Florida Has Eight Allergy Hotspots
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that approximately 100 million Americans battle allergies each year. Though much of it is seasonal, and due to pollen, there are various…
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that approximately 100 million Americans battle allergies each year. Though much of it is seasonal, and due to pollen, there are various other environmental conditions that factor into the sneezy and itchy eyes. AAFA recently released their report on which cities contain the most allergies. The state of Florida has eight allergy capitals in the top 25 cities.
The data compiled was specific to the top 100 metropolitan areas around the country. In order to determine a ranking three important factors were studied. They include tree, grass, and weed pollen levels. They also take on over-the-counter allergy medicine distribution into account. And finally, the availability of board-certified allergists/immunologists.
What Cities Are the Worst?
Wichita, Kansas had the top score by far, which makes it the worst city for allergies. As for Florida, the first city to appear was Sarasota at number six and then Cape Coral at number seven and Orlando at number eight. AAFA's report showed the majority of the heavy allergies reside on the east coast and southern portions of the country.
"Climate change has caused the growing seasons to get longer and warmer, leading to higher tree, grass, and weed pollen counts," the report states.
Florida Specific
The pollen count throughout the state of Florida was quite high. There were numerous cities within the state the finished in the top 10 of all three pollen categories - tree, grass, and weed pollen. Miami, Lakeland, Palm Bay, Tampa, and Daytona Beach are the other areas that landed in the top 25 worst allergies cities.
What To Do About It
"Along with the self-care steps listed in the report, CERTIFIED asthma and allergy-friendly products can also help you manage your contact with pollen inside your home and have better indoor air quality," AAFA explains. Minor tasks like closing your windows, taking regular allergy medications, and rinsing your nose are suggested methods to prevent symptoms.
To read the full report and learn more about Florida's allergy hotspots you can visit Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's website here and access the report here.
10 Major League Baseball Players Who Are From Tampa Bay
The 2023 Major League Baseball season is officially one week away. Next Thursday, the Tampa Bay Rays will host the Detroit Tigers at Tropicana Field. Of course, not all Major League Baseball players from Tampa Bay play for the Rays. According to baseball almanac, there sixteen currently active MLB players from Tampa Bay.
Manager Kevin Cash starts his 9th season as the manager of the Rays. Cash is a hometown guy. Hailing from Tampa Bay, Cash was part of a local team that made it to the 1989 Little League World Series. He then went north to play for Florida State University better getting into the Toronto Blue Jays system as a catcher. Cash's first stint back in Tampa came when he was traded to the Rays in 2005. His second round with his hometown club came when he was hired to be the manager in December of 2014. At the time, Cash was the youngest manager in MLB, solidifying his presence in the Tampa baseball once again.
In fact, the region has a deep history with breeding major league ballplayers. The roster of MLB players from Tampa is quite impressive.
Here is a look at some of the most recognizable names that came from the Tampa, FL area.
Pete Alonso
Elsa/Getty ImagesBefore heading to the University of Florida, Alonso, who was born in Tampa, was a high school star third baseman in the area.
Matt Joyce
J. Meric/Getty ImagesTampa native Matt Joyce got to play for his hometown team from 2009-2014. Joyce grew up going to Rays games before joining the team.
Dwight Gooden
Tim DeFrisco/Getty ImagesDwight "Doc" Gooden went to Hillsborough High School in Tampa. He was then drafted in 1982 at 17-years-old by the New York Mets and is a two-time World Series Champion.
Fred McGriff
Chris Covatta / Allsport / Getty ImagesBig #29! Growing up in Tampa, McGriff had some memorable local moments on the ball field. Rumor has it he was first cut from his high school team before hitting a home run off another Tampa star, Dwight Gooden.
Tony La Russa
Jamie Sabau/Getty ImagesA legendary name that has been synonomous with MLB since the 60's. Tony La Russa could often be found at park in Ybor City and West Tampa before playing at Jefferson High School. A three-time world champion and four-time manager of the year.
Dave Magadan
Rick Yeatts/Getty ImagesWith a rare bats left, throws right combination, Magadan was drafted right out of Tampa's Jesuit High School. He then spent from 1986-2022 in the big leagues as both a player and a coach.
Tino Martinez
Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesTino is still a Tampa resident. Born and raised in West Tampa, he attended the University of Tampa. He later spent one of his 16 MLB seasons with the Rays. You can't think of MLB players from Tampa without #24!
Lou Piniella
A. Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesGrowing up in West Tampa, "Sweet" Lou played alongside Tony La Russa. He is also a Jesuit high school and University of Tampa alumni. After a 20 year run in the majors as a player, Piniella became a highly respected manager. He chose to come home and manage the Rays in 2003. Perhaps the most recognizable of the MLB players from Tampa.
Gary Sheffield
Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesOne of the most unique swings the game has ever seen comes from Tampa and Hillsborough High School. He mastered this swing by taking batting practice with his uncle... Dwight Gooden.
