BayCare makes $12 million land buy in Pasco County
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Sep 11, 2024

One of Tampa Bay's largest health systems is expanding in Pasco County.

BayCare Health System Inc., based in Clearwater, has paid $12 million for a 15.7-acre parcel of land in Epperson, where it plans to build one of its HealthHubs, a facility that includes a freestanding emergency department as well as acute and primary services.

BayCare said it will partner with Tampa-based Metro Development Group, the master developer of Epperson, that will grant the community's residents "access to a personal concierge service accessible by phone or internet, that will help with the navigation of health and wellness offerings."

“We are excited to introduce this transformative health care model accessible by residents of Connected City alongside Metro Development Group,” Stephanie Conners, president and CEO of BayCare, said in a statement. “This partnership signifies our shared commitment to integrating innovative health care solutions, both virtually and in person, into community living while enhancing accessibility for those who live here.”

The HealthHub comes just over a year after BayCare opened the 86-bed BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel. Tampa Bay's largest health systems are engaged in an arms race in Pasco County, expanding as rapidly as possible to win the largest market share of commercially insured patients.

At Epperson, the HealthHub will offer what BayCare calls a "TechDeck," which includes "an onsite health technology coach specially trained to provide support and coaching for a variety of wellness devices and apps that help you monitor and improve your health."

"This revolutionary partnership between Metro Development and BayCare is just the newest initiative in Metro Development’s commitment to providing residents with all they need to live longer, happier lives," Kartik Goyani said in a statement. "It’s Metro’s mission to transform not only its communities but people’s everyday lifestyles.”