• BayCare Health, one of Florida’s largest health providers, announced plans to construct a new hospital in Manatee County 
• The facility is planned to open in 2025 
• A growing population has allowed the provider to enter the County. Despite three preexisting hospitals, medical care access has become a pressing issue for residents 
• Hospital size, construction costs, number of job openings, or exact timelines are still unannounced 

BayCare Health System announced plans to develop and open a new hospital facility in Manatee County. BayCare, which currently operates fifteen hospitals across Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Polk counties, is working on obtaining necessary zoning approvals as it finalizes construction details.

The Manatee County hospital will be BayCare’s 17th acute care hospital. At this time, the exact hospital size, construction costs, employment opportunities, and timelines are still undetermined, as construction plans continue to develop.

Manatee County’s population has grown to approximately 400,000, according to the 2020 census, representing an overall growth rate of close to 33 percent. The area is currently home to three hospitals — HCA Florida Blake Hospital, Manatee Memorial Hospital, and Centerstone Hospital — but a proliferating population is pushing the ability for preexisting centers to serve the community to the brink, making way for BayCare to enter the field.

“As with all our hospitals and services, our mission in Manatee County is to improve the health of all we serve,” said BayCare President and CEO Tommy Inzina.  “That means when we build this hospital, we will extend to Manatee residents our longstanding tradition of Community Benefit.”

Based on clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and efficiency measures, the BayCare healthcare system is ranked in the top 20 percent of U.S. healthcare systems nationally. It has consistently been acknowledged as one of Tampa Bay’s top employers. In prior years, BayCare has returned roughly 10 percent of its annual earnings to the community through direct charitable care, patient financial aid, and direct community programs.

“At BayCare, we put tremendous resources into keeping people well and out of hospitals,” Inzina said.  “While hospitals are a critical part of a community’s infrastructure, BayCare strives to provide the right care at the right time for patients. Our extraordinary team members connect with people wherever we can support their health care journey.”