Cultivating a Healthy Community

In 1949, the District was founded to help rural residents gain access to basic medical services. By 2012, due to the exponential growth of the community and their desire to make a larger impact, the District sold its brick-and-mortar assets and transitioned from a behind-the-scenes administrator to an active healthcare investor.

By 2022, the District leveraged $181 million from the sale to invest more than $245 million into the community. In its 73-year history, the focus remained the same: making west Orange County the healthiest community in the nation.

The West Orange Healthcare District board of trustees passed a Board Resolution to file for dissolution after committing all remaining funds from the proceeds of selling its physical assets in 2012. The District is officially inactive as of January 4, 2023.

Learn more about the District’s work.

Our History

1949 - Established

Florida Legislature establishes District with the ability to levy a special property tax to help the rural community better access medical care.

1952 - First Hospital

District opens West Orange Memorial Hospital, a 40-bed healthcare facility on North Dillard Street in Winter Garden.

1960 - Rescue Services

District launches Paramedic Services, the area’s first emergency rescue and transportation program in Winter Garden.

1970s - Nursing Home

District purchases West Orange Manor in Ocoee, a 118-bed skilled nursing home; double the home’s capacity within 10 years

1993 - New Hospital

District opens Health Central Hospital, an integrated hospital and medical office complex.

2000 - Taxes Cease

This is the last year that the District collects property tax.

2012 - Visioning

District activates long-term plan to increase access to high-quality healthcare, chooses Orlando Health as strategic partner and negotiates $181 million sale of Health Central Hospital to Orlando Health.

2022 - Impact

In just 10 years, the District leveraged $181 million to invest more than $245 million into the community. The investments include $124 million in physical assets to improve healthcare access and quality for the highest growth region in Florida; $80 million for health and wellness prevention and healthy places; $42 million for local nonprofits that serve the uninsured, underinsured and special needs communities.