TL;DR/Quick Summary: Westminster Woods on Julington Creek and Westminster St. Augustine have been re-awarded Florida’s prestigious Governor’s Gold Seal Award for Excellence in Long-Term Care. Given to less than 2% of nursing homes statewide, this designation highlights both communities’ sustained commitment to long-term clinical quality, high operational standards, and quality care for seniors.
Westminster Communities of Florida is proud to announce that two of our Life Plan Communities, Westminster Woods on Julington Creek and Westminster St. Augustine, have once again been awarded the prestigious Governor’s Gold Seal Award for Excellence in Long-Term Care. They join Westminster Baldwin Park, which earned the Governor’s Gold Seal Award earlier this year in April.
The Governor’s Gold Seal Award, established by the Florida Legislature and approved by the Governor, recognizes top-performing nursing centers that demonstrate exceptional quality of care over sustained periods. With fewer than 2% of the state’s long-term care facilities holding this designation at any given time, a re-award places both Northeast Florida communities in an elite class of senior living providers.
To earn the Governor’s Gold Seal, facilities must consistently meet rigorous operational criteria, including outstanding clinical outcome metrics, financial stability, and a minimum of 30 consecutive months of exemplary regulatory performance.
“The successful renewal of the Gold Seal Award is a direct result of the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork exhibited across all departments,” said Westminster Communities of Florida Chief Operating Officer Garry Hennis. “Leadership, coupled with the exceptional efforts of the Health Center staff and support teams has helped maintain the high standards that distinguish these communities as leaders in senior living and health care services.”
The award reinforces Westminster Communities of Florida’s broader mission to provide high-quality care, innovative wellness programming, and peace of mind for residents and their families across the state.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and hard work of our entire team,” said Westminster St. Augustine’s Health Services Administrator Misty DeGross. “Every department has played a vital role in creating and sustaining the culture of quality that earned this recognition.”
“Earning the Governor’s Gold Seal once is a big deal. Recertification is a powerful validation of our team’s daily commitment to residents,” said Westminster Woods on Julington Creek Health Services Administrator Andy Andre. “It takes extraordinary consistency, passion, and attention to detail across every department to maintain this standard of care, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team for achieving this milestone.”
Together, these recognitions highlight a shared culture of clinical quality and resident-focused service across the entire organization. By maintaining these rigorous standards, Westminster Communities of Florida continues to demonstrate its commitment to leading the senior living industry and setting the benchmark for quality long-term care.
About Westminster Communities of Florida: Established in 1954, Westminster Communities of Florida has grown into the state’s largest not-for-profit senior living provider. Today, our continuing care retirement communities in Florida serve more than 10,000 seniors. For more than 70 years, we have been fulfilling our Mission to serve from the heart and inspire happy, healthy, and purposeful lives.
About Westminster Woods on Julington Creek: Located in Jacksonville, Fla., along the water where the St. Johns River meets Julington Creek, Westminster Woods on Julington Creek offers active independent living alongside a full continuum of care, including assisted living, memory support, short-term rehabilitation, and skilled nursing.
About Westminster St. Augustine: Situated in World Golf Village, Westminster St. Augustine provides maintenance-free independent living paired with comprehensive healthcare services, including assisted living, memory care, and nursing center care.
