Fueled by strong bond ratings, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) is moving full speed ahead on more than $1 billion in capital projects that will greatly expand and enhance the community’s access to its five-star care.SMH recently began laying deep foundations at its new, $507 million hospital in North Port, and has several other expansion projects under way, including an $82.5 million inpatient rehabilitation facility at its SMH-Venice campus and more than $50 million in radiology upgrades and expansions in Sarasota and Venice. The capital projects are supported by strong and upgraded bond ratings from Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings. Similar to an individual's credit score, strong bond ratings significantly lower the health system’s cost of borrowing for major capital improvements. Earlier this week, the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board voted to issue up to $425 million in revenue bonds this year to help cover capital project costs. Also this week, Moody’s reinforced the health system’s creditworthiness, upgrading the hospital district’s rating to Aa3. Fitch reaffirmed the health system’s “AA-” rating in 2025.

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