Local

Helf: Council did not outlaw parades

Lake City Manager Joe Helfenberger defended the city’s position on parades Tuesday saying it is not the City Council’s fault Lake City has not had any parade events this fall and winter while other towns around Lake City continue to operate their commemorative events as normal.

Blanche open house set for Sunday

The historically restored Blanche in downtown Lake City will be fully decorated for Christmas and open to the public from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, 212 N. Marion Ave.

Suwannee commissioner Land: Did administrator Harris make dirty deal?

LIVE OAK — A land deal that netted Suwannee County property for a new fire station has been questioned by a new county commissioner. Travis Land, who took office Nov. 17, questioned County Administrator Randy Harris’ role in the purchase of 11.14 acres north of Interstate 10 of a 19.

Lake City’s getting nothing for Christmas

The Lake City Christmas Parade could not be saved this year. Not even by the Lake City Rotary Club.

Parkview Baptist providing cold weather shelter

With the temperature dropping as December arrives, Parkview Baptist Church is rising to the occasion. The church is opening its fellowship hall through Wednesday night to provide a cold weather shelter for those in need.

Festival of Lights opens Friday with just lights

The name will be fitting for the Festival of Lights this year. The annual Christmas festival at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park will be just lights and displays this year when it opens Friday. The festival, which will run Dec. 4-5, Dec. 9-12 and Dec.

FGC Theatre presenting holiday concerts

Florida Gateway College is planning a pair of fun, safe and family-friendly holiday music concerts this season. FGC Theatre students and the Matt Johns Band will present the two concerts next weekend.

Hardin’s Kids Closet seeking donated clothes

It began small but Shannon Hardin’s vision for the Clothes 4 Kids Closet is much, much bigger. Three years ago, Hardin wanted to sponsor a school-age child that needed clothes. When she heard there was a list of 15 families at the school in need, Hardin started thinking bigger.

United Way awards $62K in grants

The United Way of Suwannee Valley is looking to improve the education, health and financial stability of residents in the area during the global pandemic.

Gateway Art Gallery hosting ‘Mistletoe Magic’

The inaugural “Mistletoe Magic” craft market is set for the Gateway Art Gallery in downtown Lake City this weekend. The craft market will be open today and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.