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Collier County approves $6 million incentive for Bay College osteopathic medical school
Summary
The board unanimously approved a $6 million economic development agreement with Bay College Osteopathic Medicine LLC for a proposed medical school in Hacienda Lakes; the project leaders expect a roughly $170 million build, about 400 on‑campus students, 20 county scholarships and an extended local economic impact.
Collier County commissioners unanimously approved an economic development agreement to provide $6,000,000 in incentives to Bay College Osteopathic Medicine LLC (referred to in staff materials as "Project Bones") to build a new osteopathic medical school in the Hacienda Lakes area.
Cormac Giblin, the county’s economic development and housing director, told the board the college proposes a roughly $170,000,000 construction project for a 108,000–110,000 square‑foot facility that would accommodate about 400 students on campus and produce an entering class and graduate pipeline for local medical training. Under the agreement the county would pay $1,000,000 at issuance of the certificate of occupancy and then 10 equal annual payments of $500,000 tied to years of operation; staff described the $6,000,000 as roughly 3.5% of total project cost. The college committed to at least 20 scholarships for Collier County residents and an obligation not to convert to a tax‑exempt status until $6,000,000 had been returned in ad valorem tax revenue.
Dr. Robert Hastie, dean and chief academic officer for the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine, which is the project’s operating partner, said the school seeks to open on an expedited timetable and aims to start instruction by 2028 with the inaugural graduating class by 2032 (accreditation permitting). Project proponents and hospital partners said the school would address physician shortages in Southwest Florida and produce high‑wage jobs during construction and operation. NCH (local health system) representatives voiced support for the project.
Commissioners asked about funding sources and housing for students. Staff said the county would use general fund or economic development cost‑center budget authority and would appropriate funds during the upcoming fiscal year; discussions about student housing are ongoing with adjacent landowners and partners. Commissioners emphasized the potential long‑term economic and workforce benefits and approved the agreement without recorded opposition.
Next steps include finalizing the agreement terms, verifying the project’s site plan and timeline, and executing the incentive paperwork tied to the certificate‑of‑occupancy schedule.
