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The facility would create 56 new health care jobs and could have an estimated $5.5 million economic impact, county officials said.
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — St. Johns County officials are moving forward with plans to fund the building of a new emergency department, which could have a multi-million-dollar impact on the local economy.
During an April 15 meeting, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners approved a request to create an economic development incentive agreement with AdventHealth to move forward with building a new emergency health care facility.
The facility would be located near the intersection of State Road 207 and Wildwood Drive in St. Augustine.
Officials said the 12-bed freestanding emergency department would be roughly 13,700 square feet and create 56 new health care jobs in St. Johns County. Officials estimated the average annual wage for the jobs would be $68,000.
“Healthcare represents the county’s third largest employment base and the third largest job growth sector,” said St. Johns County Director of Economic Development Sara Maxfield. “A vital component to strengthening our local economy is attracting employers and industries that match our community’s workforce skills and needs. The additional job opportunities AdventHealth brings to the county further solidify our reputation as a healthcare destination.”
The anticipated total investment for building, site improvements and equipment is more than $18 million.
The county’s first annual rebate payment to AdventHealth is expected to be during the 2027 fiscal year, officials said. The estimated annual payout is $84,790, with the incentive’s total capped value at $222,374.
“Emergency care should never be out of reach, which is why we will soon begin construction on a 12-bed emergency department on State Road 207,” said Denyse Bales-Chubb, the president and CEO of AdventHealth’s Flagler and St. Johns market. “We are committed to making health care more accessible and are proud to work alongside local leaders to support the residents and visitors to St. Johns County.”
Officials have estimated the facility would have a $5.5 million impact on the local economy.
No official timeline for when the facility would open has been released.
