Regional

Lafayette farm’s camper site OK’d

MAYO — A local farming company will be able to house its employees thanks to a decision by the Lafayette County Commission.

Apartment project granted gas waiver by Live Oak City Council

LIVE OAK — Getting a pass on gas may connect additional housing for Live Oak residents. The Live Oak City Council unanimously agreed at its meeting Tuesday to grant a waiver to an apartment complex development along U.S.

Trump allies file ethics complaint against DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE — Allies of former President Donald Trump have filed a complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics accusing Gov. Ron DeSantis, a leading potential 2024 primary rival, of violating campaign finance and ethics rules with a shadow run for the White House.

House panel backs attack on free speech

TALLAHASSEE — Ignoring arguments that the bill is unconstitutional, a House panel on Tuesday approved a controversial proposal that would make it easier for people to sue news organizations for defamation.

Curtis steps back to development manager position

LIVE OAK — Let the search begin for a new city manager in Live Oak — both on an interim and full-time basis. The Live Oak Council unanimously approved a resolution appointing current City Manager George Curtis back to his previous position of Development Manager at its meeting Tuesday.

Live Oak man charged for sexual assaults of minors

LIVE OAK — A Live Oak man faces multiple charges for sexual offenses against juveniles in the past. Jimmy Torres, 54, was arrested Friday for sexual assault of a minor, three counts of lewd and lascivious behavior with a minor and two different contributing to the delinquency of a minor charges.

Florida jobless rate falls slightly

TALLAHASSEE — With service-related jobs topping employment gains, Florida’s unemployment rate dipped slightly as 2023 began. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity on Monday released a report showing the January jobless rate at 2.6%, down from a revised rate of 2.

Feds: FW man used dead teen’s identity

JACKSONVILLE — For more than a decade, a Fort White man has been using the identify of a deceased New York teenager to collect additional government benefits. Luis Alberto Villazon, 63, was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday in U.S.

Live Oak manager change ‘mutual’ call

LIVE OAK — For a third straight month, the Live Oak City Council will be discussing a change at city manager. This time, though, the move is mutual.

Permitless carry bill headed to full Senate

TALLAHASSEE — A Senate panel on Thursday moved Florida one step closer to allowing people to carry concealed firearms without licenses, as critics on opposite sides took aim at the proposal.