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Tag: Melissa Eichman

  • New fire station under construction in Clearwater

    New fire station under construction in Clearwater

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Construction is coming along on Clearwater Fire and Rescue’s new station #47.

    What You Need To Know

    • A new fire station in Clearwater will be centrally located near Gulf to Bay Boulevard

    • The new building will be 11,000 square feet

    • The new station is expected to be fully operational May 2025


    “We’re really happy to be building this right off Hercules Avenue, just south of Gulf to Bay Boulevard, just north of Druid road,” said District Chief John Klinefelter.

    The new station is centrally located in an effort to better serve the local community.

    “It will better serve our response times. It puts more units kind of right here in the middle of the city, our specialized unit right here,” Klinefelter said of the four-bay station situated across the street from Clearwater High School.

    Rendering of what new Station #47 is expected to look like once completed. (Clearwater Fire and Rescue)

    “It’s an 11,000 square foot station. We’re going to house Engine 47 (and) Rescue 47. The squad is going to be moved here,” he said. “The one squad we have in the city is going to be moved here.”

    The new facility will also have individual dorm rooms.

    It’s all quite a change from the 50-year-old station being replaced that was at Highland Avenue and Lakeview Road.

    The new Station 47 is expected to be fully operational in May 2025.

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • FEMA begins post-Debby outreach in impacted communities

    FEMA begins post-Debby outreach in impacted communities

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    LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. — FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Crews went into Manatee County communities impacted by Hurricane Debby on Monday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Disaster Survivor Assistance crews with FEMA began to survey communities impacted by Hurricane Debby

    • FEMA specialists went door-to-door in the Summerfield Glades neighborhood, where some streets are still lined with debris and storm clean-up equipment

    • Monday, FEMA also opened a disaster recovery center in Sarasota


    FEMA specialists went door-to-door in the Summerfield Glades neighborhood, where some streets are still lined with debris and storm clean-up equipment.

    “I had two cars in the garage, we couldn’t get them out because the street was three to three and a half feet deep,” said Richard Myles who has lived in his home almost thirty years.

    He said about six inches of floodwater made in inside his home.

    “I had carpeting, all the carpeting is gone, I had laminate in the den, that’s all gone, the drywall sucked up all the moisture and we were able to get it open and get it out of here,” said Myles who still considers himself lucky. “I have flood insurance, so I’ve been in contact with FEMA there and the insurance company and they’ve already had an adjustor out here.”

    A few of his neighbors returned to flyers on their doors.

    FEMA officials say this type of outreach serves as a good reminder for residents who do need that help.

    “We catch people maybe in a cleanup mode and maybe they don’t realize that they needed to register for FEMA, so we make it easier for them, do it right on the spot then they’re in the system,” said Nate Custer, FEMA Spokesperson.

    From neighborhoods in rescue mode, and now recovery mode, FEMA knocks on more doors, letting families know how to respond to that damage.

    “It’s good to see somebody out doing something,” said Myles.

    Monday, FEMA opened a disaster recovery center in Sarasota at: 2923 Ashton Road.

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Florida Poly researcher wins federal grant to study Parkinson’s Disease

    Florida Poly researcher wins federal grant to study Parkinson’s Disease

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Research at Florida Polytechnic University is helping to better understand Parkinson’s Disease.

    What You Need To Know

    • Parkinson’s patients to exceed 1.2 million by 2030, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation

    • Research developed at Florida Polytechnic will help better understand movement dysfunction

    • The research is funded by a National Science Foundation grant

    • Patients to participate in study in second year of research


    The number of Parkinson’s patients is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. The organization describes the neurodegenerative disease as the second most common after Alzheimer’s.

    That’s why new research like what’s being developed at Florida Polytechnic University is so essential.

    “There’s not a clear-cut objective way to diagnose Parkinson’s disease,” said Dr. Chris Kelley, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Florida Polytechnic University. “If we can have a moment-type measurement that more distinguishes between healthy and Parkinsonian reaching, than that can help with diagnosis as well,”

    Kelley received a $200,000 National Science Foundation grant to develop the research. It aims to help improve the understanding of movement dysfunction using robotics, mapping and simulation.

    “It’s trying to apply control theory, which is sort of an engineering type of way to characterize how something is moving or controlled, to understand how the brain is controlling movement, especially in dysfunction, particularly Parkinson’s disease,” said Kelley.

    The effort will explore more than a diagnosis of the disorder.

    “It’s kind of using robotics controlled theory to map it in the simulations and then after that, we’ll be moving towards recruiting patients for initial studies using this type of robotic device where our simulations will predict they’ll move a certain way,” he said.

    Dr. Terry Parker, Florida Poly’s provost, praised Kelly’s work and dedication.

    “Dr. Kelley is an exceptionally talented professor whose research and instructional style inspire and engage students,” Parker said. “This NSF grant is very much deserved and Florida Poly is proud of his achievements and his bright future that lies ahead.”

    The hope is that a better understanding of that movement will also help improve treatment for Parkinson’s and rehabilitation. Kelley says patients will start participating in the research in about a year.

    According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, these are early signs:

    • Tremor
    • Small handwriting
    • Loss of smell
    • Trouble sleeping
    • Trouble moving or walking
    • Constipation
    • Soft or low voice
    • Masked face (angry, depressed on your face)
    • Dizziness or Fainting
    • Stooping/hunching over

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Homeless Empowerment Program helps families stock up for new school year

    Homeless Empowerment Program helps families stock up for new school year

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Homeless Empowerment Program is helping its families stock up for a new school year.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Homeless Empowerment Program’s Back to School Bash helps families in its shelter prepare for new year

    • About 70 children who reside at the HEP shelter selected new backpacks and filled them with school supplies

    • Other services at the bash included haircuts from SalonCentric and sports physicals from BayCare


    About 70 children who reside at HEP selected new backpacks and filled them with school supplies. The Back to School Bash provided families with everything from folders and notebooks to pencils and lunchboxes. The children even got to select their own items at a pop-up store full of socks and more.

    “It really helps out a lot, so I’m very grateful and blessed,” said Honor Edwards, who attended with her two children. “Me and my husband lost our jobs, we lost our condo, we lost cars, we lost everything, so we were homeless for five years.”

    Edwards says she’s grateful she connected with HEP and its programs, thankful her children are all set for the new school year.

    “It really helps out a lot, so I’m very grateful and blessed,” said Edwards.

    “We know that when kids go back to school without the supplies that they need, they’re already being set up for an educational disadvantage,” said Ashely Lowery, HEP President and CEO. “But it also sets them up for social issues and emotional issues as well, so we’re hoping just by giving them everything they need at the beginning of the year that they’ll be able to put their best food forward and start the year in a way that will set them up for success.”

    A National Retail Federation survey reports families will spend about $900 sending their kids back to school.

    “That’s a big number for any family and then when you start looking at low-income families and families that are living within homeless shelter systems that becomes even more of a burden,” said Lowery. “So, we’re very happy to be able to relieve that for the families that we serve through all of the partners that are donating goods and services today.”

    Services from those partners included haircuts from the SalonCentric salon on campus, sports physicals from BayCare and the pop-up store featuring Odd Sox socks.

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Team Coverage: Flooding at Largo complex, storm surge worries in Crystal River

    Team Coverage: Flooding at Largo complex, storm surge worries in Crystal River

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    LARGO, Fla. — Residents in the Bay area started their work week with flooded and closed roads, power outages and debris as Debby neared landfall in Florida.

    At Central Park Apartments in Largo, resident Matt Corvo described the morning scene.

    “It was raining pretty hard, we lost power early on for like four hours, and this whole street was flooded, about two, three feet of water at my street going into my apartment complex,” he said. “Had about four feet of water at the deepest.”


    In Crystal River, wary residents are keeping an eye out for storm surge as water pushed in toward U.S. 19. Driving rain covered roads but there was no report of damage as of Monday morning.

    However, law enforcement officials there are preparing for water rescues if needed.

    In Hillsborough County, crews continued their response to an 18-wheeler cab that submerged in Tampa Bypass Canal off I-75. The driver died, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay reported these rain totals Tuesday morning:

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Sun City Center 11.11 in, Ruskin 10.54 in, Riverview 9.02 in, Wimauma 8.56 in, Temple Terrace 8.32 in, Valrico 8.21 in, Apollo Beach 7.88 in, Wimauma 7.68 in, Valrico 7.62 in, Fort Lonesome 7.35 in, Thonotosassa 7.31 in, Valrico 7.26 in

    PINELLAS COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Pinellas Park 12.11 in, St Pete 10.34 in, Clearwater Beach 10.25 in, Palm Harbor 9.83 in, Tarpon Springs 9.54 in, Palm Harbor 9.49 in, Seminole 9.02 in, Clearwater 8.60 in, Largo 8.49 in, Oldsmar 8.27 in, Tarpon Springs 7.95 in Gulfport 7.89 in

    MANATEE CO RAINFALL TOTALS: Lakewood Ranch 16.56 in, Parrish 14.66 in, Sarasota Bradenton SRQ 12.43 in, Sarasota 12.38 in, Desoto Lakes 12.03 in, Oneco 11.90 in, Samoset 11.32 in, Palmetto 6.45 in

    POLK COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Auburndale 11.14 in, Gibsonia 7.50 in, Mulberry 7.06 in, Lakeland 6.61 in, Highland City 6.59 in, Mulberry 5.42 in, Bartow 3.98 in, Winter Haven 3.49 in

    PASCO COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Elfers 6.48 in, Port Richey 6.45 in, New Port Richey 6.44 in, Wesley Chapel 6.39 in, Dade City 16.78 in

    CITRUS COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Floral City 7.04 in, Crystal River 6.99 in, Hernando 6.93 in, Homosassa 5.75 in, Inverness 5.69 in

    HERNANDO COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Spring Hill 6.77 in, Weeki Wachee 6.41 in, Spring Hill 5.76 in, Brooksville 4.89 in, Royal Highlands 3.44 in, Brooksville 3.17 in

    Use the video link above for team coverage.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • USF St. Pete campus welcomes therapy K-9

    USF St. Pete campus welcomes therapy K-9

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — University of South Florida St. Petersburg has a new way to offer emotional support to students, staff and faculty.

    “Snowbird,” a facility therapy dog, was recently sworn in as the only comfort K-9 on campus.

    What You Need To Know

    • “Snowbird,” a facility therapy dog, was recently sworn in as the only comfort K-9 at USF St. Petersburg

    • Snowbird has been roaming the halls of USF St. Petersburg for two months so far, providing emotional support for students, staff and faculty

    • The campus hopes to provide additional therapy dogs in the future


    The two-year-old Golden Retriever Labrador mix will spend days crossing campus with his handler, UPD Officer Mark Lickenfelt.

    Lickenfelt says it comes at a time when mental health-related calls on campus have steadily increased over the years.

    Research released by The Healthy Minds Network also suggests 41% of college students suffer from depression symptoms.

    “He’s here to provide comfort and therapy to students, staff and faculty that are going through anxieties,” said Lickenfelt. “Such as stress, such as exams, life stressors, going through personal issues, as well as any type of just having a bad day.”

    Snowbird has been roaming the halls of USF St. Petersburg for two months so far and is already making an impression.

    “I love Snowbird. He’s so cute. He’s the bestest boy,” said freshman Tong Tavachara. “I was studying just now, and I saw his little head out the window and I just immediately just light up.”

    Other students echo benefits of the extra emotional support.

    “I feel that having snowbird is a great addition to our campus,” said David Nguyen, who serves as campus governor. “It provides our students a place to like to have their concerns and worries evaporate away. They’re just in that moment with Snowbird.”

    Snowbird is also requested for campus events, community outreach and provides emotional support for victim advocates and veterans.

    The campus hopes to provide additional therapy dogs in the future.

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • VA expanding access to health care as Florida sees increases in enrollees

    VA expanding access to health care as Florida sees increases in enrollees

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The Department of Veterans Affairs is working to expand health care for veterans as Florida sees one of the highest increases for enrollees.

    What You Need To Know

    • VA reports 30% increase in VA health care enrollees; Florida sees one of the highest increases
    • Sabal Park Clinic opened in in Hillsborough County
    • Another new VA clinic is expected to open in Polk County next month
    • Administrators say new clinics offer convenient, comprehensive care

    The Department of Veterans Affairs reports a 30% increase in vets enrolling for VA health care over the last year. Florida has one of the highest increases, with almost 33,000 new enrollees.

    In an effort to expand access to that care, the Department of Veterans Affairs is opening more health care clinics. Sabal Park Clinic opened in Hillsborough County in February. Associate Chief of Staff for Primary Care Dr. Brian Zilka says the clinic offers comprehensive services under one roof.

    “Having some of the extended team members, so: social work, pharmacy, nutrition and mental health care, we have consult rooms built in to see the patients right in the clinic,” said Zilka, who adds lab services will eventually be available, too.

    Eighty-eight-year-old Army veteran Willie Pinkston Sr. is a patient at the new Sabal Park Clinic. He and his wife, Sonja Pinkston, say convenience is key.

    “She’s got me in good shape so far,” said Willie Pinkston of his primary care provider.

    “It’s closer for us, it saves on the gas, it’s good,” said Sonja Pinkston.

    The Pinkstons add they rely on that convenient care in retirement.

    Zilka mentions that he is proud of the wait times.

    “We’re very proud of our ability to see patients well under twenty days for new patients in Tampa,” said Zilka.

    To expand even further, another new VA clinic is set to open in Polk County in July.

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • St. Petersburg couple participate in speech study for earlier ALS diagnosis

    St. Petersburg couple participate in speech study for earlier ALS diagnosis

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A patient-focused nonprofit organization is using artificial intelligence to help analyze audio and video recordings of patients with ALS and those without the neurological disorder, to advance diagnosis and prognosis of the disease.

    What You Need To Know

    • Everything ALS is conducting a speech study to help better diagnose and treat ALS
    • As part of the study, people with ALS and those without it are recorded speaking

    • Experts say they hope to use the analysis to help diagnose ALS earlier

    The goal of Everything ALS is to support people with ALS, from care to cure. Founder, Indu Navar lost her husband to ALS and now works to help bridge the gap between patients, research and technology.

    One of the organization’s current research projects is a speech study.

    “We are focusing on both prognostic markers, so we can actually bring good measurements during clinical trials, and also what we call diagnostic markers that can be used for early diagnosis,” Navar said.

    Paul and Martha Beach are enrolled in the study. Paul, a successful businessman and active weekend warrior, was diagnosed with ALS in 2019.

    “He was having a hard time buttoning his shirts and his ties, a little bit of difficulty writing and then felt clumsy,” Martha said of her husband’s early symptoms.

    As a participant in the study, Paul uses his own voice to record words and phrases at least once a month. The virtual study also records facial movements. 

    Martha, an advanced registered nurse practitioner in the area of neuroscience, also records her voice as part of the study to allow researchers to compare speech patterns of people with ALS and those without the disease. She says Paul developed symptoms with his speech over the last six months.

    “Initially, he had very little symptoms, as most people do, and the concern for us was how progressive, how rapid which people are unable to predict,” Martha said.

    Using an eye-generated assistive device to communicate, Paul said he hopes participating in the study will help change those predictions.

    “With the technology available now, precious time can be saved,” he said. “I want people to be able to be diagnosed earlier.”

    The couple is also concentrating on helping other families through that diagnosis, by launching the ALS International Foundation.

    “We are focused on care … the opportunity that we see is helping (patients) cope, psychological counseling and that ability to help everyone that’s been affected emotionally and psychologically,” Martha said.

    Paul is also writing a book to give his personal perspective on how words have mattered.

    “You can give someone hope or you can take it away from them very quickly in the way they say those words,” said Martha.

    The Beachs say they hope to get their message out in several ways to help raise awareness.

    “So much of our lives we take for granted,” said Paul. “Simple pleasures like a glass of wine or touching your lover’s face, I want everyone to relish these things.”

    He said they are sharing their personal journey to help empower those impacted by ALS.

    “He’s my hero,” Martha said. “He gives me strength.”

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Brandon resident prepares for hurricane season while rebuilding from another

    Brandon resident prepares for hurricane season while rebuilding from another

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    BRANDON, Fla. — While the Tampa Bay Area prepares for a new storm season, some residents are still recovering and rebuilding from disaster left behind from previous storms.

    Heading into storm season 20204, John Sims is still dealing with damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022.

    “We were sitting right in front of the windows when the tree came down,” said Sims, describing how he barely survived the storm that hit his Brandon home.


    “Living room ceiling came down, missed me by about a foot, so we’re lucky to be alive,” he added.

    Two days later, it turned into more than surviving the storm, Sims suffered a heart attack and was pushed through recovery while trying to rebuild.

    “It’s been a long ordeal trying to get all the permits and everything done through the insurance companies,” said Sims.

    President and CEO of TomCo Solutions, Tommy Whitehead is Sims’ licensed contractor. He said the damage done to Sims’ property was extensive.

    “Total rebuild all the way down to not even being able to save the concrete foundation,” he said.

    “It took five months to get a payout from the insurance company, five months after having a qualified engineer say that the house was not salvageable,” Whitehead added while urging area residents to make sure they’re prepared for this year’s hurricane season.

    “Review your insurance policies with your agent and make sure you have the proper coverages,” he said. “A lot of homes have increased in value and they haven’t increased their insurance policy, and so you don’t have enough insurance money to build back your home.”

    “Do you have your proper coverage to rebuild? You need to ask your insurance agent before every storm season, ‘Do I have the best coverage? Do I have the best contents coverage? Do I have ALE, that’s living expenses in case I can’t live in my house. And do I have any accessory structure coverage?’ if you have a shed, a fence or other things, it’s a whole other coverage level,” Whitehead said.

    He recommended the following maintenance tips to prepare for hurricane season:

    • Check for cracks in stucco
    • Touch up paint and caulk around windows
    • Make sure landscaping is pulled off or away from home
    • Have A licensed arborist check and/or trim any suspect trees

    Sims said it has been a long two years.

    “We’ve just been living in transition for so long, it’s very difficult,” said Sims, who said he was more than ready to settle back into his home this summer.

    In the meantime, he’s trying to focus on the positive and look forward to some of the new features of his home.

    “Now, we’ve got a big open kitchen and we both love to cook so open kitchen is a good thing,” Sims said.

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Polk County mother accused of beating 4-year-old child to death

    Polk County mother accused of beating 4-year-old child to death

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    DAVENPORT, Fla. — A Davenport woman was arrested after being accused of beating and killing her four-year-old adopted child, according to Polk County deputies on Wednesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Davenport woman was arrested after being accused of beating and killing her four-year-old adopted child, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd on Wednesday

    • Four-year-old Bryan Boyer died last week after undergoing emergency surgery

    • Medical examiners said they found evidence of long-term abuse
    • Patricia Saintizaire, 36, faces a first degree murder charge, along with aggravated child abuse and witness tampering

    Four-year-old Bryan Boyer died last week after undergoing emergency surgery. Medical examiners said they found evidence of long-term abuse.

    Polk County leaders are calling the incident “horrible.”

    “What we’ve learned during this investigation just turns our stomach,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said, describing details of what led to the child’s death. “We found an injury where his spleen suffered a significant tear. The medical examiner said it could have been nothing else other than an immediate hard strike to the abdomen.”

    Patricia Saintizaire, 36, was charged with first degree murder in the death of her adopted son. Judd said the Loughman Oaks Elementary pre-schooler and his 16-year-old brother were adopted in Haiti and moved to Polk County last year. 

    When Boyer came home from school on May 1st, the police report said the older brother went to another room for about two hours and did not see or hear what happened to Boyer in that time frame. Saintizaire then told the brother to bring food to Boyer, but at that time, the brother noted that Boyer struggled to sit up and was unable to walk on his own. Saintizaire told the older brother that the victim was “faking it” and to feed him. The victim then became unresponsive.

    The older brother began performing CPR on the child and then told Saintizaire they needed to take him to the hospital. 

    Boyer was transported to Heart of Florida Hospital in Davenport, where he later died.

    “It is beyond my wildest imagination how anyone could abuse a beautiful little fella like this child was abused and neglected,” Judd said.

    Judd also said they found videos on Saintizaire’s cell phone during their investigation that showed the alleged abuse. 

    “We have a video clip of where that (four-year-old) baby’s hands was tied behind his back and she threw him in a swimming pool in the backyard,” Judd said.

    He went on to say that similar incidents are under investigation.

    “As the autopsy went on, they found different layers of bruises and injuries from past beatings,” he said.

    The police report references text messages found on Saintizaire’s phone. In one exchange, she messages, “Just give him a whooping.” The reply reads, in part, “He is only scared of you.”

    Judd said this investigation is ongoing. A new court date is set for tomorrow.

    Saintizaire faces a first degree murder charge, along with aggravated child abuse and tampering with a witness. Judd said the 16-year-old was instructed to lie.

    Polk County School District issued a statement in response to Boyer’s death:

    “This is tragic news for Loughman Oaks Elementary, and our entire community. No child should lose their life in this way. Our hearts go out to Bryan’s friends, loved ones, and all who knew him. Counselors have been assisting Loughman Oaks families and staff, and will be available for ongoing support if needed.”

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • New training center hopes to address health care staffing shortage

    New training center hopes to address health care staffing shortage

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    TAMPA, Fla.- A new training center in Brandon looks to help address the health care staffing shortage.

    What You Need To Know

    • New training center hopes to address health care staffing shortage

    • Programs offered include pharmacy technician, medical assistant, dental assistant

    • Enrollment open for summer and fall semesters

    Suncoast Community Health Centers recently opened its own training facility, Suncoast Career Academy. The state-of-the-art space is designed to train and keep future health care workers right in the Tampa area.

    The nonprofit boasts being one of the first community health providers in Florida to open its own training center, offering pharmacy technician, medical assistant and dental assistant programs.

    “This provides an added benefit or pipeline for those communities, so if you’re going to grow and strengthen a community from a health care perspective you’ve got to be able to provide well-trained, well-qualified support staff,” said Bradley Herremans, CEO of Suncoast Community Health Centers.

    Lead Dental Assistant Alondra Gaspar was grateful to get her hands on the new equipment. “When I first started here, they didn’t have all this,” says the graduate who aspires to be a dental hygienist.

    The facility’s main goal remains the same — offering a well-rounded student experience.

    “This is a career academy, so we teach them the whole nine yards about how to look for a job, how to do a resume, how to write a job letter, how to do an interview,” said Nila Patel, pharmacist and pharmacy technician instructor at the academy.

    Research from The American Dental Association suggests about 36% of private practices are working to recruit dental assistants. A Medical Group Management Association poll revealed 44% of practices said the medical assistant role was the most challenging to recruit.

    Suncoast Career Academy hopes to change that.

    “Now we have this and I feel like everybody can come here and actually be hands on,” said Gaspar.

    Enrollment is currently open for summer and fall semesters.

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Bereaved mother brings more awareness to suicide

    Bereaved mother brings more awareness to suicide

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Julia Bowen is making it her life’s mission to raise awareness about suicide. One way is by spreading memorial rocks with motivational messages everywhere she goes.  

    What You Need To Know

    • Julia Bowen lost her son, Andrew, to suicide six years ago

    • Bowen is raising mental health awareness by leaving positive messages on rocks throughout parks

    • Bowen has also launched an agency she had planned with her son to help with developmental disabilities

    “I think leaving the rock is very special, because I can just leave it right here on the bench for somebody who’s out here enjoying a beautiful day at the park and hopefully bring them some joy, bring them a moment of happiness,” said Bowen, as she placed a rock on a bench at Raymond Neri Park in St. Petersburg, where she and her son, Andrew, used to spend time together.

    She paints or marks the rocks with messages like: “Your Life Matters,” “One Day at a Time,” and “In Loving Memory.” Many of the rocks also have her son’s name on them.

    He died by suicide six years ago.

    She hopes by sharing her story, people will find hope.

    “I think you never know what people are going through and I think that might be a very important message for somebody to hear today,” said Bowen of the motivational messages.

    Bowen recently added random acts of kindness to her cause of spreading awareness and hope.

    “If I didn’t have hope, I wouldn’t have a lot,” said Bowen. “So, I hope that one day is better. I hope that somebody finds this rock and has a good day because of me, and because of this rock and because of my son. That would make me smile.”

    Bowen is also keeping her son’s memory alive by launching an agency the two had planned to start together.

    “I do know that he’s here encouraging me,” said Bowen.

    “A Better Approach” serves people with developmental disabilities. Andrew, who had Asperger’s Syndrome, was an advocate for people with the condition and Bowen has more than 40 years of experience as a social worker. She hopes expanding her efforts with the agency will help align services for people with developmental disabilities and mental illness.

    “That can mean supported living coaching, it can mean supported employment, it can mean personal supports in people’s homes to be able to allow them to stay in their homes, where they’re most comfortable and with their loved ones,” said Bowen.

    Bowen hopes the new agency and raising awareness reach more people.

    “I think motivational messages are really important and so one of them says to don’t give up,” she said.

    Through grief, this mom finds purpose in helping others.

    “I remember saying very clearly, ‘I’ll never be happy and I’ll never have joy,’ but you know what? I do and that joy really comes from here,” she said. “It comes from within and it comes from these rocks and it also comes from helping other people.”

    A mom spreading hope, while leaving a legacy for her son.

    “It just does my heart good to know that somebody’s going to be able to find that and smile,” said Bowen.

    There are memorial rocks for Andrew and others who died by suicide in 90 countries and more than 4,500 places. Many are posted on Andrew’s Memorial Facebook Page.

    If you or know a loved one struggling with mental health, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s website.

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Cope Notes expanding mental health services into Tampa Bay area schools

    Cope Notes expanding mental health services into Tampa Bay area schools

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Cope Notes, a digital mental health support system, is working to expand into Tampa Bay area schools.

    What You Need To Know

    • Cope Notes is a digital mental health support system

    • The medium aims to reach young kids and change negative thought patterns

    • The Pasco County School District is currently in the approval process to partner with Cope Notes

    Founded in 2018, President Johnny Crowder says he started struggling with mental health as a child and hopes to give other kids access to support.

    “I think about my own life and how much different my life would be if I would have received help at a younger age rather than later,” said Crowder, who hopes sharing his past can help others heal.

    “I almost didn’t survive my youth, and I almost didn’t survive young adulthood,” Crowder said. “And I’ve made multiple attempts on my own life and I’ve survived all of them, and I feel lucky.”

    The Pasco County Schools District is currently in the approval process to partner with Cope Notes. Crowder says it’s essential to reach students in middle and high school. Faculty and staff would also get a daily note.

    “Psychology facts, journaling prompts, exercises and we’re interrupting negative thought patterns and training the brain to think healthier thoughts,” Crowder explained.

    He hopes it helps get teens talking about their mental health and reminds them resources are available.

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Tampa General Hospital 4th in nation for transplants

    Tampa General Hospital 4th in nation for transplants

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa General Hospital is marking a milestone as it celebrates 50 years of organ transplants.

    TGH now ranks fourth in the nation for transplants by volume, setting a new record with 756 transplants performed in 2023. The hospital also now ranks second in the nation for kidney transplants and first in the state of Florida for the largest living kidney donor program.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tampa General Hospital ranks 4th in nation for transplants by volume, 2nd for kidney transplants specifically
    • Manatee County resident Cynthia Knowles was on the waitlist for a kidney match before meeting Christine Cyburt, who donated to her 
    • Knowles and Cyburt now consider each other family
    • See below for the top 5 hospitals in the U.S.

    “A living kidney lasts longer, can be done in a timely fashion, expedited fashion,” said Dr. Pranjal Jain, Medical Director for the Living Donor Program and Chief of Nephrology at TGH. “As you know, there are more than 100,000 people waiting on the waitlist and there’s a lag time to get a transplant from a deceased donor, which depending on your blood type, can be three to five years.”

    Cynthia Knowles from Manatee County waited two years for a match, one she found through a mutual friend. Both women are recovering well after their October kidney transplant procedures.

    “I met this angel, I call her the angel, at a birthday party of a mutual friend of my husband’s,” said Knowles of her kidney donor, Christine Cyburt.

    “I thought, ‘I have two and can’t try or she could die? I have to try,’” said Cyburt. “I did what I’m supposed to do on this earth, that’s how I feel.”

    The women have kept in touch since surgery, making sure to meet at least once a month. A life-saving compatibility, going beyond a medical match to a personal connection.

    “I think she’ll forever be a part of our extended family now,” said Knowles. “I’m just forever grateful and there’s not a day I don’t think about it.”

    “I feel honored, seriously, to be part of her journey,” said Cyburt.

    Knowles is grateful for her journey is full of emotional support and she finds new physical strength in getting back to doing what she loves, including pilates.

    “I just notice a big difference week to week in terms of my strength, the strength in my abdomen and the scar is healing very well,” said Knowles, who is excited for her future. “I have this gift of time that I’m going to fully going to take advantage of, and I’m taking each day as it comes, and just enjoying the day and not getting stressed about anything. I just feel so blessed. Now I have a granddaughter, so now I feel like I have the opportunity to continue to give back and be a part of my family.”

    “How life-changing it is to many people, families that might not have tomorrow?” said Cyburt. “Unbelievable.”

    The top 5 hospitals in 2023 include:

    1. Mayo Clinic Hospital of Arizona 
    2. University of California San Francisco Medical Center 
    3. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation 
    4. Tampa General Hospital 
    5. Vanderbilt University

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Extra eyes on downtown Lakeland to increase safety

    Extra eyes on downtown Lakeland to increase safety

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority is installing more than a dozen cameras for added surveillance in the downtown area.

    What You Need To Know

    • More than a dozen surveillance cameras being added downtown

    • The cameras should be operational at the beginning of March

    • LDDA stresses this approach to safety is economical, saying it will cost about $115,000 to maintain the cameras in the various spots for 10 years

    “What we’re trying to accomplish is just to provide just that extra set of eyes that can assist our Clean and Safe Team, as well as the Lakeland Police Department and Parking Services,” said Julie Townsend, LDDA Executive Director.

    It’s an added layer of security that makes Hannah Long, who works downtown, feel safer.

    “I kind of get protective over my employees, and walking to our cars at night after we close is a big concern of mine. It makes me feel a lot better to hear about that,” Long said.

    The manager at Mitchell’s Coffee House also hopes it has a positive impact on area businesses.

    “I honestly hope that it brings in some more people because they would feel a lot safer coming into the area,” Long said.

    LDDA stresses this approach to safety is economical, saying it will cost about $115,000 to maintain the cameras in the various spots for 10 years.

    “We want to make sure that we’re just keeping those areas surveilled and people are aware that they are on camera, and perhaps they don’t want to engage in those activities that are unsavory,” Townsend said.

    The cameras should be operational at the beginning of March.

    “I personally just feel like it’s so much better,” Long said.

    LDDA says cameras are/will be installed at the following locations:

    • LDDA Building
    • Palace Pizza (2 cameras)
    • Jimmy Johns
    • Loft (2 cameras)
    • Co-Hatch
    • June Taylor’s 
    • Traditions
    • Madden Building 
    • Tsunami Sushi
    • Missouri & Main (2 cameras)

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Woman with Prader-Willi syndrome celebrates graduation with family

    Woman with Prader-Willi syndrome celebrates graduation with family

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    WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Winter graduations are getting underway and one family is particularly excited to see their loved one walk across the stage.

    Tyanna Tran was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder when she was born and her parents were told she might not live. But now, it’s graduation time for 24-year-old Tran.

    What You Need To Know

    • NIH reports less than 50,000 people in the United States have the disease

    “I’m excited,” said Tran as she worked on decorating her graduation cap in her Pasco County home with her mother, sister and personal support aide.

    Tran’s mother, Julie Dang-Martinez, says it’s a day doctors told her might never come. Her daughter was diagnosed with Prader-Wille syndrome and given a limited lifespan.

    Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by a variety of physical, mental and behavioral features.

    “We were told that she wouldn’t even live to middle school,” said Dang-Martinez. “And then when she got to high school, she got Honor Roll, she got high GPA awards and now she’s graduating college. It’s a huge thing for our family not just because she’s graduating college, but she wasn’t expected to live.”

    Tran is defying those odds. She’s walking the stage Wednesday, after earning her AA from Pasco-Hernando State College. She plans to continue her education and pursue a bachelor’s degree.

    University of Florida Professor Dr. Jennifer Miller specializes in Prader-Willi syndrome and says this is a rare achievement.

    An exciting achievement this family hopes inspires others.

    “We want to show other families that it can be done,” said Dang-Martinez. “When they want to give up hope when it’s hard, when their child’s in the hospital for diabetes or obesity complications and stuff like that, it’s possible.”

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    Melissa Eichman

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