Jacksonville health news: ER growth, Florida Blue coverage update, and measles watch

Jacksonville-area health headlines over the past six days focused on access: where emergency care is expanding, how first responders are being supported on the job, and what families should know as Florida’s measles activity continues to draw attention.

Hospital and emergency care expansion

A new snapshot of Northeast Florida projects shows emergency and outpatient capacity growing across the region. In Arlington, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital’s freestanding emergency room on Merrill Road is now open, with private exam rooms, a trauma bay and on-site imaging such as CT, ultrasound and X-ray.

Downtown on the Southbank, Baptist Health and Wolfson Children’s Hospital continue major construction tied to the McGehee Family Tower, a phased emergency-care expansion planned to separate adult and pediatric emergency services while adding new procedure and support space.

Nearby in St. Johns County, UF Health Flagler Hospital has also moved forward on updated exterior signage tied to UF Health St. Johns branding, a change local officials said is aimed at clearer identification and wayfinding for the community.

First responder wellness center breaks ground

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department broke ground on a dedicated Health and Wellness Center designed to support the long-term health of its workforce. Department leaders said the facility is intended to bring together screenings, fitness resources and occupational health follow-up for more than 1,900 personnel, reflecting national safety standards for firefighter health and injury prevention.

Health insurance watch: Florida Blue and Cleveland Clinic Florida

Jacksonville-based insurer Florida Blue and Cleveland Clinic Florida spent much of the week under a contract deadline that raised concerns about some patients losing in-network access. Health News Florida reported that employer-sponsored coverage, Marketplace plans and Medicare Advantage could be affected if talks failed.

On Feb. 27, Cleveland Clinic announced a new agreement with Florida Blue, saying many members should continue to have in-network access. Patients with upcoming appointments may still want to confirm their specific plan details and any required authorizations before services are scheduled.

Outbreak update: measles remains on the radar

While no new Duval County case count was reported this week, statewide reporting continues to cite Duval among Florida counties with confirmed measles cases in 2026. Central Florida Public Media noted six Duval cases in state data as lawmakers debated vaccine policy, and CBS Miami reported Florida’s broader case totals rising week over week.

Health officials continue to emphasize vaccination as the most reliable prevention tool. Clinicians also urge people with a fever and rash illness to contact a provider before arriving for care, which can help reduce exposure in waiting areas.

Public health note: regional water shortage rules expand

The St. Johns River Water Management District expanded its moderate water shortage declaration to more Northeast Florida counties, including those surrounding Jacksonville. The order limits wasteful or unnecessary water use, with officials pointing to persistently dry conditions.

Sources

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2026/feb/27/part-i-northeast-florida-health-care-development-update/
https://www.myjfrd.com/news/jacksonville-fire-and-rescue-department-breaks-ground-on-health-and-wellness-center
https://www.wusf.org/health-news-florida/2026-02-26/florida-blue-cleveland-clinic-florida-face-sunday-deadline-to-reach-new-contract
https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2026/02/27/cleveland-clinic-and-florida-blue-secure-new-agreement
https://www.cfpublic.org/health/2026-02-24/medical-freedom-act-moves-through-senate-while-opponents-are-concerned-over-rising-measles-cases
https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/florida-measles-cases-jump-third-most-in-country/
https://www.wokv.com/news/local/water-shortage-extended-more-local-counties-included/6C6P3ZGSH5D2LKYTDZWZVGUEAI/
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2026/feb/23/uf-health-flagler-hospital-getting-new-larger-signs/