The Sarasota County Public Hospital Board doesn’t generate the same media attention as other elected bodies. But a meeting today could draw a crowded house as a comparative analysis on COVID-19 response comes up for discussion.

Tramm Hudson, Board chairman, held a meeting alongside Dr. James Fiorica in advance of the meeting and delivered pushback against accusations from far-right activists. Hudson stressed that in the month since a report was first made public, response has been overwhelmingly positive, but critics have made a disproprotionate amount of noise.

“Some groups are using the platform for advancing their agenda for whatever political reason,” he said.

The report found Sarasota Memorial Health Care System had mortality rates 24% lower than average compared to other hospitals in the state and nation over three years of pandemic conditions. Data also showed 91% of those hospitalized at SMH with COVID-19 survived, and officials stressed 70% of those in the Sarasota area who had to be admitted with COVID-19 went to SMH facilities.

Still, the rise of “medical freedom” activists since the start of the pandemic has created a groundswell of criticism of the hospital. Some of that has been from those angry the hospital held to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines with treatment and only allowed use of ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine and other alternative treatments for COVID-19 with doctors’ orders and after a waiver was signed. Studies have shown those treatments ineffective and even harmful for patients, but the medications, developed for other ailments, found followings online.

Internet media outlets like the Epoch Times have espoused those medications and criticized SMH in particular for not allowing greater access. Mike Flynn, a far right figure who once worked as former President Donald Trump’s National Security Advisor and now lives in South Sarasota County, has joined in criticism of the hospital. He has called for the public hospital to be privatized.

“What a sad state of affairs and this Sarasota, FL County Memorial Hospital board chairman’s explanation sounds more like an excuse and he clearly has no idea what is in his own report,” Flynn wrote on Twitter. “For those in our county, wake up to the issues going on all around us, we’re paying tax dollars to keep something going that should probably be privatized.”

Hudson expressed disappointment and questioned the motives of those using the COVID-19 pandemic to advance largely unrelated issues. He said some of the public input about pandemic response has come from family members who lost loved ones to COVID-19, and the hospital has listened carefully to their concerns. But much of the input comes from people who don’t live in the area and seem to be pushing an agenda unrelated to day-to-day operations at the hospital.

Fiorica, SMH’s chief medical officer, said doctors have received death threats and officials have dealt with a wave of misinformation spread online.

“We’re concerned about these accusations that simply are not accurate,” he said. “The report is clear and the accusations don’t match the report. All these things affect the reputation of our hospital physicians. It’s a distraction.”

Hudson stressed the hospital has other pressing projects that are forward-looking, such as an expansion of a hospital in Venice, the planning of a hospital in North Port and the recent openings of a new cancer institute and mental health facilities.

“Death threats to our staff and doctors, frankly it’s reprehensible,” Hudson said. “I think the people in Sarasota understand that what the hospital did during COVID-19 was provide the best care we could.”

The hospital board meets today at 2 p.m. 

Video screenshot courtesy SMH: Medical staff care for COVID-19 patients.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association, was recently recognized by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2023 World’s Most Ethical Companies. Fifth Third has been recognized four times by Ethisphere. In 2023, the list includes 135 honorees in 19 countries across 46 industries. Fifth Third is one of only four banks on the list. Fifth Third is a purpose-driven company with a long commitment to ethics and integrity. The Bank has a strong record of implementing practices that positively impact all stakeholders while delivering solid financial results and through-the-cycle performance. “To be one of only four banks worldwide is truly remarkable and illustrates our charge to do well by doing good while delivering sustainable value to all we serve,” said Tim Spence, president and CEO of Fifth Third. "Our commitment to doing what is right for our customers, communities, employees and shareholders is at the foundation of our ambition to be the one bank people most value and trust. We’re proud to be consistently recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies, and the honor belongs to our employees. It’s a testament to their hard work to build an ethical culture and unwavering commitment to live our core values.” Fifth Third strives to do well by doing good, with efforts that include a $100 billion environmental and social finance target to be achieved through 2030, a boost in its minimum wage for the third time in recent years and a $2.8 billion Accelerating Racial Equality, Equity and Inclusion initiative. A highlight of the latter initiative is the $180 million Fifth Third Bank Empowering Black Futures Neighborhood Program, which provides nine targeted neighborhoods with the capital, expertise and collaboration to create equitable growth and economic mobility. “Ethics matter. Organizations that commit to business integrity through robust programs and practices not only elevate standards and expectations for all, but also have better long-term performance,” said Ethisphere CEO Erica Salmon Byrne. “We continue to be inspired by the World’s Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to making real impact for their stakeholders and displaying exemplary values-based leadership. Congratulations to Fifth Third Bank for earning a place in the World’s Most Ethical Companies community.” 

To learn more click here.

Morgan Stanley announced that Aimee Cogan, CFP, a Managing Director, Financial Advisor in the Firm’s Sarasota Wealth Management office, has been named to Barron’s list of “America’s Top 1,200 Advisors: 2023 State-by-State.” The “Barron’s Top 1,200 Advisors” is a select group of individuals who are screened on a number of criteria. Among factors the survey takes into consideration are assets under management, revenue produced for the Firm and quality of service provided to clients. “I am extremely proud that Aimee Cogan is representing Morgan Stanley Wealth Management on this list,” commented Todd Sacks, Branch Manager of Morgan Stanley’s Sarasota office. “Competition is steep to be selected for this list, and those who make the cut represent a very high level of achievement in serving their clients’ wealth management needs.” Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, a global leader, provides access to a wide range of products and services to individuals, businesses and institutions, including brokerage and investment advisory services, financial and wealth planning, cash management and lending products and services, annuities and insurance, retirement and trust services. 

Manatee Memorial Hospital will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate the opening of the new Manatee ER at Bayshore Gardens, an extension of Manatee Memorial Hospital. The new Manatee ER at Bayshore Gardens is located at 5506 14th Street West, Bradenton, Florida, 34207. Please join us and the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce for this celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony that will include presenters and tours of the new, state-of-the-art facility. The ribbon cutting will provide an open house for all attendees with the opportunity to hear from community leaders, elected officials, representatives from EMS, Manatee Memorial Hospital CEO Tom McDougal, and special guest presenter, United States Congressman Vern Buchanan. The Manatee ER at Bayshore Gardens will officially open to patients on Monday, March 27, and will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide care for all ages. The 10,884 square ft. facility includes six exam rooms, three rapid medical spaces, full-service laboratory, x-ray, and ultrasound areas.  

To learn more click here.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Sarasota has been ranked in the top 10 hospitals for nurses in the state of Florida, and the highest in the region, according to the latest ranking from NurseJournal, a national resource in education and career development for nurses and aspiring healthcare professionals. To create the list of the Top 10 Hospitals for Nurses in Florida, nearly 350 hospitals in the state were evaluated based on specific criteria including patient satisfaction, hospital safety, Magnet status, staffing ratios, and ratings from two nurse reviewers. Data was gathered from Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital General Information, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. Sarasota Memorial ranked second on the list of Florida hospitals due to its high score, which was based on key areas including nurse work environment, career opportunities, nurse benefits, nurse communication, patient experience and safety measures. SMH ultimately achieved a final score equivalent to an ‘A’ rating. This is not the first time that Sarasota Memorial has been recognized for excellence in nursing. Since 2003, SMH-Sarasota has been continuously designated as a Magnet hospital, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence. The four-time consecutive designation has been achieved by fewer than 2% of hospitals in the U.S. 

Click here to see rankings from Nurse Journal.

Spring is almost here and new businesses are budding up all over University Town Center (UTC). A variety of new additions are coming soon to the sprawling retail, dining and entertainment destination in Sarasota-Bradenton. Among the latest additions is popular specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op, which is planning to open this fall in The West District at UTC between Dick’s Sporting Goods and DSW. The 25,000-square-foot location will offer a wide assortment of apparel and gear for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, paddling, climbing and more. For those who adventure on two wheels, the store will also feature a full-service bike shop staffed by certified mechanics. The UTC REI will be the company's eighth in the state and will offer the same membership program as other locations. Along University Parkway, work is well underway on a new Tesla showroom and service center. The electric vehicle company will open a two-story, 55,000-square foot location later this year. The Market at UTC is getting a makeover with Sarasota-Bradenton’s first Drybar. The new blow dry bar salon is set to take over a 1,600-square-foot storefront next to Restore Hyper Wellness. The Drybar shop will offer the ultimate blowout experience, with no cuts or coloring. Shoppers will soon be able to refresh their spring wardrobe and beyond at J. Crew. The popular store for apparel and accessories for men, women and children is opening a 6,700-square-foot shop next to Bonefish Grill in The Shoppes at UTC. Joining J. Crew in The Shoppes will be Venetian Nail Spa, a growing chain of luxury nail spas that offer high-quality nail, waxing and skin care services. The new 3,000-square-foot nail spa will open near Marshalls. The dining scene at UTC is growing with Greek restaurant Blu Kouzina. One of St. Armands Circle’s most popular restaurants, Blu Kouzina is set to open its second location in Sarasota in The West District at UTC, adjacent to Ford’s Garage. In a setting straight out of Santorini, the family-owned eatery will serve Greek and Mediterranean favorites — all prepared fresh and made in-house daily — like spanakopita, mousaka, grilled whole fish, succulent lamb, kalamaki souvlaki (beef skewers) and kotopoulo fourno (roast lemon chicken). Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar recently burst onto the scene at UTC and will soon be followed by Yard House, opening April 2 on the corner of University Parkway and Cattlemen Rd. The modern American restaurant and bar offers more than 100 beers on tap and a menu featuring shareable apps and popular main dishes such as street tacos, prime burgers, seafood and steaks. Other exciting new additions opening soon at UTC include farm-to-fork concept Naked Farmer; Orlando’s famed Foxtail Coffee Co; locally owned Anna Maria Oyster Bar; taproom and restaurant Fat Point Brewing; and family-owned The Breakfast Company. UTC is a premier mixed-use destination by Benderson Development. Spanning over 4 million square feet, the district features more than 250 specialty stores, 80 restaurants, fitness studios, services, attractions, hotels and best-in-class office spaces.

The Sarasota law firm of Syprett Meshad has added Madeline “Maddie” Salamone to its litigation team as an Associate Attorney. A General Litigator, Ms. Salamone is a member of the Florida, New York, and Georgia Bars, as well as the Sarasota County Bar Association. She will serve the firm’s clients across all practice areas, and offers a special background in sports law and college athlete advocacy. Prior to joining Syprett Meshad, Ms. Salamone worked as a sports attorney and college athlete advocate representing college athletes on matters concerning eligibility, scholarship appeals, abuse and mistreatment, transfer, and mental health issues. Her career has also included educating and consulting on matters relating to name, image, and likeness (NIL) within the NCAA and working for a litigation firm in New York City. She holds a BA. in Public Policy and a Certificate in Markets and Management from Duke University, and received her Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Law. Ms. Salamone’s professional background in sports and her athlete advocacy has led to her becoming a leading voice for NCAA reform, college athletes’ rights, and NIL issues. She appeared on ESPN’s SportsCenter in 2022 to discuss changes to the NCAA transfer portal rules in college football, and was featured in a 2021 documentary “Vice Versa: College $ports, Inc.,” which addressed the ongoing efforts by many to reform the NCAA. While in law school, she completed an externship at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), clerked for a North Carolina appellate court judge, and served as a law student advisor for an undergraduate broadcast journalist team. She also served as a Notes and Comments Editor for the International Law Journal and was a member of the International Moot Court team. Outside of her work with Syprett Meshad, Ms. Salamone hosts a podcast “Speaking of Athletes,” which address the complex issues within college sports, especially those affecting athletes. As an expert in the field, she is frequently sought out by journalists, media, and others for comment and advice concerning issues within college athletics and the NCAA, as well as developments in legislation related to college athletes.

The law firm of Syprett Meshad has been serving the greater Sarasota community for over 50 years. The Firm's attorneys provide legal representation in the practice areas of real estate transactions and litigation, personal injury, family law, commercial litigation, criminal defense, estate planning and probate administration and litigation. To learn more, visit smrl.com, or call 941.365.7171. 

FLOWER POWER | Kinspoke makes the magic of flowers accessible across the community, March 2023. 

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