Lady Lake Mayor Ruth Kussard told a story about a billboard to those attending the groundbreaking Friday morning for the $59 million expansion at The Villages Regional Hospital.
Villages founder Harold Schwartz had placed a billboard on Highway 27/441, with his picture on it. On the billboard, an image of Schwartz pointed to the spot which would be the future home of the hospital.
“We need to thank Harold for his foresight,” Kussard said. “Because we now have the peace of mind knowing you are a golf-cart ride or car ride away from the care at this facility.”
A long list of local dignitaries joined in the event including state Rep. Marlene O’Toole, The Villages Vice President of Community Relations Gary Lester, and Sumter County Commissioners Don Burgess, Don Hahnfeldt and Al Butler.
“It’s difficult to take broad steps so boldly when there is a lot of uncertainty,” Hahnfeldt told the group assembled for the event.
But he said the leaders of the community have done so before and been successful, largely thanks to good planning, strong stewardship and hard work.
The hospital, in particular the hospital’s Emergency Room, has been strained in recent years because of the booming population.
The planned expansion will include a north tower with 100 new patient beds, a larger emergency room and more operating rooms. The addition is projected to be completed in January 2015. As part of the expansion, patients will have private rooms when they check in for care.
