Clewiston Nursing Home Roof Collapses During Storm - Over 100 Transported

HENDRY SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES ARE ASSISTING CLEWISTON POLICE AFTER STORM DAMAGES THE ROOF TO CLEWISTON NURSING AND REHAB CENTER

CLEWISTON, FL. -- Hendry County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Clewiston Police Department and fire department with the evacuation of residents at the Clewiston Nursing and Rehab Center in Clewiston, Florida Wednesday afternoon. 

Photo: courtesy Hendry County Property Appraiser

Yesterday, they advised to "Please avoid the area and all streets in the vicinity of this facility." The facility is at 301 Gloria Street in downtown Clewiston. Over 100 patients were taken to either the John Boy Auditorium or the hospital nearby.

The Sheriff's office reported "Residents and patients have been relocated. We have so far received reports that there are no injuries and no deaths."

"Hendry County Sheriff’s Office along with Clewiston Police are requesting that those inquiring about their loved ones respond to the Clewiston Police Department parking lot. Representatives from Clewiston Nursing and Rehab Center will be available to meet with family members for information briefing."

The Clewiston Police Department said, "Resources are being mobilized to provide adequate shelter, food, and any special needs to ensure everyone is safe until the nursing home implements their plan to transfer residents to a new home.

"Although we have not determined the cause of the roof collapse, the National Weather Service has confirmed there was not a tornado. We are asking the family and friends of residents and the media to not call or travel to the nursing home location, Hendry Regional Medical Center, the John Boy Auditorium, or other alternate locations. 

"There were no fatalities or serious injuries to any residents.

"We are asking that anyone needing to inquire about their loved ones, respond to the Clewiston Police Department parking lot where officials from the nursing home will be able to assist you with information. If you are not able to come to the police department for the briefing, you can always call the nursing home staff with inquiries at (863) 885-1757."

About The Facility

The nursing facility caters to over a hundred elderly patients many not able to walk. According to SeniorCare.com they are licensed for 155 patients and had 116 residing there April 30. They first accepted Medicare patients in 1984. Clewiston Nursing & Rehabilitation was reviewed by Medicare to have a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. Ratings on Google Maps show a 2.9 with some very unhappy families reporting their experiences in the last year.

According to the Hendry Property Appraiser's office the roof was put on in December 2005. The 168,000 square foot facility on four acres of land is owned by the Hendry County Hospital authority and leased by Clewiston Nursing Realty LLC in Solon, Ohio. They paid $7,500,000 for the leasehold in March 2016. 

The Hospital Authority bought the property from U.S. Sugar Corp in November, 1973. It is valued by the county appraiser at $1,438,000.

Who Owns Clewiston Nursing And Rehabilitation Center?

There seems to be a maze of ownership in the records of Florida's Secretary of State, starting with CLEWISTON NURSING & REHABILITATION HOLDINGS LLC which is owned by Vizcaya Palm Terrace Operations Holdings LLC which is owned by Allegiant Health of Florida LLC. All are New York companies and all registered to do business in Florida except Allegiant which does not seem to be listed with the Florida Secretary of State to do business in Florida.

Other searches show Allegiant Healthcare of Florida LLC as owning three Florida Nursing homes: Clewiston Nursing and Rehabilitation Center as well as Lakeland Nursing and Rehabilitation and St. Petersburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. But, Allegiant Healthcare doesn't seem to be registered under that name with the Secretary of State.

For more information about this facility, ratings, ownership and patient statistics. Click Here