Regional

Judge dismisses Disney lawsuit

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
TALLAHASSEE — In a win for Gov. Ron DeSantis, a federal judge Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit alleging that the state unconstitutionally retaliated against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts because of the company’s opposition to a controversial education law. U.S.

Adams named regional VA deputy director

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
The Department of Veterans Affairs found its target to help run regional healthcare for veterans. Chad Adams has been tapped as the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System’s Deputy Executive Director, which oversees the care of more than 138,000 veterans.
Suwannee County Commissioners Travis Land and Leo Mobley (middle) cut the ribbon Monday marking the reopening of the 180th Street bridge across Little River. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Commissioners Travis Land and Leo Mobley (middle) cut the ribbon Monday marking the reopening of the 180th Street bridge across Little River. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

DOT opens new 180th Street bridge

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
MCALPIN — With one snip of an oversized pair of scissors, a Suwannee County bridge was officially back open for business Monday.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, shown speaking in Kissimmee last week, announced Monday that he wants the FLorida Legislature to take aim at fixing Washington’s problems. (JOE BURBANK/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)

Gov. Ron DeSantis, shown speaking in Kissimmee last week, announced Monday that he wants the FLorida Legislature to take aim at fixing Washington’s problems. (JOE BURBANK/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)

DeSantis still focused on Washington’s problems

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
TALLAHASSEE — On the heels of a failed presidential bid, Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis finally weighed in on what he wants state lawmakers to do this year: Change Washington.
Jo Dee Messina performs on the final night of the 2022 Suwannee River Jam. Festival officials announced Friday the 2024 event was being canceled. There was no Jam last year. (DONNY WEATHERFORD/Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park)

Jo Dee Messina performs on the final night of the 2022 Suwannee River Jam. Festival officials announced Friday the 2024 event was being canceled. There was no Jam last year. (DONNY WEATHERFORD/Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park)

Suwannee River Jam canceled

NEWS STAFF
Friday, January 26, 2024
LIVE OAK — The Suwannee River Jam won’t be returning to the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park this year.

Live Oak Council wary of major housing development

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, January 26, 2024
LIVE OAK — The City of Live Oak could be growing both in size and homes soon. First, though, the Live Oak City Council will have to approve the voluntary annexation of a 139-acre parcel just south of the city limits along U.S. Highway 129.

Court weighs state election law

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Friday, January 26, 2024
TALLAHASSEE — In part of a series of legal battles about Florida election-law changes, a three-judge panel of a federal appeals court on Thursday heard arguments in a challenge to a 2023 law that imposed restrictions on groups that collect voter-registration applications.