Pasco Extension kicks off wellness program
PASCO COUNTY – UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County is now offering Let’s Walk Florida, a six-week online program designed to improve your health through physical activity.
Walk or exercise anywhere you choose, while tracking your progress for accountability and support through a virtual community.
Walking reduces the risk of heart disease and some cancers, improves blood pressure, blood sugar levels, energy, mood and more. Everyone is welcome to participate in the program aimed at promoting physical wellness among Floridians.
The program spans from Sept. 29 to Nov. 12. Register by Sept. 29 at mypas.co/LetsWalkFlorida2025
Choose from health and maintenance tracks within the program, including optional Wednesday check-ins with dietitians and personal trainers, while pursuing goals on your own time.
Program registration costs $10. All ages are welcome. Team up with friends, register solo or ask to be matched with a group. Then get ready to compete for prizes and connect with others in the community.
Pasco County opens Dade City Senior Center
DADE CITY – Pasco County Senior Services has opened the new Dade City Senior Center.
“We love our senior community,” said Brian Hoben, community services director. “The new look and location opens the door for our seniors looking for a convenient place to engage with others in food, fun and fellowship.”
The Dade City Senior Center operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 13900 4th St., Dade City. It replaces the 15th Street location in Dade City.
Adults 60 and older can register for activities and a free weekday meal by calling 352-521-5151.
The center offers several activities, including arts and crafts, bingo, birthday celebrations, games, holiday celebrations, karaoke, live entertainment and volunteering.
On the web: mypas.co/SeniorServices.
Hospital offers breastfeeding, newborn support
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers free in-person support groups and classes during October about breastfeeding and newborn care.
The events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your baby. All events are held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms, 4211 Van Dyke Road.
- Breastfeeding Support Group: For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt, etc.) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered Thursdays, Oct. 9 and 23, 10 to 11 a.m.
- Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and one support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. Offered Thursday, Oct. 9, 1 to 5 p.m.
- Understanding Breastfeeding: Provides information to the expectant mother and her 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 Thursday, Oct. 23, 1 to 5 p.m.
BayCare makes workplace ranking
CLEARWATER – Great Place To Work and Fortune magazine have selected BayCare Health System for the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces in Health Care list, ranking No. 22 in the large category.
This marks BayCare’s ninth consecutive year earning a spot on the national list.
“To be named one of the best workplaces in the health care industry for nine straight years is not only an incredible honor, but a powerful validation of our people-first approach to health care,” said Stephanie Conners, BayCare president and CEO. “I’m so proud of our team members for making BayCare the best place to work, receive and provide care.”
Great Place To Work determines its lists using its proprietary Trust Index Survey to evaluate and certify thousands of organizations.
AdventHealth hospital earns Best Hospitals Award
DAVENPORT – AdventHealth Heart of Florida in Davenport has been named among U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals edition as a High Performing hospital for Knee Replacement.
This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings. It is the second year in a row that AdventHealth Heart of Florida earned this award.
“This distinction reflects the dedication of our entire care teams and their commitment to delivering exceptional orthopedic care and ensuring our patients receive the highest quality outcomes to help live pain-free, active lives,” said Dr. Angela Alfaro, interim chief medical officer.
BayCare building emergency care facility
CLEARWATER – BayCare is expanding access to its emergency care with plans to build a new freestanding emergency department in Davenport.
The 12,000-square-foot facility at the southeast corner of U.S. 27 and Ridgewood Lakes Boulevard will house 15 spaces for treating patients.
In September 2024, BayCare announced plans for a freestanding emergency department in partnership with Metro Development Group’s master-planned Connected City community in Wesley Chapel, followed in December by plans for another location in South Lakeland. Last month, BayCare also unveiled plans for a facility in Valrico.
“At a freestanding emergency department, we can often see patients within just a few minutes of their arrival,” said Todd Jones, BayCare’s chief strategy officer and chief ambulatory services officer. “We know that patients are seeking out that level of convenience and efficiency for their care.”
The Davenport freestanding emergency department will have its primary affiliation with Winter Haven Hospital.
Construction of the freestanding emergency department in Davenport is slated to begin in 2026.
Bill seeks to reauthorize transplant programs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) was part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce legislation to reauthorize more than $280 million over five years for national cord blood and bone marrow transplant programs.
These initiatives provide lifesaving treatments for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other serious diseases. The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 5160) ensures two federally funded programs do not expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2026. Specifically, the bill would:
- Reauthorize the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program at $33 million annually for five years.
- Reauthorize the National Cord Blood Inventory at $23 million annually for five years.
“These programs represent our nation’s unwavering commitment to advancing life-saving medical research and providing hope to millions of Americans battling chronic and life-threatening illnesses,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “By reauthorizing this legislation, we ensure continued federal support and oversight for adult stem cell research conducted under the highest ethical and scientific standards.”
