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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Tarpon Springs, FL

Home Care Tarpon Springs, FL

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Greektown Historic District gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Tarpon Springs, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Tarpon Springs, FL

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent agency, Great bosses and competitive pay, great service with your caregivers”

YAMPIERO E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We have used Always Best Senior Care many times. Their service has always exceeded our expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend them. I can not thank them enough for the care and support over the years!”

Colleen C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Maria has been the best caregiver I had for in home care from Always Best Care in Tarpon Springs for over a year! She helps with the daily task, transportation and food preparation. All around wonderful service and well-trained caregiver. The difference is that she wants to help you, not just there to get paid. Maria is something special and a very good cook. I highly recommend Always Best Care for senior services. (Stephen Loyek)”

Stephen
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC was a life saver for my family and me. The care givers were all fantastic. My step-mom’s final year and days and the quality of her life were certainly enhanced with the help of this awesome company. Everyone at the company, especially Lisa Crase was so helpful and compassionate. They were all here for us at a very difficult time. I would highly recommend this company if you need an easy and flexible care giver situation for a family member. I just really cannot thank ABC for everything they did for us. Nancy Chango, Tampa, FL”

Nancy C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“had very good service with wonderful caring workers for my mom”

Carlos R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Let me start off by saying that Always Best Care is the best home health company I’ve ever worked for ! The management treats you like family , they are very considerate and understanding & they make sure we are treating our clients like family as well ! They help make sure that we are providing our clients with the best care possible by choosing the best caregiver that fits each client. Also , There is flexible scheduling where you can pick what schedule fits you best. I love this company because they show me every day that I am appreciated it.”

Tiara C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“If you’re looking for care for a loved one, or a job as a caregiver this is the best place. The owners are very hands on, and they service a wide area. I’ve been with the company for years, I’ve seen the work from staff and it’s amazing the way everyone comes together so that every client receives the best possible care.”

Hanifah B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care tarpon Springs office has been a life saver with caring for my mother with dementia. Her caregiver Linda is so dedicated to her job, and my mom and me love her to death. She is very communicative, and passionate about what she does. My mom could not live independently if i did not have always best care and linda by her side. Also whenever speaking with scheduling and office staff- they are always helpful and friendly too! Thanks guys! Yall do amazing work!”

Kristi D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”

Joan C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I'm a former employee of ABC and I had an awesome experience working with them. The office staff is very warm and welcoming. The owners, Keith and Jeri are super nice and personable. They recognize their employees every month, they also have different events where we could get together and socialize. I've learned so much more, that wasn't taught at "school". Not a bad company to work for.”

Sonia M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I'm a HHA for this company and there amazing people to work for!!”

Ashley C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”

Linda C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have used Always Best Care for two extended periods. All the staff assigned to take care of my father were excellent and punctual. The office staff are great and have become great friends. I would recommend this company for the care of your family members.”

Jef K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Raina King is a true angel, a gift from God. Our beloved Grandmother passed away today and unfortunately we live far away. Raina was in constant communication with us through the entire journey. She gave great comfort to our loved one and we could not have been blessed with a better person to be by Gram’s side. God Bless you and all that you do. ????????❤️ Highly recommend.”

Erika V.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I love working for for ABC. The owner's are very compassionate about their clients and caregivers. They go above and beyond to help those in need. I have 20+ years in healthcare and I have never worked with such an AMAZING team!”

Jessica C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I’ve worked for Always Best Care going on a year. I love Jeri and Keith, very understanding. Rebeca, Natalie and Lisa, Also in the office, all listen to our needs and concerns. They are very understanding to all the caregivers, I feel like a big family with our clients. Working for this company is like having a very big extended family and I love it and would not give it up. And yes I would definitely and highly recommend Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs Florida. The extended family that I don’t have, but I do now. Thank you for letting me be a part of Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs Florida.”

Dawn U.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Keith and Jeri are angels that walk among us. My in-laws have been receiving care from Always Best since May 2019. They are in their 90’s and still in their own home. This has been a year of challenges as my mother-in-law has dementia and my father-in-law’s health has gotten more tenuous. Keith has taken my dad to the hospital and urgent care, grocery shopped for them and scrambled to provide aides on short notice after hospitalization. We live out of state and I have had to depend on them so much. Jeri and Keith go above and beyond and I trust them implicitly! I can’t say enough good about them and I know that they will be successful because they are ethical, caring and operate their business with the highest degree of integrity. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have been referred to them.”

Karen M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC is a well managed and high quality home health care service. All the workers have been consistently good and provide excellent care for our father. Rebeca has been awesome to ensure our needs are satisfied and that we always have the round the clock coverage we need.”

Jack B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my mom is in good hands. She enjoys their services and I highly recommend them! Thank you for your love and kindness.”

Barb W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my mom is in good hands. She enjoys their services and I highly recommend them!”

Barb W.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Tarpon Springs, FL?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is 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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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 gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Tarpon Springs, FL

Types of Elderly Care in Tarpon Springs, FL

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Tarpon Springs, FL
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Tarpon Springs, FL
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting A.L. Anderson Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Tarpon Springs, FL
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Bistro or visit Safford House Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Tarpon Springs, FL

Benefits of Home Care in Tarpon Springs, FL

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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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 - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, 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:

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, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Tarpon Springs, 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.

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.

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 a nursing home. 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.

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 and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often 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 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.

 Elderly Care Tarpon Springs, FL

Affordable Care

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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your FL's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
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.
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.
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.
 Senior Care Tarpon Springs, FL

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 Tarpon Springs, 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Tarpon Springs, FL

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Tarpon Springs, FL

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Sunset Harbor Assisted Living Facility
  • Brookdale Tarpon Springs
  • Walton Place Assisted Living
  • Assisted Living Alliance Network
  • Peninsula Care & Rehabilitation Center
  • TBI Residential Services Inc
Home Care Tarpon Springs, FL

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Tarpon Springs, 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 Always Best Care 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:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Tarpon Springs, FL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

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.

 Elderly Care Tarpon Springs, FL

Latest News in Tarpon Springs, FL

Joaquin Kavouklis, 2027 quarterback, transfers to Lakeland from Tarpon Springs

One of the top quarterbacks of the 2027 class is transferring from his hometown school and is off to Polk County.After spending one season at Clearwater Academy International in 2023 and then the following at Tarpon Springs, quarterback Joaquin Kavouklis announced on X that he will be transferring to the 9-time state champion Lakeland Dreadnaughts.Down below is the announcement Kavouklis made on X:"Football is such an amazing sport! It has allowed me to experience things, see places and meet people that many wil...

One of the top quarterbacks of the 2027 class is transferring from his hometown school and is off to Polk County.

After spending one season at Clearwater Academy International in 2023 and then the following at Tarpon Springs, quarterback Joaquin Kavouklis announced on X that he will be transferring to the 9-time state champion Lakeland Dreadnaughts.

Down below is the announcement Kavouklis made on X:

"Football is such an amazing sport! It has allowed me to experience things, see places and meet people that many will never experience. I am grateful to God that I am surrounded by people that continue to support my journey. I want to thank every coach, teammate, trainer, friend and fan that have learned from and performed for. The time has come to chase greatness along this journey. Through careful thought, prayer and vision, have decided to attend Lakeland Senior High school this coming spring and fall. I pray that I can contribute to the success and history of the Dreadnaught program. God bless and let's get to work Naughts!"

Kavouklis currently holds collegiate offers from schools like Arkansas, Florida International, Purdue, Syracuse and Toledo.

Last season was a banner year for the Spongers with Kavouklis at the helm under center. Tarpon Springs finished the season at 6-5 and reaching the Class 2A playoffs.

Kavouklis finished the 2024 campaign completing 165-of-270 passes for 2,404 yards and 21 touchdowns.

As a freshman, the quarterback finished throwing for 1,608 yards and 13 touchdowns for Clearwater Academy International.

The quarterback looks to potentially take over under center at Lakeland, with Zander Smith graduating and backup Chad Williams transferring to Lake Wales.

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Tarpon Springs City Commission candidates Eisner, Frantzis share views

TARPON SPRINGS — Incumbent Michael Eisner is facing a challenge from Planning and Zoning Board member Georganna Frantzis for his seat on the City Commission.The two participated in a recent forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters where voters had the opportunity to inform their decision in the March 11 election.Opening statements were a preview of the diverse background that each candidate would bring to Commission Seat 3.Eisner told those gathered at the City Hall auditorium “while I wasn’t born ...

TARPON SPRINGS — Incumbent Michael Eisner is facing a challenge from Planning and Zoning Board member Georganna Frantzis for his seat on the City Commission.

The two participated in a recent forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters where voters had the opportunity to inform their decision in the March 11 election.

Opening statements were a preview of the diverse background that each candidate would bring to Commission Seat 3.

Eisner told those gathered at the City Hall auditorium “while I wasn’t born here, my wife and I chose to make Tarpon Springs our forever home, because we fell in love with the unique charm and sense of community. I’m passionate about working hard to keep it a vibrant and welcoming place we all love.”

He said that during his time as a commissioner, and the six years he served on the Board of Adjustment prior, he has been accessible and a regular at many community events.

“Whether it’s securing a voice for Tarpon Springs, or being on the Forward Pinellas board or advocating for student safety and school safety solar lights, or being available to help residents with their concerns, I’m here to listen, to problem solve, to ensure that every decision we make reflects the best interests of our entire city, not any one part, and its people that I work for.”

He said his three years on the commission has been eye-opening.

“When you first come in as a commissioner, it’s very interesting what you think you can accomplish or do, it’s very different when you actually take the seat,” he said. “You need three votes to get anything done. I was very pleased that we got a seat on Forward Pinellas. We haven’t had our own seat for many years. … I made myself known and I made Tarpon Springs known. I will continue to do that, as I go on to all of the things that I do for you.”

His challenger, Frantzis said she’s lived in Tarpon Springs about 40 years, or her entire life.

“I have deep roots in this community,” she said. “Many people here tonight are aware of my Greek cultural roots. They go back to my great-grandfather who was a sponge diver. I’m very proud of the roots that I have in the city. My mom was from the Midwest, so I’m just as proud to be part of her culture as well. It’s really important to have it. It gives me a unique perspective, growing up here: Being half Greek, half not Greek.”

For the past 13 years, she has served as an attorney because she wanted to help people.

“And that’s what I’ve done in this city over years of volunteer work,” she said. “I’ve been on the Art Committee for the Chamber of Commerce for over 10 years. I’ve served two years on the Planning and Zoning Board. I graduated from Citizens Academy and Leadership Pinellas.”

If elected as a commissioner, however, there is something she won’t do.

“I will not waste hundreds of thousands of dollars of your taxpaying dollars on lawsuits based on reckless accusations, baseless investigations that lead to absolutely nothing that prove no wrongdoing at all,” she said. “I won’t file ethics complaints against my fellow commissioners and waste your time doing such things.”

She said she plans to listen to residents and keep an open mind.

“I’ll keep an open mind and represent what’s best for the city, and work towards a consensus on this board, because one vote doesn’t mean anything,” she said.

Each candidate was then asked what they see as the three top priorities for the city.

“Infrastructure, I think is one of the biggest things, and I think infrastructure ties in a lot with preservation,” Frantzis said. “We always think about preservation as maybe cultural things at the Sponge Docks, but we have to preserve the entire town if we are going to succeed and have a viable economic future.”

She added the city needs to address flooding and deferred maintenance.

“It’s easy to address the concerns that come up immediately from residents and business owners, but ultimately it’s time that we start facing those hard decisions,” she said. “We need to make decisions that make businesses sustainable.”

Eisner said his three top priorities were addressing homelessness, dealing with the ramifications from the hurricanes, and trying to bond the Sponge Docks with the downtown.

“Let me speak a little about FEMA and the hurricane,” Eisner said. “I handled Hurricane Irene and Sandy in New York, watched how it helped and watched what it did here. I’ve been on the phone with FEMA more than I would have liked to have been and I’ve been trying to help with that.”

He added, “We need to find a place for the homeless because in our downtown area it’s not the place for it, but money is the issue right now.”

Both candidates agreed on the need to continually dredge the bayous, canals and river. And that the $5.2 million price tag for a spoil site was too expensive, but a needed amenity.

In closing statements Frantzis told the audience she was running for the residents.

“I have never planned on running for commission,” she said. “I’ve always been very opinionated and I’m very passionate about the city. I don’t think we need to be competing over who loves the city more. … When you’ve grown up here you feel you have an obligation to make it better.”

She added the city needs accountable governance and that it’s OK to disagree with city leaders because she’s been very vocal in her opposition to some.

“Please don’t ever mistake my passion for anything else but that,” she explained. “At the end of the day, I want what’s best for the city. We can all be better about how we approach different things and I’m working on that.

“Just ask yourself, at the end is this, what’s best for Tarpon? I can promise you I won’t put my ego ahead of what’s best for Tarpon, and we need some of that up here,” she said.

Eisner said he’s proud of what has been accomplished the past three years, including work on the Strategic Plan, and he would be honored to continue to work as a city commissioner.

“Yes, I’m retired,” he said. “I’m not doing this for the $8,000. I do this because I love you all. This is the town I’m going to stay in and die in, eventually.”

He added, “I’ve worked hard to show you transparency, responsiveness, meaningful representation for Tarpon Springs. Whether it’s engaging with residents or reading every detail of city proposals. … Helping to find solutions to the concerns that you all have, I’m here to make our city government truly work for you,” he said.

“I’m retired; I do nothing else except work as hard as I can for the city. I’m always there to take your phone call. You may not always like the answer you get, but that’s going to be the answer. If elected, I promise to keep showing up and working hard, putting the needs of our community first,” he added.

Florida high school football: Tarpon Springs announces 2025 schedule

Football schedules for the 2025 season are starting to be announced all across the Sunshine State and High School On SI Florida will share these as we see them.Recently, the Tarpon Springs announced the following slate of games for 2025. The Spongers will play 10 games, including two home contests against Cardinal Mooney and rival East Lake.Among other teams on the schedule are Dunedin, Gulf, Palm Harbor University and at home against Pi...

Football schedules for the 2025 season are starting to be announced all across the Sunshine State and High School On SI Florida will share these as we see them.

Recently, the Tarpon Springs announced the following slate of games for 2025. The Spongers will play 10 games, including two home contests against Cardinal Mooney and rival East Lake.

Among other teams on the schedule are Dunedin, Gulf, Palm Harbor University and at home against Pinellas Park.

Below is the Spongers' 2025 regular season schedule, with official game times to be announced.

2025 TARPON SPRINGS SPONGERS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 22: vs. Seminole

Aug. 29: at Osceola

Sep. 5: at Palm Harbor University

Sep. 12: at Northeast

Sep. 19: vs. East Lake

Oct. 3: vs. Pinellas Park

Oct. 10: at Lakewood

Oct. 17: vs. Dunedin

Oct. 24: vs. Cardinal Mooney

Oct. 31: at Gulf

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Follow High School On SI throughout the 2024 high school football season for Live Updates, the most up to date Schedules & Scores and complete coverage from the preseason through the state championships!

Be sure to Bookmark High School on SI for all of the latest high school football news.

High School On SI will serve as the premier destination for high school sports fans, delivering unparalleled coverage of high school athletics nationwide through in-depth stories, recruiting coverage, rankings, highlights and much more. The launch of a dedicated high school experience expands Sports Illustrated’s reach to even more local communities as fans can now truly follow athletes from “preps to the pros” on a single platform, bringing them closer to the action than ever before. For more information, visit si.com/high-school.

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