Our Mission The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our Vision A world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia® Our History The Florida Gulf Coast Chapter was founded in 1984, known then as the Tampa Bay Chapter, and served Pinellas, Hillsborough and Polk counties. In 1999, the West Central Florida Chapter was merged with the Tampa Bay Chapter, adding Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties. In 2003, the Sarasota/Manatee Chapter and the Southwest Florida Chapters were merged into the Tampa Bay Chapter. These mergers added Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee and Sarasota counties to the Chapter's service region. With this expansion, the Tampa Bay Chapter changed its name to the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter to better reflect its comprehensive 15 county service region.