Latest news with #KenWelch
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Tampa Bay Connections' aimed at combating loneliness
The Brief The Tampa Bay Connections campaign is getting support from Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector. It's led by Tampa Bay Thrives, a coalition that works to improve mental health. The campaign is aimed at reducing loneliness, something organizers call a "growing public health crisis." TAMPA, Fla. - Three Tampa Bay area mayors are coming together in support of a new initiative aimed at reducing loneliness – something organizers call a "growing public health crisis." Big picture view The Tampa Bay Connections campaign is led by Tampa Bay Thrives, a coalition that works to improve mental health and community unity throughout the region. It aims to map existing resources to help connect people in different work settings and demographics through experiences like volunteering. The initiative will also advocate for increased funding for mental health programs across the Bay Area. Is your therapist AI? ChatGPT goes viral on social media for its role as Gen Z's new therapist By the numbers A recent study by Mental Health America took a deeper dive into the issue of loneliness, finding that nearly one in five adults feel lonely every day. Researchers say the consequences of frequent isolation are as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. The study also focused on individual states, reporting that nearly 3 million adults in Florida have a mental illness – and more than half are not receiving treatment due to factors like cost and lack of access. READ: Brandon family turns tragedy into purpose during Mental Health Awareness Month What they're saying "I think we're more aware of mental illness now, but we still have a long way to go. We need to still have, you now, a lot more in terms of just screening for mental illnesses and the medical offices. We need have more availability to mental health facilities and counselors, psychiatrists. You know it's a very big burden," Kimberly Channels, physician's assistant at Optum WellMed in New Tampa, said. What's next Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector plan to discuss their support of Tampa Bay Connections at a 2 p.m. event on Wednesday. Beyond Wednesday's event, an advisory committee will be formed by representatives from each of the three cities, serving as the community voices for mental health needs in their areas. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Regina Gonzalez. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
St. Pete unveils $159.8M 'Sunrise' plan for hurricane recovery and resilience
The Brief The City of St. Pete announced a comprehensive plan to use the $159.8 million grant received from HUD to recover from the impacts of Hurricanes Idalia and Helene. St. Petersburg is one of only two cities in Florida to receive this significant grant, underscoring the importance of the funds in addressing the city's needs. The city is inviting public input on the plan, with a 30-day comment period now open. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - As the hurricane season approaches, St. Petersburg is taking proactive steps to bolster its resilience against future storms. The city has announced a comprehensive plan to utilize the $159.8 million grant received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to recover from the impacts of Hurricanes Idalia and Helene. This funding, separate from FEMA assistance, is part of the city's ambitious "Sunrise St. Pete" initiative. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube What they're saying St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch previously expressed enthusiasm about the substantial federal support, highlighting the successful partnership with HUD. "I'm excited it's a large amount of money; it shows our federal partnerships are working," Welch stated. St. Petersburg is one of only two cities in Florida to receive this significant grant, underscoring the importance of the funds in addressing the city's needs. READ: Hurricane Season 2025: What to know about Evacuation Zones By the numbers The newly released 140-page report outlines the city's strategic allocation of the funds. A significant portion, 66%, is earmarked for addressing the critical shortage of rental and affordable housing. This focus aims to alleviate the housing sector's estimated $1.5 billion in damage. Dig deeper The plan includes four key programs: Residential recovery and home elevation, voluntary buyouts in flood-prone areas, the addition of affordable housing and a home buyer assistance program. In addition to housing, 16% of the funds will be directed towards infrastructure mitigation efforts to prevent future flooding, while 12% will support public services and non-profits providing essential community services. Local perspective Residents like Tammy Marshall have faced challenges in finding programs to aid in rebuilding efforts. MORE: Manatee County allocates additional $7.5 million to drainage, ditch clearing "So that's where it feels so frustrating, where it is a person turned," Marshall shared, highlighting the need for accessible recovery resources. What's next The city is inviting public input on the plan, with a 30-day comment period now open. Community members can provide feedback before the official plan is submitted to HUD in July. Public hearings are scheduled for June 3, virtually, and June 12 at City Council. Written comments can also be submitted online. St. Petersburg's commitment to building a resilient community is evident in its strategic use of federal funds, aiming to not only recover from past hurricanes but also prepare for future challenges. The Source The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Genevieve Curtis. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
St. Petersburg's resilience and growth: A look at the city's economic future
The Brief Despite facing significant challenges, St. Petersburg's economy is strong. The city is experiencing growth with new jobs, businesses and investments in neighborhood development. St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch recently delivered a State of the City's Economic outlook, highlighting the city's progress and future plans. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Despite facing significant challenges, including two hurricanes and the Tampa Bay Rays withdrawing from a new ballpark plan, St. Petersburg's economy is strong. The city is experiencing growth with new jobs, businesses and investments in neighborhood development. St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch recently delivered a State of the City's Economic outlook, highlighting the city's progress and future plans. READ: Three St. Pete students heading to Japan for city's summer exchange program Local perspective St. Petersburg has emerged as one of the most desirable places to live. Since 2020, more than 8,000 people have moved to St. Petersburg, contributing to the demand for downtown living, as evidenced by the construction cranes dotting the skyline. The influx of new residents has spurred business growth, with companies like Foot Locker moving their headquarters to St. Petersburg, even as others like HSN and QVC have left. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube What they're saying "They love what we're doing with innovation, tech, you name it. So yeah, that word is getting out, and it's part of why we're getting folks coming down here with higher incomes. It skews the housing market. Therefore, we have to put more into a truly affordable housing," said Welch. While the mayor remains tight-lipped about other companies considering relocation to St. Petersburg, he acknowledged significant interest. "I'll just say there's a lot of interest. We met with a well-known group of folks this week, so it's continuing," said Mayor Welch. Dig deeper The city's popularity brings challenges, including concerns over gentrification, overpriced rents for business spaces, housing affordability, and infrastructure demands. MORE: Corey Avenue businesses celebrate reopening after withstanding back-to-back hurricanes "The density is happening where it needs to happen adjacent to transportation, so the jobs, housing, transportation triad is working together, and it leaves your more traditional neighborhoods, Lakewood, Kenwood, relatively unaffected," said Welch. The devastation and disruptions caused by future hurricanes threatens that progress. Job growth dropped off some after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. That's why the city plans to invest half a billion dollars in resilience projects over the next five years. With the Rays pulling out of the stadium development deal, Mayor Welch sees an opportunity for St. Petersburg to forge its own economic path. The city remains committed to providing the Rays a home through 2028, with ongoing repairs and potential developments in the future, he said. The Source The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Genevieve Curtis. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
BBC News
17-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Hospital's infrastructure 'among worst in NHS'
A south-west London hospital's crumbling infrastructure is "among the worst" in the NHS, according to its former estates ceilings, broken lifts and sinking floors have become normal sights at St Helier Hospital, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. In January, the Sutton site's redevelopment was pushed back to the 2030s following a government review of the New Hospitals Dean, MP for Carshalton and Wallington, called on the prime minister to take immediate action, and said there was a "very real fear that some of the buildings on the existing estate are at risk of catastrophic failure before the decade is out". A spokesperson from Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust said that they had spent £60m on repairs in the past five years. 'Run down and tired' Ken Welch, the hospital's former director of facilities, estates and supplies, said: "I've seen a lot in 30 years working in the NHS, but the condition of the buildings at St Helier is among the worst."I'm seriously concerned about the risk of fire, particularly with the growing use of corridor care. But most of all, I'm worried about the safety of the patients."In January the Labour government announced it would postpone plans for a new Specialist Emergency Care Unit next to St Helier Hospital until 2019 then-prime minister Boris Johnson pledged to provide £500m for a new hospital in Sutton under the nationwide New Hospitals cost has now risen to between £1.5bn and £2bn. Kate, a local mother, described the hospital as "run down and tired"."The care received from individuals at St Helier Hospital can't be faulted, but the system is failing them," she said. "The hospital is not equipped with adequate facilities or staff to cope with demand. The doctors and nurses cannot provide the care they obviously want to give."We had to take my son to St Helier Hospital at two days old due to a lack of midwives to carry out home visits."The lift was out of action, so we had to climb the stairs... in any other setting, this building would not be fit for purpose."During Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Dean called for action so that the hospital "can survive".He asked: "Can the government reassure me that they will work with the local trust on the plan to maintain and adapt the existing estate to ensure that St Helier can survive all the way through the major works completed?"Sir Keir Starmer promised Mr Dean a meeting with Health Secretary Wes Streeting to discuss the issue. A spokesperson from Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We continue investing in our estate to provide safe care."We apologise to any patients who have not received the level of care they expected or have experienced long waits – our teams continue to do the best they can under huge pressure."
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
St. Pete leaders discuss infrastructure and storm preparedness ahead of hurricane season
The Brief St. Pete leaders spoke at the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility on Tuesday about improvements they're making to infrastructure and storm preparedness. Hurricane Helene's seven feet of storm surge forced city leaders to turn off power to the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility to protect the plant and its employees. Hurricane Preparedness Day is on Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Willis S. Johns Recreation Center. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla - It's news no one wants to hear, especially as many are still recovering from last year's hurricanes, but this year's hurricane season starts in less than a month. On Tuesday, St. Pete leaders spoke at the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility about improvements they're making to infrastructure and storm preparedness. Mayor Ken Welch called it ground zero for some of the most important infrastructure projects that are underway and are now expedited after last hurricane season. The backstory Hurricane Helene's seven feet of storm surge forced city leaders to turn off power to the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility to protect the plant and its employees. The storm also took out four out of five of the plant's generators. What they're saying "When these neighborhoods evacuated, our employees couldn't," Claude Tankersley, the city's Public Works Administrator, said. "They had to stay here until the last minute and then escape through floodwaters to try to save themselves." Hurricane Milton, with a projected 15 feet of storm surge, then forced them to shut down the Northeast Plant again and the Southwest Sewer Treatment Plant. Both are in evacuation zone A. Tens of thousands were told to avoid taking showers, doing laundry or flushing toilets. According to Craven Askew, the Chief Plant Operator for the Northeast Plant, they were able to recover the plant 8-to-10 hours later. "Our staff worked aggressively to protect these sites and equipment," Mayor Welch said. "Still, despite their efforts, some services had to be temporarily suspended so we could avoid extensive long-term damage and initiate repairs. That's not a situation we want to be in again," he said. READ: Pinellas leaders to weigh plan for $813M in hurricane relief funds Mayor Welch highlighted the St. Pete Agile Resilience Plan, or SPAR, Tuesday. It began after last year's storms, and is an accelerated approach to strengthening the city's infrastructure, ensuring long-term resilience. The current plan anticipates advancing at least $545 million in additional investments across the five-year capital improvement plan. In the last nine years, the city has invested almost $1 billion in funding resiliency projects. Many of the improvements are either nearing completion or will be done by the end of the year, the mayor said. He said they're also looking at more ways to fund more improvements faster. "A core part of that focuses on our water reclamation facilities, critical infrastructure that was pushed to its limit during last year's storms," Mayor Welch said. After last year's storms, city leaders chose existing water reclamation facility projects to accelerate and complete ahead of the 2025 hurricane season. They include flood-proofing critical buildings by deploying flood barriers and applying a durable waterproof coating to exterior walls, installing an AquaFence at Lift Station 85 and elevating critical infrastructure. At the Northeast Plant, they're elevating the platform's generators to 11 feet above sea level, and building a 15-foot wall around the platforms. Tankersley said they hope to have it done and have the generators in place by this storm season, but there are no guarantees. He said the equipment is also usually shipped from overseas, and any type of disruption to the supply chain could also slow it down. "This platform what we're standing on right now is 11 feet above sea level. Now why 11 feet? FEMA recommends when you're in a flood zone, like we are, that you build two feet above the base flood elevation. FEMA sets that base flood elevation. The base flood elevation for the property we're in right now is nine feet above sea level. That's the base flood elevations. You add two feet to that, that's 11 feet above sea level," he said. "This platform will house all of the generators that will run the plant when power is no longer available," Tankersley said. Tankersley said the platform had been under design and construction for several years. The modifications are part of the $70 million project at the plant. The storms, he said, caught them off guard by hitting before the project was complete. It was supposed to be done by the summer of 2026. Now, they're pushing hard to get it done by this summer. They're also working on finding a way to remotely operate the plant without having to shut it down before they leave. They hope to have that in place by this hurricane season too. READ: St. Pete taking proactive approach to hurricane season with resident task force At the Southwest Plant, Tankersley said a lot of the equipment was raised during the expansion in 2016 and 2017. He said they're planning to do a lot of work on the operations building there for the employees, but it won't be done by this storm season. The Southwest Plant is in a better position than the Northeast Plant, Tankersley said. He said the plant can handle more than seven feet of storm surge, but less than 15 feet. The goal is to keep the plants running, but city leaders say with nature, nothing is guaranteed. "We're doing everything humanly possible, everything fiscally possible to give us a higher level of capacity and resilience," Mayor Welch said. Helene and Milton were the first times the city has ever had to shut down the plants, the mayor said. "This is our new reality. That is a new possibility. It needs to be dialed in every year when you're doing hurricane prep, getting your seven days of food and water, understanding that if we get a Milton-like storm, these two sewer plants might have to be shut down," Welch said. The city is also cross-training its staff so more people know how to conduct storm damage assessments, help with the permitting process and more. They're also adding more pumps to respond to floods ahead of storm season, prepping debris management sites and recovery centers across the city and pre-staging critical resources. What you can do You can see a full list of the projects and their details on the city's website. "Just as the city is preparing lessons learned on our infrastructure and the way we prepare and respond to things, you now have that for your personal preparedness plan," St. Pete Fire Rescue Emergency Management Manager Amber Boulding said. "You can do the same." St. Pete is partnering with Pinellas County to host Hurricane Preparedness Day on Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Willis S. Johns Recreation Center located at 6635 Dr. MLK, Jr. Street North. Experts will be there to help residents look up their evacuation zones, provide information about sandbags and hand out free hurricane kit supplies. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Kailey Tracy. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
