April 22, 2026- – LeadingAge Southeast is proud to announce that four member communities have been newly awarded or renewed the prestigious Governor’s Gold Seal Award for Excellence in Long-Term Care, effective January 1, 2026. This distinction, awarded by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), recognizes nursing home facilities that demonstrate superior performance in providing for the physical, social, and emotional well-being of residents.
Newly Awarded & Renewed Gold Seal Recipients:
- Freedom Square Health Care Center, Seminole (Initial)
- River Garden Hebrew Home for the Aged, Jacksonville (Renewal)
- The Pavilion for Health Care, Penney Farms (Renewal)
- Westminster Baldwin Park, Orlando (Initial)
“These communities exemplify what it means to go above and beyond in delivering high-quality care to older adults,” said Steve Bahmer, President & CEO of LeadingAge Southeast. “Earning the Gold Seal is no small feat – it reflects a deep commitment to excellence, strong leadership, and a culture that prioritizes residents and staff alike.”
The Gold Seal Award is awarded to long-term care facilities in Florida that demonstrate sustained excellence in serving their residents.
In addition to the newly recognized communities, 11 other LeadingAge Southeast members currently hold active Gold Seal designations, demonstrating sustained excellence across the field:
- Chatsworth at PGA National, Palm Beach Gardens
- Joseph L. Morse Health Center, West Palm Beach
- Lakeview Terrace Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Altoona
- Mayflower Healthcare Center, Winter Park
- Premier Place at The Glenview, Naples
- Sunnyside Nursing Home, Sarasota
- Tri-County Nursing Home, Trenton
- Vicar’s Landing Nursing Home, Ponte Vedra Beach
- Westminster Palms, St. Petersburg
- Westminster St. Augustine, St. Augustine
- Westminster Woods on Julington Creek, Jacksonville
With 15 of the state’s 17 Gold Seal facilities represented within its membership, LeadingAge Southeast continues to be the leading voice for aging services providers across Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
“We are incredibly proud of our members who continue to set the standard for excellence in long-term care,” added Steve Bahmer. “Their dedication to residents, families, and staff is what makes this recognition so meaningful.”
For more information about the Gold Seal Award, visit AHCA’s website, HERE
About LeadingAge Southeast
Established in 1963, LeadingAge Southeast is the premier association serving high-quality senior living providers across the continuum of care in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. The Association provides up-to-date regulatory information, a wide variety of educational opportunities, representation before the Legislature and government agencies, group purchasing services, and opportunities for networking with peers to help member communities best serve the needs of older adults.
