Sarasota Memorial Hospital

All four candidates who ran on a "medical freedom" slate lost to their Republican opponents, who include two incumbent board members. They'll now face four Democrats in November.

Only Republican races are on the slate next week, with an eye on "medical freedom" candidates. If they gain a majority after the November general election, some hospital policies could change.

Eight Republicans are competing in a closed primary on Aug. 20. Six attended a League of Women Voters forum, which drew more than 100 attendees.

Interest in the public hospital board has grown since the pandemic spurred a "medical freedom" movement.

The board opted not to endorse Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo's assertions and voted on a different motion that reaffirms a commitment "not to invade" patients' relationships with their doctors.

The facility will support clinical trials and “transformative” research, and offer hands-on training for doctors, nurses and med students with the goal of drawing "top-tier" health workers.

A $10 million donation from Target's CEO and his wife helped make the Cornell Family Behavioral Health Pavilion possible.

After a rough five days in the hospital, Hannah Heath says she's working to protect her family from mosquito-borne diseases. She encourages others to follow guidance from health officials.

But the hospital board chairman believes there are not enough votes on the board to force an independent investigation.

The hospital’s COVID death rate was 24% lower than national benchmarks. Still, the report did little to satisfy "health freedom" activists who say they distrust the hospital.