Regional

An example of the virtual memorial markers offered by the Florida Department of Transportation. (COURTESY)

An example of the virtual memorial markers offered by the Florida Department of Transportation. (COURTESY)

FDOT creates virtual memorial program

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
A new highway memorial program is set to sweep into effect in northeast Florida.

Juror’s online posts roil Gillum case

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Turmoil continued Wednesday in the public-corruption trial of former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum amid revelations that a juror posted information about the case on social media after deliberations began.

Lawmakers target campus ‘DEI’ efforts

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
TALLAHASSEE — As Gov. Ron DeSantis and his allies target “woke” ideology, the Florida House on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill that includes preventing colleges and universities from spending money on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
The Lafayette FFA Livestock Evaluation team finished eighth in the state. Team members include Advisor Tori Lyons (from left), Carter Higginbothom, Sidney Wimberley, Delaney Deadwyler, Peyton Ditter and Savanna King. (COURTESY)

The Lafayette FFA Livestock Evaluation team finished eighth in the state. Team members include Advisor Tori Lyons (from left), Carter Higginbothom, Sidney Wimberley, Delaney Deadwyler, Peyton Ditter and Savanna King. (COURTESY)

LHS livestock team places 8th in state

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
GAINESVILLE — Lafayette FFA’s livestock evaluation team finished its year among Florida’s best. The Lafayette senior team placed eighth in the state finals of the Florida FFA Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event at the Horse Teaching Unit on the University of Florida campus on April 15.
A farmer unloads produce at a farmers market. UF/IFAS offers an entrepreneurship program that helps people interested in becoming farmers. (TYLER JONES/UF/IFAS)

A farmer unloads produce at a farmers market. UF/IFAS offers an entrepreneurship program that helps people interested in becoming farmers. (TYLER JONES/UF/IFAS)

UF entrepreneurship program grows new Florida farmers

NEWS STAFF
Friday, April 28, 2023
This summer and fall, UF/IFAS Extension will host the Ag Entrepreneurship Series, a program designed to help aspiring and beginning farmers sow the seeds of success. “Extension offices across the state often hear from residents who are interested in starting a small farm or related business.

Major elections bill passes

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Friday, April 28, 2023
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida House on Friday gave final approval to a major elections bill that would place additional restrictions on voter-registration groups and help clear the way for Gov. Ron DeSantis to potentially run for president in 2024.
Sen. Ed Hooper (R-Clearwater) helped lead negotiations on Visit Florida funding. (NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA)

Sen. Ed Hooper (R-Clearwater) helped lead negotiations on Visit Florida funding. (NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA)

House agrees to Visit Florida funding

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Friday, April 28, 2023
TALLAHASSEE — With lawmakers on the verge of shutting the doors of the Enterprise Florida business-recruitment agency, the House on Friday went along with a Senate proposal to boost funding for Visit Florida’s tourism-marketing efforts.
Former Tallahassee Mayor and Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum arrives at the federal courthouse for jury selection in his corruption trial April 17 in Tallahassee. (ALICIA DEVINE/Tallahassee Democrat via AP)

Former Tallahassee Mayor and Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum arrives at the federal courthouse for jury selection in his corruption trial April 17 in Tallahassee. (ALICIA DEVINE/Tallahassee Democrat via AP)

Jurors deliberate in Gillum corruption trial

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Friday, April 28, 2023
TALLAHASSEE — Jurors began deliberating Friday in the corruption case against former Florida Democratic candidate for governor Andrew Gillum, who came within a whisker of defeating Republican Ron DeSantis in 2018.

Lyons appointed to State Fair board

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Lafayette High School’s agri-science teacher and FFA advisor is adding another title to his resume. Chad Lyons, a fifth-generation agriculturist from Mayo, was appointed with seven others Monday to the Florida State Fair Authority Board by Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
Visitors to Little River Springs park in Suwannee County will have to start paying a $5 daily admission fee, beginning May 5. (COURTESY)

Visitors to Little River Springs park in Suwannee County will have to start paying a $5 daily admission fee, beginning May 5. (COURTESY)

Little River Springs entrance fee begins next week

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
O’BRIEN — A day at the springs will soon be a little bit more expensive at one Suwannee County location. Starting Friday, May 5, a $5 daily admission fee per vehicle will be charged at Little River Springs park, 24855 105th Lane in O’Brien.