PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – FSU Health’s medical complex in Panama City Beach is underway, with phase one complete and additional services and a hospital in development.
Phase one included establishing a primary and urgent care location, identifying educational opportunities, and beginning hospital construction.
FSU Health’s first medical office building has been attracting and hosting several specialties of primary physicians. By the end of the calendar year, dermatology and outpatient pharmacy services will be available at the location.
The project is expected to bring many new jobs to the area.
Andrew Starr, president of the Western Market for Tallahassee Memorial Health Care, said expanding access to care is a priority for the project.
“The reality is it is so mission critical that we bring net new providers to the area,” Starr said. “The idea that we have to wait long periods of time to see a provider is a challenge.”
Starr said he is happy with the progress they’ve made so far.
“The thing we struggle with right now is patience; we’d love to have everything done yesterday, but I think for where we are at, we are making great strides, and I am really pleased with early results,” he said.
Starr said the hospital’s name is intended to reflect the local community rather than its parent organization.
“Health care is local. And every community is different. Panama City Beach, Bay County, they are very proud of who they are. This has to be the hometown hospital. And to be the hometown hospital, you can’t be named Tallahassee Memorial,” Starr said.
Tricia Berry, vice chair of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and a former health care professional, said the growth is welcome for the region.
“Any time that we can have controlled and healthy growth for our county is something that is always welcomed,” Berry said.
Berry said she is encouraged by the scope of the expansion.
“I am most excited knowing that our community is going to be well supported by three hospitals that will each do well in their own right,” she said.
Starr said the project is on track for completion in early 2028.
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