First responders in Pinellas County say infant sleep-related suffocation is the number one cause of preventable death for children under 18.

According to the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, a healthy baby dies from sleeping unsafely every month in the county. And, statistics suggest most of those deaths happen in St. Petersburg.

Emergency crews say these sorts of tragedies are happening far too often. And, the county is working hard to stop preventable deaths from occurring.

October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month. So, St. Petersburg first responders have partnered up with the Juvenile Welfare Board to help save infant lives. They hosted a joint event on Monday to raise awareness for safe sleeping.

St. Petersburg Fire Rescue is also collecting Pack ‘n Play with bassinets to give to any family without a safe sleeping area for their baby. You can help out by dropping off a new carrier at any St. Pete fire station. Firefighters will then deliver them.

According to medical examiner records, Hillsborough County had 18 deaths as a result of unsafe sleep in 2017. Pinellas County had 10, and Polk County had nine sleep-related infant deaths. Most of those were caused by co-sleeping.

In 2016, there were 176 sleep-related deaths in Florida. More than 100 of those were caused by accidental suffocation, and 61 were the result of co-sleeping.

To view story by 10News WTSP-TV visit: https://www.wtsp.com/article/life/parenting/parenting-infant-baby-sleep-co-sleeping/67-61317e8e-dc27-43c6-947b-b2e59c87c151

The portable crib was in the front of the conference room — a symbol of salvation. “The baby needs to sleep alone, on their back, in their own crib,” said Michelle Schaefer, placing a baby doll in the playpen. “Alone means no pillows, no blankets, no toys or stuffed animals, no people. You can room share, but not bed share.”

Schaefer, who works for the Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas, helped kick off a campaign called “Sleep Baby Safely” on Monday, partnering with the Juvenile Welfare Board and St. Petersburg’s police and fire departments. The effort is an attempt to combat the leading cause of infant death: suffocation.

“Every month a healthy baby dies in our county,” said rescue chief Ian Womack. “First responders like us encounter this way too often.” In the last decade, he said, almost 100 babies have died — many in their parents’ beds. “Picture six empty kindergarten classrooms, lost forever,” he said. “And 100 percent of these deaths could have been prevented.”

Firefighters and police officers now carry pamphlets about how to put babies to bed safely. Nurses give new mothers bags with free onesies and sleep sacks. And fire stations across the city are collecting Pack n’ Play portable cribs to give away, so that every child will have somewhere safe to sleep.

“We can eliminate these needless deaths,” Womack said. “Our goal is to get babies to their first birthdays.”

If you want to donate a new Graco Pack N’ Play portable crib, experts recommend the “On the go Playard with bassinet” model. They can be dropped off at the St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue Station at 455 8th Street S or at any fire station in the area. For more information, call 727-507-6330, or go to: SleepBabySafely.com.

To view article by Tampa Bay Times visit: https://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/2019/09/23/pinellas-launches-campaign-to-save-babies/

ST. PETERSBURG — Bethel Community Foundation’s Summer Bridge School-To-Work Readiness program introduced 23 students ages 14-17 years old to the skills necessary to achieve success in today’s job market. The number of participants nearly doubled in its second year of implementation.

One of the tasks students had to complete in their first week over the summer involved writing a future career claim statement. During the next six weeks of class, students were reminded of their future career projections if they experienced challenging moments during their summer job training.

Employability skills training covered this summer included self-awareness, communication, goal setting, anger management, feedback and criticism, assertiveness, stress management, interview skills and resumes.

Instructors for the Class of 2019 included Constance Shaw, Abram Jones, Vincent Lisbon and William Thomas. The program director is James Myles. For more information about the School-To-Work Readiness program, call 727-866-2747.

To view article by The Weekly Challenger visit: http://theweeklychallenger.com/school-to-work-program-plants-seeds-for-future-success/ 

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Taisha Brooks, MD.

I am a cardiologist. As a cardiologist, I specialize in diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases that mainly affect the heart and blood vessels. Some of the conditions I encounter include arrhythmia, angina, high blood pressure, heart disease, heart failure, cardiac arrest and coronary heart disease.

I received my training and education while in the air force. Upon entering the air force, I had to take the AFOQT, scoring a 150. I passed the physical fitness test and scored a 1500 on my SAT, which was a requirement to enter into the air force. In the armed services, it was my mission to fly, fight, win in the air and guide airmen to pursue our mission

Jeffrey Bennet, P.O.

I am a law enforcement officer. I take great pride in both protecting and serving my community. After graduating from high school, I served three years of active duty in the army, which not only provided me with discipline but also paid for my college education through the GI Bill. I used my GI Bill tuition to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Florida State University.  After graduating from college, I spent four years as a probation officer before applying to the police academy. 

The police academy was tough and lasted 21 weeks total, but it was worth the hard work because I am now a proud member of our local police force. I enjoy my beat and look forward to having a K-9 partner someday.

Destiny Brown

I am a board-certified orthodontist. I examine, diagnose and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. I also design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance.

I study diagnostic records such as medical or dental histories, plaster models of the teeth, photos of a patient’s face and teeth and X-rays to develop patient treatment plans. I also analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.

Alexander Booker

I am a computer technician. Everyone knows the importance of technology in our lives and it’s great when it works. But, when something goes wrong, it can make your day miserable. That’s where I come in.  My job includes:
– Installing software or hardware
– Maintaining and repairing equipment
– Troubleshooting different computer issues
– Determining and installing appropriate security measures
– Configuring computer networks
– Providing technical support on-site or via phone or email

I obtained my computer science degree from the University of Central Florida and now own my own computer repair business.

Ezra Calloway

I am a licensed cosmetologist. I received my license while attending high school. As a cosmetologist, I treat and style hair, nails, makeup, etc.

I love seeing the happiness flourish over my clients face after I have completed their service. It makes me fall in love with this career even more and reassures me that I have done my job and fulfilled their expectations.

Jabari Crawford, DDS

I am a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS).  I diagnose and treat dental issues and help patients develop better oral hygiene regimens. I clean teeth, correct bite issues, perform surgeries and extractions, and perform other duties to ensure that the teeth and mouth are healthy.

I am located in Orlando, where I have taken over my uncle’s practice. I volunteer and speak at local schools to give them information on what I do, hoping to inspire them to chase and catch their dreams.

Cora Covington

I am a veterinarian.  What is a veterinarian you ask?  Simply put, I’m an animal doctor.  I treat any diseased or injured animal, even snakes!  I enjoy treating all animals, but it’s really special when I get to work with horses.

My job duties are just like other doctors’ duties; only my patients usually have four legs or fur.  I examine, diagnose and prescribe medications when needed.  I also perform surgeries.  Not all veterinarians perform surgeries.  But I own a 24/7 veterinarian urgent care clinic and am qualified to do spay, neuter and minor soft tissue operations.

My mother always told me that “you can do anything you put your mind to.”  Those words of encouragement stayed with me while I earned my animal science degree at the University of North Carolina.  I’m happy that I’ve not only made my parents proud but that I get to do something I truly enjoy.

Son Dozier

I am a professional wrestler. Professional wrestlers combine acrobatic maneuvers, physical feats, character development, acting skills, athleticism and showmanship to create a scripted performance that fans love. 

To become a professional wrestler, you need to get in shape, develop your acting skills and boost your presentation skills.

Ira Covington

I am a digital media specialist, which encompasses graphic design, digital design, photography, videographer and film directing. My bachelor’s degree is in visual arts.

I have excellent time management skills and great interpersonal and communication skills. I am responsible for staying up-to-date with digital media technologies and latest trends, suggest and implement direct marketing methods, design digital media campaigns according to business goals, coordinate and manage the creation of all digital content such as website, blogs, press releases, podcasts, infographics and videos.

Derrick Foster

I am an NBA player, and I play and compete in the professional basketball league NBA (National Basketball Association) either for a living or for self-satisfaction.

I am a professional athlete. I entered the NBA, and became successful because I am fearless, trained my body, studied the game, and I NEVER gave up. 

Many said I wouldn’t make it, but I kept pushing and believing in myself.

Torriana Edmonds, MD

Yes, you are looking at a doctor, also known as a general practitioner. I work in the community and see patients of all ages and backgrounds. I diagnose and treat a great deal of patients independently as well as referring them to the appropriate specialist for their medical opinion and advice.

I always wanted to try new things, meet new people and help those who are sick. In 2019, I attended a School-to-Work Program that helped me find my true calling.

Justin Goffe

I am an airline pilot.  I fly passengers all over the country for both leisure and business.  I also fly cargo for commercial purposes.  It takes hard work and dedication to become an airline pilot. First, I had to earn a private pilot certificate, starting with a single-engine plane.  After becoming a private pilot, I earned an instrument rating, which allows a pilot to fly under instrument flight rules and in all kinds of weather. Next, I earned a commercial pilot certificate. Pilots must meet specific experience requirements and fly to a higher standard in order to become a commercial pilot, which ultimately allows them to be paid to fly legally. Once the commercial pilot requirements were satisfied, I obtained a flight instructor certificate. Becoming a certified flight instructor allows pilots to earn a living flying.  To fly large passenger airliners, I added multi-engine privileges to my commercial pilot certificate, which is the final step. I take pride in making sure my passengers enjoy their flight and arrive safely to their destination.

Kayla Flynn R.N.

As a registered nurse, I am the person most patients deal with daily. It is my job to administer medical care, answer patient questions and communicate any concerns to your nurse supervisor. I educate patients about treatment plans; administer medications, wound care and other treatment options.

I care for patients’ physical and mental well-being, perform basic procedures, monitoring, and even a shoulder to cry on when things get tough.

Brandon Gruis

I am a neurosurgeon. I treat strokes, tumors, certain types of birth defects, infections and head or spinal cord injuries. 

My daily life as a neurosurgeon is extremely complex and demanding, with rapidly changing tasks and responsibilities.

Maurice Herring

I am a neurosurgeon.  I take pride in being one of the few African-American neurosurgeons in the country but am hopeful that more minorities will choose this profession in the future.  A neurosurgeon is a medical specialist who treats diseases and conditions affecting the nervous system, which includes the brain, the spine and spinal cord and the peripheral nerves.

It took 15 long years for me to become a neurosurgeon.  First, I earned my bachelor’s degree in biomedical science from Harvard University.  I then attended Harvard’s Medical School and earned my Doctor of Medicine.

After that, I thankfully passed my medical licensing exam on my first try.  Upon earning my M.D., I completed a one-year hospital internship followed by an eight-year neurosurgical residency. Finally, I successfully became state-licensed and board-certified.  I am now the head neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Markeda Hartwell M.D.

I obtained a bachelor’s degree, earned a four-year medical degree, and complete a four-year residency. 

As an OB/GYN (obstetrician and gynecologist), I specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders that affect women, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer and menopause.

Additionally, I work with expecting mothers throughout their pregnancies, during childbirth and into postpartum.

Messiah Harris Smith

I am an automotive service technician. I received my certification from Pinellas Technical College. I work in well-ventilated and well-lit repair shops.

I identify and fix automotive problems with computers and commonly work with greasy parts and tools, sometimes in uncomfortable positions. I test parts and systems to ensure that they work properly.

Follow checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined. Perform basic care and maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels and rotating tires. I also repair or replace worn parts, such as brake pads, wheel bearings and sensors.

Ja’niyah Johnson

I am a pediatrician. I am a doctor who manages the health of your child, including physical, behavior and mental health issues.

 I am trained to diagnose and treat childhood illnesses, from minor health problems to serious diseases.

I make sure your child meets milestones in growth and behavior skills. I provide you with information regarding your child’s health, safety, nutrition and fitness needs.

Ja’Dashia Givens

I am a paramedic. I graduated from medical school with a bachelor’s degree. Paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings.

People’s lives often depend on their quick reaction and competent care. I respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities. I work both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather.

My work is physically strenuous and can be stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations.

Imariyah G. Sloan

I am a cosmetologist.  I have always enjoyed playing in makeup and trying different hairstyles.  People don’t realize how being a cosmetologist puts your creativity to the test, but it is an extremely challenging and competitive profession.

Some cosmetologists make six-figure salaries, and some even have their own television shows.  I plan to start a small lip gloss company while attending college for business.  After that, I want to become a successful entrepreneur focusing on fashion design.

India G. Sloan

I am a physical therapist.  My job duties include providing hands-on evidence-based care, exercise prescription, joint mobilization and health education to my patients.  I also help with the treatment of conditions such as chronic or acute pain, soft tissue injuries, cartilage damage and arthritis.

I take pride in teaching my patients how to manage their conditions so they will achieve long-term health benefits, and develop a care plan to both restore mobility and reduce pain. I earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and passed a state-administered national exam.  I have practiced in hospitals, outpatient clinics and schools.  Because exercise-related injuries are so common, I currently work at a fitness center.

My goal is to eventually own a physical therapy clinic where I can train those who want to become a physical therapist.

Jade Stewart

I am a doctor in the army.  Like any other doctor, I earned my bachelor’s and medical degrees and have a license to practice medicine in the U.S.  An army doctor is a medical professional who serves the nation in the army.

Basically, I’m a doctor first and earned my rank after graduating from medical school. Hence army doctors always write their title first, followed by their rank. So allow me to reintroduce myself; my name is Doctor Sergeant Jade Stewart.

In order to be a doctor in the military, you must have self-discipline and be calm in stressful situations.  My duties include working in hospitals and medical centers, providing care to soldiers that have been injured in combat and other emergencies. I also provide care to civilians who are victims of natural disasters. My job is challenging but extremely gratifying.

Janae Terrell

I am a certified general dentist. As a general dentist, it took me eight long years to become who I am today. I currently have my own dental practice “Terrell & Co. Dentistry.”

I am a primary care dental provider, and I treat, manage health problems. I perform dental needs such as gum issues, fillings and crowns. I service adults and children. I will continue to further my business by helping my community fix their oral health problems.

The early morning rain may have wet the ground at the James B. Sanderlin Center, but it did not dampen the spirit and excitement of the families who came to the “Chilled by the Grill” event Aug. 10.

The center hosted its annual family fun day with approximately 350 people in attendance.  Saturday’s event celebrated the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year.

“We wanted to be sure that our students and parents are prepared for the current school year to achieve excellence,” said Executive Director Dr. Celeste Thomas, who noted that the turnout was outstanding.

The James B. Sanderlin Neighborhood Family Center is a non-profit agency in south St. Petersburg. The center focuses on family education, arts, economics, employment, positive values and health and wellness. Their mission is to cultivate a community where children and families are valued, loved and destined to succeed.

Family fun day has been a part of the Sanderlin Center since its inception, according to Raymond Sanderlin, Jr., a long-term board member and the nephew of Judge James B. Sanderlin, the first African-American judge in Pinellas County.

The event became more formalized as the years went on, but the goal has remained the same: to bring the community together while introducing the many services available to better lives.

Children received a backpack full of school supplies and other items sponsored by Simply Healthcare Plans and the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County. Free physicals were conducted, compliments of the Nurse Practitioners Association.

In the dining area, finger-licking barbeque hamburgers and hotdogs along with ice pops conquered thirst and hunger.

Across the way from the dining hall, barbers made sure the youngsters were stylish for the first day of school by providing free haircuts. Long lines of students caused throbbing hands and tired feet, but the barbers worked until every kid was serviced.

“It is important for our children to look the part of excellence,” said Nick Samuels, a volunteer from Foundation of Truth Tabernacle. “A fresh haircut helps our kids with their self-esteem. When you look good then you feel good. When you feel good then you perform well. When you do well then you get excellent results, higher achievement and you are recognized as such.”

On the outside, vendors lined the sidewalk and filled the yard, providing participants with tools to increase literacy, healthy eating and lifestyles. They also offered nutritional packets and information, childcare brochures and voting instructions, which certainly can be important to citizens desiring to re-establish voting rights.

Other activities for the kids included bounce houses, music and the Tampa Bay Rays, who gave out cool shades.

Through the rain clouds, Judge Sanderlin must have been smiling to create the rainbow that hovered over the family fun day. It was a full and eventually dry day of fun festivities.

To view article by The Weekly Challenger visit: http://theweeklychallenger.com/chill-by-the-grill/

It’s official. Pinellas County commissioners unanimously approved maximum millage rates for fiscal year 2019-2020 as proposed by staff during an Aug. 1 budget information session.

Commissioner Kathleen Peters was absent.

The rates will be certified and passed on to the property appraiser to include in Truth in Millage notices, aka TRIM notices, which will be mailed to property owners on or about Aug. 20.

After millage rates are certified to the property appraiser, commissioners can decide to decrease them, but they cannot be increased. Final millage rates must be approved before the beginning of the next fiscal year on Oct. 1.

Millage rates are used to calculate property taxes, aka ad valorem taxes, which are assessed on real property and tangible personal property. The rates are in mills. One mill is one dollar of taxes for each thousand dollars of taxable value. For example, a tax rate of 5.9 mills on a taxable value of $100,000 would cost $590 in taxes.

The property appraiser establishes taxable values as of Jan. 1 and certifies them in June. For more information, visit https://www.pcpao.org.

Maximum millage rates set by Pinellas County government remain unchanged from the current year, except for seven fire protection districts, which will see reduced rates. They include Belleair Bluffs, Clearwater, Dunedin, Gandy, Largo, Safety Harbor and South Pasadena.

The county has 12 fire protection districts that provide services to unincorporated areas. The county does not have its own fire departments. Property owners in the districts pay a separate millage to pay for contracted fire services.

Property owners who live within the High Point, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Tarpon Springs and Tierra Verde fire districts will have the same millage rates as the current year.

When TRIM notices arrive, property owners countywide will see separate millage rates for the general fund, health department and emergency medical services.

Residents in unincorporated areas of the county will see a millage rate for the municipal service taxing unit, better known as MSTU, which generates revenue to pay for services, such as law enforcement and others similar to those available to residents who live in a municipality. Unincorporated property owners also will see a millage rate for the Public Library Cooperative.

Property owners in Palm Harbor and East Lake will see millage rates that generate revenue dedicated to recreation and library services. Property owners in Feather Sound will have a millage rate for its community services district, which provides money for a variety of needs.

Property owners should note that Pinellas County is not the only taxing authority that receives property taxes. TRIM notices also could include millage rates from a municipality, the school board, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Pinellas County Planning Council, Juvenile Welfare Board and Suncoast Transit Authority.

Millage rates from all taxing authorities are added together to calculate each property owner’s total millage rate.

Taxing authorities are advising property owners that property taxes may be higher this year due to increases in property values, despite some decreases in millage rates. The TRIM notice will provide an estimated tax bill based on maximum tentative millage rates, as well as the taxable value for your property.

Potential budget changes

Pinellas County’s proposed fiscal year 2020 budget is just over $2.4 billion, according to the proposed budget presented to commissioners on July 23.

Bill Berger, director of the Office of Management & Budget, talked about some potential budget changes during the Aug. 1 meeting. He said if commissioners decided to fund the new requests, it would not affect the proposed maximum millage rates.

The medical examiner is asking for $99,000 to pay for a full time employee and equipment needed to satisfy an unfunded mandate from the state for THC testing.

A new state law, which took effect July 1, made it legal for farmers to grow marijuana for hemp fiber. In addition, it is legal for people to possess hemp products that contain 0.3% or less THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that produces a “high.” These products also contain the non-euphoric chemical CBD, cannabidiol.

The state attorney’s office announced Aug. 1 that it would no longer be charging people with possession of marijuana without an explicit confession or the development of a new test that distinguishes between cannabis and hemp.

Additional money, $149,000, may also be needed to fund the Cross Bay Ferry next year. St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman is expected to make a formal request for funding at the commission’s Aug. 6 meeting.

The health department also is in need of $226,000 to fill a funding gap in the adult Medicaid dental program. The state has been contracting with private Medicaid providers, but has recently cut back on the amount of funding for the program.

Without additional revenue, about 4,000 low-income adults could lose access to dental care. Staff is looking at other options, but wanted commissioners to know about the potential need for more money. Berger said money was available in the health department’s reserves to fund the program, if needed.

The final request was for more money for Court Case Management System enhancements. Berger said staff was not recommending funding the $220,000 in enhancements in next year’s budget. Instead, Berger recommends bringing back funding requests as the enhancements are needed in years 2020-2022.

Commissioners also discussed travel budgets, as some commissioners travel more than others, the need for matching funds now that the federal government has awarded the county a grant for a business incubator, social action funding and additional uses of bed tax revenue.

Staff will continue work to finalize the tentative budget and post the final version to the county’s website, www.pinellascounty.org, by Sept. 10. The first public hearing is set for Thursday, Sept. 12, and the second and final hearing will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 24. The hearings will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the fifth floor Assembly Room in the Pinellas County Courthouse, 315 Court St., Clearwater.

To view article by Tampa Bay Newspapers visit: https://www.tbnweekly.com/pinellas_county/article_bed3e3d8-b885-11e9-9e88-d38a536e2ecb.html  

Backpacks, lunch boxes and notebooks are all essential items needed for going back to school. Equally important are required back-to-school immunizations and physicals.

That is why the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) is offering its annual summer back-to-school clinic services to students kindergarten through grade 12 to prepare for the 2019-20 school year.

DOH-Pinellas’ school-based clinics provide school, sports and well-child physicals, including immunizations, at no cost for clients in need. Vision screenings, provided by Preserve Vision Florida, as well as assistance for glasses and exams (for qualifying clients) will be available.

SERTOMA Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc. will provide support to students who need additional hearing consultation and screening. The last day to receive services is Tuesday, Aug. 13.

The services will be provided at no cost by appointment only between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. from Mondays through Thursdays on a rotating schedule at the following locations:

• Pinellas Park High School Clinic: 6305 118th Ave. N
• Northeast High School Clinic: 5500 16th St. N
• Gibbs High School Clinic: 850 34th St. S
• Boca Ciega High School Clinic: 924 58th St. S

For appointments, call (727) 824-6900 and select menu option 4. A parent or guardian must bring the child’s immunization record and accompany the child to receive services. If the parent is not present, consent must be obtained before receiving services.

All Pinellas children entering kindergarten on Aug. 14 are required to present a school entrance physical, dated within one year of school enrollment.

DOH-Pinellas’ school-based clinics are a partnership with the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County. The clinics provide services to students on campus during the school year and open to the community during the summer months.

To view article by The Weekly Challenger visit: http://theweeklychallenger.com/back-to-school-immunizations-and-physicals/

https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2019/07/23/free-book-giveaway-for-kids-in-pinellas-county

The Pinellas County School Board is celebrating its partnership with Juvenile Welfare Board, the United Way, and the myON Street Team by giving away free books to kids on Tuesday. 

• 474 books given to 237 children during event
• Community partnerships contributed to book donations

Kids who visited the Barbara S. Ponce Library on Tuesday afternoon were given two free books. They picked them out on the “Book Bus.”

Throughout the event, which lasted just over two hours, 474 books were given to 237 children. 

The books were donated and handed out through partnerships in the community. Pinellas County Schools, the Juvenile Welfare Board and United Way Suncoast all partner to help promote reading among students by giving them access to books.

Families can also access a free subscription to myON’s 6,000 digital books. Pinellas County kids, 5th grade or younger, have access to these books as part of the “Read on myON” partnership. 

The “Book Bus” has delivered more than 14,000 books to kids this summer.To view story by Spectrum Bay News 9 visit:  https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2019/07/23/free-book-giveaway-for-kids-in-pinellas-county

In an effort to prevent drowning, free spring and summer swimming lessons are being offered for the first time to Gulfport youth ages 3 to 12 in a partnership between the City of Gulfport and the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg. 

Zakary Nelson, 6, was the first swimmer to successfully tackle the full length of the pool at Stetson University College of Law during the 10 a.m. training session on Saturday, July 13. And, he did it in his own style. “I like to do my best,” he said. When he puts his face under water while swimming, he calls it his “deep dive.” 

The YMCA’s aquatics coordinator Sidney Newfield was with Nelson all the way to make sure that the program’s swimming protocols were also followed. 

The program began at the YMCA pool while the law school’s facilities underwent some maintenance. Now, the students have their own exclusive pool for the program and organizers can have two sessions at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. instead of one that was combined at the later time, said Gulfport Vice Mayor Paul Ray.

The pool facility is free thanks to Stetson. Through monetary donations by the City of Gulfport, and the Juvenile Welfare Board partnering with the YMCA, the lessons are also free, said Ray. 

“The Gulfport pool venue is going to be easier for people in this neighborhood to get to as opposed to the Y that’s in St. Petersburg,” said Heidi Blair, YMCA senior program director. Making this an annual program “would be great. The more people we can serve the better.”

Ray would like to see the program expanded to older age groups. 

“I’d like to see some of the parents also learn how to swim. I’ve asked some of them, ‘Can you swim?’ And, almost every single one said, ‘No.’”

For more information, call the YMCA at 727-328-9622.

To view article by The Gabber visit: http://thegabber.com/swimming-with-style/

The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County has selected a new CEO, Beth Houghton, who is currently the head of the St. Petersburg Free Clinic.

“Children have always been sort of the core of my passion in helping other people,” she told the Tampa Bay Times on Monday.

Houghton said she was not looking for a new job, but when a member from the Welfare Board reached out to her about the opening, she felt drawn to the agency’s mission and substantial resources. She will sign a two-year contract to lead the Welfare Board, which has a $93.4 million annual budget. The agency issues funds to programs for kids across the county.

Houghton, who was selected following a nationwide search, is taking over for Marcie Biddleman, who led the Welfare Board for 10 years.

“She can think outside the box, but she does it in a quiet and helpful way,” said Pinellas-Pasco Public Defender Bob Dillinger, a Juvenile Welfare Board member who served on the search committee. Dillinger said he has worked with Houghton for years in her role as head of the Free Clinic. She emerged from a wide pool of candidates from as far away as Seattle, he said, in part because of her local ties.

“While our pool of candidates was strong, Ms. Houghton rose to the top because of her legal and fiscal expertise, high regard in the community, vast knowledge of Pinellas County, and reputation for getting things done,” said Jim Sewell, the Welfare Board’s immediate past chair and a member of the search committee, in a statement.

Houghton has overseen the Free Clinic, which helps people in need with food and shelter, for eight years. Her last day is Aug. 2. She is expected to start at the Welfare Board in mid September.

She is a member of the Florida Bar, first admitted in 1980, and was previously the chief financial officer and general counsel of All Children’s Hospital, according to the Welfare Board’s announcement of her hiring. She is married to Scott Wagman, a former St. Petersburg mayoral candidate and prominent local businessman.

Houghton, 64, said she will first try to get to know the northern parts of Pinellas County better in her new role, since she has worked primarily in St. Petersburg. She also plans to delve further into the Welfare Board’s recent initiatives on youth mental health, meet her employees and explore other existing programs at the agency.

“It’s wise to be quiet and listen more at first and find out what the opportunities are before you go off and set direction,” she said.

To view article by Tampa Bay Newspapers visit: https://www.tampabay.com/pinellas/pinellas-juvenile-welfare-board-selects-new-ceo-20190715/