Regional

Suwannee renews Scott on annual contract

LIVE OAK — Suwannee County’s administrator will remain in his position on an annual basis. During the Suwannee County Commission’s meeting Tuesday, the board unanimously approved a new contract with Greg Scott to remain the county administrator.

SRWMD: October rainfall average

LIVE OAK — When it came to rainfall, October was completely average. According to the Suwannee River Water Management District’s hydrologic conditions report, the district’s 15-county area received an average rainfall of 2.84 inches of rain in October.

Hamas, Israel swap hostages amid cease-fire

RAFAH, Gaza Strip — Hamas on Friday released 24 hostages it held captive in Gaza for weeks, and Israel freed 39 Palestinians from prison in the first stage of a swap under a four-day cease-fire that offered a small glimmer of relief to both sides.

UF/IFAS educates growers through competition

UF/IFAS Think of it like one of those farm simulator video games, except the crop is real. A few small plots of land, ample seed and all the requirements to make it grow.

Dog bars ruling put on hold

A state appeals court this week put on hold an administrative law judge’s ruling that backed Tampa and Orlando bars in a dispute about whether dogs should be allowed in the establishments.

Disaster centers closed for holiday

MAYO — All of the Disaster Recovery Centers still open in the state will close today through Sunday due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Bleak finances, no records at White Springs

WHITE SPRINGS — The Town of White Springs has a widespread problem complying with state laws, town ordinances and keeping reliable records, according to a state audit report released last week. The operational audit, performed by the state’s Auditor General following a legislative request from Sen.

Jenkins, longtime Suwannee property appraiser, passes

LIVE OAK — Suwannee County’s longtime property appraiser was remembered for his willingness to help out and serve. Lamar Jenkins passed away Wednesday after a short illness. He was 84.

Local springs net $13M for restoration

LIVE OAK — Seven springs restoration projects within the Suwannee River Water Management District were awarded approximately $13.5 million in state funding Thursday. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $57.5 worth of statewide projects Thursday, including the seven local projects.

State jobless rate stays at 2.8%

TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s near-historic-low unemployment rate remained at 2.8% in October, as the state’s labor force continued to grow. But economists think Florida might be due for an uptick in the jobless rate — which might not necessarily be a bad thing.