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HRT for Women in Fairview Shores, 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 Fairview Shores, 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 Fairview Shores, 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 Fairview Shores, 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 Fairview Shores, 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 Fairview Shores, 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 Fairview Shores, 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 Fairview Shores, 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 Fairview Shores, 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 Fairview Shores, FL
Central Florida is waking up to breezy conditions after Saturday’s rain maker
WFTVhttps://www.wftv.com/news/local/weather-alert-day-strong-storms-possible-overnight/22VXGUZ7LJFFPHKLJEDA4FWARE/
ORLANDO, Fla. — Read weather updates below:The rain will continue overnight as well as the risk of more minor street flooding. But that will taper off by Sunday morning.There is still an outside chance of a strong storm, but the chance of severe weather continually decreased Saturday evening, certified meteorologist George Waldenberger said.He said cooler temperatures have minimized the chance of storms organizing.There is still an outside chance one or two strong storms could form, so Waldenberger wi...
ORLANDO, Fla. — Read weather updates below:
The rain will continue overnight as well as the risk of more minor street flooding. But that will taper off by Sunday morning.
There is still an outside chance of a strong storm, but the chance of severe weather continually decreased Saturday evening, certified meteorologist George Waldenberger said.
He said cooler temperatures have minimized the chance of storms organizing.
There is still an outside chance one or two strong storms could form, so Waldenberger will continue to monitor conditions overnight.
By Sunday morning, rain will taper off and winds will shift, he said.
It will feel cooler by Sunday afternoon as a post-storm chilly blast begins.
A strong system will pass over Florida overnight through Sunday morning.
There is a risk of isolated severe, wind-producing storms late Saturday and early Sunday as the system makes its closest approach to Central Florida.
Rain will taper off by morning, but windy and cooler weather moves in tomorrow.
Rain has already topped 4 inches in some areas and wind gusts have topped 50 mph in some coastal areas.
More than six inches of rainfall is possible before the region dries out Sunday.
Certified meteorologist George Waldenberger said he is keeping an eye out for more flood advisories.
He said an isolated risk for tornadoes or storms with damaging winds remains possible for Central Florida as the system passes through.
Watch live updates on Channel 9 Eyewitness News, and download the WFTV weather app to be notified about severe weather in your neighborhood.
A flood advisory will continue for parts of Orange and Seminole counties.
These include Orlando, Apopka, Altamonte Springs, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Winter Park, Casselberry, Maitland, Longwood, Goldenrod, College Park, Azalea Park, Lockhart, Pine Hills, University Of Central Florida, Fern Park, Orlando Executive Airport, Fairview Shores, Union Park and Forest City.
The advisory is until 9:45 p.m. Saturday.
More flood advisories are popping up around Orlando, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Brevard County...some local areas are approaching 4" for rainfall and it continues into the night, with a few storms potentially developing. pic.twitter.com/E9soPnZUBR
— George Waldenberger (@GWaldenWFTV) December 17, 2023
The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for a portion of east Central Florida, including Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia County.
This means minor street flooding is possible and could impact areas that are low-lying and have poor drainage.
The advisory will be in effect until 7:15 p.m.
Officials advise you to be cautious when driving at night and not to drive on flooded roads.
Here is a list of the affected locations:
Orange County: Avalon Park, Azalea Park, Bithlo, Christmas, Chuluota, Conway, University Of Central Florida, Goldenrod, Orlando, Wedgefield, Winter Park
Seminole County: Casselberry, Goldenrod, Oviedo, Winter Springs
Brevard County: Cocoa, Lone Cabbage Fish Camp, Port Saint John, Sharpes, Titusville, Titusville Airport
First the rain, then the storms.
Rain has been widespread today, but that is not why the Weather Alert Day was issued for the weekend.
Meteorologist George Waldenberger said it’s because strong storms are possible tonight as the center of the storm system gets closer and then passes Florida.
The current track of low pressures schedules it to pass just to the north of Central Florida overnight through Sunday morning.
That puts Central Florida under a risk of isolated strong to severe storms, which could include damaging winds, or even a tornado warning tonight and overnight.
Severe weather won’t happen everywhere, but be ready if you get a storm warning overnight. Severe Weather Center 9 will be monitoring the storm.
Also, note that 2-4 inches of rain are likely with isolated higher amounts.
Surf is rough at the beaches, and the winds will get stronger as the storm passes.
Any rain will end early Sunday morning, and it’ll stay gusty and get cooler by the end of the day.
Follow our Severe Weather team on X for live updates:
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
WOW! Names Orange County, Florida as its Second Greenfield Market
WideOpenWest, Inc.https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wow-names-orange-county-florida-as-its-second-greenfield-market-301489419.html
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Feb. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone (NYSE: WOW), a leading broadband services provider, today announced the company is b...
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Feb. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone (NYSE: WOW), a leading broadband services provider, today announced the company is bringing its reliable, state-of-the-art all IP fiber network to residents and businesses in the northern suburbs of Orange County, Florida. WOW! plans to invest at least $40 million in Orange County, which is home to communities such as Maitland and Fairview Shores. Orange County marks the second new service area for WOW! as the company continues to add new markets to its footprint at a time when the demand for strong and reliable broadband providers continues to rise.
This latest expansion is part of the company's larger Greenfield initiative to build new markets non-adjacent to its existing network and bring its advanced fiber technology and award-winning customer service to customers across its growing footprint. WOW! already serves Pinellas County and Panama City in Florida and most recently announced Seminole County, Florida as its first Greenfield market expansion. The company plans to reach more than 40,000 homes passed in the northern Orlando suburbs upon completion of the project.
"Our Greenfield initiative is very important to the growth and success of WOW!, which makes this second service area announcement so exciting," said Teresa Elder, CEO of WOW!. "Orange County, which sits adjacent to Seminole County, was a clear choice for us to bring our broadband services and we are eager to deliver our exceptional multi-Gig fiber-to-the-home network to communities in both counties."
Once completed, customers in Seminole County and Orange County will benefit from WOW!'s innovative technology and product suite that provides the best in choice, reliability, speed and value. Customers will have access to multi-Gig HSD service, WOW!'s fastest broadband speed available, home and business WiFi solutions to support streaming, remote work and small business needs as well as WOW! tv+, its premier IP-based video service.
"I am elated to have WOW! coming to Seminole County to afford our residents a high-end product which without a doubt will be yet another quality-of-life benefit for the community," said Jay Zembower, Seminole County Commissioner. "On behalf of our business community and the residents that will reap these benefits, thank you!"
"As a company, we are committed to delivering the best in service to our customers and being able to bring that quality and care to even more communities is at the top of our list of priorities," said Kirk Zerkle, VP of market expansion at WOW!. "We can't wait to bring WOW!'s pleasantly surprising service to the residents and businesses of Seminole County and Orange County and provide them with the choice and reliability they deserve when it comes to staying connected."
WOW! continues to pursue expansion opportunities across the country and expects to announce additional markets later this year. For more information on WOW! and to find out if its services are available in your area, please visit www.wowway.com.
About WOW! Internet, Cable & PhoneWOW! is one of the nation's leading broadband providers, with an efficient, high-performing network that passes 1.9 million residential, business and wholesale consumers. WOW! provides services in 14 markets, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast, including Michigan, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia. With an expansive portfolio of advanced services, including high-speed Internet services, cable TV, phone, business data, voice, and cloud services, the company is dedicated to providing outstanding service at affordable prices. WOW! also serves as a leader in exceptional human resources practices, having been recognized eight times by the National Association for Business Resources as a Best & Brightest Company to Work For, winning the award for the last four consecutive years. Visit wowway.com for more information.
SOURCE WideOpenWest, Inc.
WOW! Fiber Internet Extends its All Fiber Network in Central Florida Communities of Casselberry, Forest City, and Enclave at Altamonte
WideOpenWest, Inc.https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wow-fiber-internet-extends-its-all-fiber-network-in-central-florida-communities-of-casselberry-forest-city-and-enclave-at-altamonte-301990888.html
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WOW! Internet, TV & Phone (NYSE: WOW), a leading broad...
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WOW! Internet, TV & Phone (NYSE: WOW), a leading broadband services provider, today announced its services are available in two additional Central Florida communities – Casselberry, Forest City and at the townhome community, Enclave at Altamonte. Residents and businesses now have access to WOW!'s reliable Internet services and top speeds, including symmetrical Internet speeds up to 5 Gbps.
Central Florida continues to be a key market for WOW! as the company makes significant progress on its ongoing Greenfield initiative to reach 150,000 homes passed in Seminole and Orange Counties. Since adding its first customers in the region in January, WOW! now offers services in Altamonte Springs, Wekiwa Springs, Casselberry and Forest City. Construction is well underway in the communities of Longwood, Winter Springs, Lake Mary, Sanford and Sanlando Springs while pre-construction activities have begun in Fairview Shores, Fern Park, Goldenrod, Ocoee and Winter Garden.
"We continue to build momentum in adding new homes passed and are thrilled to welcome even more new WOW! customers in Central Florida," said Teresa Elder, CEO of WOW!. "Consumers have told us they want better choices when it comes to their broadband provider. We're pleased to offer our award-winning services to new customers in Casselberry, Forest City and the townhome community of Enclave at Altamonte."
WOW! subscribers will receive the necessary equipment upfront to get started on the company's reliable, high-speed network along with the latest advanced WiFi 6E technology at no extra cost, unlimited data, and no annual contracts. Among its suite of services, WOW! offers reliable home phone plans, WOW! mobile powered by Reach, and flexible, comprehensive solutions for businesses.
Through WOW!, residents can also take advantage of YouTube TV, one of the most popular and robust live TV video services. YouTube TV is available with NFL Sunday Ticket, now exclusively offered by YouTube and YouTube TV, along with interactive features such as the ability to catch up with key plays, multiview, check out real-time stats, and more.
"When WOW! announced their expansion to our area, I had our board of directors immediately engage with them to ensure our community had the best options available," said Dan Goldwasser, The Enclave at Altamonte HOA President. "Their collaborative approach has been evident throughout the installations, and the excitement among our residents for faster internet speeds and the potential to save money is palpable."
WOW!'s presence continues to grow in Central Florida, as the company hires employees and focuses on supporting local schools. WOW! recently won the ACA Connects Community Champion award for their donation to the Goldsboro Elementary Magnet School Kids Space Center in Sanford, Florida. Last year, WOW! donated $45,000 to update the technology and simulation software for the students and will now add the $2,500 Community Champion award prize money to that donation.
For more information on WOW! and to find out if its services are available in your area, please visit https://www.wowway.com/now-expanding.
About WOW! Internet, TV & PhoneWOW! is one of the nation's leading broadband providers, with an efficient and high-performing network that passes nearly 2 million residential, business and wholesale consumers. WOW! provides services in 15 markets, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast, including Michigan, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, including the new all-fiber network in Central Florida. With an expansive portfolio of advanced services, including high-speed Internet services, cable TV, home phone, mobile phone, business data, voice, and cloud services, the company is dedicated to providing outstanding service at affordable prices. WOW! also serves as a leader in exceptional human resources practices, having been recognized 10 times by the National Association for Business Resources as a Best & Brightest Company to Work For in the Nation, winning the award for the last six consecutive years and making the 2022 Top 101 National Winners list. Visit wowway.com for more information.
SOURCE WideOpenWest, Inc.
Body of missing student in rowing club found after lightning strike in Lake Fairview
Jeff Weinerhttps://www.orlandosentinel.com/2022/09/16/body-of-missing-student-in-rowing-club-found-after-lightning-strike-in-lake-fairview/
The body of a missing student who fell off a rowing team’s boat after lightning caused it to capsize on a lake in north Orlando Thursday was found Friday night, according to the Orlando Fire Department.OFD spokesperson Jenny DeSantis said the body of the boy, a student at the K-9 Annunciation Catholic Academy in Altamonte Springs, was recovered at 5:15 p.m. by Orange County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit.She said five rowers from the North Orlando Rowing club were in the boat when it flipped about 5:50 p.m. Thursday o...
The body of a missing student who fell off a rowing team’s boat after lightning caused it to capsize on a lake in north Orlando Thursday was found Friday night, according to the Orlando Fire Department.
OFD spokesperson Jenny DeSantis said the body of the boy, a student at the K-9 Annunciation Catholic Academy in Altamonte Springs, was recovered at 5:15 p.m. by Orange County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit.
She said five rowers from the North Orlando Rowing club were in the boat when it flipped about 5:50 p.m. Thursday on Lake Fairview, near Fairview Shores Drive. When rescuers arrived, they found four of the rowers, one of whom had been injured and was taken to AdventHealth for Children. The fifth rower was missing.
At 3:05 p.m. Friday, search operations were temporarily suspended due to the weather, but continued shortly after.
“Agencies have been working together all night and through the morning hours to assist our Orlando Dive team in this search, including Orange County Fire Rescue, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and Orange County Sheriff’s Office,” DeSantis said in a Friday afternoon update.
She said the Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s Marine Unit arrived about 5:30 a.m. and was using a pair of sonar-equipped boats to help in the search.
The current condition of the rower who was taken to the hospital was not available Friday.
Annunciation Catholic Academy in a Facebook post said the missing rower is a student there.
“Please pray for our student, missing in the tragic boating accident on Lake Fairview, and his family,” the school’s post said. “We also ask that you keep our community in your prayers as well. May we find comfort in the loving arms of Jesus and each other. We ask our Blessed Mother to pray for us during this difficult time.”
The rowing club posted a statement on its Facebook page about midday.
The rowers, their families and coaches of North Orlando Rowing are devastated,” the post said. “We are working through this as we always do, as a team. We don’t know all the details; when we know more we will share. We ask for privacy and respect during this difficult time.”
arabines@orlandosentinel.com
Snaps from the Past: The ‘Mystery Sink’ of College Park
Becky Dreisbachhttps://www.yourcommunitypaper.com/articles/snaps-from-the-past-3/
With over 700 natural springs fed from Florida’s aquifer, our underground water system maybe the largest on Earth. Bubbling up in forest floors as river rises or a single spring, or perhaps as a sink, water courses under us in the limestone foundation on which we all live. From our springs flow the cleanest, purest water in the world, and it offers underwater views that are breathtaking. But until the 1940s, Florida’s underground caves within our aquifer were a virtually unexplored and mysterious phenomena.It was Jacques C...
With over 700 natural springs fed from Florida’s aquifer, our underground water system maybe the largest on Earth. Bubbling up in forest floors as river rises or a single spring, or perhaps as a sink, water courses under us in the limestone foundation on which we all live. From our springs flow the cleanest, purest water in the world, and it offers underwater views that are breathtaking. But until the 1940s, Florida’s underground caves within our aquifer were a virtually unexplored and mysterious phenomena.
It was Jacques Cousteau who opened the door to diving when in 1942 he coinvented a demand valve system, known as Aqua-Lung, that would supply divers with compressed air when they breathed. Florida’s underground system of porous limestone caverns has been thrilling divers ever since.
Evidence of human beings, along with mastodons, has been discovered in Florida’s underground honeycombed cave system, which at some point during the Ice Age was above water. Such discoveries, coupled with pure adventure-seeking, makes cave diving in Florida an extreme sport for professionally trained divers. Many of the beautiful caves in the aquifer are accessible only by way of another of Florida’s most surreal phenomena: sinkholes.
The very idea of a sinkhole opening in the ground and swallowing your home, or even yourself, is a strange reality that Floridians accept as a calculated risk. Not likely — but something akin to living with alligators, quicksand, sharks and snakes — sinkholes are the stuff of nightmares. Or adventures, if you’re into extreme sports like cave diving.
Our area’s most famous sinkhole opened in May 1981 along Denning Drive at the corner of Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park. Today Rose Lake covers the sinkhole, and most people just drive by without recalling the national attention it drew when it swallowed Mae Rose Williams’ home (for whom Lake Rose was named), two Porsches (three others were hauled out by crane) and part of the city’s swimming pool.
Many do not realize Orange, Marion, and Lake counties lie in what is dubbed Sinkhole Alley, which certainly lives up to its name. Just last year, after Hurricane Irma, at least 400 sinkholes opened according to University of Florida’s emeritus professor of geology, Dr. Anthony Randozzo (1).
Hidden in College Park’s Biltmore Shores neighborhood is a lesser known but equally infamous hole, the Mystery Sink, which also lies near Fairbanks Avenue. A January 1922 article in the Orlando Morning Sentinel, tells us Mystery Sink, also called Emerald Springs, was first known as “the sink” and “the bottomless pit” (2).
The U.S. Department of Interior performed a geological study of this sink in 1959, and in 1966 the U.S. Navy sonar research department did another study. Documented as the deepest known body of water in the state of Florida, it has been estimated the depths reach 500 feet and beyond.
At one time, the sink was promoted as a roadside attraction, but today it sits within private property. In 1970 the hole was closed to the public after dual tragedies.
Hal Watts, Orlando’s famous scuba instructor and founder of the Professional Scuba Association, had leased the sink to use for training divers and instructors. On August 13, 1970, Watts, along with 16-year-old Fred Schmidt, a certified diver, dove into the Mystery Sink to recover an expensive diving jacket that had been left during a previous dive. Watts resurfaced alone after losing Schmidt to the depths.
Two recovery divers descended to 375 feet but were unable to find Schmidt. Underwater cameras were sent down but revealed nothing. Two days later, Watts, along with three other divers, attempted again to find Schmidt, but tragedy struck once more when Wythe “Bud” Sims lost his life to the sink too.
Neither Schmidt’s nor Sims’ bodies were ever recovered.
Watts’ attempt to save Sims nearly cost him his life as well when he developed the bends, decompression sickness, from ascending too quickly; Watts had to be taken to NASA Space Center at Cape Canaveral to undergo decompression treatment.
Jacques-Yves Cousteau once said, “From birth, man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders. He is bolted to earth. But man has only to sink beneath the surface and he is free” (3). And, diving, though dangerous, allows those brave enough a chance to be free in a mysterious sink, revealing the underworld on which we live every day.
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Sources: (1) clickorlando.com/news/orlandoocala living-up-to-sinkhole-alleyname as-geologists-brace-for-more (2) newspapers.com/clip/18561835/ mystery_ sink_ 1922/ (3) www2.padi.com/blog/2014/01/27/ jacques-cousteau-the-father-of-scubadiving/
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