Regional

A graphic shows the costs storms the past 11 years have caused to Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative, which is implementing a storm recovery charge on its members for the first time following Hurricane Idalia. (COURTESY SUWANNEE VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE)

A graphic shows the costs storms the past 11 years have caused to Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative, which is implementing a storm recovery charge on its members for the first time following Hurricane Idalia. (COURTESY SUWANNEE VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE)

SVEC implementing storm charge

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 2, 2024
LIVE OAK — The final cost of Hurricane Idalia’s damage on Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative still isn’t known. However, the cost the co-op’s members will pay to make up for the damage is set as SVEC has announced a storm recovery charge that began Thursday.
The National Hurricane Center will start using a new cone graphic for storms that will better ‘convey wind hazard risk inland in addition to coastal wind hazards.’ (COURTESY)

The National Hurricane Center will start using a new cone graphic for storms that will better ‘convey wind hazard risk inland in addition to coastal wind hazards.’ (COURTESY)

2024 will bring new hurricane forecast cone

NEWS STAFF
Friday, February 2, 2024
By Roger Simmons Orlando Sentinel This hurricane season, the National Hurricane Center’s forecast cone is going to look a little different — and that should mean better information.

Changes expected in social media bill

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Friday, February 2, 2024
TALLAHASSEE — House Speaker Paul Renner said lawmakers will revise a bill aimed at keeping children off social media, as state leaders prepare to try to fend off expected legal challenges. The House overwhelmingly passed the bill (HB 1) last week, but Gov.
Stephen Quinn will return to the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park on Friday to perform in the Music Hall. (COURTESY)

Stephen Quinn will return to the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park on Friday to perform in the Music Hall. (COURTESY)

Quinn, Shane performing at Music Park

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
LIVE OAK — It’s February, spring will soon be here and the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is bringing Stephen Quinn back to the stage. After Quinn performs at the park’s Music Hall on Friday night, country artist Wyatt Shane will entertain Saturday night. Both will perform from 7-10 p.m.

SRWMD recognizes Prescribed Fire Awareness Week

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
LIVE OAK — Prescribed fire helps maintain natural resources while reducing the risk of wildfires. To bring awareness to the benefits of prescribed fire for land management, the Suwannee River Water Management District recognizes this week as Prescribed Fire Awareness Week.

Duke seeks base rate hike

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
TALLAHASSEE — Duke Energy Florida will seek state approval of a three-year plan that would increase customers’ base electric rates and expand solar-power generation. Duke on Wednesday notified the Florida Public Service Commission that it will seek to increase base rates by $596 million in 2025.