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”
“Because of Sherry and her staff, I have a new found appreciation for the in”
“Professional care with a personal touch. Some of the nicest people I have ever met”
“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”
“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.”
“Because of Sherry and her staff, I have a new found appreciation for the in home wellness industry. Prior to Always Best Care Senior Services, my mother was not enjoying her life as much as she could have. Once Sherry and her team came aboard, my mother's quality of life improved ten fold. I will never truly be able to express how deeply grateful I am for all your hard work. You have given my mother a new lease on life. I highly recommend Sherry to anyone in search of in home care for your loved one. Thank you.”
“Professional care with a personal touch. Some of the nicest people I have ever met during these trying times.”
“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.”
“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 Henry B Plant 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.
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.
WINTER HAVEN, FL (WFTS) — A youth football game in Polk County ended in a fight involving adults, prompting the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to open an investigation.Sharod Odom, a youth football coach in Lakeland, said he attended Saturday’s game between HOA 30 Kartel and the Plant City Colts Certified Strikers, and that a fight broke out just as the 8U teams finished playing.Watch report from Rebecca PetitOdom, who has coached youth football for about five years, said the competition between te...
WINTER HAVEN, FL (WFTS) — A youth football game in Polk County ended in a fight involving adults, prompting the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to open an investigation.
Sharod Odom, a youth football coach in Lakeland, said he attended Saturday’s game between HOA 30 Kartel and the Plant City Colts Certified Strikers, and that a fight broke out just as the 8U teams finished playing.
Watch report from Rebecca Petit
Odom, who has coached youth football for about five years, said the competition between teams can be intense, but the relationships coaches build with their players go beyond the game.
“We don't know what these kids are going through,” Odom said. “I drive with a lot of kids every day and I get to sit down and talk to them, and that’s what makes our culture real big because it’s more of a chemistry, a family thing.”
Odom said the atmosphere initially appeared positive as people congratulated one another after the game.
“Everybody walking, saying good game, good game. A moment, hands go to swinging, brawls go to happening and people go to pushing, and it just broke out from there. It got real wild out there,” Odom said.
Deputies responded to the scene, but the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said everyone involved had left by the time deputies arrived.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said investigators are working to identify those involved and pursue charges.
“The kids behaved, the coaches and the parents didn’t, and we are going to criminally charge those that were disorderly and those that participated in an affray,” Judd said.
Judd said those involved could face misdemeanor charges.
Some witnesses told Tampa Bay 28 the fight may have stemmed from disputes over bets placed on the game’s outcome. That claim has not been independently confirmed.
Judd said he plans to send undercover detectives to youth football games to investigate illegal betting.
“I’m going to send undercover detectives to these youth football games,” Judd said. “And when I catch you betting, we’re going to charge you. You don't go to youth football games to bet on children playing sports. Not now, not ever.”
Tampa Bay 28 reached out to both teams for comment but have not received a response.
Health NewsLocal dengue cases are being reported in Hillsborough County, raising questions about how the virus reached Tampa Bay and how it is spreading.Three USF Health experts discuss what residents should know about dengue, including its symptoms, how to protect against mosquitoes, what research is underway in Florida and what lessons can be learned from outbreaks in Latin America and the Caribbean.Kristi Miley, PhD, a researcher at the USF College of Public Health’s Center for Global Health and Infectious Dis...
Local dengue cases are being reported in Hillsborough County, raising questions about how the virus reached Tampa Bay and how it is spreading.
Three USF Health experts discuss what residents should know about dengue, including its symptoms, how to protect against mosquitoes, what research is underway in Florida and what lessons can be learned from outbreaks in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Kristi Miley, PhD, a researcher at the USF College of Public Health’s Center for Global Health and Infectious Disease Research, studies mosquito-borne diseases in Florida.
Sten H. Vermund, MD, PhD, dean of the USF Health College of Public Health and chief medical officer of the Global Virus Network, whose international headquarters are based at USF, is an infectious disease epidemiologist.
Juan David Ramírez-González, PhD, professor of Global, Environmental and Genomic Health Sciences, studies tropical and vector-borne diseases in Florida and Latin America.
Miley: Dengue is a viral illness that spreads through the bite of infected Aedes Aegypti or Aedes Albopictus mosquitoes. Both are already established here in Florida.
Local transmission occurs when someone gets dengue while traveling, then returns to Florida, and is bitten by a mosquito here that picks up the virus and later passes it on to another person.
Why are we seeing dengue in Tampa?
Miley: The mosquitoes that can spread dengue are already here. We are seeing warmer temperatures and lots of rain. This gives these mosquitoes plenty of places to breed. They don't need a puddle or a pond. All they need is water sitting in a flowerpot, bucket, tire, or other small container to breed.
Aedes mosquitoes also live very close to people in and around homes.
Vermund: Some people with dengue never feel sick but can still pass the virus to mosquitoes. But many people have a fever and headache. Pain behind the eyes is common, along with muscle and joint aches. Some people have nausea or develop a rash. While most people recover without serious problems, it can be life-threatening in a small number of people.
People should seek medical attention if they are experiencing severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, marked weakness or trouble breathing. If dengue is circulating locally, your healthcare provider can send special blood tests for diagnosis.
Also watch the timing. Sometimes your fever goes away in a few days, but that's when a small proportion of people start to get much sicker. If other symptoms worsen as the fever comes down, seek medical care.
Vermund: Call your healthcare provider and make sure you're staying hydrated. Don't take aspirin or drugs like ibuprofen if you suspect dengue, as they can raise the risk of bleeding. Acetaminophen is recommended for fever and pain. Stay in touch with your provider, especially if you start feeling worse.
There's no antiviral treatment for dengue. While you're sick, try to avoid mosquito bites, too. People with dengue can pass the virus to mosquitoes during roughly the first week of illness. A mosquito can then pass the virus to a neighbor, co-worker or family member.
Miley: Emptying standing water around your home is extremely effective. Check places like flowerpots, children’s toys, buckets, gutters, and old tires. Mosquitoes don't need much water to lay their eggs.
If you find standing water, dump it. Don't think of mosquito protection as something you only need in the evening. Aedes aegypti also bites during the day, so use repellent when you're outside during daylight hours too. I also suggest checking the screens on your windows and doors for holes that could let mosquitoes inside.
Miley: Once you've had one dengue serotype, you generally have long-lasting immunity to that particular one. There are four dengue serotypes, and we've seen evidence of all four in Florida. A second infection with a different serotype can sometimes lead to more severe disease, which is why we pay attention to which serotypes are circulating in Florida.
We've been looking back at what was happening when these cases showed up and asking questions like: Was it especially hot? How much rain had we had? What were mosquito numbers like? We're trying to see whether those pieces tell us anything about when we're most likely to see dengue cases increase.
Ramírez-González: The tropical regions of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean face dengue year after year, giving their scientists and public health teams extensive experience responding to it.
We can learn from how other countries track cases, control mosquitoes, diagnose infections and respond when cases rise. Florida is closely connected to the region through travel, so sharing what we're seeing and learning from colleagues who've dealt with dengue for years benefits everyone.
Miley: Last year, I presented our Florida dengue research at a Global Virus Network Regional Meeting for the Caribbean and Latin America in Jamaica. Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases were a big part of the discussion.
During that meeting, I spoke directly with researchers who see much more dengue in their countries than we typically see in Florida. These relationships and connections help us reach out and exchange information quickly when cases rise.
Ramírez-González: Looking at what's happening across the region can also give us an idea of what we might see in Florida. Which serotypes are circulating? Are outbreaks changing? What are scientists seeing in mosquito populations? When we compare that with our own data, we can start to spot changes that might otherwise be missed.
Miley: Start with your own yard. After it rains, look for anything holding water and dump it. Clear gutters where standing water might harbor mosquito larvae. For containers too large to dump, “Mosquito Dunks” can kill mosquito larvae without harming animals or humans.
Use mosquito repellent during the day and evening. Remember that the mosquitoes that spread dengue bite during the day, too.
On the evening of October 5th, the White Sox were riding high. After enduring three consecutive 1oo-loss seasons, their revamped roster had won their first four playoff games, sweeping the Astros in the Wild Card round and taking the first two from their division rivals in Cleveland. With just one more win in the next three games against the Guardians, they'd be playing for the pennant for the first time since they won it all in 2005.Alas, just a few days later, the White Sox are left to watch the rest of the playoffs from the sidelin...
On the evening of October 5th, the White Sox were riding high. After enduring three consecutive 1oo-loss seasons, their revamped roster had won their first four playoff games, sweeping the Astros in the Wild Card round and taking the first two from their division rivals in Cleveland. With just one more win in the next three games against the Guardians, they'd be playing for the pennant for the first time since they won it all in 2005.
Alas, just a few days later, the White Sox are left to watch the rest of the playoffs from the sidelines, wondering how it all went so wrong, so fast. Such is the nature of October baseball. With the upstart Pale Hose and underachieving Yankees pushed aside, the ALCS will feature two teams with miniscule payrolls but remarkably consistent performance: the Guardians and the Rays. The two teams' similarity of approach leads to an intriguing matchup that may well be decided at the margins as Cleveland targets its first championship since 1948 and Tampa Bay eyes its first in franchise history.
Let's start with the team that will be painfully familiar to Yankees fans. A benefit of their sweep of New York is that the Rays will be able to line up their rotation on plenty of rest. That means Drew Rasmussen in Game 1. Rasmussen ate the Yankees' lunch in the ALDS, no-hitting them for 7.2 innings and allowing just the botched Austin Wells extra-base knock across eight innings in one of the most dominant playoff performances in recent memory.
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If they take a similar tack to what they did in the last round (and why wouldn't they?) that would mean Freddy Peralta and Nick Martinez would follow. That trio of veteran starters headlined a staff that held New York to five runs in three games, with All-Star closer Bryan Baker earning all three saves while allowing just a single baserunner. Lefty Ian Seymour could be in the mix as well as the fourth starter, or potentially getting the ball instead of Martinez for Game 3 in Cleveland.
Tampa's lineup is led by Yandy Díaz, Junior Caminero, and Jonathan Aranda. Aranda was the best of the bunch in the DS, hitting .333 with a homer. Díaz, who led the AL in hits, and Caminero, who just hit 40 home runs for the second straight year, loom large as well. The team's position players also trade on their gloves, playing mostly clean baseball last round in contrast with the Yankees' defensive unraveling. Their leader on that side of the ball of Taylor Walls, who brings almost nothing with the bat but led all of baseball with 3.0 dWAR at shortstop.
Like the Rays with Rasmussen, the Guardians have a true ace of their own in Parker Messick. Messick exploded onto the scene in his first full season, pitching to a 2.56 ERA while punching out more than a batter per inning. Behind him is Gavin Williams, who led the league with 248 strikeouts and fanned 23 White Sox across two starts in the ALDS.
Just as vitally, Cleveland features one of the game's most dominant closers, Cade Smith. Smith just recorded his second sub-2.oo ERA season in his three-year career while leading all of baseball with 41 saves.
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The Guardians have less to hang their hat on offensively. While both they and the Rays were top-five in the AL in runs allowed, Tampa scored 58 more runs than Cleveland, a huge factor in their winning 13 more games. The Guardians, never an offensive juggernaut in recent years, was particularly hamstrung as their superstar, José Ramírez, had a massive down year. He played like a man reborn in the ALDS, though, posting a 1.187 OPS with two homers, a major factor in their ultimate victory.
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Throughout the season, the team's best hitter has been relative newcomer Chase DeLauter, who slashed a strong .287/.363/.457 in 133 games. Fellow rookie Travis Bazzana was named an All-Star at second base, posting a 110 OPS+ with 22 doubles and 15 homers in 517 trips to the plate. Elsewhere, there are notable holes; first baseman Kyle Manzardo took a step back in his second season and Cleveland struggled to find production at DH, with midseason acquisition Jo Adell settling into the role after Rhys Hoskins was unable to regain his previous form.
On paper, the edge goes to Tampa Bay in all three facets of the game. But underestimate Cleveland at your own peril. Since Terry Francona took over as skipper in 2013, the Guardians have made the playoffs in 9 of 14 seasons, including in each of Stephen Vogt's three years at the helm. This is their second ALCS appearance under Vogt, and they could give Tampa Bay a bigger fight than they offered the Yankees in 2024. Both of these teams have a knack for overperforming expectations, making this a strength-on-strength matchup worth watching.
TAMPA, Fla. — Rev. Dr. Neddy Astudillo is being recognized during Hispanic Heritage Month for her work connecting faith, environmental care, and community service in Tampa Bay.Astudillo, who immigrated from Venezuela, is one of this year’s honorees at the annual American Dream Awards. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor recognized her for work with congregations and nonprofits focused on protecting the land in their communities.“We live in this land what does this land have to give us; how do we protect it?” Astudill...
TAMPA, Fla. — Rev. Dr. Neddy Astudillo is being recognized during Hispanic Heritage Month for her work connecting faith, environmental care, and community service in Tampa Bay.
Astudillo, who immigrated from Venezuela, is one of this year’s honorees at the annual American Dream Awards. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor recognized her for work with congregations and nonprofits focused on protecting the land in their communities.
“We live in this land what does this land have to give us; how do we protect it?” Astudillo said.
Astudillo is a Presbyterian pastor and coordinator of the climate justice and faith certificate program, which offers continuing education for Spanish speakers. She has used gardening as a way to teach others about the connection between faith and climate justice.
“It is part of our spirituality; God says to serve and protect the natural world and the most vulnerable, and one of the best ways to do that is by growing food,” Astudillo said.
Astudillo said the award is not only about her work but also about recognizing the contributions immigrants are making across the community.
“How us immigrants we are here protecting this land, loving this land, caring for this land, and the people, so it’s a way for also lifting up all the immigrants here making a difference,” she said.
That commitment has also taken root in Astudillo’s congregation. Pastor Esther Robles of First United Church of Tampa said the church garden, which includes papaya trees, tomatoes and other plants, has become a resource for the congregation and surrounding community, especially in times of need.
“Having a garden like this is a way of us showing that what we believe, we put it into practice,” Robles said.
Astudillo said she hopes gardens and other green spaces encourage people to think differently about their relationship with the environment.
“When you take care of the land, the land gives you so much, and it’s just amazing,” she said.
After recent hurricanes, Astudillo also helped organize neighbors to create Friends of Epps Park. The group is working to promote climate-resilient housing and plant more trees in the community.
LONDON (AP) — Cam Little grew up playing soccer and watching Premier League games every weekend.So to line up a game-winning kick for the Jaguars in London was something special.Little connected from 57 yards as time expired and Jacksonville beat the Philadelphia Eagles 19-17 in a wild finish at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.“It was the coolest moment of my career,” said Little, who wore a Manchester United jersey at his postgame news conference.Little sprinted from midfield into the opposi...
LONDON (AP) — Cam Little grew up playing soccer and watching Premier League games every weekend.
So to line up a game-winning kick for the Jaguars in London was something special.
Little connected from 57 yards as time expired and Jacksonville beat the Philadelphia Eagles 19-17 in a wild finish at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.
“It was the coolest moment of my career,” said Little, who wore a Manchester United jersey at his postgame news conference.
Little sprinted from midfield into the opposite end zone with his teammates in pursuit and struck a Jude Bellingham-style arms wide celebration in tribute to the England and Real Madrid star.
The improbable scenario was made possible by Ameer Abdullah’s 53-yard kickoff return that left 1 second on the clock.
The Eagles had taken a 17-16 lead on Jake Elliott's 48-yard field goal with 8 seconds left — after Little's extra-point attempt was wide left following Parker Washington's 27-yard touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter.
The Jaguars were using backup snapper DaVon Hamilton after Ross Matiscik left the game with an injury.
Philadelphia, which slipped to 2-3 for the first time since 2021, played without leading rusher Saquon Barkley and receiver DeVonta Smith and with a makeshift offensive line. The Eagles rushed for just 22 yards.
Trevor Lawrence completed 24 of 39 passes for 331 yards and two touchdowns — both to Washington — along with an interception for the Jaguars (4-1).
“One of the craziest games, maybe the craziest game I’ve ever been a part of,” Lawrence said, “and I’ve been in some pretty wild ones. Just how cool is this sport? The game’s never over.”
Washington, who caught a 51-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, had six receptions for 124 yards.
Eagles linebacker Zack Baun ensured his team went into halftime with a 14-7 lead by getting past Chris Rodriguez Jr. and tackling Bhayshul Tuten for a loss when Jacksonville went for it on fourth-and-goal from the 1 with 1 second left in the half. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni jumped and pumped his first in reaction.
Sirianni was asked about not kicking the ball out of bounds at the end.
“I didn’t make the right decision, and I lost us that game,” the Eagles coach said. “That’s what I said to our guys, and what hurts there is that, you know, the guys fought so hard and then I don’t make the decision that, you know, that I should make at the end of the game, and I cost us that game, and I put that fully on me.”
The Baltimore Ravens had used some late-game heroics in Rio de Janeiro last month to beat the Dallas Cowboys, who took heat for coaching decisions.
Earlier, Eagles backup running back Will Shipley scored on a 2-yard run and Darius Cooper caught a 62-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts.
Hurts completed 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and one touchdown. Jalen Carter had two sacks and two forced fumbles for the Eagles.
Little's 34-yard field goal in the third quarter made it 14-10.
Jaguars rookie Josh Cameron returned the opening kickoff 90 yards for a would-be touchdown, but it was called back because of offsetting penalties including a hold by Jacksonville’s Branson Combs.
Meanwhile, there was a scrum at midfield, with pushing and shoving on both sides. Two players were ejected: Jacksonville’s Bryan Thomas Jr. and Philadelphia’s Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Eagles: Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard (ankle) warmed up, but was ruled out ahead of the game... OLB Jalyx Hunt was injured on the last play of the first half and was helped off the field. ... DB Michael Carter was ruled out in the third quarter.... CB Quinyon Mitchell was slow to get up after intercepting a pass in the third quarter but returned... Shipley left the game late in second quarter with a foot injury.
Jaguars: LT Anton Harrison was carted off in the third quarter with what appeared to be a right knee injury... Long snapper Ross Matiscik left the game with an apparent shoulder injury. ... S Eric Murray (concussion) didn’t dress... DB Jaylon Jones (hamstring) had been ruled out Friday.
Eagles: Host the Carolina Panthers next Sunday.
Jaguars: Stay in London and host the Houston Texans at Wembley Stadium next Sunday.
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