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 Saint Leo Abbey and Benedictine Monks in Saint Leo, 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 Saint Leo, 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.
“Very much appreciate the care and assistance from ALWAYS BEST CARE for our mother. They”
“I cannot thank Sanjay and the staff enough for everything they have provided for both”
“I’m a niece of a senior that Always Best Care and they are awesome. “Kind,”
“I recently had the pleasure of meeting Kelly Klein with Always Best Care. Kelly was”
“Excellent care!! Edwin caregiver has been a blessing to my father. His care and compassion”
“Professional, caring and very responsive. Open to answering questions and helping you understans. I would”
“Always Best Care Senior Services truly understands the importance of providing compassionate care, support, and”
“Always Best Care has been a blessing to our family. They have been caring,”
“When you think about long term care, think ☆ALWAYS BEST CARE SENIOR SERVICES.☆ The owner”
“The entire staff at Always Best Care treated my mother and all of our family”
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Melanie is great to work with and really cares about helping families find the right”
“In a word, amazing. We were completely blind as to the process of getting”
“Always Best Care (Phil) came to my rescue on very short notice. Took immediate action”
“I don't know how my family would have gotten through this new chapter in my”
“I had a wonderful experience with Always Best Care Senior Care. The agency sent us”
“Excellent company for senior care services and the staff really cares for their patients and”
“My father says; I started out with a great caregiver. He left for another job.”
“We recently moved my mom to Virginia, and Always Best Care was right there to”
“Ann Marie is an exceptional caregiver. Her kindness and reliability are outstanding!”
“When I contacted Always Best Care, my primary need was reliable, safe transportation to and”
“Rashid and his team from Always Best Care of Fairfax were truly partners with our”
“I was very fortunate to learn about Always Best Care while helping my parents find”
“HUGE Thank You to Phil and the staff at Always Best Care especially Shelby! They”
“Always Best Care provided companion care for my mom. Their hours are flexible at an”
“There is not enough words to express how wonderful Tracy is, and how much we”
“Very much appreciate the care and assistance from ALWAYS BEST CARE for our mother. They cared for our mother and we were comfortable knowing she was in good hands when being cared for. This made it possible for us to be able to take care of our responsibilities as well. Easy to work with and good staff of employees.”
“I cannot thank Sanjay and the staff enough for everything they have provided for both my mother and me during one of the most difficult and challenging times in our lives. I have been a RN for 35+ years, with over 25 years in hospice-home health care and thought I truly understood the needs of the family when a loved one needs care. I never realized how much more complicated total responsibility for an elderly family member can be. When my 93 year old, blind, HoH, mother lost her partner of 45 years and could no longer live independently, (her partner was her caregiver), the staff from Always Best Care provided much needed in home care, support, and companionship for my mother while arrangements were being made for her to move into an Assisted Living Facility. They were not only there for scheduled hours, but were available for additional hours on short notice in urgent situations. The support I received was incredible! Thanks to all, especially Sanjay, Kylie, Jen, and Zy. You made a difficult situation much easier. I would and will recommend your agency to anyone needing Homecare services. You have truly been a blessing! ????????????”
“I’m a niece of a senior that Always Best Care and they are awesome. “Kind, caring and patient!!””
“I recently had the pleasure of meeting Kelly Klein with Always Best Care. Kelly was friendly, engaging, and professional throughout our conversation. It’s encouraging to connect with others who share an interest in supporting seniors and their families in our community.”
“Excellent care!! Edwin caregiver has been a blessing to my father. His care and compassion is truly amazing. Ashley care nurse and case manager there is not enough words to express my family's love for her. She truly is amazing woman. I would highly recommend Always Best Care”
“Professional, caring and very responsive. Open to answering questions and helping you understans. I would highly recommend.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services truly understands the importance of providing compassionate care, support, and peace of mind to seniors and their families. Their commitment to helping individuals maintain their dignity, independence, and quality of life is what makes their services so valuable. I’m soooo appreciative of your team!❤️”
“Always Best Care has been a blessing to our family. They have been caring, professional and knowledgeable. I’m so glad that we found this company!”
“When you think about long term care, think ☆ALWAYS BEST CARE SENIOR SERVICES.☆ The owner specializes in real and professional services and care. Exceptional service!!”
“The entire staff at Always Best Care treated my mother and all of our family with great compassion. The care my mother received was excellent. From intake to service closure they were so helpful and skilled. I will be sure to call them should my father need care.”
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Melanie is great to work with and really cares about helping families find the right care for their loved ones. Always Best Care is a great resource for families navigating home care and senior living options. I appreciate the work they do in the community and would definitely recommend reaching out to Melanie if you need help finding care.”
“In a word, amazing. We were completely blind as to the process of getting our mother the appropriate level of care; ABC became all of our senses. Seamlessly and patiently guiding us every step of the way. The entire Care Team were responsive, professional and compassionate…..and led by an exceptional owner, Phil. I strongly endorse ABC OF Tacoma for any caregiving needs. We were blessed to have them on our side”
“Always Best Care (Phil) came to my rescue on very short notice. Took immediate action and provided us with care coverage during a very stressful time. All caregivers were compassionate and friendly. Even though my husband has Lewy body dementia, they hung in there and gave great care of him and gave guidance to redirect when whenever needed. Thank you to Phil, Kelly and each caregiver. Much appreciated.”
“I don't know how my family would have gotten through this new chapter in my parents' lives without Always Best Care. My mom had a second stroke, and my dad was recently diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimers. I had to quickly move on getting in-home care (caregiver, PT, OT, RN) for Mom, while beginning to look at Assisted Living Facilities. Every wonderful human who entered my parents' home not only provided incredible care, from helping prepare Mom and Dad to move, organizing, to PT/OT and med management, but they were all a breath of fresh air for all of us during a difficult time...Shaz, Lana, Luciano, Anisa, Jeremy...thank you for taking such good care of my parents. Renee did the initially heavy lifting to tour Assisted Living Facilities and trimmed them down to a few based on our requirements. She spent entire days with my husband and myself, meeting with ALF and being an advocate to us to find the best match for their needs. Tracy kept me posted without fail on any caregiver schedule changes. She was such a calming presence, a great listener, and a always seemed to cheer me up when I needed it. Sara and Darlene, your compassion and passion for what you do is apparent in everything communication. The second we started using your services, I knew my parents were in good hands. And for me personally, I don't know how I'll ever thank you enough for how you supported ME through this. This is a hard transition for families, all family members...your honesty (even when it's hard to say and hear) was so appreciated. Your words of encouragement and support and the periodic shoulders to lean and cry on made me feel like I had a team in my corner. Thank you a million times over, I will be paying it forward to others who are looking for these services and sending them your way.”
“I had a wonderful experience with Always Best Care Senior Care. The agency sent us Eve to care for a 96-year-old family friend who had just returned from a lengthy rehab stay. This patient needed complete care including bathing, dressing and meals. Eve was extremely loving, exceedingly compassionate, and very professional. The ABC agency even assisted me with getting/removing a bed and box spring for the live-in aide which I believe was above and beyond the normal service range of expectations. In short, I found Always Best Care to be very accommodating and willing to work with us on every need. I would highly recommend them. Mary Lou”
“Excellent company for senior care services and the staff really cares for their patients and their staff members.”
“My father says; I started out with a great caregiver. He left for another job. Then I had a few who weren’t good, but the caregiver I have now is excellent. She adapted immediately to my needs, required minimum direction, is personable, and cheerful. She does my shopping, takes care of putting on my compression stockings, gets my newspapers and mail, laundry, whatever else i need done in the house, and is a good conversationalist.”
“We recently moved my mom to Virginia, and Always Best Care was right there to help us every step of the way. My mom has Alzheimer’s, and we were unsure how to move her safely and calmly, especially since she didn’t fully understand what was happening. Traveling by plane and arriving at National Airport added another layer of stress. Jonathan connected us with Bruce from Always Best Care in South Carolina, and together, both offices and our family coordinated Mom’s move. The South Carolina staff was great, and Mom’s caregiver moved her schedule around so she could travel with Mom. She was incredibly kind and gentle and stayed with Mom throughout the entire flight. Always Best Care also recommended medical transportation from the airport to her new facility. The driver was compassionate and took great care to make sure Mom was comfortable and safe. In the days following, another kind and compassionate caregiver immediately connected with Mom and helped make her transition to her new home a wonderful experience. Always Best Care was truly the answer our family needed. We are so thankful to Jonathan and Rashid for helping us navigate this difficult season and for treating Mom with such genuine kindness, dignity, and care. We highly recommend Always Best Care!”
“Ann Marie is an exceptional caregiver. Her kindness and reliability are outstanding!”
“When I contacted Always Best Care, my primary need was reliable, safe transportation to and from a medical appointment. From the outset, Mr. Rashid Farrell went beyond simply arranging a ride. Mr. Farrell, along with a nurse, took the time to review my medical background and conduct a thorough health assessment to ensure my safety and comfort. This personalized approach gave me confidence that my well-being was their top priority. Even though my transportation needs later changed, the company’s commitment to quality and care remained consistent. They adapted seamlessly to my new requirements, maintaining the same level of attention to detail. The staff’s professionalism, empathy, and genuine concern for my needs made the experience not just convenient, but truly caring. I highly recommend Always Best Care to anyone seeking transportation services that combine reliability with compassionate, individualized care. They have earned my trust and loyalty!”
“Rashid and his team from Always Best Care of Fairfax were truly partners with our family as we together provided care for my husband when he needed it. As my husband's care needs increased, ABC never failed to step up to provide the additional services and dedicated care necessary and, when needed, the recommendations for rehab and other outside services. Rashid is the kindest, most patient and most responsive owner/operator of any business I have ever worked with - both in healthcare and otherwise. I cannot imagine having gone through this part of our lives without Rashid and his team. Ms. Martine was also always very responsive every time she was needed, often as an emergency and after hours. Ms. Genet was with us the longest and we were always happy to see her. In her low-key professional manner, she successfully encouraged him to do all he could with physical therapy and other activities. Ms. Stacey spent many long hours with us and was always patient and supportive to both of us and provided excellent care as did Ms. Benica and Ms. Salay. Ms. Jidy was with us at the end of our journey and was truly a Godsend to both of us. I will be forever grateful to Rashid and his team and will never forget their dedication, support and kindness to us.”
“I was very fortunate to learn about Always Best Care while helping my parents find a retirement community. Sanjay and Dylan were extremely helpful in guiding us through the search…there are lots of things I did not even consider that Sanjay and Dylan brought to our attention with their expertise. They were both very compassionate and transparent as we navigated the search and I am now very confident that we have found the best retirement community for my parents. Thanks Sanjay and Dylan!”
“HUGE Thank You to Phil and the staff at Always Best Care especially Shelby! They have helped tremendously with my parents transition into living with Alzheimers. I worry much less about my dad's wellbeing on a daily basis and love the way Shelby treats him with compassion and unyielding consistency.”
“Always Best Care provided companion care for my mom. Their hours are flexible at an affordable hourly rate. It was necessary to reschedule the care companion a few times and staff handled this without difficulty. Andrea conducted the initial interview with my mom and was kind and professional. It became necessary to move mom to a memory care unit and Andrea's help with this process was invaluable. She went far and above expectations and I am extremely grateful for all her help.”
“There is not enough words to express how wonderful Tracy is, and how much we appreciate all the wonderful care she has given our parents.”
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 Saint Leo Abbey and Benedictine Monks in Saint Leo, 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 Salt The Cellar by Akira Back or visit St Mark's Lighthouse, 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 Saint Leo, 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 Saint Leo, 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 Saint Leo, 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.
SHAREST. LEO, Fla. — Saint Leo University plans to offer a three-year, reduced-credit bachelor’s degree starting next year, a change university leaders say is designed to save students time and money.The university says its business analytics major will be the first bachelor’s degree in the state that students can complete for reduced credit. The degree can be completed in 93 credits, compared with the standard 120-credit, four-year bachelor’s degree.“We unpacked it and we asked, ‘How ...
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ST. LEO, Fla. — Saint Leo University plans to offer a three-year, reduced-credit bachelor’s degree starting next year, a change university leaders say is designed to save students time and money.
The university says its business analytics major will be the first bachelor’s degree in the state that students can complete for reduced credit. The degree can be completed in 93 credits, compared with the standard 120-credit, four-year bachelor’s degree.
“We unpacked it and we asked, ‘How can we get our students out into the marketplace with the best education, but also shave a lot off of the expense?’” said university President Dr. Jim Burkee. “Because, you know, lately the cost of higher education has been front and center for a lot of students and families.”
The new track will not eliminate the traditional four-year, 120-credit option at Saint Leo University. Students will be able to choose the path they prefer.
Juan Benitez, a freshman studying business analytics at Saint Leo University, said he is interested in day trading and sees a connection between the field and his career goals.
“I do day trading myself — since I turned 18 — I’ve been kind of just studying a lot about it,” Benitez said. “And I found out that business analytics goes hand-in-hand with it.”
Benitez said a faster path to graduation could help him enter the business world sooner.
“If I can graduate quickly — three years — maybe even quicker, if it’s possible, then it will give me more time to just get into the business world, start learning more about it, and start making money sooner,” Benitez said.
Zachary Smith, an associate professor of finance at Saint Leo University, is one of the academic leaders who lectures on business analytics. Before teaching, Smith worked as a financial advisor.
“From an opportunity cost standpoint: Should I sit in classes for three years or four years?” Smith said. “I think if you ask any student, they would say I’d rather sit in three.”
Faculty said they asked employers whether they would consider students with shortened degrees before moving forward with the program. Smith said he believes employers will.
“Rigor to application, if that makes sense,” Smith said. “And I think that’s what we’re doing with this program. Reducing like UE credits, stuff like that, and electives, streamlining it, getting the program closer to the employers.”
Benitez said he expects to start planning for the new option as he looks ahead to next semester.
“We’re going to probably start planning about it,” Benitez said. “So I’m just excited to see what I can do next semester here.”
ST. LEO — Saint Leo University will offer a bachelor’s degree that students can finish in three years instead of four.The Reduced-Hour Bachelor of Business Analytics requires 93 credit hours instead of the traditional 120. The university says it is the first in Florida to offer an accredited bachelor’s degree with that few credits.The program, approved this month by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, starts in January 2027. Saint Leo says it will cut the time and cost of a...
ST. LEO — Saint Leo University will offer a bachelor’s degree that students can finish in three years instead of four.
The Reduced-Hour Bachelor of Business Analytics requires 93 credit hours instead of the traditional 120. The university says it is the first in Florida to offer an accredited bachelor’s degree with that few credits.
The program, approved this month by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, starts in January 2027. Saint Leo says it will cut the time and cost of a degree by about a quarter.
“What should a bachelor’s degree look like in the 21st century?” said university President Jim Burkee. He called the program an important moment for Florida higher education.
The shorter degree drops some coursework in favor of core business and technology classes, including data analytics, finance, economics, marketing analytics and artificial intelligence in business. Students who want the traditional route can still take Saint Leo’s four-year Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics, which launched this fall.
Bryan DePoy, provost and vice president of academic affairs, said the university surveyed regional and national employers, who said the degree would meet their bachelor’s requirements.
“What they look for is accreditation, demonstrated competencies, and relevant experience, not the total number of credit hours,” DePoy said.
Three-year and reduced-credit degrees are spreading nationally, particularly in business and computer science.
For information, visit saintleo.edu.
The developer behind Cypress Creek Town Center will receive the Pasco Economic Development Council’s top leadership honor next week.
The Pasco EDC Policy Council selected Michael J. Sierra as its 2026 Leadership Award recipient. The award recognizes an individual in economic development who has had a significant impact on Pasco County.
Sierra, a Tampa native, joined the Jack Nicklaus Development Corp. as a construction manager in 1985 and has worked in land development ever since. Cypress Creek Town Center, the Wesley Chapel-area commercial hub, is among his best-known projects. He has also worked on Avila, Tampa Palms and Lakeview Village, along with projects in Illinois and Georgia.
“Michael’s decades of experience in land development, including his significant contributions to Cypress Creek Town Center and the growth of Pasco County, have made a lasting impact on our community,” said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco EDC.
Sierra is a director of the Sierra Family Foundation, which has supported the YMCA, the Pasco Education Foundation, AdventHealth and BayCare, among other nonprofits. He has served on the boards of First Tee of Tampa Bay and Academy Prep Tampa.
The award will be presented Thursday, Oct. 1, at Pasco EDC’s 38th annual awards program at the Pasco-Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center. A video tribute to Sierra will be shown. Registration is available at pascoedc.com.
A Community Foundation Tampa Bay grant is helping Premier Community HealthCare Group bring oral health lessons to young children in Pasco and Hernando counties.
Foundation and Premier officials marked the grant with a check presentation and a demonstration featuring Dr. Flossy, Premier’s oral health mascot, who used an oversized toothbrush and a dental model to show children how to brush.
The grant supports Premier’s Bright Smiles Early Learning Initiative, which teaches brushing and other oral health habits to children in voluntary prekindergarten classrooms and other early learning settings through age-appropriate activities. Families receive bilingual resources and connections to Premier’s mobile and fixed-site dental services.
Community Foundation Tampa Bay, founded in 1990, has invested more than $516 million in nonprofits in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.
For information, visit cftampabay.org.
WESLEY CHAPEL — Cypress Creek High School has earned national banner recognition from Special Olympics for its work bringing students with and without intellectual disabilities together through sports and school activities.
Special Olympics Florida announced the honor Sept. 21. To earn it, a school must meet 10 national standards in inclusion, advocacy and respect, and show it can sustain its programs.
Cypress Creek is a Special Olympics Unified Champion School. The model combines Unified Sports, in which students with and without intellectual disabilities compete as teammates, with inclusive youth leadership and schoolwide engagement.
“When students of all abilities learn, lead, and grow together, they build understanding, strengthen relationships, and enrich the entire school community,” said Toni Zetzsche, chief impact officer for Special Olympics Florida.
More than 500 Florida schools and more than 12,000 schools nationwide take part in the program, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Education.
For information, contact Pasco County Schools spokeswoman Jessica Meek at [email protected].
SPRING HILL — A volunteer-built railroad in Pasco County’s Crews Lake Wilderness Park is offering Halloween train rides this month.
The Central Pasco & Gulf Railroad will run trains from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31.
Founded in 2006, the railroad runs 7½-inch gauge trains, large enough for riders to sit on, over more than 14,000 feet of track its members built themselves, along with bridges, stations and working signals. Volunteers maintain every locomotive and passenger car.
The railroad honors the Orange Belt Railway, the 19th-century line that helped shape West Central Florida and led to the founding of St. Petersburg. Its stations carry the names of Orange Belt stops, including Trilby, Lacoochee, Macon, Lenard and Dade City.
Also on the grounds is the Carolwood Barn Museum, a tribute to Walt Disney’s love of railroading, with artifacts and exhibits on miniature railroads.
Regular public rides are held the second Saturday of each month. The next one is Oct. 10.
The group is seeking volunteers, and no experience is needed. Members are trained in train operations, maintenance and construction.
The park is at 16739 Crews Lake Drive. For information, visit cp-grr.com.
NEW PORT RICHEY — Pasco Kids First has named Rebecca Lemanski, a nonprofit executive and licensed social worker, as its chief executive officer.
The New Port Richey-based nonprofit works to prevent child abuse and help children heal from trauma in Pasco and Hernando counties. It provides prevention, assessment, advocacy, treatment and family support services.
“I have spent my career strengthening the systems that support people during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives,” Lemanski said. “I’m excited to bring that experience to Pasco and Hernando counties and work alongside our staff and community partners to help children and families feel safe, supported and empowered to thrive.”
Before joining Pasco Kids First, Lemanski was chief operating officer for two Connecticut nonprofits. One supports survivors of domestic violence and the other serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her experience includes program and clinical operations, quality assurance, regulatory compliance and staff development.
Lemanski has a master’s degree in social work, with a concentration in administration, from the University of Connecticut. She is a licensed master social worker. She is trained in the Community Resiliency Model, Circle of Security and Triple P — Positive Parenting Program, and she has taught as an adjunct faculty member in undergraduate and graduate social work programs.
Her priorities include investing in employees, strengthening community partnerships and supporting accountable, high-quality programs.
“One of my first priorities is to listen to our employees, families, board members and community partners to understand what is working well and where we have opportunities to grow,” Lemanski said.
Pasco Kids First works with families, law enforcement, child welfare professionals, health care providers and other partners to coordinate responses to abuse and neglect. Its services include child protection and advocacy, trauma treatment and Healthy Families Pasco-Hernando, a voluntary home-visiting and parent support program for expectant parents and families of newborns.
For more information, visit pascokidsfirst.org.
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Photo courtesy of PASCO KIDS FIRST
Rebecca Lemanski is the new chief executive officer of Pasco Kids First, a New Port Richey-based nonprofit that works to prevent child abuse in Pasco and Hernando counties.
Pasco County Utilities customers will see higher water, wastewater and reclaimed water rates beginning Oct. 1.
The average residential water and sewer customer, using 6,000 gallons a month, will see the monthly bill rise $4.33, from $91.99 to $96.32.
Residential reclaimed water customers will also see changes to the rate structure, the base charge and the backflow prevention device fee.
The monthly reclaimed water base charge, which covers the first 8,000 gallons, will increase 60 cents, from $12.66 to $13.26. The rate for each additional 1,000 gallons, up to 13,000 gallons, will increase 6 cents, from $1.27 to $1.33. Above 13,000 gallons, the rate for each additional 1,000 gallons will increase 10 cents, from $2.17 to $2.27.
The monthly backflow prevention device fee will increase 33 cents, from $6.89 to $7.22.
The increases are the second year of a four-year rate schedule that took effect Oct. 1, 2025. The schedule is based on a cost-of-service rate study approved by the Pasco County Commission, and it sets annual adjustments to rates, fees and charges through Sept. 30, 2029.
Revenue from the rates, fees and charges pays for the operation, maintenance, repair and replacement of the county’s water, wastewater and reclaimed water systems, according to the county.
A full list of rates and fees is available at mypas.co/PCU-Rates. For more information, visit pascocountyutilities.com.
The Pasco County Commission has declared a local state of emergency in response to dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection that has been identified in Pasco County and surrounding areas.
The declaration allows the county administrator and the emergency management director to waive routine procedures and take the steps they believe are necessary to protect public health, safety and welfare.
The state of emergency is in effect for seven days, unless the county administrator rescinds it sooner.
The county is supporting the Pasco County Mosquito Control District and the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County as needed.
Residents are urged to follow the state health department’s “drain and cover” guidelines. These include draining standing water where mosquitoes breed, covering skin with clothing and repellent, and covering doors and windows with screens.
For more information, contact the Pasco County Mosquito Control District at pascomosquito.org or 727-376-4568, or the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County at pasco.floridahealth.gov or 727-619-0300.
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TAMPA, Fla. - Saint Leo University is launching a new bachelor’s degree this January that requires fewer credit hours than the traditional 120-credit model and is also one year shorter.University administration said this degree cuts the cost of earning a bachelor’s degree by 25% and fast-tracks students into the workforce.Reduced-Hour Bachelor of Business AnalyticsThe backstory:School leaders with Saint Leo told FOX 13 they are the first university...
TAMPA, Fla. - Saint Leo University is launching a new bachelor’s degree this January that requires fewer credit hours than the traditional 120-credit model and is also one year shorter.
University administration said this degree cuts the cost of earning a bachelor’s degree by 25% and fast-tracks students into the workforce.
The backstory:
School leaders with Saint Leo told FOX 13 they are the first university in Florida to offer an accredited bachelor's degree that requires 93 credit hours. That’s a full year less than the traditional 120-credit model.
It’s called the Reduced-Hour Bachelor of Business Analytics.
Dig deeper:
The university said students wanted a way to avoid debt and also a faster track to the workforce.
"I think that students and families are going to respond with a lot of excitement because we're responding to what they're telling us. And we're responding to what the market's telling us," Saint Leo University president Dr. Jim Burkee said.
By the numbers:
Saint Leo officials estimate that eliminating the fourth year cuts tuition, as well as room and board costs, by 25%.
"If you take that four-year cost — including the opportunity cost of working for a traditional degree — and then you compare it to saving 25% of tuition, room, and board, plus the $50,000 you're going to earn on average when you graduate, that's sizable savings," Burkee added.
Timeline:
Saint Leo’s new reduced-credit degree program received approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) this month.
The new degree program will launch in January 2027.
Saint Leo officials said they will talk to interested students about the new degree. They’ll also pitch it to high school and community college students.
For example, second-year community college students could potentially transfer to Saint Leo, finish the new Business Analytics bachelor's degree in just one additional year, and then enter the job market, Saint Leo administration told FOX 13.
What they're saying:
Saint Leo said they surveyed employers, describing their response to the new degree offering as "overwhelmingly positive."
The university said employers told them businesses care more about accreditation and relevant experience, not how many hours students sit in a classroom.
What's next:
Saint Leo told FOX 13 the university has plans to expand the 93-credit model to additional degree programs in the future.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from FOX 13's interview with Saint Leo University President Dr. Jim Burkee, as well as official statements provided by university administration.
TAMPA, Fla. — Businesses are investing millions of dollars in the creator economy as social media becomes an increasingly important tool for reaching customers, generating sales and building brand recognition.But as artificial intelligence reshapes digital marketing, business owners face a new challenge: finding ways to stand out in an increasingly crowded online marketplace.A new study by marketing technology company CreatorIQ found organizations spend an average of $4.8 million annually on creator marketing, a 33% incre...
TAMPA, Fla. — Businesses are investing millions of dollars in the creator economy as social media becomes an increasingly important tool for reaching customers, generating sales and building brand recognition.
But as artificial intelligence reshapes digital marketing, business owners face a new challenge: finding ways to stand out in an increasingly crowded online marketplace.
A new study by marketing technology company CreatorIQ found organizations spend an average of $4.8 million annually on creator marketing, a 33% increase from the previous year. The study also found 48% of brands reported earning at least three times their investment.
The findings highlight the growing financial influence of content creators, influencers and digital marketing strategies — an industry that Tampa Bay entrepreneurs are increasingly seeking to leverage.
At Saint Leo University's South Tampa campus, small-business owners and entrepreneurs recently gathered for an "Instagram for Business: Turn Your Content Into Opportunity" workshop, designed to help participants turn social media engagement into measurable business results.
For Elana Rheinhart, founder of SOL Social Media, the challenge facing small businesses isn't simply producing content. It's developing a strategy that moves potential customers from discovering a business online to making a purchase.
"Businesses have to really think to showcase their business to cut through that noise," Rheinhart said. "Business can use social media as a part of their customer journey."
The workshop, presented with RGA Network, focused on identifying target audiences, building brand recognition, optimizing social media profiles and measuring whether online engagement translates into business opportunities.
For Cary Scott Reich, who operates a sound branding and jingle-writing business, social media provides a way to demonstrate the creative services he offers and reach potential clients.
"So it's impacted my business in a huge way," Reich said. "I hear people say ... your ad caught my attention."
His experience illustrates how social media can serve as more than a promotional platform. For entrepreneurs offering specialized services, online content can help introduce a business to customers who might otherwise never encounter it.
The workshop also reflects a broader effort to connect business owners with students and professionals developing their careers.
Saint Leo University has partnered with RGA Network for five years, bringing entrepreneurs and the university community together through networking and professional development opportunities.
"Business owners need to tell their story," said Mark O'Donnell, founder of RGA Network. "There's an old adage where stories sell."
Tiffany R. Anderson, executive director of Career & Workforce Engagement at Saint Leo University, said these partnerships help connect students with professionals working in industries they may eventually enter.
The event also addressed LinkedIn, personal branding and the importance of maintaining a consistent professional presence across digital platforms.
Artificial intelligence is changing how marketers brainstorm ideas, develop campaigns, edit content and analyze performance. But CreatorIQ's research suggests the technology is not necessarily making marketing easier.
The study found 47% of organizations said AI increased the day-to-day complexity of creator marketing, compared with 37% that reported reduced complexity.
Among the challenges identified by the study were concerns about the accuracy of AI-generated material, evaluating content quality and training employees to use new technology effectively. Agencies also reported growing expectations to produce content faster.
Rheinhart said AI can assist businesses but should not replace the thinking behind an effective marketing plan.
"AI can be an effective tool," she said. "But it is not going to replace the actual strategy that has to come with what your business does unique to your industry."
Reich, whose business relies on original music and creative ideas, sees both the opportunities and competitive pressures presented by AI.
"AI is an interesting tool and unfortunately it's getting better everyday," Reich said. "The difference for me is the ideas are really part of my currency."
Still, he said he isn't avoiding the technology.
"I'm not shying away from it — you know what they say if you can't beat them join them," Reich said.
CreatorIQ's findings show that companies are not only increasing their spending but also integrating creator-produced content into more aspects of their operations.
The report found that 66% of organizations increased creator marketing investment over the previous year. It also found that 48% of brands had integrated creator-driven commerce into their marketing or revenue strategies, connecting content more directly to purchases and other transactions.
The financial results do not mean every social media campaign produces a profit. Return on investment varies by business, campaign and the way results are measured.
The study found that brands use several methods to evaluate success, including revenue attribution, marketing analytics, affiliate sales and brand awareness.
For small-business owners, that distinction matters. A post that generates thousands of views may increase visibility, but those views do not automatically translate into paying customers.
As digital marketing becomes more automated, the Tampa workshop highlighted a challenge facing businesses of all sizes: using technology to reach customers without losing the identity that makes a brand recognizable.
CreatorIQ found that marketers continue to place value on human relationships, particularly when it comes to managing creator partnerships. The report also identified concerns about AI-generated content and consumer trust.
For Reich, adapting to those changes is part of running a creative business. Although AI can produce music and other marketing materials, he believes original ideas and an understanding of a client's brand remain valuable.
The larger challenge for entrepreneurs is determining which tools actually help grow their businesses.
As companies invest more heavily in creator marketing, the emphasis is shifting from simply attracting followers to measuring results — including customer inquiries, sales and long-term business growth.
For Tampa Bay entrepreneurs, the goal is to ensure that the time, creativity and money invested in social media deliver more than likes.
CreatorIQ's seventh annual State of Creator Marketing 2026-2027 report was released Sept. 30, 2026.
The company partnered with Sapio Research to survey 2,000 brand and agency respondents across more than 17 industries and nine countries. The findings describe reported marketing investments, returns, technology adoption and industry challenges. They should not be interpreted as representative revenue figures for individual creators or Tampa Bay small businesses.
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