Regional

NFC Foundation receives $50K grant

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
MADISON — The North Florida College Foundation has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Edward K. Roberts Community College Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
A tree snapped in front of a Lake City house during Hurricane Helene in September 2024. (FILE)

A tree snapped in front of a Lake City house during Hurricane Helene in September 2024. (FILE)

Storm season eyed as ‘well below normal’

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Storm forecasters have further downgraded predictions a little more than a month into the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which has so far produced a single named tropical system.For a season initially anticipated to be “somewhat below-normal,” Colorado State University researchers on Wednesday...
Suwannee County Attorney Adam Morrison said any ban or moratorium on data centers would be void because of a state law passed in 2025 that restricts changes to Land Development Regulations. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Attorney Adam Morrison said any ban or moratorium on data centers would be void because of a state law passed in 2025 that restricts changes to Land Development Regulations. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee data center ban would be void

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
There won’t a ban or moratorium on data centers in Suwannee County because any move would be null and void.At the start of Tuesday’s Suwannee County Commission meeting, Suwannee County Attorney Adam Morrison led the board and the packed room at the Suwannee County Judicial Annex through a...
The new community center being built at the Douglass Center will be named in honor of late Commissioner Maurice Perkins, who passed away late last year. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

The new community center being built at the Douglass Center will be named in honor of late Commissioner Maurice Perkins, who passed away late last year. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

New Suwannee County centers to be named for Jefferson, Smith, Perkins

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Two new community centers currently under construction now have names as well.Following a presentation from Robert Ford with the Douglass High School Alumni and Historical Association, the Suwannee County Commission unanimously approved naming the covid isolation building near the Suwannee County...
Suwannee County Commissioner Travis land said he welcomed a discussion on the fire and solid waste assessments, noting there could be hard conversations in the future in regards to budgets and funding depending on the property tax vote in November. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Commissioner Travis land said he welcomed a discussion on the fire and solid waste assessments, noting there could be hard conversations in the future in regards to budgets and funding depending on the property tax vote in November. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee fire, garbage fees set for small increase

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
The cost of fire protection and solid waste collection services may go up slightly in Suwannee County.Or it might not.During Tuesday’s meeting, the Suwannee County Commission unanimously approved setting the preliminary maximum rate for the fire assessment at $155 per residential household and the...

Teen sentenced for role in murder

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
JASPER — A White Springs teen was sentenced last week for his role in the 2025 murder of another teenager in southern Hamilton County.Hamilton County Judge Jamie Tyndal sentenced 19-year-old Josh Daniel to four years in prison for his role in the killing of William Powell Jr.Daniel was sentenced in...
Lafayette and Union County 4-H Day Campers learn the importance of forest managment to wildlife during the ‘Jr. Homesteaders 4-H Day Camp: Back to the Basics.’ (COURTESY LAFAYETTE COUNTY 4-H)

Lafayette and Union County 4-H Day Campers learn the importance of forest managment to wildlife during the ‘Jr. Homesteaders 4-H Day Camp: Back to the Basics.’ (COURTESY LAFAYETTE COUNTY 4-H)

Jr. Homesteaders camp takes youth back to basics

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
By Shawn JacksonLafayette County Extension Director and 4-H AgentThis summer, Lafayette County 4-H and Union County 4-H partnered to host the “Jr. Homesteaders 4-H Day Camp: Back to the Basics,” a unique hands-on experience designed to teach youth the traditional skills of self-reliance, food...
The Suwannee River Regional Library received a $6,000 grant from Florida Humanities to purchase books promoting the semiquincentennial and America’s history for its nine branches in three counties. (COURTESY)

The Suwannee River Regional Library received a $6,000 grant from Florida Humanities to purchase books promoting the semiquincentennial and America’s history for its nine branches in three counties. (COURTESY)

Suwannee River, Three Rivers libraries receive grant

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
The Suwannee River Regional Library System and the Three Rivers Regional Library System each received grant funds in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
Hamilton County High’s Evelyn Cazarez receiveda North Florida College Presidential Scholarship, which covers full tuition and fees, from NFC President Jennifer Page. (COURTESY NORTH FLORIDA COLLEGE)

Hamilton County High’s Evelyn Cazarez receiveda North Florida College Presidential Scholarship, which covers full tuition and fees, from NFC President Jennifer Page. (COURTESY NORTH FLORIDA COLLEGE)

NFC awards full ride, $8K in scholarships at HCHS

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
MADISON — The North Florida College Foundation proudly recognized several outstanding Hamilton County High School seniors during its annual scholarship awards program, helping students take the next step toward achieving their educational and career goals at North Florida College.This year, the...

Live Oak woman dies in boating accident

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
A Live Oak woman was killed last week in a boating accident on the Suwanee River.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded around 8 p.m. on July 1 to the report of a missing boater in Gilchrist County near the Rock Bluff Conservation Area, according to reports.Amber Buda, 44,...