BayCare Plans New $548M Hospital In North Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — BayCare Health System unveiled plans for the first not-for-profit hospital in Manatee County and the only one located north of the Manatee River.

The $548 million project, BayCare Hospital Manatee, is scheduled to break ground in October, the healthcare system said in a news release.

The 45,000-square-foot medical arts building, which will have 154 beds in private patient rooms, is expected to open in 2027.

The new hospital will be built on the Robinson Gateway Property on Moccasin Wallow Road, just one mile north of the I-75 and I-275 intersection in Manatee County.

“The hospital’s construction plans underscore BayCare’s commitment to growing with the community and caring for families in the region, from delivering babies and offering neonatal services to providing emergency care and specialty surgery,” according to the news release.

BayCare Hospital Manatee, designed by architectural firm Gresham Smith, will offer services including general, orthopedic and specialty surgery, urology, gastroenterology, cardiology, diagnostic and interventional imaging, emergency care, obstetrics, and neonatology.

The hospital’s design anticipates expanding to 207 beds when needed, with additional capacity possible as the community grows.

“At BayCare, our mission is to serve the community’s health and we are so excited to be deepening our commitment to the residents of Manatee County,” Stephanie Conners, president and CEO of BayCare, said. “As West Central Florida continues to grow and thrive, we are committed to investing in our communities to bring high-quality and compassionate care closer to our communities.”

Recognizing the growth in the region and the need for health care services there, BayCare began working with officials on the zoning and site preparation needs for the new hospital in 2022.

Since then, it has opened a BayCare Medical Group physicians’ office in Palmetto one mile from the future hospital location. BayCare also offers home health services and telehealth services in the area.

It also plans to offer additional ambulatory services with the medical arts building construction such as outpatient imaging including MRI, CT, mammography, ultrasound, Dexa scan and other diagnostic services. An outpatient laboratory will also be onsite.

"As Manatee County experiences rapid growth, it's imperative to prioritize smart, sustainable development strategies to ensure the well-being of this community,” Kimberly Guy, BayCare’s co-chief operating officer, who is overseeing the project, said. “At BayCare, we recognize the importance of smart growth initiatives that not only accommodate the increasing population but also promote access to high-quality healthcare services.”