Bergmann family receives keys to Habitat home in Lealman
LEALMAN – Amanda Bergmann and her family received the keys to their new Habitat for Humanity home Oct. 23 following a collaborative effort involving the American Cancer Society.
The home was built through a partnership between Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
About 40 women leaders volunteered over two days in October to help construct the home.
“We were really blessed by some corporate partners who actually flew people in to come and do the build,” said Helen Wesley, executive chair of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Tampa Bay. “That was how meaningful this was as an opportunity for employee engagement.”
BayCare plans pilot program for robotic blood draws
CLEARWATER – BayCare plans to become the first health system in Florida to pilot Aletta, an FDA-approved robotic blood-draw device developed by Vitestro.
The 18- to 24-month pilot is expected to begin in late 2027 at BayCare’s Suncoast Medical Office Building and BayCare HealthHub in Bardmoor.
The technology uses real-time imaging to guide blood collection. Vitestro reports a 94.5% first-stick success rate.
Patients 21 and older will have the option of robotic or traditional blood draws, with a phlebotomist present to supervise the procedure.
BayCare will evaluate accuracy, patient satisfaction, employee feedback and operational performance to inform future decisions about the technology.
The devices are intended to supplement existing services and support phlebotomists at two of BayCare’s busiest laboratory patient service centers.
BayCare makes list for best workplaces for women
CLEARWATER – BayCare has been named to Fortune magazine’s 2026 Best Workplaces for Women list, marking the sixth time the health care system has received the recognition.
Women account for 77% of BayCare’s workforce and 74% of its leadership, according to President and CEO Stephanie Conners.
Great Place to Work determined the rankings through surveys of more than 640,000 women employed by certified companies nationwide.
BayCare also earned a place on Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Health Care list for the 10th consecutive year.
Other 2026 honors include recognition from USA Today, the Tampa Bay Times and PEOPLE magazine.
Breast cancer survivor emphasizes importance of early detection
DAVENPORT – Gayla Gaudet, an 85-year-old retired neonatal nurse practitioner, is encouraging women to seek medical guidance after discovering a breast lump that led to a cancer diagnosis.
Gaudet initially hesitated to undergo a biopsy because she feared the procedure would cause the cancer to spread.
Dr. Paul Williams, a breast surgical oncologist with AdventHealth in Davenport, explained her options and helped address her concerns.
Gaudet said he helped her understand that a biopsy is an important part of diagnosing breast cancer and determining the appropriate treatment.
After surgery, Gaudet continued treatment with radiation therapy near her home.
“It’s important for women to perform regular self-checks and to follow their health care provider’s advice about when to schedule an annual mammogram,” Williams said. “If you notice a new lump, skin change or other unusual symptom, don’t wait to seek medical guidance.”
VA plans replacement Sarasota clinic
SARASOTA – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a lease for a replacement Sarasota VA Clinic at 2390 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.
The two-story, 109,688-square-foot clinic will offer expanded primary care, mental health services, audiology, optometry, dental care and telehealth.
The new clinic will replace the existing Sarasota location, less than 12 miles away, and is projected to serve more than 120,000 veterans annually.
The clinic will also support the VA’s Patient Aligned Care Team model, emphasizing coordinated, patient-centered care.
Cullinan JV LLC, a partnership between Cullinan Properties and Construction Managers Inc., will serve as the lessor.
The project entered the design phase in October. Construction is expected to begin in late 2027.
Hillsborough County seniors compete in Tournament of Champions
TAMPA – Hillsborough County Aging Services is hosting its annual Tournament of Champions, featuring four competitions for members of county senior centers and Dining & Activity Centers.
The remaining tournaments begin at 10 a.m. on the following dates:
Nov. 5: Rummikub at Brandon Senior Center, 612 N. Parsons Ave.
Nov. 10: Billiards at Oaks Senior Center, 101 E. Kirby St., Tampa.
Nov. 18: Chess at Lutz Senior Center, 112 First Ave. NW, Lutz.
The tournament opened Oct. 30 with dominoes at Town ’N Country Senior Center.
The competitions encourage older adults to remain mentally active and socially connected.
Hillsborough County operates seven senior centers and 14 Dining & Activity Centers.
On the web: HCFL.gov/Aging
