By Steve Lee

The battle wages on in a global war against the coronavirus with health care workers on the front lines. In Wesley Chapel, among other locales near and far, doctors and nurses know just how much they are appreciated.

Near the entrance of the emergency room at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is a symbolic tribute to the medical care professionals who risk their own lives to help others. Planted in a grassy area in large plastic letters are the words: HEROES WORK HERE. The signage is adorned by colorful balloons and American flags.

Another slogan of support taped to a hospital window in brightly-colored letters read: TOGETHER WE RISE. Additionally, Publix of Wesley Chapel stopped by the AdventHealth Wesley Chapel to deliver food to the emergency room team.

“We are more than grateful for the outpouring of support from our community,” said Ashley Jeffery, communications manager for AdventHealth. “We are in this together.”

Further east, at Advent Health facilities in Dade City and Zephyrhills, cars showed up at night last week to flash their lights and honk horns in a show of support for health care workers caring for those communities.

In both of those lines was a truck driven by Troy Stevenson, whose Acme on the Go company advertises for numerous businesses. Also taking part in the drive-throughs was Paula O’Neill, the county’s former clerk and comptroller.

“They’re on the front line,” said O’Neill, who has two nurses as neighbors. “For their bravery and their compassion for what they do, I just want them to know we’re praying for their safety.” Other Hospitals scheduled to receive the love are the Medical Center of Trinity in New Port Richey, AdventHealth Dade City, Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and AdventHealth Zephyrhills.