Regional

Artist Maggie Wilburn finishes up her America 250 art work on the Suwannee River Regional Library’s Live Oak branch ahead of the July 4 holiday. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

Artist Maggie Wilburn finishes up her America 250 art work on the Suwannee River Regional Library’s Live Oak branch ahead of the July 4 holiday. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

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July 4 celebrations planned for Live Oak, Branford, Mayo and Jasper

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Some of the United States of America’s historic heroes will descend on downtown Live Oak to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday.Sort of.

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Suwannee has $7M approved in signed budget

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
One small project in Suwannee County got cut when Gov. Ron DeSantis approved the state budget Monday.As part of the more than $800 million in line item vetoes that DeSantis cut from the state’s $117.

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Lafayette' schools among state’s best again

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
The Lafayette County School District remains one of the state’s best.The Florida Department of Education released its School Grades on Wednesday with the Lafayette County School District earning an ‘A’ score for the eighth straight year, totaling the third most points of any district in the state.

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Lafayette’s state-funded projects survive vetoes

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Lafayette County’s state appropriations survived Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto pen Monday.In approving the budget ahead of the July 1 start to the state’s fiscal year, DeSantis vetoed more than $800 million from the state’s $117.6 billion spending plan. However, the more than $2.

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Hamilton’s three projects remain in budget

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Hamilton County’s three state appropriation projects all received the blessing of Gov. Ron DeSantis.While DeSantis cut more than $800 million from the state’s $114.5 billion budget through line item vetoes Monday, DeSantis didn’t touch the $874,500 that was earmarked for Hamilton County.

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Drought conditions reveal new springs along Suwannee

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
LIVE OAK — While ongoing drought conditions have reduced river flows across the region, unusually low water levels have also provided a unique opportunity for Suwannee River Water Management District staff to locate and document several previously unknown springs.
Gov. Ron DeSantis still has to sign the $114.5 billion state budget, which is set to go into effect July 1, the start of the state’s fiscal year. (FILE)

Gov. Ron DeSantis still has to sign the $114.5 billion state budget, which is set to go into effect July 1, the start of the state’s fiscal year. (FILE)

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Data center regulations among July 1 new laws

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Friday, June 26, 2026
TALLAHASSEE — About 140 laws from the regular session and a trio of special sessions are set to take effect July 1, the start of the state’s fiscal year.
Suwannee County School Board member Ronald White, who represents District 5 and is seeking re-election, said he opposes the half-cent sales tax because of a lack of information from district officials. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County School Board member Ronald White, who represents District 5 and is seeking re-election, said he opposes the half-cent sales tax because of a lack of information from district officials. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

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Suwannee school board candidates disagree on sales tax push

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Does the Suwannee County School District need a half-cent sales tax? It matters on which candidate for the Suwannee County School Board you ask.

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Teen sentenced to life for Hamilton County murder

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
JASPER — A Lake City teen will spend the rest of his life in state prison for the murder of a White Springs teen last year.Cameron Fine, 19, was sentenced to life in prison for second degree murder by Hamilton County Judge Jamie Tyndal on Tuesday.