Regional

The average rainfall across the Suwannee River Water Management District in October was right on the historical average for North Florida. (COURTESY)

The average rainfall across the Suwannee River Water Management District in October was right on the historical average for North Florida. (COURTESY)

SRWMD: October rainfall average

NEWS STAFF
Friday, November 24, 2023
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

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Friday, November 24, 2023
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.

Dog bars ruling put on hold

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Friday, November 24, 2023
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.

Bleak finances, no records at White Springs

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, November 18, 2023
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.
Longtime Suwannee County property appraiser Lamar Jenkins passed away Wednesday after a short illness. He was 84. (COURTESY)

Longtime Suwannee County property appraiser Lamar Jenkins passed away Wednesday after a short illness. He was 84. (COURTESY)

Jenkins, longtime Suwannee property appraiser, passes

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, November 18, 2023
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

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, November 18, 2023
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%

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Saturday, November 18, 2023
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.
Lafayette County Commissioner Anthony Adams is interested in setting up a committee to work with the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management on the plans for a new Emergency Operations Center. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette County Commissioner Anthony Adams is interested in setting up a committee to work with the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management on the plans for a new Emergency Operations Center. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette chooses architect for EOC, jail

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
MAYO — Two actions taken by the Lafayette County Commission on Tuesday will help spur one ongoing project.