Governor Rick Scott today directed an additional $3 million to Pinellas County through DEP’s red tide emergency funding, bringing the total of state funding for red tide to Pinellas County to $6.3 million. [Read more…] about Gov. Scott: Pinellas County Awarded Additional $3 Million to Combat Red Tide, More Funding for Grants
Pinellas county
First sexually transmitted Zika case confirmed in 2017
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ZIKA UPDATE
The Florida Department of Health today is announcing that the first sexually transmitted Zika case in 2017 has been confirmed in Pinellas County. There is no evidence of transmission through mosquitoes taking place anywhere in Florida.
While the individual had no travel, their partner recently traveled to Cuba and was ill with symptoms consistent with Zika. Both tested positive for Zika. The department notified mosquito control and appropriate mosquito reduction activities are taking place.
There is no evidence of ongoing transmission of Zika by mosquitoes in any area of Florida. It is important to remember Zika can also be transmitted sexually and to take precautions if you or your partner traveled to an area where Zika is active. If the department identifies an area where ongoing transmission of Zika is taking place, we will notify the public immediately.
The total number of Zika cases reported in Florida in 2017 is 118.
Note, these categories are not mutually exclusive and cannot be added together.
It is critical for people who recently traveled overseas to an area with Zika to prevent mosquito bites for at least three weeks after they return home. It is also important to reduce the chance of sexual transmission by using condoms. CDC has issued additional guidance related to sexual transmission and prevention.
Before you travel, check to see if your destination is on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list of areas with Zika.
If you traveled to an area with Zika, you could have become infected and not know it, and you could spread the virus in your community if you do not take proper precautions to prevent mosquito bites or sexual transmission after you return home. Zika can persist in semen over extended periods of time. Pregnant couples with recent travel to areas with active Zika transmission should consider using condoms for the duration of the pregnancy.
According to CDC guidance, providers should screen all pregnant women in the US for possible Zika exposure and symptoms at each prenatal care visit. Additional CDC guidance on screening and testing can be found here. At Governor Scott’s direction, all county health departments offer free Zika risk assessment and testing to pregnant women.
The department urges Floridians to take action around their home and business to reduce the mosquito population. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water so it is critical to drain all sources of standing water to keep mosquitoes from multiplying. Residents and visitors should also use mosquito repellent day and night to prevent mosquito bites.
The department updates the full list of travel-related cases by county online each weekday. To view the list of travel-related cases by county and year, click here.
For more information on Zika virus and the status of Zika in Florida, please visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/zika.
Teacher of the Year Finalist Receives $5,000 From Macy's and DOE
PINELLAS MATH & AVID TEACHER NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR FINALIST AND
RECEIVES $5,000 FROM MACY’S AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION!
Macy’s partners with the Florida Department of Education for a surprise announcement
to name one of the five finalists to compete for the 2018 Florida Teacher of the Year
Like any other school day, Ms. Ko and her students were focused on their lessons for the day. She had no idea that today was different and that she was about to receive the surprise of a lifetime! From a group of 73 teachers, Vanessa Ko from Palm Harbor Middle School in Pinellas County was chosen as one of five finalists to compete for the 2018 Macy’s/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Award!
For the past 29 years, Macy’s, along with the Florida Department of Education, has honored the most exceptional educators in Florida who make magic in and out of their classrooms every day. The Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors the contributions of outstanding classroom teachers who have demonstrated a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.
At 9:45 a.m., Florida Department of Education Commissioner Pam Stewart, along with Leigh Ott, Macy’s district vice president, were on hand to make the big surprise announcement. The sixth and eighth grade math and AVID teacher was instructing her class when the Commissioner made the surprise visit and told her that she had been chosen as one of five finalists for the prestigious honor.
“Vanessa Ko is a great teacher who challenges and inspires her students to believe and achieve a better tomorrow. Macy’s congratulates Ms. Ko for her commitment to help her students reach their full potential,” said Dennis Witte, Macy’s executive vice president and regional director of stores.
Upon receiving the good news, Vanessa Ko was presented with a $5,000 check from the Florida Department of Education and Macy’s, and a $500 Macy’s gift card. A $1,000 check, funded by Macy’s, was presented to Palm Harbor Middle School.
“Teachers are some of THE most important people in our children’s lives,” continued Witte. “To be a teacher is to be a mentor, a friend, a coach and a constant in the lives of their students. Teachers are life changers and this is what happens each day in Ms. Ko’s classroom. Throughout Macy’s sponsorship of this program, we continue to be humbled and proud to support the best educators in the Florida.”
“It is a pleasure to highlight Vanessa Ko for her dedicated time and service to Florida’s students,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Ms. Ko has set out to change the way students think about math by creating an energetic and creative learning environment in which students are given opportunities to build confidence in their abilities. Congratulations to Ms. Ko for being selected as a finalist for 2018 Teacher of the Year!”
The winner of the 2018 Macy’s/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year award will be announced during a ceremony on Thursday, July 13, 2017. The event will be held at Orlando’s Hard Rock Live at Universal Studios CityWalk.
In addition to a $5,000 award funded by Macy’s and the Department of Education, the Teacher of the Year will receive awards from Macy’s including an all-expense paid trip for four to New York City to attend the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The winner will also serve for one year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education, touring the state to spread the word about educational opportunities and challenges in the Sunshine State. To date, Macy’s has contributed $3 million to teachers throughout the state.
This year’s five finalists were chosen from more than 195,744 public school teachers throughout the state by a Department of Education-appointed selection committee representing teachers, principals, parents and the business community. Each finalist is selected on the basis of outstanding ability to teach and communicate knowledge of the subject taught, professional development, philosophy of teaching, and outstanding school and community service.
About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 730 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the United States and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $69 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
Press release: Nursing Homes Warn State Lawmakers that Approving Senate PPS Proposal will Cost Pinellas County Homes $13 Million; Threaten High-Quality Care
St. Petersburg, Fla. – Leaders of Pinellas County nursing homes were joined by residents, families and advocates from around Pinellas County today at a press conference to voice concern over a prospective payment system (PPS) plan that is being considered by the Florida Senate. There are 69 nursing homes in Pinellas County. Of the 69, 39 homes (57 percent) lose money under the plan in the Senate budget – a total of more than $13 million.
“On average, our facility has a Medicaid census of close to 70 percent, which translates into 172 seniors, and under the proposed PPS system, we would lose $1.7 million –this is a cost we simply cannot afford and one that would be devastating to our core mission of caring for the sick and dying,” said Kip Corriveau, director of Mission at Bon Secours St. Petersburg Health System. “I ask lawmakers to prioritize quality care for our state’s most vulnerable and fragile seniors, whose families have entrusted their care to us by deferring the proposed PPS system until a fair solution that truly cares for seniors can be reached.”
Bon Secours, Mease Manor and Menorah Manor oppose the PPS model included in the budget recommendation adopted by the Florida Senate, as it would negatively affect Pinellas County nursing homes by shifting resources from high-quality nursing home communities to primarily lower-quality facilities.
“Menorah Manor is a mission-driven, charitable, nonprofit, faith-based organization that strives to provide the highest standards of care, and our doors are open to everyone – regardless of ability to pay, which means our Medicaid census on average is roughly 65 percent,” said Rob Goldstein, CEO of Menorah Manor. “Yet, under the PPS plan included in the Senate budget, our facility will lose nearly $1 million when the transition funding runs out. Moreover, this proposed PPS plan lacks any requirement that providers who receive new money under the plan have to spend it on care, programs or services. I respectfully ask, on behalf of the residents we are committed to caring for, that the legislature rejects this plan.”
“Mease Manor is focused on the delivery of high-quality nursing home care and we oppose the proposed PPS plan, as it will have a negative impact on the quality of care we provide to our residents,” said Kent McRae, president and CEO of Mease Manor. “Under the plan in the Senate budget, Mease Manor stands to lose nearly a quarter of a million dollars each year. Losses like this will negatively affect our nursing home, staff, residents and their families.”
Nursing Homes Warn State Lawmakers that Approving Senate PPS Proposal will Cost Pinellas County Homes $13 Million; Threaten High-Quality Care
WHO:
Kip Corriveau, Director of Mission at Bon Secours St. Petersburg Health System
Peter Crosa, Bon Secours Board Member
Monsignor Robert C. Gibbons, St. Paul Catholic Church
Rob Goldstein, Chief Executive Officer, Menorah Manor
Kent L. McRae, President/CEO, Mease Manor
WHAT: Nursing Homes Warn State Lawmakers that Approving Senate PPS Proposal will Cost Pinellas County Homes more than $13 Million; Threaten High Quality Care
WHERE:
Bon Secours Maria Manor
10300 4th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
WHEN:
Thursday, April 20, 2017
10 a.m. EDT
WHY:
Bon Secours Maria Manor, with other nursing homes from around Pinellas County, will gather to warn lawmakers against approving the Prospective Payment System (PPS) model that is currently included in the Florida Senate budget.
In Pinellas County, there are 69 nursing homes and 39 of them will lose money under the proposed PPS model, collectively costing those homes roughly $13 million, including:
- Bon Secours loses $1,738,412 or 8.97 percent;
- Bernard L Samson Nursing Center loses $999,155 or 9.87 percent; and,
- Mease Manor loses $218,751 or 7.31 percent;
These losses would negatively affect high-quality nursing homes, threatening the quality of care that is currently delivered by Pinellas County’s nursing homes and devastating many of the state’s four- and five-star providers. Under the plan 152 four- and five-star nursing homes will lose critical funding, while 97 one- and two-star facilities receive additional funding. In addition, this proposal would shift $44 million from direct resident care to property.
Nursing Homes Warn State Lawmakers that Approving Senate PPS Proposal will Cost Pinellas County Homes $13 Million; Threaten High-Quality Care
WHO: Kip Corriveau, Director of Mission at Bon Secours St. Petersburg Health System
Peter Crosa, Bon Secours Board Member
Monsignor Robert C. Gibbons, St. Paul Catholic Church
Rob Goldstein, Chief Executive Officer, Menorah Manor
Kent L. McRae, President/CEO, Mease Manor
WHAT: Nursing Homes Warn State Lawmakers that Approving Senate PPS Proposal will Cost Pinellas County Homes more than $13 Million; Threaten High Quality Care
WHERE: Bon Secours Maria Manor
10300 4th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
WHEN: Thursday, April 20, 2017
10 a.m. EDT
WHY: Bon Secours Maria Manor, with other nursing homes from around Pinellas County, will gather to warn lawmakers against approving the Prospective Payment System (PPS) model that is currently included in the Florida Senate budget.
In Pinellas County, there are 69 nursing homes and 39 of them will lose money under the proposed PPS model, collectively costing those homes roughly $13 million, including:
· Bon Secours loses $1,738,412 or 8.97 percent;
· Bernard L Samson Nursing Center loses $999,155 or 9.87 percent; and,
· Mease Manor loses $218,751 or 7.31 percent;
These losses would negatively affect high-quality nursing homes, threatening the quality of care that is currently delivered by Pinellas County’s nursing homes and devastating many of the state’s four- and five-star providers. Under the plan 152 four- and five-star nursing homes will lose critical funding, while 97 one- and two-star facilities receive additional funding. In addition, this proposal would shift $44 million from direct resident care to property.
Commissioner Charlie Justice Elected Chairman of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program
Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice was unanimously elected Chairman of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program at a meeting last Friday, February 17th held at the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council.
“I am honored to serve as the Chair of this board. We have great members who are committed to continuing the improvements made in the quality of Tampa Bay,” said Charlie Justice.
The Tampa Bay Estuary Program set a goal of a return of at least 38,000 acres of seagrass in the bay. Strategies agreed to by the partner governments led to the current level of over 41,000 acres. This is the highest level of seagrass since 1950.
The Tampa Bay National Estuary Program (TBNEP) was established in 1991 as a partnership of Hillsborough, Manatee and Pinellas counties; the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater; the Southwest Florida Water Management District; the Florida Department of Environmental Protection; and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Pasco County became a member this past year.
In 1998, these and six other partners signed a formal Interlocal Agreement, and ancillary agreements, pledging to achieve the goals of the newly completed Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) for Tampa Bay, called Charting The Course. The Plan culminated nearly six years of scientific research into the Bay’s most pressing problems, and reflected broad-based input from citizens, groups and communities with a common interest in a healthy bay as the cornerstone of a prosperous economy.
