The Shields Painting Difference: Perfection with Every Brush Stroke
Many painting companies in Florida rely on flashy marketing and big promises to try and attract new clients. But when it comes time to work, they fall short of their promises. This is often due to a lack of experience, qualified painters, and a drive to overachieve. At Shields Painting, we do things a little differently than other painting companies in Citrus County. We believe that a professional paint job should be as close to perfect as possible. Our goal is to leave you 100% satisfied, whether we're touching up an old residential paint job or performing a complex commercial project. It might sound simple, but we achieve that goal through honesty, hard work, beautiful results, and reasonable pricing.
As a family-owned and operated painting company in Hernando, FL, we strive to provide personalized, professional, and friendly service. Shields Painting has been in business since 1968 for a good reason. Whenever possible, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers are happy. Unlike some of our competition, we want to know all about your house or business painting project: your vision, your preferences, your challenges, and your goals. When we understand your needs, we can present you with a fantastic final product - one that you're proud to show off to friends and neighbors.
At Shields Painting, we combine our extensive experience with time-tested, meticulous painting processes, resulting in the highest quality painting results around. As a painting contractor in Citrus County, we can take on a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial projects in Florida.
A few of our most popular painting services include:
- Interior Painting
- Exterior Painting
- Residential Painting
- Commercial Painting
- Cabinet Painting
- Ceiling Painting
- Fence Painting
- Sign Painting
- MUCH More!
Our commercial, industrial, and residential painting contractors take the proper steps to protect your property and belongings while we work. Our team will clean up after ourselves, so your property is left clean and free of debris when we're done. After all, we think there's only one way to do a job, and that's the right way.
Painting Services
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Eco-friendly & clean work area.
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PDCA Certified Member.
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Your Go-To House Painting Company in Hernando, FL
Your home is a haven of relaxation and solitude. It is uniquely you - a place where you can express who you are through style and design. Whether you need interior touch-ups for your crown molding or a new exterior coat of paint, hiring a reliable painting contractor is the best way to get quality results.
At Shields Painting, we know how important it is to have a home that highlights your tastes and personality. That's why we offer an extensive array of residential painting services in Citrus County. As tempting as it might be to try a DIY paint job, without the proper skills and experience, there is a good chance that the results will turn out less than satisfactory.
High-quality painting requires skill, experience, and patience. If you're a homeowner who needs residential painting services but doesn't have the time, patience, or skills to handle the job, look no further than Shields Painting. We offer accuracy, precision, and longevity with each paint job we perform. Our customers choose Shields Painting for their home because they receive:
- Free Quotes with Detailed Project Breakdowns
- Affordable Pricing
- Expert Painting Contractors
- High-Quality Paint Products
- Combo of Traditional and Modern Techniques
- Well-Maintained Tools
- Unmatched Craftsmanship
- Friendly, Personalized Service
- Good Old-Fashioned Hard Work!
The majority of our house painting services come in two forms: interior and exterior.
Interior Residential Painting
As an interior painting contractor with decades of experience, our expert technicians have developed an interior painting process that maximizes quality and emphasizes customer satisfaction. We understand that interior painting goes beyond aesthetics. It protects your ceilings and walls and helps you sustain a healthier place to live for your family. When only the finest craftsmanship will do inside your home, Shields Painting is here for you.
Our seasoned team of painting experts and craftsmen is dedicated to respecting your space and providing you with the look and feel you're craving inside your home. Whether you bought a new house and want to make it your own or need minor touch-ups but have no time, Shields Painting is ready to tackle the job, no matter how small or large.
Unlike some painting companies, our interior house painters take the time to get the details right, every time. For instance, color is only one aspect of your interior paint job. The paint sheen or finish is just as important. Certain finishes are better for living rooms and bedrooms than in kitchens and bathrooms. We'll help you find the right finish and paint colors for your home, so you don't have to worry about touch-ups or repainting.
Some of our most popular interior house painting services include:
- Ceiling Painting
- Popcorn Ceiling Removal
- Living Room Painting
- Bathroom Painting
- Basement Painting
- Color Consultations
- More
![House Painters Hernando, FL House Painters Hernando, FL](/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/painting-company-hernando-fl-2.jpg)
Cabinet Painting
Citrus County cabinet painting deserves its own section on this page because it requires more time, skill, and quality paint than most sections of your home. If your home's cabinets are built into its woodwork, replacing them can be obnoxiously expensive. Compared to the cost of installing new cabinets, painting your kitchen cabinets is much more affordable.
At Shields Painting, we specialize in transforming old cabinets into new, gorgeous features that are just as usable as they are beautiful. Each step of our cabinet painting process is meticulous and thorough. And we'll take care of the entire job, from cleaning, prep, and sanding to priming, painting, and reassembly. This unique service lets you enjoy a brand-new look in your kitchen without having to go into debt by replacing your cabinets.
Whether your cabinets are new, but you want to change their color or you'd like to transition wood cabinets to a painted finish, Shields Painting has the expertise and experience to give you a new look you'll love.
![Interior Painting Hernando, FL Interior Painting Hernando, FL](/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/painting-company-hernando-fl-3.jpg)
Exterior Residential Painting
Your home - it's a place that not only keeps your belongings safe. It protects your family and loved ones, too. It's one of your largest investments, and like anything else of value, it should be protected. However, Florida weather can take a toll on your home's structure and paint, lowering your home's value and even putting your family at risk.
While it's true that a beautiful exterior affects your house's value, it shouldn't take thousands of remodeling dollars to make a positive change to your home. There's a fine line between reasonable pricing and top-quality painting, and that sweet spot is what Shields Painting aims for. If you want to transform how your friends and neighbors see your home, never underestimate the power of a professional paint job.
Our exterior residential painting services are designed to boost curb appeal, give your home a fresh look, and help it stand up to Florida's unique weather. But we provide more than that. When you hire Shields Painting for your outdoor painting project, you will enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your home is in truly capable hands. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and help bring out the best in your property, whether you need to re-stain your deck or remove old, peeling paint from your siding.
If you're on the hunt for the very best exterior painting contractor in Hernando, FL, look no further than Shields Painting.
Some of our most popular exterior house painting services include:
- Vinyl Siding Painting
- Deck Painting and Staining
- Stucco Exterior Painting
- Wood Exterior Painting
- Porch Painting and Staining
- Soffit Painting
- Fascia Painting
- Window Painting
- Front Door Painting
- Thorough Painting Prep
- More
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The Premier Commercial Painting Company in Hernando, FL
When it comes to first impressions, your businesses' appearance plays an important role. Your commercial property's paint job factors into its overall aesthetics. A great-looking, well-maintained paint job can mean the difference between a customer walking in your storefront and passing by. Conversely, an old, worn-out commercial paint job can send the wrong message to prospective customers. If you can't take the time to keep up your property's appearance, why would a customer spend their hard-earned money on your products?
The same goes for your businesses' interior paint. Would you want to do business with a company that has peeling paint or unsightly crown molding? At Shield's Painting, our goal is to create a beautiful environment that your customers and employees will love inside and out. When you work with our business painters, you can rest easy knowing we treat your business like it were our own. We always clean up after ourselves and know that operations cannot come to a halt just because we're painting. As such, we'll work with your busy schedule to ensure the job gets done right the first time without disrupting your day-to-day commitments.
With decades of commercial painting experience, we know the demands of a commercial painting project necessitate a disciplined and focused approach from the start. Our team of business painters is committed to delivering quality, on-time results on every project, every time - no excuses
![Painting Company Hernando, FL Painting Company Hernando, FL](/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/painting-company-hernando-fl-5.jpg)
We offer professional business painting services to a variety of building types, including:
![Residential Painting Hernando, FL Residential Painting Hernando, FL](/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/painting-company-hernando-fl-6.jpg)
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Industrial Painting
A high level of care and finesse are required to effectively paint an industrial property. At Shields Painting, we know that industrial paint jobs involve much more than aesthetics. That's why our industrial services are customized to your specifications, using industrial-grade materials that stand up to heavy-duty operations.
02
Retail Store Painting
Our commercial painters apply effective, yet appealing interior and exterior paint that stand up to the daily rigors of busy retail environments.
![Painting Services Hernando, FL Painting Services Hernando, FL](/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/painting-company-hernando-fl-7.jpg)
![Commercial Painting Hernando, FL Commercial Painting Hernando, FL](/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/painting-company-hernando-fl-8.jpg)
03
Small Business Painting
Do you own a restaurant franchise? Have a small "mom and pop" location that needs a fresh coat of paint? Shields Painting has the resources and reliability to efficiently get the job done the first time. That way, you can focus on serving your customers, not having your business repainted.
04
Healthcare Location Painting
From walk-in clinics to long-term care facilities, Shields Painting is sensitive to your patients' needs. We know you must protect your patient's privacy while maintaining productivity. Our approach to healthcare location painting centers around your schedule to avoid disruptions in care.
![Painting Hernando, FL Painting Hernando, FL](/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/painting-company-hernando-fl-9.jpg)
![House Painters Hernando, FL House Painters Hernando, FL](/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/painting-company-hernando-fl-10.jpg)
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Apartment Complex Painting
Erase signs of wear and make your apartment complex or multi-family building a more desirable place to live with a stunning, professional paint job.
Florida's Most Trusted Painting Contractor
Shields Painting has been in the business since 1968. In a world where so much has changed, we are proud to uphold the ideals that make us successful: hard, honest work, getting the job done right, and excellent customer service. Providing you with trustworthy, quality work will always take priority over rushing through a project to serve the next customer. That is just not the way we choose to do business.
As professionals dedicated to perfection, we strive to provide a unique painting experience for every customer - one that focuses on their needs and desires instead of our own. Whether you need residential painting for your home or commercial painting for your business, we encourage you to reach out today to speak with our customer service team. Whether you have big ideas about a new paint project or need our expertise and guidance, we look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Latest News in Hernando, FL
City Council approves maintenance deal for Good Neighbor Trail
VINCENT F. SAFUTOhttps://www.suncoastnews.com/news/city-council-approves-maintenance-deal-for-good-neighbor-trail/article_169d1126-fe58-11ee-8be0-bff1120c961c.html
BROOKSVILLE — The past year has been a learning experience for all of the City Council’s members, and there have been surprises — not all of them pleasant.News of the city’s maintenance responsibilities for the Good Neighbor Trail just added to the strain of inheriting past projects from past councils, and having to deal with spending commitments that the current members never had a say in adopting.Two weeks earlier, the council decided to hold off on signing a maintenance agreement for the Good Neighbor...
BROOKSVILLE — The past year has been a learning experience for all of the City Council’s members, and there have been surprises — not all of them pleasant.
News of the city’s maintenance responsibilities for the Good Neighbor Trail just added to the strain of inheriting past projects from past councils, and having to deal with spending commitments that the current members never had a say in adopting.
Two weeks earlier, the council decided to hold off on signing a maintenance agreement for the Good Neighbor Trail pending meetings with someone from the Florida Department of Transportation and input from citizens. The postponement was in the name of “good government,” Mayor Blake Bell said.
On Monday night, April 15, Bell reported back on his conversations and communications with opponents and proponents of the trail.
There has been plenty of opposition to the trail, he said, from Brooksville residents, but it’s almost complete. “Because it’s almost complete, this council has the job to make sure it is maintained,” Bell said.
The history of the trail predates the current council and extends back to 2013, with then-Mayor Lara Bradburn – a supporter then and today of the trail – having early discussions with the state. The final proposal was ready in 2016 and the council approved it.
Bell said he trusted former Council Member Betty Erhard, who supported the trail in 2016 but questioned the operations and cost.
“Ms. Erhard’s questionings came from a sound conservative standpoint, making sure that we, as a city, were acting in a fiscally responsible manner,” Bell said.
There were many questions in the last meeting regarding the city’s responsibilities on maintenance of the trail. The council has to adopt the agreement. The council postponed the vote on the agreement so it could collect more information from FDOT and know what it was getting into when it signed the agreement.
“What I got from those discussions was great clarification of the agreement, duties and responsibilities of the city,” Bell said.
Public Works Director Richard Weeks did the work that was needed to understand the agreement, Bell said. In addition, he said, there’s another agenda item on the trail that is a consequence of the previous director of public works.
“This council is going to maintain the trail as one of our cherished parks in this city,” Bell said.
He said he has had questions before about the trail and hopes that the trail benefits the city, but “if I had been on the council in 2013 or 2016, I’m not sure I would have voted to support the Good Neighbor Trail because as a conservative I have serious questions about the millions of taxpayer dollars that were spent on this trail, not just in Brooksville but across the state.”
There are other needs, like roads and the sewer system, while spending money on this trail. Past councils should have worked on getting money for the city’s infrastructure, he added.
Bell expressed concerns about the trail’s path through the city, too, and the use of ATVs and golf carts on the trail. Even so, he wants the trail to be a success.
Council Member Thomas Bronson said there was frustration with the deal committing them to maintaining the trail 30 years down the road. The money could have gone to the roads, he said.
However, they will move forward and use the trail, he said.
Council Member David Bailey said he did research and found that maintaining the trail would cost $1,000 per mile if they subcontract it. Instead of buying equipment, he said, maybe Weeks could get a subcontractor to do the work.
Vice Mayor Christa Tanner said she was glad FDOT was present at the meeting. She wanted to know what they were deciding. “I had concern that FDOT could make us remove the trail,” she said. “Let me be clear: My concern was that FDOT could make us do that.”
They do not want to remove the trail, she said, but she has concerns about an agreement made years ago by a previous council and its failure to put in procedures from a budgetary and public works standpoint to protect the city.
They should be mindful of the future impact of present-day decisions, she said.
“I question government because I believe they should be questioned,” she said.
FDOT responds
Justin Hall, FDOT’s director of transportation development for District 7, told commissioners the agency has built quite a few trails. He defended the construction quality of trails because some have to be built in utility corridors and need to support heavy vehicles.
They’re not just scraping dirt and putting in asphalt, he said. The bridges also are built for heavy loads. “We build it to be easily maintained for a long time,” he said.
FDOT will mow on State Road 50 like they always have, up to the trail. The maintenance agreement covers if the city wants to do more work, and it can. The majority of trails are maintained that way, Hall said.
They’re working on projects in the city to help traffic, too.
Of the three options the city was offered for the trail, he said, back in the day the city chose the toughest option for FDOT to carry out.
“Really, it’s a matter of what you guys want to do above and beyond,” Hall said.
One problem Bailey pointed out to Hall was that the traffic signal at Hardee’s takes 13 minutes to change.
Hall said it might be controlled by the county but he promised to look into it.
Several residents came forward and spoke in support of the trail.
The council voted 4-0 to approve the maintenance agreement, and Bell said he’d sign it.
One additional matter was a promissory note for construction delays on the trail. The city did not complete utility work in the agreed timeframe, and has to pay $125,140.74 to FDOT. FDOT agreed to a six-year payment plan of $20,856 per year.
“We do have to pay this,” Bell said. “This is a penalty because of the previous director’s errors.”
The motion to approve passed 4-0.
The ribbon-cutting for the trail will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 22, at Tom Varn Park.
In other action
Bell said that Council Member Casey Thieryung was absent because his wife had a baby girl, and Bell advised people that if they see him to congratulate him.
The council presented the Margaret Ghiotto Commercial Improvement Award to Downtown Loser, 202 S. Broad St.
The members approved a proclamation declaring April to be Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The Council also approved declaring Friday, April 26, to be National Arbor Day. There will be an event at Tom Varn Park at 10 a.m. on April 26.
Tampa General Hospital Now Serves Hernando and Citrus Counties
Julie B. Magliohttps://www.hernandosun.com/2023/12/10/tampa-general-hospital-now-serves-hernando-and-citrus-counties/
On Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, Tampa General Hospital completed its acquisition of Bravera Health. This was day one for Tampa General Hospital in Hernando and Citrus counties.The Bravera Health network is now TGH North and includes: · TGH Spring Hill (formerly Bravera Health Spring Hill) · TGH Brooksville (formerly Bravera Health Brooksville) · TGH Crystal River (formerly Bravera Health Seven Rivers) · One freestanding ER · Two ambulatory surgery centers · Ten primary care and specialty care clinics...
On Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, Tampa General Hospital completed its acquisition of Bravera Health. This was day one for Tampa General Hospital in Hernando and Citrus counties.
The Bravera Health network is now TGH North and includes: · TGH Spring Hill (formerly Bravera Health Spring Hill) · TGH Brooksville (formerly Bravera Health Brooksville) · TGH Crystal River (formerly Bravera Health Seven Rivers) · One freestanding ER · Two ambulatory surgery centers · Ten primary care and specialty care clinics
With the acquisition, Tampa General’s academic health system consists of six hospitals, more than 150 care locations and nearly 14,000 team members and providers. The system serves patients from 23 counties across Florida.
In an interview with Hernando Sun last Friday, John Couris, CEO and President of Tampa General Hospital (TGH), said that the first year will be spent becoming part of the fabric of the community and building a strategic plan. They want to honor and respect the medical community and add to the excellence that already exists in the area.
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“We want to spend this year listening and learning from the community; collaborating with our local physicians, understanding what they want and what they need.” This input will then be used to develop the strategic plan for these hospitals.
He said that they are not coming into the community with a predisposed idea of what the community needs.
“We want to hear from the community itself: from patients, from physicians and community leaders.”
He remarked that they will want to understand what people think is lacking and then they will build a plan around that. If there is a subspecialty that is lacking, they will use their resources to build up that area of expertise.
For example, TGH has the fourth-largest transplant program in the nation. The idea over time is that post-transplant care would be delivered locally, with the surgery performed in Tampa. This will minimize the amount of travel required of patients.
“We want to keep people local where and whenever possible,” Couris said.
In addition to listening to the community and developing a strategic plan in year one, they also need to convert 40 different IT systems onto their IT platform.
Couris stated that with its acquisition of Bravera Health, Tampa General Hospital will bring the vast resources of USF Health to the county, improving access to academic medicine and research. Tampa General Hospital is the primary teaching hospital for USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. This partnership also supports the Tampa Medical & Research District, drawing well-known physicians and researchers to Florida.
“With the creation of TGH North, we’re investing in this growing, vibrant region,” said Steve Short, EVP & President of TGH North. “The communities in Citrus and Hernando counties can continue to depend on their local hospitals while benefiting from the cutting-edge research conducted at TGH and USF Health and access to a broader network of providers that offer rare and complex specialized care.”
TGH prioritizes innovation, such as CareComm, a mission-style command center that uses AI applications to unify care coordination system-wide and improve operational effectiveness. Another program called TGH at Home provides hospital-quality care, daily in-home visits, and round-the-clock remote patient monitoring in the convenience of the patient’s home, where they can receive support from their loved ones.
“We have a bold vision to offer world-class health care, research and innovation to communities throughout Florida, and a key step toward realizing this vision is embracing partnerships that allow us to expand services where they are needed most,” said Couris. “By bringing the Bravera Health network into our system and coming together as one organization, we will be stronger in our united mission to transform health care for all Floridians.”
The Hernando Sun is a locally owned weekly newspaper. The founders of the newspaper are Rocco and Julie Maglio. They saw the need for a newspaper when the Hernando Today newspaper closed their doors in 2014. Rocco is from Hernando, he went to school from Moton Elementary through Hernando High. Growing up in Hernando enhances his ability to provide background to ongoing issues. The Hernando Sun Printed their first issue in March 2015. They published monthly for a year before increasing to a weekly printing. The newspaper is delivered through the US mail, so it arrives with your mail.
West Central Florida County Health Departments Take Precautions During Heat Advisory
Ashley D. Thomashttps://hernando.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2023/08/HealthDepartmentsTakePrecautionsDuringHeatAdvisory.html
West Central Florida county health departments are urging residents to take necessary precautions and follow safety measures during the current heat advisory. With temperatures soaring and heat indexes reaching dangerous levels, it is important to prioritize the well-being of individuals and communities.West Central Florida county health departments include those serving Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties.The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory...
West Central Florida county health departments are urging residents to take necessary precautions and follow safety measures during the current heat advisory. With temperatures soaring and heat indexes reaching dangerous levels, it is important to prioritize the well-being of individuals and communities.
West Central Florida county health departments include those serving Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory forecasting high temperatures and humidity that pose health risks. County health departments recognize the importance of raising awareness and promoting measures to ensure the safety of residents during extreme weather conditions.
During this heat advisory, county health departments recommend the following safety measures to minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses and emergencies:
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol, as they can lead to dehydration.
Stay cool. Avoid direct sunlight and long exposure to the sun. Spend time in air-conditioned environments. If you do not have access to air conditioning, consider visiting public buildings or public spaces with shade. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to help your body regulate its temperature. Protect your head and face with a wide-brimmed hat and use sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Minimize outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in shaded areas and avoid strenuous physical exertion.
Check on vulnerable individuals. Keep an eye on elderly neighbors, young children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, as they are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Ensure they have access to a cool environment and sufficient hydration.
Never leave children, vulnerable individuals, or pets unattended in vehicle. Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, even with the windows slightly open, and can be life-threatening.
County health departments urge everyone to remain vigilant and look out for one another during this heat advisory. By following these safety measures, we can collectively reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and emergencies.
Stay informed about the heat advisory by following the National Weather Service or your local news. For further information about heat related health issues, please visit www.floridahealth.gov .
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About the Florida Department of Health
The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.floridahealth.gov .
Tampa General Hospital agrees to purchase three CHS hospitals in Hernando and Citrus counties
Rick Mayerhttps://health.wusf.usf.edu/health-news-florida/2023-07-26/tampa-general-hospital-purchase-three-chs-hospitals-hernando-citrus
With the purchase of three hospitals from Bravera Health, Tampa General is expanding its “geographic footprint” into Hernando and Citrus counties.The agreement, estimated at $290 million, includes Bravera Health Brooksville, Bravera Health Spring Hill and Bravera Health Seven Rivers. The purchase, announced Tuesday, also includes clinics and outpatient services, according to Bravera’s parent company, Community Health Systems.Both parties say the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and expected to cl...
With the purchase of three hospitals from Bravera Health, Tampa General is expanding its “geographic footprint” into Hernando and Citrus counties.
The agreement, estimated at $290 million, includes Bravera Health Brooksville, Bravera Health Spring Hill and Bravera Health Seven Rivers. The purchase, announced Tuesday, also includes clinics and outpatient services, according to Bravera’s parent company, Community Health Systems.
Both parties say the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and expected to close later this year.
The divestiture is among the potential transactions highlighted on CHS’ first-quarter 2023 earnings call in which the company reported a $51 million net loss on revenue of $3.1 billion.
The sale leaves Tennessee-based CHS with seven hospitals in Florida, but none in the greater Tampa Bay region. The publicly traded chain has shed more than 100 community hospitals since 2015, including the 2020 sale of Bayfront Health St. Petersburg to Orlando Health.
The three hospitals, which treated more than 300,000 patients in 2022, will add 372 beds to Tampa General’s health system.
“With this acquisition, TGH is not only expanding its geographic footprint to meet the needs of our state’s growing population, but TGH is also increasing access for Floridians to the world-class rare and complex specialized care we offer,” John Couris, TGH’s president and CEO, says in published statement.
The 120-bed Brooksville hospital provides emergency medicine, orthopedics, cardiology, cardiac catheterization, general surgery and outpatient rehab.
The 124-bed Spring Hill hospital offers women's services including labor and delivery and neonatology, emergency medicine, vascular and general surgery, wound care and plastic surgery.
Bravera Health Seven Rivers, a 128-bed facility, has a dedicated orthopedic bone and joint center, cardiology, urology, general surgery, robotic-assisted general, gynecologic and bariatric surgeries, and a freestanding emergency department in Citrus Hills.
The three hospitals were part of the Bayfront Health system but were required to rebrand under their own system after the sale to Orlando Health.
“Tampa General Hospital is a well-respected health care system with a demonstrated commitment to delivering quality care to the patients they serve across the communities they serve,” Linda Stockton, CEO of Bravera Health Seven Rivers, says in published statement.
“Our tradition of delivering medical services close to home will continue thanks to the dedication and skill of our medical staff and employees.”
Tampa General is a private, nonprofit hospital affiliated with the Florida Health Science Center. Its primary campus is a 1,040-bed Level 1 trauma center on Tampa’s Davis Islands near downtown. Others major properties include the 130,000-square-foot TGH Brandon Healthplex outpatient facility and the recently opened TGH Rehabilitation Hospital near downtown.
TGH also leases 25,000 square feet of space in the University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute, a 13-story high rise in downtown’s Water Street Tampa development. Tampa General is the primary teaching hospital for the USF medical school.
The TGH system also includes primary and specialty care through multiple Tampa General Medical Group and TGH Urgent Care locations.
A Little About the Endangered Florida Scrub-Jay
Summer Hamptonhttps://www.hernandosun.com/2023/11/04/a-little-about-the-endangered-florida-scrub-jay/
The Florida scrub-jay, distinguished by its round head and blue-gray plumage, is a unique bird species that lives exclusively in Florida. This bird can be found in pockets of low-lying scrub oak within sandy soils. It typically perches upright, with its long tail trailing, and confidently hops on the ground to bury acorns. This sociable bird establishes intricate family bonds as the young from previous years assist their parents with future nests until they can secure a territory for themselves. Regrettably, Florida’s extensive develop...
The Florida scrub-jay, distinguished by its round head and blue-gray plumage, is a unique bird species that lives exclusively in Florida. This bird can be found in pockets of low-lying scrub oak within sandy soils. It typically perches upright, with its long tail trailing, and confidently hops on the ground to bury acorns. This sociable bird establishes intricate family bonds as the young from previous years assist their parents with future nests until they can secure a territory for themselves. Regrettably, Florida’s extensive development and habitat fragmentation pose a grave threat to this already limited population, warranting its placement on the federal endangered species list. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the Florida scrub-jay as a threatened species in 1987 and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation in 1975.
Exploring these fascinating birds and their environment can enhance our understanding of how best to safeguard them.
These birds typically measure between 10 and 12 inches in length and display a cerulean blue hue on their backs, while their undersides are lighter. They also often have a gray band across their backs. The appearances of male and female scrub-jays are similar, while the dusky brown heads and necks of juveniles make them easy to identify.
The Florida scrub-jay is the only species of bird that is native to Florida. They are picky birds with very specific habitat requirements; they depend entirely on oak scrub communities. Scrub is characterized by three to four species of stunted, low-growing oaks and scattered sandy clearings. When oaks are between 3 and 10 feet tall, there are sandy openings, and there aren’t many other trees around, the ideal scrub-jay habitats appear.
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Scrublands or scrub ecosystems can be found on age-old dunes and ridges that once lined the coasts and central regions of Florida, marking the boundaries of ancient sea retreat. This arid, sandy terrain, speckled with life, provides a thriving haven for the Florida scrub-jays . As far as conservation and maintaining the dwindling scrub environments in Florida, fire ecology is an essential element in preserving scrub communities. Controlled burns serve to keep tree heights in check and maintain the sandy clearings vital for scrub-jays. Historically, wildfires maintained the natural state of scrubby flatwoods. But, due to development and population growth, these habitats must now be maintained with prescribed burns every 5–15 scrub years.
Family values run deep among scrub-jays, as pairs form lifelong bonds and collaboratively rear their offspring in tight-knit family units, which is a fascinating aspect of scrub-jay family life. Florida scrub-jays are homebodies; they don’t migrate, rarely move more than a few miles from where they hatched and don’t like to move across areas that aren’t scrub oak. Each scrub-jay family maintains a permanent territory, which will expand as the family grows.
Family cooperation even comes into play regarding predators for the Florida scrub-jay. Individual members of the family will take turns watching for hawks while the rest of the family is out searching for food. If a dangerous hawk is seen, the watchguard gives an alarm call, and everyone dives for cover. A different call alerts the family to ground-level dangers such as snakes. It’s worth noting that the entire family will join in on mobbing a predator.
Scrub-jays eat a variety of animals and plants. Insects comprise a major food source during spring and summer. Scrub-jays may also prey on frogs, toads, lizards, snakes, birds’ eggs, and even mice. In addition, each scrub-jay will harvest and bury 6,000–8,000 acorns from August to November for use throughout the year. We should not feed scrub-jays, even though they will readily accept handouts.
The Florida scrub-jay stands as a unique and cherished symbol of Florida’s natural heritage. Its captivating behaviors, family-oriented society, and vital role in fragile scrub ecosystems make it a compelling subject of study and conservation. However, the future of these charismatic birds is at a critical crossroads, as habitat fragmentation and development pose grave threats to their already limited populations.
The story of the Florida scrub-jay is one of resilience, adaptability and the intricate web of connections that bind all living beings to their environment. It reminds us that our actions today can shape the destiny of these avian treasures, and the choice is ours to make.
How can you help? Provide habitat for scrub-jays. Plant, protect and cultivate patches of sand live oak, myrtle oak and Chapman’s oak scrubs on your property. The UF/IFAS Hernando County Extension is a great resource for help in recommending appropriate scrub plants to fit your landscape.
Restrict the use of pesticides. Florida scrub-jays feed on insects that are usually considered pests around golf courses and homes. Pesticides may limit or contaminate the food used by the jays. Reduce the use of pesticides as much as possible.
Support the establishment of regional and local scrub-jay preserves. Safeguarding scrub-jay populations in well-maintained, ideal habitats represents the most effective strategy for preserving these species.
For more information on federal regulations protecting the Florida scrub-jay, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 772.562.3909.
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