Regional

27 students honored at RTC during SkillsUSA Signing Day

LIVE OAK — More than two dozen RIVEROAK Technical College students were recognized this week during a SkillsUSA National Signing Day event. The RTC and dual-enrolled students were recognized for their dedication in pursuing a career in any of the 130 occupational areas that Skills USA serves.

Free Florida OJ still on tap at welcome centers

TALLAHASSEE — Free orange juice will continue to flow at Florida interstate welcome centers while state citrus officials adjust to a pending 10% legislative budget cut for their promotional efforts.

DeSantis signs annual package of tax breaks

TALLAHASSEE — Emphasizing a sales-tax “holiday” for hurricane preparedness supplies, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday signed an annual package of tax breaks.

Live Oak D-Day veteran Mills dies at 103

LIVE OAK — Suwannee County lost a bonafide American hero late last week. Earl Mills, a World War II veteran who jumped at D-Day on June 6, 1944, died Friday in his sleep. He was 103 years old, having just celebrated his birthday the week before.

Robinson wins Live Oak council election

LIVE OAK — Live Oak has two new council members and two candidates still in the running for another seat. In the city’s election Tuesday, Vanessa Brown Robinson easily won the race for the District 2 seat on the Live Oak City Council. Robinson received 74 votes, or 69.

Florida challenges feds on health care rule

TALLAHASSEE — Florida has filed a lawsuit challenging a new federal health-care rule, saying it clashes with the state’s efforts to restrict treatments such as hormone therapy and puberty blockers for transgender people.

DeSantis to weigh adding judges

A proposal to add nine new judicial positions, more than recommended by the Florida Supreme Court, was among 20 bills that the Legislature formally sent Tuesday to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Brannan draws opposition in Live Oak’s Brady

As they run for re-election in November, state Rep. Chuck Brannan (R-Macclenny) and Rep. Mike Beltran (R-Riverview) have drawn Democratic opponents. Democrat Robert “Bobby” Brady Jr.

State issues abortion rules

TALLAHASSEE — With a law now in effect preventing abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, Florida health-care regulators Thursday released emergency rules related to treating medical conditions that pose dangers to the lives of pregnant women or unborn children.

DeSantis balks at Air Force proposal

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday objected to a proposal by the U.S. Air Force that would transfer a Florida Air National Guard squadron to the U.S. Space Force. DeSantis sent a letter to leaders of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, the U.S.