About - Our Hospital! Key West

 

We are Key West Residents, Citizens, and Community Advocates seeking the Best-In-Class Hospital Operator of our Public Hospital.  We are current and former CEO's, CFO's, Directors, MBA's, Big Business Owners, Small Business Owners, Physicians, Nurses, Healthcare Practitioners, Healthcare Workers, Attorneys, Teachers, Consultants, City & County Workers, Homemakers, Hospitality Workers, Retiree's, and many other professions. Perhaps more importantly, we're One Human Family. And, we intend to advocate, participate, even self-determine the highest possible standard of healthcare for our Citizens within our publicly owned Lower Keys Medical Center Hospital.

 

Why "Our Hospital"

 

In short, Lower Keys Medical Center (the Stock Island Facility specifically) is a Public Hospital. It's literally our Hospital. And, our Public Hospital is the responsibility of The Lower Florida Keys Hospital District, (aka "The District"), governed by State appointed Board of Commissioners. Currently, our District Hospital includes our Public Hospital (Stock Island), and an additional facility formerly known as The dePoo Facility or Hospital on Kennedy Drive which is leased to the Hospital Operator (long story, see our Who's Who for more information). Our combined Hospitals are currently leased by Community Health Systems (CHS), a for profit Public Company headquartered in Franklin, TN. On April 30th, 2029, the 30 Year Lease with CHS ends with both facilities.

 

Our Mission

 

To educate Key West Residents and Community Stakeholders on the many important dynamics of our Lower Keys Medical Center Hospital, and how these dynamics profoundly affect our day-to-day lives, given our current Hospital Operator (CHS) lease ends April 30th, 2029.

 

To facilitate competitive Hospital offerings from leading South Florida Hospital Groups which are financially stable, well-regarded and well-rated, such that our Community and the Lower Florida Keys Hospital District can make an objective determination as to which Hospital Operator / Lessee is truly in the best interests of our community.

 

UPDATE - As of July 7th, 2026 - An RFP (Request for Proposal) was approved by the District Board. Hospital Operators can now bid on the next lease of Lower Keys Medical Center, defined as the District-owned facility on College Road, Key West Florida. As of this date, current Hospital Operator (CHS), as well as Mount Sinai, and Baptist Health have indicated interest in the subsequent lease.

 

The RFP approved places evaluation criteria prioritizing operator quality, breadth of services, system integration, capital investment, and a dedicated commitment to indigent care in the scoring methodology. With these considerations, the District appears to be transitioning its role from a passive landlord to an active Guardian of Public Health. OHkw is pleased with this progress.     

​​