Good morning. Here are seven verified updates shaping Pistoia and the wider province on Saturday, August 8.
Prunetta mourns a young worker after a sudden illness
The mountain community is mourning Mauro Ducceschi, who died at Careggi hospital after collapsing in Prataccio on Thursday evening at the end of his working day. Emergency teams and the Pegaso helicopter were mobilised, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. His funeral is scheduled for 4 p.m. today at the church in Prunetta. Source: La Nazione, August 8.
Valdinievole hospital expands specialist lymphedema care
The SS. Cosma e Damiano hospital in Pescia has formalised a dedicated lymphedema clinic, bringing specialist rehabilitation closer to Valdinievole residents. About 50 patients have already been treated since March. Access is through a GP or specialist referral for a multidisciplinary assessment, with personalised care provided by a physiatrist and physiotherapist. Source: Report Pistoia, August 7.
Tuscany redesigns mole checks to reduce dermatology waits
The Region is introducing a separate “mole assessment” pathway, dedicated appointment lists and teledermatology to protect melanoma prevention without blocking access for patients with other conditions or urgent clinical concerns. The change follows figures showing that only about half of first dermatology prescriptions become bookings and that 56% of first visits exceed priority deadlines. Eligibility for the new pathway will be based on risk factors assessed by GPs. Source: La Nazione, August 8.
Masiano crocodile investigation remains open
The reported crocodile sighting at the Masiano nursery lake has not been confirmed, but the case is still active. French specialist Olivier Behra is expected to return when lower water levels may make searches easier, while results are awaited from biological traces collected at the site. Prefect Angelo Gallo Carrabba said that, if the animal is present, its illegal introduction would imply offences, while experts currently see no public-safety threat outside the fenced basin. Source: La Nazione, August 7.
Pistoia’s urban heat-island study stays in focus
Legambiente has defended its local temperature survey after criticism of the methodology, stressing that it was designed to compare how different urban surfaces retain heat. Measurements cited for Piazza San Lorenzo reached as high as 53°C, reinforcing the debate over shade, trees and less heat-absorbing materials in public-space planning. Source: Il Tirreno, August 7.
September electronic-ID appointments: booking routes clarified
Pistoia residents seeking an electronic identity card in September should note two booking channels. Monday- and Friday-morning appointments must be arranged through the Demographic Services reception desk; online booking remains available for the other service days. Source: Comune di Pistoia, August 7.
Outdoor cinema returns to Villa Baldi Papini
“Cinema sotto le stelle” runs from Monday, August 10, through Sunday, August 16, at Villa Baldi Papini. Screenings begin at 9.30 p.m., adding a full week of evening films to the city’s mid-August cultural programme. Source: Comune di Pistoia, August 7.
This briefing is an original English-language digest based on reporting and official updates available on the morning of August 8, 2026.