Regional

Withlacoochee River advisory lifted

JASPER — Concerns over high bacteria levels in the Withlacoochee River have been eased. The Hamilton County Health Department announced this week that the health advisory issued last week on the river has been lifted.

DeSantis approves boost for home grant program

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday approved $200 million to continue a popular home-hardening grant program that could help about 20,000 mostly low- and moderate-income residents cut property-insurance costs.

Suwannee County sued over RV park approval

LIVE OAK — The Suwannee County Commission is being sued over its approval last month of an RV park in western Suwannee County.

Hand resigns as Suwannee County fire chief

LIVE OAK — Suwannee County is searching for a new fire chief. Eddie Hand, who has led Suwannee County Fire Rescue since 2019, is leaving the fire service for a job with a private company. His last day with the county will be July 5.

Rabies alert issued for Suwannee

LIVE OAK — Residents in west central Suwannee County should be aware of rabies possibly present in the area. The Suwannee County Health Department issued an alert Thursday after finding a confirmed case of rabies in a fox killed in the area near County Road 136 west in Suwannee County on Sunday.

DeSantis OK’s chaplains in public schools

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed a measure that will authorize school districts to allow volunteer school chaplains to provide services to students, amid opposition from the American Civil Liberties Union.

Jobless rate inches up in March

TALLAHASSEE — Matching its highest level in two years, Florida’s unemployment rate has ticked up to 3.2% after holding steady for three consecutive months at 3.1%.

Jury complete for Trump trial in NYC

NEW YORK — Jury selection at Donald Trump’s historic hush money trial was completed Friday with the seating of five more alternates, clearing the way for prosecutors to begin making their case against the former president Monday.

Rabies alert issued in Suwannee County

LIVE OAK —Residents in west central Suwannee County should be aware of rabies possibly present in the area. The Suwannee County Health Department issued an alert Thursday after finding a confirmed case of rabies in a fox killed in the area near County Road 136 west in Suwannee County on Sunday.

Mayo man convicted in 2022 shooting

MAYO — A Mayo man was convicted Monday of second-degree murder in an August 2022 shooting.