FL S2208

Congratulates Homestead Hospital for maintaining high-quality, compassionate patient care in the community.

Recognizes that Homestead Hospital was founded in 1940 when local citizens raised nearly $12,000 through potluck fish fry events to develop the facility.

Notes that a new $135 million, 142-bed state-of-the-art facility opened in May 2007 and serves as one of the largest employers in south Miami-Dade County with approximately 1,200 employees.

Acknowledges the hospital's medical staff consists of more than 400 physicians representing more than 30 medical specialties.

Expresses appreciation to Chief Executive Officer Bill Duquette for his inspiring leadership of the hospital, which operates as part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest faith-based, not-for-profit health care organization in the region.