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Practically Perfect Performing Arts is hosting ‘The Polar Express’ as a 4-D experience on Dec. 19-21 at the Lake City Church of the Nazarene. (COURTESY)

Practically Perfect Performing Arts is hosting ‘The Polar Express’ as a 4-D experience on Dec. 19-21 at the Lake City Church of the Nazarene. (COURTESY)

All Aboard ‘The Polar Express’

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, November 28, 2025
A classic holiday tale is being brought to life by local youth performers next month. Practically Perfect Performing Arts is getting ready to put on its latest show with a new twist.
Cook Out, a fast-food chain based in North Carolina, is looking at a site in Lake City. (CHRIS TRAINOR/The State/TNS)

Cook Out, a fast-food chain based in North Carolina, is looking at a site in Lake City. (CHRIS TRAINOR/The State/TNS)

Cook Out eyes Lake City site

NEWS STAFF
Friday, November 28, 2025
Lake City may soon be getting ready to Cook Out. TERPS Acquisitions LC, a Boca Raton company, is seeking a site plan approval from the Lake City Planning and Zoning board next month for a drive-through only Cook Out restaurant on U.S. Highway 90 west.
The Suwannee Lights Christmas lights drive-through display opened Friday at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. It will be open through Dec. 30. (COURTESY SPIRIT OF SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK)

The Suwannee Lights Christmas lights drive-through display opened Friday at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. It will be open through Dec. 30. (COURTESY SPIRIT OF SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK)

Suwannee Lights opens at SOSMP

NEWS STAFF
Friday, November 28, 2025
LIVE OAK — Get ready to get the Christmas feeling as it’s time again for the fantastic Suwannee Lights drive-through display extravaganza.

Legion dog program looking for new trainer

NEWS STAFF
Friday, November 28, 2025
The American Legion Post 57’s new service and companion-dog program will have a new partner. Patricia Proctor, a Legion member who is helping launch the Legionnaire Dogs program, said Post 57 is no longer working with South East Elite Working Dogs to train the dogs for local veterans.

UPDATED 10 P.M.: Four killed in fiery Tuesday crash

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
UPDATE 10 P.M. Four people, including two children, were killed Tuesday night in a fiery crash in Suwannee County. According to an updated Florida Highway Patrol release Wednesday night, the three-vehicle crashed occurred around 9:50 p.m. Tuesday on U.S.
The Ichetucknee River and Springs, along with the Lower Santa Fe, is being targeted for a recharge effort using reclaimed water from northeast Florida. (COURTESY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL)

The Ichetucknee River and Springs, along with the Lower Santa Fe, is being targeted for a recharge effort using reclaimed water from northeast Florida. (COURTESY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL)

$1.1B project aims to recharge Ichetucknee, Lower Santa Fe rivers

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
The future health of North Florida’s iconic springs and rivers are getting a collaborative boost from across the region. Earlier this month the Suwannee River and St. Johns River water management districts each approved the Water First North Florida initiative, a $1.
Santa and Mrs. Claus wave from a Columbia County Fire Rescue truck during last year’s Fort White Christmas parade. (FILE)

Santa and Mrs. Claus wave from a Columbia County Fire Rescue truck during last year’s Fort White Christmas parade. (FILE)

Fort White’s Breakfast with Santa, Christmas parade to usher in holidays

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Fort White town officials are combining with the community’s residents to add a new twist to the Christmas season. Next month the Town of Fort White will host its Breakfast With Santa and the Fort White Christmas parade on Sat., Dec. 20.
Miss Olustee Layla Merola smiles with Patti Aldous of the Miss Olustee pageant during the opening of this year’s Olustee Festival. (FILE)

Miss Olustee Layla Merola smiles with Patti Aldous of the Miss Olustee pageant during the opening of this year’s Olustee Festival. (FILE)

Miss Olustee Pageant seeks contestants

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
One of the oldest beauty pageants in the area has transitioned into a scholarship pageant offering contestants the opportunity to compete for scholarship dollars as well as a crown and title.