Rick Mayer - Health News Florida
Rick Mayer is a digital producer for Health News Florida, a collaboration of public radio stations and NPR that delivers news about health care issues. He is a graduate of H.B. Plant High School and the University of South Florida in Tampa and worked for three decades as an editor at the Tampa Tribune. He also developed and manages an online journal serving physician executives.
Featured image for “Jax developer officially takes over Tampa Bay Rays”
Jacksonville homebuilder Patrick Zalupski leads the group of investors purchasing the Tampa Bay Rays.
5 hours ago

Jax developer officially takes over Tampa Bay Rays

A group led by Dream Finders Homes CEO Patrick Zalupski has closed on the reported $1.7 billion purchase of the…

Featured image for “Florida pharmacists get OK to give COVID-19 vaccines”
Amid widespread debate and questions about COVID-19 vaccines, the Florida Board of Pharmacy said pharmacists are able to provide the vaccines to patients.
September 24, 2025

Florida pharmacists get OK to give COVID-19 vaccines

Publix and Walgreens said they would be offering the vaccine without a prescription to eligible recipients.…

Featured image for “MLB owners approve sale of Tampa Bay Rays to Jax group”
A "Rays Up" sign outside Steinbrenner Field on March 24, 2025, ahead of the Tampa Bay Rays' season opener.
September 23, 2025

MLB owners approve sale of Tampa Bay Rays to Jax group

A group led by Jacksonville developer Patrick Zalupski is expected to close on the Rays purchase this week.…

Featured image for “‘Flesh-eating’ bacterium kills 1 in St. Johns County”
Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, also known as the "flesh-eating" bacteria, is found in warm, brackish seawater and undercooked seafood. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
July 15, 2025

‘Flesh-eating’ bacterium kills 1 in St. Johns County

Statewide, four people have died of the bacterium, which is found in warm, brackish seawater and undercooked seafood.…

Featured image for “Judge rebukes state for threats over TV abortion ads”
October 18, 2024

Judge rebukes state for threats over TV abortion ads

A federal judge ruled the state violated the First Amendment when it threatened TV stations over ads supporting the abortion…

Featured image for “Ascension hospitals are open despite ransomware attack”
Ascension St. Vincent's St. Johns County is part of the nonprofit national chain attacked by ransomware on May 8, 2024. | Ascension Florida
May 14, 2024

Ascension hospitals are open despite ransomware attack

Ascension’s St. Vincent’s hospitals in North Florida are accepting patients as the health system works to restore its computer network.…