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Florida Authorities Intensify Mosquito Control Efforts Amidst Dengue Fever Surge

Florida Authorities Intensify Mosquito Control Efforts Amidst Dengue Fever Surge

Local authorities in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, Florida, are on high alert and have significantly ramped up mosquito control protocols due to a surge in Dengue Fever cases in surrounding counties, particularly Hillsborough County. While Manatee and Sarasota Counties have not reported local cases, health officials are coordinating with the Florida Department of Health and the Manatee County Mosquito Control District to prevent local transmission. Christopher Lesser, Director of the Manatee Co. Mosquito Control District, stated that helicopters are spraying urban areas of Bradenton and Palmetto every two weeks, covering approximately 30,000 acres per mission. This targeted spraying focuses on urban neighborhoods where the Aedes aegypti mosquito, also known as the yellow fever mosquito, thrives. This mosquito, originally from Africa, is a vector for not only dengue but also yellow fever, Zika, and chikungunya. Florida has recorded 485 dengue cases this year, with Hillsborough County showing the largest in...

Hillsborough County Faces Severe Dengue Outbreak, Receives Aid from Lee County

Hillsborough County Faces Severe Dengue Outbreak, Receives Aid from Lee County

Hillsborough County, Florida, is currently experiencing a significant dengue outbreak, with 170 locally acquired cases reported, accounting for nearly 90% of all such infections in Florida this year. In response to the escalating situation, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties have each declared local states of emergency. This declaration allows them to access additional resources and mutual aid to combat the spread of the mosquito-borne virus. As part of this regional effort, three mosquito control helicopters from Lee County are scheduled to assist Hillsborough County's mosquito control operations, taking off from Tampa Executive Airport. These specialized aircraft and crews will conduct aerial treatment missions aimed at reducing the mosquito populations responsible for transmitting dengue. State surveillance data further indicates the severity of the outbreak, identifying 17 dengue-positive mosquito pools statewide, with 16 of these located in Hillsborough County and one in neighboring Pasco Coun...

City of St. Petersburg Seeks Emergency Spill Response and Environmental Remediation Services

City of St. Petersburg Seeks Emergency Spill Response and Environmental Remediation Services

The City of St. Petersburg, Florida, is actively seeking suppliers to provide 24-hour, 7-day-a-week emergency spill response, industrial waste management, and site remediation services for its Sanitation Department. This initiative is crucial for addressing Code Compliance violations promptly and managing waste materials that are not accepted by Pinellas County Solid Waste. The scope of work includes containing and cleaning up both hazardous and non-hazardous materials, collecting and transporting industrial and special wastes, remediating affected properties, and disposing of non-accepted waste. Currently, Hull's Environmental Services, Inc. has been identified as the sole source provider for these services due to their specialized capabilities in the region. The contract will operate on an as-needed basis, ensuring that emergency responses are available around the clock within the City of St. Petersburg. Interested suppliers are required to submit product information, statements of qualifications, and ca...

Florida Department of Health Issues Rabies Alert in Martin County After Raccoon Tests Positive

Florida Department of Health Issues Rabies Alert in Martin County After Raccoon Tests Positive

The Florida Department of Health in Martin County has issued a 60-day rabies alert following the confirmation of a rabid raccoon in Stuart, Florida. The raccoon was captured on Sunday off South Kanner Highway and subsequently tested positive for the deadly viral disease. The alert encompasses an area bounded by Southeast Tressler Drive to the south, Southeast Federal Highway to the east, and South Kanner Highway to the west. Health officials are emphasizing that rabies is present among wild animal populations in the region and are urging residents and visitors to exercise caution and avoid contact with wildlife such as raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes. Rabies is primarily transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, which may appear healthy but exhibit unusual behavior, ranging from overly friendly to aggressive. The department advises anyone bitten or scratched by an animal to immediately wash the wound with soap and water, seek medical attention, and report th...

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

When does daylight saving time end? Why Florida clocks are still changing

When does daylight saving time end? Why Florida clocks are still changing

Florida wanted year-round daylight saving time. So why are residents still changing clocks twice a year? Here's what's holding things up.

Florida Department of Health to Hold Hearing on Proposed Vaccine Rule Changes Amid Declining Childhood Immunization Rates

Florida Department of Health to Hold Hearing on Proposed Vaccine Rule Changes Amid Declining Childhood Immunization Rates

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has scheduled a public hearing for October 8, 2026, in Lake Mary, Florida, to discuss proposed revisions to Rule 64D-3.046, Florida Administrative Code. These revisions aim to eliminate state requirements for four specific vaccines—chickenpox (varicella), hepatitis B, pneumococcal conjugate, and haemophilus influenzae type b (hib)—for school and daycare entry. This initiative is part of Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo’s broader effort to promote 'medical freedom' and parental choice, which he has previously linked to ending vaccine mandates. The Florida chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FCAAP) strongly opposes these changes, warning that there is no scientific or medical justification for removing these requirements and that doing so would increase public health risks. Childhood vaccination rates in Florida have already seen a decline, with MMR vaccine coverage for kindergarteners at 88.8% for the 2024-2025 school year, falling below the national average of...

Palm Beach Post

Sun rise, sunset times in Palm Beach County after daylight saving ends

Sun rise, sunset times in Palm Beach County after daylight saving ends

Sunrise and sunset times in Palm Beach County and in Florida before, after clocks fall back in November. What to know on effort to lock the clocks.

Tri-Rail passengers will pay more for South Florida rides

Tri-Rail passengers will pay more for South Florida rides

Tri-Rail passengers will pay more for their tickets starting today, as a planned fare hike takes effect.

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Sarasota Pine View teacher faced 4 misconduct cases before AG stepped in

Sarasota Pine View teacher faced 4 misconduct cases before AG stepped in

A Pine View teacher in Sarasota County faced four misconduct cases before Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stepped in.

Palm Beach Post

Spirit Christmas stores finally coming to Florida, here's where

Spirit Christmas stores finally coming to Florida, here's where

Florida is getting its first Spirit Christmas stores. Find out where they'll open and when.

Palm Springs Desert Sun

Brain-eating amoeba cases are rare, but California ranks high

Brain-eating amoeba cases are rare, but California ranks high

California has reported 10 brain-eating amoeba cases, placing it among the states with the highest totals.

Arizona Republic

Arizona among top states for brain-eating amoeba cases. See why

Arizona among top states for brain-eating amoeba cases. See why

Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba," has been in the spotlight after recent infections. Here's what to know in Arizona.