AA Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Personal Care Consultation

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TESTIMONIALS

“There are so many nursing homes to choose from, with their guidance I was able to find the right facility for my mother, right away. I would highly recommend them to any family or friends in need of their services.”

Candace K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Steve and Claudia at Always Best Care Senior Services were just awesome in how they provided at home care for my mother Carmen. Starting with the initial consultation by Steve to learn about mom's personal care needs to the follow-up visit of a registered nurse to the eventual placement of a compassionate caregiver; every step of their service was well thought out and they truly delivered on providing a level of care for mom that exceeded our families (and mom's) expectations. It can be very nerve racking to find and leave your loved one with a caregiver but this company gets that and they were just fantastic. Thank you Always Best Care!”

Mark B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC has provided the essential care and support my dad needed after hospitalization and chemo treatments. I have peace of mind knowing they are supporting him.”

Michelle B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have been utilizing Always Best Care Senior Services for 2 years to care 24/7 for my elderly parents. I am very pleased with their services. The Owners and Office Staff bend over backwards to make sure that there is always coverage, to alert my parents Caregiver Team of any requests that I make, to advise me when there is an issue with my parents or their dog. The Caregiver Team working with my parents are all compassionate and caring, knowledgeable and skilled. Sadly, my Father passed away in the fall of 2020. Each of their Caregivers, the Owners and the Office Staff expressed to me that they would like to attend his memorial service when we are able to have it. During the weeks he was slipping away, the Caregiver team not only took care of my parents, they looked after me, gently reminding me to eat, rest or take a break. They truly care not only for my parents, but for all our family. I can’t begin to express what a comfort it has been to have them caring for my parents, especially during the pandemic when visits are prohibited. They are my eyes and ears. Working intimately with my parents, the Caregivers are very tuned in to even subtle changes. If you are in the market and looking for a senior services/home health care company, I strongly urge you to reach out to Always Best Care Senior Services. You’ll be happy you did.”

Heidi R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“If you want quality care for yourself or your loved ones, Steve and his time are the best, don’t waste your time looking elsewhere. As an estate planning attorney, I have recommended clients to Steve who have been very happy with his team. Steve and his team went above and beyond for one specific client of mine that had a very complex situation, and I am eternally grateful to them. I only hope I can continue to work together with him - Steve and his team are dedicated to making sure you are comfortable, happy and safe. My favorite part about Always Best Care is that all of their staff are TRAINED EMPLOYEES WITH CONTINUING EDUCATION - NOT INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS!”

Aldo C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care is a top notch senior services company. They go above and beyond with their clients and treat them as if they are family. If you are looking for a great family oriented team to help take care of your love one look no further. Give Always best care a call you will not be disappointed!!”

Forrest H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Highly recommended! All the staff is very professional and courteous”

Ryan N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Steve and his team were amazing. As my father’s Parkinson’s progress, we were in need of home health care desperately. Steve and his nurse came to our home, assess the situation, and set up a schedule to accommodate our needs. I would highly recommend them to any family or friends in need of their services.”

Claudine P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Steven and his team are superior in caring for aging friends and family. The most important thing is having people who you can trust with your family.”

Allison T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Steve and his team will take superior care of your loved ones.”

John D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Steve Snell and Staff of Always Best Care Senior Services have been amazingly responsive, helpful and worked diligently to make sure my clients needs were met! Can't praise them enough. The case was staffed immediately and overseen at all levels. Thank you for Always providing the Best Care!”

Karen G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have worked with, and explored working with, various agencies and registries in the Palm Beach County area. I am picky. Always Best Care is qualitatively a notch above every other organization I've encountered. Responsive. Amiable. Professional. The aide, Islande, who has worked with my mom is top-notch for our needs. And . . . I have no doubt Steve (the agency's owner) and his staff would strive to find someone else, if it hadn't been a fit. If you are looking for Nursing Care, I strongly recommend giving Always Best Care a chance. BTW: It is important to understand that working with an Nursing Agency (like Always Best Care), means the staff are employees, not independent contractors (as they are when working through a Nursing Registry). An Agency is vested in having good employees, and a good agency wants you to be happy. But even all Agencies are not created equal. I worked with one (Alternative Health Care) where aides did not always show up! That was painful and incredibly stressful, and the manager and other higher-up staff didn't give a hoot.”

Liz S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I wish there were more that five stars. I can not say enough about the experience we have had in working with Always Best Care Senior Services. Not only were they extremely receptive to our needs, available immediately to every call, text or email, compassionate and kind...every single employee was better than the next. My Dad's recent death and my mothers recent surgery (with complications) requiring extra care was a traumatic time for our family. The care she received was beyond skilled and professional. We knew she was in trusting, caring hands. She was happy. I have recommended ABC to others and they have had the same experience. Do not hesitate to reach out to them if you are in need. I highly recommend them. I know I will be reaching out to Steven and Claudia the next time I am in need. My family and I are extremely grateful.”

Donna H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Fabulous experience with Always Best Care. Treated my 90 year old Father in Law with dignity and respect. We actually had fun with his aides and they were helpful and kind.”

Alicia B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am very glad to have chosen ABC Senior Services to get us through a very difficult time when my parents finally reached the end of their independent lifestyles at age 96 and 97. Scheduling was difficult and sometimes changes were made last minute, but ABC came through as well as could be expected. Despite losing his wife of 37 years, my father is currently doing very well back north in an assisted living facility. Thank you ABC for the compassion you expressed throughout the 4 months you were there for us.”

Rob C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is a great company who goes above and beyond for their clients. My mother fell at my brothers home in Connecticut and I called Steve Snell for some guidance. Even though Steve is in Florida he was able to get my family connected with a representative in Connecticut immediately. Thank you Steve!”

Mike B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC goes to great lengths to get to know their clients in order to provide the best possible match with ABC’s in home care providers. The aides blend into the home environment with professionalism, compassion and helpfulness. They are unobtrusive but available at all times. As a primary caregiver I wish I started with them years ago.”

cam2019
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TESTIMONIALS

“Extremely friendly and professional. I was very comfortable leaving my loved one in their care.”

happy C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great, helpful, supportive service! I tried others, but ANC is the beat!”

tas1111
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TESTIMONIALS

“Experiencing using ABC is the best you will find anywhere. The owners and employees are there for one reason and that is to make their clients happy with their caregivers. I have never seen such compassion from an agency. I am the client, so I know what to look for and the caregivers they recommend. Would be happy to talk to anyone with questions. Thanks”

Mimi B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care's caregivers and office staff are the best I have dealt with.”

Bruce M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I can't say enough about how much ABC has helped both our parents and our family. Their name -- Always Best Care -- is clearly their guiding principle! From the highest level administration (Stephen and Beverly) to the amazing caregivers and schedulers -- the entire staff have been responsive and attentive from day one. They have been unfailingly respectful, caring, professional and competent. They were flexible and kind when my mother became terminally ill. And readily available and again responsive when we reinitiated services for my father. Their attentiveness and professionalism is reflected in the amazingly kind, competent and resourceful caregiving staff. Their exceptional caregivers have allowed us peace of mind, knowing that our Dad is getting great support from reliable providers who readily alert us of any matters that need attention. I highly recommend ABC!”

Carla R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has been wonderful in many ways. Steve Snell, Owner and Area Representative, and Beverly Casper, RN were patient, kind and respectful while my Dad came to terms with the idea that he really did need help. They were flexible and open and that made all the difference. My Dad's aide Fabienne is responsible and caring and now more of a companion than aide. Steve and his scheduling team has been proactive about any changes that needed to occur and very good about communicating with me both by phone and email. Having them on board has lessened the worry I feel on a daily basis. My mother had a prolonged illness and through the years we dealt with many health care agencies. The attention and care we have received from Always Best Care is, by far, the best we ever have experienced and we are very grateful to have found them.”

Linda S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services if you have a loved one that needs personal care.”

Melanie T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Dori, is such a wonderful person and makes such an impact on everyone she is involved with.”

Jamie W.
 In-Home Care Jensen Beach, FL

How does In-home Senior Care in Jensen Beach, FL work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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 Senior Care Jensen Beach, FL

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

Comfort
Comfort

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them? A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Jensen Beach, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors. Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

Independence
Independence

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like an assisted living community. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care in Jensen Beach, FL gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.


Respite Care Jensen Beach, FL

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Jensen Beach,FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

 Caregivers Jensen Beach, FL

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

An assessment of your senior loved one

01

An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

02

Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

Latest News in Jensen Beach, FL

Seaweed all over Vero, Fort Pierce, Jensen: What beaches look like ahead of Memorial Day & what to do

"Oh, man, I can't wait to go to the beach− what the?"(Sees brown crunchy seaweed blanketing the beach and being tumbled in the waves like the brown blob that it is).Ewww.On a recent beach trip, brown seaweed was scattered across the sand at Humiston Beach Park in Vero Beach, especially during low tide. Beachgoers navigated to openings in the sand or pushed away the seaweed to set up for the day.Prepare yourself. ...

"Oh, man, I can't wait to go to the beach− what the?"

(Sees brown crunchy seaweed blanketing the beach and being tumbled in the waves like the brown blob that it is).

Ewww.

On a recent beach trip, brown seaweed was scattered across the sand at Humiston Beach Park in Vero Beach, especially during low tide. Beachgoers navigated to openings in the sand or pushed away the seaweed to set up for the day.

Prepare yourself. Sargassum seaweed spotted in Florida. Here's where it's going and when it will be worst

That's what it's been like lately to deal with sargassum seaweed if you go to a Florida beach. Days before the Memorial Day weekend, it was noticeably bad on Treasure Coast beaches. Take a look below.

See for yourself! Florida beach live webcams show surf, waves, sargassum seaweed conditions

Instagram-worthy pics: Sargassum seaweed 'blobs' at Florida beaches

What is sargassum seaweed?

Sargassum is a species of large brown seaweed, a type of macroalgae that floats in large masses.

On some beaches in Florida, the "blobs" of crunchy, dry, brown stinky seaweed are fairly large. In one of our photo galleries below, you'll see a small "mountain" of sargassum seaweed, and a black dog posing next to it. It's in the water, on the shore, surrounding beachgoers who just want to play in the sand.

Sargassum seaweed now in Pensacola.The seaweed sitch on Pensacola Beach is no cause for concern, experts say. Here's why

Is sargassum dangerous to humans?

In the water, sargassum is considered harmless to people.

On land, sargassum begins to rot and produces smelly hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, which can irritate eyes, ears, and noses. People with asthma or other breathing illnesses may have trouble breathing if they inhale too much of it.

In open areas like beaches, however, moving air usually dilutes the gas to non-harmful levels.

The seaweed also contains tiny sea creatures, such as jellyfish larvae, that can irritate your skin on contact.

Sargassum seaweed at South Beach Park in Vero Beach, Florida

Sargassum seaweed at Avalon State Park in Fort Pierce, Florida

Sargassum seaweed at Pepper Park Beachside in Fort Pierce, Florida

Sargassum seaweed at Dollman Park Beachside in Jensen Beach, Florida

Sargassum seaweed at Hutchinson Island in Jensen Beach, Florida

Sargassum seaweed at Waveland Beach in Jensen Beach, Florida

Seaweed season? Giant mats of seaweed lurk off Florida coast and have beached in spurts but will peak soon

Oy! Sargassum, a smelly seaweed, may be coming soon to a Gulf beach near you. What to know about it

Gross pictures of sargassum seaweed 'blobs' in Florida

Contributing: George Petras and Jennifer Borresen, USA TODAY; Adam Neal, Crystal Vander Weit, Corey Arwood and Will Greenlee, TCPalm

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

Sargassum blob hitting Treasure Coast just before Memorial Day weekend

JENSEN BEACH, Fla. — It's ugly, it’s lumpy, and it can be smelly. It's sargassum seaweed.WPTV last reported, there’s a giant blob of it, larger than the continental United States, floating in the Atlantic, and it's headed straight for Florida’s coast.It's probably not the news anyone wanted to hear right before one ...

JENSEN BEACH, Fla. — It's ugly, it’s lumpy, and it can be smelly. It's sargassum seaweed.

WPTV last reported, there’s a giant blob of it, larger than the continental United States, floating in the Atlantic, and it's headed straight for Florida’s coast.

It's probably not the news anyone wanted to hear right before one of the busiest beach days of the year.

"A lot of seaweed, yes a lot, we actually saw, it looked like an island floating in," said Tana Brea, who spent Friday at Dollman Park in Jensen Beach. "Gross. I've lived here my whole life and I've never seen it this bad."

"It's strange," added Amun Awad, who spent the day in Jensen Beach with his mom, Pilar. "Honestly, I don’t even know how to say it."

"It's everywhere, we could see it actually now coming up, we thought we might go that way but it’s over there too," Pilar Awad said. "I've never seen this much of it, this is a lot."

The good news is, while clumps of it wash up from the giant blob in the sea, it doesn't have to ruin weekend plans.

According to a sargassum risk assessment map published by National Oceanic and Atmostpheric Administration and the University of South Florida, the Treasure Coast and Miami are expected to see the brunt of the Sargassum washing ashore, at least for now.

The map, updated weekly, is from the period of May 16 through May 22, and is the latest available data.

The red indicates full inundation of seaweed on beaches, while orange means you can expect a moderate portion of the beach covered. Blue is a lower level of impact.

"It's a probability estimate, just like weather," said Dr. Chuanmin Hu, a professor of optical oceanography at the University of South Florida.

Both the Treasure Coast and Miami are labeled orange for moderate, while the rest of Florida is in the blue zone. Hu said while many beach goers may report seeing lots of sargassum on beaches from Jensen to Fort Pierce, it's not much different than the clumps we have been seeing.

"It may change in a month, but this weekend, next weekend, it’s quite similar," said Hu.

He also said it's nothing to be concerned about yet. Sargassum isn't toxic to humans, except in extreme cases, when it builds up on the sand in mounds and starts to rot, emitting stinky, and semi-toxic fumes into the air.

"You do not want to be downwind of sargassum," Hu said.

Still, he said we aren't seeing those levels here yet, and added he didn't expect southeast Florida to see worsening levels in the next few weeks.

"For this weekend I'd say go ahead," Hu said.

Hu said he can't predict yet just how severely the sargassum will hit the Treasure Coast, or when.

“I can’t imagine as time goes by how much of this we will have in the future," said Pilar Awad.

Still Pilar Awad and others said they'd still make the best of the Memorial Day weekend.

"Yeah," said her son, Amun Awad. "'Cause it's just the natural, the natural habitat of the ocean, you know."

"We’re going to the pool actually for Memorial Day to avoid all this," said Brea.

Martin County's spokesperson told WPTV's Kate Hussey if the sargassum does get extreme to the point where it starts to stink, the County will hire a contractor to remove it. However, since that hasn't been a problem yet, it's here to stay due to it's benefits to the environment.

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Austin Connelly back on football field less than year after serious injury

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JENSEN BEACH, Fla. — Austin Connelly is getting ready for another football season.

"I'm really excited for what this season's going to bring," he said.

But for the Jensen Beach High School senior quarterback, that statement almost didn't become reality.

Less than a year ago, Connelly suffered a horrific injury during practice.

"The first thought that went through my mind was, 'Will I ever move again?'" he recalled.

But then a miracle took place.

"Two days later, out of no medical explanation, I just got up and I started walking, praise God," Connelly said. "That's really all it is."

Seeing him on the field, one would never know a freak injury almost kept him from the sport he loves.

"I'm happy for the kid," head coach Tim Caffey said. "Because he proved a lot of the naysayers wrong and some of the people in medical science, he proved them wrong."

As the season grows closer, his Falcons coaches and teammates are just happy to welcome No. 4 back.

"Just to see him go from not being able to move to being out here, playing as hard as he is, working as hard as he is and becoming a team leader, I get goosebumps just thinking about it," Caffey said.

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Gusty conditions, passing showers on Treasure Coast as Idalia moved across Florida

As Hurricane Idalia made landfall Wednesday along the coast of Florida's Big Bend near Keaton Beach, the Treasure Coast region experienced only gusty winds and passing showers.A wind advisory for the tri-county area was in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday, with gusts reaching 40 mph as the powerful category 3 storm pushed into Georgia by early afternoon, according to Jessie Smith, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Melbourne.“The turning point for everything is around sunset tim...

As Hurricane Idalia made landfall Wednesday along the coast of Florida's Big Bend near Keaton Beach, the Treasure Coast region experienced only gusty winds and passing showers.

A wind advisory for the tri-county area was in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday, with gusts reaching 40 mph as the powerful category 3 storm pushed into Georgia by early afternoon, according to Jessie Smith, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Melbourne.

“The turning point for everything is around sunset time,” Smith said Wednesday. “We are expected to start to see conditions improve as Idalia moves up the coast into Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina.”

LIVE state updates: Hurricane Idalia makes Florida landfall as Cat 3 with winds at 125 mph

Wrap around and return?Hurricane Idalia could loop and hit Florida's east coast as weak storm

The Treasure Coast was never under a tornado watch.

A small craft advisory remains in effect unit 6 a.m. Thursday between the Sebastian and Jupiter inlets.

A high rip current risk also is expected through Thursday morning for Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties. That means dangerous rip currents and rough surf is expected that can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper waters.

Looking to the holiday weekend, Smith said there’s about a 30% chance of rain Thursday through Labor Day Monday, with breezy conditions and highs in the lower 90s.

“We sort of return to our normally scheduled summertime pattern after Idalia moves through,” she said.

Idalia is forecast to be a tropical storm while moving near the coasts of northeastern South Carolina and North Carolina late Wednesday and on Thursday. The system is then expected to move east-southeastward over the western Atlantic on Friday.

Local emergency responders ready to assist

Members of the Martin County Sheriff's Office Rapid Response Team will travel Thursday to Levy County for up to a week to assist with security and search-and-rescue efforts, Chief Deputy John Budensiek said.

The team will carry their own food, tents and gear to avoid burdening local authorities and resources, he said.

"That way we are not a drain on the agencies that we're going to help," Budensiek said. "All we have to do is say, go here, patrol here or go clear this area. They don't have to worry about babysitting us."

The response team consists of 12 people from different parts of the Sheriff's Office. If more help is needed after their seven-day assignment, Budensiek said another team will deploy to relieve the first group .

On Tuesday, the St. Lucie County Fire District sent two paramedics and a rescue vehicle to Orange County to assist in areas impacted by the storm, according to spokeswoman Brenda Smith.

She said it's unclear when they will return.

Erick Gill, spokesperson for St. Lucie County, said Wednesday there had been no local impacts seen from Hurricane Idalia.

“We are monitoring and anticipate that we will see some beach erosion as the storm makes its way across the state and into the Atlantic, as well as impacts from (Hurricane) Franklin,” Gill said. “Even though that hurricane is far enough offshore, it is still churning up the Atlantic and we expect to see some escarpment and rip currents along our coastline throughout the weekend.”

Gill said that in 2022 after Hurricane Ian hit the state’s west coast, St. Lucie County sent some traffic signals and surplus inventory to some counties on the west coast to help.

He also said Rangel Guerrerro, St. Lucie County's director of public safety, went to Seminole County to provide relief.

“That request hasn't come in yet to our area, but it may be something we would look to do as long as we don't have anything threatening us," Gill said, noting the county looks for opportunities to help others in neighboring areas.

Indian River County school and government buildings remained open Wednesday as officials monitored the weather, Department of Emergency Services coordinator Ryan Lloyd said.

County law enforcement officers might be sent to disaster areas or regions hardest hit by the storm. As chair of a regional Florida Sheriff’s storm response task force, Sheriff Eric Flowers oversees talks among local agencies planning to send personnel to storm zones.

“Indian River, Brevard, Volusia and Seminole counties in our region have self-sustaining teams ready to deploy as soon as the storm passes and resources are requested from impacted areas,” said Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Kevin Jaworski. “If requested, we usually send a team of 10 rotating personnel each week.”

If needed, the agency can also provide boats, all-terrain vehicles and drones to help in any search and rescue efforts, he said.

The National Hurricane Center, meanwhile, is watching a disturbance near the Cabo Verde Islands in the eastern Atlantic. A broad band area of low pressure associated with a tropical wave is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms that has a 60% chance for formation over the next week.

A tropical depression is likely to form later this week, which is likely to move west-northwest and then turn northwestward across the eastern tropical Atlantic, according to the hurricane center.

Treasure Coast hotels filling up:Refugees from state's west coast head to Treasure Coast to escape Idalia

What about Sea turtles?Is Idalia threatening sea turtle nests?

Corey Arwood is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Corey on X @coreyarwood, or reach him by phone at 772-978-2246.

“The She Shed,” a Historical Mystery Novella Set in Jensen Beach. Local Author Raises $1,300,000 for Cystic Fibrosis.

Jensen Beach, FL, February 09, 2023 --(PR.com)-- Best selling children’s author and thriller novelist, Leah Orr, is killing it with her newest novella, "The She Shed." This 220 page, three hour mystery was written especially for readers who enjoy a mystery, but have limited time to read.Jensen Beach, Florida is a quaint coastal town once revered as the “land that time forgot.” The place where big city dwellers come for vacation. It was once k...

Jensen Beach, FL, February 09, 2023 --(PR.com)-- Best selling children’s author and thriller novelist, Leah Orr, is killing it with her newest novella, "The She Shed." This 220 page, three hour mystery was written especially for readers who enjoy a mystery, but have limited time to read.

Jensen Beach, Florida is a quaint coastal town once revered as the “land that time forgot.” The place where big city dwellers come for vacation. It was once known for its beautiful sandy beaches, breezy ocean air, pleasant year-round weather, frilly cocktails, hometown boutique shops and restaurants, and ocean activities.

The town is also home to some unsavory characters and its many hidden skeletons—literally.

When Aunt Adeline goes missing, it is up to her niece, Charlotte, to uncover the clues of her deeply hidden family secrets and the town she calls home.

Enjoy the dual narrative from both Aunt Adeline’s and Charlotte’s point of view. Discover secrets the She Shed holds, the importance of friendship, and the true meaning of family.

Leah’s new book joins the bookshelf with Orr’s other thrillers, "The Executive Suite and The Bartender," along with four children’s books, "Messy Tessy," "It Wasn’t Me," "Kyle’s First Crush" and "Kyle’s First Playdate." Because Orr’s youngest daughter, Ashley, is afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis, proceeds from the sale of her books are generously donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Between profits from Orr’s books and participation in local CF events over the past 20 years, Orr has raised more than $1,300,000 for CF research. CF is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of nearly 70,000 children and adults worldwide and Orr’s personal goal is to not only raise awareness of the disease, but also raise money to help find a cure.

Leah has recently been featured on ABC’s Health Watch, NBC Today South Florida, CBS South Florida, CBS This Morning Virginia, NBC the 10! Show Philadelphia, Fox 4 News Morning Blend, National Syndicated, “The Daily Buzz,” and Lifetime TV’s “The Balancing Act.”

Leah has been featured in publications such as: Forbes Magazine, Medical News Today, The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel, etc. Orr’s daughter, Ashley, was also a recipient of Oprah’s generosity in “The Big Give.”

Orr and her husband were nominated as one of Florida’s Finest Couples by the CF Foundation, and included in “In The Spotlight” on CFF.org.

Leah was also nominated as one of Broward County’s top 100 Outstanding Women. Orr grew up in Boston, MA, and is a graduate of The University of Miami.

"The She Shed" is available through local bookstores, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and wherever books are sold. More information can be found at www.leahorr.com.

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