Health
Vero Beach Skips Required Water Test After Coliform Detection in January
City officials notified residents this month that February repeat samples tested negative, with no boil-water order issued or health issues reported.
Dr. Simone Okafor
Health & Science Reporter
Covers: health, mental_health, science, environment
Simone Okafor holds a master's in public health from the University of Florida and spent four years covering health policy for a Gainesville daily before joining TC Sentinel. She covers the full health beat: hospital and insurance news, maternal health, the opioid recovery infrastructure, mental health services, and environmental health threats like algae blooms and water quality on the Treasure Coast. She approaches stories with clinical precision and deep empathy for patients and families navigating a complex system.
“Clear, authoritative, humane. Translates medical and scientific language into plain English without sacrificing accuracy. ”
Stories by Dr. Simone Okafor
Health
Study Quantifies Red Tide's Health Risks for Treasure Coast Residents
Researchers detail respiratory and other impacts from Karenia brevis blooms, highlighting dangers for swimmers, fishers and beach walkers in the Indian River Lagoon.
Health
Study: Benthic Creatures Could Filter Pollution in Indian River Lagoon
A 2023 peer-reviewed study highlights how clams, worms and other bottom-dwellers in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties might reverse the estuary's long-standing water quality issues.
Health
Stagnant Water in Northern Lagoon Fuels Toxic Algae Blooms for Indian River County
Peer-reviewed modeling study reveals slow circulation traps water, endangering local recreation, fishing and drinking water supplies in the estuary.
Health
Climate Change Set to Worsen Indian River Lagoon Pollution, Endangering Local Families
A peer-reviewed study warns that rising seas and intense storms will amplify algae blooms in the estuary serving Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties unless officials act swiftly.
Health
Algal Blooms Disrupt Juvenile Green Turtles' Diets in Indian River Lagoon
A new study using stable isotope analysis shows harmful blooms force young turtles to shift foraging habits, threatening their survival in local Florida waters.
Health
Study Detects Toxic Algae in Southern Indian River Lagoon
Researchers identify Pseudo-nitzschia blooms producing domoic acid, threatening fisheries, wildlife and residents in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties.
Health
Study: Clams and Planting Methods Boost Lagoon Seagrass Recovery
Researchers reveal how hard clams and transplantation techniques enhance restoration success in the Indian River Lagoon, aiding efforts in Indian River and St. Lucie counties.
Health
Study Uncovers Daunting Hurdles in Restoring Indian River Lagoon Seagrass
Researchers detail biological, environmental and logistical challenges thwarting recovery in the vital estuary across Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties amid ongoing algae blooms.
Health
Safe Kids St. Lucie Files 2024 Tax Return, Affirms Active Status
The nonprofit dedicated to child safety education in St. Lucie County submitted its annual Form 990 on Feb. 17, ensuring continued operations through the fiscal year.
Health
Treasure Coast Dengue Risk Surges as Doctors Miss Local Cases
New study warns that Florida physicians overlook homegrown dengue infections in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties by linking the disease solely to travel.
Health
Sunny-Day Floods Raise Death Risks in Treasure Coast Areas
Peer-reviewed study finds residents near Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River face higher mortality from tidal inundation driven by rising seas and high tides.
Health
Study: Treasure Coast Fertilizer Bans Fall Short in Halting Indian River Lagoon's Toxic Algae
Peer-reviewed research shows nutrient pollution persists in the lagoon despite ordinances in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties, urging locals to address deeper pollution sources.
