Race car driver reunited with people who saved his life
SEBRING – Porsche GT3 Cup driver Scott Vanacore is crediting first responders and AdventHealth Sebring staff with saving his life after suffering a heart attack at Sebring International Raceway.
Vanacore was rushed to the hospital after experiencing chest pain, where his condition worsened and his heart stopped multiple times before being stabilized. Paramedics urged him on.
“I remember getting light-headed and I remember starting to fade away and I remember them saying ‘Scott, stay with us. Stay with us.’ and ‘Scott, you need to fight. You need to fight for your life,” Vanacore said.
Doctors performed emergency procedures and placed stents to stabilize him.
“The care I got, the professionalism was amazing, and I say that with all my heart,” Vanacore said.
Vanacore later reunited with his care team and now hopes to return to racing.
AdventHealth Polk Foundation launches pickleball tourney
DAVENPORT – Registration is open for the inaugural AdventHealth Polk Foundation Paddles for a Purpose Pickleball Classic, set for April 10 at The Courts of Gary and Dr. Naomi Boyer in Polk City.
The event will raise money for 3D mammography equipment at AdventHealth Heart of Florida, expanding access to breast cancer screening.
“This event is about coming together as a community to make a real difference in the lives of those who call this area home,” Executive Director Leigh Ann Wynn said.
The tournament will feature doubles play with divisions based on skill level, along with a “Play with a Pro” session following competition.
Proceeds will support early detection efforts in Polk County.
BayCare opens urgent care in Plant City
CLEARWATER – BayCare has opened a new urgent care center in Plant City, expanding access to non-emergency and occupational health services.
BayCare Urgent Care will treat adults and children ages 6 months and older in the Ed and Myrtle Lou Swindle Medical Arts Center, 1601 W. Timberlane Drive.
“Urgent care plays a vital role in meeting growing community demand for timely, convenient care,” said C. Todd Jones, BayCare’s chief strategy officer and chief ambulatory services officer.
The facility will provide treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, physicals and occupational health services. It will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends.
This marks BayCare’s first urgent care location in Plant City.
Dyachim named VP of mission, ethics
CLEARWATER – Dr. Jojo Dyachim has been named vice president of mission and ethics for BayCare Health System.
He previously served as director of the department and will succeed Colleen Walters, who is retiring in April.
Dyachim joined BayCare in 2017 as a chaplain at St. Joseph’s Hospital and later served as spiritual care manager at St. Anthony’s Hospital before becoming systemwide director of missions and ethics in 2023.
“I am excited to advance our mission and ethics services, keeping us grounded in our mission as BayCare continues to grow and evolve, as well as promoting the moral agency of our clinicians and team members, upholding high ethical standards across the continuum of care, and fostering the conditions for human flourishing for the communities we are privileged to serve,” Dyachim said.
VanMeter appoints executive director of Bay Pines VA
BAY PINES – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has appointed David J. VanMeter as executive director of the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System.
The system serves about 111,000 veterans annually and includes nine sites of care and more than 5,100 employees.
“His proven leadership qualities and experience will be an asset for the facility, the employees and volunteers, and most importantly, for the veterans we are honored to serve,” said David Dunning, acting VISN 8 director.
VanMeter previously served as deputy medical center director at the Tampa VA Healthcare System and has more than 20 years of experience with the VA.
Get answers on Medicare
ST. PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas.
Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.
They’ll answer questions at the following programs:
- Medicare Basics: April 2, 10 a.m. at New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
- Medicare Financial Assistance: April 9, 10 a.m. at Genesis Center, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills. 813-782-7859
- Medicare Basics: April 16, 10:30 a.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
- Medicare Basics: April 18, 10 a.m. at Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
- Medicare Basics: April 23, 10:30 a.m. at Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576
SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.
