Local News

AdventHealth adds ambulance for mothers, children

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

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

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

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

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

 

Arena opens mom and baby room

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

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

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

 

GTE Financial supports Tampa General Hospital Foundation

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

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

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

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

 

Charity walk celebrates recovery

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

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

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

On the web: empoweredcommunities.org 

 

BayCare highlights growth in annual physician report

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

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

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

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

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

Read the report at baycareproviders.org.

 

Hillsborough extends emergency over dengue activity

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

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

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

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

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

 

Men’s Health Huddle coming to Tampa Nov. 14

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

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

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

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

On the web: Menshealthhuddle.com

 

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

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

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

The events are free, but St. Joseph’s Hospital-North requests advance registration. Visit BayCareEvents.org and choose “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scroll to the appropriate group or class. Register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing “2” at the prompt.

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

 

Quick Hits

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

 

SESCO Cement begins full operations at Port Tampa Bay

TAMPA – SESCO Cement has begun full commercial operations at its Port Tampa Bay import terminal after receiving its first two ships carrying bulk gray cement.

Each vessel is making a partial delivery at the Port Redwing terminal in Gibsonton before continuing to SESCO’s terminal in Houston. The route connects the company’s Florida and Texas operations.

The Tampa facility uses a custom ship unloader and conveyor system to move cement directly from vessels into storage silos. An automated system then loads the cement onto trucks for distribution to ready-mix producers and other customers.

SESCO opened the terminal with a ribbon-cutting in June. The company says the facility is positioned to serve Florida construction markets through maritime, highway and rail connections.

SESCO expects the facility to become Florida’s largest cement terminal.

 

GTE Financial opens New Port Richey location

NEW PORT RICHEY – GTE Financial celebrated the grand opening of its new Community Financial Center on Oct. 3 at 9746 Little Road.

The location replaces GTE Financial’s former Hudson center and offers banking, lending, financial planning and education services.

“Pasco County continues to grow, and we want to make sure our physical locations are growing alongside the communities we serve,” said Channing D. Thornton, managing director of retail member sales. “Relocating to New Port Richey allows us to better serve existing members while creating greater access for individuals, families and businesses throughout the area.”

Manager Matthew DeSalvo leads the center.

“Whether someone is buying their first home, starting a business, working toward a savings goal or simply looking for financial guidance, we want them to know they have a local team they can turn to,” Thornton said. 

 

SBA opens nominations for 2027 small business awards

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration has opened nominations for its 2027 National Small Business Week Awards.

Small business owners may nominate themselves or be nominated by others at sba.gov/nsbw. Nominations are due by 3 p.m. Dec. 7. National Small Business Week will be held May 2-8, 2027. 

Each state will select a Small Business Person of the Year. Those recipients will compete for the national award.

National categories also include Small Business Manufacturer of the Year, Small Business Exporter of the Year, Blue-Collar Small Business of the Year, Rural Small Business of the Year, Veteran Small Business of the Year and the Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery.

 

Florida approves renters insurance rate decrease

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky has approved an average 12.8% rate decrease for renters insurance policies issued by American Modern Home Insurance Company.

The decrease applies to about 121,900 HO-4 policies and takes effect Oct. 11 for new policies and renewals.

Policyholders in more than 30 counties are expected to receive average decreases ranging from 13.1% to 13.9%. HO-4 policies generally cover renters’ personal belongings against specified losses and provide personal liability coverage. They do not insure the building itself.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has approved rate decreases for four homeowners insurance companies.

On the web: floir.gov

 

Quick Hits

• Alexander Ugarte launched a fundraising campaign on gofundme.com to help small business owner Jonathan Marte replace landscaping equipment that was reportedly stolen while he was working at a job site. The Lutz-based campaign had raised $515 of the $1,200 needed as of Oct. 4. Learn more at gofundme.com/f/replace-jonathan-martes-stolen-equipment.
• The Internal Revenue Service has launched a new IRS mobile app, replacing IRS2Go and expanding mobile access to IRS tools and account services. Taxpayers can also visit the IRS App on IRS.gov for verified links and additional information.
• Tampa Bay public broadcaster WUSF won 20 journalism excellence awards, including 10 first-place honors in The Sunshine State Awards, hosted by the Florida chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

 

EAST PASCO – The East Pasco Chamber Foundation has launched its 2026-27 Citizen of the Month program, continuing a tradition of recognizing exceptional students for more than 28 years.

The program honors 11 citizens from Dade City-area schools and 11 citizens from Zephyrhills-area schools each month during the school year. Citizens are selected by their teachers and school administrators for outstanding effort, achievement, character and contributions to their schools, families and communities.

“The Citizen of the Month program gives us an opportunity to celebrate students who are making a positive difference, often without expecting recognition,” said Vicki Wiggins, president and CEO of the East Pasco Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to continue this meaningful tradition through the East Pasco Chamber Foundation and to recognize the young people who represent the future of our community.”

Citizens receive certificates of achievement, commemorative medallions and letters of commendation from local and state officials during the monthly breakfast ceremonies. Each honoree is invited on stage for a brief interview, giving attendees an opportunity to learn more about the citizens and the qualities that led to their selection.

Parents, teachers and school representatives are also invited to share words of encouragement and celebrate each citizen’s accomplishments. Honorees and their families enjoy breakfast together and citizens receive bags filled with gifts donated by chamber partners.

The chamber thanked AdventHealth (title sponsor), Chick-fil-A Dade City and Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills (venue sponsors) and Stone Imaging Co. (photographer sponsor).

Chamber members, businesses and community organizations can support the program by becoming sponsors or donating goodies. 

 

ANGELINE – Moffitt Cancer Center drove its mobile lung screening bus to Angeline on Sept. 22 for World Lung Day.

For people who meet screening guidelines, a lung CT takes less than five minutes. The patient lies on a bed that moves through the scanner while the equipment provides instructions. Results are typically available within three to five business days.

“Every mile matters because behind every lung screening is a person, a family and an opportunity to find lung cancer early, when treatment options are greater and survival rates are highest,” said Michelle Smith, mobile lung screening program manager for Moffitt Cancer Center.

The World Lung Day event was part of a broader partnership between Metro Development Group and Moffitt Cancer Center at Angeline, where Moffitt is developing Speros, a 775-acre research campus focused on cancer care, research, technology and life sciences. 

Angeline is one of Metro’s signature master-planned communities built around a health and wellness focus. The community includes preserves, walking and biking paths, outdoor amenities and health partnerships, including its work with Moffitt Cancer Center.  

“Bringing Moffitt’s mobile screening bus to Angeline gave people an opportunity to access an important health resource close to home,” said Lisa Gibbings, vice president of corporate affairs for Metro Development Group. “We’re proud to work with Moffitt and find ways to bring its expertise and resources into the Tampa Bay community.”

 

Liquor Depot raises $18K for Alstott foundation

TAMPA – Liquor Depot raised a record $18,000 for the Mike Alstott Family Foundation through its annual charity barrel fundraiser Oct. 3.

The Tampa retailer sold bottles from a Penelope Havana 114-proof single barrel for $140.40 each at its Waters Avenue location. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Mike Alstott attended the event to sign bottles and take photos with customers.

Liquor Depot owner Trey Lawson said customers began lining up at midnight and the bottles sold out quickly.

Lawson launched the fundraiser in 2021. Liquor Depot has donated more than $78,000 to the Mike Alstott Family Foundation through five charity barrel fundraisers. 

The foundation supports children and families through assistance programs, events and other initiatives.

On the web: liquordepottampa.com

 

Pasco launches recovery program for small businesses

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County has launched a recovery program to assist small businesses and nonprofits affected by hurricanes Idalia, Helene and Milton.

The Small Business & Non-Profit Recovery Program is part of the county’s Better Future initiative and may provide assistance for storefront and signage repairs, damaged equipment, inventory, operating costs, workforce development and business relocation.

Nearly $25 million has been earmarked for the program.

The county’s Better Future recovery programs are supported by nearly $586 million in federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Pasco County held a virtual workshop Sept. 30 to explain eligibility and program benefits.

Learn more at mypas.co/BetterFuture.

 

Hope Services holds fundraiser at training center

HUDSON – Hope Services held a Smash for Cash fundraiser Sept. 30 at its newly acquired facility at 6901 State Road 52.

The event marked the beginning of renovations to create a Life Skills and Vocational Training Center. 

Hope Services plans to use the expanded facility to provide training environments for culinary arts, construction, retail, hospitality and other career fields.

On the web: hopegetsjobs.org

 

Florida awards recruitment bonuses to 38 Pasco officers

LAND O’ LAKES – Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded recruitment bonuses to 38 new law enforcement officers in Pasco County as part of a statewide program. 

The officers were among 1,506 recruits receiving more than $10 million through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program. The program provides a one-time $5,000 after-tax bonus to newly recruited and employed officers. 

Since the program began in 2022, nearly 12,500 officers have received more than $83 million in bonuses, according to the governor’s office. 

Florida’s 2026-27 budget includes $20 million for the recruitment bonus program and $19.8 million in pay increases for sworn state law enforcement officers.

On the web: floridajobs.org/Recognition-and-Recruitment