Press Releases
January 06, 2023
Public Health Advisory Issued for Picnic Island and Cypress Point Beaches Due to High Bacteria Levels

Public Health Advisory Issued for Picnic Island and Cypress Point Beaches Due to High Bacteria Levels
January 04, 2023
Calling Attention to Cervical Cancer Awareness During January
Each year, more than 14,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer. January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and your West Central Florida County Health Departments serving Citrus, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota counties want you to know that this disease is preventable and treatable if caught early.
December 27, 2022
ALL DOH-HILLSBOROUGH OFFICES AND CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED DECEMBER 30 – JANUARY 2 IN OBSERVANCE OF NEW YEARS
All DOH-Hillsborough offices and clinics will be closed from Friday, December 30th through Monday, January 2nd in observance of the New Years holiday. Offices and clinics will reopen on Tuesday, January 3rd for normal business hours.
December 19, 2022
ALL DOH-HILLSBOROUGH OFFICES AND CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED DECEMBER 23–26 IN OBSERVANCE OF CHRISTMAS
All DOH-Hillsborough offices and clinics will be closed from Friday, December 23rd through Monday, December 26th in observance of the Christmas holiday. Offices and clinics will reopen on Tuesday, December 27th for normal business hours.
November 21, 2022
ALL DOH-HILLSBOROUGH OFFICES AND CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED NOVEMBER 23–25 IN OBSERVANCE OF THANKSGIVING
All DOH-Hillsborough offices and clinics will be closed from Wednesday, November 23rd through Friday, November 25th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Offices and clinics will reopen on Monday, November 28th for normal business hours.
November 15, 2022
Protect Yourself Against Influenza This Season
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is reminding residents the importance of protecting against influenza this season by getting a flu shot and practicing responsible hygiene. Flu shots are available through many healthcare providers and retail pharmacies, some of which offer incentives upon receiving the flu shot.
November 11, 2022
DOH-Hillsborough Hosts Diabetes Awareness Day Event
– Diabetes Awareness Day is an annual reminder that 88-million Americans have prediabetes. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is hosting a diabetes awareness event for the public on Monday, November 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on World Diabetes Day.
In response to Tropical Storm Nicole, all DOH-Hillsborough offices and clinics will be closed on Thursday, November 10th. We will remain closed on Friday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day. Offices and clinics are scheduled to reopen on Monday, November 14th for normal business hours.
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is monitoring an above average number of cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Florida communities. This common respiratory virus may cause a higher number of pediatric emergency department visits compared to previous years.
November 02, 2022
DOH-Hillsborough JOINS STATEWIDE NALOXONE EXPANSION INITIATIVE TARGETING SUBSTANCE ABUSE DEATHS
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County announces the availability of free Naloxone (Narcan) Nasal Spray kits. This lifesaving medication could reduce thousands of substance abuse deaths across the state.
October 25, 2022
Make Healthy, Safe Choices To Have A Spooktacular Halloween
October 19, 2022
Abbott Issues Recall of Certain Ready-to-Eat Formulas (RTF)
Abbott has issued a press release voluntarily recalling certain lots of 2 fluid ounce/59 milliliter bottles of Ready-to-Feed (RTF) liquid formula products. For a list of products and lot numbers included in the recall, click here or call 1-800-986-8540.
September 13, 2022
Health Officials Issue Mosquito-Borne Illness Advisory
September 08, 2022
Health Advisory (bacteriological): Ben T Davis Beach

Hillsborough County, FL - A health advisory has been issued for Ben T. Davis Beach due to high bacteria levels. This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public and swimming is not recommended.
August 19, 2022
Health Officials Issue Mosquito-Borne Illness Advisory
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has issued a Health Alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in the Hillsborough River (north of Morris Bridge Rd., West of I-75). This is in response to a water sample taken on 08/04/2022. The public should exercise caution in and around this area of the Hillsborough River.
August 10, 2022
Mosquito-borne Illness Advisory Issued for Hillsborough County
July 28, 2022
Public Health Advisory Issued for Bahia and Simmons Park Beaches Due to High Bacteria Levels

Health Advisory Issued for Bahia and Simmons Park Beaches Due to High Bacteria Levels.
July 20, 2022
Monkeypox Resource Page

While Monkeypox is a rare disease, there is an international increase in outbreaks involving Western Africa, Europe, North America, and cases are popping up in other areas as well; however, the risk to the general public is low.
July 20, 2022
August is National Breastfeeding Month

Did you know that August is National Breastfeeding Month? And around the world celebrations in honor of mother’s, babies and their families supporting breastfeeding during World Breastfeeding Week August 1-7 also occur.
June 21, 2022
2022 Back to School Health Clinics

TAMPA, FLA – The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County issued a rabies alert for the area surrounding Nobb Oak Ave. This is in response to cat that tested positive on 6/13/2022 (Description: Domestic Shorthaired Brown Tabby & White).

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is urging all residents and visitors, especially those who are spending time outdoors, to protect themselves from mosquito and tick bites as weather gets hotter and wetter. While most tick and mosquito bites are only an annoyance, sometimes these bites can be dangerous. Preventing bites reduces the risk of a person getting infected with a mosquito or tick-borne disease.
Los Departamentos de Salud de Florida (FDOH) en el centro oeste de Florida están respondiendo a un brote de enfermedad meningocócica en Florida. Sin embargo, se puede prevenir y tratar. Vacunarse es la mejor manera de protegerse contra la enfermedad meningocócica.
April 11, 2022
Florida Departments of Health in West Central Florida Advise on Meningococcal Disease and Vaccines in Florida
The Florida Departments of Health (FDOH) in West Central Florida are responding to an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida. However, it can be prevented and treated. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease.
March 17, 2022
Public Health Advisory Issued for Picnic Island and Cypress Point Beaches Due to High Bacteria Levels

Public Health Advisory Issued for Picnic Island and Cypress Point Beaches Due to High Bacteria Levels
The theme of National Nutrition Month® 2022 is Celebrate a World of Flavors. From the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “Celebrating flavors from cultures around the world is a tasty way to nourish ourselves and appreciate our diversity. We are all unique with different bodies, goals, backgrounds and tastes! A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist can help you create healthy habits that celebrate your heritage and introduce you to new foods and flavors.”
March 08, 2022
Rabid Cat Found in Tampa

Hillsborough County – The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County issued a rabies alert for the area surrounding E. Bank Drive, Tampa. This is in response to a cat that tested positive for rabies on 3/7/2022. The cat was a black domestic short hair stray cat.
March 08, 2022
Rabid Cat Found in Plant City

Hillsborough County – The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County issued a rabies alert for the area surrounding Glen Harwell Road. This is in response to a cat that tested positive for rabies on 3/7/2022. The cat was a white and grey stray cat.
January 27, 2022
DOH Warns Residents of the Potential for COVID-19 Testing Scams
Now more than ever, residents should rely on trusted sources of information for access to COVID-19 testing and vaccination locations in Hillsborough County. As demand for testing increases, so does the risk for potential scams.
January 26, 2022
Health Advisory (bacteriological): Impacted Beaches: Simmons Park
January 10, 2022
FDOH-Hillsborough Closed Monday, January 17, 2022
The Florida Department of Health will be closed on Monday, January 17, 2022 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
December 27, 2021
No STD Services at Downtown Location Until Further Notice
Effective 1 January 2022…due to a critical clinic staffing shortage the downtown Specialty Care Center will be limiting walk in services and will no longer provide sexually transmitted disease services at the downtown location.
December 14, 2021
2021 Holiday Office Closures
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces State Office Closures on December 23-24 and December 30-31
November 18, 2021
No Cost At Home COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Available
No Cost At Home COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Available
November 15, 2021
Tobacco Free Florida In Hillsborough County Calls For Quit Attempts During The Great American Smokeout

Tobacco Free Florida In Hillsborough County Calls For Quit Attempts During The Great American Smokeout
November 10, 2021
Hillsborough County Offers COVID-19 Pfizer Pediatric Vaccine for Children Ages 5 to 11

Hillsborough County Offers COVID-19 Pfizer Pediatric Vaccine for Children Ages 5 to 11
November 09, 2021
Health Advisory (bacteriological): Impacted Beaches: Bahia
November 09, 2021
STD Clinic Closed on November 12th
STD Clinic Closed on November 12th

West Central Florida county health departments encourage everyone to take steps to ensure safe and happy Halloween festivities across the region this year.
October 01, 2021
Hillsborough County Opens New Site for Free Pfizer Booster Shots, Vaccinations, and Testing
Hillsborough County Opens New Site for Free Pfizer Booster Shots, Vaccinations, and Testing
September 30, 2021
COVID-19 Antibody Therapy Site in Hillsborough to Close for Several Days in October

COVID-19 Antibody Therapy Site in Hillsborough to Close for Several Days in October
September 24, 2021
Health Advisory (bacteriological): Impacted Beaches: Davis Islands and Cypress Point

Health Advisory (bacteriological): Impacted Beaches: Davis Islands and Cypress Point
August 13, 2021
Health Equity Report for Hillsborough County Released
Health Equity Report for Hillsborough County Released
August 05, 2021
Health Advisory (bacteriological): Impacted Beaches: Bahia, Ben T Davis, Davis Islands, E.G. Simmons, Picnic Island

Health Advisory (bacteriological): Impacted Beaches: Bahia, Ben T Davis, Davis Islands, E.G. Simmons, Picnic Island
August 04, 2021
Temporary COVID-19 Testing Operations
Temporary COVID-19 Testing Operations
July 23, 2021
No Cost At Home COVID-19 Vaccination Available
No Cost At Home COVID-19 Vaccination Available
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) is notifying the public of red tide blooms within Tampa Bay.
July 16, 2021
Not Enough People Vaccinated to Stop COVID-19
Not Enough People Vaccinated to Stop COVID-19
July 13, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccination & Testing Information
COVID-19 Vaccination & Testing Information
July 12, 2021
Health Advisory (bacteriological): Ben T Davis Beach

Hillsborough County, FL - A health advisory has been issued for Ben T. Davis Beach due to high bacteria levels. This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public and swimming is not recommended.
Independence Day is one of the most anticipated holidays on the calendar. Whether you choose to celebrate by enjoying a relaxing day at the beach, a picnic at the park, or with fireworks, it pays to enjoy the holiday safely.
June 28, 2021
CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY THE HEALTHY AND SAFE WAY

Independence Day is one of the most anticipated holidays on the calendar. Whether you choose to celebrate by enjoying a relaxing day at the beach, a picnic at the park, or with fireworks, it pays to enjoy the holiday safely.

Hillsborough County, FL- A health advisory has been issued for Ben T. Davis Beach and Davis Island Beach due to high bacteria levels. This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public and swimming is not recommended.
June 15, 2021
2021 Back to School Health Clinics
June 03, 2021
Health Advisory for Lower & Middle Tampa Bay
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) is notifying the public of red tide blooms near Moody Point, Manbirtee Key, Camp Key, and Little Cockroach Island.
COVID-19 Vaccination Opportunities in Hillsborough County
April 05, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Myths vs. Facts
COVID-19 Vaccine Myths vs. Facts
April 05, 2021
Getting Tested is Key in Stopping the Spread of COVID-19
Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or have been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19.
April 05, 2021
Have You Been Fully Vaccinated?
Have You Been Fully Vaccinated?
April 05, 2021
FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
November 30, 2020
The Florida Department of Health Urges Residents To Follow CDC Guidance To Prevent Household Spread Of COVID-19
The Tampa Bay area is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases, and some of the increase in positive cases can be attributed to spread among household contacts, individuals going to congregate settings (i.e. weddings, places of worship, parties, etc.) and people who are traveling. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties urge members of the public to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your household during quarantine or isolation.
November 30, 2020
Rock the Ribbon and #KnowYourStatus Florida Department of Health – Hillsborough World AIDS Day Schedule of Events
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) invites you to Rock the Ribbon and #KnowYourStatus as part of its World AIDS Day schedule of events on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. Working together, we can speak out against the HIV stigma and achieve the goal of Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact.
November 19, 2020
Health Advisory Issued for Picnic Island Beach

Hillsborough County, FL - A health advisory has been issued for Picnic Island Beach due to high bacteria levels. This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public and swimming is not recommended.
November 12, 2020
Health Risks After the Storm
In response to heavy rain due to Tropical Storm Eta, residents are encouraged to exercise caution to prevent illness and injury.
November 10, 2020
Mosquito-Borne Illness Advisory Issued for Hillsborough County
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) today advised residents there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Hillsborough County. A human case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed and there is a heightened concern additional residents may become ill.
October 22, 2020
Health Advisory Issued for Ben T. Davis Beach Continues

Hillsborough County, FL - A health advisory has been issued for Ben T. Davis Beach due to high bacteria levels. This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public and swimming is not recommended.

West Central Florida county health departments encourage everyone to take steps to ensure safe and happy Halloween festivities across the region this year.
October 14, 2020
Health Advisory Issued for Ben T. Davis Beach

Hillsborough County, FL - A health advisory has been issued for Ben T. Davis Beach due to high bacteria levels. This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public and swimming is not recommended.
October 02, 2020
DOH-Hillsborough Celebrates Disease Intervention Specialists
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) would like to recognize all our Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS). Today is National Disease Intervention Specialist Recognition Day.
September 16, 2020
Getting Tested for COVID-19
Residents can schedule testing online or by phone. Insurance is not required. The call center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM. Testing will take place at one of the State of Florida or Hillsborough County testing sites. However, testing will not proceed without an appointment.
September 16, 2020
Florida Department of Health Encourages Residents to Get Flu Shot Now
County health departments in the West Central Florida region - Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota - are urging residents to contact their healthcare provider or pharmacy to get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible. Once vaccinated, it takes about two weeks to offer protection.
September 10, 2020
Health Advisory Issued for Ben T. Davis and Davis Island Beaches

Hillsborough County, FL- A health advisory has been issued for Ben T. Davis Beach and Davis Island Beach due to high bacteria levels. This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public and swimming is not recommended.
County health departments in the West Central Florida region - Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota - are urging all residents and visitors, especially those who are spending time outdoors, to protect themselves from mosquito bites. While most mosquito bites are only an annoyance, sometimes these bites can be dangerous. Preventing bites reduces the risk of a person getting infected with a mosquito-borne disease.
August 20, 2020
Health Advisory - Davis Island Beach

Hillsborough County, Fla. – A Health Advisory has been issued for Davis Island Beach based on the criteria for enterococci bacteria recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
August 18, 2020
Hillsborough County Community Health Assessment Released
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) engaged with county residents to better understand community health needs, in collaboration with AdventHealth, BayCare, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, Suncoast Community Health Centers, Tampa Family Health Centers, and Tampa General Hospital. The findings have been published in the 2019 Community Health Assessment, available on the DOH-Hillsborough website.
August 13, 2020
Return To School Safely
As in-person learning at schools resumes, everyone in their households should take steps to stay healthy and protect each other from getting sick. Practice everyday preventive actions, limit interactions with other people, and stay informed on COVID-19 updates.
August 04, 2020
New Health Equity Report For Hillsborough County Released
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) has released its Health Equity Profile. The profile highlights avoidable differences in health outcomes or health inequities among residents of Hillsborough County. Disparities are identified among low income residents, black residents and other residents of color and marginalization.
August 03, 2020
World Breastfeeding Week is August 1 to 7
World Breastfeeding Week is August 1 to 7, and the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is encouraging all breastfeeding moms, soon to be moms, families, friends, and the health care community to consider breastmilk for babies for a healthier tomorrow.
July 30, 2020
Health Advisory Issued For Bahia Beach - July 30, 2020

A health advisory has been issued for Bahia Beach due to high bacteria levels. This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public and swimming is not recommended.
July 29, 2020
Bat With Rabies Bites Carrollwood Resident

A woman walking around her neighborhood at night saw a bat on the sidewalk and decided to pick it up. The bat bit her finger during the process. She brought the bat to the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County and it was tested for rabies. The bat tested positive and the woman is now receiving rabies prophylaxis.
July 03, 2020
The Florida Department of Health Reminds Residents of the Dangers of Naegleria Fowleri
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed one Florida case infected with Naegleria fowleri in Hillsborough County. Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic single-celled living amoeba. The amoeba can cause a rare infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) that destroys brain tissue and is usually fatal. The amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater such as lakes, rivers, ponds and canals.

A Health Advisory has been issued for Cypress Point beach based on the criteria for enterococci bacteria recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
June 30, 2020
INDEPENDENCE DAY 2020 SAFETY TIPS

Things are going to look quite different as we celebrate America’s 244th birthday on Saturday, July 4. COVID-19 has required us to limit the size of our social gatherings, postpone vacations and make alternate plans as popular events such as fireworks displays have been cancelled.
Entering Phase 2 does not mean residents should stop wearing cloth face coverings/masks and social distance (staying at least 6 feet away from other people) when in public. COVID-19 is still spreading in the community. Masks will slow the spread and help people who may have COVID-19 and do not know it from transmitting the virus to others.
June 08, 2020
Contact Tracing Vital To Public Health
Contact tracing infected individuals and close contacts is critical to help slow transmission of COVID-19. Everyone needs to work together with Florida Department of Health (DOH) contact tracers.
County health departments in the West Central Florida region - Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota - are urging all residents and visitors, especially those who are spending time outdoors, to protect themselves from mosquito and tick bites this summer season.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many buildings and other properties have been unoccupied for an extended period. When water is stagnant for an extended time, there can be a build-up of hazardous metals and bacteria such as Legionella, which can cause a serious threat to drinking water. Legionella can grow and multiply, and transmit through aerosolized water droplets.
May 13, 2020
Protect Yourself and Others From Mosquitoes
Living in Florida, mosquitoes are seemingly part of our everyday life. However, mosquitoes not only make you itch, but can carry diseases like Zika and West Nile virus. Not all mosquitoes are the same.
February 27, 2020
Health Advisory - Davis Island Beach

Hillsborough County, Fla. – A Health Advisory has been issued for Davis Island Beach based on the criteria for enterococci bacteria recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
January 31, 2020
Health Advisory Issued For Cypress Point Beach - Jan 31, 2020

A Health Advisory has been issued for Cypress Point beach based on the criteria for enterococci bacteria recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
January 29, 2020
Rabid Raccoon Found In Valrico

A raccoon in the area of Laurel Pointe Drive in Valrico is the first confirmed case of rabies for 2020 in Hillsborough County. No rabies alert has been issued since this is a single case found in wildlife. However, this incident on January 25, serves as a reminder to ensure pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccination. It should be expected that there is always some level of the virus in our wildlife population.
January 23, 2020
DOH-Hillsborough Investigating Measles Case In An Adult

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) is investigating a measles case in an adult male with international travel to South America. Healthcare providers, including hospital emergency departments, have been asked to have a heightened awareness and immediately report cases to DOH-Hillsborough.
January 09, 2020
Florida Surgeon General Urges Vaccination As Best Defense Against Rapidly Spreading Flu Virus
Health departments in the Tampa Bay region—Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota—are strongly encouraging residents older than six months of age to follow the Florida Department of Health’s recommendation that all unvaccinated residents get their flu shot as soon as possible. Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu and its potentially serious complications.
January 03, 2020
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

The United States Congress designated January as Cervical Health Awareness Month. More than 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year, but the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening.
Recent Articles
Statewide Articles
The Florida Department of Health Announces the 2023 Radon Poster Contest Winners 2022 Year in Review - FDOH Protecting and Promoting the Health of All Floridians

Local Articles
Calling Attention to Cervical Cancer Awareness During January

Connect with DOH