Orlando VA Health Care Center

Since his election to Congress, Rep. Mica has been working to find the best solution to respond to the increasing health care needs of our veterans in Central Florida.  Although he did not agree with and actively fought against the 1993 decision to close the Orlando Naval Training Center, Mica felt that this facility would be ideally suited as a VA hospital.

 In response to Mica's request, the General Accounting Office (GAO) released a report on June 2, 1993 which suggested that the VA should explore the possibility of obtaining the Orlando Naval Hospital to provide inpatient and clinical care for veterans in the Central Florida area.  Central Florida was recognized as having one of the greatest needs in the nation for veterans medical services.

Subsequently, Mica authored legislation to allow the Department of Defense to transfer the Orlando Navy Hospital to the VA without compensation or reimbursement.  This measure was passed by the House of Representatives on September 30, 1993, and later became law.  Mica personally contacted then-Navy Secretary John Dalton and secured a commitment to transfer the ONTC hospital from the Navy to the VA, without market value consideration.

 A Memorandum of Understanding was then signed between the City of Orlando, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Base Closure and Realignment Commission which allowed the VA to secure the ONTC facilities as the Navy vacated the premises. This facility was then converted into the present VA nursing home and outpatient clinic, and began admitting patients on August 19, 1999.

Today, the Orlando VA Health Care Center is providing outstanding and convenient outpatient medical care service to Orange and Seminole County veterans.  Located at 5201 Raymond Street, the facility is open from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.  Veterans seeking more information or to schedule an appointment should contact the Orlando VA staff at (407) 629-1599.