ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – AdventHealth leaders broke ground on a new off-site emergency department on State Road 207 in St. Johns County Tuesday morning.
This facility aims to enhance access to emergency medical care for residents in the rapidly growing area.
David Weiss, president and CEO of AdventHealth Flagler, St. Johns, and Volusia counties, described the groundbreaking as a “milestone” moment for both AdventHealth and the St. Johns County community. “This is more than just a building. It’s about investing in people and families and in the future of St. Johns County,” Weiss said.
The new 12-bed emergency department will be located just behind the 7-Eleven on State Road 207 and Rio San Juan. It marks AdventHealth’s first facility in St. Johns County.
“This is the place to go to get board-certified emergency medical care from world-class emergency medicine physicians,” Weiss added. “When you have a heart attack or a stroke, you don’t want to be traveling in that emergency squad any longer than you have to.”
The need for improved emergency services in the area is evident. Currently, residents have limited options, primarily relying on Flagler Hospital or Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns County Hospital, both of which are farther away.
Molly Brady, a local resident who experienced a heart attack last year, shared her thoughts on the new facility.
“When I went to the ER, they were really good. I mean, they were fast, and they diagnosed me quickly. It was a good experience,” she said.
Susan Brenner, another resident, expressed her support for the new emergency department.
“I’d rather see something like that go in than just a fast-food restaurant,” she said.
The new facility is expected to create numerous jobs in the area, as it will operate 24/7.
Weiss emphasized the importance of hiring local talent to staff the emergency department.
“It’s an investment in the infrastructure of our community and the local businesses,” he said.
St. Johns County Fire and Rescue also welcomed the addition of the emergency department.
A representative stated, “The addition of this off-site emergency department gives us another valuable option for emergency care in St. Johns County. It allows us to quickly transport patients with non-life-threatening conditions to a facility, getting them the care they need faster.”
The new emergency department is part of AdventHealth’s commitment to expanding healthcare access in St. Johns County, which is one of the fastest-growing areas in Florida.
“Growth brings new opportunities, and it also brings new responsibilities. We’re committed to meeting the needs of this community today, tomorrow, and for generations to come,” Dr. McDermott, Emergency Medicine Medical Director at AdventHealth, said.
AdventHealth expects to open the new emergency department in 2026, marking a significant step in enhancing healthcare services in St. Johns County.
