The Path to Pain-Free Healthy Living Begins at Sarasota Neuropathy Center
(941) 347-9434 Diabetes and Neuropathy Treatment in Whitfield, FL
Living with neuropathy and diabetes is a challenge that millions of Americans face every day. Neuropathy - which comes in several forms and manifests in many ways - can affect any person. In the United States, neuropathy and diabetes often go hand-in-hand, with about 50% of people with diabetes suffering from the condition. In fact, the number of people with neuropathy is only increasing as diabetes becomes more common and the population ages.
People who suffer from these conditions must endure painful and disruptive symptoms, such as:
- Intense Bouts of Sharp, Burning Pain
- Numbness, Prickling, or Tingling in the Hands and Feet
- Decreased Muscle Strength and Paralysis
- Trouble with Balance and Coordination
- Unusually High Sensitivity to Touch
- Digestive and Bladder Control Issues
While some patients are at a greater risk of developing certain types of neuropathy, it doesn't discriminate between sex, race, age, or medical history. Fortunately, neuropathy and diabetes awareness are growing. By proxy, so are new and exciting treatment options that show dramatic improvements in both conditions.
If you've been suffering from the symptoms of diabetes or neuropathy and are in search of a truly effective solution, Sarasota Neuropathy Center can help. Unlike some clinics, our commitment is to offer more than temporary relief. As a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Whitfield, FL, we aim to rectify the distinct root causes underlying each patient's symptoms.
But to understand how we're able to accomplish that goal, you've got to first understand the nuances of neuropathy and diabetes.
There are several types of diabetes of which you should be aware:
Other types of diabetes can include:
- Monogenic Diabetes
- Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes
- Secondary Diabetes
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Neuropathy 101
Neuropathy is a medical condition that arises when the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body, fail to function correctly due to damage or disease. These nerves are essential for detecting sensations such as warmth, cold, and pain, as well as regulating muscle movement and carrying out automatic processes like digestion and heartbeat without our conscious involvement.
What Causes Neuropathy?
When patients speak with a nerve pain doctor for the first time, they have a lot of questions, and rightfully so. At Sarasota Neuropathy Center, one of the most frequently asked questions we hear centers around the factors causing neuropathy. If you're reading this article, chances are you have similar questions. While we can't pinpoint what's causing your neuropathy without proper testing, here are a few of the most common factors that can cause neuropathy to manifest:
Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of diabetes in adults - especially when a person has dealt with high blood sugar levels over long periods of time. When diabetes harms your nerves, it can lead to diabetic neuropathy and create a recurring trigger for this type of nerve damage.
Lack of Vitamins
Your nerves require certain vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B12, B6, and vitamin E, to function correctly. Without a balanced diet or supplementation, deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to nerve damage over time.
Autoimmune Disorders
In certain instances, a person's immune system accidentally attacks its own cells, including nerve tissues. When this happens, neuropathy often follows. Diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome come under this category, where the immune system's misguided attack on nerves causes dysfunction and pain.
Genetics
Neuropathy can be inherited in some families, meaning it is passed down from one generation to another. When this occurs, peripheral nerves can be affected by genetic forms of the condition, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Infections in the Body
There are certain viruses and bacteria that have the ability to attack nerve tissues and also cause conditions that can result in nerve damage. Examples of such infections include Lyme disease, HIV, and hepatitis C. These illnesses have the potential to either initiate or worsen existing neuropathy.
Physical Trauma
Physical injuries, whether caused by accidents, repetitive movements, or falls, can lead to nerve damage. Such injuries can result in neuropathy, causing loss of function and painful sensations in the affected region of the body.
What are the Different Types of Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that can affect one nerve, a group of related nerves, or multiple nerves in different parts of the body. The symptoms can vary depending on which type of nerve signals are affected. Keep reading for a closer look at the various types of neuropathies and how they affect you. If one of the categories below sounds familiar, make a mental note to discuss it with your diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Whitfield, FL.
Peripheral Neuropathy:
Nerve Pain in Your Arms and Legs
Of all the different types of neuropathies, this is the kind that you're probably most familiar with, as it's the most common form treated in the U.S.It occurs most often when the nerves responsible for transmitting messages of touch and movement between your brain and your extremities don't function properly.
Symptoms can include:
- Sensations of Pins and Needles
- Numbness
- Soreness
- Cramping
- Shooting Pains
As the condition progresses, muscle weakness can occur, making it difficult to perform precise movements and walk without assistance. Balance problems are also common.
Focal Neuropathy:
Nerve Pain in a Specific Area
Focal neuropathy can sometimes result in damage to a single nerve or a cluster of nerves in a particular region, leading to localized pain or weakness. For instance, carpal tunnel syndrome can affect the wrist, causing numbness or weakness in the hand. Similarly, Bell's palsy can impact the face, resulting in droopiness or stiffness on one side of the face.
Other symptoms can include:
- Muscles Don't Work Correctly
- Sharp Pains
- Localized Pain and Weakness
Autonomic Neuropathy:
Nerve Pain That Controls Automatic Body Functions
This type of neuropathy affects the nerves that control involuntary bodily functions, such as heartbeat, digestion, and bladder control. When these nerves are damaged
You may experience symptoms such as:
- Dizziness When Standing Quickly
- Issues with Sexual Intercourse
- Constipation
- Issues Regulating Body Temperature
Compression Neuropathy:
Nerve Pain from Your Nerves Being Squeezed
This type of neuropathy happens when a nerve is pinched or squeezed. It happens most often when you are injured or have to repeat actions over and over again for work or sports purposes. Some examples include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and sciatica. Symptoms can include:
Symptoms can include:
- Sharp Shooting Pain
- Weakness in the Affected Body Part
- Numbness
Whether you or someone you love are trying to live with neuropathy, you know that it can significantly alter lifestyles, making it difficult to perform day-to-day activities, work, or engage in hobbies. That's why it's so important to understand the underlying causes of your nerve pain, so that you can receive appropriate treatment and improve your quality of life. Taking care of the root problem, as well as managing the pain and other symptoms, is key to helping you stay active and comfortable. That's where working with a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Whitfield, FL, becomes crucial.
Addressing the Root Causes of Your Neuropathy
Sarasota Neuropathy Center is a nerve pain clinic that provides patients with a comprehensive, rewarding journey toward healing. It begins with a thorough evaluation that involves in-depth laboratory tests and analyses. This introductory step helps us identify the specific factors that contribute to your peripheral neuropathy. Our team of neuropathy treatment specialists then creates a personalized treatment plan tailored exclusively to your body and symptoms.
By providing you with a wide range of strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of your condition, you can achieve lasting relief and may even be able to reverse the effects of peripheral neuropathy.
Our advanced therapeutic options include:
Nerve Regeneration Equipment
We use cutting-edge machinery like laser light therapy and electromagnetic impulses to stimulate your nerves, encourage repair, and foster nerve tissue regeneration.
Vaso-Pulse Technology
This FDA-approved treatment sends signals through your feet and around your spine, which helps us highlight and rectify areas where nerve and vascular damage are present.
Antioxidants
By incorporating antioxidants into your treatment plan, we can better mitigate nerve damage and counteract oxidative stress.
Anti-Inflammatory Treatments
Inflammation exacerbates nerve damage and pain. Our neuropathy specialists use anti-inflammatory agents to help alleviate your symptoms
Minerals and Vitamins
Nutritional deficiencies impact nerve health. We supplement those deficiencies with vitamins and minerals to help nerve repair.
Immunomodulators
For neuropathies linked to autoimmune disorders, we employ immunomodulators that help regulate the immune system's activity to prevent it from attacking the body's own nerve tissues.
Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Changing your diet and incorporating exercise into your daily routine are two of the best ways to support nerve health.
Through a personalized, natural, and comprehensive treatment plan from Sarasota Neuropathy Center, reclaiming your life doesn't have to be a dream - it can be a true possibility.
Diabetes 101
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of sugar in the blood. This happens when the body is unable to produce or use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose levels by facilitating its absorption into cells for energy or storage.
There are several types of diabetes of which you should be aware:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is a condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, resulting in little to no insulin production. This condition usually develops in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. Patients who suffer from Type 1 Diabetes have to depend on daily insulin administration to manage their blood sugar levels.
The exact cause of this autoimmune reaction is not fully understood, although it is believed that genetic and environmental factors may contribute to it. Contact your diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Whitfield, FL to learn more about this disease.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is mainly caused by lifestyle factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. In this condition, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or the cells don't use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes can sometimes be managed or reversed with lifestyle changes, although some people may still need medications or insulin therapy.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and typically goes away after giving birth. However, it can give an indication of a woman's future risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The condition is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy that make the body's cells more resistant to insulin. It's important to manage Gestational Diabetes to prevent complications for both mother and baby.
Other types of diabetes can include:
- Monogenic Diabetes
- Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes
- Secondary Diabetes
Genetics
You can have genetic links to both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. These links make you predisposed to the condition.
Lifestyle
Poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity all contribute to insulin resistance, which causes diabetes
Autoimmune
Your immune system mistakenly targets and eliminates insulin-producing beta cells in your pancreas, leading to insufficient insulin production and Type 1 Diabetes.
Insulin Resistance
The most prevalent type of diabetes - Type 2 Diabetes - arises when cells resist insulin's effect, causing a spike in blood sugar levels.
What Are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
Many patients who speak with a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Whitfield, FL assume they have Type 2 Diabetes, but aren't 100% sure. At Sarasota Neuropathy Center, we would need to conduct tests to verify whether you have the disease. With that said, the following symptoms often manifest when you have Type 2 Diabetes.
Neuropathy
Type 2 Diabetes can cause nerve damage, which in turn causes tingling and numbness, especially in your feet and hands.
Tiredness
Chronic fatigue happens when your body can't utilize glucose for energy in the right way.
Excessive Urination and Thirst
When you have high blood sugar, your body's natural response is to eliminate excess fluids. This can cause you to urinate frequently and can also cause you to feel very thirsty.
Slow-Healing Wounds
High blood sugar impairs your body's ability to heal itself and resist infection.
Vision Changes
When your blood sugar spikes, it can cause visual disturbances that can blur your vision.
Unexplained Weight Loss
In uncontrolled Type 1 Diabetes, the body may begin to break down muscle and fat for energy, leading to unexplained weight loss.
If you believe you may have Type 2 Diabetes, it's important to get checked out ASAP. Regular health screenings and glucose monitoring are important for early detection and effective management of Type 2 Diabetes, as symptoms may not be apparent in the initial stages.
The Sarasota Neuropathy Approach to Diabetes Care
As a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Whitfield, FL, we are committed to offering a groundbreaking approach for Type 2 Diabetes, which focuses on reversing the condition by addressing the root causes rather than just managing the symptoms. Our innovative strategy goes beyond conventional treatment paradigms and delves into the underlying factors that contribute to Type 2 Diabetes.
We use a holistic methodology that includes comprehensive lifestyle interventions, nutritional counseling, and personalized medical oversight. This approach has consistently demonstrated remarkable efficacy in significantly reducing blood glucose levels among our patients.
Key highlights of our diabetes treatment include:
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The Path to Relief Starts with a Diabetic and Neuropathy Treatment Specialist in Whitfield, FL
At Sarasota Diabetes & Neuropathy Center, our mission is to empower you to overcome neuropathy, Type 2 Diabetes, or both by embarking on a transformative journey to wellness. By integrating advanced medical care with comprehensive lifestyle interventions, we help you achieve better health outcomes and a renewed sense of hope and control over your journey to a healthy life.
Latest News in Whitfield, FL
Developer seeks to expand Whitfield Preserve, a Bradenton-area affordable housing project
James A. Jones Jr.https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/article270549427.html
The developer of Whitfield Preserve apartments, who in 2019 won county approval to build 64 units of affordable housing in southern Manatee County, is seeking to expand the project.Whitfield Estates LLC wants to build 192 one- and two-bedroom units on 10 acres in the 7200 block of 12th Street East, according to paperwork filed with Manatee County Development Services.It would be a 100% affordable multi-family development, Ro...
The developer of Whitfield Preserve apartments, who in 2019 won county approval to build 64 units of affordable housing in southern Manatee County, is seeking to expand the project.
Whitfield Estates LLC wants to build 192 one- and two-bedroom units on 10 acres in the 7200 block of 12th Street East, according to paperwork filed with Manatee County Development Services.
It would be a 100% affordable multi-family development, Rowena Elliott said in an email. Elliott is the affordable housing development coordinator for Manatee County Development Services.
The units would be 750 square-feet, one- and-two-bedroom apartments, based on the county’s one-half dwelling unit standard.
The proposed rents would range from $950 to $1,200 per unit, depending on income.
The owner of the property is Whitfield Estates LLC of Bayport, N.Y. The company lists its principal business office in Fort Myers, according to paperwork filed with the Florida Division of Corporation’s Sunbiz web site.
The developer bought the tract for $1.1 million in 2021, according to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s web site.
The planned affordable housing development is bordered on the south by commercial offices and on the west by a residential neighborhood and Whitfield Park. Abel Elementary School is located nearby to the east.
Public hearings are tentatively set for Feb. 9 with the Manatee County Planning Commission and for Feb. 16 with the Manatee County Commission.
A shortage of affordable housing in Manatee County has been described as a crisis situation. Rents and housing prices have soared, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s bad news for the workforce of essential workers such as teachers, nurses and law enforcement officers who can’t afford to live in the community they serve.
Manatee County’s economy is heavily focused on tourism and the service sector and requires workers to keep those industries functioning.
In general, an income eligible household is said to be living in affordable housing when it spends no more than 30% of its income on either rent or mortgage payments, according to the Florida Housing Coalition.
Manatee County saw several new workforce or affordable housing projects started or announced in 2022.
The largest, planned for 4505 12th Street Court E., would have a total of 572 units of multi-family affordable housing, including 324 units of family housing, called 301 Flats, and 248 units of senior housing called The Savoy at 301.
In that project, the highest rent that could be charged would be about $1,800 for a three-bedroom and $1,200 for a studio, but the actual rent would be determined by the tenant’s income, according to a land-use restriction agreement between Manatee County government and the developer.
▪ Sandpiper Place apartments, 4605 26th St. W., Bradenton, opened early in the year with all 92 units rented, and a waiting list of more than 800.
▪ Hope Village, at 1825 30th Ave. W.. was announced by Help to Home, a local nonprofit organization and homeless resource group. Planned are at least 53 apartment units on 4.8 acres. Each unit would be about 600 square feet and serve as temporary housing. The community would provide a variety of services, including programs that teach financial literacy and other counseling resources.
▪ Housing Trust Group plans to build a five-story, 120-unit complex for seniors on the northwest corner of Ninth St. W. and 23rd Ave. W. in Bradenton.
▪ Construction is underway on a 12-story apartment building designed to bring workforce housing to downtown Bradenton. The Nine20 Manatee apartments, 920 Manatee Ave. W., would have 137 units, with rents ranging from about $1,300 for a one-bedroom unit to $1,600 for a two-bedroom.
Teacher accused of having sex with student, lying on job application
Mike Springerhttps://www.wftv.com/news/local/flagler-county/flagler-county-teacher-accused-having-sex-with-student-lying-job-application/DQZAQUJDFNH65GZDOQI5FEQW7M/
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A Flagler County high school teacher resigned after he was accused of having sex with an 18-year-old student and paying her $5,500 through mobile apps.Timothy Whitfield is also accused of lying on his application to get his teaching job at Flagler Palm Coast High School less than a year ago.The district said Whitfield hid the fact he had been investigated twice while working as a contractor through the state’s Department of Juvenile Justice. Records show he was investigated once for violating ...
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A Flagler County high school teacher resigned after he was accused of having sex with an 18-year-old student and paying her $5,500 through mobile apps.
Timothy Whitfield is also accused of lying on his application to get his teaching job at Flagler Palm Coast High School less than a year ago.
The district said Whitfield hid the fact he had been investigated twice while working as a contractor through the state’s Department of Juvenile Justice. Records show he was investigated once for violating policy and a second time for making inappropriate comments.
A child in the second case claimed that Whitfield told him he would be raped and used a homophobic slur.
Following that, Whitfield was terminated.
But when he applied with the school district, Whitfield put down that he had never been investigated for misconduct by a former employer.
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The district said in a statement that Whitfield passed the Florida Department of Law Enforcement background check and there were no red flags in his hiring.
The district said it does not usually request personnel files from previous employers, and human resources did conduct reference checks on Whitfield.
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Whitfield did not respond to an email for comment.
Osceola teacher removed from class pending investigation into boys made to clean ‘untidy’ restroom A Celebration K-8 teacher has been removed from the classroom pending an investigation into allegations they made a group of boys clean a messy restroom. (Angela Jacobs, WFTV.com/WFTV)
(Angela Jacobs, WFTV.com/WFTV)
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Throwback Thursday: Holy Kermit! Whitfield's Speed Propels FSU To National Title
Todd Grasleyhttps://fl.milesplit.com/articles/142464/throwback-thursday-holy-kermit-whitfields-speed-propels-fsu-to-national-title
As FSU prepares for their Rose Bowl game against Oregon, we flashback to last year at this time when the Noles were in the National Championship game against Auburn. With the Seminoles trailing 24-20, one of the the best sprinters to come through Florida, Levonte "Kermit Whitfield" took the kick off 100 yards to give his team the lead and the inside track to the national title.I remember thinking to myself, if he gets the ball in his hands he can break the big one and he did just that! A ...
As FSU prepares for their Rose Bowl game against Oregon, we flashback to last year at this time when the Noles were in the National Championship game against Auburn. With the Seminoles trailing 24-20, one of the the best sprinters to come through Florida, Levonte "Kermit Whitfield" took the kick off 100 yards to give his team the lead and the inside track to the national title.
I remember thinking to myself, if he gets the ball in his hands he can break the big one and he did just that! A recent article, brought light to the below average season Whitfield is having in 2014, but big time athletes make big time plays when it matters the most and with a ticket to the National Championship game on the line, their is no bigger time than tonight!
Those closest give their feedback on the play:
Former FSU football player/Adidas runner/cousin Marvin Bracy: "Right before they kicked it off I said "Kerm need to run this back man." I think we both saw the same alley at the same time and he hauled butt! I ran around the house about three times! Words can't express how happy I am for that boy. He's been through a lot and for him to rise in the particular moment is even more reassurance that he's gonna be hell on the field for teams next year."
Former FSU football/track athlete/personal coach Ricky Argro: "INK (Argro's running club which stands for Imagine Not Knowing) does what it does. I called it right before it happened. I told my fiancé if they kick it to him he's gonna score I can see it in his eyes."
In 2013, Whitfield ran a blazing 100 meter time of 10.15 (2.4 mph wind) at the Bob Hayes Invitational (pictured above). He followed that up with a US#1 10.28 at the Florida Relays (video below). Injury slowed down his senior year and kept him from defending his state title in the 100 meters at the 2A state championship. Whitfield was nearly back to normal when he headed to New York City to defend his title belt at the Adidas Grand Prix.
Levonte Video Wall:
One of my favorites. Former Seminole Marvin Bracy who signed with Adidas interviews his cousing Whitfield at the 2A State Championship in 2012. Whitfield went onto win the 100,200 and was a part of the runner-up 4x100 meter relay.
See what the top track and field athletes had to say about Kermit's standout play which earned him top honors on Sportcenter's Top Ten.
Florida State’s Levonte Whitfield has speed to spare
Mike Hisermanhttps://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2014-jan-06-la-sp-0107-bcs-notes-20140107-story.html
If Levonte “Kermit” Whitfield looked fast as he sprinted 100 yards for a Florida State touchdown on a fourth-quarter kickoff return Monday, there’s a good reason.He’s really just that fast.According to the game clock, Whitfield, a freshman, covered the distance in 11 seconds — a little slower than what he ran for 100 meters to win the Florida state high school sprint championship last spring during track.Whitfield also won a state title at 200 meters.Now he’s a football c...
If Levonte “Kermit” Whitfield looked fast as he sprinted 100 yards for a Florida State touchdown on a fourth-quarter kickoff return Monday, there’s a good reason.
He’s really just that fast.
According to the game clock, Whitfield, a freshman, covered the distance in 11 seconds — a little slower than what he ran for 100 meters to win the Florida state high school sprint championship last spring during track.
Whitfield also won a state title at 200 meters.
Now he’s a football champion too, as his return helped the top-ranked Seminoles defeat Auburn, 34-31, in the Bowl Championship Series title game before 94,208 at the Rose Bowl.
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SUMMARY: Florida State 34, Auburn 31
Whitfield entered the game averaging 30.8 yards in 13 returns this season.
Against Auburn, he caught the ball at the goal line, broke straight up the field, headed to the left sideline at about the 20, and scored untouched.
The touchdown put Florida State up, 27-24 with 4 minutes 31 seconds to play.
Golden indeed
Executive Director Bill Hancock described the 16 years of the BCS as “a golden era for college football” at a Football Writers Assn. of America awards breakfast in Newport Beach.
“I’m proud of our track record and I’m proud of BCS,” Hancock said. “It matched No. 1 and 2, enhanced the regular reason, it improved the bowl system and it introduced new schools to top-tier bowl games.”
Air of contention
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Before the game, a plane flew around the Rose Bowl delivering a message from the All Players United campaign.
It read, “All Players United for Concussion Reform. Wake Up NCAA!”
The group wants the NCAA to take steps to better protect college players.
Sign of old times
The students of Caltech tried to get in the title game action by erecting a sign in the hills north and west of the Rose Bowl that read “PASADENA” in large white letters before the game — a la the famous Hollywood sign.
At halftime, those letters changed to a bright red CALTECH.
Former Dodger makes a catch
Melvin Ray, a former outfielder in the Dodgers farm system, was on the receiving end of Auburn’s longest pass play of the night — a 50-yard touchdown reception early in the second quarter.
Ray had four catches for 58 yards for the season coming into the game.
Ray signed with the Dodgers as a 33rd-round draft choice out of a Tallahassee, Fla. high school in 2008, but he never rose above the rookie-league level.
Ray left baseball after the 2010 season with a career average of .184 with two home runs in 196 at-bats.
Secret weapon
Had Auburn been able to hold off Florida State, punter Steven Clark might have been an unsung hero.
Clark punted six times for a 43.2-yard average, but more importantly he pinned Florida State inside its own 10 three times.
Twice his punts landed inside the one-yard line.
Twitter: @MikeHiserman
Staff writer Chris Dufresne contributed to this report.
'A major impact': Whitfield County opens newest fire station
Charles Oliverhttps://www.dailycitizen.news/news/ga_fl_news/a-major-impact-whitfield-county-opens-newest-fire-station/article_202a864c-a88c-11e8-be4a-bfccfb8b3b06.html
COHUTTA, Ga. — Cohutta Mayor Ron Shinnick calls Whitfield County Fire Station 11 a "symbol of service.""It's a symbol of helping others," said Shinnick.The fire station opened Friday morning, and more than 100 local officials, firefighters and residents of Cohutta gathered for an open house.The 7,200-square-foot station, built with about $1.5 million from the 2015 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), is on the southwest side of Cohutta at 5268 Cohutta Varnell Road on land donated by ...
COHUTTA, Ga. — Cohutta Mayor Ron Shinnick calls Whitfield County Fire Station 11 a "symbol of service."
"It's a symbol of helping others," said Shinnick.
The fire station opened Friday morning, and more than 100 local officials, firefighters and residents of Cohutta gathered for an open house.
The 7,200-square-foot station, built with about $1.5 million from the 2015 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), is on the southwest side of Cohutta at 5268 Cohutta Varnell Road on land donated by the town to the county.
"It's going to have a major impact, not only on Cohutta but the surrounding area. They'll not only be answering fire calls but emergency medical calls. They'll have two people on duty 24 hours a day," Shinnick said. "We had a volunteer fire department, and they did a great job for many years. But it was hard to have people 24 hours a day. People's schedules and lifestyles have changed, and the Town Council wanted to make sure our citizens had the services they need."
The town's volunteer fire department closed down in January, after more than 50 years of service.
The new station will cover Cohutta and the northern part of Whitfield County.
"I live about half a mile up the road. I'm not in the city limits, but I'm close by," said Parker Williams. "This is something we really need. The volunteer fire department did a fine job for many years, but times change."
Donna Mann said she lives just outside the town limits but wanted to see the station.
"I'm not an expert, but it really looks like it is the state of the art," she said.
The station has bays for three trucks, along with living quarters for up to six firefighters, bathrooms, offices and a room for turnout gear.
Whitfield County Fire Chief Ed O'Brien noted that the county's 10 other fire stations were built in 1977 and are still in use.
"This station will be here long after I'm gone and after most of the people here today are gone," he said. "We wanted to build it to serve the needs of residents today and in the future."
O'Brien said the station will provide coverage for parts of the far north of the county, bringing the ISO (Insurance Services Office) rating to three from 10. ISO ratings help determine a homeowner's insurance rates, the lower the better.
Varnell Mayor Tom Dickson said the northwest part of that city is closer to the new station than to any other county fire station, so it should help improve fire protection there.
"I am so proud of this new station," said Whitfield County Board of Commissioners Chairman Lynn Laughter. "We'll be building a station just like this in the south end of the county. We already have the property."
Earlier this year, the Dalton Building Authority agreed to issue up to $4 million in bonds to build that fire station on South Riverbend Road in the southeast part of the county. The bonds will be repaid from taxes collected in the special tax district for the fire department, which is everything outside of the city limits of Dalton. Commissioners are talking about asking voters for a new SPLOST in March 2019 and have said they may shift the financing of those bonds to that SPLOST if it is approved.
"Anytime you can build something like this and do it with SPLOST money it's a win for the citizens," said Commissioner Roger Crossen of the new station. "We are very proud of it."
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