Wellness Center Reaches Major Milestone with Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
After years of planning, fundraising, design, and construction, the Ruth and J O Stone Wellness Center has reached an exciting milestone: we have received our Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO).
While final punch-list items and finishing touches remain underway, this achievement marks a significant step forward in bringing the vision of the Wellness Center to life. For the first time, we can begin occupying and utilizing portions of the building while construction activities are completed.
For everyone who has supported the Keep Them Well Comprehensive Campaign, the TCO represents more than a construction milestone—it is tangible proof that years of generosity, partnership, and shared vision are becoming reality.
The Wellness Center was designed to expand Clearwater Free Clinic's ability to care for the whole person. The new facility will provide dedicated space for behavioral health services, physical and occupational therapy, nutrition education, wellness programming, patient education, and community partnerships that address the factors influencing health beyond the exam room.
As we prepare for full occupancy, our team is focused on furnishing spaces, installing equipment, and preparing programs that will soon serve thousands of uninsured individuals and families throughout Pinellas County.The impact of this expansion can already be seen in the lives of the patients we serve. One patient recently shared:
“I have been so fortunate to have a nurse practitioner who is willing to try to get to the root of what is happening with my health. She is compassionate and cares deeply that my health improves. I’ve been so thankful for the services the Clearwater Free Clinic provides because I simply couldn’t get care otherwise.”
Stories like this are why the Wellness Center matters. Every counseling office, therapy room, teaching kitchen, wellness classroom, and community gathering space has been designed to help patients achieve better health outcomes and improve their quality of life.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we are now entering the final phase of both construction and fundraising. With approximately $500,000 remaining to complete the Keep Them Well Comprehensive Campaign, we are closer than ever to realizing a transformational investment in the health of our community. We look forward to celebrating this achievement with our supporters, volunteers, partners, and community leaders at our Ribbon Cutting Celebration on October 8.
Thank you for helping us build a healthier future for Pinellas County.