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'Influenza A H3' cases on rise in Bay area, Central Florida
The main symptoms are fever, chills and body aches, with respiratory symptoms like cough, runny news and shortness of breath.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Wednesday, Jan 29 2025

FDA upgrades recall severity of salmon sold at Florida Costcos
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has upgraded a recall over smoked salmon sold at Costco locations in Florida.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Tuesday, Jan 28 2025

Service animal confusion: The difference between service dogs and others
People who have or train service dogs say confusion over the law is making things harder for military veterans.

Source: Jeff Butera
Sunday, Jan 26 2025

Advocates push for expanded access to maternal mental health treatments
In recent years, there has been a push for better mental health treatment for new and expecting moms.

Source: Colleen McKown, Brianne Barry, Nicole Clark, PhD
Thursday, Jan 23 2025

'It's becoming part of their psyche': Children greatly affected by hurricane stress, Tampa Bay child psychologist says
Dr. Steve O'Brien says the intensity and frequency of the hurricanes we had last year can stay with children even months later.

Source: Matt Lackritz
Wednesday, Jan 15 2025

FDA bans red dye No. 3 from foods
The move comes nearly 35 years after the dye was barred from cosmetics such as lipsticks because of potential cancer risk.

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Jan 15 2025

Patients and doctors sound the alarm about the maternal mental health crisis
One in five people struggle with a mental health condition during pregnancy or the postpartum period, but many don't get the help they need.

Source: Colleen McKown, Brianne Barry, Nicole Clark, PhD
Thursday, Jan 09 2025

Florida grand jury finds no criminality in probe of COVID-19 vaccines
Gov. Ron DeSantis sought the investigation in 2022, ahead of his bid for the Republican Party's presidential nomination.

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, Jan 07 2025

UT professor reveals worst thing you can say to a cancer patient
University of Tampa professor Colter Ray found that people worry about saying the wrong thing to a cancer patient, so they say nothing.

Source: Jeff Butera
Sunday, Jan 05 2025

Palm Bay City Council votes to stop adding fluoride to water supply
More people are now concerned about fluoride in their tap water.

Source: Massiel Leyva
Friday, Jan 03 2025

UCF health professor shares the importance of space health and medicine
Space medicine includes radiation exposure, microgravity’s impact on the muscles and skeleton.

Source: Anthony Leone
Monday, Dec 30 2024

Central Florida counselor advocates for considering mental health when creating New Year's resolutions
According to a Pew Research Center survey in 2024, three in 10 Americans report making at least one New Year's resolution.

Source: Maria Serrano
Friday, Dec 27 2024

Experts say Florida saw 5 times as many whooping cough cases this year
The Florida Department of Health recorded a total of 512 cases as of October of this year, compared with 85 cases for all of 2023.

Source: Sasha Teman
Thursday, Dec 26 2024

Tavares city leaders vote to remove fluoride from drinking water
The motion passed 4-1, with the only opposition being council member Sandy Gamble.

Source: Sasha Teman, Spectrum News Staff
Wednesday, Dec 18 2024

USF Health study reveals ultra-processed foods may be driving colorectal cancer
Chronic inflammation, fueled by poor dietary choices researchers found, plays a vital role in the growth and progression of colorectal cancer.

Source: Calvin Lewis
Sunday, Dec 15 2024

Signup deadline arrives for Affordable Care Act new year coverage
Sunday is the final day to enroll through the Affordable Care Act marketplace for January 1 coverage.

Source: Destiny Wiggins
Sunday, Dec 15 2024

Don’t forget this story: UT professor studies ways to improve memory
University of Tampa psychology professor Sara Festini believes humans have the power to selectively remember or forget information.

Source: Jeff Butera
Saturday, Dec 14 2024

Veterans Treatment Court helps vets in legal trouble in Orange and Osceola counties
Mental health challenges like post-traumatic stress and substance abuse are not uncommon for veterans after combat.

Source: Maria Serrano
Friday, Dec 06 2024

Tavares leaders table discussion on fluoride in drinking water until next meeting
Councilmembers said they want more time to review studies.

Source: Sasha Teman, Jaclyn Harold
Thursday, Dec 05 2024

Rabid bat found in toy bag, Polk County Sheriff's Office says
Authorities said the incident happened last week at a home on Palm Drive West in Lakeland.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Wednesday, Dec 04 2024

Man Up Mentoring pilot program helps Orange County students reduce stress
Man Up Mentoring received a $100,000 grant to help fund its Man Up Grace Project.

Source: Maria Serrano
Tuesday, Dec 03 2024

November marks Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 7 million people in the U.S.are living with the disease.

Source: Cait McVey
Monday, Nov 25 2024

Advocates and schools fight to end suicide on college campuses
In the last decade, rates of depression among college students have spiked. Advocates and officials are working to address the mental health crisis.

Source: Zoe Slemmons, Nicole Clark, PhD
Thursday, Nov 21 2024

UCF professor sees success with post-intensive care syndrome patients using PTSD treatment
Dr. Brian Peach is partnering with UCF Restores to research the post-traumatic stress felt by those who have survived being in a hospital ICU.

Source: Katie Streit
Tuesday, Nov 19 2024

Organic whole and baby carrots sold at Publix, Target and Walmart recalled
Grimmway Farms recalled multiple sizes and brands of bagged organic whole carrots and baby carrots due to E. coli.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, Nov 18 2024

TGH surgeon first to use new donor pancreas preservation technology
New technology is changing the approach to preserving and transporting a donor pancreas before transplant surgery.

Source: Melissa Eichman
Saturday, Nov 16 2024

E. coli cases climb to 104 in McDonald’s outbreak tied to slivered onions
At least 34 people have been hospitalized.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Nov 14 2024

After abortion amendment fails in Florida, what's next for both sides?
Advocates on both sides are jumping into action.

Source: Katie Streit
Wednesday, Nov 06 2024

Brevard County Mosquito Control extends overnight aerial spraying
The overnight aerial spraying has been extended through Friday, Nov. 8.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Tuesday, Nov 05 2024

Woman gets life-changing diagnosis at Lake hearing center — and a surprise
A hearing aid company's gift proved to be a "blessing."

Source: Julie Gargotta
Friday, Nov 01 2024

Spraying to battle proliferation of mosquitoes to begin in Marion, Flagler
The Department of Health in Marion County has confirmed the fourth case of West Nile virus, which can be spread by the insects, since July.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, Oct 31 2024

UCF works to address statewide nursing shortage with new facility
The University of Central Florida is building a multi-million-dollar nursing facility in Lake Nona to attract more students and expand more programs.

Source: Katie Streit
Tuesday, Oct 29 2024

The impact of active shooter drills on students and families in Tampa Bay
The uncertainty of lockdowns and drills creates extra stress for both parents and students.

Source: Fallon Silcox
Monday, Oct 28 2024

McDonald’s Quarter Pounder back on the menu after testing rules out beef patties as E. coli source
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to believe that slivered onions from a single supplier are the likely source of contamination.

Source: Associated Press
Sunday, Oct 27 2024

DEA participates in second National Drug Take Back Day of the year
In April, more than 4,600 law enforcement agencies, including 160 in Florida, participated.

Source: Destiny Wiggins
Saturday, Oct 26 2024

Despite slight decreases, Fentanyl overdoses continue to shatter lives in Central Florida
While statistics show fentanyl overdoses are leveling off some from recent years of increases, the problem is still considered an epidemic.

Source: Jeff Allen
Wednesday, Oct 23 2024

Orange County to begin aerial spraying for mosquitos Wednesday
The Alafaya, Apopka, Bithlo, Dr. Phillips, Fort Christmas, Lake Nona, and Wedgefield areas will receive the treatment.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Wednesday, Oct 23 2024

CDC warns of E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders
The CDC says one person is dead and 10 have been hospitalized due to the outbreak. Forty-nine people have been sickened in 10 states.

Source: Justin Tasolides
Tuesday, Oct 22 2024

8-time cancer survivor shares journey, works at hospital that saved her life
Linda Davey credits self-exams and regular doctors visits as her savior.

Source: Erin Murray
Saturday, Oct 19 2024

Tampa Bay area communities face health risks after back-to-back hurricanes leave behind mold
Experts say people with allergies or respiratory problems face a higher risk of illness from mold.

Source: Fadia Patterson
Thursday, Oct 17 2024

Health officials advising to avoid floodwaters as flesh-eating bacteria cases rise
Pinellas County is leading the state in cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacterial infection also known as flesh-eating bacteria.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, Oct 17 2024

Volusia County nonprofit brings health care to the Hispanic community
Hispanic Health Initiatives addresses the unmet health needs of Hispanics and other medically disadvantaged populations in Volusia County.

Source: Massiel Leyva
Monday, Oct 14 2024

AdventHealth: 67 babies born as Milton swept across Florida
AdventHealth's Tampa-area hospitals recorded the most births, with 32 born during the storm.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Friday, Oct 11 2024

When in doubt, throw it out: Food safety during a power outage
If the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, Oct 10 2024

Orlando Fire implements new overnight alarm system to try to limit health risks for crews
Now only crews whose units need to respond are awoken, helping them get more sleep.

Source: Katie Streit
Monday, Sep 30 2024

Transgender Floridians pivot with statewide health care changes
A federal appeals court ruling now allows Florida to enforce restrictions on gender transition care for minors.

Source: Katie Streit
Monday, Sep 30 2024

Orlando Fire Department firefighter helps change the mindset of mental health in the fire service
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation says, an increasing number of firefighters die by suicide.

Source: Katie Streit
Wednesday, Sep 25 2024

Orange County approves medical debt relief plan, county residents react
Around 150,000 individuals could be eligible.

Source: Devin Martin
Tuesday, Sep 24 2024

CDC reports overdose deaths on the decline in Florida
According to the CDC, Florida saw a 12.6% drop in overdose deaths during the 12-month period from April 2023 to April 2024.

Source: Cait McVey
Wednesday, Sep 18 2024

Music fest in Bradenton to raise money for suicide awareness and prevention
Beth Vandal says she came up with the idea of a music fest to raise money and awareness after losing someone to suicide.

Source: Jason Lanning
Friday, Sep 13 2024

Deep brain stimulation helping Tampa-area residents with Parkinson's
Wayne MacLaughlin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2011, says he’s benefitting from deep brain stimulation.

Source: Melissa Eichman
Wednesday, Sep 11 2024

USF Alzheimer’s study aims to show if brain exercises can prevent cognitive decline
Researchers are in need of 600 more participants from the Tampa Bay area.

Source: Cait McVey
Monday, Sep 09 2024

HUD awards Orlando nonprofit $1.22M to help low-income seniors
The Center for Independent Living in Central Florida is one of three nonprofits to receive grant funds to help with home repair services for seniors.

Source: Sasha Teman
Saturday, Sep 07 2024

Shipping container farm in Citra feeds University of Florida campus community
A research project in Citra yields hundreds of heads of lettuce weekly.

Source: Julie Gargotta
Friday, Sep 06 2024

Melbourne 'Out of the Darkness' walk to raise suicide prevention awareness
The walk in Melbourne will be held on Nov. 2 at Wickham Park.

Source: Greg Pallone
Wednesday, Sep 04 2024

Male OB nurse breaks gender barries at AdventHealth Ocala
Bobby Bickler, a husband and father of four daughters, has been bringing comfort and care for five years now in the Labor & Delivery Unit.

Source: Erin Murray
Monday, Sep 02 2024

Mosquito Control targeting rare cases of dengue fever in Orange County
Two people in the northwest Orange County have become infected with dengue fever who did not travel outside of the country.

Source: Randy Rauch
Friday, Aug 30 2024

AARP releases report on Medicare Part D out-of-pocket spending cap for prescription drugs
AARP supported the proposal that President Joe Biden signed in 2022.

Source: Corina Cappabianca
Wednesday, Aug 28 2024

Orange County health officials encourage preventative measures against mosquito-borne illness
Officials say two cases of dengue fever were reported from local transmission, and two travel-related Oropouche virus cases have been confirmed.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Wednesday, Aug 28 2024

Florida now ranks second for fentanyl overdoses nationwide
Families share stories of loved ones lost to fentanyl to help others.

Source: Sarah Blazonis
Thursday, Aug 22 2024

Blue-green algae detected in New Smyrna Beach's Lake Ashby
Blue-green algae is a type of potentially dangerous bacteria that is not uncommon in Florida’s freshwater environments.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Wednesday, Aug 21 2024

Manatee County nurse deals with rare stiff-person syndrome diagnosis
There are treatments for the condition, but no cure.

Source: Saundra Weathers
Sunday, Aug 18 2024

Florida lawmakers propose public smoking ban that could impact Amendment 3
Sarasota Republican Sen. Joe Gruters is spearheading the proposed public smoking ban.

Source: Jason Delgado
Friday, Aug 16 2024

Why are mosquitoes so obsessed with you?
We all hate mosquitoes, but why do some people get bitten more than others?

Source: Erin Billups - National Health Reporter
Wednesday, Aug 14 2024

Orange County leaders approve plan to wipe medical debts
Funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Source: Randy Rauch
Tuesday, Aug 13 2024

Infant formula sold at H-E-B, CVS recalled for high vitamin D levels
The affected formula was sold under generic store brands CVS Health and H-E-B Baby

Source: Christine Sanchez
Tuesday, Aug 13 2024

Third person dies from listeria outbreak linked to deli meats
The Centers for Disease Control said Thursday 43 people have been hospitalized.

Source: Susan Carpenter
Thursday, Aug 08 2024

Central Florida's newest medical school opens up; welcomes 1st class of 97 students
The first day of school for Central Florida’s newest medical school is on Monday.

Source: Maria Serrano
Wednesday, Aug 07 2024

Exploring Your Health: Curing Our Classrooms
Improving the health of public school infrastructure could lead to better learning outcomes

Source: Erin Billups - National Health Reporter
Wednesday, Aug 07 2024

School buildings are sick. What's the cure?
Aging infrastructure in U.S. public schools may contribute to illness and learning loss

Source: Erin Billups - National Health Reporter
Wednesday, Aug 07 2024

Investing in healthier school buildings may improve public education
Improving air quality, natural light and other environmental factors can lead to better test scores

Source: Erin Billups - National Health Reporter
Friday, Aug 02 2024

Ocala woman celebrates 10 years of sobriety by spreading the message that recovery is possible
The 2022 United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that 46.8 million Americans battled a substance use disorder in 2021.

Source: Katie Streit
Friday, Aug 02 2024

Study: Gen X, Millennials at higher risk for developing 17 cancers
They looked at people ages 25-84 from Jan. 1, 2000, to Dec. 31., 2019.

Source: Cody Thompson
Thursday, Aug 01 2024

Pharmacy stocks up on COVID-19 tests as Florida cases rise
Over 38,000 Floridians tested positive in June, the most since February.

Source: Destiny Wiggins
Sunday, Jul 28 2024

Expert: Affected scallops pose paralytic shellfish poisoning risk
While the waters off Pasco County are open to boating, swimming, and fishing, the FWC has temporarily closed the recreational bay scallop season.

Source: Angie Angers
Friday, Jul 26 2024

Booties, indoor dog parks — and following the vet’s orders. How to keep pets cool this summer
Sunburns, paw blisters and heat stroke are all possible when temperatures climb.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Jul 25 2024

USF OB-GYN studies how space travel affects women’s health
It's an understudied part of the field because there have been so few female astronauts.

Source: Jeff Butera
Wednesday, Jul 24 2024

Parathyroid surgery at Tampa General Hospital gives kidney transplant patient new hope
The surgery has bought Dr. Sara Karjoo a bit more time as she sits on the transplant waiting list.

Source: Erin Murray
Wednesday, Jul 24 2024

Pastor helping others with pandemic-related mental health struggles
Rico Sharp says after his own personal losses, he became determined to help others.

Source: Jeff Allen
Tuesday, Jul 23 2024

Free back-to-school immunization events across Central Florida
Here’s where you can go to get free shots across Central Florida.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, Jul 11 2024

Winter Park nonprofit helping Central Florida widows overcome struggles
According to the Modern Widows Club, there are 36,500 widows in Orange County.

Source: Nicole Griffin
Thursday, Jul 11 2024

Lynx partners with Orange County to offer free bus rides to cooling locations during heat advisories
On Tuesday, Orange County officials started delivering flyers to homeless camps to let people know about the program.

Source: Maria Serrano
Tuesday, Jul 09 2024

Everyday Hero riding her way to a cure for Alzheimer’s disease
Julie Jaworski aims to raise $50,000 this year.

Source: Nicole Griffin
Monday, Jul 08 2024

National Federation of the Blind hosts 84th annual convention in Orlando
The convention aims to provide resources, support and a sense of community.

Source: Destiny Wiggins
Saturday, Jul 06 2024

Hospital sees spike in patients with heat-related illnesses
Symptoms include fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness.

Source: Fadia Patterson
Wednesday, Jul 03 2024

Florida nonprofit encourages HIV testing beyond Pride Month
According to the latest numbers from the CDC, 13% of Floridians with HIV are unaware of their status.

Source: Saundra Weathers
Tuesday, Jul 02 2024

Company recalls smoked salmon sold at Kroger
The salmon has been sold at Kroger locations in multiple states.

Source: Lydia Taylor
Wednesday, Jun 26 2024

Share the Care in Orlando provides adult daycare for seniors
Currently, one out of six citizens are seniors, and those numbers are expected to grow.

Source: Randy Rauch
Tuesday, Jun 25 2024

SNAP benefit recipients face more requirements under new Florida law
The new law takes effect July 1st.

Source: Jeff Allen
Tuesday, Jun 25 2024

Florida Democrats fix eyes on abortion protections ahead of 2024 election
Florida Democrats are fixing their eyes on an ammendment that would protect abortion access up to roughly 24 weeks.

Source: Jason Delgado
Monday, Jun 24 2024

Bay area father creates documentary, calls on lawmakers to address rise in fentanyl deaths
Michael Ortoll made a full-length documentary about her late daughter's life and the fentanyl crisis facing the United States.

Source: Jeff Van Sant
Friday, Jun 21 2024

Central Florida therapist says social media warning labels would be beneficial
A therapist says these warning labels would provide public awareness on the negative effects of social media.

Source: Maria Serrano
Tuesday, Jun 18 2024

New cancer progress report details deadly disparities
There are still some glaring gaps when it comes to cancer care and minorities.

Source: Saundra Weathers
Monday, Jun 17 2024

As school districts confront surge in vaping, Volusia County teen talks overcoming addiction
Volusia County Schools reported an 80% jump during a three-month period between 2023 and 2024.

Source: Massiel Leyva
Monday, Jun 17 2024

Children's Home Society of Florida helps connect kids to needed resources
The group has helped several families, like the Lohmars, as they work to raise awareness surrounding how services can be accessed.

Source: Nicole Griffin
Sunday, Jun 16 2024

'I want the stigma to change': Mom talks using medical marijuana for chronic illness
The federal government is in the midst of taking steps to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug.

Source: Katie Streit
Saturday, Jun 15 2024

'We can get our patients back': Nurse practitioner lauds overturn of transgender health care restrictions
The governor’s office says it will appeal the ruling.

Source: Katie Streit
Wednesday, Jun 12 2024

World record holder for living underwater now working to help veterans with brain injuries at USF
When he came up from the water last year, Dr. Joseph Dituri told us that he may have discovered benefits from breathing that pressurized air.

Source: Nick Popham
Sunday, Jun 09 2024

June 6 marks Florida's 1st Revive Awareness Day
Event organizers say they want people to recognize opioid misuse and how naloxone can save lives.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, Jun 06 2024

Central Florida nonprofit medical practice expanding to Lakeland and Kissimmee
One of PrideFest’s sponsors is a Central Florida nonprofit medical practice that serves everyone with a target to fill a need in the LGBTQ+ community.

Source: Maria Serrano
Friday, May 31 2024