Officials urge closure of underused Tarpon Springs clinic to save $400,000

Karen, a county health‑program official, told the commission that the Tarpon Springs health center has seen steadily declining encounters and is operating well below capacity even after prior reductions in service days.

"There's been a 60% reduction in all medical services since 2018 and currently operating at only 58% of capacity even with those reduced days," Karen said, citing utilization and pilot mobile‑unit results. Staff said the department reduced operating days from five to three in 2022 and further reduced certain provider days in late 2025; dental services have not been offered at the Tarpon site since 2019. The recommended closure would realize roughly $400,000 in recurring general‑fund savings but commissioners raised concerns about access for residents without transportation and asked about outreach and telehealth alternatives.

Karen and other staff described existing mitigation: mobile street‑medicine units, a larger mobile medical van that can be redeployed, telehealth options and connections with Clearwater Clinic and hospital discharge coordinators. Commissioners said they would consider the recommendation but asked staff to return with details on outreach, alternative access points and triggers for reopening if demand increases.