A New Free-Standing Emergency Department is Coming to Palmetto. Here's What to Know

Oct. 31—PALMETTO — Florida Blake Hospital plans to build a free-standing emergency department in Palmetto and Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant couldn't be happier.

"I do feel like we need more medical offices. Palmetto is an under-served community," Bryant said.

"It means so much to have this come to fruition. I am so excited and thankful for it," she said.

A ceremonial groundbreaking for the 10,800-square-foot facility is set for Tuesday at 902 10th St. E., Palmetto.

The ER is planned for a vacant 3.6-acre commercial parcel to the east of the Walmart Supercenter. The site was formerly home to Vickers Trucking, owned and operated for many years by Bill and Rose Vickers.

"This groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone in HCA Florida Healthcare's commitment to enhance healthcare accessibility in the Palmetto community," the hospital said in a news release.

Among those scheduled to take part in the groundbreaking are Steve Young, CEO of HCA Florida Blake Hospital, Mayor Bryant, and representatives of Manatee County Emergency Medical Services.

Asked for a proposed completion date, Frank Giammaria, director of communications & community engagement for HCA Florida Blake Hospital, estimated the summer of 2024.

The free-standing emergency department will be HCA Florida Blake Hospital's first. A second free-standing emergency department is planned for the Bayshore Gardens area with a groundbreaking tentatively planned for December, Giammaria said.

HCA plans in Parrish

HCA Florida Healthcare plans to build a hospital in Parrish, starting with an emergency room.

The planned 13,950-square-foot facility, to be called HCA Florida North River Ranch Emergency Center, would have 11 exam rooms and a laboratory to provide emergency services for adults and children.

A 150-bed hospital, a 326-bed assisted living facility, and 247,000 square feet of medical office space are planned at 9308 Fort Hamer Road as the Bradenton Herald first reported in February 2022.

"They will build the hospital around the ER," John Neal, president of Neal Land & Neighborhoods, previously said. The medical complex would represent a $300 million investment.

BayCare Health System

BayCare Health System announced in July 2022 that it plans to open a hospital in Manatee County's North River area by the end of 2025.

The BayCare hospital would be on the northeast corner of Moccasin Wallow Road and Interstate 75.

BayCare operates 15 hospitals in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Polk counties.

Free-standing emergency departments

A number of free-standing emergency rooms have opened in Manatee County or the vicinity in recent years. Among them:

• Manatee Memorial Hospital opened Manatee ER at Bayshore Gardens, 5506 14th St. W., in March.
• Manatee Memorial opened its first free-standing emergency room on May 11, 2022, in Sun City Center, at 16504 S. U.S. 301.
• Manatee Memorial broke ground in March for its third free-standing ER near the intersection of Manatee Avenue West and 75th Street West. That ER is scheduled to open in early 2024.
• In 2022, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center opened the ER at Fruitville, 6760 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.
• In 2018, Doctors Hospital of Sarasota opened its first facility in Manatee County, a stand-alone emergency room, at 8500 State Road 70 E., near Lakewood Ranch.

ER vs. urgent care center

"An Emergency Department treats life- or limb-threatening health conditions in people of all ages. It is the best option when you require immediate medical attention," according to Mayo Clinic Health System.

"Urgent Care is the middle ground between your primary care provider and the Emergency Department. If you have a minor illness or injury that can't wait until tomorrow, Urgent Care is the way to go," Mayo Clinic says.

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