BayCare's New South Florida Baptist Hospital to Open May 18

BayCare announced today that the new South Florida Baptist Hospital (SFBH) in Plant City, Florida, will open its doors to the public Saturday, May 18. Located on a 50-acre campus at the corner of Sam Allen Road and Park Road, it will replace the current facility on Alexander Street, which has been an integral part of the Plant City community for more than 70 years.  

“We are very excited to welcome patients to our new hospital,” commented SFBH President Karen Kerr. “As the first and only hospital in Plant City, we have a long legacy in this community. The construction of the new South Florida Baptist Hospital allows us to continue to meet the needs of our fast-growing community for years to come.”  

The 424,000-square-foot facility, built by longtime BayCare construction partner Barton Malow, cost $326 million to build and is nearly double the size of the original hospital. The six-story structure features 146 private patient rooms, 26 intensive care unit beds, eight operating rooms and 34 emergency department and fast-track beds. The construction company estimates more than 700 workers contributed 1.4 million manhours to bring the project to fruition.  

Areas of specialization include general surgery, orthopedic surgery, urology, imaging, cardiac catheterization, emergency care and labor/delivery. In addition, the hospital features an 85,000-square -foot medical arts building with space for physician offices, as well as outpatient and diagnostic services such as imaging, rehabilitation and lab services, allowing patients to consolidate their health care needs in one location. 

South Florida Baptist Hospital has been part of BayCare since 1997. The Clearwater, Florida-based health system currently operates 16 not-for-profit hospitals throughout West Central Florida, and recently announced plans for the construction of a 17th hospital, BayCare Hospital Manatee which is expected to open in 2027.  

“By investing in this replacement hospital, it reaffirms BayCare’s promise to deliver clinical excellence and compassionate care to the residents of Plant City and surrounding areas who have entrusted South Florida Baptist Hospital with their medical care for more than 70 years,” said BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners. “It will ensure that our team members and physicians can offer the very best in quality, safety and service, and aligns with our vision to be the best place to work, receive and provide care. As BayCare expands to meet the needs of growing communities across the region, this beautiful new hospital is a shining example of that commitment.”  

Since breaking ground in October 2021, there has been much anticipation among team members and the community in preparation for South Florida Baptist Hospital’s historic move. With help from health care operational consultants IMH, SFBH has worked to ensure the smooth transition from the legacy facility to the new hospital. Team members have conducted numerous exercises to prepare to relocate an estimated 70 - 90 patients beginning in the early hours of May 18. 

“It’s a big undertaking to relocate an entire hospital,” said SFBH Director of Operations Beth Tancredo. “However, we have practiced, rehearsed and stress-tested our systems and we are prepared. We’re confident that the patient move will go smoothly and that we are ready to welcome new patients on May 18.” 

Located just four miles from its original location, the new South Florida Baptist Hospital will continue its reign as the largest employer in Plant City, employing more than 800 team members and 250 physicians. Once the new hospital opens, the legacy facility will close. Plans of what will happen to the original hospital have not been announced.