Bayfront to be sold to "For Profit" company - WFLA-TV Newschannel 8

Bayfront Medical Center is the hospital people go to when they're really hurting or sick. And in a few weeks, it will go from non-profit to "for profit" when Health Management Associates, or H.M.A. buys Bayfront 2 -hundred million dollars.

Because it is on city-owned land, the St. Petersburg City council must o.k. any ownership change. Some worry, the commitment to free care could change. But the "soon-to-be" owners assured council members, H.M.A. will do their part for the needy. "We're committed to the success at Bayfront, and that includes taking care of people who need care irrespective of where they come from" said Alan Levine, Senior V.P. of H.M.A.

With H.M.A.,  Bayfront will be part of a 7-hospital system that includes Shands in Gainesville. Bayfront CEO Sue Brody, who will resign when H.M.A. takes over, says Bayfront will be able to offer more to the community. "We have found a terrific partner in Health Management and Shands Health Care that will invest in Bayfront for the future and allow us to continue to grow and expand our programs" she said.

St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster is convinced, bayfront will benefit. "This was not a willy nilly search. They exhausted their remedies and they have brought before you today , one of the finest partners anywhere."

With Thursday's St. Petersburg city council vote, the wheels are in motion for Bayfront Medical center to be sold on April 1st.