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Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News

Moffitt exceeds early expectations

April 27, 2021 By B.C. Manion

When Moffitt Cancer Center at Wesley Chapel formed a medical partnership with AdventHealth, the idea was to bring Moffitt’s brand of oncology services closer to its patients, said Dr. Timothy Kubal, the cancer center’s senior medical director.

“We’re coming to you, as opposed to you coming to us,” Kubal said, explaining that a lot of Moffitt’s patients were coming from Wesley Chapel, Trinity, Dade City or Land O’ Lakes.

“We wanted to get closer to the patient and Wesley Chapel was a great opportunity to do that  with a partner,” he said, during Zoom economic development briefing with members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce on April 22.

As one of the nation’s top cancer centers, Moffitt wanted to deliver its expertise to patients, rather than them having to drive to its main campus in Tampa. At the same time, Moffitt wanted to partner with a high-quality hospital, he said.

“We can augment what they do; they can augment what we do,” he explained.

Moffitt’s center is located on the campus of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, at 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has built an entirely new floor for oncology patients, with the long-term prospect of having up to 50 beds for oncology patients, Kubal said.

The center has 20 exam rooms, 22 infusion bays and a linear accelerator.

“I can treat probably 20 to 30 patients a day on this lin-ac (linear accelerator). It delivers radiation specified to a tumor site,” he said. “We can do any body part, from brain to toe, for radiation oncology out here.

The nice thing about being located closer to patients is that they won’t have to drive as far each day to receive the treatment, he said.

“For example, you live in Wesley Chapel, you’ve got a breast cancer. You need 20 treatments over four weeks. You can get it close to your house, as opposed to going into Moffitt, parking your car, getting set up, getting 3 seconds of radiation to hit that tumor, and then doing the hour back.

“We’ve seen a lot of patients want to transfer their radiation oncology care to this site because they live out in this area. So, this is a big draw. Right now, I think they are 1000% over projected volume.

“Their growth far exceeds what we initially thought,” he said.

The center’s 22 infusion bays are in an area that gives patients a chance to be able to see outside.

That’s important for patients because an infusion can sometimes take up to six hours, the doctor said.

The center will be able to handle infusion services for about 100 to 120 patients a day, he said. At the moment, though, those numbers stand at between 30 to 40 patients day.

In addition to its modern equipment, the center will offer a different oncology approach than what’s been available in the area, he said.

“In the cancer community, you either see everything, or you see one thing.

“So, in the Moffitt community, you might just do, for example, right-sided liver lesions. You might just do surgery on the right side of the liver, when there’s tumors there.

“In the community, commonly, you’re going to do everything.

“But what we’ve found is that it’s hard to do everything. People want to do more than one thing.

“So, what we’ve done here is we’ve hired multiple oncologists to do what we call multi-specialists.”

Besides attracting patients from Pasco and Hillsborough counties, the Wesley Chapel center has patients coming from Lakeland and The Villages, Kubal said.

People coming from Lakeland say that driving the back roads is quicker than going to Tampa, he said.

He added: “Those Villages people are willing to drive. They like to park their own car, though.”

At Moffitt’s main campus, in Tampa, patients must valet. At the Wesley Chapel center, they can do self-parking.

Besides liking to park their own cars, people coming from The Villages often have very specific plans for where they want to eat or shop, after finishing their appointment, Kubal said.

But, they aren’t the only ones having an economic impact on the area, the doctor said.

“The money I make, it goes back into the community,” he said.

“I need to eat. I need to go to the gym. I need to be able to have a meeting and grab a beer at the end of the day. My kids need schooling,” he said.

The same economic impacts are true for other staffers, too, because many of them move into Wesley Chapel after they’ve been hired.

Published April 28, 2021

Blue Heron Senior Living is hosting a public open house

April 20, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Blue Heron Senior Living, located at 5085 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will have a grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting on the afternoon of April 28.

This is an exterior view of Blue Heron Senior Living, 5085 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The facility offers assisted living, memory care and rehabilitation services. (Courtesy of Sarah Dymond/Blue Heron Senior Living)

The senior living community, recently completed by TLC Management of Marion, Indiana, features assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, according to a news release.

Blue Heron focuses on the entire spectrum of each resident’s well-being; from their physical and emotional health to their needs for friendship and intellectual stimulation, the release says.

There will be 106 private suites for residents requiring 24-hour skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.

Those interested in taking a look at the new Blue Heron Senior Living facility are invited to an open house celebration on the afternoon of April 28. Besides providing an array of services for its residents, the facility will have more than 225 employees.

Those seeking short-term rehabilitation will be able to take advantage of a state-of-the-art therapy center, which includes a gym that’s equipped with the latest technology and equipment designed for physical, speech and occupational therapy. It also features virtual reality workout programs, the release says.

The facility also has 95 resort-style private suites for individuals needing assisted living services. Those services include assistance as needed with daily activities, along with access to a health spa, a theater, wellness gym, activity center, resident art gallery, library, bistro shop and town square.

There also is a separate wing of 22 apartments that are specifically dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of age-associated memory impairment.

Services there include everything from engaging activities, bathing, dressing and grooming assistance, to medication reminders and management, according to the news release.

Additionally, Blue Heron is creating more than 225 new jobs in Pasco County.

To find out more, visit SeniorLivingAtBlueHeron.com.

Blue Heron Senior Living open house
When:
April 28, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:15 p.m.)
Where: 5085 Eagleston Blvd., Wesley Chapel
Details: The public is welcome to visit this new senior living facility and learn about its features and service. Visitors also are invited to enjoy complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres and live music.

Published April 21, 2021

Union Park Charter Academy has one year to get finances in order

April 13, 2021 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County School Board has refused a 5-year extension of Union Park Charter Academy’s contract, instead granting it a one-year term.

The decision came during the board’s April 6 meeting, at the recommendation of Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning.

Board members backed the superintendent, despite the urgings of numerous parents and of representatives of Charter Schools USA and the school’s governing board.

Superintendent Kurt Browning

Browning said the school district has no desire to shut down the charter school, but said this action is necessary to ensure the charter gets its financial house in order.

Parent after parent told school board members that Union Park has gone to extraordinary lengths to meet the needs of their children, to maintain open lines of communication with parents and to engage families.

They said their children are thriving and they believe the school needs the five-year contract extension to provide stability.

In addition to the obvious support of parents — representatives for the school said they were surprised by the district’s decision to offer just a one-year term.

“Union Park Charter has met all criteria to be renewed for five years,” said Valora Cole, board chair of the Florida Charter Educational Inc., which is the governing board for Union Park Academy.

Eddie Ruiz, Florida State Director for Charter Schools USA, told school board members that there was no basis for just a one-year term.

He told the school board that Charter Schools USA has been operating for 20 years and this has never been an issue.

Independent auditors have done audits and there have been no negative findings, he said.

“We’re happy to work with staff, but a one-year renewal really will not help our school. It really will hurt our school. And so, we really are asking for what we deserve, which is a five-year renewal,” Ruiz said.

But Mary Tillman, director of internal audit for Pasco County Schools, said there were issues of overspending during the school’s first two years of operation. She also noted that the budgets are based on enrollment projections that were not achieved.

The school did not produce evidence of any budget amendments to address that issue, Tillman said.

The district’s auditor added: “I have no doubt that Charter Schools USA has the resources to support this school but we haven’t seen that in writing.”

Another problem, according to Tillman, is that the budget was missing information.

“I don’t know how to analyze budgets when not all of the numbers are there,” Tillman said.

Browning said his email box was flooded with messages, which conveyed the sense that the school district was preparing to close Union Park.

“It is not the intent of this superintendent or district to close a charter school,” Browning said.

Published April 14, 2021

The show went on, despite pandemic challenges

April 6, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

There were times when it wasn’t certain if the 38th annual Spotlight on Talent would take place at all, but the producers of the annual showcase pushed ahead, to make it happen — despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indeed, as a news release puts it: “Expecting maybe half of the usual number of applicants, Heritage Arts Center Association was astounded to find that 150 talented young people weren’t going to let a virus stop them from polishing and sharing their impressive talents with professional judges.”

The performers did that, “even though their parents had to watch via a zoom setup, and the usual audiences of hundreds of community friends were not allowed this year,” the release adds.

Agnes Hernandez was the Pasco Heritage Scholarship Winner, at the 38th annual Spotlight on Talent competition. (Courtesy of Heritage Center for the Arts)

As a result, the arts organization gave the performers a way to show off their talents, and awarded nearly $6,000 in cash prizes, trophies and ribbons.

This all happened after the Pasco County School Board canceled all performances in its facilities, including the 900-seat Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel High, where the event is normally held. The center has all of the  top-of-the-line technology necessary for this scale of production, according to the news release.

Instead, performers showed off their talents at the fellowship hall of Dade City’s Methodist Church.

The organization followed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols, to keep everyone safe, the release says.

“That meant: No audience; no personal microphones; taking hundreds of temperatures; the necessity of 150 waivers signed,” the release notes. It also required moving in a grand piano; wiping down chairs between contestant categories; registering and lining up 150 contestants outside; trying to find covered outdoor space because of the rain, and so on, the release adds.

All of the hurdles were cleared, the release continues: “Nothing could stop the Spotlight team.”

“This team of superheroes were all volunteers – the 15-member board of directors and five producers,” the release says.

Some of those going the extra mile included Barbara Friedman, Laurel Weightman, Michelle Twitmyer, Michael Roberts, Ava Larkin and Lauretta Brown.

Additional support came from about 40 corporate and community sponsors, who donated toward the awards and production costs.

For more information about the annual talent showcase, visit HeritageArts.org.

Spotlight on Talent 2021 winners

Solo Category 1
First place: Amber Luu, Piano
Second place: Annabelle DePolis, musical theater
Third place: Chloe Adams, acrobatic dance
Fourth place: Kennedy Kring, acrobatic dance

Solo Category 2
First place: Linley Bishop, lyrical dance
Second place: Tavin Groomes, dramatic monologue
Third place: Kendall Hill, musical theater
Fourth place: Nikki Lang, piano

Solo Category 3
First place: Abigail Wallace, contemporary dance
Second place: Sofia Acosta, musical theater
Third place: Maelee Scaglione, contemporary dance
Fourth place: Salvador Hernandez, classical guitar

Solo Category 4
First place: Kasey Lang, piano
Second place: Samuel Wu, piano
Third place: Larkin Mainwaring, musical theater
Fourth place: Dylan Pham, piano

Solo Category 5
First place: Katherine Hines, pop vocal
Second place: Ezekiel Richards, jazz dance
Third place: Harley White, musical theater
Fourth place: Kennedy Engasser, spoken word

Solo Category 6
First place: Agnes Hernandez, piano
Second place: Faith Phaller, ballet dance
Third place: Julianna Cova, pop vocal
Fourth place: Rhett Ricardo, musical theater

Group Category 1
First place: Showstoppers, musical theater
Second place: Star Company Apprentices, jazz dance
Third place: Little Stars, Broadway dance

Group Category 2
First place: Star Company, ballet dance
Second place: Showbros and Showstoppers, musical theater
Third place: Broadway Players

Pasco Heritage Scholarship Winner
Agnes Hernandez, piano

Published April 7, 2021

New sheriff’s substation at the Grove

April 6, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has set up a new substation at the Grove in Wesley Chapel.

Patrol deputies now will work out of this substation and desk officers will join them once lobbies reopen, according to a sheriff’s office newsletter.

The sheriff’s office lobbies remain closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Previously, patrol and desk officers worked out of a substation at The Shops at Wiregrass. That location now will be used as an office for the sheriff’s community relations deputies, the newsletter says.

Anyone needing assistance from the sheriff’s office can call 727-847-8102, option 7, to report a crime or speak with a desk officer.

Published April 07, 2021

Wesley Chapel native relishes second shot at ‘American Idol’

March 30, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

Wesley Chapel native Zach D’Onofrio made his first brief appearance on ABC’s hit reality television show “American Idol” back in 2018.

Then he was a timid 17-year-old Wiregrass Ranch High School student who perhaps came away best known for his colorful sock collection, before being eliminated during the show’s “Hollywood Week” competition in Los Angeles.

Wesley Chapel native Zach D’Onofrio wowed ‘American Idol’ judges with his rendition of Billy Joel’s ‘New York State of Mind,’ during a March 21 episode to advance to the second round of ABC’s hit reality television series. The 20-year-old college student’s run ended shortly thereafter, during the duet challenge of the competition. (Courtesy of Gigi Stevens/Freemantle)

D’Onofrio’s second chance at stardom proved more fruitful.

Entering as a more seasoned and confident 20-year-old college sophomore studying at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, D’Onofrio aimed to advance farther in the competition and to have a more enjoyable experience overall.

Mission accomplished for D’Onofrio.

He made it to the second round of “Hollywood Week” thanks to his rendition of Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind,” as part of the show’s genre challenge.

He also had previously impressed celebrity judges — Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie — in a live audition broadcast March 14 singing “Golden Slumbers” by The Beatles solo, and “Falling” by Harry Styles with girlfriend and former “Idol” contestant Catie Turner.

However, D’Onofrio’s run ended in the show’s duets challenge on March 22, where showrunners paired him with Sloane Simon, a 16-year-old high school cheerleader from the Pittsburgh area.

Together, they belted out a cover of “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates.

Following the aired performance, Perry said of D’Onofrio: “Listen, I believe in you. You really have grown and overcome.”

In the same breath, however, the Grammy-nominated pop star said both D’Onofrio and his duet partner “need more experience” and “it’s not the time” for them to continue in the competition.

But, she later added this of D’Onofrio on the broadcast: “Next time he comes back, he’s going to show us — the underdog always wins, always.”

Despite a rejection witnessed by millions of viewers nationwide, D’Onofrio came away pleased to have achieved more compared to his first go-round, thanks in part to countless choir and voice lessons taken the past couple years.

He also left with several friendships forged with other talented contestants throughout his appearance on the show.

He traded in his unique socks for showy, colorful sweaters, too.

“My whole thing the second time was getting out of my shell, and I really did think I got out of my shell,” D’Onofrio told The Laker/Lutz News in a recent phone interview.

“I definitely felt better the second time. I just didn’t want to get cut earlier than I did the first time. I just wanted to make it farther, that was my main goal, and I did.”

D’Onofrio acknowledged that he felt more comfortable this time performing in front of the daunting star-studded cast of judges — who are among the world’s all-time best-selling artists in their respective genres. After all, it wasn’t the first time he performed for them.

“I definitely was more confident, because I was like, ‘Yeah, they know me, I’ve done this before,’ like it really wasn’t that bad,” said D’Onofrio, who grew up in the Seven Oaks neighborhood in Wesley Chapel.

“I just saw (the judges) as people this time, instead of figures, because they really do give advice, and talk to you heart-to-heart and it feels real, because some things on TV are sometimes fake, obviously, but when you’re actually there in person and you can connect person to person, it just feels really nice.”

D’Onofrio began singing around his junior year of high school, making his talent known at Dreamhouse Theatre in Lutz, which was then owned by his family.

The budding singer-songwriter adeptly plays the piano, electric guitar and ukulele, and fancies himself an old soul at heart — with a passion for oldies and classics music dating to the 1940s era.

“It just feels right when I sing those types of songs,” said D’Onofrio, who lists Billy Joel among his favorites.

“That was kind of my goal with “American Idol,” to introduce the new generation of people that maybe aren’t familiar with that type of music…so it’s like taking older songs and just making them fun and new and that’s kind of my goal, just so people don’t dislike oldies.”

Newfound celebrity
While D’Onofrio said no music labels have reached out to him since his latest “Idol” appearance, he’s received offers to perform at some local piano and jazz bars in Tampa Bay.

His college also has been quite supportive of his career, hosting an “Idol” watch party and has “offered a lot of really cool opportunities,” such as on-campus performances.

He’s also acquired a certain level of fame — from getting verified on Instagram to having fans reach out to him on social media from Argentina, Brazil and Philippines, and other places.

Even former “Idol” contestant Clark Beckham, who finished runner-up on the show in 2015, reached out to him for words of encouragement.

Every once in a while, D’Onofrio is even recognized on campus, or about town.

But, people tend to be timid about approaching him.

“At school, I get so many stares,” he said, noting he realizes it’s because of his American Idol appearances.

He doesn’t say anything, because he thinks that would make them feel awkward.

“People want to say something but they never do, and I’m like, ‘I’m not scary, I swear, it’ll be OK.’”

Music is the motivation
D’Onofrio continues to make music from his college dorm room — which he’s transformed into a makeshift studio.

He also collaborates on projects with a friend through FaceTime calls.

He plans to release a single titled, “Don’t Leave,” in late April, which he describes as “a pop piano ballad.”

He’s also working to produce and release an EP album by summertime.

Now the lingering question: Could the third time be the charm for D’Onofrio, on “American Idol” or another reality television singing competition?

At the moment, D’Onofrio is focused on finding success as an independent artist and pursuing a degree in music management.

But he hasn’t closed the door on music competitions.

“I’m sure I’ll audition again just to see,” he said.

But he doesn’t know if that will be to “American Idol” or “America’s Got Talent” or “The Voice.”

If he makes a return to “Idol,” he’d like to make it to at least round three.

While he’s exited the show this year, 19-year-old Alanis Sophia, of Dade City, remains active in the competition.

Published March 31, 2021

County transfers funds for park improvements

March 23, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco County has transferred funding from its engineering services division to its parts, recreation and natural resources division to pay for land needed for a roads project.

The transferred funds, totaling $329,500, will pay for park improvements at the Samuel W. Pasco Recreation Complex, to include new sidewalks and an Americans with Disabilities Act accessible parking expansion, and the Wesley Chapel District Park T-Ball Field to include lighting and grading of that field.

The Pasco County Commission approved transferring the funds from engineering services to parks and recreation to purchase 6.59 acres, which was previously part of the Wesley Chapel District Park.

The land was needed to accommodate a northbound off-ramp from Interstate 75 and to widen Overpass Road, between I-75 and Boyette Road. The land will be contained in the right of way of the road project. The cost for the land was $50,000 per acre.

Published March 24, 2021

Government stimulus check inspires kindness, generosity

March 9, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

When Wesley Chapel’s Carmen Quiles’ family received a stimulus check from the federal government, her initial reaction was — who can’t use some extra cash during a pandemic?

But then, she thought, there are others who need the money more.

Carmen Quiles stands near some of the ‘Bags of Love’ containing food and other items that she and her husband distribute to the homeless. Quiles used money from the government’s stimulus check to pay for items. She hopes to build on the effort, by inspiring more people to become volunteers or make donations. (Courtesy of Carmen Quiles)

She turned that generous impulse into action, packing up “Bags of Love” for the homeless — and distributing them in hot spots throughout North Tampa.

She packs sausages, cookies, crackers, peanut butter cups, sanitizers, socks, blankets, Band-Aids, ointments and more into her bags.

Quiles’ husband, Hector, a retired Navy Captain and former nurse manager of specialty clinics at the James A. Haley Veterans Administration Hospital, had no idea what his wife had in mind when he noticed various supplies being stocked in their garage.

When she outlined a plan to help the needy with their excess funds, he was delighted and supportive.

“You see the happiness and excitement in people’s eyes and that’s a feeling that’s very satisfying,’’ he said. “We’re not looking for publicity or kudos, but if it could inspire others to help or do something similar, it’s worth shining a light on this.

“You can always find people in need. Sometimes, I will be driving and see someone. I wish I had brought a bag in the car to give them. I need to start doing that,” he said.

Quiles said her idea has been greeted enthusiastically — sometimes with disbelief.

“The first time I was out, a policeman stopped me and asked, ‘What are you doing here?’” Quiles said. “I think he was concerned about safety and my husband was, too. So he comes with me.

“You see white people, Black people, Hispanic people. You see males and females, sometimes couples. You never know the circumstance or what has happened. But when you give something and it might be the only thing they eat that day, it’s an overwhelming feeling.’’

Quiles said she returned to an area where she had distributed her gift bags and she noticed a group of people were gathered around, sharing the food.

These Bags of Love are ready for delivery.

“That gave me a little tear,’’ she said.

Quiles and her husband, originally from Puerto Rico, were on active military duty for 30 years. They lived in places such as Orlando, Jacksonville, Virginia Beach and Northern Virginia during the Navy stint. Quiles did volunteer work at most of those stops and that opened her eyes.

“I was a nurse before, and I worked at free clinics and soup kitchens,’’ Quiles said. “You would see the same faces. There is great need.

“Sometimes, we tend to judge people. You don’t know their situations. Sometimes, people wind up on the streets because things happen. They might lose their jobs. It’s tough out there, especially these days. A lot of people were getting by with two jobs. Now they might not even have one. So they wind up in a situation they never expected.’’

Quiles said she has been conscious of these unfortunate situations.

She feels fortunate to offer some help.

“This makes me happy,’’ Quiles said. “There’s a lot of help that’s needed. It gives me joy if I can help to make a difference.

“I see a smile from them, even though sometimes they might not have teeth.’’

And, that fact has sparked another idea: Quiles wants to explore the potential of finding dental volunteers, who can help by providing cleaning and hygiene.

The Wesley Chapel woman would like to keep her program going, and possibly expand it, by organizing additional donations and volunteers.

If you are interested in finding out more, Quiles can be reached at .

By Joey Johnston

Published March 10, 2021

New office space may be coming to Wesley Chapel

March 9, 2021 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a request that would allow a new professional office district on a 9.1-acre site on the west side of Wesley Chapel Boulevard, about ½ mile north of State Road 54/56.

Planning Commissioners voted unanimously on March 5 to recommend the change be approved by the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on zoning requests.

The applicant for the change is the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Cypress Ridge Professional Center.

The office development would include a 70,350-square-foot building and 327 parking spaces, according to a site plan included in the planning commission’s agenda backup materials.

The surrounding area is characterized by conservation lands, professional office, commercial, and residential uses.

The owner has volunteered a deed restriction to the property that states within 30 days of the county’s request, the owner shall dedicate at no cost to Pasco County, a drainage easement of approximately 15,426 square feet.

This rezoning request is a companion to a request to change the county’s long-range plan to allow office uses on the land.

Both the land use and zoning must be approved, in order for the office development to proceed. Both requests have received recommendations for approval from county planners and planning commissioners.

In other action, planning commissioners:

  • Recommended approval for a rezoning to permit a light industrial park on a 5-acre site, on the west side of Old Lakeland Highway, north of Townsend Road. The applicant for the request is BMI LLC. A change also has been requested to the long-range plan, to allow light industrial uses. If the subject rezoning is approved, it cannot take effect until the companion land use change is adopted and the appeal period for that change has ended.
  • Recommended approval of a request to rezone 10 acres from agricultural land into agricultural-residential, to permit a total of two homes on the two parcels located at 18400 Possom Trot and 18454 Possom Trot. The applicants listed for the request are Robert Wendell Pippin Jr., and Clay Turner Pippin. They have agreed to a deed restriction to allow just one dwelling on each lot, according to county planners.

Published March 10, 2021

AdventHealth expands cancer care in Pasco

March 9, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has unveiled a 24-bed, inpatient oncology unit, dedicated to the care of cancer patients.

The 13,000-square-foot unit has private rooms, to substantially decrease infection risks for cancer patients, according to a news release from the hospital chain.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel also unveiled two new state-of-the-art operating rooms, expanding the hospital’s ability to provide its clinical expertise in surgical care, the release says.

“Many of our cancer patients have had to travel outside Pasco County for the specialized care they need, and we’re excited to provide convenient access to that expert care right here in our community,” Erik Wangsness, president and CEO of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, said in the release.

The addition of the unit also allows the hospital to expand its workforce and hire more nurses, specifically for the care of cancer patients.

“AdventHealth has a vision to expand its footprint to provide trusted, innovative cancer care to many of our growing communities,” Elizabeth Hayden, director of oncology for AdventHealth West Florida Division, adds in the release. “Our greater strategy is to build on our connected network of care to provide cancer patients in all of our counties with the access to exceptional cancer care when they need us most.”

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is home to a number of surgical cancer services and screening opportunities for the community and survivorship programs geared toward patients who are post-treatment and in remission, the release says.

For more information, visit AdventHealth.com, or Facebook.com/AdventHealth.

Published March 10, 2021

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