A new capsule was also placed during the ceremony.
The South Florida Baptist Hospital (SFBH) on N. Alexander St. in Plant City opened on December 29, 1953. When the demolition of the facility began in February, workers uncovered a time capsule placed in the original building’s cornerstone.
The new South Florida Baptist Hospital, part of the BayCare system, opened at 3202 N. Park Rd. on Aug. 10, 2024. One year later to the day, SFBH held a ceremony to open the time capsule. Seventy-five people, including the president and CEO of BayCare, trustees, and the families of the legacy hospital’s first board of directors, were in attendance.
Mayor Nate Kilton presented a proclamation that read, in part:
“WHEREAS, in 1948, a dedicated group of visionary community leaders laid the original marble cornerstone, symbolizing the foundation of a hospital built to serve, heal, and uplift generations to come; and WHEREAS, this cornerstone has stood as a testament to the commitment, foresight, and compassion of our Founding Fathers, whose efforts established a legacy of care and community service; and WHEREAS, Sunday, August 10, 2025 marks the One-Year Anniversary of the opening of the new South Florida Baptist Hospital—a state-of-the-art facility that honors the past while embracing the future of healthcare in our region; and WHEREAS, on this day we gather to rededicate the original 1948 marble cornerstone, now placed permanently within the walls of our Heritage Hallway, to preserve and celebrate our rich history and the enduring spirit of those who came before us; and WHEREAS as we rededicate this historic cornerstone, we recommit ourselves to building upon the strong foundation laid in 1948, ensuring a future of innovation, compassion, and service for generations to come…..I….do hereby recognize South Florida Baptist Hospital for its vital role and lasting impact on our community, and encourage all in attendance and throughout the community to reflect on its extraordinary journey from its founding in 1948 to the bright future that lies ahead.”
Karen Kerr, president of SFBH, and Jim LeHeup, manager of operations at the facility, opened the capsule. One item discovered was a copy of a “Plant City Courier” from Friday, December 19, 1952. Among the front page items were, “CHRISTMAS FUND NOW TOTALS $410,” “BERRY CROPS DAMAGED BY FROST,” and “CORNER STONE OF HOSPITAL WILL BE LAID.” Notably, Badcock Furniture ran an ad in the newspaper. Other items were an 1848 one cent piece, a 1948 Franklin Half Dollar, and a portion of the Bible that appeared to be signed by the Florida State Secretary and Treasurer. The pages had crumbled with age, but “…for the ministry of this great hospital I present this New Testament,” was still legible.
At the ceremony, the group dedicated a new time capsule. One thing added to the capsule was a recent copy of a “Plant City Observer.” Kerr wrote a letter she also placed inside. She read it to the group, but there will be no present record of what she said. People who weren’t at the ceremony will have to wait until August 10, 2075 to find out.
