Stories From Melissa Eichman

HEALTH

3:01

HEALTH

Children's Miracle Network Champion is "ToughGuyRy"

"ToughGuyRy" is ambassador for fundraising efforts at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital.

3:01

Pinellas County4 days ago

HEALTH

Ten-year-old Shark Smith was the first pediatric patient to have the procedure performed at Muma Children’s Hospital at Tampa General Hospital. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

3:22

HEALTH

Less-invasive GI scope without sedation now available for kids

Muma Children's Hospital at TGH now offers GI scope without sedation.

3:22

Florida2 weeks ago

PEACEMAKERS PROGRAM

Peacemakers Jessica Mansis (L) and Riley Redington (R) work to teach kids about peaceful alternatives to conflict. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

2:53

PEACEMAKERS PROGRAM

Pinellas County Peacemakers Program teaches youth peaceful alternatives to conflict

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

2:53

Pinellas County3 weeks ago

HEALTH

Bonnie & Scott Woodworth advocate for more funding to go toward pediatric cancer research

2:50

HEALTH

Parents push for more pediatric cancer research funding

Parents who have lost children to cancer are heading to Washington, D.C. to push for prioritizing more funding for pediatric cancer research.

2:50

Tampa3 weeks ago

CHOCOLATE PRICES

Wendy McCarthy opened Leonidas Belgian Chocolate Shop in Clearwater five years ago. She is among many business owners dealing with an increase in cocoa prices. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Melissa Eichman)

1:57

CHOCOLATE PRICES

Chocolate prices surge approaching Valentine's Day

The price of cocoa has gone up more than 67% since February 2024, according to Trading Economics.

1:57

Florida4 weeks ago

TOURISM

2:45

TOURISM

St. Pete-Clearwater officials prepare for sporting events, spring breakers

Multiple sporting events are coming to the area.

2:45

Pinellas County4 weeks ago

HEALTH

Sarah Housman has quite a story to tell. The 37-year-old has been given a second and third chance at life because of organ transplantation. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Melissa Eichman)

3:13

HEALTH

Two-time, double-lung transplant recipient at TGH to compete in Germany

Tampa General Hospital ranked first in nation for number of organ transplants by volume. One of the recipients is set compete in a world event.

3:13

Hillsborough County1 month ago

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

2:05

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

CHANCE provides safety for young human trafficking survivors

Foster parents get specialized training to provide safe haven for kids impacted by human trafficking.

2:05

Tampa1 month ago

HEALTH

Sixty-year-old Dawn Beemer has battled cancer three different times. (Spectrum News/Randy Levine)

2:44

HEALTH

Cancer death rate down, but more middle-aged women diagnosed

The American Cancer Society has released its Cancer Facts & Figures Report.

2:44

Florida1 month ago

HEALTH

Antony Nairouz gets treatment at new outpatient Cellular-Immunotherapy Transplant Unit at TGH Cancer Institute. (Spectrum News)

3:05

HEALTH

New outpatient Cellular-Immunotherapy Transplant Unit opens in Tampa

Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has opened its new outpatient Cellular-Immunotherapy Transplant Unit (CTU) at the TGH Cancer Institute.

3:05

Tampa1 month ago

COMMUNITY

Girl Scouts Melina Ballestero (left) and Molly Rosario create cards to send to their sister scouts impacted by the wildfires in California. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

2:11

COMMUNITY

Bay area Girl Scouts give back to troops affected by California wildfires

While local troops are hard at work selling Samoas and Thin Mints, they are also focused on helping others.

2:11

Tampa1 month ago

MOSI PLANETARIUM

2:32

MOSI PLANETARIUM

MOSI gives inside look at new eight-story tall planetarium

The 360-degree experience will provide public and educational access.

2:32

Tampa1 month ago

MENTAL HEALTH

Tanya LaReese Jackson Green shares her book:

2:13

MENTAL HEALTH

Bay area author encourages others to think about mental health into the new year

Her book is titled, Your Health is the Most Important Thing.

2:13

Tampa2 months ago

STORM RECOVERY

The St. Petersburg Woman’s Club was damaged by hurricanes in 2024. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Melissa Eichman)

2:24

STORM RECOVERY

Historic St. Pete Woman's Club back open after damage from hurricanes

The building will soon host a wedding.

2:24

Pinellas County2 months ago

HURRICANE RECOVERY

John Sims looks forward to hosting for the holidays in his new home

HURRICANE RECOVERY

Hurricane Ian survivor celebrates completion of home rebuild for holidays

"It takes a lot of patience," says John Sims.

Hillsborough County2 months ago

HURRICANE RECOVERY

Treasure Island residents are seeking answers in regards to the rebuilding process after the back-to-back hurricanes impacted the area. (Spectrum News/Randy Levine)

HURRICANE RECOVERY

Treasure Island residents working to navigate the hurricane recovery process

Residents are seeking more information about rebuilding at a town hall that the city of Treasure Island is hosting.

Pinellas County2 months ago

BUSINESS

Capt. Stephen Quinn (right) is part of the DOD SkillBridge Program. He is being trained by contractor Tommy Whitehead. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Matt Infante)

2:20

BUSINESS

SkillBridge mentors military members in civilian workforce

Capt. Stephen Quinn is pursuing a career in construction while still in the military. His training is part of the DOD SkillBridge program.

2:20

Tampa2 months ago

HEALTH

The pediatric cancer lab in Tampa is dedicated to developing a vaccine for childhood leukemia. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

2:24

HEALTH

Tampa doctor dedicated to creating vaccine to prevent pediatric leukemia

Scientists at the lab said they believe being the only one in the world concentrating specifically on this research could help them find a cure.

2:24

Tampa2 months ago

FIREFIGHTER FUNDRAISER

Lt. Chris Vacca with Oldsmar Fire & Rescue is grateful for the support as he and his wife Nicole are one of the many first responder families impacted by the back-to-back storms. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

1:59

FIREFIGHTER FUNDRAISER

Fundraiser to help firefighters impacted by hurricanes

A Clearwater restaurant is partnering with North Pinellas Firefighters Charities to help first responders impacted by the recent hurricanes.

1:59

Tampa3 months ago

HUMAN INTEREST

Students take part in before-school activities at a Boys & Girls Club program at Marshall Middle Magnet School. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

2:29

HUMAN INTEREST

Historic merger creates one of the largest Boys & Girls Clubs in nation

A merger to the Boys & Girls Clubs organization will make it one of the largest in the nation.

2:29

Tampa3 months ago

STORM RECOVERY

Clear Sky Beachside Cafe anticipates re-opening January 2025. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

1:24

STORM RECOVERY

Popular beachside restaurant in Clearwater works to reopen

Clear Sky Beachside Cafe's reopening is planned for January 2025.

1:24

Pinellas County3 months ago

TECHNOLOGY

Infinity Aero Club Tampa Bay will hold an open house on Dec. 7. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

2:13

TECHNOLOGY

Tampa aviation club gives students access to STEM experiences

The nonprofit provides youth access to the world of aviation.

2:13

Tampa3 months ago

HEALTH

Alex Dalton (left) will be one of the first to graduate from the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA's Thriver's Club. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

2:26

HEALTH

New YMCA program helps young cancer patients thrive

The Thriver’s Club helps pediatric cancer survivors gain strength after treatment.

2:26

Tampa3 months ago

HEALTH

New technology is changing the approach to preserving and transporting a donor pancreas before transplant surgery. (Spectrum News)

3:05

HEALTH

TGH surgeon first to use new donor pancreas preservation technology

New technology is changing the approach to preserving and transporting a donor pancreas before transplant surgery.

3:05

Tampa3 months ago

HURRICANE RECOVERY

Frenchy's hopes to re-open ahead of the holidays. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

2:03

HURRICANE RECOVERY

Frenchy's Rockaway Grill could reopen before Thanksgiving

The iconic beachfront restaurant was in the middle of a remodel when Helene hit in September.

2:03

Tampa3 months ago

HEALTH

Jason, Lori and Kiley (front) Griggs are grateful for the support and confidence gained from Wheelchairs 4 Kids. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Melissa Eichman)

2:51

HEALTH

Wheely Good Time fundraiser helps increase independence in children with physical disabilities

Wheelchairs 4 Kids provides medical equipment, home and vehicle modifications and exciting experiences.

2:51

Tampa3 months ago

MENTAL HEALTH

1:50

MENTAL HEALTH

Processing emotions critical to relationships post-election

A mental health expert has some suggestions for how to discuss the outcome, which can make for difficult conversations with family and friends.

1:50

Tampa4 months ago

ENVIRONMENT

The SCUBAnauts International Marine Science Education Program cleared out trash of the Anclote River using a WaterGoat, a device that uses nets and buoys to capture trash from storm drains and waterways. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

1:48

ENVIRONMENT

SCUBAnauts clean up around the Bay area after hurricanes

A group of eco-friendly teens is putting in extra work to help clean up after hurricanes Helene and Milton.

1:48

Pasco County4 months ago

HEALTH

Moffitt boasts having the only such mobile screening unit in the state of Florida. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

2:17

HEALTH

Moffitt's mobile lung screening unit to hit the road

Moffitt boasts having the only such mobile screening unit in the state of Florida. Once deployed, the bus could provide some 30 screenings a day.

2:17

Tampa4 months ago

HEALTH

Mary Ann Massolio (head of table) founded 1Voice Academy. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

3:13

HEALTH

1Voice Academy provides educational, emotional support for families impacted by pediatric cancer

1VoiceAcademy is the only school in the U.S. catering to pediatric cancer patients.

3:13

Tampa4 months ago

BUILDING RESTORATION

Cathy Allen, St. Petersburg Woman's Club Vice President of Daily Operations, looks back at the history of the club while working to restore its future. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

2:20

BUILDING RESTORATION

St. Pete Woman’s Club works to restore 95-year-old building after hurricanes

The historic landmark received water and wind damages from both Helene and Milton.

2:20

Pinellas County4 months ago

MENTAL HEALTH

2:31

MENTAL HEALTH

St. Pete social worker talks dealing with disaster fatigue after multiple hurricanes

Emotions are mounting for some people after hurricanes Helene and Milton.

2:31

Pinellas County4 months ago

REBUILDING AFTER STORMS

David Clements (right) consults with his contractor, Tommy Whitehead (left). (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

3:18

REBUILDING AFTER STORMS

Tips for Florida homeowners rebuilding after Hurricane Milton

The Federal Trade Commission reminds homeowners cleaning up to confirm the licensing and insurance of those hired to rebuild.

3:18

Pinellas County4 months ago

MENTAL HEALTH

Amy Brooks was already grieving the loss of her mother when her St. Petersburg home flooded during Hurricane Helene. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

3:35

MENTAL HEALTH

Tampa Bay area resident manages mental health after Hurricane Helene

Experts say it can be difficult to process the emotional weight that can come from being the victim of a hurricane.

3:35

Pinellas County5 months ago

HURRICANE HELENE

Fagersten's sons preserve memories of their mother; put flooded family photos out to dry

2:39

HURRICANE HELENE

Set to retire from teaching, 66-year-old Pinellas teacher dies during Helene

Pinellas County Teacher Dies During Hurricane Helene

2:39

Tampa5 months ago

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Dr. Raul Olivera says he was born in Cuba into a family of doctors. While he started to learn medicine in Cuba, he finished and became a neurosurgeon in the U.S. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

2:34

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Neurosurgeon from Cuba shares story this Hispanic Heritage Month

Neurosurgeon from Cuba continues family legacy of practicing medicine in U.S.

2:34

Hillsborough County5 months ago

EDUCATION

Ashley (left) and Madison Leonard with their son, Greyson, who is part of the Easterseals School for Limitless Learning's inaugural class. (Photo Courtesy: The Leonard Family)

2:12

EDUCATION

Easterseals School for Limitless Learning opens, providing focused education

The new school in Valrico serves students with autism and other related disabilities.

2:12

Hillsborough County5 months ago

HEALTH

The Iorio family can now access concierge medical service from home with the help of Baycare and Metro Development Group. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

1:35

HEALTH

Tampa developer, Baycare to offer concierge medicine for customized wellness

The partnership will offer medicine for residents of the Mirada and Epperson communities in Pasco County.

1:35

Pasco County5 months ago

POLITICS

Voters in Dunedin will select new mayor, two commissioners

1:23

POLITICS

Dunedin residents hear from mayoral, commission candidates

Dunedin residents got a chance Thursday night to meet candidates running in the upcoming general municipal election.

1:23

Tampa5 months ago

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Parkinson's patient Wayne MacLaughlin says he's benefitting from deep brain stimulation treatment. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Melissa Eichman)

2:57

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Deep brain stimulation helping Tampa-area residents with Parkinson's

Wayne MacLaughlin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2011, says he’s benefitting from deep brain stimulation.

2:57

Hillsborough County6 months ago

HEALTH AND MEDICINE

Leslie and Michael Fox donate shoes to CureFest in honor of late son, Mason. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

3:06

HEALTH AND MEDICINE

Pasco parents honoring late son during CureFest for Childhood Cancer

Land O’Lakes parents grieving the loss of their 10-year-old son are honoring him during CureFest for Childhood Cancer.

3:06

Tampa6 months ago

SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

Nicholas Murray founded Mind Muscle Pro to help people find healthy solutions to supporting mental health. (Spectrum News/Eddie Jackson)

2:19

SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

Brandon man's mental health journey motivates him to help others

Nicholas Murray says after attempts to take his own life, he's hoping to spark conversations for the better.

2:19

Tampa6 months ago

HEALTH

Susan Darling said she started experiencing complications more than a decade ago. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Melissa Eichman)

2:44

HEALTH

Bringing awareness to misdiagnosed brain disorder

Neurosurgeons are learning more about normal pressure hydrocephalus, a brain disorder often misdiagnosed for Parkinson’s disease or dementia.

2:44

Florida6 months ago

MENTAL HEALTH

Liz Martin shares the last family photo that includes her son, Jack. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

4:02

MENTAL HEALTH

After son's death, a Pinellas County mother is working to help improve adolescent mental health

Operation Jack’s Village focuses on awareness and suicide prevention strategies.

4:02

Pinellas County6 months ago

ENTERTAINMENT

2:55

ENTERTAINMENT

The BayCare Sound in Clearwater celebrates one year

Since opening, Ruth Eckerd Hall says more than 150,000 fans have attended some 50 events.

2:55

Pinellas County6 months ago

PUBLIC SAFETY

New station #47 is located off Gulf to Bay Blvd.

1:25

PUBLIC SAFETY

New fire station under construction in Clearwater

It's expected to open May 2025.

1:25

Pinellas County6 months ago

STORM RECOVERY

FEMA knocks on doors in Lakewood Ranch neighborhood impacted by Debby reminding residents to register for assistance. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

3:27

STORM RECOVERY

FEMA begins post-Debby outreach in impacted communities

FEMA knocks on doors in Lakeland Ranch, reminding residents to register for assistance

3:27

Manatee County6 months ago

HEALTH

Dr. Chris Kelley demonstrates the robotic arm used in the research. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Melissa Eichman)

1:54

HEALTH

Florida Poly researcher wins federal grant to study Parkinson's Disease

The number of Parkinson’s patients is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

1:54

Tampa6 months ago

BACK TO SCHOOL

About 70 children who reside at the Homeless Empowerment Program selected new backpacks and filled them with school supplies. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

3:01

BACK TO SCHOOL

Homeless Empowerment Program helps families stock up for new school year

About 70 children who reside at the HEP shelter selected new backpacks and filled them with school supplies.

3:01

Pinellas County7 months ago

BREAKING NEWS

In Crystal River, wary residents are keeping an eye out for storm surge as water pushed in toward U.S. 19. Driving rain covered roads but there was no report of damage as of Monday morning. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Chris McDonald)

5:53

BREAKING NEWS

Team Coverage: Flooding at Largo complex, double-digit rainfall totals, storm surge worries in Crystal River

In Crystal River, authorities are preparing for water rescues if they are needed. There is also flooding in areas of Pinellas County.

5:53

Florida7 months ago

Reporter Melissa Eichman's Stories