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APOLLO BEACH, FL — The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Apollo Beach welcomed 18 new cold-stressed turtles on Wednesday, hitting capacity for the first time since its opening, according to a news release.

There are no 56 turtles under critical care at the center — the highest number at one time — in what the aquarium calls “an unprecedented challenge … as frigid temperatures continue to threaten endangered sea turtles along Florida’s east coast.

“This is one of the earliest and most severe cold-stress events we’ve ever seen,” Dr. Debi Luke, senior vice president of conservation at The Florida Aquarium, said. “We usually see strandings peak between late February and April, but we’re already at full capacity, and more turtles are continuing to struggle.”

When water temperatures drop into the low 50s, sea turtles become lethargic and float to the surface, leaving them vulnerable to predators and possibly stranding on shore, according to the aquarium.

This winter alone, The Florida Aquarium has taken in 49 cold-stressed turtles, a number that could continue to rise as chilly conditions persist. Other sea turtle rehabilitation centers across the state are at or near capacity, forcing difficult decisions about which turtles receive care.

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The cost of rehabilitating a single sea turtle can reach $15,000, with some patients requiring months to a year of intensive care.

At The Florida Aquarium, each sea turtle receives comprehensive medical care, including examinations, x-rays, bloodwork, ongoing treatments and medications throughout their stay.

Although the federal Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act has bipartisan support in the House and is expected in the Senate, there are currently no government funding programs available to offset the costs for caring for these endangered animals, the aquarium said.

People can donate directly to The Florida Aquarium’s sea turtle conservation efforts or visit the aquarium. A portion of every ticket sold goes toward sea turtle rehabilitation efforts. Stranded or distressed sea turtles to FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC.

“The reality is sea turtle bed space, and finances are maxed out,” Luke added. “We need the public’s help now more than ever.”

TAMPA, FL — Mariana Gillen, 17, struggled in school from a young age.

“I was falling behind starting in the first grade, not catching up like most children were,” she told Patch. “Even in kindergarten I had trouble with rhyming and reading, and my timings on reading in the first grade, I was the slowest in there. I would always get caught up (with) the 'p’s and 'q's and the 'b's and the 'd's, which is one of the big early signs of dyslexia.”

Now, the Tampa senior’s biggest passion is assisting other families and students who are struggling with dyslexia.

She was diagnosed with the learning disability in the second grade, which is young for those with dyslexia, she said. But she continued to struggle after this diagnosis as it was a different time and classroom accommodations weren’t readily available, Gillen added.

Wanting to help others, she launched a nonprofit organization, MARI Kits, as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project.

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As a 14-year-old, she started creating toolkits for children with dyslexia in grades kindergarten through third grade. She’s given out hundreds of these kits to students in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, paying for them with money she made from her part-time jobs at Chick-fil-A and a dance studio.

These kits include everything from noise-canceling headphones to dry erase boards and markers to word tiles to highlighting strips, as well as a copy of the book “The Alphabet War,” a story about dyslexia.

“I used them over the years through my dyslexia and I’m grateful for all of them,” Gillen said. “All these tools really speak to me.”

Through her nonprofit organization, she’s elevated this work by presenting educational sessions at libraries, schools and even doctor’s offices on the early signs of dyslexia. She also hands out pamphlets that she distributes about the learning disability — what it is, what the signs are and why early screening matters.

“At least they’ll have something they are able to look at when it comes to their child, something to keep an eye on,” she said.

As Gillen wraps up her senior year of high school, she plans to dedicate her career to helping those with dyslexia and continue running MARI Kits while in college.

“I’m very passionate about dyslexia and really helping empower children and parents,” she said.

Residents of FL who drink tap water could be getting a dangerous cocktail of hundreds of chemicals, heavy metals and radioactive substances.

Patch Staff

|Updated Thu, Feb 27, 2025 at 11:40 am ET

Story synopsis:

FLORIDA — Residents of Florida who drink tap water could be getting a dangerous cocktail of hundreds of chemicals, heavy metals and radioactive substances every day, according to an analysis of the nation’s drinking water supply released Wednesday.

Florida’s 1,603 public water utilities, which serves 21,328,000 people, have 126 known contaminants, according to the Environmental Working Group, a research and environmental advocacy nonprofit organization. A search-by-ZIP-code function allows people to see what’s in their community’s drinking water.

Total trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, radium combined (-226 & -228) and chromium (hexavalent) are some of the detected contaminants.

EWG analyzed water quality data from nearly 50,000 water systems collected between 2021 and 2023. It identified 324 contaminants in drinking water supplies across the country, with almost all community water systems having detectable contaminants.

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The report comes amid federal government upheaval that jeopardizes landmark standards regulating PFAS — a dangerous, ubiquitous class of chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive issues and other serious health problems.

The final rules, approved in April, are “the most significant action on drinking water in a generation for some of the worst chemicals in drinking water — a tremendous public health plan,” Melanie Benesh, the EWG’s vice president of government affairs, told Patch.

“It means thousands of people are not going to get sick or die from serious, chronic diseases,” she said. “It shouldn’t be reversed. Lives and health are at stake.”

More than 143 million people are exposed to PFAS in their drinking water, according to data from the Environmental Protection Agency. PFAS have been detected in nearly every American’s blood, including newborns.

President Donald Trump’s “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review” memorandum in January directed agency and department heads to consider delaying the effective date of any final rules published in the Federal Register for 60 days pending review.

That’s not unusual any time there’s a change in the administration and agency leadership, Benesh said.

Lee Zeldin was sworn in as the 17th administrator of the EPA on Jan. 25. As a congressman representing New York’s 1st District from 2015 to 2023, he voted in favor of tougher regulation of PFAS.

Though a positive sign, Benesh said the EWG and other safe-water advocates have “real concerns that these landmark health protections for our drinking water will be significantly weakened and rolled back.”

Also in January, the Trump administration withdrew a proposed rule from the previous administration that would have subjected manufacturers to federal discharge limits on PFAS. The withdrawal means there is no federal limit on the amount of PFAS a manufacturer can release into waterways. That places greater burden on states to place limits on states.

Legislation pending in California would require the stature to pass an emergency resolution codifying the federal limits in the event that the EPA weakens the standards, Benesh noted.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if other states follow suit,” she said.

Dozens of states have adopted policies concerning PFAS.

Florida adopted two House bills, 5001 and 1475, in 2022.

HB 5001 allowed $29.6 million to go toward the testing and remediation of any pollutant that is a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance.

Meanwhile, HB 1475 mandated the Department of Environmental Protection to adopt regulations for cleanup and target levels for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in soil and groundwater by a particular date.

The Trump administration has also asked for a stay on pending litigation surrounding the PFAS standards. The final rules face a multidistrict legal challenge in U.S. District Court in South Carolina, a consolidation of 10,000 associated cases with tens of thousands of plaintiffs.

Defendants include large companies such as 3M, DuPont, Chemours and Corteva.

“It is imperative that we do everything we can to keep them in place,” Benesh said of the standards. “The Trump administration, on the whole, has been very sympathetic to chemical companies.”

The Biden administration also unlocked nearly $1 billion in funding to help states and territories implement PFAS treatment measures through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Some of the money in the Safe Drinking Water Act revolving loan fund has already been distributed. But it’s unclear how Trump’s pause on infrastructure spending could affect PFAS mitigation, which many utilities would be unable to tackle without government help.

Other key findings in Wednesday’s EWG report include:

Volatile organic compounds: VOCs like trichloroethylene or TCE, perchloroethylene and benzene are widespread contaminants linked to industrial pollution and environmental persistence. These chemicals, even at low concentrations, can cause cancer, liver damage and neurological issues. They are found in tap water at levels ranging from parts per trillion to parts per billion.

Nitrate: Nitrates from farm runoff and wastewater can contaminate drinking water, especially in rural areas. Long-term exposure to high nitrate levels can cause serious health problems, including cancer, thyroid issues and harm to developing babies. Nitrate contamination is particularly dangerous for infants, especially when used in baby formula, as it can lead to life-threatening conditions like methemoglobinemia.

Heavy metals: Arsenic is a naturally occurring mineral that causes bladder, lung and skin cancer as well as harm to the skin and lungs. Arsenic is found in drinking water in all 50 states

Hexavalent chromium, or chromium-6, is a carcinogen made infamous by the Erin Brockovich case in California, and is in the drinking water of over 250 million Americans. There is no federal limit for chromium-6, despite its widespread presence and link to cancer and organ damage.

Disinfection byproducts: Chlorine disinfectants used to treat water can form harmful byproducts linked to cancer and reproductive health issues. These byproducts are consistently found in large water systems serving millions of people.

Radiological contaminants: Radium and uranium were detected in many water systems, sometimes exceeding EPA limits. Long-term exposure can lead to neurological disorders, developmental delays and organ damage. Radioactive elements like radium and uranium, naturally occurring or released from mining and industrial processes, increase cancer risk due to ionizing radiation.

Fluoride: While fluoride is added to water for dental health, high levels can cause dental and skeletal fluorosis and may harm children's neurodevelopment. Some communities have seen fluoride concentrations exceed recommended limits.

If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend (February 28-March 2), there's plenty of action happening around the Tampa Bay area.

Looking for more fun? Click here.

When: 5:30 p.m.Where: 801 Water Street, TampaCost: $75Info: Featuring keynote speaker Leonard George Jr., Esq., a trailblazer in sports and media.

When: 7 p.m.Where: 711 N Franklin Street, TampaCost: $53Info: Watch the magician and comedian take the stage at the historic Tampa Theatre.

When: 6 p.m.Where: 1001 E Cumberland Avenue, TampaCost: $35Info: Rising local stars and celebrated national artists come together for a night of music, food and more.

When: 11 a.m.Where: 263 W Central Avenue, Winter HavenCost: FreeInfo: This family-friendly event will have food, games and entertainment.

When: 8 a.m.Where: 190 S. Florida Avenue, BartowCost: FreeInfo: A group bike ride that will take you down scenic routes in Polk County.

When: 1 p.m.Where: 401 E Bird Street, TampaCost: $60-$65Info: Sample over 200 beers from tons of Florida craft brewers.

When: 11 a.m.Where: 8098 66th Street N, Pinellas ParkCost: $8Info: Find several local food vendors and entertainment at this fun event.

When: 9 a.m.Where: 1001 N. Boulevard, TampaCost: FreeInfo: Explore art of all mediums at the 55th annual festival.

When: 6 p.m.Where: 711 N Franklin Street, TampaCost: $30-$125Info: Toast the Oscar nominees and celebrate the winners together at Tampa Theatre.

When: All weekend, 10 a.m.Where: 303 BerryFest Place, Plant CityCost: $15Info: The annual spring celebration is back with rides, entertainment and strawberry treats galore.

When: All weekend, starting Friday at 8:30 a.m.Where: 400 1st Street South, St. PetersburgCost: Click here for ticket informationInfo: Watch the downtown St. Pete streets get turned into a raceway.

When: All weekend, 12 p.m.Where: 7720 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, TampaCost: $20-$75Info: Find tons of entertainment at this charity event for Shriner's Children's - Florida.

When: Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.Where: 100 E Main Street, BartowCost: FreeInfo: Find everything from antique cars to paintings and restored violins.

When: All weekend, starting Friday at 6 p.m.Where: 255 Drew Street, ClearwaterCost: FreeInfo: Enjoy live music and delicious seafood at this annual event.

If you have any upcoming weekend events, send them to [email protected] for consideration.

The TGH Behavioral Health Hospital offers specialized and personalized care for behavioral and mental health conditions.

Tampa, FL – February 25, 2025 – Tampa General Hospital (TGH), Lifepoint Health, and the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine formally cut the ribbon today and celebrated the grand opening of the TGH Behavioral Health Hospital.

The TGH Behavioral Health Hospital, located in the center of the Tampa Medical &Research District (TMRD), is Florida’s first and only freestanding academic medical center-affiliated behavioral health hospital. It results from a joint venture between TGH and Lifepoint Behavioral Health, a business unit of Lifepoint Health.

“With the opening of TGH Behavioral Health Hospital, we are making a significant leap forward in addressing the pressing need for mental health services in our community and across Florida,” said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. “This facility is more than just a hospital—it is a beacon of hope for patients and their families, offering compassionate, personalized care provided by world-class academic-based physicians with access to the latest research and cutting-edge technologies.”

The TGH Behavioral Health Hospital, located at 1303 West Kennedy Boulevard, opens to the public in March. The new building spans approximately 83,000 square feet and features 96 inpatient beds. As a higher level of care for patients in crisis due to a mental health condition, inpatient treatment will offer personalized 24-hour care consisting of medication management, safety planning and therapy, both group and individual. In the next few months, partial hospitalization and outpatient treatment services will be available.

“We believe partnerships like this one are transformative for our communities,” said David Dill, chairman and chief executive officer of Lifepoint Health. “Our team first partnered with Tampa General in 2020 to build the TGH Rehabilitation Hospital, and expanding on our work together to bring additional specialty services to the region was a natural next step. By leveraging the respective strengths of Lifepoint, TGH and USF Health, this hospital will have an outsized impact on access to vitally needed mental and behavioral healthcare in Florida. We know that accessible care changes lives in innumerable ways, which is why it’s the driving force behind Lifepoint’s mission of making communities healthier.”

The hospital’s expert team of academic-medicine-based USF Health psychiatrists and psychologists, supported by Tampa General therapists and specialized nursing staff, will work collaboratively to provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

“Through our comprehensive academic, research and clinical activities, the University of South Florida is uniquely positioned to help address the growing demand for behavioral health services in our community, and we are proud to take part in this important initiative alongside our partners at Tampa General Hospital,” University of South Florida President Rhea Law said. “We deeply appreciate our state leaders for supporting this project that will provide significant impacts for patients and for recognizing the immense value that TGH and USF Health contribute to our region, our state and beyond.”

Tampa General tapped Doug Leonardo to serve as the president and CEO of the TGH Behavioral Health Hospital. Leonardo brings more than 25 years of experience in behavioral health, having developed and implemented strategies to increase access to care, improve the cost of care and develop services in new markets. He has successfully integrated behavioral health care services at 12 hospitals and emergency departments in Florida’s largest metropolitan areas.

“This is the start of a new era in mental health care, combining academic excellence with patient-centered treatment,” said Leonardo. “The TGH Behavioral Health Hospital will transform the landscape of behavioral health services in Florida, ensuring that individuals and families receive the support they need for mental wellness and recovery.”

The opening of the TGH Behavioral Health Hospital comes at a pivotal moment, as mental health needs continue to rise across the nation. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly one in four Americans lives with a mental illness, and more than half the U.S. population resides in an area with a shortage of mental health professionals.

“The TGH Behavioral Health Hospital is a prime example of how the public and private sectors can work together to bridge the gap in mental health services,” said Senator Kathleen Passidomo. “We are proud to work with Tampa General to set the standard for the nation in quality and access to care.”

The Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 330 during the 2024 legislative session to create a behavioral health teaching hospital designation in state statute. The law names the TGH Behavioral Health Hospital as the first of just four behavioral health teaching hospitals in the state.

The TGH Behavioral Health Hospital will serve as a key behavioral health training and education center. As Florida’s first designated behavioral health teaching hospital, it will provide invaluable hands-on learning opportunities for medical students and residents from USF Health’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at the Morsani College of Medicine.

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