HCA Florida North Florida Hospital celebrates first babies of 2026 and first New Year for NICU babies

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Today, HCA Florida North Florida Hospital is celebrating the first babies of 2026 and a first New Year celebration for its NICU babies.

Baby girl Cielo, from Ocala

Baby girl Cielo (pronounced Sea-lo), pictured below, was born at 9:04 a.m. on January 1, 2026. Weighing in at 6 pounds, 6 ounces and measuring 18.5 inches long, the hospital says baby Cielo is already capturing hearts at the Labor and Delivery Unit.

In a statement released to the media, the hospital congratulated baby Cielo’s family and wished them “a future filled with love, joy, and countless cherished moments.”

Celebrating NICU babies

The hospital also celebrated its NICU babies (pictured at top): “As we step into the New Year, we are filled with joy and hope, celebrating a very special milestone — our precious NICU babies’ first New Year! Thank you to our amazing team in our Level III NICU for their unwavering dedication and love for our tiniest patients and their families. Together, we continue to make a difference, one tiny heartbeat at a time.”