Veterans Council plans Alzheimer’s conference addressing dementia among aging veterans

The Board of County Commissioners of Hillsborough County held a regular meeting on June 4, 2025, where several key agenda items were addressed, including special appearances and public comments.

The meeting commenced with a review of the agenda, which included a special appearance by Thomas Mance, president and CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay, who provided an annual report. Following this, Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, presented their activity report for 2025. Santiago Corrado, president of Visit Tampa Bay, also made a special appearance to share their activity report for the year.

After the agenda changes were approved with a unanimous vote of 6 to 0, the meeting transitioned into the public comment portion. The board allocated a 45-minute period for citizens to voice their concerns and opinions, emphasizing the importance of respectful dialogue. Citizens could sign up to speak either in person or virtually, with a deadline for registration set at 9 AM on the day of the meeting.

The first speaker, Ellsworth Williams, addressed the board regarding two significant topics. He highlighted June as PTSD Awareness Month and reflected on a recent event he organized to honor veterans and first responders lost to suicide. Williams expressed gratitude for the support from the commissioners, particularly Commissioner Warsaw, who attended the event. He emphasized the importance of bipartisan support for veterans' issues.

Williams also noted that June is Alzheimer's Awareness Month and announced an upcoming conference on June 14, aimed at addressing dementia among veterans. He pointed out that over 12 percent of veterans in the county are affected by dementia and stressed the need for community resources to assist aging veterans. The conference will feature representatives from various veteran services and is free for all veterans and their families, thanks to a donor's support.

The meeting concluded with a call for community engagement and support for veterans, particularly those facing challenges related to aging and mental health. The board's commitment to addressing these issues was evident throughout the discussions.