Mayo Medical Center holds grand opening of new facility.

After having been located in the same building for the past 44 years, Mayo Medical Center of North Florida Medical Centers Inc., on US 27 in Mayo, officially opened the doors of their newly built center on Aug. 25. The new building is located in the same area as the old one, west of Mayo, on US 27, near Lafayette Health Care Center.

In spite of the sweltering heat, a large crowd attended the open house for the new facility.  

On hand were many dignitaries, staff members, local commissioners, board members, as well as many, many local folks who are currently patients at Mayo Medical Center.

CEO of North Florida Medical Centers Inc., Joel Montgomery spoke to those in attendance and expressed his joy in being a part of this new facility, and what it means to the people of Lafayette and surrounding counties. He told some of the interesting aspects of finally getting to the point of completion, like relocating an “endangered species” from the site, before the foundation could be dug. Wondering what that might be? Several gopher tortoises were living in the area and had to be moved to a new home. That was just one of the many things, that occurred during the whole building process, but as he said, “work continued, and finally the new building is complete.”

Site Manager Stella Buchanan spoke very emotionally and passionately about seeing this project come to completion. She then introduced the staff doctor, Bogdan Maliszewski, who also addressed those in attendance and shared the joy he feels for the people of Lafayette County in having this new, state of the art facility at their disposal. Other staff members of the facility were introduced as well.

Congressman Steve Southerland addressed those in attendance, and shared his thoughts about the purpose-driven, passionate people of Lafayette County, and surrounding counties, who worked so hard to help make this new facility become a reality. Congressman Southerland said, “you are the heroes, may God bless each of you and thank you for letting us be a small part of your huge accomplishment.”

Following  Congressman Southerland’s address, the crowd moved to the west side of the building where the raising of the flag was accomplished by the local American Legion, and the Star Spangled Banner was sung by Kaci Palomino.

Following the flag raising ceremony, everyone headed indoors to tour the beautiful, new facility, which among other things, has at least nine new exam rooms, two procedure rooms, a lab area, and more. Following the tour, everyone was invited to enjoy the delicious luncheon prepared for all those in attendance.