In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
01 — Health
Gulf Coast Healthcare Guide
Quality healthcare is a top priority for anyone relocating. The Gulf Coast is served by nationally recognized hospitals, an extensive network of specialists, and a full range of wellness and fitness options.
02 — Hospitals
Major Hospitals
Sarasota Memorial Hospital Sarasota Campus
SarasotaSarasota County's primary hospital and a Level II Trauma Center with a 24-hour emergency room. The region's largest and most comprehensive hospital, recognized nationally for patient safety, cardiac care, and orthopedics.
Emergency Room entrance is off Waldemere St. For non-emergencies, call (941) 917-8555. Part of the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.
Venice Regional Bayfront Health
VeniceFull-service hospital serving Venice and south Sarasota County, with strong cardiology and orthopedics programs.
Website and phone unconfirmed; verify with the hospital directly.
HCA Florida Blake Medical Center
BradentonManatee County's most comprehensive hospital and a Level II Trauma Center, with advanced cardiac and stroke care.
Website and phone unconfirmed; verify with the hospital directly.
Manatee Memorial Hospital
BradentonManatee County's original hospital, with a dedicated pediatric emergency department and comprehensive services.
Website and phone unconfirmed; verify with the hospital directly.
03 — Urgent Care
Urgent Care Facilities
For non-emergency care, urgent care centers are widely available and offer extended hours.
Sarasota Memorial Urgent Care at Bee Ridge
5590 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota FL 34233
Hours: Open daily 8am-8pm
Phone: (941) 262-4950
DirectionsSarasota Memorial walk-in urgent care with X-ray, lab, and minor injury care.
Sarasota Memorial Urgent Care at Stickney Point
6331 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota FL 34231
Hours: Open daily 8am-8pm
Phone: (941) 917-5678
DirectionsSarasota Memorial walk-in urgent care serving the Stickney Point and Southside area.
Sarasota Memorial Urgent Care at University Parkway
5360 University Pkwy, Sarasota FL 34243
Hours: Open daily 8am-8pm
Phone: (941) 917-1234
DirectionsSarasota Memorial walk-in urgent care serving the University Parkway area.
Sarasota Memorial Urgent Care at St. Armands
500 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota FL 34236
Hours: Open daily 8am-8pm
Phone: (941) 262-4750
DirectionsSarasota Memorial walk-in urgent care on St. Armands Circle.
04 — Pet Emergencies
Emergency Veterinary Care
When your pet needs urgent medical attention after hours, these 24/7 emergency veterinary hospitals are available. For a life-threatening emergency involving a pet, call ahead to confirm they are accepting patients.
Veterinary Emergency Clinic Sarasota
Emergency veterinary hospital providing 24/7 weekend and emergency care. This is the current veterinary emergency business at this address.
BluePearl Pet Hospital
Specialty and emergency veterinary hospital open 24/7 for urgent and critical pet care.
Animal E.R. of University Park
Emergency veterinary hospital in the Bradenton / University Park area, open 24/7.
05 — Specialists
Specialist Directories
These are starting points to find a provider. FGCL does not rank or endorse any individual physician; providers, locations and insurance networks change, so always confirm coverage with your plan and the practice.
Sarasota Memorial Physician Group
Medical PracticeMulti-specialty network of 100+ physicians across major specialties, connected to Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.
Intercoastal Medical Group
Medical PracticeLarge independent multi-specialty group serving Sarasota and Manatee counties with many specialties and several locations.
Multiple locations (Cattlemen, Hyde Park, Beneva, Lakewood Ranch); this is the Cattlemen office.
Manatee Physician Alliance
Medical PracticeSpecialty physician network in Manatee County with connections to the area's major hospitals.
See the Manatee Physician Alliance facility page on the Manatee health system website.
Sarasota Memorial: Find a Doctor
Search SMH-affiliated physicians across Sarasota County and Venice by specialty and location.
Coverage: Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
HCA Florida: Find a Doctor
Search physicians across HCA Florida hospitals, including Sarasota Doctors Hospital and the Venice area.
Coverage: Statewide Florida network
06 — Coverage
Medicare & Insurance
- Florida has no state income tax, and many specialists in the area are Medicare-friendly
- Most major insurance plans are accepted at Gulf Coast hospitals and doctor networks
- Telehealth options expanded significantly since 2020 and remain widely available
- Many retirees maintain their prior-state primary care via telehealth while establishing local specialists
- The Gulf Coast has above-average ratios of physicians per capita for a region its size
- Long-term care and assisted living facilities are abundant in Sarasota and Manatee counties
For Relocators
Health insurance considerations for new Florida residents: private marketplace plans through Healthcare.gov are available during open enrollment or qualifying life events (which a move counts as). Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans have specific enrollment periods when you establish Florida residency. Consult with a licensed insurance agent licensed in Florida to find the right coverage for your situation.
07 — Wellness
Wellness & Fitness Options
Fitness Centers & Gyms
Sarasota City YMCA
Community fitness center with gym, pools and group classes.
Life Time Lakewood Ranch
Large athletic resort-style club.
Orangetheory Fitness (South Sarasota)
Heart-rate-based interval training studio.
Orangetheory Fitness (Downtown)
Heart-rate-based interval training studio.
Yoga & Wellness
Hot Yoga Sarasota
Heated yoga studio with 60-minute classes.
Beach yoga is offered occasionally at Siesta and Lido beaches by local instructors; check studio schedules for outdoor sessions.
Outdoor Fitness
Robinson Preserve
Manatee County coastal preserve with paved trails through mangroves and wetlands.
No website; official Manatee County park information is available by phone or at the visitor center.
Myakka River State Park
Florida state park with scenic trails, boardwalk and miles of running and biking.
Venice Fishing Pier at Brohard Park
Scenic Gulf-front pier walk and fishing in Venice.
Spa & Recovery
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Sarasota
Full-service spa at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota on Lido Key.
The Salt Caves and Spa
Salt therapy, infrared sauna and red-light therapy at Lakewood Ranch.
Salt of the Earth Sarasota
Salt therapy and wellness center.
Hours and availability change; call ahead before visiting.
Health Matters
Find the Right Community for Your Health Needs
Proximity to healthcare is a key factor in choosing where to live. Michael can help you find a home near the medical facilities that matter to you.
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Health & Wellness Updates
New healthcare facilities, wellness events, and health resources for Gulf Coast living.