Venice, Florida -- A new option for healthcare could be on its way to Venice.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital filed plans with the state to build a hospital in the city. This as the hospital celebrated its 90th anniversary.
The plan calls for a 200-bed facility in south county. It comes just after Sarasota Memorial just opened a large trauma center.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital CEO David Verinder says he stepped up plans to expand south after the state raised safety issues with the privately owned Venice Regional Bayfront Health in Venice.
"We've heard a lot of outcry from patients, civic leaders that say they'd like us to be in the community. We've been moving into the community over the years. This is another step into that."
Sarasota Memorial has seen a 20 percent growth in patient care -- a reflection of Sarasota's increasing population.
