Brevard Chirpy - EPaper
Brevard Chirpy
Digital News
Follow us On:
Local Heros

MEDICAL NEWS

UCF unveils mobile health clinic to expand health care in Central Florida
The mobile clinic will provide health services for patients, while doubling as a classroom for UCF medical students.

Source: Emma Delamo
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Osceola Council on Aging helps senior citizens combat loneliness during holidays
The Osceola Council on Aging hosts holiday-based events to support senior citizens, especially those without family nearby with which to celebrate.

Source: Jordan Mead
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Pinellas County teacher fighting for his life after lightning strike in Peru
James Fernandez is in critical condition after being struck by lightning while vacationing with family and friends in Peru.

Source: Jeff Van Sant
Monday, Dec 01 2025

Volusia County issues rabies alert after cat tested positive
The cat was found on November 18.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, Dec 01 2025

On World AIDS Day, one DeLand nonprofit helps test people for HIV
According to the National AIDS Trust, globally, an estimated 38 million people live with the virus.

Source: Devin Martin
Monday, Dec 01 2025

Young brothers support one another through each other's health scares
Nolan Revels, 10, has a rare genetic mutation for cancer. His father had it as a teen, and his older brother is battling cancer now as well.

Source: Melissa Eichman
Saturday, Nov 29 2025

Health insurance adviser gives insight on plans to address a lack of ACA subsidies
Umer Khan with Affordable Health and Life Insurance Group shares how people can still find affordable plans with a reduction in ACA subsidies.

Source: Brandon Spencer
Wednesday, Nov 26 2025

A-fib-ulous new life: New surgical technique grants Central Florida mom more time at home and at UCF games
After feeling a flutter in her heart, Jan Garcias underwent a newer surgical technique in which a device called "Watchman" was implanted in her heart.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Monday, Nov 24 2025

Study shows eating ultra-processed foods can increase risk of early onset colorectal cancer
The Moffitt Cancer Center said colorectal cancer could become the second leading cause of cancer death for young women by 2030.

Source: Tyler O'Neill
Sunday, Nov 23 2025

Senior cannabis use hits all-time high
Research published in the JAMA Internal Medicine Journal shows a significant increase in older adults using cannabis.

Source: Tyler O'Neill
Sunday, Nov 23 2025

Bill aims to increase early detection of colorectal cancer
The Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act would create a funding path for screenings, awareness campaigns, and more.

Source: Sarah Blazonis
Saturday, Nov 22 2025

HIV patients in Central Florida concerned about healthcare premiun increases
Patients living with HIV are sharing concerns about the large premium increases for the 2026 open enrollment period.

Source: Massiel Leyva
Friday, Nov 21 2025

Orlando family pushes for newborn liver tests as part of 'Mattie's Law'
Allison Walker Beacham and her husband Michael say the law would require tests to identify diseases like the one missed in their daughter.

Source: Curtis McCloud
Thursday, Nov 20 2025

Advocates warn proposed cuts to HIV treatment and prevention could hurt life saving efforts
Newly proposed cuts to the federal budget are threatening to limit those life saving measures, and advocates are hoping lawmakers will reconsider.

Source: Saundra Weathers
Tuesday, Nov 18 2025

The Villages residents may need to change health care insurance
People living in the Villages may need to change health care insurance if new provider doesn't reach agreement with United Healthcare.

Source: Camille Acevedo
Friday, Nov 14 2025

After struggling with infertility, Orlando mom finds hope and starts new career to help others
Marie Collins is now a practice liaison at Shady Grove Fertility Clinic in Orlando, where she works with obstetricians for fertility referrals.

Source: Sarah Winkelmann
Tuesday, Nov 11 2025

Dental implants becoming an option for more complex cases
Jessica "Cookie" Osburn recently underwent dental implants, even with severe dental complications because of a rare genetic disorder.

Source: Erin Murray
Sunday, Nov 09 2025

Orlando mom shares story ahead of the Together in Teal walk for ovarian cancer awareness
After her children were born, Meghan Nelson was diagnosed with stage 2 ovarian cancer.

Source: Sarah Winkelmann
Thursday, Nov 06 2025

Advocates highlight Lung Cancer Awareness Month in D.C. while condemning shutdown
The LUNGevity Foundation warns that the government shutdown is disrupting important research.

Source: Corina Cappabianca
Thursday, Nov 06 2025

Big changes could be coming to Marketplace health insurance premiums for 2026
It's time for healthcare open enrollment. What changes can you expect this year?

Source: Erin Billups - National Health Reporter
Wednesday, Nov 05 2025

Sanford officials share their plan to address odor issue
Bill Shields lives in Sanford and said he changed his exercise route outside because the odor issue is coming from a city water treatment facility.

Source: Brandon Spencer
Wednesday, Nov 05 2025

Orlando man says ACA premium surges may force him to downgrade coverage
Without subsidies, his premiums could increase to $1,100/month for the same coverage he currently pays $674 for.

Source: Keith Landry
Tuesday, Nov 04 2025

Affordable Care Act premiums could increase for many Floridians
Florida has more Affordable Care Act policy holders than any other state, with 4.7 million covered.

Source: Keith Landry
Tuesday, Nov 04 2025

AdventHealth Minneola is expected to open in December
The hospital will provide inpatient care, critical care, endoscopy services, and full-service imaging.

Source: Camille Acevedo
Monday, Nov 03 2025

Orange County leaders seek assistance as SNAP deadline approaches
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings held a press conference Wednesday to discuss how to help residents who may lose SNAP benefits.

Source: Brandon Spencer
Thursday, Oct 30 2025

Orlando mom shares story ahead of the Together in Teal walk for ovarian cancer awareness
After her children were born, Meghan Nelson was diagnosed with stage 2 ovarian cancer.

Source: Sarah Winkelmann
Wednesday, Oct 29 2025

Orlando center provides job training for adults with disabilities
This National Disability Employment Awareness month, Spectrum News met with a CIL graduate who works in downtown Orlando.

Source: Emma Delamo
Thursday, Oct 23 2025

Ahead of flu season, pediatric doctors notice leap in vaccine hesitancy
A pediatric infectious diseases physician says more and more families are questioning or refusing the vaccines than ever before.

Source: Erin Murray
Tuesday, Oct 21 2025

Teen mental health solutions sought by Orlando business and government leaders
Business and government leaders ask if changes need to be made to public policy and funding.

Source: Keith Landry
Monday, Oct 20 2025

Concerns grow over foul odor in Sumter County
Sumter County commissioners weigh in on foul odor, even though the issue falls under Bushnell jurisdiction.

Source: Camille Acevedo
Monday, Oct 20 2025

Finegan says combating domestic violence starts with defining what that abuse is
Experts say domestic violence affects everyone in a home.

Source: Allison Walker
Sunday, Oct 19 2025

Underreporting of domestic violence cases can be driven by many reasons
Mindy Murphy, the President and CEO of The Spring of Tampa Bay, talks about reasons cases may not be reported.

Source: Allison Walker
Sunday, Oct 19 2025

Central Florida behavioral health program aims to protect teens
The Nemours program gives children and teens access to mental health resources at their primary care doctors' offices.

Source: Keith Landry
Thursday, Oct 16 2025

Publix recalling 'Rich and Creamy' ice cream product, citing egg allergen
The company said some of the ice cream may have made it into stores in the Bay area and Central Florida.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, Oct 16 2025

Florida bans powerful kratom compound linked to addiction and deaths
State officials said the extract 7-OH is far more potent than regular kratom.

Source: Bryanna Howard
Tuesday, Oct 14 2025

Breast cancer survivor advocates for awareness and examinations
Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone is a breast cancer survivor.

Source: Allison Walker
Sunday, Oct 12 2025

Advances in technology and treatment help to reduce breast cancer deaths
Breast cancer very treatable when detected early

Source: Allison Walker
Sunday, Oct 12 2025

BayCare experts say artificial intelligence significantly cuts down on MRI scan times
Scan times could be cut by 40% while improving image quality, experts said.

Source: Tyler O'Neill
Tuesday, Oct 07 2025

Advocates push for telemedicine protections from Congress amid shutdown
The American Telemedicine Association is advocating for reimbursement provisions for tele-health as the government shutdown continues.

Source: Brandon Spencer
Thursday, Oct 02 2025

UCF opens new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion amid Florida's nursing shortage
The new building provides the flexibility for the college to add about 150 more nursing graduates each year.

Source: Bryanna Howard
Tuesday, Sep 30 2025

Gov. DeSantis says Florida to invest millions in pediatric cancer research
A doctor with Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital says this funding will pave the way for advancements in patient treatment.

Source: Sarah Blazonis
Thursday, Sep 25 2025

Brevard County ramping up efforts to battle dengue fever
Mosquito traps are spread around to capture the bugs, especially in the areas where cases have been reported.

Source: Greg Pallone
Thursday, Sep 18 2025

New study shows stalking victims have higher chance of heart disease
The authors of the study hope this new information changes the way doctors respond to patients with cardiovascular issues.

Source: Saundra Weathers
Tuesday, Sep 16 2025

Children's Hunger Project in Brevard encouraging food drives
September is Hunger Action Month, and the nonprofit said regular food donations help the group keep kids fed on weekends and stock its pantry.

Source: Greg Pallone
Tuesday, Sep 16 2025

Boil water notice ends for Mims residents
The city said this morning that the notice has been rescinded in all locations.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Tuesday, Sep 16 2025

Report reveals positive trends in drug overdose deaths in Florida
Drug deaths are down 10% from January to July 2024 compared to 2023.

Source: Matt Lackritz
Saturday, Sep 13 2025

DeSantis defends the proposal to remove vaccine mandates in Florida
To end all vaccine requirements in the Sunshine State, the Florida Legislature would have to change the law.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, Sep 08 2025

Florida's plan to drop school vaccine rule won't start for 90 days, won't cover all diseases
The plan to drop the mandates would include only chickenpox and a few other illnesses unless lawmakers decide to extend it to other diseases.

Source: Associated Press
Monday, Sep 08 2025

President Trump responds to Florida dropping vaccine mandates
State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo says the decision to drop vaccine mandates comes down to ethics.

Source: Jason Lanning
Monday, Sep 08 2025

State Sen. Darryl Rouson continues to champion for mental health support
Rouson touts mental health support in Tallahassee

Source: Allison Walker
Sunday, Sep 07 2025

Cope Notes founder harnesses technology to help wth mental health support
Crowder says micro-interventions are easier to digest.

Source: Allison Walker
Sunday, Sep 07 2025

UF Health Leesburg to shut down labor and delivery unit
UF Health Hospital in Leesburg will shut down its labor and delivery unit in on October 15.

Source: Camille Acevedo
Thursday, Sep 04 2025

Parents, school leaders and medical experts share concerns about eliminating vaccine mandates
This year, immunization levels in kindergarten in Orange County sit at 85.4% — below the state average of 88.7%.

Source: Massiel Leyva
Thursday, Sep 04 2025

YMCA water aerobics keeps Orlando seniors social and active
The low-impact exercise is keeping senior swimmers at the YMCA active and social.

Source: Emma Delamo
Thursday, Sep 04 2025

Florida surgeon general calls for the end of 'slavery' caused by school vaccine mandates
To end all vaccine requirements in the Sunshine State, the Florida Legislature would have to change the law.

Source: Mark Boxley
Wednesday, Sep 03 2025

Sanford company makes high-tech medical devices for cancer patients
The .Decimal company creates cancer treatment devices customized for each patient and wants to promote manufacturing in the state.

Source: Keith Landry
Monday, Sep 01 2025

City of Melbourne issues boil water notice after E. Coli found at sample point
E. coli bacteria was discovered at one routine testing sample point.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, Aug 28 2025

Windermere police chief leads mission to support mental, spiritual health of officers
Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden makes a point to check on the mental and spiritual health of his colleagues each day.

Source: Keith Landry
Tuesday, Aug 26 2025

Pathlight HOME helps to get people into affordable housing
Arroyo touts Pathlight HOME mission.

Source: Allison Walker
Sunday, Aug 24 2025

Uribe says teamwork and collaboration are key for affordable housing fixes
Uribe talks teamwork to fix affordable housing

Source: Allison Walker
Sunday, Aug 24 2025

Brevard County leaders launch Space for Recovery opioid awareness campaign
Brevard County officials launched the new opioid awareness campaign on Thursday, which was also Fentanyl Awareness Day.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Friday, Aug 22 2025

Orlando Health patient undergoes innovative brain tumor treatment
The oral chemotherapy is similar to a cancer patient treatment, but in this case, it works to reduce the tumor size without more invasive procedures.

Source: Massiel Leyva
Friday, Aug 22 2025

Walmart 'Great Value' frozen shrimp may be radioactive, FDA warns
The affected shrimp was imported from Indonesia.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Tuesday, Aug 19 2025

New technology at Morton Plant Hospital to help treat breast cancer
BayCare's Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater has a new technology to help fight breast cancer, and it is the first of its type in Florida.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, Aug 18 2025

Citrus experts talk proposed FDA rule change on orange juice sugar levels 
Florida citrus growers and processors have been pushing for the change. A public comment period is open about the issue.

Source: Corina Cappabianca
Thursday, Aug 14 2025

Community garden in Groveland helps cancer survivor thrive
Diana Hoffman says the garden helps her forget about the worries of life.

Source: Jeff Allen
Tuesday, Aug 12 2025

New Smyrna Beach farm identified as source of raw milk that sickened 21
According to the Florida Department of Health, seven people were hospitalized after drinking the milk.

Source: Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press
Friday, Aug 08 2025

Palm Coast woman accused of treating thousands while posing as nurse
Autumn Bardisa, 29, is accused of using another nurse's license number to gain employment with AdventHealth.

Source: Mark Boxley
Thursday, Aug 07 2025

Raw milk sickens 21 people in Florida including 6 children
Seven people have been hospitalized, with at least two suffering severe complications.

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, Aug 05 2025

Microplastics exist in cars and homes, new study finds
Scientists found that humans may be inhaling 100 times more micro-plastics than previously assumed.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, Jul 31 2025

Brevard County alerts residents of 4 confirmed dengue cases
Mosquito control is stepping up efforts to treat populations of the insects but urged everyone to protect themselves, too.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, Jul 31 2025

UF Health mobile stroke unit to serve the Villages
UF Health launched a mobile stroke treatment unit (MSTU) to the Villages in Sumter County.

Source: Camille Acevedo
Thursday, Jul 31 2025

Where to go in Orange County to get out of the heat
For people who need transportation to a cooling center, LYNX buses are providing free rides, Orange County officials announced.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, Jul 28 2025

Experts express concern after FDA panel questions long-standing guidance around mental health medications during pregnancy
The FDA has been reexamining some widely accepted treatments — including the use of antidepressants during pregnancy

Source: Colleen McKown, Zoe Slemmons, Brianne Barry, Nicole Clark, PhD
Friday, Jul 25 2025

Volusia Free Clinic navigates state budget cuts
The volunteer-based community health center plans to get by through community donations.

Source: Devin Martin
Saturday, Jul 19 2025

Digital devices help test water quality in Indian River Lagoon
A $4,000 grant from the Indian River Lagoon Estuary Program has made it possible to equip volunteer water testers with digital water probes.

Source: Greg Pallone
Thursday, Jul 17 2025

Dozens gather in downtown Orlando for 'Good Trouble' protest against immigration crackdown, Medicaid cuts
With signs in hand and chanting, protesters gathered to protest President Donald Trump’s policies outside City Hall in Orlando.

Source: Massiel Leyva
Thursday, Jul 17 2025

Flagler OARS announces free naloxone distribution kiosks for local businesses
The Barney Naloxone Stand™ includes the drug and clear instructions on how to administer it during an opioid overdose emergency.

Source: Devin Martin
Friday, Jul 11 2025

UCF RESTORES expands resources to help Florida first responders during natural disasters
The executive director of UCF RESTORES says it is important to provide mental health support for first responders returning from catastrophic calls.

Source: Emma Delamo
Friday, Jul 11 2025

Osceola leaders approve $400K for youth vaping prevention in schools, community outreach
$400,000 total in JUUL settlement funds will be used in Osceola County towards youth vaping prevention.

Source: Jordan Mead
Wednesday, Jul 09 2025

The Center Orlando opens full-service pharmacy on Mills Avenue
The NPS pharmacy will provide low-cost drugs to the LGBTQ+ community.

Source: Sarah Winkelmann
Tuesday, Jul 08 2025

Research shows climate concerns are affecting the mental health of young Americans
As changes to the climate lead to increases in extreme weather events, many Americans are reporting serious effects to their mental health.

Source: Zoe Slemmons, Nicole Clark, PhD
Thursday, Jul 03 2025

Fluoride ban goes into effect in Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill making Florida the second state to remove fluoride from the drinking water in May.

Source: Sasha Teman
Tuesday, Jul 01 2025

Colorado man struck by lightning in New Smyrna Beach dies, beach safety officials say
The man was standing in ankle-deep water when a quick storm rolled through the area Friday.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, Jun 23 2025

Orlando Health using AI intergrated technology to detect pancreatic cancer
Orlando Health’s newly expanded Digestive Health Institute unveiled new technology paired with artificial intelligence to help detect cancer.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Sunday, Jun 22 2025

Hurricane prep comes with extra steps when caring for people with dementia
Advocates say with a few extra steps now, families of dementia patients can be better prepared to weather any storms.

Source: Sarah Blazonis
Sunday, Jun 22 2025

Lightning strike in New Smyrna Beach sends man to the hospital
Officials say the Colorado man was standing in ankle-deep water at the beach when he was struck just before 12:30 p.m.

Source: Brandon Spencer
Friday, Jun 20 2025

Orange County girl sings her way through multiple surgeries — and life
Olivia Engel has had more than 20 surgeries to treat Chiari malformation, but music helps her keep moving forward with her young life.

Source: Julie Gargotta
Friday, Jun 13 2025

U.S. measles count nears 1,200 cases as the Texas outbreak continues to slow
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that’s airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs.

Source: Associated Press
Friday, Jun 13 2025

Tampa dietician says FDA’s baby formula review is long overdue
It could revamp the vital food source for millions of American babies.

Source: Fallon Silcox
Sunday, Jun 08 2025

AdventHealth Daytona donates $250K to Baby Steps Daytona helping struggling pregnant women
The clinic serves pregnant women in Volusia County who are uninsured, underinsured, or struggling to find care.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Tuesday, Jun 03 2025

Tampa lawyer dies, donates organs in weeks-long heart attack battle
Sadly, Patrick Brathwaite passed away this week in late May after his weeks long struggle.

Source: Roy De Jesus
Friday, May 30 2025

Seminole County high school student battles through brain cancer diagnosis to graduate with honors
Cole Quezada was diagnosed with brain cancer when he was 14 years old.

Source: Randy Rauch
Tuesday, May 27 2025

Marion County Utilities issues precautionary boil water notice in 2 communities
The alert applies to Hunter's Trace and Pine Ridge Estates.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, May 22 2025

Many Americans aren't getting enough sleep. What does that mean for our health?
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine says one third of U.S. adults are excessively sleepy

Source: Erin Billups - National Health Reporter
Wednesday, May 21 2025

DeSantis signs a bill making Florida the 2nd state to ban fluoride from its water system
DeSantis approved the measure in Dade City on Thursday.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, May 15 2025

White House push for more U.S.-made pharmaceuticals could boost Central Florida companies
Officials say the move is part of an effort to avoid supply chain strains the country experienced during the pandemic.

Source: Nicole Griffin
Monday, May 12 2025

Tampa General Hospital study gives hope for ovarian cancer patients
Tampa General Hospital and USF did study on heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy and found it helped women live longer with ovarian cancer.

Source: Erin Murray
Sunday, May 11 2025

Keeping mental health in mind for mothers
Moms do so much for us. Sometimes, that comes at the cost of caring for their own mental health.

Source: Nicole Clark, PhD
Sunday, May 11 2025

Boil water notice in parts of Ocala rescinded
A bacteriological survey of water for the area showed it is safe to drink, officials said.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, May 08 2025