WINTER HAVEN, FL — AdventHealth received approval Monday night to increase the maximum permitted height of a future hospital at its Cypress Gardens Boulevard medical campus from 85 feet to 100 feet within a designated portion of the property.
The Winter Haven City Commission approved Ordinance O-26-20 during its Monday meeting (Sept. 28). The approximately 41-acre property is located at 6945 Cypress Gardens Boulevard, where an AdventHealth freestanding emergency room already operates.
The previous development standards allowed a hospital to reach a maximum height of 85 feet. The amendment allows a hospital tower to reach up to 100 feet inside a designated “Maximum Height Zone.” Hospitals outside that area remain limited to 85 feet.
During the meeting, Tim Campbell, representing AdventHealth, said the health system has moved forward with plans for development of the site and wants the ability to build a hospital tower to use the property efficiently.
Commissioners also approved a change to the property’s parking requirements. The amendment exempts the medical campus from a city requirement involving pervious hard-surface parking when the number of parking spaces exceeds 110% of the minimum required. City planning staff said hospitals have unique parking demands and that additional spaces are expected to be consistently used.
The existing AdventHealth Winter Haven ER opened in 2024 as the first phase of development at the site. The nearly 20,000-square-foot facility includes 24 exam rooms, laboratory and imaging services and a helipad. AdventHealth said it invested nearly $37 million in the emergency department.
AdventHealth previously announced plans for a full-service hospital on the property, in addition to medical office space.
While plans for the hospital are moving forward, AdventHealth has not announced a construction start date or expected completion date for the hospital. Nothing further.
SOURCE: Winter Haven Commissioners Meeting & Ordinance O-26-20
