out of bed on most days during COVID. I think that many of us would have a deep slide if not for these groups.

“I honestly can’t say enough good things about them. … They deeply care (and) that can’t be faked.’’

Proulx said she is heartened by the feedback.

“People come to us, get into a group the same day and in a week’s time, they’re a completely different person,’’ Proulx said. “They have hope again. It doesn’t mean they no longer need to be in therapy. It means that they’re safe until they’re able to get together (with a therapist). I’ve had people say, ‘I was thinking of suicide. But after coming here, that’s no longer a thought.’ So obviously, that makes you feel like we’re making a difference.

“My personal goal is to have a building where we can do drop-ins, where we can be immediately available for crisis. We can’t get that done right now — and COVID doesn’t help — but it’s in our future. But, what we are doing now is providing as many different programs as we possibly can.’’

NAMI/Pasco County can be reached by email at  or , or by phone at 727-994-9623.

NAMI/Pasco County offerings:

  • Zoom support groups for those with any mental health condition — Mondays, 3 p.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays, 6 p.m.
  • In-person walk and talk, Veterans Memorial in Hudson — Tuesdays, 8 a.m.
  • In-person support and friendship, Veterans Memorial in Hudson — Tuesdays, 9 a.m.
  • Zoom support groups for those with a loved one who has a mental health condition — first and third Thursday of every month, 6 p.m.
  • Zoom chat for everyone — Sundays, 6 p.m.
  • Zoom Peer-to-Peer — Free, eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who want to better understand themselves and their recovery, Saturdays beginning in February, 10 a.m. to noon (registration required).
  • Zoom Family to Family — Free, eight-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. Saturdays beginning in February, 1 to 3 p.m. (registration required).
  • Basics on Demand — Free, six-session online education for parents, caregivers and other family members who provide care for youth age 22 or younger who are experiencing mental health symptoms (registration required, start any time).

By Joey Johnston

Published January 20, 2021

Vaccine demand continues to outpace supply

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Complaints about difficulties in registering for COVID-19 vaccine appointments in Pasco and Hillsborough counties have resulted in changes to those systems, but demand for vaccinations continues to outpace the supply of available vaccines.

Both Pasco and Hillsborough now are using the same registration system for vaccines.

Anyone age 65 and older who needs the COVID-19 vaccination must go to PatientPortalFl.com or call 844-770-8548 to create an account with CDR Maguire: Health & Medical (CDR Maguire).

Saint Leo University hosted the first COVID-19 vaccine distribution in East Pasco County on Jan. 15, at its campus in St. Leo. (Courtesy of Jason Longo/Saint Leo University)

An account with CDR Maguire is required to register for a vaccination appointment.

Those who have created an account with CDR Maguire must log into the patient portal to register for an appointment.

Pasco’s health department announced that it would hold four vaccination clinics this week. Registrations for the clinics began on Jan. 17. Appointments are mandatory to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

The health department planned to provide 400 vaccinations on Jan. 19 and 400 on Jan. 21, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Sears Auto Center in the Gulfview Square Mall, 9409 U.S. 19 in Port Richey.

There also will be 500 appointments on Jan. 20 and 500 on Jan. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Saint Leo University, 33710 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Those receiving the vaccinations should be sure to have a photo ID, when checking in for your vaccination appointment. If using the online patient portal, be sure to bring a printed or digital copy of the confirmation email you receive, containing the QR code.

Both Hillsborough and Pasco counties continue to have a fundamental issue with vaccine supply.

On the Hillsborough website, a health department note says: “Please understand that the vaccine is not widely available in Hillsborough County at this time and the distribution plans depend on vaccine supplies. Supplies are provided by the federal government and distributed to the states, which then allocate them to counties.”

Pasco County Commission members expressed frustrations about the vaccine supply problem at their Jan. 12 meeting.

Commissioner Mike Moore raised the issue, noting that Pasco’s health department was supposed to receive 3,500 doses on a particular day.

“They received zero, as we all know,” Moore said to his colleagues.

“Our current population, we’re guesstimating, is 560,000 —  I’m sure when the census comes out it will be closer to 600,000,” Moore said.

About a third of Pasco’s population is over the age of 65, he added.

If the county was to get 1,800 vaccines a week, it would take about 7 ½ years to vaccinate the population in Pasco County. At 3,500, it would take 3 ½ years to vaccinate the population of Pasco County, he said.

Moore said he’d been working on the problem with Dan Biles, county administrator; Andy Fossa, county director of emergency management; and Mike Napier, public health officer for the Department of Health — Pasco County.

Moore then reached out to Jared Moskowitz, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

“I was able to get him to send at least 1,000,” Moore said. “While I do appreciate that, that’s not enough.”

Moore said he and Commission Chairman Ron Oakley reached out to State Sen. Danny Burgess, and Burgess was able to secure another 500 vaccines.

“So, we ended up with 1,500 this week,” said Moore, who also expressed gratitude to Senate President Wilton Simpson and Rep. Randy Maggard, for their efforts.

But, Moore expressed his continued frustration about Pasco’s inability to get adequate vaccines.

“Every one of us (county commissioners) are getting the calls and the emails from our constituents. I know that each and every one of you, as well as I do, wish we could do more for them. Unfortunately, right now, the only thing that we can do is ask and beg. I really feel like I was begging yesterday, on behalf of our citizens. We need more vaccines in Pasco County,” Moore said.

Administrator Biles said “to be honest, the entire region is being shorted.”

“At the rate we’re getting it, it’s six-plus months, just to get the over-65 community,” Biles said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said “I’m trying to figure out why we’re getting shorted.”

She suggested sending a letter to the governor and state emergency management director, urging that “vaccines be distributed per capita, in a fair and uniform manner.”

The letter also should go to Senate President Simpson and Speaker of the House Chris Sprowls, Starkey suggested.

“Let’s get that letter off immediately and get our fair share,” she said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano weighed in: “I think we need to get a federal letter, too.”

Commissioners agreed with Starkey and Mariano’s suggestions, and approved separate motions to send both letters.

For more information on signing up for a vaccination and about the availability of appointments, visit the Pasco health department websites at Pasco.floridahealth.gov and the Hillsborough health department website at Hillsborough.floridahealth.gov.

Vaccines in Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order that outlines that providers can only administer COVID-19 vaccines to these groups:

  • Health care facility residents and staff
  • Those age 65 and older
  • Health care personnel with direct patient contact
  • Persons deemed to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 by hospital providers

Keep wearing your mask
Even if you’ve had two vaccinations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there’s not enough information yet to say when it will stop recommending people to wear masks and to avoid close contact with others to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

While experts learn more, they recommend that people continue to:

  • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from others
  • Avoid crowds
  • Avoid poorly ventilated spaces
  • Wash your hands often

Published January 20, 2021

New technology

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BayCare is utilizing Aiva technology in 2,500 hospital rooms across 14 Tampa Bay area hospitals, according to a news release.

(Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Patients will experience smart rooms that allow them to connect with their care team and control devices, like the TV – all hands-free.

The technology is being deployed at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz before being implemented system-wide by BayCare into other hospitals. BayCare hopes to have the technology in place across its entire system by the end of 2021.

BayCare uses a health care-specific platform known as Aiva to handle patient requests. These requests are immediately sent to the correct support person based on what a patient tells Aiva via an Alexa device installed in their room.

The care team member receives the request on their BayCare iPhone specifically deployed for communications.

The technology was piloted at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa and Winter Haven Hospital in 2019, before being put to use at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North late last year.

Patients were highly satisfied with the Aiva technology in surveys during the pilot, said Craig Anderson, BayCare director of innovation, in the release.

Covid-19 vaccine

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers this information on “What to Expect after Getting a Covid-19 Vaccine,” on its website, CDC.gov/coronavirus.

Common side effects are: On the arm — pain, swelling; throughout the body — fever, chills, tiredness, headache.

These side effects may affect the person’s ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.

If you have pain or discomfort, talk to a doctor about taking over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

To reduce pain or discomfort in the arm, apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area, and use or exercise the arm. To reduce discomfort from a fever, drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly.

Contact your doctor or health care provider if the redness or tenderness increases after 24 hours, or if the side effects are worrisome or do not seem to be going away after a few days.

If you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.

For information about the second Covid-19 shot, visit CDC.gov/coronavirus.

COVID-19 vaccinations in high demand

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As the number of positive COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise, frustration is mounting among people eager to get vaccinated to protect themselves from the deadly virus.

So far, demand for vaccines is outpacing supply in both Pasco and Hillsborough counties — and when tickets are available to receive a vaccine, they are quickly snapped up.

Land O’ Lakes resident Jeff Cordover said he was finally able to get through, and he and his wife, Judy, were able to get their first dose of the vaccine.

Once there, the process went smoothly, Cordover said.

“The wait wasn’t bad. We had a 3 o’clock appointment, and we maybe waited 20 minutes or so,” Cordover said.

But his wife, Judy, said improvements are needed to make it less confusing to register for a vaccine.

“Getting the vaccine wasn’t the problem. The problem was getting into the computer to get the registration to get the vaccine,” she said.

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County is offering vaccinations by appointment only to those age 65 and older.

Registering for the vaccine must be done through the department’s website.

Those wishing to obtain a vaccine are encouraged to check the website frequently for updates of when new registrations are being accepted. The sign-ups are based on vaccine supplies.

No new registrations were being accepted on the morning of Jan. 11.

Pasco County residence is not required, but snowbirds must remain in Pasco County for their second round — which is 28 days after the first appointment, the website says.

The health department’s current drive-thru vaccination clinic is at Sears in the Gulfview Square Mall, at 9409 U.S. 19 in Port Richey. However, efforts are underway to add a site in East Pasco, according to the health department.

To find out specifics for registering for a vaccine, check the website’s section on frequently asked questions.

Also, keep checking the website to find out if more vaccines have become available and more registrations are being accepted. The website is Pasco.FloridaHealth.gov.

Registration for vaccinations is free.

Pasco health department officials have issued a warning to make sure that people sign up on Eventbrite, using the link from the health department’s website.  Someone has set up a fake account, in an attempt to scam people, the website says.

Hillsborough County, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, will begin a second round of COVID-19 vaccinations this week for residents age 65 and older. Hillsborough has allocated 9,000 doses of the vaccine to be administered at three distribution sites from Jan. 13 through Jan. 15.

Appointments will be scheduled online by CDR HealthPro™ portal and by phone on Jan. 12. Residents age 65 and older can only make their appointments during the designated time frame specific to their age group.

Residents can visit HCFLGov.net/vaccine for additional information and updates.

Hillsborough has been using four distribution sites.

The two closest to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area are at: Ed Radice Sports Complex, 14720 Ed Radice Drive in Tampa, and at the University Mall parking lot, 2200 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa.

While vaccination efforts continue, concerns are rising over the increased spread of COVID-19, and the rising number of deaths.

The Washington Post reported last week that the United States had marked another milestone in the pandemic, recording more than 4,000 deaths in a single day. It also reported that research suggested that people who have no symptoms transmit more than half of cases of COVID-19.

CNN, reporting data from Johns Hopkins University, said it took about 90 days for the United States to reach its first 2 million cases of coronavirus in 2020; this year, it took just 10 days to hit 2.2 million cases.

While Americans were warned about avoiding indoor gatherings, officials said they did just the opposite during the holidays — gathering with friends or extended family, which has resulted in packed hospitals across the country, according to CNN’s report.

COVID statistics, available as of Jan. 11, 10:30 a.m.

United States: Positive cases – 22,102,069; deaths – 371,084
Florida: Total cases: 1,477,010; including positive residents, 1,450,620; Florida resident deaths, 22,912; non-resident deaths, 349
Pasco County: 24,712 positive residents; 230 positive non-residents; 406 deaths
Hillsborough County: 85,784 positive residents; 725 positive non-residents; 1,121 deaths
Pasco County Schools: 1,067 student cases (13,251 students impacted); 506 staff cases (1,153 employees impacted)
Hillsborough County Schools: 3,341 positive cases, including 1,265 employees and 2,076 students.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Florida Department of Health; Pasco County Schools and Hillsborough County Schools.

Published January 13, 2021

Health News 01/13/2021

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Father Randall Meissen, Saint Leo University chaplain, blesses the beam before it is hoisted into place at the top of the school’s new 59,000-square-foot Wellness Center building. (Courtesy of Renee Gerstein, Saint Leo University)

Saint Leo Wellness Center
Saint Leo University marked a construction milestone with a topping-off ceremony for its new Wellness Center, according to a school news release.

The facility, on the west end of the campus by Lake Jovita, will create an environment for holistic health and well-being that integrates student recreation, fitness, health services, counseling services and campus ministry. The center is expected to be completed in the fall.

The bond-funded Wellness Center will feature:

  • Resort-style pool with two lap lanes, an area for volleyball and basketball, and a shallow area for lounging
  • Patio and pool deck with a 180-degree view of Lake Jovita
  • Fitness area with cardio equipment, free weights and machines, as well as a dance studio, yoga studio and cycling center, all with a variety of scheduled class programming
  • Health Services, University Ministry, Counseling & Prevention Services, and Recreation services
  • Multipurpose gymnasium with an indoor walking track that can be converted for a variety of events

• Café offering healthy food options, an outdoor poolside barbecue and seating area with a gas grill and fire pit

Vaccines for seniors
At this time, AdventHealth is not providing vaccines to the general public, including those age 65 and older, at any hospital, AdventHealth Centra Care or AdventHealth Medical Group practices, according to a Dec. 30 news release.

AdventHealth has vaccinated more than 4,000 West Florida team members to date. Vaccinations for frontline AdventHealth team members are underway at the hospital locations in Carrollwood, Connerton, Dade City, Lake Placid, North Pinellas, Ocala, Sebring, Tampa, Wauchula, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills.

All information on vaccine distribution for the public will be posted online at CoronavirusVaccineFacts.com.

Those interested can go to CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com, to sign up for email updates on when vaccines will be available from AdventHealth.

Health News 01/06/2021

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Vaccines for seniors
At this time, AdventHealth is not providing vaccines to the general public, including those age 65 and older, at any hospital, AdventHealth Centra Care or AdventHealth Medical Group practices, according to a Dec. 30 news release.

AdventHealth has vaccinated more than 4,000 West Florida team members to date. Vaccinations for frontline AdventHealth team members are underway at the hospital locations in Carrollwood, Connerton, Dade City, Lake Placid, North Pinellas, Ocala, Sebring, Tampa, Wauchula, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills.

All information on vaccine distribution for the public will be posted online at CoronavirusVaccineFacts.com.

Those interested can go to CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com, to sign up for email updates on when vaccines will be available from AdventHealth.

Credit union donation
Suncoast Credit Union will donate $550,000 to hunger and mental health organizations throughout Florida that have seen increased needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release.

Food organizations across the state have been severely impacted by COVID-19. Organizations that will benefit from this round of funding include Meals of Hopes, United Food Bank of Plant City and the Harry Chapin Food Bank, all three of which have seen a 50% increase in demand this year.

The credit union will donate $385,000 to food organizations to combat the needs. The funds will enable the organizations to purchase food, help reduce operational costs, support in-school programs (hot breakfast and lunches, weekend meals), and fill emergency food pantries.

Mental health also has been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and Suncoast will contribute $165,000 to 11 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) affiliates throughout Florida.

The donation is the second of its kind this year for Suncoast, following its $1 million donation to hunger, health care and educational organizations for COVID-19 relief efforts this past May.

Nurse manager honored
Kimberly Demers, nurse manager of the Emergency Department at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz, has been honored with the Patriot Award from the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program.

The award recognizes Demers’ support of her employee’s participation in the National Guard and Reserve.

According to the ESGR website and a news release, the Patriot Award reflects an employer’s “….efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures, including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed.”

Health and safety plan
Amalie Arena, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning, unveiled a comprehensive, world-class health and safety management plan, which features extensive measures aimed at reopening the facility in a responsible manner.

In recognition of the organization’s work, it has become one of the first in professional sports to earn dual certification from both the International WELL Building Institute and the Global Biorisk Advisory Council for excellence in COVID-19 safety preparedness and protocols, according to a news release.

Amalie has addressed several key areas, including cleaning and sanitization processes and procedures; emergency preparedness programs; health service resources; and, air and water quality management, technology and innovation.

The efforts have been part of a comprehensive overall plan, devised in conjunction with local health care and government officials, to ensure a safe and healthy reopening of the facility for fans and staff.

Following a controlled query entry into the arena, fans will notice increased measures to promote physical distancing, including at all gates, concessions and restrooms.

Concession and retail stands will be cashless and contactless, with plexiglass barriers.

A total of 220 wall and freestanding hand sanitizing stations have been installed throughout the facility, and team members will increase the frequency of cleaning and sanitation in all areas being used, with an emphasis on seats, handrails and bathrooms.

Other safety measures include:

  • Extensive signage
  • Physical distancing measures
  • Ultraviolet disinfectant lights above handrails at escalator locations
  • Elevator occupancy limit
  • Mobile ticketing
  • Cashless, contactless parking lots
  • Face covering (over the nose and mouth) requirement in all the areas of the arena, except when eating or drinking

Two campaigns, “Wear Your Mask” and “How We Play It Safe” have been established to help protect fans.

Gulfside fundraisers
Due to the current pandemic, the third annual Charity Casino Night to benefit Gulfside Hospice has been rescheduled to Jan. 30, at the Heritage Springs Golf & Country Club in Trinity.

All proceeds will provide patient care and bereavement support in Pasco County through Gulfside.

For tickets and sponsorship information, visit CharityCasinoNight.org.

Also, due to the ongoing health and safety challenges, Gulfside postponed The Candace Glewen Charity Fashion Show, originally scheduled for Dec. 3.

The fundraiser was to bring people together in honor of Candace Glewen, a longtime board member of Gulfside Hospice until her recent passing, and to support the patients and families served by Gulfside.

Instead of a winter-themed fashion show, the event will now feature the latest 2021 spring looks on May 4, at Spartan Manor in New Port Richey.

Health News 12/30/2021

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(Courtesy of Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office)

Helping to fund research and education
The five offices of Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano partnered with the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation to help raise funds and awareness of breast cancer, its symptoms and treatment. The tax collector’s offices promoted the sale of the foundation’s “End Breast Cancer” specialty tag and accepted voluntary check-off donations on automobile registrations.

Twenty-three license plates were sold, and combined with cash donations, a total of $9,018.97 was raised to help ‘end the suffering caused by breast cancer,’ according to a news release.

Day of service
The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club took part in a day of service to shower love, respect and kindness upon persons with disabilities or special needs in the community.

The club members made 15 ‘fidget’ lap quilts for Alzheimer’s patients and donated them to Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care.

An ‘A’ for patient safety
AdventHealth West Florida Division once again has earned the highest marks possible for patient safety and quality. It is the only health care system in the Greater Tampa Bay area to achieve all As from Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit health care ratings organization, according to a news release.

  • AdventHealth Carrollwood: 11th consecutive A
  • AdventHealth Dade City: first A (hospital acquired in 2018)
  • AdventHealth North Pinellas: 15th consecutive A
  • AdventHealth Sebring: sixth consecutive A
  • AdventHealth Tampa: sixth consecutive A
  • AdventHealth Wesley Chapel: 11th consecutive A
  • AdventHealth Zephyrhills: sixth consecutive A

AdventHealth North Pinellas, AdventHealth Sebring and AdventHealth Zephyrhills also were recognized as Top General Hospitals.