Latest news with #HealthFirst
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
High winds suspected at scene where 2 workers killed in Florida crane collapse. What we know
An investigation continues into the collapse of a giant crane a hospital under construction in Merritt Island June 4. Two workers were killed when the crane collapsed during what was described as "a serious weather-related incident." Earlier in the day, a special weather statement from NWS Melbourne warned of 50 mph winds until 3 p.m. in the Merritt Island area. The new hospital, described as the "largest capital project in the history of Central Merritt Island," relocates Cape Canaveral Hospital from its current site in Cocoa Beach. "The new hospital will be built to withstand a Category 4 hurricane," and will stand 13 feet above sea level to withstand storm surge, according to Here's what we know so far. A crane being used for construction of Health First's Cape Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island collapsed June 4, crushing a work truck and causing damage to the roof of the building. Gilbane Building, which is providing construction-management services on the Cape Canaveral Hospital project, said "two trade contract workers, one employed by Baker Concrete and the other by another trade contractor, were fatally injured." The names of those killed have not been released. At the time of the crane collapse, a special weather statement issued by the National Weather Service on X was in effect, warning winds up to 50 mph were possible until 3 p.m. Will Ulrich, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said the collapse likely occurred when the leading edge of a storm moved offshore in the area, leading to peak wind gusts of 45-55 mph based on surround observations. The National Weather Service could not say whether the storms were the direct cause of the wind gusts, said meteorologist Timothy Sedlock. Showers and storms in the area were associated with the disturbed weather just offshore that the National Hurricane Center was watching. The system continued to move north and was no longer being shown on the agency's tropical outlook map in the afternoon. Gilbane Building, general contractor for the Cape Canaveral Hospital project, said June 4 work has been suspended. "We are supporting our trade contractors, and working with them and the authorities on an active investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident,' Gilbane said in a statement. Lance Skelly, Health First's system director for public and media relations, also released a statement, saying, an investigation is underway. Construction began in March 2024 on the new $410 million Cape Canaveral Hospital and Medical Office Building on Merritt Island. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, and open to the public in early 2027. The new hospital will replace the existing Cape Canaveral Hospital in Cocoa Beach and will include: 120 private inpatient hospital beds; 25 emergency department treatment rooms; six operating rooms; and a three-story, 92,000-square-foot Medical Office Building. The 268,000-square-foot replacement hospital is being built on a 14-acre site, four miles inland from the original Cape Canaveral Hospital located on reclaimed land in the Banana River, according to Trade and Industry Development. "Constructed in the 1960s, the (Cocoa Beach) six-story, 150-bed hospital was targeted for replacement, in part, due to its vulnerability to hurricanes and risk of flooding. "To protect the new hospital from flooding during storm surges, Lawrence Group designed its ground floor 13 feet above sea level, and its exterior envelope and structure over and above code requirements to withstand a Category 4 hurricane." Merritt Island is located about 40 miles west of Orlando on Florida's east coast, or about 60 miles south of Daytona Beach and 115 miles north of West Palm Beach. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Crane collapse Florida: NWS warned of high winds at hospital site
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
2 Killed in Crane Collapse at Florida Hospital Construction Site, Police Say
A crane collapsed at the construction site for the new Cape Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island, Fla. on Wednesday, June 5 Two workers were injured and taken to a nearby hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries Their identities have not been publicly releasedTwo construction workers were killed after a crane collapsed at a construction site in Merritt Island, Fla., on Wednesday, June 5, according to ABC News, Fox 35 and Click Orlando. The construction site is for the new Cape Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island, which is 57 miles southeast of Orlando. The area experienced heavy winds and rain on Wednesday, but the cause of the incident is under investigation, ABC News reported. After the crane collapsed, two individuals were transported to a nearby hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries, Brevard County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Tod Goodyear said, per ABC News. The victims' identities have not been publicly released. Both were trade contract workers, one employed by Baker Concrete and the other by an unnamed trade contractor, a spokesperson at Gilbane Building Co., the contractor for the hospital project, confirms to PEOPLE in a statement. "We share our deepest condolences with the families, loved ones, and co-workers," Gilbane's statement says, adding that the "site is secure, and work is currently being suspended." "We are supporting our trade contractors and working with them and the authorities on an active investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident." No Health First employees were on site at the time of the accident, Lance Skelly, Health First's system director for public and media relations, told Florida Today. "We are monitoring the situation closely with local authorities and Gilbane, the construction-management company on the project, as they continue their investigation," Skelly told the outlet. Construction on the hospital began in 2024, and it is scheduled to open in early 2027. The Health First-operated facility will replace Cape Canaveral Hospital in Cocoa Beach, per ABC News. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Representatives for the Brevard County Sheriff's Office and Health First did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for more information. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
2 Killed in Crane Collapse at Florida Hospital Construction Site, Police Say
A crane collapsed at the construction site for the new Cape Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island, Fla. on Wednesday, June 5 Two workers were injured and taken to a nearby hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries Their identities have not been publicly releasedTwo construction workers were killed after a crane collapsed at a construction site in Merritt Island, Fla., on Wednesday, June 5, according to ABC News, Fox 35 and Click Orlando. The construction site is for the new Cape Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island, which is 57 miles southeast of Orlando. The area experienced heavy winds and rain on Wednesday, but the cause of the incident is under investigation, ABC News reported. After the crane collapsed, two individuals were transported to a nearby hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries, Brevard County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Tod Goodyear said, per ABC News. The victims' identities have not been publicly released. Both were trade contract workers, one employed by Baker Concrete and the other by an unnamed trade contractor, a spokesperson at Gilbane Building Co., the contractor for the hospital project, confirms to PEOPLE in a statement. "We share our deepest condolences with the families, loved ones, and co-workers," Gilbane's statement says, adding that the "site is secure, and work is currently being suspended." "We are supporting our trade contractors and working with them and the authorities on an active investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident." No Health First employees were on site at the time of the accident, Lance Skelly, Health First's system director for public and media relations, told Florida Today. "We are monitoring the situation closely with local authorities and Gilbane, the construction-management company on the project, as they continue their investigation," Skelly told the outlet. Construction on the hospital began in 2024, and it is scheduled to open in early 2027. The Health First-operated facility will replace Cape Canaveral Hospital in Cocoa Beach, per ABC News. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Representatives for the Brevard County Sheriff's Office and Health First did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for more information. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Double shooting investigation underway in Indian River County; 2 men hospitalized
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – Two men were hospitalized with gunshot wounds following a shooting at a residence north of Vero Beach, a law enforcement official said. Both men were taken to Health First's Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne because of the severity of their wounds, said an Indian River County Sheriff's Office spokesperson. Detectives are working to determine what led to the shooting inside the residence in the 4200 block of 32nd Avenue on May 11, Capt. Joe Abollo said. The two men were first taken to Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital emergency room around 2:30 p.m., which led to the investigation, according to a news release. A third man who was said to be a person of interest was found near the home and questioned by law enforcement. The person was initially apprehended by deputies as the suspected shooter, according to the news release, however, Abollo said Monday he was released and was 'cooperating with the investigation.' As of May 12 he said no one was in custody and there were no suspects, and that the shooting was considered an isolated incident. A firearm was also recovered at the property as evidence. More: Could Costco open a new store in Port St. Lucie? What we know about 'ongoing negotiations' More: Social Security call wait times reach record high; try these local office phone numbers Corey Arwood is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Corey on Twitter @coreyarwood, or reach him by phone at 772-978-2246. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Double shooting investigation underway in IRC; 2 men hospitalized
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Florida nurse hailed as hero for saving motorcyclist after crash in Brevard County
The Brief A motorcyclist was seriously injured in a crash but survived thanks to a nurse, Judie Kent, who stopped to help before paramedics arrived. Martin Johnson, a father of five, remains hospitalized with multiple fractures, and his family has started a GoFundMe for his recovery. Both Johnson and Kent are urging drivers to be more aware of motorcyclists on the road. MELBOURNE, Fla. - A Health First nurse is being hailed a hero after rushing in to save a Brevard County motorcyclist before first responders arrived. What we know Martin Johnson, a father of five, was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash last Thursday when a car attempting a U-turn struck him. The crash occurred at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Masterson. Before emergency responders arrived, bystanders, including Health First nurse Judie Kent, rushed to his aid. Johnson suffered a broken femur and multiple fractures and remains hospitalized. What we don't know Details about the driver who hit Johnson and whether any charges will be filed remain unclear. It is also uncertain how long Johnson's recovery will take or whether he will regain full mobility. His family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover medical expenses and lost wages, but it is unknown how much financial assistance they will need. The backstory Johnson was on his way to work when the crash occurred. Kent, a nurse at Health First, was driving by and immediately pulled over to assist. With her medical training, she stabilized Johnson, preventing further damage to his leg before paramedics arrived. She acted instinctively, not considering herself a hero, but her quick response may have saved his life. Big picture view This incident highlights both the dangers motorcyclists face on the road and the importance of bystander intervention in emergencies. Motorcycle crashes often result in severe injuries, and awareness campaigns frequently urge drivers to watch for bikers. Johnson and Kent are now advocating for greater caution and space for motorcycles to prevent similar accidents. What they're saying On Monday, Martin Johnson got to meet the nurse who he's crediting with saving his life. "Without her help, I probably wouldn't have my leg anymore and without anybody help, I probably would have been dead," he said, holding back tears. Johnson is still in a lot of pain and still hospital bound, but he survived because Judie Kent was driving by the scene. "I didn't think I did anything heroic," said the Health First nurse. "It's just instinct for me. You see something. You're able to help. You stop and help." The humble nurse was on her way to work when she saw the crash and immediately pulled off the road before any emergency vehicles were on scene. "I could clearly see that his left leg was broken," she said. "He had a femur fracture." Her trained eyes knew what to look for, and she knew she had to keep Martin still or his injuries could have gotten worse. "My biggest concern was his leg still because I didn't know bad the fracture was, if there was multiple places that were fractured," said Kent. "I didn't want it to injure any of his arteries in his leg." Johnson is asking motorists to be aware of motorcycle riders on the road. "Look twice, and if they're nearby, give them space." STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Melbourne Police Department, motorcyclists Martin Johnson and Health First nurse Judie Kent.
