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The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Lutz since 1964 and Pasco since 1981.
Proud to be independently owned.

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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AdventHealth West Florida Division

Moffitt cancer center coming to Wesley Chapel

May 26, 2020 By Kathy Steele

Construction on a $44 million outpatient cancer treatment center in Wesley Chapel is nearing completion.

The three-story, approximately 100,000-square-foot medical building is expected to open on schedule in late fall.

A new Moffit cancer outpatient treatment center is under construction at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

The new center is part of the AdventHealth Wesley Chapel campus, at 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

A medical partnership between Moffitt Cancer Center and AdventHealth was announced last year, and construction on the outpatient center began in May 2019.

The new outpatient center will provide area cancer patients with up-to-date, cutting-edge medical and radiation oncology services.

There will be four operating rooms, 20 exam rooms, 22 infusion stations and two linear accelerators.

Cancer patients who are in remission or are post-treatment will have access to screenings and survivorship programs.

“The goal is to stop people from driving so far and bring treatment to where they live,” said Ashley Jeffery, AdventHealth’s manager of corporate communications for the West Florida Division.

Moffit Cancer Center, in Tampa, is recognized as a top-tier cancer hospital. It is one of only 50 with a designation from the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

AdventHealth, formerly Florida Hospital, is a faith-based, nonprofit hospital with several locations in Pasco County.

In a news release announcing the partnership with Moffitt, Mike Schultz, president and chief operating officer of AdventHealth West Florida Division, said, “Our partnership allows us to strengthen our network of care by expanding the type of health care services we can provide to our communities and gives cancer patients greater access to the country’s leading-edge research, clinical trials and cancer treatments at Moffitt.”

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, which opened on Oct. 1, 2012, wasn’t even three years old when it announced a $78 million expansion, which included additional emergency rooms, inpatient rooms, surgical suites and related surgical services, Heart Catheterization Lab, recovery/observation rooms and shelled space for future growth.

The hospital also added Inspiration Place in 2018, which is a women’s center in an adjacent building on its campus.

Published May 27, 2020

Filed Under: Health, Local News, Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News Tagged With: AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, AdventHealth West Florida Division, Ashley Jeffrey, Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Florida Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, National Cancer Institute, Wesley Chapel

AdventHealth cites problems with lab; issues apology

May 19, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

AdventHealth had been providing free testing for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) at locations in its West Florida Division but discontinued it because of issues with a third-party lab, according to a news release from AdventHealth.

“To meet the unprecedented demand for COVID-19 testing, we rely on nationally accredited third-party labs to assist us. Unfortunately, one of these labs processing a significant number of our public tests has been unable to fulfill its obligation,” the health care provider said, in the release.

“AdventHealth has terminated its contract with this lab, and we share in the disappointment and frustration this situation has created. We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience and uncertainty it has caused.

“This issue impacts more than 8,000 people throughout AdventHealth West Florida Division. “This situation has created unacceptable delays, and we do not have confidence in the reliability of the tests. We are working diligently to notify and appropriately accommodate those who are impacted. They will be receiving a letter from us and may also receive a phone call.

The individuals fall into two categories:

  • Those whose samples were processed, and whose results provided by the lab are not deemed reliable.
  • Those whose samples are at the lab in question and are part of the backlog will not be tested; therefore, no result will be available.

AdventHealth has directed the lab to destroy those samples, in accordance with the law, the release says.

In the case of unreliable results, there were individuals with unreliable positive results, that will require retesting, AdventHealth says.

Also, Individuals with unreliable negative results who are symptomatic need to seek care and may require retesting.

Also, individuals with unreliable negative results who are asymptomatic but request to be retested will be offered testing pending availability, the health care provider adds.

Mike Schulz, president and CEO of AdventHealth West Florida, addressed the issue in a statement:  “It has been a privilege to serve our community during these unprecedented times, and we remain committed to our promise to keep you safe and provide the best care possible.

“We are taking ownership of these issues and are reaching out to the thousands of those who were impacted to help make it easy for them to understand the next step in their care,” he said.

Published May 20, 2020

Filed Under: Health, Local News Tagged With: AdventHealth, AdventHealth West Florida Division, COVID testing, COVID-19, Mike Schulz

AdventHealth Center Ice is site for free COVID-19 testing

May 5, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

UPDATE: AdventHealth has discontinued testing at this site.

AdventHealth is offering free coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing at AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

It began on April 29, and will be offered each weekday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for 30 days.

A doctor’s order is not required, but  AdventHealth is encouraging pre-registration at AdventHealthCoronavirusTesting.com or (866) 694-5503 prior to arrival, according to an AdventHealth news release.

There are no out-of-pocket costs for the test, regardless of insurance status. AdventHealth will cover the cost of those who are uninsured, the release says.

The test consists of coughing and spitting into a cup, the release adds.

“Expanding testing is an important and necessary step to help flatten the curve and keep our community safe,” Mike Schultz, president and CEO of AdventHealth West Florida Division, said in the release. “We are investing in these testing sites in strategic community locations to make it convenient and affordable for as many people as possible.”

“Additional testing for COVID-19 is an important part of the plan to reopen our community,”  Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, added in the news release. “AdventHealth has always been a good community partner, and I appreciate them working closely with Pasco County and the Florida Department of Health on this drive-through COVID-19 testing site for our citizens.”

Anyone who pre-registers will be assigned a designated appointment time. First responders and health care workers who show proper workplace identification will have a designated lane at the test site to shorten wait times for those groups. Test results are available in approximately two days to three days, and will be delivered through the AdventHealth app and the AdventHealth website.

Anyone who is tested will receive a call from an AdventHealth physician or nurse practitioner with their results and any next steps in care, if necessary.

Published May 06, 2020

Filed Under: Health, Local News Tagged With: AdventHealth Center Ice, AdventHealth West Florida Division, coronavirus testing site, COVID-19, Cypress Ridge Boulevard, Mike Moore, Mike Schultz, Wesley Chapel

Hospital visitation limited, elective surgeries canceled

March 24, 2020 By B.C. Manion

Hospitals across the region are limiting visitors and canceling elective surgeries, as they ramp up preparations to treat increasing cases of people infected by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

As of 11 a.m. on March 23, The Florida Department of Health reported 1,096 confirmed cases of Florida residents and 75 cases of non-Florida residents, for a total of 1,171.

Of those, 73 involved Hillsborough cases and 13 cases in Pasco.

Statewide, there have been 14 deaths.

In response to the evolving threat, BayCare Health System, AdventHealth West Florida Division, and HCA Healthcare West Florida have announced changes in their visitation policies.

BayCare Health System said its changes would take effect on March 21.

“Only in certain, specific instances, will visitors be allowed into facilities,” according to a BayCare news release, issued on March 20.

“We regret this is necessary, but for the protection of our patients, team members, physicians and our community, it is imperative that we limit the number of people in our facilities,” said Dr. Nishant Anand, chief medical officer for BayCare Health System.

“The few visitors who will be allowed into hospitals will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, the disease resulting from novel coronavirus. Those who are deemed a risk will be restricted from entering the facility and may be referred to an Emergency Department.”

Visitors may still be allowed, if approved by the hospital administrator on duty, in these circumstances:

  • Inpatient: Labor and delivery, postpartum, pediatrics and Neonatal Intensive Care
  • End of life situations
  • Behavioral Health Unit
  • Emergency Room: Waiting room only
  • Outpatient procedures: Waiting room only when accompanying a patient receiving sedation

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz and Morton B. Plant North Bay in New Port Richey are BayCare hospitals within or near The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

AdventHealth hospitals in and near The Laker/Lutz coverage area are AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills.

“This is an unprecedented time in health care, and our priority is to keep our patients, team members and ultimately our greater community safe, while we continue to treat those who need our care,” Mike Schultz, president and CEO, of AdventHealth West Florida Division, said in a news release.

Hospitals across the region are limiting visitors. To be sure you have the latest information, check the website.

Before allowing a visitor to enter, according to a news release, HCA Healthcare West Florida said its staff will be asking these questions:

  • Have you had a fever and signs/symptoms of respiratory illness (cough, flu-like symptoms or shortness of breath)?
  • Have you traveled outside the country within the last 14 days (including a cruise)?
  • Have you been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 without wearing the proper protective equipment?
  • Are you currently being tested for COVID-19?

If a potential visitor answers yes to any question, he or she will not be allowed to enter the facility, except to seek emergency medical assistance.

Medical Center of Trinity and Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point are both HCA Healthcare West Florida hospitals.

On another front, hospitals are holding off on elective surgeries, as per an order by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

AdventHealth West Florida Division announced in a March 20 news release, that it will immediately:

  • Postpone all inpatient surgeries that are not time-sensitive
  • Postpone outpatient surgeries that are not time-sensitive
  • Postpone all outpatient procedures in diagnostic centers that are not time-sensitive

“AdventHealth will provide surgery only to patients whose needs are imminently life-threatening, with malignance that could progress, or with active symptoms that require urgent and immediate care” the release says. “This decision allows us to further plan for the increased need for hospital beds, resources, and advocate for patient and team safety.”

Similar policies are in effect at other hospitals in the region.

Also, efforts continue to expand testing for COVID-19.

BayCare Health System, which initially operated seven testing sites, announced it had screened more than 6,100 people and collected specimens for testing from nearly 3,500 during five days of testing.

The hospital chain recently announced that on March 23 it would be consolidating its COVID-19 test collection sites to high volume locations and to provide geographic access.

It now is operating its testing sites at one location each in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties.

The Hillsborough location is at BayCare Urgent Care, 3440 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 100, in Tampa. The Pasco location is at BayCare Urgent Care, 4821 U.S. 19, in New Port Richey.

BayCare is concentrating on using its limited test supplies to identify patients who have the virus. Patients should be referred by a physician and should have current symptoms — cough, fever, shortness of breath — and meet other criteria recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, according to a BayCare news release.

Patients should bring documentation from a physician that they have been referred for testing.

Tips for helping to prevent COVID-19:

  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Keep frequently touched surfaces and objects clean.

Source: Florida Department of Health

Published March 25, 2020

Filed Under: Health, Local News Tagged With: AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, AdventHealth West Florida Division, AdventHealth Zephyrhills, BayCare Health System, BayCare Urgent Care, Centers for Disease Control, COVID-19, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Florida Department of Health, HCA Healthcare West Florida, Medical Center of Trinity, Mike Schultz, Morton B. Plant North Bay, Nishant Anand, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Ron DeSantis, St. Joseph's Hospital-North, U.S. 19

Flu virus spreads in Pasco

February 12, 2020 By Brian Fernandes

Key indicators that track flu activity remain high nationally, and, after falling during the first two weeks of the year, it increased over the last three weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. John Morrison, a family physician at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, often educates others about the flu virus and about different ways it can be spread. (Courtesy of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel)

Indicators that track overall severity — including hospitalizations and deaths — are not high at this point in the season, the CDC reports.

Statewide, there were 11 new outbreaks during the week ending Jan. 25, according to the Florida Department of Health. In Pasco County, there were at least five new outbreaks, the agency reported.

During the same week, Florida had seen its highest level of observed infections, in the season this far, the agency added.

The CDC reports that people who are more susceptible to the virus are those age 65 and older, children younger than age 5, and pregnant women.

In Pasco County, the public school district reported there have been outbreaks at six county schools since October.

And, as of Feb. 5, seven influenza-related deaths among children have been reported across Florida, according to the state department of health. All of those deaths involved children who had not been vaccinated, the agency adds.

“The AdventHealth West Florida Division is seeing flu numbers more than twice as high, compared to the same time last year,” said Ashley Jeffery of AdventHealth.

Dr. John Morrison, who practices family medicine at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, said getting a flu shot is the best form of protection against the virus.

While there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of getting the flu, vaccination is the best method, says Dr. John Morrison of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

He also offered these preventative tips:

  • Hand-washing
  • Sanitizing surfaces before contact
  • Avoiding close contact with those known to be infected
  • Adequate rest
  • Adequate hydration
  • A healthy diet

“Eating a well-rounded diet can certainly help,” Morrison said. “Fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C and zinc can certainly play a role in the immune system.”

On average, 8% of the U.S. population gets sick from the virus each year, according to the CDC.

Be on the lookout for these symptoms of the flu: Coughing, a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue and/or diarrhea.

Sources for vaccinations can include local pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and schools.

For more information on the flu virus, visit CDC.gov/Flu/.

Published February 12, 2020

Filed Under: Health, Local News Tagged With: AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, AdventHealth West Florida Division, Ashley Jeffery, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Florida Department of Health, flu, John Morrison

Area prepares for flooding, wind

August 30, 2019 By B.C. Manion

With Hurricane Dorian bearing down on Florida, the state is bracing itself for impact.

Gov. Ron DeSantis also declared a State of Emergency in the state’s 67 counties, and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody activated the state’s Price Gouging Hotline.

Both Hillsborough and Pasco counties have declared a state of emergency.

In an advisory issued at 11 a.m., Aug. 30 from the National Hurricane Center, “life-threatening storm surge and devastating hurricane-force winds are likely along portions of the Florida east coast by early next week, but it is too soon to determine where the highest storm surge and winds will occur. Residents should have their hurricane plan in place, know if they are in a hurricane evacuation zone, and listen to advice given by local emergency officials.”

Pasco County didn’t feel the full fury of Hurricane Irma’s wrath, but some other communities were less fortunate. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council)

The advisory continues, “a prolonged period of storm surge, high winds and rainfall is

likely in portions of Florida into next week, including the possibility of hurricane-force winds over inland portions of the Florida peninsula.”

Dorian could strengthen to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Florida.

The Pasco County Commission last week declared a local state of emergency, which allows County Administrator Dan Biles and Emergency Management Director Andy Fossa the ability to waive everyday procedures, and do whatever they feel is necessary to ensure public health and safety.

The declaration allows Biles and Fossa the freedom to order evacuations, perform public work, make emergency purchases, rent equipment, hire workers, use volunteers, and so on.

The Local State of Emergency remains in effect for seven days, or until Biles rescinds it, if it is no longer needed.

To help residents prepare for potential flooding, Pasco County opened several sandbag locations, which included Land O’ Lakes Recreational Complex, in Land O’ Lakes; Pasco County Public Works (C-Barn) in San Antonio; Wesley Chapel District Park in Wesley Chapel; and, Old Dade City Police Station, in Dade City.

The City of Zephyrhills also opened a sandbag location at Fire Station 2 in Zephyrhills.

In an abundance of caution, the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce cancelled its monthly business breakfast scheduled for Sept. 3.

Hurricanes can easily topple and down trees, which can cause major damage. (File)

It also sent its members links to information that could help them prepare for Hurricane Dorian.

Saint Leo University planned to close on Sept. 1 and to remain closed through Sept. 3, at its main campus and several other locations. Students, faculty, and staff were advised to check the Saint Leo University website at SaintLeo.edu for updates, especially concerning classes on Wednesday.

All Rasmussen College campuses in Florida also were scheduled to close Sept. 1 and remain closed until at least Sept. 3, to give students, faculty and staff time to prepare for weather conditions, and to ensure they are safe.

Pasco County Schools’ Place child care and Beyond-the-Bell programs will be closed Sept. 3.

The Pasco County School Board meeting has been postponed from Sept. 3 until Sept. 10.

AdventHealth West Florida Division leaders also have activated emergency management teams to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Hurricane protocols include team staffing procedures, adequate water supply and backup generator power checks, according to a news release.

As always, emergency officials encouraged residents to take steps to prepare for potential impacts.

The Laker/Lutz News publishes information at the beginning of each hurricane season to help our readers prepare for a possible hurricane, and information intended to help deal with the aftermath of any damage.

Those tips, along with information gleaned from additional sources, is presented here.

Before a hurricane hits

Protect your property:

  • Trim trees and shrubs.
  • Clear out clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Put away outdoor furniture, windchimes, garbage cans, decorations, potted plants and other items that could become projectiles in high winds.
  • If you have a boat, secure it.
  • Cover windows with hurricane shutters or pre-cut plywood.

Protect yourself

  • Assemble an emergency kit: Be sure it has enough food and water to last up to seven days, according to the latest advice from experts.
  • The foods should be nonperishables that are easy to store and prepare, including dried fruit, canned pastas, soups, canned tuna, peanut butter and jelly, crackers, raisins, beef jerky. Be sure to include a can opener in your kit. (See our What’s Cookin’ column on page 5A for food safety advice).
  • The rule of thumb is to have 1 gallon of water per day for each person, for drinking and sanitation
  • Don forget baby formula and baby food
  • Stock up on disposable cups, plates and utensils
  • Sanitation supplies
  • Medications
  • First aid kit
  • A whistle to signal for help
  • A hand-cranked radio, or battery-powered radio with extra batteries
  • Moist towelettes for sanitation
  • Garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
  • Be sure to have an emergency kit for your pets, too. It should include sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or a carrier; pet food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter, a litter pan; pet health records, current photos of your pets, in case they get lost; pet beds and toys.

Shelter

  • A sleeping back for each family member
  • Duct tape and heavyweight garbage bags or plastic sheeting (for shelter-in-place)
  • A wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Flashlights
  • Generator: Be sure to follow directions. These can kill, if used improperly.

Protect important documents

  • Keep in waterproof container on a shelf. Carry with you, if you evacuate.
  • Documents should include bank account records, marriage certificates or divorce decrees, driver’s license, Social Security card, passport, titles, deeds, income tax information, trusts, wills and birth certificates.

Prepare to stay, or go

  • If you live in an evacuation area, be prepared to leave. In Pasco County, mobile home residents must evacuate, no matter where they live, if the county issues an evacuation order.
  • Those living in a mandatory evacuation zone should prepare an evacuation plan that includes transportation routes and destinations, and considers all family members and pets.
  • If you plan to shelter in place, notify out-of-area contacts of your decision to stay. Be sure you have assembled your emergency kit and have a safe place to stay in your home.
  • If staying at home, fill up bathtubs or buckets with water to use for cleaning and toilet flushing.
  • Keep your gas tank three-quarters full at all times.
  • Have cash on hand.
  • Stay informed. Listen to an NOAA weather radio, or regularly check local forecasts and news reports.
  • Close all interior doors. Secure and brace exterior doors. Take refuge in a small interior closet, or hallway on the lowest level. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
  • Stay away from windows and glass doors.

After the hurricane passes

  • Stay aware of threats from flooding and tornadoes.
  • Do not drive into water when you can’t see the bottom of the road.
  • Do not walk in standing water; it may contain contaminants, it might be deeper than it looks; it may have a strong undercurrent; or, it may be electrically charged with a downed wire.
  • Be careful about the foods you eat. If the power is out, your food may be spoiled.
  • Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning: Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, tents, garage, vehicle or fireplace. Do not use gas-powered generators indoors or in a garage.

If you have damage

  • Call an agent.
  • Take photos of the damage.
  • Make emergency repairs to avoid more damage, and keep receipts for tarps, lumber, etc.
  • Keep alert to potential scams.
  • Special needs sheltersThe Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough, Pasco and other Tampa Bay area counties is reminding medically dependent people to be prepared for severe weather emergencies.Special Needs Shelters are available for residents who meet specific criteria and should be used as a place of last refuge, according to the health department.

    Online registrations for the shelters stops about 48 hours before impact. Those who have not registered, but believe they should go, should monitor local media to find out which ones are open and are closest to them.

    Registration is preferred, but not required in an emergency.

    There has been some confusion about registration. Many people are under the impression that once they have registered, they are automatically reserved a bed when severe weather is coming. But, that is not correct, according to the health department.

    Residents need to know:

    • There is no guarantee of a reservation at a special needs shelter.
    • If someone is in an evacuation area and has registered, they will be contacted to confirm they are reporting to the special needs shelter.
    • If needed, upon request, Emergency Management will coordinate transportation to the shelter.
    • If they have a caregiver, the caregiver must accompany them and remain with them at the shelter.

    Who qualifies?

    Generally, those who may qualify include those who are oxygen dependent; those who need electricity for the medical equipment; those who have conditions that do not qualify for admission to the hospital, but exceed the capability of a general population shelter.

    To register online, go to:

    • Hillsborough: HCFLGov.net/specialneedsshelter
    • Pasco: bit.ly/RegisterPascoSpNS

Tips for businesses:

Before the storm

  • Be sure you have an evacuation plan, with escape routes.
  • Have an emergency communication plan, which includes: A staff text message/email; a method for reaching employees after hours; and, a single point of contact. Be sure to monitor the news, so you are up to date on the latest information.

After the storm:

  • Account for all employees.
  • Gather accurate information about damage. Conduct a full evaluation of infrastructure and coordinate next steps to get doors open.
  • Communicate with all parties involved.
  • Establish a safe place — which may be at your home or in another location — for you to resume your business as quickly as possible.
  • Use social media to keep customers aware of the status of your business. Have you reopened? Do you know when you will? Also, if possible, put a sign on the door of your business conveying the same type of information.
  • Contact your insurance company.
  • Take photographs of damaged assets.
  • Leave damaged property where it is, until the adjuster has made an official report.
  • Accompany the adjuster to point out damage during the inspection.
  • Make only repairs necessary to prevent further damage. Be aware that unauthorized repairs might not be covered.
  • Use care in selecting contractors. Hire only licensed contractors, who secure the appropriate building permits. (Watch for red flags, such as upfront cash only; contractors using leftover materials; incomplete contact information.)
  • If proposed insurance settlement seems unfair, contact the Florida Department of Insurance Regulation at FLOIR.com.

Source: Brian Ellis, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council

Pasco Shelters, tiered activation
Tier 1:
Fasano Regional, Wiregrass High, Wesley Chapel High, Centennial Middle, Fivay High

Tier 2: River Ridge Middle/High, Weightman Middle, Stewart Middle, Sunlake High, Cypress Creek Middle High

Tier 3: Mitchell High, Odessa Elementary, Veterans Elementary, Oakstead Elementary, Pasco Middle, New River Middle, Bexley Elementary

Tier 4: Double Branch Elementary, Seven Oaks Elementary, Sanders Memorial Elementary, Connerton Elementary, Trinity Oaks Elementary, Schrader Elementary, Longleaf Elementary

Tier 5: Trinity Elementary, Chasco Elementary, Lacoochee Elementary, Denham Oaks Elementary, Watergrass Elementary, Pine View Elementary

Published September 4, 2019

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: AdventHealth West Florida Division, Andy Fossa, Ashley Moody, City of Zephyrhills, Dan Biles, Emergency Management, Florida Department of Health, Hurricane Dorian, Land O' Lakes Recreation Complex, National Hurricane Center, NOAA, North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, Old Dade City Police Station, Pasco County Commission, Pasco County shelters, Price Gouging Hotline, Public Works, Rasmussen College, Ron DeSantis, Saint Leo University, Special Needs Shelters, Wesley Chapel District Park

Moffitt Cancer to open Wesley Chapel treatment center

May 29, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Moffitt Cancer Center and AdventHealth have announced they are working together to open an outpatient cancer center on the campus of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, located next to the hospital on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. The outpatient center is expected to open in the fall of 2020.

Rendering of Moffitt Cancer’s planned treatment facility in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

“We strive to provide world-class cancer care close to where people live and work,” said Alan F. List, MD, president and chief executive officer of Moffitt Cancer Center. “Expanding Moffitt’s brand of oncology care, treatment and research in Pasco County helps us accomplish this goal. Moffitt also is responding to the growing incidence of cancer in Florida, as the state’s population continues to grow and age.”

The new Moffitt outpatient center at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel will provide medical and radiation oncology service. It is being designed to accommodate 20 exam rooms, 22 infusion stations and two linear accelerators. Cancer screenings and survivorship programs geared toward patients who are post-treatment and in remission will also be available.

“This is just the beginning of our partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center and our joint commitment to finding new ways to bring innovative cancer care to the Pasco community,”  said Mike Schultz, president and chief executive officer of AdventHealth West Florida Division.

“Our partnership allows us to strengthen our network of care by expanding the type of health care services we can provide to our communities, and gives cancer patients greater access to the country’s leading-edge research, clinical trials and cancer treatments at Moffitt,” he said.

Moffitt Cancer Center is a Tampa-based facility and is one of only 50 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education.

AdventHealth is a faith-based, nonprofit health care system that uses leading edge technology and innovation to deliver its brand of whole-person care. Pasco facilities include AdventHealth Connerton, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Central Pasco ER.

Published  May 29, 2019

Filed Under: Health, Local News, Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News Tagged With: AdventHealth Central Pasco ER, AdventHealth Connerton, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, AdventHealth West Florida Division, Alan List, Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Moffitt Cancer Center

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The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer these upcoming story times: Jan. 20, for birth to age 5: Participants can tune in anytime between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., at Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/newriverlibrary, to hear “Private I. Guana.” For information, call 352-567-3576, or email Danielle Lee at . Jan. 21 at 10 a.m.: “Virtual Baby Time with Miss Cindy.” Visit Facebook.com/cplib. Jan. 21 at 10 a.m., for ages 2 to 5: “Virtual Story Time with Miss Jenn.” For information, call Amaris Papadopoulos at 727-861-3020. … [Read More...] about 01/20/2021 – Library story times

01/20/2021 – LOL Book Club

The LOL Book Club from the Land O’ Lakes Library will meet on Jan. 20 at 2:30 p.m., to discuss “Beartown” by Fredrik Backman. Register online for a Zoom link, which will be sent out via email a day ahead of the discussion. For information, call 813-929-1214. … [Read More...] about 01/20/2021 – LOL Book Club

01/20/2021 – Mouse bookmark

Learn to make a folded paper mouse bookmark on Jan. 20. Participants will use the art of origami to make the bookmark. Watch the instructional slide show, all day, on the South Holiday Library Facebook page. … [Read More...] about 01/20/2021 – Mouse bookmark

01/21/2021 – Gasparilla History

The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will host a virtual session entitled “The History of Gasparilla” on Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m., for teens and adults. Those that tune in can learn the legend of Jose Gaspar, intertwined with facts, fallacies and fantasy. The program will be presented by Carl Zielonka in partnership with the Tampa Bay History Center. Registration is through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org. … [Read More...] about 01/21/2021 – Gasparilla History

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“Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.”
~Martin Luther King Jr.

#MLKDay2021

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17 Jan

This week in SPORTS: All-Pasco County fall awards announced. https://buff.ly/3srDpyU

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16 Jan

State road projects will ease congestion. https://buff.ly/3oIP5eo

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Rioters breach U.S. Capitol building

Zephyrhills development yields roadway concerns

400 apartments proposed on Wesley Chapel Boulevard

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Pigz in Z’Hills festival postponed until April

COVID-19 vaccinations in high demand

Zephyrhills seeking state funding for four projects

Bridging Freedom is charity of the month

Pasco County approves $205,000 for work on comprehensive plan

State road projects will ease congestion

Street hockey rinks open in Wesley Chapel, Holiday

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