Regional

Live Oak Community Redevelopment Agency Director Nicholas Frigiola said the CRA is partnering with Suwannee County to add new trees and a mural to downtown Live Oak to beautify the corridor. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Live Oak Community Redevelopment Agency Director Nicholas Frigiola said the CRA is partnering with Suwannee County to add new trees and a mural to downtown Live Oak to beautify the corridor. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Live Oak CRA, Suwannee County partnering on downtown beautification

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Downtown Live Oak is getting a facelift, part in time for Christmas on the Square.Near the end of the Live Oak Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Tuesday night, CRA Director Nicholas Frigiola told his board that the CRA and Suwannee County were looking to partner on a downtown beautification...

Suwannee County OKs 5.28% tax hike

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Suwannee County taxpayers will see a slight tax increase in the upcoming fiscal year.During its final budget hearing Monday, the Suwannee County Commission unanimously approved the county’s $204.3 million budget as well as an 8.8-mill tax rate.The millage rate of 8.8 mills is 5.28% above the...
Moses Clepper told the Live Oak City Council that its 4% cost-of-living adjustment for all employees was ‘irresponsible.’ Clepper also said the city should consolidate with Suwannee County. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Moses Clepper told the Live Oak City Council that its 4% cost-of-living adjustment for all employees was ‘irresponsible.’ Clepper also said the city should consolidate with Suwannee County. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Live Oak taxpayers will see 3.18% increase

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
The Live Oak City Council approved a small tax increase for the next year, although it wasn’t unanimous.During a brief special meeting, the Council approved a $46.5 million budget and a 9.25-mill tax rate, both passing by a 4-1 vote.
North Florida received 23% more rain than normal in August, including parts of Lafayette County that received between 15-18 inches. (COURTESY SUWANNEE RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT)

North Florida received 23% more rain than normal in August, including parts of Lafayette County that received between 15-18 inches. (COURTESY SUWANNEE RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT)

Wet August improves rainfall deficit

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
LIVE OAK — Above average rainfall in August was a welcome sight across the Suwannee River Water Management District and helped improve the region’s rainfall deficit.The district’s hydrologic conditions report — which highlights rainfall, surface water, and groundwater levels, as well as a climate...
The San Marco Chamber Music Society, formed in 2008, will open the Friends of Music concert series season with a performance Sept. 21 in Live Oak. The performance will feature piano, oboe, viola, flute and clarinet. (COURTESY)

The San Marco Chamber Music Society, formed in 2008, will open the Friends of Music concert series season with a performance Sept. 21 in Live Oak. The performance will feature piano, oboe, viola, flute and clarinet. (COURTESY)

San Marco chamber group to open concert season

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
LIVE OAK — Live classical performances continue in Live Oak as the Friends of Music concert series presents the San Marco Chamber Music Society on Monday, Sept. 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of Covenant First Presbyterian Church, 421 White Avenue.The San Marco Chamber Music Society was formed...
Suwannee County Fire Chief Dan Miller speaks at the Patriot Day ceremony Friday. Miller and his department are going to take over fire protection services in Branford following a vote of the town council last week. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Fire Chief Dan Miller speaks at the Patriot Day ceremony Friday. Miller and his department are going to take over fire protection services in Branford following a vote of the town council last week. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

Branford moving fire service to county

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Suwannee County Fire Rescue will take over fire protection services in the Town of Branford.During its Sept. 8 meeting, the Branford Town Council voted 3-2 to accept Suwannee County’s plan for fire protection and emergency response services in the town and begin transitioning to that service.
Kyle Nickerson, speaking at the annual Patriot Day ceremony on Friday, has been named Live Oak’s new fire chief. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

Kyle Nickerson, speaking at the annual Patriot Day ceremony on Friday, has been named Live Oak’s new fire chief. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

Nickerson named Live Oak fire chief

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Live Oak has a new fire chief.Two months after Sidney Hayes retired, Kyle Nickerson officially took over as the Live Oak fire chief Monday.
Live Oak City Council President Vanessa Robinson questioned the cost-of-living adjustments awarded to city employees. (FILE)

Live Oak City Council President Vanessa Robinson questioned the cost-of-living adjustments awarded to city employees. (FILE)

City Council tentatively approves millage, budget

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Live Oak is moving forward with a 3% tax increase and a $46.5 million operating budget, but not without some concerns about pay increases.During a special meeting Thursday to approve its millage rate and budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, the Live Oak City Council unanimously...
Suwannee County Attorney Adam Morrison told the County Commission that the negotiations with Columbia County would allow the sides to move past the acrimony that has developed. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Attorney Adam Morrison told the County Commission that the negotiations with Columbia County would allow the sides to move past the acrimony that has developed. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Commission agrees to negotiate on utility group

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
The Suwannee County Commission is on board to negotiate about the operations of their utility partnership with Columbia County.During its meeting Tuesday night, the Suwannee BOCC unanimously agreed to Columbia County’s request to discuss concerns and differences the two sides have about the...