Boca Raton delays review of new emergency room proposal

Residents frustrated by unexpected postponement of discussion on first freestanding ER in the city

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A long-anticipated discussion about expanding emergency care options in Boca Raton, Florida was unexpectedly delayed during a city council meeting on Tuesday night. The council was scheduled to review a proposal for the city's first freestanding emergency room, but the item was postponed for two weeks, leaving many residents who attended the meeting feeling frustrated and unheard.

Why it matters

Boca Raton currently has limited emergency care options, with only Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital and West Boca Medical Center serving the area. Supporters of the new freestanding ER proposal say it would drastically improve emergency response times, which can be a matter of life or death in critical situations.

The details

The proposed freestanding ER was planned for the area near Glades and Yamato Roads. The council had appeared to gain support for the proposal in January, which is why the sudden postponement left many residents confused and disappointed. City officials say the delay is meant to allow more time for discussion, including a deeper look at potential sites for the new facility.

  • The city council meeting where the proposal was scheduled to be reviewed took place on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The council plans to revisit the freestanding ER proposal at its February 24, 2026 meeting.

The players

Bryan Leib

A resident of Boca Raton who expressed frustration with the sudden postponement of the discussion, saying "It just kind of smells to me like there were some politics at play."

Gila Brand Stern

A resident of Boca Raton who said she was "disappointed that the agenda item was scrapped" and that as community members, residents "are entitled to ask questions" about the sudden change.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In a time of emergency, you're talking seconds. For residents, a 15 to 30minute drive... that's a matter of life or death.”

— Bryan Leib, Resident (cw34.com)

“As community members, we're entitled to ask questions. We want to know why an approved freestanding ER is no longer approved when it serves the best interest of the public.”

— Gila Brand Stern, Resident (cw34.com)

What’s next

The city council plans to revisit the freestanding ER proposal at its February 24, 2026 meeting, and residents are still encouraged to attend and share their concerns.

The takeaway

This unexpected delay in the review process for a new freestanding emergency room in Boca Raton has left many residents feeling frustrated and questioning whether there may have been political factors at play. The community is seeking transparency from city officials on the reasons behind the postponement, as access to timely emergency medical care is a critical issue for local residents.