Regional

House pitches tax package of $647.3M

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
TALLAHASSEE — With legislative leaders saying they expect a tighter budget in the coming year, the House Ways & Means Committee on Wednesday will roll out a package of tax cuts that, if left unchanged, would total $647.3 million. The package (PCB WMC 24-05) would be about half the amount of the $1.
Suwannee Springcrest Elementary teacher Theda Roper (left) was named the Suwannee County Teacher of the Year on Thursday. Roper received her award from the district’s 2023 Teacher of the Year Emily Murphy. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee Springcrest Elementary teacher Theda Roper (left) was named the Suwannee County Teacher of the Year on Thursday. Roper received her award from the district’s 2023 Teacher of the Year Emily Murphy. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

A ‘delighted’ top teacher: Roper ‘honored’ over award from district ‘family

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, February 9, 2024
LIVE OAK — Theda Roper has been through plenty of changes over her 23-year teaching career. It has followed her since she was a student at Suwannee Springcrest Elementary, though it was known as Suwannee Elementary West when she was hired as an adult. Then Suwannee Elementary.
Former President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he enters to speak at a caucus night watch party at Treasure Island on Thursday in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal/TNS)

Former President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he enters to speak at a caucus night watch party at Treasure Island on Thursday in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal/TNS)

Trump wins Nevada GOP caucuses as only major candidate entered

NEWS STAFF
Friday, February 9, 2024
LAS VEGAS — Former President Donald Trump won Nevada’s Republican presidential caucuses Thursday after he was the only major candidate to compete, winning his third straight state as he tries to secure his party’s nomination. Former U.N.

Stage set for state budget discussions

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Friday, February 9, 2024
TALLAHASSEE — The preliminaries are finished. Now, the real budget game can begin. The Florida House and Senate on Thursday approved budget proposals and are ready to negotiate a spending plan for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The House proposal totaled about $115.

Jennings woman charged after $10k bank withdrawal

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
A bank deposit in Ocala made its way instead into a Jennings woman’s bank account, prompting a big withdrawal and a bit of trouble. According to a Jasper Police Department report, Jacky Cavazos, 23, wrote a counter check on Feb.

Janitor swipes ATV from SRWMD

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
LIVE OAK — A contractor that is supposed to help clean the Suwannee River Water Management District instead cleaned the agency out of a vehicle.
Sen. Jennifer Bradley said comments from a pair of ‘vile’ and ‘bigoted’ speakers on the topic of removing of historical monuments made her reconsider her vote because she does not ’endorse your hatred.’ (COURTESY NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA)

Sen. Jennifer Bradley said comments from a pair of ‘vile’ and ‘bigoted’ speakers on the topic of removing of historical monuments made her reconsider her vote because she does not ’endorse your hatred.’ (COURTESY NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA)

Comments could jeopardize monuments bill

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Senate President Kathleen Passidomo on Wednesday raised questions about the fate of a proposal to protect historic monuments and memorials after several lawmakers voiced outrage over comments Tuesday by supporters of the bill.

Toxic Roundup set for Mayo this weekend

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
MAYO — Harmful waste products can be easily disposed of in Lafayette County this weekend. The Alachua County Hazardous Waste Department, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Lafayette County Commission, is hosting a Toxic Round-up event Saturday from 9 a.m.
Suwannee County Historian Eric Musgrove (center) gives a tour of the Suwannee County Historical Museum during the All Aboard Festival in Heritage Square on Saturday. (ROB WOLFE/Special to the Reporter)

Suwannee County Historian Eric Musgrove (center) gives a tour of the Suwannee County Historical Museum during the All Aboard Festival in Heritage Square on Saturday. (ROB WOLFE/Special to the Reporter)

Inaugural All Aboard Festival draws large crowd

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
LIVE OAK — A new festival and a new location led to some uncertain expectations for organizers of the inaugural All Aboard Festival. However, Saturday’s event at Heritage Square in downtown Live Oak was a success, drawing an estimated 4,500 people as well as 67 vendors and eight food trucks.