Lakeshore Authority Board negotiates contract with Meridian Health

LAKE CITY, Fla. (WCJB) -After nearly two years, the Lakeshore Authority board finally reached an agreement with Meridian Health regarding the future of the former hospital.

Earlier this month, members of the Lakeshore Authority Board voted to agree to the purchase and sale of real-estate property to Meridian Behavioral Healthcare.

The property includes the main hospital building, which has been vacant since UF Shands pulled out in 2020.

Brandon Beil, an authority board member, says it's been a long time coming.

"I think it's a huge benefit to the community, mental health is an issue that is prevalent across the world, we're not immune to it here in North Florida so having a facility like this will help provide much-needed services.".

Earlier this year the authority board passed a motion to pay the Masonic Lodge $125,000 for a nearby parking lot to operate the hospital legally.

"It's an economic development impact," Beil added, "it'll bring 120 new jobs...160 full-time employees that will be working that facility which means they'll be shopping in downtown Lake City, they'll be eating lunch and dinner in downtown Lake City, possibly living in downtown lake city, the city hasn't seen any economic impact like that in years."

Today, board members will meet to discuss the finalization of the contract which includes stipulations such as only providing in-patient services.

They'll also discuss the future of several other properties they want to sell.