U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis attended both ceremonies. In Zephyrhills, he spoke about what the new facilities will mean for Veterans.

“This clinic will expand the mental health services and primary care services available to Veterans in east Pasco County, something that is long overdue,” Bilirakis said. “There’s going to be the new clinic in New Port Richey as well, and that will offer different services in some cases, so I want to make sure that you feel free to go to New Port Richey, just like they can come over here if you prefer services over here.”

The new Zephyrhills clinic is scheduled to be activated in 2020.

June 6 was also the nationwide kickoff date for the MISSION Act, one the tenets of which is modernization, something addressed by speakers at both ceremonies.

“To be able to maintain as much services within the VA as possible is certainly a strategic goal,” said Dr. Edward Cutolo, Veterans Integrated Service Network 8 chief medical officer. “With the bed tower going up in the main hospital area, the replacement clinics in New Port Richey, Lakeland, Brooksville, Zephyrhills, the new opening of the SOHI Clinic. You can tell the investment that’s been put in to maintaining and increasing services.”

Danny Burgess, executive chairman of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and a native of Zephyrhills, agreed with Cutolo.

“This is very fitting that the VA has had multiple groundbreakings, and also the rollout of the MISSION Act, on the heels of our D-Day commemoration for the 75th anniversary. A day where Veterans demonstrated the ultimate act of commitment to freedom and selflessness and courage, the VA is demonstrating their commitment to serving Veterans,” Burgess said. “Thank you very much for your continued support for the Veterans, not just in our community, in our state and our VISN, but also our country. We appreciate you.”

• 
  A new clinic will be constructed to combine the current Zephyrhills CBOC and the Zephyrhills Mental Health leases. A contract was awarded in November 2018 and activation is expected late 2020. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 7 at 10 a.m. at the construction site (address below)
• The new clinic will be approximately 14,000 NUSF (net useable square feet) and will have a 20-year lease. It will be located at 378727 Eiland Blvd. Zephyrhills, FL 33542.
• The new clinic will add services for Podiatry and Physical Therapy and expand Primary Care from 7 to 10 exam rooms and Mental Health 5 to 6 rooms.

Features

• Offers Primary Care, Mental Health, Women's Health, Lab, Telehealth, and Anticoagulation pharmacy services for veterans in east Pasco County.
• Handicapped Accessible — full and easy access for all veterans.
• Personal Care: Highly qualified primary care providers, and specialty care referrals to the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa.