UF Health Flagler Hospital is updating its exterior.
St. Johns County issued a sign permit Feb. 12 at a project cost of $20,000 for three new illuminated signs that reflect the UF Health brand and are designed to improve wayfinding from the road.
First City Construction LLC of St. Augustine is the contractor.
Formerly called Flagler Hospital, the center became a part of the UF Health system in 2023, but its facade was not updated. It is at 400 Health Park Blvd. near U.S. 1 and State Road 312.
Before seeking the sign permit, UF Health sought a non-zoning variance to increase the signage square footage maximum from 200 square feet per business to allow 802 square feet across the three signs at the hospital.
Addie Mentry of AMLU Consulting represented UF Health when it presented its variance request to the County Planning and Zoning Agency on Jan. 15. She told the PZA that the ask wasn’t about style, but substance.
“This request is not about advertising or excess signage,” Mentry said.
“It is ensuring that the only hospital in the city of St. Augustine can be clearly, safely and appropriately identified in a way that is respectful of the building, compatible with the campus and beneficial to the community that it serves.”
Wayne Marshall, president of UF Health St. Johns, added that while the facility retains the Flagler Hospital name as part of UF Health, branding adjustments are intended to help the public become familiar with the updated identity, particularly given the area’s seasonal population.
The PZA unanimously approved the request 6-0 with board member Meagan Perkins absent.
UF Health Flagler is a 335-bed hospital providing essential and specialized services, including bariatric, behavioral health, heart and vascular, maternity services, neurosurgery, orthopedics, pediatrics and radiology.
UF Health St. Johns serves Clay, Duval, Flagler, Putnam and St. Johns counties. It is expanding its Durbin Park campus.