With a hearing set for Wednesday that could decide Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare’s future, the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce has made known its support of the transfer of the hospital to Florida State University.
The organization, which rarely takes a stance for or against controversial community issues, sent a letter to the city manager and all five commissioners a week ago making a case for why the sale of the hospital would be a good decision. Chamber President Michael Dalby wrote that healthcare is a “major quality of life amenity” and economic driver in Tallahassee.
“The TMH-FSU Health partnership can improve health outcomes, increase research opportunities, and grow jobs to benefit our region,” the letter says. “The partnership between Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare and Florida State University has already demonstrated benefits, showcasing the power of collaboration in advancing healthcare and education.”
Dalby did not respond to calls requesting comment but he texted a reporter inquiring about the letter that the “Chamber is not issuing a statement. We provided public comment in support. Thanks.”
On Wednesday, March 11, city commissioners are holding the final public hearing on the controversial transfer of the hospital to the university.
With the vote on the sale taking place at the end of the hearing, it could be the last official time the public gets to share its opinion on the matter with local leaders. The move would cement FSU Health as the dominant brand, though it would be years before TMH branding and naming was removed.
Supporters of the merger maintain this is the first step in bringing more specialists to Florida’s capital city, which would in turn help residents not have to travel to seek better health care. Officials, however, caution that such a transformation will take time and be challenged by the smaller population of the capital city and its surrounding counties.
Opponents contend the fix was in and that the city manager and mayor plotted in with FSU in “secret meetings” to orchestrate a “hostile takeover” of the hospital. They worry about whether care for the uninsured and underinsured will continue and contend that university control of the hospital injects politics into healthcare as university leaders are often chosen by the governor.
The chamber’s letter, which was reported earlier by Tallahassee Reports, hit officials’ inboxes a week after the chamber announced FSU Health will be the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Annual Chamber Community Conference. Presenting Sponsors are the top level sponsorship and guarantee a company or organization’s name is prominently listed. They can often run between $10,000 and $20,000.
“A huge thank you to FSU Health for investing in this year’s conference and for FSU’s continued commitment to our community,” the chamber said in its social media announcement. “FSU Health drives innovation, promotes regional wellbeing, and supports the leaders shaping our future.”
Michael Dalby, new president and CEO of the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, speaks during the organization’s annual meeting on Jan. 15, 2026, at the Tucker Civic Center.
What was in the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce’s letter of support?
Read the full letter below:
Mar 4, 2026
City of Tallahassee Commission Members,
Michael Dalby
As you approach the upcoming vote on the sale of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and its assets to FSUHealth, we want you to know that we support a yes vote on this transaction.
Healthcare is both a major quality of life amenity and major employer/economic driver in Tallahassee. TheTMH-FSU Health partnership can improve health outcomes, increase research opportunities, and grow jobs to benefit our region.
The partnership between Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare and Florida State University has alreadydemonstrated benefits, showcasing the power of collaboration in advancing healthcare and education. Bycontinuing to prioritize combining resources and expertise, they will efficiently address community healthneeds, improve patient outcomes, reach underserved residents, and enhance research opportunities. Their joint efforts have laid a strong foundation for a healthier, more resilient community, and thus, we support this next step forward in advancing this transformative partnership.
The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce – both its members and leadership – have had numerous and in-depth conversations with all parties involved in this transaction. We feel the Transfer of Assets Agreement is fair to both sides, and that the Memorandum of Understanding approved by the City Commission on Jan 14 ensures the continuation of charity care/indigent care.
Our message to all parties has been and remains that the Chamber supports the pursuit of expanded andexceptional healthcare for our community and region.
Again, we encourage your “yes” vote and will work with local leadership to support this transition.
Sincerely,Michael DalbyPresident & CEOGreater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce
Local government watchdog reporter Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @elenabarreraaa.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee Chamber supports TMH-FSU sale. Read the letter