100 years later, Sarasota Memorial remains a community jewel | Opinion David Verinder Guest columnist

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Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The original 32-bed Sarasota Hospital opened in 1925 after a community fundraising effort.

From its origins, the system has grown into one of the nation's largest and most highly rated health systems.

Today, SMH is the Suncoast's largest employer and includes multiple hospitals and specialized care centers.

Our story began 100 years ago.

It was a time before the discovery of penicillin .

It was when people still relied on “cure-all” elixirs to treat many common ailments.

It was a time when the only facility for emergency care on the Suncoast was a five-room, converted bungalow and tent for tuberculosis patients.

Sarasota was a small but inspired town poised for growth as flocks of Nor