Meth trafficking hub disbanded, 17 arrested
Seven months after “Operation Ice Cubed” began looking into activity at 1804 South Forbes Road, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reported the arrests of 17 people on April 17.
HCSO uncovered a large meth trafficking ring based out of the Forbes Road location, which has been the subject of more than 100 calls of service in recent years, and worked with the Drug Enforcement Administration to bring it down. The agencies believe the meth being moved in and out of the Forbes Road residence was made in Mexico and imported into the United States by drug cartels.
Agents purchased roughly 1,840 grams of meth in the seven-month span and seized approximately $27,700 in cash.
Health Department urges measles vaccinations
The Florida Department of Health is urging residents of Hillsborough and other Tampa Bay-area counties who have not been immunized to get the measles vaccine as soon as possible.
Though only one case of measles has been reported to the department in 2019 — which wasn’t in the Tampa Bay area — residents of Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties are being asked to take precautions just in case the contagious viral disease spreads.
“The best way to protect yourself and your family against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases is by immunization,” public information officer Kevin Watler said in a news release. “In Florida, children should be immunized against measles with the combination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) and should receive two doses, with the first at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second at four to six years of age. Adults should be vaccinated with at least one dose of MMR vaccine, with a second dose recommended for those at higher risk such as international travelers and health care workers. People with underlying health conditions should discuss with their health care provider to determine the need for additional booster doses.”
Florida Health Hillsborough County does offer the MMR vaccine, which has a near-100 percent success rate. To learn where and when you can get the vaccine, as well as how much it will cost, call (813) 307-8077. For more information on measles, visit floridahealth.gov/measles.
Tractor Supply Co. to host Market Day
Farmers, artisans and crafters are invited to show and sell their goods at Tractor Supply Co., 1803 James L. Redman Parkway, on May 18.
Market Day is an event to be hosted at Tractor Supply Co. stores all over the United States, giving vendors a free marketplace for their wares. All vendors have to do is visit the TSC store in Plant City or go online at TSCeventpartners.com before May 15 to sign up.
“Our communities are filled with incredible talent,” Mary Lawley, vice president of store administration, said. “As a company, we strive to support our communities and the out here lifestyle, which is why we created Tractor Supply’s Market Day as a way to shine the spotlight on our talented neighbors by providing them with an easy and convenient way to share their goods with others.”
SFBH doctor wins national award
South Florida Baptist Hospital’s own Dr. Brooke Shepard recently became one of 12 doctors nationwide to be named a TeamHealth Medical Director of the Year.
Shepard received the honor at the 2019 TeamHealth National Medical Leaders Conference, held April 15 through 18 in Dallas, Texas. Nearly 16,000 health care professionals are affiliated nationally with TeamHealth.