News & Media
Celebrating 65 years of service to Franklin County!
Weems Memorial Hospital opened on June 21, 1959 in its current location on Washington Square. But it was not Apalachicola’s first hospital. Historians note that Apalachicola’s first hospital was actually a renovated Army barracks building at the airport with 13 beds, a small obstetrical wing and operative suite. The hospital served the needs of the community from the time of its opening in 1948 until the completion of the new hospital with 25 beds at the present site in 1959.
The site of the current Weems Hospital was once the site of the original Franklin County courthouse. The courthouse was later converted into the health department and operated until it was demolished in 1957 to make way for the new hospital which exists there today.
Help us tell our Weems story!
Do you have photos of Weems Memorial over the years? Please share! Email photos with details to pr@weemsmemorial.com.
News & Media
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Weems Memorial Hospital will close Weems Medical Center East, Weems Medical Center West, and all outpatient services on Monday, January 19.
While outpatient clinics will be closed for the holiday, Weems Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department remains open 24/7 to provide care for urgent and emergency medical needs.
All outpatient clinics and services will resume normal operations on Tuesday, January 20. We appreciate the community’s understanding as our team joins in honoring the legacy of Dr. King and his impact on our nation.
For emergencies, please call 911 or visit the Weems Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.
Apalachicola, Fla. — December 5, 2025 — George E. Weems Memorial Hospital recently hosted the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) as part of Florida’s Rural Health Transformation Program Town Hall series — a statewide effort focused on strengthening healthcare access in rural communities.
AHCA, Florida’s chief health policy agency, is meeting with rural hospitals and healthcare providers across the state as it prepares for a new, multi-year federal grant initiative designed to support rural health systems. The Rural Health Transformation Program is intended to help rural communities address shared challenges such as workforce stability, access to technology and telehealth, care coordination, and long-term sustainability.
By hosting one of these town halls, Weems Memorial Hospital helped ensure that the needs and priorities of Franklin County and surrounding rural communities are part of Florida’s planning process for this important funding opportunity.
“We appreciate AHCA coming to Weems to hear directly from our rural facilities,” said David Walker, CEO of Weems Memorial Hospital. “The Rural Health Transformation Program has the potential to make a real difference for hospitals like ours. When rural providers have the resources to strengthen local access to care, it benefits every family and every community we serve.”
The discussion highlighted the essential role rural hospitals play in Florida’s healthcare system and the importance of ensuring that rural voices are represented as new programs and investments are developed. Conversations during the town hall focused on current challenges facing rural providers and how future funding could support continued access to quality care close to home.
Hosting this event reflects Weems Memorial Hospital’s ongoing commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and long-term healthcare stability for Franklin County. As planning for the Rural Health Transformation Program continues, insights shared during town halls like this one will help guide Florida’s approach and ensure that rural communities remain a priority.
About Weems Memorial Hospital
Celebrating 66 years of service to Franklin County, Florida, George E. Weems Memorial Hospital is a private, nonprofit, 25-bed critical access hospital providing emergency services, primary care, short-term inpatient rehabilitation, and a range of outpatient services. Weems is affiliated with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and contracts with Alliant Management Services for administrative operations.
Weems Memorial is pleased to recognize three outstanding employees for their dedication and hard work. Gabrielle Pine, LPN, Debbie Mashburn, and Monica Varnes, RN, were recently recognized for their exceptional work.
March:
Weems Memorial Hospital was delighted to recognize Gabrielle Pine, LPN, as our Employee of the Month for March. Gabrielle truly exemplifies patient-centered care, consistently demonstrating remarkable focus and unwavering advocacy for those she serves. Her exceptional compassion and dedication to providing excellent care are evident in the positive feedback from her patients, who describe her as “excellent,” “wonderful,” and “kind.”
Gabrielle’s deeply ingrained “patient-first” attitude and integrity have made her an invaluable member of the Weems Memorial team. We are proud to recognize her for her outstanding work and commitment to our mission of providing the best possible care.
June:
In June, we were excited to shine a spotlight on Debbie Mashburn from our Finance Department. Debbie’s versatility and willingness to embrace new challenges make her an incredibly valuable member of the Weems team.
After retiring as our Admissions Supervisor, Debbie’s dedication kept her on board as PRN to assist with claims. When an essential payroll representative role became available, she stepped up without hesitation. Her consistent contributions have been crucial in keeping our hospital running smoothly every day. Thank you, Debbie, for your exceptional commitment to Weems Memorial Hospital!
July:
Monica Varnes, RN, was honored as Employee of the Month for July. Monica shines on every shift with her high energy, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to patient care. She consistently steps up with initiative, supports her coworkers, and is always the first to assist with patient needs.
Monica exemplifies our core values of Integrity, Accountability, and Respect. We are proud to recognize her as a dedicated team member who continually goes above and beyond for both our patients and our hospital.
These employees are true examples of Weems’ values of integrity, accountability, and respect, and we are grateful for their contributions to our hospital and community.
Krista Varnes, a senior at Franklin County High School, is the proud recipient of the Weems Doug Creamer Health Care Scholarship. Krista’s impressive academic record, coupled with her dedication to her community, made her an outstanding candidate for the scholarship. She plans to attend Florida State University to pursue a career in medicine, with a focus on dermatology.
Krista’s achievements extend beyond academics. She actively contributes to her community, volunteering at the local Humane Society and library, and is an engaged member of the Beta Club and Honor Society. Weems is proud to support Krista’s journey into healthcare and looks forward to her future contributions to the field.
Hospital Improvements
Construction Plan Update
For more than a decade, George E. Weems Memorial Hospital (WMH) has contemplated renovations and expansion to the existing facility located on Apalachicola’s Washington Square. Original plans drafted in 2016 called for a 22,000 square foot addition (including canopies) to the existing facility which would house a new Emergency Department, Diagnostic Suite, Entry/Lobby and 10 private patient rooms with private baths. Additionally, plans called for renovations to the 20,000 square foot existing facility to accommodate associated support/ancillary functions, cosmetic room finish improvements to public areas, maintenance/repair work plus associated costs for medical equipment and furnishings. Once a total scope of work is finalized and approved by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the project should take between 18-24 months to complete.
Weems Memorial Hospital opened on June 21, 1959 in its current location. But it was not Apalachicola’s first hospital. According to longtime Apalachicola physician Dr. Photis Nichols, Apalachicola’s first hospital was actually a renovated Army barracks building at the airport with 13 beds, a small obstetrical wing and operative suite. The hospital served the needs of the community from the time of its opening in 1948 until the completion of the new hospital with 25 beds at the present site in 1959.
Ultrasound Now Available at Weems
The recent addition of Ultrasound Services to Weems hospital has proved popular with local residents who no longer have to travel for radiology-type services.
The types of ultrasound exams that Weems can perform include, but are not limited to Aorta, Abdominal, OB, Renal, Liver, Arterial, Venous, Scrotal, Breast and Pelvic. Weems’ certified sonographer Amanda Byrd performs the exams in the ER and is available to perform outpatient exams. Other radiology services available through Weems include CT and xray services.
You may schedule an appointment by calling the hospital at (850) 653-8853.
New Ambulance
Weems Memorial received a new ambulance this year thanks to a decision by the Franklin County Commission to purchase the vehicle. The new ambulance is part of Weems’ 10-year replacement plan to rotate old vehicles out of use and replace with new equipment. The Weems fleet of four ambulances are currently stationed throughout the county in Eastpoint, Carrabelle area and Apalachicola.
About Weems
Founded in 1959, the George E. Weems Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit community healthcare facility committed to providing quality healthcare to Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Serving Franklin County from Alligator Point to Apalachicola, Weems is a 25-bed critical access hospital with emergency services, specialty care resources and two medical offices located in Apalachicola and Carrabelle.
Weems hospital is staffed 24/7 by residency trained, board certified physicians provided by Southland Emergency Medical Services of FL. The same ER physicians also serve as hospitalists for in-patient hospital care. This consistency in care provides for a smooth transition from the ER to the acute care setting.
Outpatient Services
Outpatient laboratory, radiology and respiratory services are offered Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm at the main hospital facility located at 135 Avenue G in Apalachicola. Please call (850) 653-8853 ext. 1180 to make an appointment.
Two Primary Care Medical Centers
Weems Memorial Hospital facilities include two medical facilities located in Apalachicola and Carrabelle. Each provides primary care, family medicine, and rotating specialty care services. Specialty care services are available by appointment only.
Weems Medical Center West
Address:
137 12th Street, Apalachicola
Phone:
(850) 653-1525
Hours of Operation:
Open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm for scheduled appointments and same-day appointments as available (closed 12:00pm to 1:00pm). Lab draw services are available from 8:00am to 11:00am.
Weems Medical Center East
Address:
110 NE 5th Street, Carrabelle
Phone:
(850) 697-2345
Hours of Operation:
Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 pm for scheduled appointments and same-day appointments as available (closed 12:00pm to 1:00pm). Lab draw services are available from 8:00am to 11:00am.