Local

More charges for man in extortion scheme

Less than a month after getting arrested over a failed blackmail scheme that invoked the Ku Klux Klan and a Mexican cartel, an O’Brien man landed behind bars again, this time for trespassing onto an ex’s property and stealing an ATV, which he claimed to have purchased as a Christmas gift for his...

CCSO: Man fired gun at woman in drunken rage

An argument between a Fort White man and his domestic partner about finances ended with his arrest Monday evening when the reportedly intoxicated man allegedly struck the woman in the face and discharged a handgun as he threatened to kill her when she was driving away from the house.

Suspect competent to stand trial in 2016 slaying

The body has long been at rest, but the dust is far from settled.

Dog deaths land 1 in jail

Two dead dogs — one partially eaten by buzzards and another wrapped in a blanket and stuffed in a garbage bag — were reportedly found lying around a foul-smelling home last week after a neighbor complained to animal control.

12-year term in scooter crash

Gilbert Lee Stanley was sentenced to 12 years in prison Monday afternoon in connection with the 2017 Christmas Day death of his girlfriend following a scooter crash. A Columbia County jury took less than an hour to convict Stanley on the charges in a trial that ended Dec. 11.

3rd Circuit showdown brewing: 2 seek to replace Siegmeister

Following the unexpected resignation of Third Circuit State Attorney Jeff Siegmeister in December, the field is wide open for potential successors, and so far two candidates have entered the race to replace the top prosecutor in 2020.

Dunn: Killing of top Iranian general in our best interest

North Florida Congressman Neal Dunn said Friday that President Trump  “sent a clear message to the world” with the killing of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. The message? “That the United States will not let attacks against our country go unpunished,” Dunn said in a prepared statement.

Landmark store Spires IGA closes

Spires IGA on East U.S. 90 has closed its doors after nearly three decades. Owners Randy and Shelly Starling are pictured. “So thankful to have had our grocery store for 28 years,” Shelly Starling said in a Facebook post.

Cops: Road rage suspect brought family

An O’Brien man took his wife and 1-year-old child along for the ride when he chased after another vehicle with a gun in hand, according to the Live Oak Police Department. Daniel W.

Iche Nippy Dip Day on the way

The water’s chilling shock will be gone before you know it, just dive in and try not to think about it too much.  Iche Nippy Dip Day is upon us. Saturday morning, Ichetucknee Springs State Park is inviting visitors to usher in January with a brisk swim.  Registration starts at 9:30 a.m.