In a state where balmy weather, miles of beaches and endless swimming pools draw millions of vacationing families a year, here’s a fact some Floridians may not know:

Children with autism can be drawn to water.

Our country sees more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths a year, and it’s no surprise that Florida consistently ranks high. More children ages 1-4 die from drowning than from any other cause, and it’s the second leading cause of death by unintentional injury for children ages 5-14.

And studies show that people with autism have a dramatically higher risk.

Autism — formally, Autism Spectrum Disorder — appears in the first three years of a child’s life, is categorized as a developmental disability, and can cause communication and behavioral challenges, including sensory sensitivities. One in 31 children is diagnosed with autism, and millions of adults are considered to be on the spectrum.

Why water?

For someone with sensory sensitivities, the visual andtactile aspects of water may be soothing. For a person who can get overwhelmed by the noise, lights and movement that are part of an ordinary day, the feeling of being submerged may muffle all that commotion and help regulate anxiety. Even the smell of water, such as saltiness or chlorine, may attract someone with autism.

For the tourist-friendly Sunshine State, knowing the connection between water and autism is power and, potentially, prevention. And it’s only one of the many reasons for better understanding autism.

The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, funded through a special taxing district to direct community investments to support children and families, recently became officially autism-certified under a global standard. That’s some fitting news for April, Autism Awareness Month.

Nearly every member of the organization’s professional staff took hours of training from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards on multiple facets of autism — the importance of early identification, understanding and supporting children with autism, comorbidities, parent perspectives and more. Then they passed the required test, putting the organization on the international map of places that serve children with autism.

This step, another investment in children, makes sense: The organization already funds autism-inclusive programs ranging from children’s mental health to early childhood success to caregiver support.

Education grows understanding. As the word “spectrum” implies, symptoms of autism come in different forms and vary in severity depending on the individual. There’s a saying that those who took the training got to know and believe: When you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism. Everyone is more than a diagnosis.

The Clearwater nonprofit LiFT — which stands for Learning Independence for Tomorrow and includes LiFT Academy for students with learning differences and neurodiversity — has also achieved autism certification. Mesa, Arizona; High Point, North Carolina; Palm Springs, California; and Dubai all saw the value in becoming autism certified.

Here at home, Clearwater is exploring becoming an autism-certified city. The Juvenile Welfare Board and LiFT are working to identify local partners in healthcare, public safety, education, workplace inclusion, hospitality, and recreation to help make it happen.

Understanding the connection between autism and water can potentially prevent tragedy, particularly when a child goes missing and seconds count. Even beyond that, a greater understanding of people with autism goes a long way toward creating a place where visitors and residents alike can feel welcome, seen, and safe.

Rebecca J. Albert is director of strategic initiatives for the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County. She serves as chairperson of the Child Death Review for the State of Florida and the Sixth Judicial Circuit.

Read the article as originally published at https://www.tampabay.com/viewpoints/2026/04/07/autism-spectrum-disorder-children-water-drowning-florida-tampa-pinellas/

Watch 10 Tampa Bay’s broadcast news segment celebrating a milestone for inclusion in our community, as JWB received the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County has become the second organization in Clearwater to receive a Certified Autism Center designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). 

This means that JWB staff members have completed specialized training to better understand and support individuals on the spectrum. Eighty percent of the team needed to participate in the training to earn the certification. JWB exceeded the requirements at 94%. 

A presentation ceremony was held Tuesday at LiFT (Learning Independence for Tomorrow) in Clearwater. The nonprofit educational institution, which provides a safe space for neurodiverse students, was the first in the city to receive the designation. 

Today marks the start of Autism Acceptance Month. 

“It really adds more value in support of those children who need to be heard and seen,” JWB interim CEO Michael Mikurak told the Catalyst. “Their families need to be understood. We need to be able to help them navigate through this process and provide them with the services that they need to allow their children to become who they want to be.” 

He added that JWB’s staff enthusiastically participated in the effort. They had to attend classes and were tested on their knowledge. 

Jacksonville-based IBCCES provides training and certifications in the “fields of autism, neurodiversity and accessibility” in over 130 countries, according to the organization’s website. 

JWB leaders began exploring the opportunity over a year ago, Mikurak explained. The organization, which was created by a special act of the Florida legislature in the 1940s, develops and financially supports programs that serve youth in Pinellas County. 

Neurodiversity, he said, was “an area that didn’t get enough visibility.” There is a “growing population” of children who have been diagnosed with autism. The goal was to equip JWB’s team with the necessary skills to help these young people in the community thrive. 

Currently, JWB supports a wide range of programs that benefit neurodiverse youth including early childhood services, specialized learning initiatives and caregiver support, Mikurak explained. Collaborations with organizations such as the Suncoast Center, Parc Center for Disabilities and R’Club Child Care have been an essential component of this work. 

“We are looking to expand and extend the reach of our current programs,” he said. “We are additionally looking at potential future programs that will fit in the mode of this.” 

JWB board chair and Lealman Fire District division chief James Millican has been very supportive of the effort, Mikurak added. His grandson was diagnosed with autism. 

“This is part of a larger initiative to make Clearwater and other surrounding areas an Autism Certified City,” said IBCCES president Meredith Tekin. “This means that there are multiple options for folks who are autistic or have sensory sensitivities where they are going to feel welcomed and understood and there’s organizations coming together that are focusing on making sure that people feel included.”  

Mesa, Arizona was the first U.S. municipality to receive the Autism Certified City designation, also provided by IBCCES, in 2019. 

“LiFT’s mission to inspire and empower people with neurodiversity to learn, thrive and succeed is so important,” LiFT Academy 12th grade student John Oureilidis said at the Tuesday ceremony. 

 “But, this mission should not stop at our school. It’s something our entire community needs to embrace. When communities make the effort to appreciate and accommodate these differences, they create opportunities for everyone to succeed.” 

JWB website

 IBCCES website 

Read the article as originally published at https://stpetecatalyst.com/juvenile-welfare-board-receives-autism-center-designation/

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) proudly awards the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation to the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB). To become a CAC, at least 80% of staff completed autism and sensory training to empower them with the knowledge and understanding to best assist, support, and communicate with autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. JWB went above that standard, with 94 percent of staff fulfilling the training requirements. By completing the training and certification, JWB becomes the second organization in Clearwater to earn the CAC accreditation.

“As an organization dedicated to the health and safety of children in Pinellas County, we were excited to partner with IBCCES to earn our Certified Autism Center™ credential,” said Michael Mikurak, interim CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board. “This training gives our team the tools to better connect with children who are autistic or have sensory sensitivities, while also deepening our understanding of the unique needs of their families and caregivers. It inspires us to create experiences where every child feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.”

“By becoming a Certified Autism Center™, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County is taking a powerful step toward ensuring that every child and family they serve feels understood, supported, and included,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “This certification reflects JWB’s dedication to building a community where neurodiversity is recognized and embraced. The impact will extend far beyond individual programs and strengthen the entire community by creating more accessible, compassionate services for the families who rely on them every day.”

JWB’s certification also complements a broader, community-led effort to explore the possibility of Clearwater becoming an Autism Certified City™ (ACC), which is being spearheaded by Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LiFT). If pursued, this designation would ensure both visitors and residents have access to a wide range of organizations that are trained and certified to better welcome and assist autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals across the healthcare, public safety, education, hospitality, entertainment, and recreation industries.

For 25 years, IBCCES has been a leader in providing autism, sensory and neurodiversity training and certification for professionals worldwide, including those in healthcare, education, public safety, travel, and corporate sectors. As the only credentialing board offering these programs, IBCCES provides training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, along with long-term support, continuous learning, onsite reviews, and renewal requirements to ensure continued growth and lasting impact.

To further support inclusivity efforts, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County is featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which is free to download. This app provides individuals with a variety of disabilities real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces, and tailored recommendations. By connecting users to accessible locations worldwide, the app helps ensure seamless, enjoyable experiences for everyone.

IBCCES also provides access to resources such as AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com, which are free online tools for families that list certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met IBCCES certification requirements.

Read the article as originally published at https://www.florida-observer.com/article/902753752-juvenile-welfare-board-of-pinellas-county-becomes-second-certified-autism-center-in-clearwater-florida

What You Need To Know

• The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County launched an initiative to safeguard children online and equip families with vital support called Parent ProTech
• Through taxpayer dollars, JWB is making it possible for all Pinellas County parents, grandparents and concerned citizens to receive a free annual subscription to Parent ProTech
• Parent ProTech is an online platform that has a vast online library which includes expert-backed guides, videos, conversation starters and safety recommendations on topics like parental controls, social media, AI and more
• Katie Blaxberg is a mother of three and says to keep up with the fast-changing online world, this has been a helpful resource for parenting

---

Online games are meant to be fun.

They entertain us, they connect us, but sometimes it is who they connect us to that is concerning. 

Katie Blaxberg is a mother of three. Two of those three are teenage boys. 

“They have PlayStations, you know, they have their laptops for school,” said Blaxberg. “And of course, with teenagers, the ever-present phone.”

To keep up with the wonders and also the worries that come with the world of online access, she has been using a new free tool available to all Pinellas County residents now.

It is called Parent ProTech.

“Every video that I’ve watched and I’ve watched a lot are really easily digestible. They’re short. They’re to the point,” said Blaxberg. 

The application shares the latest information on just about every game, social media platform and application that kids use today. 

Parent ProTech is meant to educate, but also help parents safeguard their kids. 

“It’s not only parents, it’s grandparents, it’s caregivers and anyone who touches the child to ensure that they are protected,” said Michael Mikurak, Interim CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County.

The JWB is funding this free resource using taxpayer dollars. 

Mikurak said they worked with law enforcement on finding this resource and it was statistics about predators that motivated the JWB to make this available. 

The FBI estimates half a million predators are active online daily. Locally, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office conducted more than 100 investigations into child pornography in 2025 with more than 1,000 counts of child pornography being obtained, shared and viewed.

Parent ProTech has a big goal of helping parents thwart predators by educating and monitoring their children. 

“They show you how to put in parental controls, how to ensure that your child is safe, and just what questions to ask,” said Mikurak.

For parents like Blaxberg, it is also nice for when kids come to them with the latest app and social media site asking questions. 

“For your child to come to you and say, ‘Hey, I want this app,’ and you then as a parent can go to this resource, look it up. If it’s not there, you can message them right away,” said Blaxberg. 

To sign up for Parent ProTech, just a name, email and zip code are required at app.parentprotech.com/jwb. The zip code is necessary to ensure the fee is waived for Pinellas County residents.

Watch the video segment and read the article as originally published at https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2026/03/03/parent-protech-juvenile-welfare-board

JWB’s offer of free Parent ProTech accounts for Pinellas families was mentioned at the beginning of the news segment for Safer Internet Day that aired and is posted on Fox 13.

The Brief

• The FBI in Tampa has reported a spike in threats, with more than half of the reported threats in 2026 coming from social media.
• On Safer Internet Day, state and federal law enforcement agencies are warning about the trends they’re seeing in the Tampa Bay area.
• FBI agents say they’re expanding capacity to work more closely with local law enforcement agencies to help investigate threat cases.

FBI agents in the Tampa Bay say they’ve seen a spike in threats, specifically social media threats.

By the numbers: Agents with the FBI Tampa Field Office say they’ve received 105 reports of threats since the beginning of the year. 69 of those threats have come from social media.

In 2025, Special Agent Matt Fodor says they tracked 580 threat cases.

“Only 2% of those cases resulted in a federal arrest,” he said. “That doesn’t mean that the rest of them were not arrested. It means that’s what we charged federally.”

What they’re saying: Fodor says they work with local law enforcement to thwart these threats through a number of disruption techniques.

“It could be a mental health issue that requires social services engagement,” he said. “Sometimes a Baker Act with an extended visit is a disruption for us. But clearly, there’s an epidemic out there and not only that, juveniles. We have very limited resources to combat juveniles, and the locals are just very well-postured to handle those individuals.”

He says they have to take each threat that they investigate seriously.

“There’s a lot of folks that really like to get clicks and like the attention online, so seemingly they pick topics that are controversial, and they’ll use that as a platform to make threats,” Fodor said.

He says in some cases, they’re empty threats, but in other cases, they could be intercepting a potential tragedy.

“Oftentimes, after a tragedy strikes, we kind of dig in a little bit and find out one, that somebody knew about it,” Fodor said. “But number two, that there was some sort of leakage or some way that this individual is communicating the world of their intent.”

Dig deeper: Fodor says local law enforcement agencies are particularly well-equipped to investigate school threats. He says the local counties have robust threat teams, but many of them focus primarily on school threats.

“Schools, got it,” he said. “They were on top of it, but anything else, I felt some significant need to get involved and provide some additional training to them. And then the other thing is, the FBI can act as a flagpole.”

Fodor pointed out other types of threat cases like stalking and threats to businesses.

He says the FBI is expanding its capacity to help train local law enforcement and provide them with additional resources to work with one another.

“We also have local threat management coordinators that train all of local law enforcement on the current things that we’re seeing, as far as threats go, and trying to build that network,” Fodor said.

Crimes against children

State and federal officials are also trying to make a dent in crimes against children. FBI agents say Florida is a hotbed for these types of crimes.

“Your child who is sitting in your living room could be on multiple platforms,” U.S. Attorney of the Middle District of Florida Gregory Kehoe said. “Talking to someone while you and she or he are watching television and you don’t know who this stranger is in your living room.”

Kehoe says they’ve seen these types of cases escalate with the use of social media platforms and chatrooms.

“Law enforcement can do so much,” he said. “We get leads, we track down the leads, investigate the matters, and we prosecute people that are involved in these internet threats. But there is a whole array of platforms and communication devices that the young people in this community and elsewhere are privy to.”

Kehoe emphasized the importance of parents and families being involved in the children’s lives. He says they need to take a proactive approach to monitoring what their children are doing online.

“The dark web is a very dangerous place and it is, I don’t want to say omnipresent, but pretty close,” he said.

Kehoe says arresting these perpetrators is not the lone solution to this problem.

“They take that platform down and in miraculous speed they’re up on another platform,” he said. “So frankly, there is no way that law enforcement can police this without the help of parents.”

In Pinellas County, the Juvenile Welfare Board recently announced that it’s paying for memberships for parents and families to Parent ProTech, which is a platform for parents to educate themselves on how to keep their children safe online.

View the segment and read the article as originally published at https://www.fox13news.com/news/social-media-threats-spike-across-bay-area-heres-how-protect-yourself-online