Ocala, FL — Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano today presented a mayoral citation to HCA Florida Healthcare, recognizing the agencies that partnered to bring more than 70 healthcare jobs and a $200 million project to Ocala/Marion.
Hosted at the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership offices, representatives included Marion County Commissioner, Matt McClain (District 3); City of Ocala City Manager, Pete Lee; City of Ocala Planning Director, Aubrey Hale; Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership President and CEO, Matt McCormick; HCA Florida Ocala Hospital CEO, Alan Keesee with HCA Florida Ocala Hospital COO, Lisa Tzanakis and hospital physicians gathered to receive the citation.
The citation read:
I, Ben Marciano, Mayor of the City of Ocala, do hereby confer upon you the Mayor’s Citation for your contribution to the civic welfare of our municipality. Wherefore, I have issued and signed this Certificate and Award of Merit as an earnest expression of appreciation and a symbol of gratitude for the exceptional quality of healthcare, financial investment in the local economy, well-being of residents, collaborative relationship between the Chamber of Commerce, city and county municipalities, and dedication to the health and prosperity which you have rendered to our community.
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, part of HCA Florida Healthcare, announced in May 2026 a nearly $200 million investment to construct a new multi-story patient tower and expand surgical services to meet the rapidly growing healthcare needs of North Central Florida. The project will add more than 470,000 square feet to the hospital campus.
The expansion will bring the total number of patient beds to 647 between HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital. With construction scheduled to begin this year, the expansion significantly increases the hospital’s capacity and will add more than 70 new healthcare positions.
“This expansion represents a major milestone for HCA Florida Ocala Hospital as we continue to grow alongside our community,” said Alan Keesee, chief executive officer, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. “By investing in additional capacity, advanced surgical capabilities and modern infrastructure, we are ensuring that patients have access to the care they need — when and where they need it most.”
The new multi-story patient tower is designed to support both immediate and future capacity needs including:
- A new 16-bed intensive care unit (ICU), bringing the new total for HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital to more than 100 ICU beds.
- Two additional 26-bed medical/surgical/telemetry units and infrastructure to support expanded surgical services.
The tower is designed to accommodate up to seven total floors, allowing for continued expansion as community needs evolve.
To further enhance accessibility for patients, a new 806 spot multi-story parking garage will be constructed to improve the overall campus experience.
Additionally, the project includes significant surgical services expansion and renovation, including:
- Construction of new operating rooms.
- Shell space for future operating rooms to support long-term growth.
- Relocation and expansion of the vascular lab and procedural areas.
- Development of new pre- and post-operative recovery spaces.
- Upgrades to patient flow, support areas and clinical infrastructure.
“This investment will allow us to expand and enhance our surgical capabilities, which will allow our highly skilled teams to serve more patients,” said Lisa Tzanakis, chief operating officer, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. “This project not only addresses today’s needs but positions us to serve future generations with expanded access, advanced technology and exceptional care.”
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital continues to expand its services and footprint across the region, including the recent addition of 52 jobs and 40 new inpatient rooms at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital and its newest freestanding emergency room in Ocala, expected to open in 2027.
This project reflects HCA Florida Healthcare’s ongoing commitment to investing in its facilities, caregivers and communities to improve patient outcomes and expand access to care across the state.
HCA Florida Healthcare is also the largest provider of Graduate Medical Education (GME) across the state. HCA Florida Ocala Hospital is a teaching hospital partnered with University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine. On March 20, during resident match day, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital matched 65 new medical students to its residency and fellowship programs. They will start in July 2026, bringing the total number of resident physicians and fellows to 181 for the 26-27 academic year.
Since 2020, HCA Florida Healthcare has increased access and care with the following initiatives:
- Added 36 new beds to the Neurological ICU at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital.
- Expanded the Cardiology Catheterization Laboratories at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital.
- Added an Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit to HCA Florida West Marion Hospital.
- Added 36 new Cardiovascular ICU beds to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital.
- Renovated and expanded HCA Florida Ocala Hospital’s emergency department by adding 13 new beds.
- Added four new operating rooms to HCA Florida West Marion Hospital.