Regional

The Live Oak Department received a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant to obtain Automated External Defibrillators to place in every patrol car as well as the police station. (COURTESY LIVE OAK POLICE DEPARTMENT)

The Live Oak Department received a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant to obtain Automated External Defibrillators to place in every patrol car as well as the police station. (COURTESY LIVE OAK POLICE DEPARTMENT)

LOPD adds life-saving tools

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
The Live Oak Police Department has added one life-saving tools to their belts thanks to grant funding. The LOPD received grant funds to outfit every patrol car with an Automated External Defibrillator as well as a LifeVac airway-clearing device. “I’m excited for both of them,” said LOPD Capt.

Woman charged for exploiting elderly

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
A Lake City woman was arrested last week after exploiting a senior citizen for more than $14,000. According to a Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office report, deputies talked with a victim in late December about unauthorized use of credit accounts.

Suspect shoots himself after standoff

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
LEE — A Madison County wanted for sex crimes in Suwannee County is in extreme critical condition after a self-inflicted gunshot wounds following a standoff with authorities last week.
Live Oak Community Redevelopment Agency board member Vanessa Brown Robinson said she wanted to include a historical element to the revamped business incentive grant program to try to ‘keep some of our charm.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Live Oak Community Redevelopment Agency board member Vanessa Brown Robinson said she wanted to include a historical element to the revamped business incentive grant program to try to ‘keep some of our charm.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

CRA eyes revamped business grant program

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Bigger projects could lead to bigger reimbursements through a revamped grant system from the Live Oak Community Redevelopment Agency.
Suwannee River Water Management District Executive Director Hugh Thomas, talking to the Columbia County Commission on Thursday, said the district appreciates the ‘community’s passion for our natural resources.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee River Water Management District Executive Director Hugh Thomas, talking to the Columbia County Commission on Thursday, said the district appreciates the ‘community’s passion for our natural resources.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

District sets aquifer recharge meeting

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
LIVE OAK — With concerns and criticisms pouring in on Water First North Florida, the Suwannee River Water Management District has set a meeting next month to address local residents.
Suwannee River Water Management District Communications and Outreach Office Chief Troy Roberts talked with the Suwannee County Commission and concerned residents Tuesday night about the Water First North Florida aquifer recharge project. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee River Water Management District Communications and Outreach Office Chief Troy Roberts talked with the Suwannee County Commission and concerned residents Tuesday night about the Water First North Florida aquifer recharge project. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Support not flowing in for Water First North Florida

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, February 19, 2026
The Suwannee River Water Management District is looking for a wave of support for its $1.1 billion aquifer recharge project. Concerns, instead, are pouring in from Suwannee County residents and officials.
Robert Yates, shown speaking at a Branford Town Council workshop in January about consolidating its service into Suwannee County’s paid service, resigned as fire chief for the town last week. (FILE)

Robert Yates, shown speaking at a Branford Town Council workshop in January about consolidating its service into Suwannee County’s paid service, resigned as fire chief for the town last week. (FILE)

Yates steps down as Branford fire chief

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, February 19, 2026
BRANFORD — As the Branford Town Council considers merging its volunteer fire department into Suwannee County’s paid service, it now also is looking for a new fire chief. During the Council’s Feb. 10 meeting, Branford Fire Chief Robert Yates resigned during a seven-minute speech to the council.
Clyde Fleming was sworn in as the new District 2 commissioner in Suwannee County by County Judge Jennifer Griffin on Tuesday. Fleming was accompanied by his wife, Patricia. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Clyde Fleming was sworn in as the new District 2 commissioner in Suwannee County by County Judge Jennifer Griffin on Tuesday. Fleming was accompanied by his wife, Patricia. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Fleming appointed to vacant commission seat

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, February 19, 2026
The Suwannee County Commission is full once more. Clyde Fleming, a former commissioner, was appointed to fill the vacant seat on the Commission by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday.