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Levy County approves Air Methods base at White Farms Airport, commissioners cite faster access to stroke and trauma care
Summary
After a presentation and public comment, the board approved a certificate allowing Air Methods to locate an air-medical helicopter at White Farms Airport in Chiefland, saying a local base would cut transfer time to North Florida Regional to about 18 minutes and improve tri-county coverage.
Levy County commissioners voted to approve a certificate of public convenience and necessity for Air Methods to establish an air-medical helicopter base at White Farms Airport in Chiefland.
Jerry Ford, Air Methods' area manager for northwest Florida, told the board the proposed base would provide faster access to specialty care at North Florida Regional, reducing flight time from the proposed site to Gainesville to about 18 minutes. "Time is tissue," Ford said, arguing that quicker air transport improves outcomes for stroke and trauma patients. Ford also addressed patient billing, saying the company follows the No Surprises Act and that "most of the time, the out of pocket expense for our transports are less than $200."
Commissioners and local chiefs described frequent situations when no helicopter was available; one official said about 50% of the time a requested helicopter could not be secured from elsewhere. Public commenter Timmy Ecker urged the board to consider additional landing sites in Bronson and Williston to broaden access; staff and the chief said designated landing zones exist across the county and that Chiefland already hosts helicopter landings though it is not an FAA-recognized airbase.
The board approved the certificate by voice vote. Board members said the base would serve Levy County and act as a regional asset for neighboring counties, improving response times and potentially saving lives.
