The state has identified three communities in critical need of a veterans’ nursing home. And Collier County is at the top of that list. The federal government has approved funding for two homes and governor’s budget calls for funding two new homes in the current fiscal year.
Right now there is only one empty bed among the 720 beds at the state-run veterans’ nursing homes. Where to build additional skilled nursing facilities was studied by the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
The executive director Mike Prendergast told the Florida Cabinet there is a high need in three different areas of the state.The first area of need is in the southwest corner of the state, Collier and Lee County, Collier County actually scored the highest based upon the criteria selected. the second area is the Polk, Manatee and Hillsborough service area. And among those Polk County is ranked number three.
The third area is in north-central Florida including Marion, Putnam and Sumter counties.
The Florida VA will request proposals from each of the communities – weigh each county’s plan for a veterans skilled nursing facility and then present final recommendations to the cabinet for approval and legislature for funding.