Rockledge city leaders are expected to discuss potential plans Wednesday for the site of what was once the city’s only hospital, a year and a half after Orlando Health closed the facility and left residents driving miles for full-service care.

The closure has remained a major concern for people in Rockledge and nearby communities, who say the closest hospitals are now in Viera and Cape Canaveral, both about 20 minutes away depending on traffic.

For residents, that distance matters most during emergencies.

“If you have an emergency situation, especially as you have an aging community, there is some distance to go,” said Grace Clow, who lives in Rockledge.

The former hospital property still has a parking lot piled with construction debris. Residents said they want to know what will happen next and whether the site could once again be used for medical care.

“I’d like to see at least an emergency facility,” said Sara Colburn, who lives in West Cocoa. “Viera’s hospital seems to get overcrowded.”

Clow said the area lacks the level of emergency and advanced medical care residents need close to home.

“We don’t have any of the emergency care, high-tech facilities in this area,” she said. “Time is of the essence when you have something really critical.”

At Wednesday’s meeting, Rockledge council members said the city manager is expected to present potential plans for the future of the site. It is not yet clear whether any of those plans include a new hospital or emergency facility.

News 6 will have updates after the meeting Wednesday at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.