Regional

SVEC internet receives $17M federal grant award

LIVE OAK — Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative’s plans to connect its consumers to high-speed internet continues to get powered by grant funding. On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced SVEC received a $17.

Social media bill sent to DeSantis

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday formally received a bill aimed at keeping children off social media and will have until March 1 to decide whether to sign it.

Major health plan heads to governor’s desk

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida House on Thursday gave final approval to a wide-ranging health care plan that supporters say will help prepare for future population growth and fuel innovation.

Live Oak holding ‘clarification vote’ on annexation

LIVE OAK — The Live Oak City Council will meet next week to try and clear up any confusion about annexing a large property into the city. The council has called a special meeting for Tuesday at 6 p.m.

House backs reprieve on financial disclosure

TALLAHASSEE — After dozens of resignations and two lawsuits, a Florida House panel Wednesday supported providing reprieves from a 2023 law that requires local elected officials to disclose detailed information about their personal finances.

Health plan set for final approval

The Florida House is expected Thursday to give final approval to a major health-care plan that includes trying to increase the number of doctors in the state and taking other steps aimed at expanding health-care access.

SCSO: Woman racks up $1.5M on company card

LIVE OAK — Allegedly living lavishly on a set of company credit cards has landed a Suwannee County woman in less comfortable circumstances. According to a Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office report, victims made contact with a deputy on Feb.

Two killed in Live Oak house fire

LIVE OAK — An early morning house fire claimed two lives Sunday morning. The Live Oak Fire Department responded to the fire on Rogers Avenue within two minutes of the 4:51 a.m. call Sunday, but Live Oak Fire Chief Sidney Hayes said the fire was fully involved when crews arrived on scene.

Lawmakers ready to make energy changes

TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers are moving toward approving an overhaul of state energy laws, including eliminating references to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and imposing a ban on offshore wind-energy generation.

Petition deadline Monday for LO election

LIVE OAK — Candidates seeking office in the City of Live Oak face one qualifying deadline Monday. The deadline for candidates to qualify by petition is noon on Monday.