In the News
The best care in Florida is in your backyard.
Earned on his watch.
Since Brad Baker took office as Treasurer in 2022, Sarasota Memorial has been honored by every major independent rating body in American healthcare:
- CMS 5-Star Rating, 11 straight years — the only Florida hospital, one of 12 in America
- Straight-A patient safety, both campuses — Leapfrog Group
- America's Top Hospitals, 5 stars — Forbes, 2026
- 100 Great Hospitals in America — Becker's, 2025
- Best Hospitals, 22 specialties — U.S. News, 2025–26
- 15 Top Health Systems — Modern Healthcare, 2026
Strong books. Straight A’s. Zero shareholders. That’s what independent oversight delivers — and what’s on the ballot August 18.
Endorsements
Trusted voices agree.
Endorsed by The Observer
“Baker, a longtime, successful Sarasota entrepreneur with operational and finance experience, has performed well and serves an important role as an independent board member. It is good corporate governance to have out-of-the-industry directors. Baker serves that role well. We recommend: Brad Baker.”
— Matt Walsh, The Observer — July 29, 2026
Read the full endorsement →
- The Observer (Opinion)July 29, 2026
Observer recommends: Brad Baker
The Observer's 2026 endorsement editorial: “Baker, a longtime, successful Sarasota entrepreneur with operational and finance experience, has performed well and serves an important role as an independent board member… We recommend: Brad Baker.”
- The ObserverJune 23, 2026
Sarasota County Public Hospital Board, at-large Seat 1: Brad Baker
Brad answers the Observer's candidate questions: why he's running, his priorities — finishing the North Port hospital, the Epic software conversion, CEO-compensation governance — and why the hospital is absolutely not for sale.
- Sarasota Herald-TribuneJuly 8, 2026
Here's how Sarasota Memorial ranks among leading health care providers
SMH's 2026 Community Report: 15 Top Health Systems (Modern Healthcare), the only Florida hospital with CMS 5 stars every year since 2016, $507M North Port hospital underway, and Venice capacity doubled.
- Florida Hospital NewsMay 14, 2026
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System Achieves New Milestone with Two 5-Star Hospitals
SMH-Sarasota earns CMS 5 stars for the 11th straight year — still the only Florida hospital, and one of just 12 nationwide, with a perfect record since 2016 — while SMH-Venice earns its first 5-star rating, making them the Suncoast's only 5-star hospitals.
- Becker's Hospital Review (via SMH)December 29, 2025
SMH Ranked Among America's 100 Great Hospitals in 2025
Becker's names Sarasota Memorial one of 100 standout U.S. hospitals for clinical performance, safety, and innovation.
- Forbes (via SMH)December 9, 2025
SMH Ranked Among America's Top Hospitals by Forbes
Forbes' inaugural Top Hospitals list: SMH-Sarasota in the 90th percentile with a 5-star overall rating; SMH-Venice 5 stars for patient experience.
- U.S. News & World Report (via SMH)July 29, 2025
Sarasota Memorial Ranks Among Nation's Best Hospitals for 22 Medical Specialties & Types of Care
U.S. News ranks SMH #46 nationally in OB/GYN and a top performer in 22 specialties and procedures — the Suncoast's only hospital ever to make the Best Hospitals list.
- PR NewswireJuly 16, 2024
U.S. News Ranks Sarasota Memorial Among Nation's Best Hospitals
SMH ranked #29 nationally in rehabilitation and a high performer across 23 specialties and conditions.
- U.S. News & World ReportReference
Sarasota Memorial Hospital — U.S. News Hospital Profile
Current U.S. News profile: #1 in Sarasota-Bradenton, Best Regional Hospital.