Plans for a new hospital in Chiefland are finally coming to life. WCJB has learned the state Agency for Health Care Administration just approved everything and North Florida Regional has also agreed to the terms.

North Florida officials say they were worried about what services the company proposing the hospital, Ameris Health Systems, would provide. But Ameris officials have promised to have a functioning emergency room, a general surgery center, pediatric services, and "everything else a community hospital should provide."

It falls on welcome ears from residents in Gilchrist, Levy, and Dixie counties.

"I have probably listened to 2 to 3 dozen horror stories of husbands who've lost their wives and wives who've lost their husbands just because of the long ride to the hospital in Gainesville," says Gilchrist County resident Norman Conti.

WCJB spoke with more than a dozen other residents in the area and all were overjoyed with the news.

Ameris should receive the all-important "Certificate of Need" within 30 days. Ameris officials say look for the hospital to open it's doors about two years from now.