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MEDICAL NEWS

300+ Osceola County seniors on waitlist for Meals on Wheels
High demand and limited funding for Meals on Wheels means that not everyone who needs help is getting meal assistance.

Source: Jordan Mead
Monday, Mar 23 2026

Empath Health opens dementia care center in Ocala
The center will serve as a regional resource for families and caregivers seeking education and support.

Source: Camille Acevedo
Friday, Mar 20 2026

Muma Children's Hospital at TGH studying K-9 comfort to kids
Research leaders hope the findings help create guidelines for hospitals across the country.

Source: Melissa Eichman
Sunday, Mar 15 2026

AARP report highlights increasing costs of long-term care 
The costs of the most frequently used care are rising faster than the income of seniors 65 and older, AARP data shows.

Source: Corina Cappabianca
Thursday, Mar 12 2026

Wheelchair users urge Florida lawmakers to pass Right to Repair Act
Some users say they do not have access to their wheelchairs for months while they are in the repair shop.

Source: Keith Landry
Friday, Mar 06 2026

Orlando father get second chance after mistaking heart failure for anxiety
A 32-year-old Orlando father is raising awareness when it comes to heart failure, after he himself was diagnosed.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Friday, Mar 06 2026

Men's risk of heart disease rises sooner and quicker than women's
At 35 years old, men’s risk rises faster, according to research. Doctors say the information encourages earlier intervention.

Source: Melissa Eichman
Thursday, Mar 05 2026

Daytona Beach City Commission discusses proposed 'toilet to tap' charter amendment
The city will discuss an ordinance that would ban "toilet to tap," or reclaimed blackwater, from being used in drinking water or under the ground.

Source: Sasha Teman, Brandon Spencer
Thursday, Mar 05 2026

Sumterville residents express concern over discolored water
City officials say they are looking for solutions to the issue, which includes flushing pipes in the area.

Source: Camille Acevedo
Wednesday, Mar 04 2026

Black entrepreneurs acquire Brevard County health care center, expanding availability
Two Black Brevard entrepreneurs bought a business instead of starting one, boosting access to advanced wound care services.

Source: Bryanna Howard
Monday, Mar 02 2026

Orange County to consider vape shop buffer zones near schools
The buffer zone proposal could be similar to ordinances that already ban alcohol sales near schools, one county commissioner said.

Source: Keith Landry
Thursday, Feb 26 2026

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is on the rise
Florida currently has one of the highest rates of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in the nation.

Source: Erin Murray
Wednesday, Feb 25 2026

Advocates in Tampa Bay push to close racial gap in organ donation
Black Americans represent 27% of transplant candidates but only 13% of organ donors.

Source: Saundra Weathers
Sunday, Feb 22 2026

Creating awareness to help combat domestic violence
Abuser database proposed by lawmaker

Source: Allison Walker
Sunday, Feb 22 2026

Work continues to reduce the number of domestic violence cases
Government and community leaders collaborating

Source: Allison Walker
Sunday, Feb 22 2026

VA reverses controversial disability rating rule after swift backlash
Critics said it could reduce compensation for veterans with managed symptoms.

Source: Jeff Van Sant
Friday, Feb 20 2026

Health department in Osceola County issues rabies alert
A raccoon found in the Kissimmee area off South Orange Blossom Trail had a confirmed case, officials said.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Friday, Feb 20 2026

Planned Parenthood Lakeland location to close, sparking concerns for some
The organization recently announced that its Lakeland location's last day for appointments will be March 6.

Source: Alexis Jones
Wednesday, Feb 18 2026

Kissimmee City Commission to make final decision on city parks smoking and vaping ban
City leaders are set to hold a final vote Tuesday evening on an ordinance that would prohibit smoking and vaping in city parks.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Tuesday, Feb 17 2026

More than a vacation: Orlando emerging as medical tourism destination
Florida Chamber estimates medical tourism generates $6 billion in spending.

Source: Randy Rauch
Monday, Feb 16 2026

Church serves as health care hub to fill gap in services in Eatonville
Leaders at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church say they have been working to fill the area's medical dessert with resources for the residents.

Source: Sarah Winkelmann
Monday, Feb 16 2026

Finding friendship during long All Children's Hospital stay
A pair of patients found friendship during long stay at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital.

Source: Roy De Jesus
Friday, Feb 13 2026

Dunnellon officials seek answers following railroad ties fire
A massive fire over the weekend in Marion County has raised health concerns after chemically treated railroad ties caught fire.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Tuesday, Feb 10 2026

Orange County invests $644K on mental health evaluations for firefighters
Orange County officials say the funds will be used to help support firefighters and other employees and connect them with resources, when needed.

Source: Bryanna Howard
Monday, Feb 09 2026

Medical procedure to be required for Florida high school athletes starting in July
The procedure aims to prevent kids from going into cardiac arrest.

Source: Matt Lackritz
Saturday, Feb 07 2026

Crews work to remove railroad ties after massive Dunnellon fire sparks health concerns
Officials say the plan to have all of the railroad ties removed by the end of the month.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Friday, Feb 06 2026

Teens push city leaders to ban smoking, vaping in Kissimmee parks
A proposed ordinance will have its second reading on Feb. 17

Source: Jordan Mead
Thursday, Feb 05 2026

Dead birds in Winter Springs' Torcaso Park diagnosed with avian flu
Several ducks were found dead, and tests determined that they had avian flu, city officials said in a statement.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, Jan 29 2026

Free mental health clinic opens in Sanford as therapist grieves former co-worker
One of the women who made the new clinic possible used to share an office with Rebecca White, who was stabbed to death last week.

Source: Sarah Winkelmann
Wednesday, Jan 28 2026

Residents push for changes after dozens of swan deaths at Lake Eola
City officials say they are reevaluating the Lake Eola swan program as a petition gains thousands of signatures.

Source: Randy Rauch
Monday, Jan 26 2026

Blood clot hospitalizes Florida Senate President Ben Albritton
According to a statement from the Office of the Senate President, Albritton "is in good spirits" following his hospitalization.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, Jan 26 2026

Thousands in Florida to lose access to HIV meds because of state cuts
The AIDS Drug Assistance Program has lowered income eligibility.

Source: Massiel Leyva
Friday, Jan 23 2026

Residents inform Orlando that dead bird at Lake Davis had avian flu
The residents said a necropsy confirmed that a dead bird found dead there had avian flu, but the city has not independently confirmed that.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Friday, Jan 23 2026

Health department in Osceola issues rabies alert in St. Cloud area
The cat was found Jan. 10, and the alert lasts for 60 days.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Friday, Jan 16 2026

Central Florida mental health and addiction providers concerned after federal government cut, and then reinstated grants
The decision to cut grants for mental health and addiction organizations was reversed by the federal government within 24 hours.

Source: Jordan Mead
Friday, Jan 16 2026

Exercise injuries spike in January, according to recent survey
"Exercising more" is the most common New Year's resolution this year, a recent YouGov survey said.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Saturday, Jan 10 2026

St. Pete doctor creates program to help neurodivergent thrive
Dr. Angela Fisher founded the Neurodivergent Empowerment Institute in St. Petersburg.

Source: Melissa Eichman
Saturday, Jan 10 2026

Orlando doctors share experience with 'very high' flu activity this season
Two doctors in Orange County share their experience with flu cases this season after the CDC reports 'very high' activity across Florida.

Source: Emma Delamo
Wednesday, Jan 07 2026

Florida among more than 30 states with 'very high' level of flu activity
Information from the CDC shows that flu cases are on the rise across not only the state of Florida, but across the country.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Wednesday, Jan 07 2026

Florida now among states with 'very high' flu activity; Tampa doctors seeing more severe cases
The CDC estimates that at least 11 million people have contracted the flu this season, with 120,000 hospitalized and 5,000 deaths.

Source: Fadia Patterson
Tuesday, Jan 06 2026

Orlando confirms 21 birds, including 19 swans, died from avian influenza
In December, city staff discovered the deaths of several different birds at Lake Eola Park.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, Jan 05 2026

Orange County Legionnaires' disease uptick brings concern for New Year's gym-goers
Infectious disease and outbreak response professor Dr. Aileen Mary discusses the dangers of Legionnaires' disease for those going to the gym.

Source: Brandon Spencer
Friday, Jan 02 2026

Florida to ban items like candy, soft drinks and energy drinks from SNAP recipients
As of Jan. 1, five states implemented the ban, and Florida will be among 18 others to join them later in the year.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Friday, Jan 02 2026

As Affordable Care Act subsidies expire, 2026 brings challenges for many Floridians
In Florida alone, nearly 4.7 million people rely on ACA for health insurance, which is more than any other state.

Source: Sarah Winkelmann
Wednesday, Dec 31 2025

Orlando corrects Lake Eola swan deaths to 9; 11 total birds
According to Commissioner Patty Sheehan, it is likely to be another avian flu outbreak.

Source: Massiel Leyva, Spectrum News Staff
Tuesday, Dec 30 2025

DeLand couple navigates the holidays with Alzheimer’s
Pat Copple shares how she’s caring for her husband with Alzheimer’s during the holiday season.

Source: Bryanna Howard
Friday, Dec 26 2025

Advocates push for passage of Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act
Democrat Kathy Castor of Florida is one of the supporters of the bill.

Source: Corina Cappabianca
Tuesday, Dec 23 2025

Floridians brace for loss of Affordable Care Act subsidies
Affordable Care Act recipients worry about reduced coverage and higher costs as enhanced subsidies expire soon.

Source: Jeff Allen
Wednesday, Dec 17 2025

New CDC hepatitis B vaccine recommendations bring hesitancy
The guidance after 1991 recommended that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine at least 24 hours after birth.

Source: Brandon Spencer
Saturday, Dec 13 2025

Florida holds 1st workshop to discuss rolling back vaccine mandates
The Florida Department of Health opened a public hearing over vaccine mandates Friday, as state leaders weigh the elimination of mandates.

Source: Jason Delgado
Friday, Dec 12 2025

Vaccine mandate rollback in Florida? What to know
Florida’s Department of Health is meeting in Panama City Beach to discuss rollback of vaccine schedule for students.

Source: Jason Lanning
Friday, Dec 12 2025

People with disabilities losing music therapy after Medicaid funding changes
Changes in requirements to how funding is being administered are leading to some losing services.

Source: Jeff Allen
Monday, Dec 08 2025

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
Sunday, Dec 07 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