Suffolk News-Herald

Even with demolition plans under way, a Suffolk resident is making a last ditch effort to keep the old Obici Hospital standing.

Bob Fowler, a Suffolk native, is hosting a rally from 6-8 p.m. Monday for supporters of efforts to save the medical buildings on North Main Street. People are asked to bring brown luncheon bags, sand and a candle to light luminaries as a show of support.

Fowler is hopeful a strong showing will convince the hospital’s Board of Trustees to reconsider an Atlanta businessman’s offer to buy the 345,405-square-foot hospital building.

In late February, the board turned down an offer from John I. Johnson, president of Atlanta-based Tricore Property Group, to buy the property.

Johnson submitted a second offer last week but later withdrew it after hospital officials indicated a commitment to the demolition.