Abstract Background: Clinical trials (CTs) are essential for advancing breast cancer (BC) treatment, yet participation remains low, especially among underrepresented groups due to barriers such as mistrust, limited awareness, and perceived burdens. Community-based educational interventions have proven effective in overcoming these barriers. This study retrospectively evaluated changes in group-level knowledge and willingness to participate in CTs before and after a series of community presentations conducted in diverse South Florida communities. Methods: Adults aged 18 or older residing in Palm Beach (PB), Broward (B), or Miami-Dade (MD) counties attended one of three community-based educational presentations on CTs. Presentations were conducted in English (E) in PB and B, and in Spanish (S) in MD and included patient testimonials. Educational sessions were promoted through grassroots community outreach efforts and were funded by the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Anonymous pre- and post-surveys were distributed to assess self-reported understanding of CTs and willingness to participate. Surveys were unlinked and not coded to track individual responses over time, therefore only group level comparisons were possible. One identical question assessing willingness to participate in a clinical trial was included in both pre- and post- surveys at all 3 events. The MD (Spanish-language) event included a second repeat question. Although data collection was originally intended for educational purposes, de-identified responses were retrospectively analyzed after obtaining IRB exemption for secondary use. Chi-square tests were used to compare pre- and post- event responses and to assess differences between E and S-language events. Results: A total of 115 individuals participated across the three CT educational events: 29 in PB, 42 in B, and 44 in MD. Overall, 84% of participants reported understanding the importance of CTs prior to the event, which increased to 100% post-event (p<0.05). Following the sessions, 77% indicated an increased willingness to participate in a CT and 96% reported improved understanding of the types and significance of CT. Among those who were initially hesitant to participate, the most frequently cited concern (33%) was fear of side effects or doubts about treatment efficacy. Additionally, 25% of respondents reported they had never been offered the opportunity to participate in a CT, despite expressing interest. In the S-language MD event, willingness to participate increased from 45% pre-event to 74% post-event; however, this change was not statistically significant (p=0.23). Minimal differences were observed between E and S-language events in terms of overall attitudes and response patterns. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that community-based education can enhance group-level awareness and interest in CTs. The use of patient testimonials and culturally tailored outreach likely contributed to the observed improvements in understanding and willingness to participate. However, the unlinked survey design, small sample size, retrospective analysis, and limited number of repeat questions restrict interpretation of individual-level change and consistency across groups. The gap between interest and opportunity highlights the need for more inclusive recruitment strategies. Future efforts should focus on sustained education, proactive outreach, and trust-building to address misconceptions and improve access. Targeting these efforts at the point of recruitment may help increase CT diversity and participation. Citation Format: A. Sandoval-Leon, L. Dumeny, L. Carcas, C. Thiry, Y. Chamorro, M. Roy, M. Rubens, N. Dempsey, R. Mahtani. Improving Clinical Trial Awareness Through Community Education: A Retrospective Survey of Diverse South Florida Participants [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS5-12-03.

Abstract Background Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) are a significant burden to patients, providers, and hospitals, but they may be prevented by properly applying diagnostic stewardship measures to reduce the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), C difficile infection (CDI), and central line-associated blood infection (CLABSI).Results depicting the number of HAI broken down to CAUTI, CLABSI and CDI since the implementation of diagnostic stewardship initiativesBroad spectrum antibiotic use from 2020-2025, comparing <3 days of therapy and >7 days of therapy Methods We describe diagnostic stewardship initiatives at a 404-bed tertiary care Central Florida community hospital to optimize CLABSI, CAUTI, and CDI testing. This initiative is based on 3 overlapping initiatives. The 1st is an electronic medical record alert, which notifies nursing leaders that a test has been ordered that could lead to HAI attribution if positive. The 2nd is using a Diagnostic Checklist (DC) to determine the appropriateness of ordering based on pre-test probability. The CDI DC was implemented in 2020, and the urine and blood DC in 2022. The 3rd intervention involves conversations with ordering providers on whether the test will meaningfully impact treatment. They are asked to consider treatment alternatives that may not involve diagnostic testing if the culture may be responsibly obtained from another anatomic site, if a viable empiric treatment strategy exists, or if the patient is end-of-life and unlikely to benefit from culturing.Stool and Urine ChecklistsDiagnostic checklists implemented for urine cultures and C. Diff stool tests to guide ordering providersBlood Culture Diagnostic ChecklistDiagnostic checklist implemented for blood cultures to guide ordering providers Results Since implementation, CDI rate decreased by 66%, and the CLABSI and CAUTI rates declined by 100% and 69% after one year and sustained into 1st quarter of 2025. Providers’ perspective has changed, and they now pause before ordering cultures without needing a DC Checklist. Despite an increase in broad-spectrum antibiotic use of < 3 days, broad-spectrum antibiotic use >7 days has decreased. The key to this initiative's success is the leadership of a Diagnostic Stewardship Workgroup, composed of GME and Medical Staff Leaders and Infectious Disease Physicians. These leaders were key in leading discussions with ordering providers to overcome testing bias inherent to previous generations of learners and providers. Conclusion This program is unique for its multidisciplinary collaboration to implement diagnostic stewardship initiatives based on testing alerts, clear criteria, and physician leadership to promote appropriate blood, stool, or urine testing. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

ABSTRACT The United States is a diverse nation, and Americans have diverse information needs. Contemporary information ecosystems often fail to meet these needs, contributing to the ongoing erosion of institutional and societal trust. Disinformation efforts take advantage of these dynamics. This article presents insights from a partnership between the intercultural communications organization We Are Más and Brown University's Information Futures Lab. The work explores how historically underserved populations navigate chaotic information spaces, including what information gaps exist and how misleading content resonates. Anchored in community-centered frameworks, the article documents a pilot initiative that supported trusted messengers in Spanish-speaking diaspora communities in Florida in co-creating and sharing quality content. Observations include that members of underserved communities often face significant barriers to accessing relevant, resonant information. The authors offer key recommendations, highlighting the importance of social relationships, culturally competent storytelling, and community ownership in efforts to rebuild trust and strengthen local information infrastructures.

Abstract Providing transportation in rural and small communities presents unique challenges -- resources diminish as distances and costs increase, while efficiency declines. This research demonstrates ITNCountry on the Salesforce platform in small communities in California, Maine, Kentucky, Florida, and New York to address these challenges. The demonstration occurred in two phases. Phase One: (1) rebuild ITNRides software on Salesforce; (2) develop marketing strategies; and (3) collaborate with ITN affiliates to establish ITNCountry in small and rural communities. Phase Two: (1) transition demonstration communities to ITNRides2.0; (2) train communities in ride services and coordination; (3) utilize the Online Learning Center for training; and (4) market and implement innovative payment programs. Data were collected over 12 months, with an additional 8 months as service continued. Methods included community profiles, stakeholder interviews, and pre- and post-surveys of stakeholders, riders, and volunteer drivers. Rides increased steadily, and rider and volunteer surveys showed high satisfaction. Over 60% of rides were for healthcare, 44% of riders used a mobility aid and 29% required door-through-door assistance. No membership was required, but survey results indicated that riders valued membership for its sense of belonging, community and security. ITNCountry volunteer transportation in rural and small communities shows promise in meeting the mobility needs of older adults and people with mobility challenges.

Abstract This community-engaged research focuses on the information gathering phase for culturally adapting the Physio-feedback Exercise Program (PEER) for middle-aged and older Spanish-speaking adults in rural Central Florida communities. PEER is a technology-based intervention combining real-time balance feedback using the BTrackS Balance System, cognitive reframing through a fall risk appraisal matrix, and peer-led balance and strength training exercises. While PEER has demonstrated effectiveness in urban community-dwelling older populations, rural communities face distinct barriers including limited technology access, different cultural contexts, and unique health challenges related to falls and frailty. Using the Heuristic Framework and Ecological Validity Model, this study presents the first phase of a four-step cultural adaptation process: information gathering. Through participatory methods involving community partners, we collected comprehensive data about rural Spanish-speaking middle-aged and older adults (N = 30) to inform subsequent PEER adaptation. We evaluated community needs for fall prevention and conducted a rapid analysis. Findings revealed that most participants were female (n = 22) and had a lower than high school education (n = 24). Some indicated that they had never heard of fall prevention programs or did not understand their purpose. None were aware of such programs in their communities. Many expressed interest in participating in fall prevention programming. They emphasized the importance of providing these programs in Spanish, ensuring scheduling flexibility (including evenings and weekends), and offering free programming. This gathering of information focuses on adapting evidence-based interventions for underserved rural populations. These findings will directly inform the cultural adaptation of PEER for middle-aged and older Hispanic adults in rural communities.

BackgroundStudies have demonstrated that detrimental neighborhood environments (e.g., low greenspace access) are associated with poorer brain health outcomes including Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) risk. However, these studies generally have focused on urban populations. Few studies have focused on rural populations and thus, evidence is limited on whether neighborhood built environments in rural, diverse communities benefit cognitive health.MethodsUsing data from a NIA‐funded cohort in the rural Lake Okeechobee region of Florida, we investigated whether associations between built environment characteristics (by Census block group) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores vary by area deprivation level. We calculated neighborhood % open/park space using the National Land Cover Dataset, creating quartiles as prior studies suggest non‐linear greenspace‐brain health associations. Florida Geographic Data Library parcel data were used to calculate % retail space. Area deprivation index (ADI) values for each block group were dichotomized for analysis (ADI>90% (most deprived) versus ADI≤90%). Multivariable linear regression with generalized estimating equations (accounted for block group clustering) tested associations between % park/open space and retail space and MoCA scores, stratified by area deprivation. Models controlled for key demographics (e.g., age, gender, ethnoracial group, education (years)).ResultsParticipants (n = 384) were 64±10 years old; had 12±3 years of education; 72% were women; 77% were Black and 19% were White; and 16% were Hispanic. Mean MoCA scores were 25.3±4.1. Among those living in higher deprivation neighborhoods, individuals in the highest quartile of % open/park space had lower MoCA scores (Q4 vs Q1=‐2.70, 95% CI=‐3.75, ‐1.65) and those in neighborhoods with a greater % retail had higher MoCA scores (estimate=0.15, 95% CI=0.04, 0.25). Among those in lower deprivation neighborhoods, individuals in neighborhoods with the highest quartile of % open/park space had higher MoCA scores (Q4 vs Q1=3.50, 95% CI=2.37, 4.64) and those in neighborhoods with more retail had lower MoCA scores (estimate=‐0.35, 95% CI=‐0.45, ‐0.25).ConclusionAmong ethnoracially diverse older adults in rural Florida communities, associations between neighborhood % open/park space and retail space and cognitive function varied significantly by area deprivation.

Abstract Allied health professionals face significant challenges to providing health care services to aging adults. It is imperative to develop creative strategies to address the complex needs of care recipients and those involved in care provision. Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) have the potential to positively impact treatment and improve health care outcomes. A recent AAI study with a population experiencing neurocognitive deficits reported benefits for all participants. Six dyads consisting of a care recipient and their care partner attending a SW Florida community dementia support center were invited to participate in 90-minute AAI occupational therapy group sessions over the course of six weeks. Each dyad was placed in one of two experimental groups based on care recipient scores on the Allen Cognitive Level Screen (ACLS-5). Both experimental groups were part of a single-group pre-post-test mixed-method pilot study. As care partners modeled strategies implemented during AAI sessions, such as errorless learning, they began to report improvements in care recipient motivation and activity performance. Additionally, researchers noted increased confidence and patience in caregiving. Researchers hypothesized that AAI could be beneficial to promote health prevention strategies given the interest by participants for future AAI opportunities. The current AAI study explores the effects of human-animal interactions as a strategy to monitor vital signs and assess for early warning signs of atrial fibrillation and atherosclerosis.

In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality rates are higher in African Americans compared to non-Hispanic whites, partly due to advanced stage cancer diagnosis. Timely CRC screening helps to increase CRC early detection and survival in this population. The objective of this monitoring study was to survey African American patients of Community Health Centers (CHC) in north Florida and to monitor CRC screening adherence (either stool-based or colonoscopy) after they had completed a clinical trial testing a screening education intervention. Seventy-nine African American patients who were between the ages of 45 and 64years old at the time of initial trial recruitment completed a 24-month follow-up survey, and 44% reported stool-based CRC screening in the last year. Results from the general estimating equations (GEE) model found there was a statistically significant difference in CRC screening adherence by study arm at 24months where the intervention group was less likely to be up to date than the usual care control (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.43-0.83). Married or partnered participants (OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.31-1.77) and employed participants (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.17-1.53) were more likely to be adherent to screening, but female participants were less likely to be adherent (OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.70-0.82). Participants with higher mistrust in doctors were less likely to have completed screening (OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.88-0.99). The findings suggest the importance of screening outreach to unmarried, unemployed, female African Americans. The results of this monitoring study indicate one-on-one cancer education with a community health advisor and education on the availability and functionality of electronic patient portals have potential for increasing adherence to recommended CRC screening. The study has implications for measuring CRC screening adherence in community settings.

161 Background: Lung cancer (LC) remains a significant cause of cancer-related mortality in the Hispanic/Latin (H/L) population, largely due to late-stage diagnoses. Prioritizing primary (tobacco cessation) and secondary prevention through LC screening (LCS) is critical. Project ASCENT, a partnership between Baptist Health South Florida Miami Cancer Institute, and LUNGevity, a national LC advocacy group, aims to develop a tailored LCS navigation program for South Florida’s large H/L community. We present results from the quantitative component of Project ASCENT on the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on tobacco exposure and utilization of tobacco cessation, prevalence of chronic lung conditions, and cancer screening. Methods: A structured survey (in English and Spanish) with validated and new items on SDOH, tobacco usage, and access to tobacco cessation, preventative health, and LCS was developed and tested with community members. Survey participants were H/L, aged 50-80, and reported tobacco use (> 10-pack year history and current usage or quit within the past 15 years). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and all reported odds ratios are significant at p < 0.05. Results: 309 community members responded to the survey. Median age was 58 years. 89.6% reported Spanish as primary language, and 73.8% were born outside the US. Additionally, 27.5% reported having no health insurance, and 65.6% reported annual household income < $35,000. Fear of houselessness (46.3%), lack of transportation (35.3%), and ≥1 other SDOH (50.2%) (issues with food, clothing, utility bills, childcare, and medicines) were reported. Tobacco use & cessation utilization: 78% reported current tobacco use. Non-cigarette tobacco (cigars, e-cigarettes, or chewing tobacco) users were more likely to report fear of houselessness (OR = 1.6) and lack of transportation (OR = 2.0). 54% wished to learn about tobacco cessation. Those reporting a lack of transportation expressed lower interest in tobacco cessation resources (OR = 1.6). Lung health: 8.1% reported a diagnosis of COPD/emphysema (higher than 6.5% national prevalence). Odds of a diagnosis were higher in those reporting transportation issues (OR = 3.7) and fear of houselessness (OR = 5.2). Preventative health & cancer screenings: 70.9% reported having a primary care physician (PCP). However, odds of having a PCP were lower in those reporting transportation issues (OR = 0.24) or one other SDOH (OR = 0.1). Though respondents qualified for age-appropriate cancer screenings, only 22.3% reported ever receiving cancer screening, and 5.2% reported undergoing LCS. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the impact of SDOHs on tobacco usage and preventative health in the H/L community, highlighting the importance of including SDOH screeners in primary care assessments in high-risk populations.

In 2021, the John G. Riley Center and Museum of African American History and Culture received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to digitise its archives. This project aimed to preserve and make accessible the rich history of African American communities in Florida. The grant facilitated the digitisation of the Riley House Archives at Tallahassee State College (TSC) and audiovisual materials held by Riley House, alongside a series of workshops to share the knowledge gained from the project. The project was a collaborative effort involving Riley House staff, City of Tallahassee personnel, Florida State University faculty, TSC staff and interns. Key challenges included logistical issues, copyright concerns, and the need for continuous adjustments to the project plan. Despite these hurdles, the team successfully digitised over 5,000 items, including photos, letters, business documents, yearbooks and oral histories from 24 collections. The project also focused on creating a sustainable digital library using Omeka S software, ensuring longterm accessibility and management. Interns played a crucial role, gaining valuable hands-on experience and contributing significantly to the project’s success. The initiative not only enhanced the discoverability of the Riley Archives but also provided a replicable model for other institutions within the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network. This case study will share how we designed and executed this project along with highlighting the challenges and importance of partnership building across institutions to make large-scale digitisation projects successful in a finite timeline. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection, which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.

Patterns in physical structure of coral communities in Florida, USA

Objective: This study aimed to analyze pediatric firearm-related emergency department visits in Florida. We stratified the data by region, age group, and insurance status to identify demographic and geographic disparities and inform targeted public health interventions.Methods: Data were obtained from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration for the years 2013 to 2018, focusing on ambulatory emergency department (ED) visits involving patients aged 19 years or younger with a principal diagnosis of firearm-related injury. These cases were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, and the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification, diagnostic codes. Florida was divided into 11 geographic regions based on the patient’s county of residence. Pediatric firearm injury visit rates were calculated per 10,000 population. The total number of ED visits for firearm-related injuries among pediatric patients from 2013 through 2018 was summed and divided by regional population estimates obtained from the Florida Community Health Assessment Resource Tool Set for the corresponding years. To assess statistically significant differences across regions and age groups, we employed the chi-square (χ²) test, considering a p value of ≤0.05 as statistically significant. Additionally, we examined the percentage distribution of pediatric firearm injuries by insurance status, categorized as Medicaid, self-pay, private insurance, other, and uninsured.Results: The highest rates of firearm-related injuries were observed among older children aged 15-19 years and among uninsured patients. Statistically significant differences in injury rates were identified across all geographic regions when stratified by age groups.Conclusions: This study reinforces existing evidence that older children and uninsured older children are disproportionately affected by firearm injuries. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions and further research focused on high-risk pediatric populations.

This document provides an overview of calabaza (Cucurbita moschata), commonly known as Cuban pumpkin or squash, detailing its cultivation, description, and uses. Calabaza is a vining plant with mottled green or yellow fruits, grown primarily in South Florida. It thrives in hot weather and requires about three months from seeding to harvest. The document highlights cultural practices, including spacing and composting, and mentions common issues like downy mildew. Calabaza is popular among Latin communities in Florida, who use it in various traditional recipes. Original publication date April 1994.

Preliminary analysis of trace metals in well water collected from Lehigh Acres, Florida, USA

High ambient temperature poses a significant public health challenge, particularly for low-income older adults (LOAs) with preexisting health and social issues and disproportionate living conditions, placing them at a vulnerable condition of heat-related illnesses and associated public health risks. This study aims to utilize advanced statistical regression and machine learning methods to analyze complex relationships between elevated temperature, physical activity (PA), sociodemographic factors and fall incidents among LOAs. We collected data from a cohort of 304 LOAs aged 60 and above, living in free-living conditions in low-income communities in Central Florida, USA. Zero-inflated Poisson regression was employed to examine the linear relationships, which reflect the zero-abundant nature of fall incidents. Then, an advanced machine learning approach—the mixed undirected graphical model (MUGM)—was employed to further explore the intricate, nonlinear relationships among daily PA, daily temperature, and fall incidents. The findings suggest that more moderate-to-vigorous PA is significantly associated with fewer fall incidents (RR = 0.90, 95% CI: (0.816, 0.993), p = 0.037), after adjusting for other variables. In contrast, elevated temperature is strongly linked to a greater risk of falls (RR = 1.733, 95% CI: (1.581, 1.901), p < 0.0001), potentially reflecting seasonal influences. Although higher temperature increases fall events, this effect is mitigated among LOAs with increased sedentary behavior (p < 0.0001). Additionally, findings from the MUGM reinforce the intricate nature of falls. Fall counts were highly correlated with race and positively associated with temperature, highlighting the importance of tailoring fall prevention strategies to account for seasonal variations and health disparities, and promoting PA.

Abstract Introduction Feeling unsafe is antithetical to healthy sleep. This study aims to explore the relationship between reports of physical or emotional abuse, and insomnia severity as measured by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) in a diverse population of Latin American and Hispanic individuals residing in both rural and urban communities in Florida. Methods The Determinants, Outcomes, Responses, and Mechanisms of Insufficient Sleep in Rural-Urban Settings (DORMIR) study investigates the relationship between insufficient sleep and cardiovascular health. Of 603 respondents, 381 (63.2%) responded in English and 222 (36.8%) responded in Spanish. Respondents of 23 different national origins are represented. The average age was 41.6 ± 16.6 years, and there were 399 females, 204 males. A ‘Safescore’ was computed by adding responses to 4 domains from the Social Needs Screening Tool (AHC), answered on a 5-point scale (never, rarely, sometimes, fairly often, frequently) measuring frequency of how often ‘anyone’, including family and friends: i) “physically hurt you”; ii) “insult or talk down to you”; iii) “threaten you with harm”; iv) “scream or curse at you”. Scores range from 0-20 (higher is less safe). A linear regression was conducted to examine the relationship between the AHC Safescore and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, education level, employment status, Body Mass Index, income, and whether the questionnaire was responded to in English/Spanish. Results A 1-unit increase in the Safescore was associated with a 0.46 increase in ISI scores (β [95% Confidence Interval] (95% CI) = 0.46 [0.24, 0.67], p&amp;lt; 0.001). Of the 4 domains, “insult or talk down to you” and “scream or curse at you” were the primary drivers of the statistical signal. Per increase in frequency of “insult or talk down to you” and “scream or curse at you”, ISI scores are estimated to increase by 1.66 and 1.33 points, respectively (1.66 [0.64, 2.67], p&amp;lt; 0.001; 1.33 [0.76, 1.90], p&amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion Emotional safety concerns were associated with greater insomnia severity. Future interventions should focus on creating safe environments and providing targeted support to vulnerable populations. Support (if any) R01HL152453, R01HL142066, R01HL095799; R01MD016236, R01MD016236-03S1, R01MD004113; R01AG072644, R01AG067523

Everglades National Park (EVER) is located within fifty miles of Miami, Florida. Miami-Dade County is home to approximately 2.7 million people with 71.6 percent of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Despite proximity to this diverse urban area, the demographics of EVER’s visitors largely do not represent the surrounding community. Conceptual frameworks of constraints can facilitate understanding of low park visitation among traditionally underserved communities; however, they have been criticized for being relatively superficial due to their predominantly quantitative modeling approaches. Through semistructured interviews with underserved residents of South Florida, this research sought to understand constraints and constraint negotiation to visiting EVER. Participants identified several individual, interpersonal, contextual, and systemic constraints to recreating in EVER. Additionally, participants identified a variety of ways to negotiate these constraints through collective and individual strategies. Implications of this research further our understanding of the role of place, constraints, and negotiation in wilderness and U.S. national park visitation among traditionally underserved communities. This research informs EVER park managers on how to better serve the surrounding South Florida community through identification of detailed, place-based constraints and ways the park could engage in collective negotiation strategies to address them.

Abstract Florida ranks second in cancer burden in the United States. The Florida CAncer RESearch (FL CARES) Network (https://floridacancernetwork.org/) is a statewide collaboration dedicated to advancing cancer research and improving patient outcomes through education, collaborative research initiatives, and a focus on reducing health disparities by leveraging advanced computational approaches. Funded by the State of Florida Bankhead-Coley Cancer Research Program, FL CARES comprises six research organizations, including Florida's three NCI-designated Cancer Centers. The Network has established a collaborative research consortium with unified policies, coordinated data and metadata standards, and diverse datasets. It incorporates tools like SCAN360, developed at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, to explore the impact of social determinants of health and environmental factors on cancer outcomes across Florida communities. To further collaborative computational research, FL CARES is developing the Platform for Accelerating Collaborative Computational Cancer Research (PAC3R). This advanced informatics system enables FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) data management, including standardization, harmonization, and integration of multimodal cancer datasets. PAC3R facilitates secure data sharing, scalable bioinformatics tools’ deployment, and collaborative analyses across the Network. Built on the Sylvester Data Portal (https://sdp.miami.edu/), a cloud-based multi-omics platform managing clinicogenomic and research data, PAC3R integrates diverse datasets such as transcriptional perturbation signatures, cell sensitivity data, small molecule interactions, and large-scale genomics from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC). Citation Format: Michael Sinclair, Carlos Obregon, Caty Chung, Dusica Vidovic, Lukas Rupprecht, Jeronimo Pissinis, Marcin Pilarczyk, Franklin Sotolongo, Kathleen M. Jagodnik, Till Krenz, Erin Kobetz, Mondal M. Ananda, Ling Cen, Xuefeng Wang, Appu Rathinavelu, Stuart Chalk, Jiang Bian, Ji-Hyun Lee, Qianqian Song, Vasileios Stathias, Stephan C. Schürer. Introducing the Florida Cancer Research (FL CARES) Network and the Platform for Accelerating Collaborative Computational Cancer Research (PAC3R) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 1086.

Teaching style is one of the most important aspects of student-teacher interaction patterns at the classroom level, as it directly influences the dynamics of learning and the achievement of desired educational outcomes. This comparative study aimed to investigate differences in teaching styles between public and private secondary school teachers, considering how institutional structures and resources might shape pedagogical approaches. Teachers from both public and private secondary schools constituted the population for this research, and the study followed a descriptive qualitative research design to capture nuanced differences in instructional methods. A Teaching Style Inventory (TSI) was used as the primary tool for data collection, which was pilot-tested to ensure validity and reliability before the formal data-gathering process. The collected data were analysed using frequencies, mean scores, and independent sample t-tests to compare the two groups systematically. The findings revealed that while there was no statistically significant difference between the teaching styles of public and private school teachers, the majority of educators in both sectors still adhered to traditional, teacher-centred approaches, such as lecture-based instruction, rather than adopting more student-centred, interactive methods like collaborative learning or inquiry-based techniques. These results suggest that institutional type (public vs. private) may not be the defining factor in teaching style variation, but rather, broader educational policies, teacher training programs, and cultural norms in pedagogy play a more influential role. Given the global shift toward 21st-century skills—such as critical thinking, creativity, and student autonomy—the study recommends that teachers in both sectors actively work toward modernizing their instructional strategies. Professional development workshops, peer mentoring, and exposure to innovative teaching models could facilitate this transition, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of secondary education. Future research could explore the underlying reasons for the persistence of traditional methods and assess the impact of specific training interventions on teaching style evolution. References Altay, S. (2009). Beşinci sınıf öğretmenlerinin sosyal bilgiler dersindeki öğretme stillerinin incelenmesi. Unpublished master’s thesis, Çukurova Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü, Adana. Artvinli, E. (2010). Teaching styles of geography teachers. Electronic Journal of Social Sciences, 9(33), 387-408. Barrett, K. R. (2004). Comparison of Online Teaching Styles in Florida Community Colleges. Bılgın, İ., &amp; Bahar, M. (2008). Sınıf Öğretmenlerinin Öğretme Ve Öğrenme Stilleri Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi. Gazi University Journal of Gazi Educational Faculty (GUJGEF), 28(1). Blanch-Payne, E. D. 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ABSTRACT LGBTQ+ spaces are often lauded as sites of community building, yet in many locales those spaces consist only of gay bars, which remain dominated by predominantly white, middle-upper class, cisgender gay men. Drawing on interviews with 28 LGBTQ+ women in the Tampa Bay, Florida, this study examines how queer nightlife in the form of gay bars is often conflated with experiences of community, an incongruity that leads many LGBTQ+ women to feel they lack places of significance in which to connect with one another. Despite frequently referencing gay bars as places of significance, the women in this study also felt these spaces were ill-suited to engaging in conversations beyond the surface level, often fostered feelings of discomfort, and occasionally included violations of LGBTQ+ women’s bodily autonomy. Conversely, when discussing their experiences of community, participants often placed emphasis on the importance of fostering deeper, emotional connection—none of which were reflected in their discussions about gay bars. The disconnect between bars as community spaces and what women felt it means to foster meaningful community suggests the need to think beyond queer nightlife when it comes to creating places for building queer women’s community.