If there’s one thing that has become increasingly clear in the past year, it’s the explosive growth across Central Florida and especially here in Polk County. Regular readers of Central Florida Health News have likely seen my previous columns on this topic, as well as the Editor’s Dose in the May edition that discussed the county’s lagging medical provider-to-resident ratio.
While the shortage of healthcare providers has been a hot topic in local media, there’s also reason for optimism. Many new facilities have opened recently (or are slated to open soon) to help meet the needs of our growing communities.
Here’s a look at just some of the latest developments aimed at expanding local healthcare access:
- AdventHealth Sebring’s Internal Medicine Residency Clinic recently relocated to a larger space.
- AdventHealth opened freestanding ERs in Poinciana and Sanford last month.
- AdventHealth opened a new Pulmonology and Critical Care office in Lake Wales in August.
- Central Florida Health Care opened its new health center in Bartow this past July.
- Lakeland Regional Health opened its Center for Behavioral Wellness in Lakeland in June.
- AdventHealth opened a new heart care office in Lake Wales in June.
- Lakeland Regional Health opened a freestanding Emergency Department in Lakeland in March.
- Central Florida Health Care also will be opening a four-story health center in Lakeland in 2026.
- BayCare plans to build a new standalone emergency department in Davenport in 2026.
- Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital will open in 2026.
- AdventHealth has plans to build a hospital in Winter Haven and Lakeland.
While Central Florida continues to experience the growing pains that come with such rapid expansion, these investments show that local health system are preparing for the future. The ongoing commitment to improving access ensures that quality care will remain within reach for residents, both new and long-term.
Thank you for reading, and on behalf of everyone at Central Florida Health News, we wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.