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Starkeys Give $1 Million To Hospital

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 27, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Jay B. and Marsha Starkey have pledged $1 million toward the Morton Plant North Bay Hospital expansion.

Construction began in January on a "comprehensive, community-based" medical complex that is expected to nearly double the size of the existing campus by the end of 2010, a news release said.

"Conserving the land and planning for future generations of Floridians has long been a part of our family's purpose," Jay B. Starkey Jr. said in the release. "By supporting west Pasco's only not-for-profit, community-based hospital, we believe we are taking a new step in supporting a hospital that offers advanced, accessible health care for all residents."

The expansion will include a new three-story patient wing with intensive care, cardiac and medical surgical units, 34 new private beds, respiratory care services and community education facilities. A three-story medical office building will house physician offices, an expanded sleep disorders unit, laboratory services and outpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Renovations to the emergency room, a new walk-in clinic and support features such as a landscaped stormwater retention area also are planned.

"The new Morton Plant North Bay is intended to provide for the health of the community for years to come," Marsha Starkey, a member of the hospital's board of directors, said in the release. "We are so proud that we can be a part of the hospital's mission to improve the health of the community."

Community support is vital to continuing to offer "innovative health care solutions" to patients and their families, said PhilipBeauchamp, president and chief executive officer of Morton Plant Mease Health Care.

The Starkey family's history of ranching, conservation and philanthropy began in 1937 when Jay B. Starkey Sr. acquired 16,000 acres of pasture. Over time, the Starkeys placed large portions of their property into protected wilderness and parkland known as the 12,570-acre Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, part of the 18,000-acre Starkey Wilderness Preserve.

For details, go to www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/ recreation/areas/starkeywilderness.html and www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/areas/ starkey-park.html.

Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, established in 1965, is at 6600 Madison St. For details, call (727) 842-8468 or go to www.mortonplant.com/ body.cfm?id=13.

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