Lee Health pursues public-private conversion

Special to SWFBT

Submitted by Jacob Ogles, Editor

Could Lee Health convert from a public hospital to a non-profit organization? Officials for the region’s largest hospital system are seeking support from the Legislature on establishing a way to do so.

Organizations to Watch

The House Local Administration, Federal Affairs & Special Districts Subcommittee in February advanced

House Bill 227, legislation that would establish a process for Lee Health to begin negotiations with Lee County and becoming a public-private partnership.

“We’re simply giving a doorway to a special district to become a publicprivate entity,” said state Rep. Adam Botana, R-Bonita Springs.

Michael Nachef, vice president of government relations for Lee Health, said such a change should not significantly impact patients. “We would keep an enforceable commitment to treat patients,” he said.

But the change would streamline purchases of real estate subject to mortgages, and it would eliminate audit requirements with the Lee County Clerk’s Office.

The bill would create a process but still leave discussion to the hospital and existing local government on next steps.

Industry Awards recognize area’s top businesses

CRE Construction & Development

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A collection of information to help you navigate Southwest Florida’s CRE, Building and Development marketplace.

What is Fort Myers Beach’s future?

Special to SWFBT

Submitted by Karen P. Moore, Publisher Fort Myers Beach Margaritaville Resort developers Tom Torgerson and John Dammermann, of TPI Hospitality, recently shared their thoughts on the future of Fort Myers Beach.

Together, Dammermann and Torgerson oversee the management of TPI Hospitality’s nationwide portfolio of industry leading brands such as Marriott, Hilton, IHG and Margaritaville Resorts. Dammermann has been an investment partner with TPI Hospitality for the last 14 years and currently owns the company.

In The News

Southwest Florida reports jobs in region at an all-time high

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Southwest Florid’s economic recovery is strong as the Fort Myers area reports jobs at an all-time high. Employers in the Fort Myers area are reporting a total of 300,100 jobs, more than at any point prior to Hurricane Ian’s landfall.

The Fort Myers area has also added 2,600 jobs since Hurricane Ian’s