HRT for Women in Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge, 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.

Hormone Replacement Therapy Oak Ridge, FL

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.

 HRT Oak Ridge, FL

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 Oak Ridge, 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 For Women Oak Ridge, FL

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.

 Low Libido Oak Ridge, FL

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 Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge, 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.

 Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Oak Ridge, FL

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:

week 1

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.

week 2

After about two to three weeks of HRT for women in Oak Ridge, 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.

week 3

Starting around weeks three to four, many HRT patients will notice drastic improvements in menopausal symptoms.

week 4

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.

Rejuvenation

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 Oak Ridge, FL, or a combo of the two may be right for you.

Dryness

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 Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge, 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.

phone-number 407-730-4244

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Latest News in Oak Ridge, FL

Oak Ridge, Olympia win Metro basketball titles; set up MLK showdown

Olympia and Oak Ridge won Metro Conference divisional titles on Friday night, setting the stage for their boys basketball showdown against each other on Monday.Oak Ridge, still unbeaten against Florida teams, will host the area No. 1 Titans in a 6 p.m. game on Monday as part of the MLK holiday Dream is Real Classic.“W...

Olympia and Oak Ridge won Metro Conference divisional titles on Friday night, setting the stage for their boys basketball showdown against each other on Monday.

Oak Ridge, still unbeaten against Florida teams, will host the area No. 1 Titans in a 6 p.m. game on Monday as part of the MLK holiday Dream is Real Classic.

“We know them well. They know us well. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Olympia coach Rob Gordon said.

The difference in the Metro tourney title games was that Oak Ridge had to come from behind to beat Jones in the East championship while Olympia scored a one-sided win against Wekiva in the West final.

Olympia 72, Wekiva 51

Senior guard and Cincinnati commit E.J. “Jizzle” James dazzled with 29 points, including 4 made 3-point shots, as the Titans (17-1) launched an aerial assault from beyond the arc. They totaled 14 3s, with sophomore Sean Owens making 4. Junior guards Cam Miles and Kaiden White each with 3.

“It was clicking for the right reasons,” Gordon said. “For the most part, we really shared the ball and it was just a really good performance for our group.”

After making 15 3s on Thursday in a 75-62 win against Windermere, Wekiva (17-3) struggled to find the same success. The Mustangs missed their first five attempts and finished 6-for-26 from beyond the arc.

Olympia is No. 2 in the FHSAA Class 7A power rankings. Wekiva is No. 2 in 6A.

“I just thought we continued to progress from last week,” Gordon added. “My whole thing with them is just like the head coach from Georgia, leave no doubt. Put it all out there. If it’s good enough, it’s good enough.”

Gordon was referencing Kirby Smart, head coach of Georgia’s college football championship team.

Olympia won by at least 17 points in each of its three games in the tournament.

Senior guard K.J. Robinson scored 17 points for Wekiva, which had averaged 70.2 points per game before the loss.

“I just like the way our guys are locked in,” Gordon said of his team’s defense. “There’s a great connectivity right now with our guys.”

Olympia started the game on an 8-0 run after back-to-back 3s from White and Miles followed by a steal and dunk by James. Another 3 with 3:21 to go in the first quarter from White gave Olympia a double-digit lead.

The Titans led 26-10 after the first quarter and 38-16 at halftime.

Nate Marrero

Oak Ridge 79, Jones 72

For a little more than three quarters, the experience and tough schedule Jones has played gave it the advantage over the young talent of Oak Ridge.

The Tigers had a 10-point lead before a couple of key plays sparked the host Pioneers.

There were a pair of technical fouls on Jones on separate plays and multiple turnovers by the Tigers (9-9). The momentum shifted and Oak Ridge (12-5) hung on for victory in the East final.

“The [first] tech changed the game for them,” Jones coach Travis Aikens said. “They went on an 8-0 run and changed the momentum.”

Overall, it was a 15-4 run by the Pioneers that gave them a 63-62 lead midway through the fourth quarter. A monster dunk by Jordan Tillery gave Oak Ridge a 73-69 lead.

Tillery had 17 points (10 in the fourth). UCF commit Cameron Simpson led Oak Ridge with 24 points on the strength of 5 made 3s and Tyler Johnson added 20 points and 8 rebounds.

“Cameron kept us in the game in the first three quarters,” Pioneers coach Steven Reece said. “We didn’t match their intensity in the first half. We knew it would be a tough, physical game.”

Jones isn’t the only Orlando team reaping the rewards of a tough schedule.

“We’ve gained some maturity and have experience in big games this season,” Reece said

All five of the Pioneers’ losses have come against out-of-state teams, including three losses at the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas.

The Tigers also played in that event, and on most nights are facing bigger schools.

“We’re the smallest [public] school in the city,” Aikens said. “Most of the teams we play are 6A and 7A, but it’s a great thing that’s preparing us for the rest of the season.”

Calvin Liptrot led Jones with 19 points. Maryland football recruit Dylan Wade had 17 points and 12 rebounds and Jamari Sands added 10 points.

Steve Gorches

OCP rallies

Orlando Christian Prep (15-1) had to come back from 11 points down in a 59-48 home win against Rockledge (12-2). A 12-4 run to start the fourth quarter sparked the rally. Isaiah Brown had a game-high 27 points and 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals in the win. Ameer Ramadan added 23 points, 4 assists and 2 steals.

Elsewhere

Windermere (13-4), which lost to Wekiva on Thursday, got back on track with an 86-50 win against visiting Edgewater (9-8) in the Metro West third-place game. Jalen Debose scored 22 points and Chalier Torres had 16 in the win.

Colonial (15-2) won 47-46 against Cypress Creek (9-9) in the Metro East third-place game.

Lorenzo De Jesus scored 19 points and The First Academy won 56-55 against Lake Highland Prep (7-9).

Montverde TV time

Orlando area product Sean Stewart, a Duke recruit, scored 20 points to lead Montverde Academy to a 99-61 homecourt win against Class 7A state title contender Winter Haven on Wednesday night.

The Eagles (12-2) return to the national circuit this weekend with two ESPN TV Hoophall Classic games in Springfield, Mass., where the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is located.

Montverde, No. 2 in the Fab 50 national rankings, met La Lumiere (9-4) of Indiana on Saturday night and faces Sunrise Christian (11-3) of Kansas on Monday at 3.

This report was first published at Orlandosentinel.com. Varsity Content Editor Buddy Collings can be reached by email at bcollings@orlandosentinel.com.

Florida State coach, Oak Ridge alumnus Alameda stays true to her roots

As Oak Ridge High School alumnus Lonni Alameda gears up for another season, she can still recall her time growing up in El Dorado Hills fondly.The rolling hills behind the softball field that were scattered with cattle have been replaced by houses and developments, but Alameda still says the school stands as an important reminder to where she comes from.“The game is so different now than when I grew up down there. I played in the Foothill Girls Softball League up there in the Placerville and Rescue area. I was a country g...

As Oak Ridge High School alumnus Lonni Alameda gears up for another season, she can still recall her time growing up in El Dorado Hills fondly.

The rolling hills behind the softball field that were scattered with cattle have been replaced by houses and developments, but Alameda still says the school stands as an important reminder to where she comes from.

“The game is so different now than when I grew up down there. I played in the Foothill Girls Softball League up there in the Placerville and Rescue area. I was a country girl too with horses and all that kind of stuff,” Alameda says.

Alameda, who graduated from Oak Ridge in 1988 and was a softball and volleyball star, has long since traded her blue and yellow attire for garnet and gold, but the Florida State head softball coach says her roots still play an important part in how she coaches the game.

“As I coach now, we go back a lot here to just remind ourselves why do we play the game?” Alameda said. “I think my story is unique and how I got into the game and where I came from, but it’s different from someone else on the team or someone else coaching. To share your story I think is truly important.”

Alameda took over as head coach for the Seminoles in 2009 and has returned the program to national prominence. She hasn’t had a losing season in 15 years at Florida State and has won nine ACC tournaments. She's one of the winningest active coaches in college softball, boasting a record of 873-356-2.

The Seminoles have also been a regular at the Women’s College World Series during her tenure, reaching the national championship in 2018, 2021 and 2023 and winning it in 2018.

The Seminoles open the 2024 season Thursday against Charlotte, and Alameda’s No. 4-ranked squad is gearing up for what could be another special season in Tallahassee. While she would like to win another national championship, Alameda says she just appreciates the journey each season.

“We have different personnel this year, but our journey is still going to be super fun and special for everyone from our seniors to our freshmen,” Alameda says. “I’ve really tried to keep that piece grounded in that, and I am fully inspired by the growth of our players. Sometimes as a coach, you can be caught up in the outcome of the season, but if you really pour everything into the players, they're the ones that keep inspiring you with their growth and their opportunity to get as much out of the sport.”

Even with all of her success, Alameda stays true to her hometown roots. She tries to visit regularly and keeps in touch with friends and family in the area, some of whom have returned to Oak Ridge to coach themselves.

“When I’m home, I drive by Oak Ridge a lot. I'm pretty close with a lot of my high school teammates. One of them is coming out here to spend a couple of weeks with me to watch some games,” Alameda says. “Even though we have distance, we still have the same conversations. The growth of softball in the El Dorado Hills area is really cool. I still drive by that field a lot and just see little things keep getting added to it. I’m proud to see the growth of the program.”

Alameda credits her success to her parents, saying they did everything they could to give her as many opportunities as possible.

“My parents just did as much as they could for me in sport, and then the roads just opened themselves,” says Alameda, who played volleyball at the collegiate level as well. “I loved everything with sports growing up. I feel like softball ended up choosing me and somehow that path opened up and that's where I went to. It wasn't like I was trying to get in this market, it just chose me, but everything about the sport just defines who I am. I love competition and strategy.”

With the changing landscape of college athletics, Alameda has more opportunities to return to the west coast and serve as an example for local athletes that they can compete and coach on the national stage. She says she's most excited about the addition of Cal and Stanford to the ACC in the fall of 2024, as it allows her to coach in front of her family more.

“I think that's gonna be fun, and I'm super excited to be able to have my family come out and to be home,” Alameda says. “Especially Stanford, having coached there. There's a lot of personal connections for me with those schools so it's gonna be fun.”

Alameda says she hopes local players are inspired by seeing her coach one of the nation’s top programs and that it serves as a reminder they can do the same.

“When coaches and players and parents are seeing someone from their hometown do things on a big stage for their sport, it just resonates that they can do this, too,” Alameda says. “I think that's the biggest thing, especially growing up in the Title IX era. Now softball and women’s sports are on TV all the time and I feel so grateful that's happening for women anywhere. Of course, it feels special for El Dorado Hills, Rescue, Folsom, that whole area.”

‘C’ing the difference: Oak Ridge Elementary on a path to prove itself

Oak Ridge Elementary had one more chance to prove itself.The school of Shelfer Road had scored an “F” and three “Ds” in a row in the state grading system since 2013. During this past school year, Leon County Schools contracted with an outside company to be on standby for whatever happened next.More:...

Oak Ridge Elementary had one more chance to prove itself.

The school of Shelfer Road had scored an “F” and three “Ds” in a row in the state grading system since 2013. During this past school year, Leon County Schools contracted with an outside company to be on standby for whatever happened next.

More:'Operation Save the School': How Pineview turned around an 'F' grade into an EPIC future

If the elementary scored anything below a “C” on the 2019 standardized assessments, LCS would have to pay private educational logistics company Turnaround Solutions, Inc. hundreds of thousands of dollars to reevaluate the school and make serious changes. If the school scored a "C" or higher, LCS had to pay them $50,000.

Recently appointed principal Jasmine Smith's job was in jeopardy, along with other administrators and staff. The new company would replace her, overhaul the curriculum if necessary, restructure the classes. Who knew how student enrollment would fare?

“That would have been it,” Smith said recently, thinking back to the tense climate at the school.

But it wasn’t.

This July, the entire elementary celebrated a resounding victory when Florida’s Department of Education handed Oak Ridge its first “C” grade in six years.

“It really is just the story of what happens when teachers, parents and a community come together to support students,” Smith said Thursday. “Through partnerships you can’t even imagine.”

The elementary had reached out to its community to help. Through donations from nearby businesses, mentorship programs, clothing donations, and churches hosting events, locals answered the school’s call for help. Oak Ridge also collaborated with Pineview Elementary throughout the year to see what was working.

Both schools receive Title 1 funding from the U.S. government because most students enrolled qualify for a free/reduced lunch plan due to low family incomes. Title 1 funding helps to offset the impacts of poverty on children seeking an education.

Student demographics also are roughly the same. More than 80% of the students enrolled at both schools are African American, though Pineview teaches more Hispanic students than Oak Ridge.

Because of the low grades, the school district appointed new administration to the schools. The new principals mobilized to overhaul the schools’ cultures and collaborated with teachers to create change. They integrated the schools with their neighborhoods and had to pay rigorous attention to student performance data throughout the year without ruining morale.

For 14-year veteran teacher Antwan Cole, Oak Ridge’s “C” grade demonstrates what the kids have always been capable of doing. He emphasized that he believes the FSA test only shows a snapshot of what the students are feeling at the moment they take the exam.

“These students show greatness on a daily basis,” he said.

Cole teaches 4th grade math. The percentage of students at Oak Ridge who passed the standardized test in his subject this year surpassed the district-wide percentage, 75% to 66%. His students even outperformed the statewide percentage by almost 10 percentage points.

How did you school do on the 2019 FSA? Check out our database

Throughout his years at Oak Ridge, Cole has seen “the ups and the downs,” but said the school has developed “a family atmosphere.”

“We’re very supportive of one another,” he said. “We’re involved in the students.”

He tries to go to sporting events after hours to show his commitment to students as individuals, not just as “a number,” he added.

LCS School Board member Darryl Jones represents both Oak Ridge and Pineview. Jones was elected to the board in November 2018 and oversees the schools in the county’s southwest region.

“Their success reminds us of how important leadership is,” Jones said of the schools. “Their leaders created a climate that was optimal for learning and that’s what made the difference.”

Have a comment? Contact CD Davidson-Hiers at cdavidsonh@tallahassee.com or on Twitter @DavidsonHiers.

Sam Hunt, Oak Ridge Boys, Boys II Men among Florida Strawberry Festival 2022 lineup

Breanna A. RittmanPLANT CITY – Classic acts such as the Oak Ridge Boys, the Bellamy Brothers, Lee Greenwood and Boys II Men will join more modern stars such as Sam Hunt, Kenzie Wheeler and Cole Swindell at the 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival in March.The entertainment was announced last week for the 87th annual festival, which will be held March 3-13.Specials, discount...

Breanna A. Rittman

PLANT CITY – Classic acts such as the Oak Ridge Boys, the Bellamy Brothers, Lee Greenwood and Boys II Men will join more modern stars such as Sam Hunt, Kenzie Wheeler and Cole Swindell at the 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival in March.

The entertainment was announced last week for the 87th annual festival, which will be held March 3-13.

Specials, discounts and free entertainment will be announced on the Florida Strawberry Festival website in January.

Artists will perform on the Wish Farms Soundstage. Advance tickets for admission and headline entertainment will go on sale 8 a.m. Dec. 9. Tickets can be purchased online at www.flstrawberryfestival.com, by phone at 813-754-1996 or at the Amscot Main Ticket Office at 2209 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City.

“The theme of this year’s festival is ‘We’re #1 For FUN!’ with a strong emphasis on bringing folks back together to celebrate fairs and festivals like ours. It’s a time-honored tradition and, in my opinion, one of America’s favorite past times, we’re No. 1!” said Paul Davis, Florida Strawberry Festival president.

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More:'Easy for me to carve my niche': Daniel Pepin and his Spanish guitar

The lineup is as follows:

Thursday, March 3:

10:30 a.m. Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra

3:30 p.m. The Oak Ridge Boys

7:30 p.m. Lady A

Friday, March 4:

3:30 p.m. The Beach Boys

7:30 p.m. Boyz II Men

Saturday, March 5:

3:30 p.m. Home Free

7:30 p.m. Lauren Daigle

Sunday, March 6:

3:30 p.m. Chicks With Hits, featuring Terri Clark, Pam Tillis and Suzy Bogguss

7:30 p.m. Sammy Hagar & The Circle

Monday, March 7:

3:30 p.m. John Anderson

7:30 p.m. Kenzie Wheeler

Tuesday, March 8:

3:30 p.m. Ricky Nelson Remembered, starring Matthew & Gunnar Nelson

7:30 p.m. Zach Williams

Wednesday, March 9:

3:30 p.m. Lee Greenwood

7:30 p.m. Jake Owen

Thursday, March 10:

10:30 a.m. The Lettermen

3:30 p.m. The Drifters, Cornell Gunter’s Coasters & The Platters

7:30 p.m. Tesla

Friday, March 11:

3:30 p.m. Gene Watson

7:30 p.m. Cole Swindell

Saturday, March 12:

3:30 p.m. Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots

7:30 p.m. Nelly

Sunday, March 13:

3:30 p.m. The Bellamy Brothers

7:30 p.m. Sam Hunt

Deputy rescues baby as 8 escape fire at The Isles at East Millenia apartments in Oak Ridge

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County Fire Rescue and the State Fire Marshal are currently investigating what started an apartment fire in Oak Ridge early Saturday morning.The fire was reported at The Isles at East Millenia apartments near Lake Fountain Drive and Orange Blossom Trail. Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) officials said they responded to several reports of smoke and several people hanging on to balconies....

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County Fire Rescue and the State Fire Marshal are currently investigating what started an apartment fire in Oak Ridge early Saturday morning.

The fire was reported at The Isles at East Millenia apartments near Lake Fountain Drive and Orange Blossom Trail. Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) officials said they responded to several reports of smoke and several people hanging on to balconies.

#LakeFountainDriveFire Fire is out, crews are in overhaul. Extensive fire damage. 12 units directly impacted. 24 units in total effected. pic.twitter.com/91rteiDEJK

— OCFire Rescue (@OCFireRescue) April 23, 2022

The fire was reported at 4:11 a.m. at The Isles at East Millenia apartments, near Lake Fountain Drive and Orange Blossom Trail. Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) officials said they responded to several reports of smoke and several people hanging on to balconies.

Less than ten minutes after arriving on scene, first responders said they rescued eight people from the burning building, including a one-year-old girl. OCSO Deputy William Puzynski said his instincts kicked into gear when he heard a child screaming.

Amazing video of OCSO Deputy rescuing baby girl from fire! Early this morning, deputies were assisting @OCFireRescue & saw a baby & mom on 3rd floor balcony with flames coming from the apartment. Deputy Puzynski climbed the outside balconies & mom handed baby down to him. pic.twitter.com/T5JeXLY7tA

— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) April 23, 2022

“It’s hard to explain. I just knew I had to save the baby,” Puzynski said. “I don’t think I was thinking. I just had to figure out a way.”

Puzynski said he scaled the building with help from his fellow deputies and successfully rescued the baby girl from the third floor, the most heavily-impacted level of the structure.

It was the kind of tense, fast-paced situation first responders train for, said Orange County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Steve Sherrill.

“We train for all situations. The roof came down, so there was heavy fire up in the attic. Part of the floor collapsed as well,” Sherrill said. “So making access into some of those apartments was a bit difficult, but that’s something that we train for.”

Sherrill said firefighters had no time to set up a command center Saturday morning due to the severity of the situation: a practice they usually do when they arrive on scene. Instead of putting out the fire first, responders jumped immediately into rescue mode, working to save the lives they saw were clearly at risk.

"When we got here, there was fire rolling out of the roof, people hanging from the balconies and screaming, and all of our crews did a great job. They threw ladders onto the buildings and got everybody out safely," Sherrill said.

Sherrill said such a rapid response was possible because of the fire department’s suppression units, which are partially funded by grants.

“All of our suppression units have four people on there and you know, this is why,” Sherrill said. “Getting all these [responders] to the scene quickly is what saved the bulk of these people.”

Firefighters said because the fire made its way to the attic area, posing an electrical hazard, they cut power to the entirety of the building that was damaged. Power would remain off until electricians could come verify whether it was safe to turn back on, Sherrill said.

Twelve of the building’s 24 units were directly impacted, according to a tweet from fire rescue. There were no fatalities or major injuries. However, a couple who lived on the third floor told Spectrum News they were grieving the loss of their beloved animals in Saturday morning’s fire.

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