Regional

Suwannee schools delay start 30 minutes

JAMIE WACHTER

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

LIVE OAK — Suwannee County students will get a longer summer break — by at least 30 minutes. The Suwannee County School District announced last week that it will push school start times back to comply with the new state law requiring middle schools to not begin before 8 a.m.

Debary man arrested after scuffle with deputy

NEWS STAFF

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

LIVE OAK — A traffic stop on Interstate 10 eventually turned to multiple weapons being drawn and an arrest. According to a Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office report, Anthony Eugene Woods, a 55-year-old from Debary, was pulled over on I-10 heading east near County Road 136 around 5:30 a.m.

A Musgrove Construction worker helped prepare the Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative system for fiber this spring as the co-op launches its Rapid Fiber Internet subsidiary. (COURTESY RAPID FIBER INTERNET)

DeSantis uploads $38M into area internet

JAMIE WACHTER

Friday, July 7, 2023

Nearly $38 million in additional state and federal broadband funding will be uploaded into North Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded funding from the state’s Broadband Infrastructure Program to seven different projects in Columbia, Suwannee, Hamilton and Lafayette counties on Friday.

Five arrested for Luraville robbery

NEWS STAFF

Friday, July 7, 2023

LURAVILLE — Four juveniles and a Perry man have been captured for an armed robbery this week. According to a Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office release, a commercial gasoline truck stopped at the Taylor Store in Luraville early on July 4 to make a delivery.

Seven musicians qualiified for the Suwannee River Jam Audition finals from the first preliminary event at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. Advancing to the Aug. 26 finals are Lee Ann Purvis, Rambler Kane, Katie O, Khloe Grace, Liz Faith, Ben Strok and Laney Strickland. (COURTESY)

Seven qualify for Jam audition finals

NEWS STAFF

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

LIVE OAK — The first 2023 Suwannee River Jam solo/duo audition is history with seven fantastic artists moving to the finals. Moving to the finals, which are set for Aug.

Ana Gienger and Stephan Little were issued life-saving awards from Suwannee County Fire Chief Eddie Hand and paramedics after performing CPR on a man suffering cardiac arrest at Winn-Dixie on June 14. (COURTESY SUWANNEE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE)

SCFR issues life-saving award to pair

NEWS STAFF

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

LIVE OAK — Two Winn-Dixie shoppers took home more than groceries after saving a man’s life recently. Suwannee County Fire Chief Eddie Hand recently awarded life-saving awards to Ana Gienger and Stephan Little for their assistance in a cardiac arrest at the grocery store on June 14.

Hotel California, an Eagles tribute band, will be performing Saturday night at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. (COURTESY)

SOSMP hosting Eagles tribute band

NEWS STAFF

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

LIVE OAK — Get ready for a night of tribute to The Eagles and Alabama when the renowned tribute band Hotel California arrives Saturday at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.

Groover named Haven’s chief medical officer

NEWS STAFF

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Haven Hospice has a new top medical director. Haven, which provides hospice and palliative care across North Florida, announced Wednesday that Dr. Hampton Groover was the company’s new chief medical officer.

Live Oak Council passes on redistricting

JAMIE WACHTER

Friday, June 30, 2023

LIVE OAK — There won’t be new districts in the City of Live Oak prior to next year’s elections. During a special meeting Tuesday, the Live Oak City Council voted unanimously to not hire Kurt Spitzer and Associates to prepare new district maps based off the 2020 census.

Columbia County Commissioners Tim Murphy (left) and Everett Phillips (right) accept the County of the Quarter award from the Florida Association of Counties. (COURTESY)

Columbia County accepts award for business engagement

NEWS STAFF

Friday, June 30, 2023

TALLAHASSEE — Columbia County’s participation in a business program has netted statewide recognition.