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HRT for Women in Azalea Park, FL
Discover Effortless Aging with Hormone Therapy for Women
There's real substance to the notion that every woman is different. No two person's attitudes, bodies, or goals in life are ever exactly the same. But if there's one thing that every person shares, it's that our bodies change as we get older. That's especially true for females over the age of 50. One day you wake up, roll out of bed, and attack the day with vigor and positivity.
The next day, it seems like your emotions are out of control. Despite dieting and healthy life choices, your weight won't go down. It seems like you're having to deal with uncomfortable hot flashes every other hour of the day. Life can be hard after 50, especially when it seems like your body is plotting against you.
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But the truth is, these changes are a completely normal part of the aging process for women. As you might be aware, this change is called menopause, and according to the NIH, more than one million women go through it every year. This change in life marks the end of your period. During this time, your hormones begin to deplete, causing a range of symptoms that can be difficult to deal with without professional help. Some of the most common symptoms of menopause include:
- Hot Flashes
- Vaginal Dryness
- Low Libido or Sexual Desire
- Mood Swings
- Lack of Focus
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic Tiredness
- Increased Body Weight
Trying to juggle and cope with the symptoms of hormone deficiency can be rough for women and their partners because many of them are linked to nutrition, stress, and lack of exercise.
Fortunately, getting older and going through menopause doesn't have to be the worst time in your life. Hormone replacement therapy for women in Azalea Park, FL, can help correct the imbalances in your body that are brought on by menopause. These safe, proven treatments from NV Medical Orlando can help balance your hormones during menopause and even help you reclaim your youth.
AboutWhat is HRT for Women?
As a locally owned and operated shutter business, doing right by our customers is our top priority. We know that there are many options out there, so we at the Shutter Shop specialize in providing our customers the highest quality product at the most reasonable price.
We're able to offer impeccable customer service and high-quality shutters and blinds at low prices because, unlike others, we are the manufacturers. That means everything you order from the Shutter Shop is made right here in Georgetown, FL by our talented team. We're proud to say that products made here at The Shutter Shop are shipped to builders and homeowners all across the United States.
It all started when Shawn Reardon, The Shutter Shop's sole owner, and his wife moved from Santee to Georgetown in 2003. They were new to the ins and outs of shutters but wanted to start up a new business on the coast of South Carolina. They started out manufacturing plantation shutters only and a couple years later began manufacturing all exterior window coverings also.
How Does Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women Work?
At NV Medical Orlando, our HRT treatments for women include the use of pellets, which are about the size of a tic-tac and contain hormones like estrogen and testosterone. These pellets are implanted subcutaneously to supply your body with the hormones it needs. Each pellet contains a tiny number of bioidentical hormones that are released steadily into your bloodstream for up to five months.
Unlike other sexual health centers, every HRT treatment provided by our women's sexual health clinic is tailored to our patients. While natural hormone replacement therapy is effective for many women, every patient is different. That's why it's important that you speak with a board-certified doctor, like Gina Kirkpatrick, before starting any HRT treatment to make sure it's right for you.
Is HRT for Women in Azalea Park, FL, Right for You?
When a woman's hormones are balanced, there's a better chance that she will be able to live a happy, normal life. That's where the beauty of HRT for women begins to unfold because it balances hormones in your body that would otherwise be disrupted due to menopause.
HRT treatments for women are revolutionary in that they allow you to enjoy life without suffering through all the pitfalls associated with getting older. However, at NV Medical Orlando, our team understands that no two women have the same bodies or hormone imbalances. That's why our board-certified and fellowship-trained urologist, Gina Kirkpatrick, D.O., provides personalized HRT therapy options for women.
Is HRT treatment from NV Medical Orlando the answer to your mood, weight, and exhaustion problems? That's the million-dollar question we get almost every day. And honestly, it's difficult to say until we can see you in our office and conduct a thorough examination. What we can say is that when your hormones are balanced optimally during menopause, you have a much better chance of living a normal life without the overwhelming symptoms that many women experience.
At NV Medical Orlando, we prioritize helping women balance their hormones to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Our HRT therapy options aren't just about getting you on a regimen - it's about giving your body the nutrition and love it deserves through a patient-first approach.
DifferenceThe NV Medical Orlando Difference
Unlike some clinics that rush their patients into therapy, our team focuses on our patient's needs and goals first. To achieve those goals, we conduct thorough blood tests and comprehensively examine your health during your first visit. That way, we can discover your underlying problems, determine your hormone levels, and get a better sense of your needs.
After that, our dedicated physician will develop a personalized treatment plan for you. The goal of this plan is to outline your HRT journey so that we can balance your hormones and your whole body. During this process, we'll keep a close eye on your hormone replacement therapy for women in Azalea Park, FL. Like a web, HRT therapy covers several facets of female health. Each piece of that web works in tandem with others to make up how you feel. If we need to tweak aspects of your plan to help you feel better, we'll let you know and will adjust accordingly.
At the end of the day, we want you to feel safe, empowered, and like you're part of our family. After all, true HRT for women doesn't just balance hormones - it optimizes wellbeing and health, too. That's why NV Medical Orlando is dedicated to giving you a one-of-a-kind experience and specialized care, so you'll never feel like you're falling through the cracks.
Up to this point, we've talked about all the greatness that can come with HRT from NV Medical Orlando - but what are the actual benefits? Let's take a look.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women in Azalea Park, FL
Most women who consider natural hormone therapy are curious about its benefits and the results of long-term clinical investigations. Who wouldn't be? When it comes to the symptoms of menopause, natural estrogen therapy can be incredibly effective for conditions like lack of sleep, weight gain, excessive sweating, mood swings, and more.
In addition to promoting overall health, HRT for women can help reverse sexual symptoms of menopause, like vaginal dryness and general discomfort during intercourse.
When used as part of a comprehensive preventive healthcare plan, HRT can be an invaluable tool for women. That's because hormone therapies like estrogen treatment have been shown in clinical investigations to reduce the risk of serious concerns like osteoporosis and bone loss.
But that's just the start. Clinical studies report a wide range of HRT benefits, including:
- Improved Mood
- Better Memory
- Improved Concentration
- Longer and Healthier Sleep
- Fewer Hot Flashes
- Less Chance of Depression
- Optimized Vaginal Health
- Improved Muscle Mass and Strength
- Improved Blood Pressure
- Better Cholesterol Levels
- Less Risk of Alzheimer's
- Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer
To learn more about the benefits of HRT and whether treatment is right for you, contact our office today. If you're ready to feel better about getting older, NV Medical Orlando is here to help you every step of the way.
Your HRT Timeline
As we mentioned earlier, no two women will have the same hormone levels or HRT therapy needs. As such, every woman's timeline for menopause relief will be different. Generally, however, a standard HRT timeline may look like this:
Around week one, many women notice that they experience fewer hot flashes than normal. Some women notice these improvements only a few days after their first treatment.
After about two to three weeks of HRT for women in Azalea Park, FL, many women notice that they have less irritability, anxiety, and fewer mood swings. During this phase, hot flashes should continue diminishing, and sleep may improve. Other benefits of HRT, like increased libido and more energy, are also expected during this phase.
Starting around weeks three to four, many HRT patients will notice drastic improvements in menopausal symptoms.
Around weeks five and six, it's common for women to notice physical differences like healthier skin, less hair loss, and even weight loss. With time, these improvements become even more pronounced.
Additional Services for Optimal Female Health
At NV Medical Orlando, we don't only treat our patients for sexual health and wellness. Because Dr. Gina Kirkpatrick is a fellowship-trained urologist, our clinic has the capacity to treat all matters related to sexual health and wellness, including certain urologic conditions.
Vaginal Rejuvenation
Have you started to notice that things “down under†are different than they were years ago? Are you experiencing disconcerting symptoms such as:
- Burning
- Irritation After Sex
- Dryness
- Urinary Incontinence
- Unfulfilling Intercourse
- Vaginal Laxity (Lack of Tightness)
- Diminished Lubrication During Intercourse
If you've noticed any of the above symptoms, you may be dealing with vaginal or pelvic floor laxity. For women dealing with these issues, vaginal rejuvenation often answers their problems. Vaginal rejuvenation is an umbrella term that covers several vaginal corrective procedures. These procedures can correct problems that occur after giving birth or during menopause.
Traditionally, these conditions have been treated with invasive surgeries and with supplements like vaginal estrogen or hyaluronic acid. However, modern treatment options like laser vaginal rejuvenation are growing in popularity and can help women avoid the pitfalls of surgery.
In fact, study centers around the world are using monopolar radiofrequency for vaginal laxity in premenopausal women. Studies show that treatment is safe and helps improve vaginal laxity and other sexual dysfunctions. Additionally, anecdotal evidence shows that patients have less urine leakage when coughing, laughing, sneezing, and exercising.
If you're unsatisfied with the appearance of your vagina or have noticed increased looseness or diminished lubrication, don't lose hope. Vaginal rejuvenation, HRT for women in Azalea Park, FL, or a combo of the two may be right for you.
Vaginal Dryness
The primary cause of vaginal atrophy or vaginal dryness is the reduction of estrogen. Typically, women lose estrogen during and after menopause. Childbirth and hysterectomy can also be causes that reduce estrogen production. To help women restore natural levels of estrogen, thereby treating vaginal dryness, NV Medical Orlando offers three types of therapies:
Vaginal Therapy
Estrogen cream is applied intravaginally at night to improve vaginal blood flow, lubrication, and elasticity. Alternatively, women can choose s Hyaluronic Acid Vaginal Suppository, which provides hormone-free relief from vaginal dryness. This treatment is best for women who cannot undergo hormone replacement therapy.
Minimally Invasive Vaginal Therapy
Viveve Radiofrequency Technology, which uses cryogen-cooled radio frequencies to heat and cool vaginal tissue, is designed to improve:
- Blood Flow
- Vaginal Lubrication
- Vaginal Laxity
- Stress Urinary Incontinence
This popular treatment is performed discreetly, is painless, and usually takes less than an hour to complete.
Systemic Therapy
HRT for women in Azalea Park, FL, can be administered as oral pills, creams, pellets, or as injections under the skin. The specific type of hormones, their delivery mechanisms, and dosage levels are determined on a patient-by-patient basis after a detailed history, physical exam, and laboratory study.
Low Libido in Women
If you're a woman who finds herself lacking sexual desire or the act of sexual intercourse, you're not alone. In fact, research from 1999 shows that as much as 22% of women in the U.S. report low sex drive. Though this issue is often underreported, its causes and the available treatments are well-known.
Causes of low libido in women include:
Surgery
Hysterectomies often result in a drastic drop of testosterone and estrogen in a woman's body. This drop in hormones has been linked to low libido.
Medications
Some medicines that are used to treat depression and anxiety, specifically SSRIs that inhibit serotonin, have been demonstrated to reduce sexual arousal.
Hormones
Estrogen affects blood flow to vaginal and genital tissues. Reducing estrogen, which can occur during and after menopause, childbirth or surgical menopause created secondary to a hysterectomy can result in reduced vaginal blood flow and lubrication.
Overall Health
Studies on post-menopausal women have demonstrated that patients in poor health report lower sexual desire. In fact, symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, and mood swings caused by chronic illnesses all contribute to decreased female libido.
Though low libido and the effects of unbalanced hormones can be concerning, treatment is available at NV Medical Orlando. First, a thorough physical exam and health history will be conducted to help our experts develop an optimal treatment plan for you. During your evaluation, you may be asked to complete a questionnaire that helps us assess your symptoms further. That way, we can craft an appropriate treatment regimen to address your symptoms and concerns.
The type of treatment recommended depends on your identified needs and may include hormone replacement therapy for women, vaginal treatments, oral medications, sexual therapies, or additional treatment regimens.
The Premier Choice for FDA-Approved HRT for Women in Azalea Park, FL
If you're a woman suffering day-to-day from the symptoms of menopause, now is the time to balance your hormones and reclaim your life. Sure, menopause is a natural process that occurs in almost every woman's body. But that doesn't mean you must forego treatments like HRT to make your transition easier. Who says the second half of your life can't be better than the first?
At NV Medical Orlando, we have helped countless women overcome the life-changing symptoms associated with menopause and hormone imbalances, and we're here for you, too. Contact our office today to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward long-term relief.
407-730-4244
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Latest News in Azalea Park, FL
1,058-unit multifamily development with affordable housing proposed for Raytheon site in west St. Pete
Brian Hartzhttps://stpeterising.com/home/2023/1/9/1058-unit-multifamily-development-with-affordable-housing-proposed-for-raytheon-site-in-west-st-pete
After striking out on a proposal for a sports tourism complex, a Tampa developer has come up with a new plan for a 29-acre vacant industrial parcel in west St. Petersburg, near Tyrone Square Mall, that has a troubled history.According to a pre-application site plan review document submitted to the City of St. Petersburg, Porter Land LLC has proposed a 1,058-unit garden-style multifamily development for the property, which defense contractor Raytheon purchased in 1995 but never fully developed because of pollution issues that led to le...
After striking out on a proposal for a sports tourism complex, a Tampa developer has come up with a new plan for a 29-acre vacant industrial parcel in west St. Petersburg, near Tyrone Square Mall, that has a troubled history.
According to a pre-application site plan review document submitted to the City of St. Petersburg, Porter Land LLC has proposed a 1,058-unit garden-style multifamily development for the property, which defense contractor Raytheon purchased in 1995 but never fully developed because of pollution issues that led to legal action. The company embarked on a lengthy environmental cleanup process in 2008 and sold the property, which neighbors Azalea Park, in 2015.
Over 300 units, or 30% of the total residential units, will be set aside as income-restricted workforce housing. Half of the affordable units will be earmarked for households earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and the other half will be marketed to households earning less than 120% of AMI.
“I think this is a better plan for the community because it addresses the affordable housing issue we are experiencing right now in St. Pete,” said Les Porter in a conversation with St. Pete Rising.
Located at 1501 72nd Street North, the site, according to Porter’s proposal, would be developed in three phases, each of which will contain workforce units. No building will exceed four stories in height.
The first phase includes 381 residential units (182 one-bedroom units, 174 two-bedroom units, and 25 three-bedroom units). Phase 2 consists of 281 residential units (142 one-bedroom units, 124 two-bedroom units, and 15 three-bedroom units). The third phase is made up of 396 residential units (258 one-bedroom units and 138 two-bedroom units).
The community will feature Class A amenities such as multiple pools, a fitness center, numerous workspaces.
A total of 1,826 parking spaces are included in the proposal. Six two-story, carriage-style homes in phase 1 will have garages. The remainder of the parking is a mix of surface-level spaces and “tuck under” spots.
St. Petersburg City Council Member Copley Gerdes, who represents District 1, has expressed enthusiasm for the project.
“First and foremost, I’m very happy to have a plan in place for the property,” Gerdes told St. Pete Rising. “Multifamily fits very well on that property and the city has done a good job of being intentional as to what can be developed there. The market has shown that industrial doesn’t make sense on that site.”
He added, “I think this is a good opportunity for District 1 to gain density while keeping our neighborhoods intact and that’s a testament to the current administration and current and past city councils for being intentional as to where they’re increasing density. I’m excited to bring more multifamily into District 1 and that’s going to alleviate some of the affordability issues that we face.”
The Sunshine City has been a leader when it comes to acting on a state law, House Bill 1339, that paves the way for affordable housing projects to be developed on land previously zoned for industrial use.
In 2021, St. Pete became the first city in Florida to pass an ordinance establishing a process for H.B. 1339 to take effect. Fairfield Avenue apartments is the first project to utilize that process, allowing redevelopment of a site that otherwise would not allow housing.
“We're excited about providing workforce housing,” said Porter. “We feel like we can balance the finance-ability of the project and still deliver a big supply of affordable housing to the market that are sorely needed.”
Porter Development’s proposal in west St. Petersburg will go before City Council for approval in March.
Richmond, Va.-based Poole & Poole has been hired as the project’s architect and Gulf Coast Consulting from Clearwater is handling civil engineering.
Construction on the site is expected to begin in late 2023. Move-ins are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2024.
Florida Fresh Air: Dickson Azalea Park offers a serene urban oasis
Patrick Connollyhttps://www.orlandosentinel.com/2021/05/07/florida-fresh-air-dickson-azalea-park-offers-a-serene-urban-oasis/
Set among towering ancient oaks and swaying Spanish moss, Dickson Azalea Park gives visitors a small but relaxing setting for a short walk and a place to spend time in nature.The green space is set on 3.6 acres that span three blocks north to south in between Rosearden Drive and Celia Lane. On three sides, the urban woods are bordered by Orlando’s Thornton Park neighborhood.Dickson Azalea Park presents an ideal setting for dog walking, exercise, having lunch outdoors or catching up with an old friend. The serene space als...
Set among towering ancient oaks and swaying Spanish moss, Dickson Azalea Park gives visitors a small but relaxing setting for a short walk and a place to spend time in nature.
The green space is set on 3.6 acres that span three blocks north to south in between Rosearden Drive and Celia Lane. On three sides, the urban woods are bordered by Orlando’s Thornton Park neighborhood.
Dickson Azalea Park presents an ideal setting for dog walking, exercise, having lunch outdoors or catching up with an old friend. The serene space also proves popular for engagement photos and family snaps.
Benches offer the chance to sit and rest while taking in the sounds of Fern Creek, which runs the length of the park. The waterway once served as a watering hole for cattle herders.
While the cows of Florida’s yesteryear can’t be seen in today’s urban environments, the park still serves as a home to squirrels, red-bellied woodpeckers, blue jays and pollinators such as butterflies and bees.
Nearly a century ago, as the city expanded east and experienced a surge in residential growth, the historic Washington Street Bridge was built in 1926, a landmark seen in the park to this day.
The park’s namesake is Henry Hill Dickson, an Orlando businessman and advocate for the city’s beautification who passed away in 1935. A plaque near one park entrance reads: “This park was envisioned by the man who inspired the planting of azaleas in Orlando.”
Some of those azaleas can still be seen in the park as living testaments of Dickson’s work and natural decor that make the City Beautiful even more pleasing.
Important information
Location: 100 Rosearden Drive in Orlando
Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily
Amenities: Benches, trails, creek, dog waste bags, trash cans
Activities: Walking, jogging, birding, picnicking
Accessibility: Accessing the trails near Fern Creek requires using steps at some of the park’s access points. But the sidewalks surrounding the park and some trails can be accessed by wheelchair.
What to bring: Bring a snack or a book to enjoy while sitting on one of the park’s benches.
What not to bring: Alcohol is prohibited within the park. Skateboards and roller skates are prohibited at Dickson Azalea Park. Bikes aren’t allowed on some trails.
Pets: Leashed pets are welcome in Dickson Azalea Park. Owners must clean up after their pets.
Pro tips: Dickson Azalea Park doesn’t have restrooms or pavilions, but those amenities are available at Mayor Carl T. Langford Park, which sits just south of Central Boulevard. Parking is available at Langford Park or on some residential Thornton Park streets near Dickson Azalea Park.
More information: 407-246-2283 or orlando.gov
Florida Fresh Air: Kraft Azalea Garden is a picture-perfect setting for relaxing
Patrick Connollyhttps://www.orlandosentinel.com/2021/07/23/florida-fresh-air-kraft-azalea-garden-is-a-picture-perfect-setting-for-relaxing/
It’s rare to visit Winter Park’s Kraft Azalea Garden and not stumble upon a photoshoot. Whether it’s an engagement, a quinceañera, a graduation or family photos, the 5-acre space provides a scenic backdrop for capturing snaps and finding serenity.Established in 1938, the green space overlooks Lake Maitland and features towering oak trees with dangling Spanish moss that sways with the breeze. Pause on any number of benches or a dock when enjoying the seclusion the quiet garden offers.The focal point of K...
It’s rare to visit Winter Park’s Kraft Azalea Garden and not stumble upon a photoshoot. Whether it’s an engagement, a quinceañera, a graduation or family photos, the 5-acre space provides a scenic backdrop for capturing snaps and finding serenity.
Established in 1938, the green space overlooks Lake Maitland and features towering oak trees with dangling Spanish moss that sways with the breeze. Pause on any number of benches or a dock when enjoying the seclusion the quiet garden offers.
The focal point of Kraft Azalea Garden is an exedra that reads: “Pause friend let beauty refresh the spirit.” It’s at this monument where some couples start the rest of their lives and makes vows to one another. On a quiet weekday, one or two pontoons from the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour may pass by this spot.
For paddlers exploring the Winter Park chain of lakes, the park makes for an ideal stopping place to rest and stretch legs. It also offers a pristine place to hang a hammock and watch the sunset over the lake. Picnics are also a possibility.
When wandering the space, it’s possible to see barred owls, hawks, anhingas, egrets and other birds perched in trees much older than the garden itself.
Whether celebrating a special occasion or taking a walk through the park, most visitors to Kraft Azalea Garden should leave with spirits feeling refreshed.
Important information
Location: 1365 Alabama Drive in Winter Park
Hours: Open 8 a.m. to dusk daily
Amenities: Benches, dock overlook, trash cans, recycling, exedra monument, restrooms, water fountain, parking
Activities: Walking, photography, picnicking, wildlife viewing
Accessibility: Paved sidewalks and trails with leveled dirt make the park accessible for wheelchairs and electric scooters.
What to bring: A book can be a useful companion when enjoying lakefront views on one of the park’s benches. A hammock can improve the experience even more. Packing a picnic is also possible.
What not to bring: Alcohol is prohibited within Kraft Azalea Garden. Permits from Winter Park are needed for organized events and commercial activity within the gardens. Swimming is not allowed.
Pets: Leashed pets are allowed in Kraft Azalea Garden.
Pro tips: Extend a scenic tour of Winter Park by taking a Scenic Boat Tour or paddling from Dinky Dock on Lake Virginia. These water-based experiences yield views of beautiful waterfront Winter Park homes and man-made canals that connect several lakes. Kraft Azalea Garden makes a great stopping point when paddling.
More information: 407-599-3334 or cityofwinterpark.org
Find me @PConnPie on Twitter and Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun things, follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Orlando weather: Storms moving across Central Florida to bring strong winds, quarter-size hail
Ian Cassettehttps://www.fox35orlando.com/weather/orlando-weather-heat-and-humidity-bring-afternoon-storms
Today's high: 90 degreesTonight's low: 72 degreesStorms are moving across Central Florida Saturday night prompting a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Orange and Osceola County.A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for St. Cloud until 8 p.m.A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 7:30 p.m. for the Orlando, Conway, Azalea Park, Kissimmee, and Belle Isle areas.The storm is bringing 70 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail near the Orlando International Airport.MAIN WEATHER CONCERNSAnother hu...
Today's high: 90 degreesTonight's low: 72 degrees
Storms are moving across Central Florida Saturday night prompting a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Orange and Osceola County.
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for St. Cloud until 8 p.m.
A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 7:30 p.m. for the Orlando, Conway, Azalea Park, Kissimmee, and Belle Isle areas.
The storm is bringing 70 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail near the Orlando International Airport.
MAIN WEATHER CONCERNSAnother humid and stormy day across Central Florida! High levels of humidity and heat will fuel afternoon storms today (most likely after 1 PM). A few storms may pop up along the coast early in the afternoon, then meet the west coast sea breeze during midday. This will lead to scattered afternoon storms. Severe weather is not expected, but stronger storms may bring torrential rain, frequent lightning, and gusty winds. The best chance of rain will be inland today.
BEACHES:A warm day at the beach with the possibility of a few afternoon storms. Storm chances will begin around lunchtime as the sea breeze picks up. Scattered storm chances will last through this evening. If you hear thunder, head indoors! As for beach conditions, there is a moderate rip current risk with 1-foot surf. Highs warm to the mid-80s under partly cloudy skies otherwise.
THEME PARKS:It will be warm and humid at the attractions today. Afternoon highs will reach the low-90s with a mix of sun and clouds to start. Mainly after 2 p.m., showers and thunderstorm activity will be on the rise. Heavy rain, lightning, gusty winds are possible. We could see storms linger past dinner so have a backup plan!
OUTLOOK:More storms are in the forecast for Sunday (though coverage may be less). Highs could be a couple of degrees warmer, so it will be plenty hot! For any outdoor plans that you have, stay hydrated and keep your FOX 35 Storm Team weather app handy. Looking ahead to next week, temperatures will be on the rise. Forecast highs by the middle of the week are expected to reach the mid-90s... hello summer! In the tropics, things remain quiet for now. No tropical activity is expected within the next 2 to 7 days. If anything changes, the FOX 35 Storm Team will keep you updated.
This Florida Neighborhood Has Been Overrun by Bunnies
Tara Massouleh McCayhttps://www.southernliving.com/culture/activities-and-entertainment/outdoor-recreation/animals-and-wildlife/florida-neighborhood-overrun-by-bunnies
A local nonprofit is working to find foster homes for the adorable, domestic rabbits.Easter may still be a month away, but one Florida neighborhood has more than enough Peter Cottontails to celebrate the holiday for years to come. In Azalea Park, Florida, a suburb of Orlando, bunnies abound—and it's becoming a bit of a problem.Alicia...
A local nonprofit is working to find foster homes for the adorable, domestic rabbits.
Easter may still be a month away, but one Florida neighborhood has more than enough Peter Cottontails to celebrate the holiday for years to come. In Azalea Park, Florida, a suburb of Orlando, bunnies abound—and it's becoming a bit of a problem.
Alicia Branoff, adoption and foster coordinator for Orlando Rabbit Care & Adoptions, said the neighborhood's bunny invasion likely started back in November with someone dumping a couple of domestic rabbits. Since then, the numbers have skyrocketed, and now there are around 50 bunnies living in the Orange County neighborhood.
"Their gestation period is 20 to 30 days to give birth," Branoff said in an interview with WESH. "So, they're giving birth, and then they can get pregnant the same day they give birth. So very, very quickly you're going to see those numbers increase."
While the bunnies—some white, some black, some brown, and some adorably spotted—are undeniably cute, their presence in the neighborhood puts them at great risk. Because they're domestic, they don't know how to feed or protect themselves in the wild. They're in desperate need of rescuing or adoption.
"I came in person, when I was driving down the blocks of the street, there were bunnies everywhere. In every yard ... it's just a sad situation for the community because these people have to come outside and see animals that need rescue, and no one can do anything about it at this point," Stephanie Gallino, an Orlando Rabbit Care volunteer, said in an interview with Click Orlando.
Alicia, Stephanie, and the folks at Orlando Rabbit Care & Adoptions are doing everything they can to save these bunnies, but they face considerable challenges. Local animal rescues and shelters don't take rabbits, and all 11 of the state's rabbit shelters are at full capacity. Their best option is to try to place the bunnies into foster homes, but even that is difficult because they can only take so many at a time and the rabbits continue to reproduce.
"We would have to come in and get all of the rabbits or none," Branoff said. "We can't just pull three or four rabbits at a time if we have three or four openings and then come back in two or four weeks and start getting more. Because, like I said, with them reproducing so quickly we would never get ahead of that number."
WATCH: Why People Start Each Month by Saying "Rabbit, Rabbit"
Last year alone, Orlando Rabbit Care & Adoptions rescued 575 rabbits. So far in 2022, they've been asked to rescue 130 more. The organization is already at capacity with 80 rabbits in their care, so their only hope for these rabbits is to find foster homes.
"We need volunteers. We need money donations. The biggest thing we need is a climate-controlled location to put all of these rabbits," Branoff said.
We hope these floppy-eared friends find their forever homes soon!
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