PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG\/WECP) – FSU Health\u2019s medical complex in Panama City Beach is underway, with phase one complete and additional services and a hospital in development.<\/p>\n
Phase one included establishing a primary and urgent care location, identifying educational opportunities, and beginning hospital construction.<\/p>\n
FSU Health\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The project is expected to bring many new jobs to the area.<\/p>\n
Andrew Starr, president of the Western Market for Tallahassee Memorial Health Care, said expanding access to care is a priority for the project.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reality is it is so mission critical that we bring net new providers to the area,\u201d Starr said. \u201cThe idea that we have to wait long periods of time to see a provider is a challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starr said he is happy with the progress they\u2019ve made so far.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe thing we struggle with right now is patience; we\u2019d 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Starr said the hospital\u2019s name is intended to reflect the local community rather than its parent organization.<\/p>\n
\u201cHealth 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\u2019t be named Tallahassee Memorial,\u201d Starr said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny time that we can have controlled and healthy growth for our county is something that is always welcomed,\u201d Berry said.<\/p>\n
Berry said she is encouraged by the scope of the expansion.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Starr said the project is on track for completion in early 2028.<\/p>\n
To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WJHG on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a> and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Email news@wjhg.com<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Keep up with all the biggest headlines on the WJHG News app<\/a>, and check out what\u2019s happening outside using the WJHG Weather app<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WJHG. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n