Politics
First Coast manufacturing flattens out in February after recent expansion
After some expansion to start the year, First Coast manufacturers appear to be stagnant in terms of production and other factors in February, according to a University of North Florida (UNF) survey.
UNF Coggin College of Business researchers found that North Florida manufactures did not show much growth last month compared to January. The UNF Jacksonville Economic Monitoring Survey found that several key manufacturing factors contracted. That includes new orders, which fell from the index figure of 56 to 49. Backlogs of work also fell, from 48 to 46, and employment dropped from an index of 51 in January to 48 in February.
Some manufacturing elements expanded slightly, such as output, new export orders and prices.
Albert Loh, interim dean of the UNF business college, oversees the monthly manufacturing survey and concluded that February was generally flat at First Coast companies.
“Jacksonville’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) of 50 in February indicates a holding pattern, with no significant expansion or contraction in overall manufacturing activity,” Loh said.
February saw several national developments, such as President Donald Trump’s promises to enact trade tariffs, that caused the Jacksonville area to reflect the bigger picture of uncertainty across America.
“The Jacksonville economy mirrors the national trend of stable output but weakened demand. The slight increase in supplier delivery times and input prices, along with continued uncertainty over tariffs, has led businesses to take a cautious approach to inventory management and hiring, contributing to a subdued outlook,” Loh said.
The UNF’s business college conducts monthly surveys of First Coast manufacturers to determine production levels and other factors.
While February saw a slowdown in manufacturing, Loh added that there are areas for improvement that may change in the coming months.
“While manufacturing employment declined slightly, the contraction was less severe than that at the national level, indicating that local manufacturers may be holding onto workers better than their national counterparts. The Business Activity Outlook Index also suggests that manufacturers anticipate some improvement over the next 12 months, though uncertainty around tariffs and economic policy is keeping expectations subdued,” Loh said.
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Politics
Tampa General Hospital is working to improve health care access in rural Palm Beach County communities
Through a series of strategic partnerships, Tampa General Hospital continues to expand access to world-class care and transform health care delivery through innovation and technology. The latest announcement aligns closely with Senate President Ben Albritton’s priority of sparking a Rural Renaissance in the Sunshine State.
Tampa General Hospital and the Health Care District of Palm Beach County reached an agreement earlier this year for Tampa General to provide administrative leadership, operational management and strategic support for Lakeside Medical Center, the Health Care District’s public teaching hospital in Belle Glade.
“With this agreement, we’re extending the strategic, operational and clinical expertise we offer at Tampa General to support the leadership, providers and teams at Lakeside Medical Center and expand access to world-class care in the Glades,” said John Couris, President and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. “It’s the best of both worlds — high quality care close to home.”
Florida’s rural areas, like most other states across the nation, have historically experienced a lack of access to high-quality health care. While the state of Florida has made strides to close the gap, there is still more work to be done. Studies have shown that rural communities experience a 40% higher preventable hospitalization rate and a 23% higher mortality rate compared to urban communities.
Lakeside Medical Center, which opened in Belle Glade in 2009, is run by the Palm Beach County Health District. The District’s Board of Commissioners approved a Management and Administrative Services Agreement during an open session on Dec. 11 after hearing a presentation from Tampa General leadership. Effective Feb. 1, Tampa General will work with Lakeside Medical Center to enhance quality of care, strengthen clinical training, recruitment and retention, and improve financial status.
“This strategic partnership combines the strengths of both organizations to advance access to high-quality health care for underserved populations,” said Darcy J. Davis, Health Care District of Palm Beach County President and CEO. “By joining forces with Tampa General, the health and wellness of our Glades communities will prosper for generations.”
Tampa General appointed Ron Doncaster vice president of business operations and integration at Lakeside Medical Center. In this role, Doncaster will oversee operations, facilitate service integration, supervise personnel and offer recommendations for innovative programming and expansion opportunities.
Doncaster takes on this role with decades of experience in health care leadership and administration, having managed operations at some of the nation’s most prestigious health care systems, including Mass General Brigham. Most recently, he served as Interim Chief Operating Officer at Tampa General, overseeing all clinical and operational strategies and managing partnerships with key constituents.
“Our No. 1 goal is to meet the needs of the community,” Doncaster said. “With improved delivery models and expanded access to specialists, we can elevate the level of care available in the community without losing the personal service only a local hospital can provide.”
Couris, Davis and Doncaster, along with Stacey Brandt, executive vice president and chief administrative officer at Tampa General, participated in a town hall last week with the team at Lakeside to outline their joint vision for Lakeside and answer questions.
Belle Glade residents have responded with overwhelming support for the strategic partnership. “It’ll be a game-changer for this community,” resident Connie Boldin Jr., told CBS 12 in West Palm Beach.
Under the agreement, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County maintains ownership of the hospital and its assets. The agreement does not impact the rights or obligations of Health Care District employees assigned to Lakeside Medical Center.
Tampa General’s work with Lakeside Medical Center marks an expansion of Tampa General’s existing network of providers and services in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, which already includes primary care, cancer care, digestive health, kidney care, radiation, oncology and general surgery.
Tampa General is one of the largest and most innovative academic health systems in the nation. The system features more than 150 care locations across the Sunshine State. TGH is ranked No. 2 in Florida and a top 50 hospital nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
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