L to R_ Lourdes León-Vega, Silvia León Maury, Albert Maury, Benjamín León, Jr., Benjamín León III, and Lisa León

Milestone event featured a 500-drone light show and performance by Willy Chirino 

 August 5, 2026 — Leon Medical Centers (LMC) marked 30 years of providing medical excellence and personal attention in South Florida tonight with an extraordinary celebration at the historic Freedom Tower. A spectacular 500-drone light show transformed the Downtown Miami skyline into a patriotic visual tribute featuring the Cuban and American flags, tracing LMC’s history  from its founding, through its state-of-the-art expansion, to a roaring lion symbolizing the Leon name. The display culminated in a fireworks-style finale, created entirely by drones and synchronized to music.

Fittingly, the Freedom Tower, long regarded as a symbol of the Cuban exile experience that helped shape the Leon family’s journey, was selected as the site for this special occasion.

The evening’s most emotional moment came when the Chirino Sisters, daughters of Cuban music legend and Grammy Award-winner Willy Chirino, who performed at the affair, invited their father to join them onstage, where he sang “Ya Viene Llegando,” a song that has become an emblematic anthem of hope and freedom for generations of Cuban exiles.

Leon Medical Centers Chairman Benjamin Leon III and President and CEO Albert Maury hosted the memorable gathering, which brought together LMC administrators, doctors, and staff members, as well as many of South Florida’s most prominent civic, business, and community leaders.

“Tonight wasn’t just a celebration of 30 years, it was a celebration of the community that made those 30 years possible,” said Benjamin Leon III. “Every patient we’ve cared for, every family we’ve welcomed, is part of the Leon story, and that’s what this event is about. I’m honored to help carry the work that my father started three decades ago forward.”

“Growing from a single medical center to eight super centers serving more than 40,000 patients is a testament to the trust our patients and their families have placed in us,” said Albert Maury. “Tonight we wanted to celebrate not just our achievement but the community and roots that got us here. It’s our way of saying thanks, and of recommitting ourselves to the medical excellence and personal attention our patients deserve.”

Throughout the evening, guests also enjoyed viewing custom retrospective exhibits capturing key moments in Leon Medical Centers’ history and growth over the decades.

The Freedom Tower event served as the pinnacle of a week of festivities marking the anniversary milestone. Earlier in the week, local seniors and members of the community were treated to morning cafecito at Sergio’s Restaurant locations across Miami-Dade County, while each LMC center hosted special celebrations featuring custom-designed photo booths that honored the patients and surrounding neighborhoods that have grown alongside Leon Medical Centers since 1996.

About Leon Medical Centers:

Since its founding by Benjamin Leon, Jr. in 1996, Leon Medical Centers has grown to become one of the nation’s leading comprehensive healthcare service providers, serving nearly 40,000 Medicare patients at eight centers throughout Miami-Dade County, including Miami, East Hialeah, West Hialeah, Bird Road, Flagler, Kendall, Westchester and Homestead. In 2022, Leon Health, a Medicare Advantage HMO plan led by the Leon family, was launched to better serve the unique needs of Leon patients with enhanced benefits and offering the medical excellence and personal attention they are accustomed to receiving at Leon Medical Centers. For more information visit LeonMedicalCenters.com or follow Leon on Facebook, Instagram and X.



August 6, 2026 – Broward Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristina Fueyo, as vice president of growth and physician strategies. In her new role, she will lead strategic referral growth, physician engagement, medical staff development and physician recruitment efforts. Fueyo will also help drive the continued expansion of clinical services while improving patient access to high-quality care throughout Broward County.

Fueyo brings more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience in physician network development, strategic growth, service line expansion and physician relations. She has a proven track record of building high-performing physician networks, launching new clinical programs and developing strategies that improve care coordination and connecting patients more efficiently with the healthcare services they need.

Most recently, Fueyo served as assistant vice president of growth strategy and network optimization for HCA East Florida where she led initiatives to strengthen physician alignment, improve patient access and support service line growth across a multi-hospital system.

“Kristina is skilled at building and expanding physician networks, launching new clinical programs and developing strategies that connect patients more efficiently with the care they need,” said Dane Ficco, CEO of The Broward Health Physician Group. “Her experience, particularly in a multi-hospital system, insight and strategic leadership will be an asset to our team as we continue to increase access to exceptional care for the communities we serve.”

Fueyo earned a master’s degree in healthcare administration and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in artificial intelligence and technology to further strengthen her ability to better shape innovative healthcare strategies for the future.

 About Broward Health                                                                                                          

Broward Health, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ranks among the 10 largest public healthcare systems in the United States. Nationally recognized for its focus on high-quality care for the residents of Broward County and beyond, Broward Health boasts four hospitals, two trauma centers, was the county’s first statutory teaching hospital and has an ever-growing graduate medical education program. It includes more than 50 health centers and physician practices covering virtually every healthcare specialty.

 

Broward Health never stops working toward its mission of Exceptional Care, Extraordinary Compassion and Everyday Excellence. Driven by more than 11,000 talented employees and physicians who deliver care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, Broward Health is one of the largest employers in Broward County with an operating budget of over $2 billion and annually provides over $554 million in charity and uncompensated care.

 

For more information about Broward Health, visit BrowardHealth.org.



August 6, 2026 – HCA Florida Highlands Hospital is pleased to welcome Nicholas Herold, DO, a general surgeon, to HCA Florida Highlands Medical Specialists – General Surgery in Sebring.

Dr. Herold treats a range of conditions related to general surgery, including hernias, gallbladder conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, anorectal conditions, skin and soft tissue concerns, breast conditions and select cancer-related surgical needs. He has extensive training in broad-spectrum general surgery, acute care and trauma surgery, minimally invasive techniques, upper and lower endoscopy, breast surgery and complex abdominal procedures.

“Dr. Herold’s surgical background and patient-centered approach to care make him a strong addition to our care team,” said Henry Capote, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Highlands Hospital. “We are proud to welcome him as we continue to expand access to high-quality surgical care close to home.”

Dr. Herold earned his medical degree from Midwestern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, Arizona. He completed his general surgery residency with the University of Central Florida/HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education program in Kissimmee, Florida.

Dr. Herold is focused on treating every patient with respect, honesty and compassion. He believes surgical care should be evidence-based and tailored to each person’s needs, with clear communication that helps patients and their families understand their diagnosis, treatment options and what to expect before and after surgery.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Herold, call 863-314-0656. His office is located at 2369 US HWY 27 S, Sebring, FL 33870.

 

About HCA Florida Highlands Hospital
HCA Florida Highlands Hospital is a 126-bed acute care facility accredited by The Joint Commission. Key services include orthopedic and spine care, urology, cardiac catheterization, and minimally-invasive surgery. Additionally, the facility is also home to a dedicated senior emergency room. Proudly serving the Sebring community since 1965, HCA Florida Highlands Hospital aims to provide high-quality, exceptional patient care.

About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is one of Florida’s leading healthcare networks. Its 11,200 physicians and 80,000 colleagues work together to deliver evidence-based, collaborative care through nearly 12.8 million patient encounters annually. With more than 670 connected care sites—including hospitals, physician practices, urgent care centers and freestanding emergency rooms—across the state, HCA Florida Healthcare helps expand access to the specialized care patients need. HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals are annually recognized for excellence in patient experience and clinical outcomes, including three facilities ranked in the top 2% nationally for overall clinical excellence. A leader in healthcare education, HCA Florida Healthcare supports the next generation of healthcare workers through its 153 graduate medical education programs across 29 hospitals. In 2025, the network provided more than $1.1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.5 million to community organizations across the state. Visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.



One Enchanted Evening guests and sponsors on the Sanlorenzo yacht

AUGUST 5, 2026 – Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center (CDTC), an affiliate of Broward Health, recently hosted One Enchanted Evening, a heartfelt celebration honoring 10 extraordinary mothers of children with special healthcare needs served by CDTC. This was a rare opportunity for these dedicated caregivers to be celebrated, pampered and to simply enjoy an evening devoted entirely to them.

“Every day, we see the incredible strength, resilience and love these moms have,” said Melissa Bottge White, executive director of CDTC. “These remarkable women consistently place the needs of their special needs children and families before their own. One Enchanted Evening is our way of reminding them that they, too, deserve to feel cared for, appreciated and supported.”

Prior to this special evening, each mother was hand delivered a new purse, gift cards to shop for a special outfit, enjoyed complimentary nail services and received accessories donated by generous community partners.

The evening began at CDTC, where the moms were chauffeured to Pier Sixty-Six and boarded a private Sanlorenzo yacht for a sunset cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway. They then enjoyed an intimate, interactive dining experience at Sotogrande at Pier Sixty-Six, featuring a specially curated menu by Chef Michael Toker.

The unforgettable evening was made possible thanks to the generosity of Pier Sixty-Six, local businesses and donors who contributed services, gift cards and financial support.

Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center provides comprehensive, family centered medical, developmental and therapeutic services that help children and adolescents with chronic illnesses and disabilities achieve their fullest potential while supporting the families who care for them.

About Broward Health

Broward Health, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ranks among the 10 largest public healthcare systems in the United States. Nationally recognized for its focus on high-quality care for the residents of Broward County and beyond, Broward Health boasts four hospitals, two trauma centers, was the county’s first statutory teaching hospital and has an ever-growing graduate medical education program. It includes more than 50 health centers and physician practices covering virtually every healthcare specialty.

 

Broward Health never stops working toward its mission of Exceptional Care, Extraordinary Compassion and Everyday Excellence. Driven by more than 11,000 talented employees and physicians who deliver care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, Broward Health is one of the largest employers in Broward County with an operating budget of over $2 billion and annually provides over $554 million in charity and uncompensated care.

 

For more information about Broward Health, visit BrowardHealth.org.



CPE’s team consists of licensed clinical social workers, licensed mental health counselors, master clinicians, case managers, and peer support specialists

Aug. 5, 2026 – Crisis Prevention & Empowerment (CPE), a nonprofit dedicated to providing free and affordable mental health support throughout Southwest Florida, has received a $2,500 grant from the Zonta Foundation of Southwest Florida, the philanthropic arm of the Zonta Club of Fort Myers.

The awarded funds will strengthen CPE’s crisis intervention, wrap-around behavioral health case management, peer support, health education and referral services. With the support of CPE’s services, individuals are empowered to transition from immediate crisis and limited access to care toward longer-term stability and connection.

The Zonta Club of Fort Myers is a leading women’s service organization in Southwest Florida that prioritizes empowering women and supporting their advancement through education, advocacy and community involvement. Each year, the Zonta Club distributes grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Lee County through its Foundation, primarily to organizations that serve women and girls through education, economic self-sufficiency, safety and health.

“We’re grateful for the Zonta’s Club generous donation to further CPE’s mission to provide accessible care and empower long-term mental wellness in our area,” said Heather Cross, CEO of Crisis Prevention & Empowerment. “With this donation, we can continue to help women, girls and their families navigate behavioral health resources, maintain stability and reduce the risk of recurring crisis.”

CPE offers outpatient counseling, round-the-clock crisis intervention and wrap-around services across Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry and Glades counties with no limitations on age, background or income. CPE collaborates with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice to provide mental health and substance abuse support for adolescents and teens in Southwest Florida.

To learn more about CPE, visit CPECares.org or call 239-689-8490.

About Crisis Prevention & Empowerment (CPE)
Founded in 2014 as the Center for Progress and Excellence in Fort Myers, Crisis Prevention & Empowerment fills a pressing gap in crisis mental health care across Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry and Glades counties. CPE aims to provide short-term social services to individuals in Southwest Florida and to facilitate the establishment of long-term social and behavioral health services that meet the needs of those communities. CPE offers immediate, 24/7 crisis care, mental health counseling and support for youth in the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice system. To learn more about CPE, visit CPECares.org or call 239-689-8490.