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.
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 Tampa Bay History Center in Tampa, FL 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 Tampa, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 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.
“They were exceptional with customer service, home care, staffing and reasonable pricing. They were”
“Arianna and her team were absolutely amazing! They really helped me and my family when”
“I recently met with Arianna and her professionalism was beyond compare. Her knowledge of the”
“I can highly recommend Sherry and her team of caregivers they are prompt, thorough, friendly”
“Great experience! My husband has dementia and his caregiver, Cole, sent by ABC is”
“I can’t speak highly enough about Arianna. She is so professional, but leads with such”
“Always Best Care Senior Services gets a full five stars from me! If Google allowed six,”
“Tiffany and Tatriana are both my caregivers they are both highly professional compassionate and I”
“Tiffany is my mothers care giver! She is always respectful and super helpful. She helps”
“Tiffany is my caregiver and I don't know what I would do without her. She”
“Excellent service . Staff professional and competent No issues whatsoever”
“Sherry and her team have been the perfect fit for my folks, who can be…”
“Always Best Care did a tremendous job in taking care of my grandma. She has”
“Literally the best. They helped take the best of care of my grandparents!! Can’t thank”
“Always Best Care has gone above and beyond in helping my grandmother with her health”
“Always Best Care has been such a blessing for our family. Their team has taken”
“Sherry has been absolutely wonderful! She is caring and understanding and very attentive to needs.”
“Caring and trustworthy! Elizabeth and Allison always make sure my father’s shifts are covered. They”
“Excellent agency, Great bosses and competitive pay, great service with your caregivers”
“We have used Always Best Senior Care many times. Their service has always exceeded our”
“Maria has been the best caregiver I had for in home care from Always Best”
“ABC was a life saver for my family and me. The care givers were all”
“had very good service with wonderful caring workers for my mom”
“Let me start off by saying that Always Best Care is the best home health”
“If you’re looking for care for a loved one, or a job as a caregiver”
“Always best care tarpon Springs office has been a life saver with caring for my”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I'm a HHA for this company and there amazing people to work for!!”
“I'm a former employee of ABC and I had an awesome experience working with them.”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I have used Always Best Care for two extended periods. All the staff assigned to”
“Raina King is a true angel, a gift from God. Our beloved Grandmother passed away”
“Raina King is a true angel, a gift from God. Our beloved Grandmother passed away”
“I love working for for ABC. The owner's are very compassionate about their clients and”
“I’ve worked for Always Best Care going on a year. I love Jeri and Keith,”
“Keith and Jeri are angels that walk among us. My in-laws have been receiving care”
“ABC is a well managed and high quality home health care service. All the workers”
“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my”
“They were exceptional with customer service, home care, staffing and reasonable pricing. They were excellent to work with and family oriented. I highly recommend using their services.”
“Arianna and her team were absolutely amazing! They really helped me and my family when we needed companionship for my grandma!”
“I recently met with Arianna and her professionalism was beyond compare. Her knowledge of the benefits to assist seniors is remarkable. I also met with Sherry, the Owner/Ceo and her ability to make you feel comfortable, and her compassion is evident- they are a true leader in their respective field. I would highly recommend Always Best Care. I work in the Senior industry and feel confident in referring to this top-notch Agency.”
“I can highly recommend Sherry and her team of caregivers they are prompt, thorough, friendly and professional. I hired them to assist my aging Mother with her ambulatory challenges and light housework that she can no longer perform. Always Best was there for us and provided a bridge to specialized care for Mom when we needed it most.”
“Great experience! My husband has dementia and his caregiver, Cole, sent by ABC is the perfect match. Caring, totally respectful we can highly recommend the services of Always Best Care.”
“I can’t speak highly enough about Arianna. She is so professional, but leads with such compassion and care. I know if I call her to help with a resident, I can trust she is going over and beyond to make sure loved ones and families get the best care they deserve!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services gets a full five stars from me! If Google allowed six, I’d use it. The team is professional, reliable, and genuinely caring. Communication is smooth, and they make everything feel easy and stress-free. They don’t just provide care—they truly care. Highly recommend! ????”
“Tiffany and Tatriana are both my caregivers they are both highly professional compassionate and I could not live without them. I'm so thankful for Always Best Care for sending me them. The company is the very best health care agency I've ever had. Big Thank you Tiffany and Tatriana for all that you do for me.”
“Tiffany is my mothers care giver! She is always respectful and super helpful. She helps out my mother so much along with one of my moms friends! She is passionate about her job , she takes everyone’s thoughts and feelings seriously. If you have someone you love that is associated with Always Best Care , just know that if you get Tiffany as a care giver she will always satisfy your family’s health care needs ❤️”
“Tiffany is my caregiver and I don't know what I would do without her. She always uplifts me and encourages me every day with her smile, positivity and super awesome help!!! She goes above and beyond and treats me like she would her own mother. I love her so much! She is the best caregiver I have ever had!!!!????????❤️”
“Excellent service . Staff professional and competent No issues whatsoever”
“Sherry and her team have been the perfect fit for my folks, who can be… a handful. The professionalism, understanding, patience, and kindness shown by ABC greatly enhances their quality of life, not to mention the family’s peace of mind.”
“Always Best Care did a tremendous job in taking care of my grandma. She has never been the biggest “people person” and she had no complaints about the level of care she received. It took a lot of trust for me to make this decision to move her, but I fully supported everything Always Best Care stands for and they made the transition so smooth. Absolutely impeccable staff, 11/10 recommend!”
“Literally the best. They helped take the best of care of my grandparents!! Can’t thank them enough!!”
“Always Best Care has gone above and beyond in helping my grandmother with her health needs. Special shout to Arianna Franklin for always reaching out and checking in, she’s one of a kind!”
“Always Best Care has been such a blessing for our family. Their team has taken wonderful care of my grandmother with so much kindness, patience, and respect. They’re reliable, responsive, and truly go above and beyond to make sure she’s comfortable and cared for. It’s been such a relief knowing she’s in good hands. I’m so grateful for their compassion and professionalism and we couldn’t ask for better support.”
“Sherry has been absolutely wonderful! She is caring and understanding and very attentive to needs. She has great follow up and follow through and you can tell they take pride in what that do! I would highly recommend to anyone with the need for home health assistance for yourself or a loved one????”
“Caring and trustworthy! Elizabeth and Allison always make sure my father’s shifts are covered. They are fantastic at always staying in communication and are so wonderful to work with. My father’s aides: Sharon, Lizette and Rose are incredibly kind, respectful, and caring. What they do matters and I feel so Blessed to have these Angels caring for my father. Over and beyond Stellar!!!????????????”
“Excellent agency, Great bosses and competitive pay, great service with your caregivers”
“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!”
“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)”
“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”
“had very good service with wonderful caring workers for my mom”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I'm a HHA for this company and there amazing people to work for!!”
“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.”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
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.
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 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.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home 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:
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:
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 Ballast Point Park in Tampa, FL with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
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 Ocean Prime or visit Tampa Riverwalk, 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.
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:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
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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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.
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 Tampa, 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.
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:
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 Tampa, 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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
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 Tampa, 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.
Many teams thrive with the noise behind them, while others love playing in the shadows and surprising everyone. The Tampa Bay Rays love hiding in plain sight and being a surprise.In April, the American League East was set up to be the best division in baseball: the Toronto Blue Jays lost in the World Series in seven games back in October against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Yankees still had the reigning AL MVP in Aaron Judge, as well as improved pitching, the Boston Red Sox improved the batting lineup with Ranger Suarez, the...
Many teams thrive with the noise behind them, while others love playing in the shadows and surprising everyone. The Tampa Bay Rays love hiding in plain sight and being a surprise.
In April, the American League East was set up to be the best division in baseball: the Toronto Blue Jays lost in the World Series in seven games back in October against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Yankees still had the reigning AL MVP in Aaron Judge, as well as improved pitching, the Boston Red Sox improved the batting lineup with Ranger Suarez, the Baltimore Orioles were looking for a bounce-back season after signing former Gator star Pete Alonso in free agency and the Rays … were looking to finish last in the division.
Last season, the Rays finished 77-85 and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season. The pitching staff struggled to stay healthy, and it had only one starter, Drew Rasmussen, who had an earned run average of less than three.
The Rays also struggled to find offensive consistency throughout the lineup, but third baseman Junior Caminero established himself as a future star. He ended the season batting .264 with 45 homers and 110 runs batted in at just 21 years old. Alongside him was infielder Yandy Díaz, who continued to bat well by hitting .300 with 25 homers and 83 RBIs.
The Rays were also entering their first year under new ownership after Stuart Sternberg agreed to sell the team on Sept. 30, 2025 to a group led by real estate developer Patrick Zalupski.
The Rays believed they had the tools to compete in 2026, however, the media did not think it was possible.
Sportsbooks such as BetMGM and websites such as USA Today had the Rays win total in the upper 70s (MGM had the line set at 76.5). However, the team exceeded all outside expectations, but not those in the clubhouse.
Rays radio play-by-play announcer Neil Solondz said the team had high hopes coming into the year.
“I can’t say that the expectation was to be the best team in the American League, but I think the expectations were much higher internally than they were externally,” Solondz said.
One of the things that garnered excitement was the return of the team’s home, Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, he said. The stadium was battered by Hurricane Milton in 2024 and left the roof shredded and the interior damaged. It cost about $60 million to repair, according to ESPN. And it forced the Rays to play the 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, where the Yankees play their spring games.
“I think when you go a year when you’re playing in a place that isn’t your’s because of what the hurricanes did, I think that it made you appreciate Tropicana Field that much more,” Solondz said.
The stadium is more suited for the team’s roster and it showed as the Rays went 55-26 at home this season, tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for the best in baseball.
Part of that success, he said, has to do with the connection between the front office and coaching staff, led by manager Kevin Cash, who he believes is one of the best managers in baseball.
“Most of the coaches on the staff have been with the Rays organization for a good while. So I think there’s all an understanding as to what the Rays way is and the expectations that Kevin has.
“I think the Rays have a good sense of self and what it takes to win, and I think regardless of resources, this organization has good players. You don’t win 98 games by accident.”
After his first All-Star appearance in 2025, Caminero entered the MVP conversation this season, and is expected to be a finalist for the award after hitting .276 with 42 homers and 101 RBIs. Solondz said he would never set a bar on any player, but he was impressed by what he saw last season and going into this one.
“I think Junior works so hard in his craft and has such an appreciation for what is required of him that I think he, in many different ways, grew and improved, and that’s a sign of a guy not only who is a great player, but I think more than that, he wants to be great.”
Caminero never gets the appreciation of how great he is as a teammate, he said.
“If you watch him in the dugout on a daily basis, he gets as excited for his teammates succeeding as he does for his own success. And to me, that’s the sign of not only a good young player, but a good team player.
“He’s a big reason why this team is where it is right now.”
As Tampa Bay prepares for its first postseason appearance since 2023, Solondz believes nothing is going to change with how the Rays will play.
“They showed a tremendous amount of heart, they showed the ability to come back in games and win and I think more often than not, they didn’t beat themselves.
“I think when you make fewer mistakes and you force the other team to make plays, it gives you that much of a greater chance of winning.”
Even though the Rays exceeded expectations, the highlight for fans this season had nothing to do with on-field performance. On Aug. 27, the Tampa City Council voted 4-3 in favor of approving a new $2.3 billion stadium located in Tampa, which is expected to open in time for the 2029 season. The team’s lease for Tropicana Field expires in 2028.
However, Solondz said the outside noise of the stadium has not affected the team and will not affect them for the playoffs.
“By and large, the players are focused on their jobs on the field, this year, this moment, and they’ve done a great job staying compartmentalized and when things haven’t gone well on the field.”
The top-seeded Rays face the Yankees in the best-of-five AL Division Series beginning at 6:30 p.m. today at Tropicana Field on TBS, truTV and HBO Max.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Ten Floridians are facing a serious list of charges after Attorney General James Uthmeier accused them of poaching protected species and running an illegal fishing operation.Three of them were also accused of poaching sea turtles, which are protected under both state and federal law, and selling them for profit. More arrests could be possible as investigators gather more information.The suspects include both men and women, range in age from 20 to 68, and are from different counties across the state....
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Ten Floridians are facing a serious list of charges after Attorney General James Uthmeier accused them of poaching protected species and running an illegal fishing operation.
Three of them were also accused of poaching sea turtles, which are protected under both state and federal law, and selling them for profit. More arrests could be possible as investigators gather more information.
The suspects include both men and women, range in age from 20 to 68, and are from different counties across the state.
Uthmeier said the charges are a result of a years-long investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
In May 2022, FWC started looking into complaints about reef fish poaching in the Gulf, and one of the suspects approached an undercover agent about buying illegally caught fish.
As the investigation progressed, officers uncovered a large-scale scheme involving over a dozen people who were selling fish in the middle of the night to skirt catch limits and licensing and reporting requirements.
The suspects are accused of poaching roughly 23,000 pounds of fish and illegally selling over $150,000 worth of fish, shrimp, and sea turtles.
The fish illegally caught and sold included grouper, snapper, and redfish. Florida is home to five species of marine turtles, and while officials didn’t specify which were caught, they appear to be green sea turtles.
The three people accused of catching and selling turtles to undercover officers are 40-year-old Terry Carrington Jr., 22-year-old Anthony Folsom, and 31-year-old Jordan Neylan. They are facing the most serious charges: racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawful possession or sale of marine turtles, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and cheating.
Uthmeier said Carrington, Folsom and Neylan could face up to 75 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
Others being charged:
Last week in Lakeland, the vice president of the United States went after Florida Rep. Angie Nixon, a Black woman. She is also new member of the Democratic Socialists of America who admittedly doesn’t agree with the entirety of the DSA’s platform.He falsely claimed that Nixon, 42, calls herself a socialist, adding, “Then get the hell out of here. You don’t belong in America.”Last night at the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate clapped back....
Last week in Lakeland, the vice president of the United States went after Florida Rep. Angie Nixon, a Black woman. She is also new member of the Democratic Socialists of America who admittedly doesn’t agree with the entirety of the DSA’s platform.
He falsely claimed that Nixon, 42, calls herself a socialist, adding, “Then get the hell out of here. You don’t belong in America.”
Last night at the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate clapped back.
“They don’t want people here that either don’t look like them or don’t think like them, but I’m here to remind y’all that this is our country too,” Nixon said, according to the USF Oracle.
The rally—where students began lining up at the Marshall Center 90 minutes before doors even opened—kicked off Nixon’s student town hall series. During a 22-minute speech, the student newspaper reported, the rising star of American politics encouraged students to imagine a country where every family should enjoy stability.
“[Where] every young person has dignity, and every worker has dignity, and everyone has the opportunity to reach the true American dream,” she said.
The deadline to register to vote in November’s General Election is today. Early voting in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties runs Oct. 19-Nov. 1.
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UPDATED 10/06/26 2:02 a.m. Updated to better reflect copy from a version of the gallery set to appear in the Oct. 8, 2026 issue of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.
This week the Buccaneers play on Thursday Night Football, a national spotlight for a team that does not deserve it. Tampa Bay is 0-4 (only two games out of first though, just ask coach Bowles) with a spiraling feeling surrounding the organization. The Bucs are not yet lifeless, but the trend is nearing that point. Losers of 11 of their last 13, Tampa is flatly not good right now and does not appear to nearing a solution or a corner to turn in the near future. The team has a coach on the hot seat, a quarterback in a thumb cast, and a familiar...
This week the Buccaneers play on Thursday Night Football, a national spotlight for a team that does not deserve it. Tampa Bay is 0-4 (only two games out of first though, just ask coach Bowles) with a spiraling feeling surrounding the organization. The Bucs are not yet lifeless, but the trend is nearing that point. Losers of 11 of their last 13, Tampa is flatly not good right now and does not appear to nearing a solution or a corner to turn in the near future. The team has a coach on the hot seat, a quarterback in a thumb cast, and a familiar vibe starting to set in.
"We've got to coach it better, we've got to play it better."
The Buccaneers will be entering Thursday's game with a minute margin of error. In order for Tampa to win their first game of the season, not only will they need their A-game, but they will likely need that A-game to be accompanied by a few breaks— Breaks Daniel LaRusso would be proud of (Tampa may be given similar odds as well). The Bucs will be pitted up against a team with legitimate championship aspirations that is need of a victory. Dallas is just 2-2, leagues ahead of the prey they'll see on Thursday night, but not near where expectations would have placed them at the year's start.
There is no denying that the Buccaneers are going to struggle to match the Cowboys' personnel. Tampa has injuries, youth, and just general lethargy going against them. Perhaps this will be the week that the team will in fact coach it better and then wind up playing it better, however, a more likely outcome is Bowles' bunch will look much like it has thus far in 2026, meaning their straightest path towards victory will be turnovers.
The Dallas Cowboys have two games this season where they have played a clean game— They are 2-0 in those contests. Subsequently, they've played two games where their heralded offense has given the ball away to its opposition— Dallas is 0-2 in these games.
Simple data, but its data that is tied back to a tale as old as time— If you win the turnover battle, you win the game.
Todd Bowles' Buccaneers have little to no chance at winning this game in many people's eyes, however, any chance they do have is going to rest on taking care of the ball offensively and taking the ball away from Dak Prescott to give that offense more opportunities to find points of their own.
Can this coaching staff guide an undrafted rookie quarterback away mistakes without handcuffing him to first down runs every sequence? Can Todd Bowles generate some pressure and force Dak Prescott into a mistake, or two… Or three?
"You can't win a game, if you don't score any points."
Let's set the table. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading into a primetime matchup, on a short week, up against one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, while they wield an offense that has been as dull as a school-lunchroom spork. In four games, Dallas has been held under 30 just one time and has never been kept beneath 20. Factually, the Cowboys can score points and it is unlikely Todd Bowles' defense will be able to keep the lid on Dak and co. for the entirety of this game. The Buccaneers will need to score. There is not a single NFL game where you don't need to score (if you plan on winning), but this Thursday in particular, they will touchdowns. The issue is, undrafted rookie quarterback or not, the Buccaneers' offense doesn't really spend a lot of time scoring. So far, 2026 hasn't really been about touchdowns for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense.
Operating as essentially an antonym for Dallas' output, the Buccaneers haven't hit the thirty-point mark in any game this season— They've only broken 20 one time, way back in week one. For context that 27-point explosion against the Cincinnati Bengals was aided by a defensive score when Josiah Trotter pick sixed Joe Burrow. It is extremely unlikely that the Bucs are going to be able to steal a victory totaling 16 points which is what they're averaging since that week one performance.
The easiest way the Buccaneers can lose this game is most obvious way the Buccaneers can lose this game— The prediction that anyone prepared to watch this game would make. Dallas is going to score points, they may score a lot of points—
Can the Buccaneers' offense do something it has not been able to all season and score touchdowns to be able to keep up wth them? That will be the question for Zac Robinson and his floundering unit on Thursday night.
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