Tampa General Hospital and the Health Care District of Palm Beach County Invite Feedback, Outline Vision for Lakeside Medical Center at Community-Wide Town Hall

Strategic partnership to enhance access to world-class care across rural communities of Palm Beach County.

Belle Glade, FL (April 29, 2025) - Tampa General Hospital and the Health Care District of Palm Beach County on Monday welcomed residents of the Glades to the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center in Belle Glade to discuss their new partnership at Lakeside Medical Center.

Before nearly 200 attendees, Tampa General president and CEO John Couris outlined the shared vision for the region’s safety net hospital, including expanding services and targeted initiatives to recruit and retain a strong workforce of physicians and health care providers.

“Lakeside Medical Center represents a true partnership – one that combines the best of the Glades community with the expertise and quality care of one of the nation’s leading academic health systems,” said Couris. “Hearing from the community this week gives us a much better sense of what residents want to gain from their local hospital. Together, we will elevate the level of care available in this region, increase access to specialists, and leverage technology and research findings to improve health outcomes for Glades residents with the most complex conditions.”

Darcy J. Davis, president and CEO of the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, discussed why the District sought a strong partnership with an academic health system to enhance Lakeside Medical Center, which the Health Care District owns and operates.

“Community engagement is critical to our mission at the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. This Town Hall was a tremendous success and allowed us to be transparent and honest about the future of Lakeside Medical Center alongside Tampa General,” Davis said. “Together, we will keep care local, keep it strong and keep it innovative for generations of Glades residents.”

Stacey Brandt, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Tampa General, and Ron Doncaster, vice president and administrator of Lakeside Medical Center, joined Couris and Davis on stage to invite feedback from the community and answer questions.

"Lakeside doesn’t just serve patients—we serve neighbors, friends and family,” said Doncaster. “As I’ve stepped into this role, I have recognized the unique spirit of this community, which is shaped by generations of resilience and connection. Preserving that identity as we enhance and elevate specialized care at Lakeside isn't just important—it's our mission."

The discussion was moderated by prominent community leader Tammy Jackson-Moore, who also serves as a member of the Health Care District of Palm Beach County Board and the Lakeside Health Advisory Board.

“This open discussion with the residents of the Glades was a great opportunity for the community to have their voice heard as leaders at Tampa General and the Health Care District develop a plan for the future of Lakeside,” said Jackson-Moore. “This partnership is incredibly meaningful to our region. I am extremely supportive of this path forward, and I am confident it will not only enhance the care but improve the health and wellness of our community.”

Tampa General Hospital and the Health Care District of Palm Beach County reached a Management and Administrative Services Agreement on Feb. 1 for Tampa General to provide administrative leadership, operational management and strategic support for Lakeside Medical Center, the only rural teaching hospital in Florida.

The joint mission of this partnership is to:

  1. Advance access to high-quality health care close to home 

  2. Improve community health by supporting better outcomes 

  3. Enhance clinical services and innovation at Lakeside Medical Center 

Tampa General’s work with Lakeside Medical Center marks an expansion of Tampa General’s existing network of providers and services in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, which already includes primary care, cancer care, digestive health, kidney care, radiation, oncology and general surgery.