Freestanding ER headed to south Sarasota County

A new freestanding emergency room is coming to south Sarasota County. Officials from the city of North Port and HCA Florida Englewood Hospital broke ground May 1 on the facility, which is expected to open in spring 2025. Called Wellen Park Emergency, the center will cost $31 million to build.

The emergency department will be located at 7070 S. Tamiami Trail off Preto Boulevard. It will be 11,300 square feet with 11 exam rooms and full-service emergency care, including X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound and laboratory capabilities, according to a statement from HCA Florida Englewood Hospital.

Open 24 hours a day, the new emergency center is expected to serve more than 10,000 patients a year.