Empath Health to sell properties throughout Tampa Bay
By Breanne Williams
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Mar 6, 2024

Empath Health, a Clearwater health care company, will list multiple properties for sale as part of a reinvestment strategy.

The properties are in Clearwater, Englewood and Longboat Key. The decision aligns with the company’s broader initiative to “reinvest in the community, enhance programming and support colleagues,” according to Empath.

“We are excited to announce this strategic decision to sell these campuses,” Jonathan Fleece, president and CEO of Empath Health, said in a statement. “This move represents a pivotal moment in Empath Health’s journey as we continue to innovate and adapt to best serve our community.”

The proceeds from the sales will be reinvested in three areas: community support, enhanced programming and colleague development.

The Clearwater campus at 5771 Roosevelt Blvd. is the largest of the campuses to be listed for sale, according to an Empath spokesperson.

Community support allows the group to increase programming and initiatives to broaden Empath’s reach and impact. The enhanced programming will “bolster its capacity to deliver innovative care solutions” and improve patient outcomes. The investment in colleague development includes salaries, training, education and wellness programs.

“By divesting certain properties, we are strategically reallocating resources to focus on our core mission of providing exceptional care and support to individuals facing serious illness and grief,” Fleece said.

The group will issue an RFP for broker services in the coming days. A spokesperson for Empath said they expect to list the properties within the next 45 days.

Empath is one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the country and delivers non-acute care to those with chronic, advanced and terminal illnesses and those experiencing grief. Its network of care includes counseling, medical and support services.

The services include hospice, home health, palliative care, grief services, elder care, HIV/STI prevention services and support, primary care, a full-service pharmacy and durable medical equipment.

Empath has roughly 26,000 people enrolled in its Full Life Care services in North Central, West Central and Southwest Florida.

“While our properties in these areas are being sold, Empath Health’s presence in those communities is not wavering,” Fleece said. “We remain deeply committed to our mission in each of these areas and look forward to continuing our journey of compassionate care and service excellence.”