Welcome Back: Donation creates healthy foundation for medical center

Soon, Longboat Key residents will no longer have to leave the island for a doctor thanks to the Longboat Key Foundation. 

In June, the foundation started a $1.6 million fundraising campaign to open a new medical facility on the Key. In September, it received $500,000 from Ocean Properties Ltd. and an anonymous donor. 

The facility, the Longboat Key Center for Healthy Living, will be located on or near the vicinity of Bay Isles Road and Bay Isles Parkway. The $1.6 million will pay for a building lease, the build-out of the facility and two years’ worth of startup and operating costs needed to run the facility year-round. 

“Health care that is easily available to residents and visitors is an essential component to maintaining the desirable lifestyle and ambience of Longboat Key,” said Andy Berger, vice president of Ocean Properties, in a September statement. 

The foundation has come to an agreement with a Sarasota physician to practice at the future facility as a primary health care provider. The foundation will announce the doctor and plans for the facility by the end of the season.

Dr. Pamela Letts retired and closed her Centre Shops Family Practice and Urgent Care in May 2014, leaving residents without many primary care services. The facility will also offer women’s health, wellness, behavioral health services and specialist services under one roof.

“These generous gifts to aid in creating the Center for Healthy Living respond to a vital community need to restore and enhance the health care services available on Longboat Key,” said Longboat Key Foundation Chairman Bob Simmons in September.