Dish with eggs for fertilization (IVF)

TAMPA – Alabama has moved to protect access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) services after a recent court ruling threatened to halt fertility treatment in the state.

“In vitro fertilization” is a complex fertility treatment for those struggling to conceive.

Stephanie Anderson is a Tampa Bay mother who went through the procedures herself. She says that she can relate to the parents impacted by the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling.

“IVF isn’t a process you can just stop and start,” Anderson said. “The medication alone is six-thousand dollars. It was when we did it four years ago in Nashville, so for those parents that were getting ready to have their IVF transfer… it’s just heartbreaking.”

IVF is not only expensive but the treatment can be time-consuming and invasive.

The risk can be worth it to those who, like Anderson, welcome a loved one into the family.

In full disclosure… Stephanie Anderson is the faculty advisor of Florida Focus.

Rainfall shortage in Tampa brings new water use restrictions

Sprinkler throwing water at the grass

TAMPA – Following a 12-month rainfall shortage in the region, water management officials are extending watering restrictions through July 1st across the Tampa Bay area to conserve water supplies.

The South West Florida Water Management District is asking residents from multiple counties, from Hillsborough to Manatee, to reduce water usage for activities like watering the grass until the middle of the year.

The new restrictions come as a result of a drier spring this year which has put the Tampa Bay area in a 12-month rainfall shortage.


Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties are under a once-per-week restriction, and surrounding counties like Polk and Manatee are under a twice-a-week restriction.

Tampa Bay resident Gina Saunders says she is happy to do her part.

“It’s a simple way that we can contribute to water conservation in Florida and I am grateful that the restrictions are not too severe and easy to apply,” Saunders said.

Southwest Florida Officials clarified that we are not running out of water, but these efforts will be in place until rainfall numbers increase.

Warnings and penalties will be issued to those who don’t comply with the restrictions. fines could go up to $500 depending on the violation.

For more information on the new regulations click here

Credits:

Editor – Aviva Kram
Anchors – Joao Victor Pina, Ariana Angelo
Tech Director – Josh Skinner
Camera – Abigail Papasodero
Producer – Jimmy Rosilio, Justin Michael
Teleprompter & Graphics – Melissa Baldelomar
Web Editor – Joao Victor Pina
Audio – Victoria Harris
Social Media – Ariana Angelo
Graduate Assistant: McKenzie Muskett
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Anderson