Regional

Property tax cut headed to ballot

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
TALLAHASSEE — Lawmakers on Tuesday approved a sweeping tax cut for homestead property owners pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, sending it to the November ballot.The measure increases the existing $50,000 exemption for homestead properties to $150,000 starting in 2027, and it increases to $250,000 in...

Hamilton teen reported missing

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
JASPER — A Hamilton County teen was reported missing Monday, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.The FDLE issued a missing child alert for 16-year-old Elissa McCarthy on Monday night.
Joy Geiger sings the national anthem during Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony at the American Legion Harry C. Gray II Memorial Post 107 in McAlpin as the American flag waves in front of her. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Joy Geiger sings the national anthem during Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony at the American Legion Harry C. Gray II Memorial Post 107 in McAlpin as the American flag waves in front of her. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee remembers the fallen on Memorial Day

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
McALPIN — It is a day for remembrance.From the guest speaker at the American Legion Harry C. Gray II Memorial Post 107’s annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony to the history of the poppies to the list of veterans called home, remembering and honoring those who made the “ultimate sacrifice” took...

New Lafayette school, shelter in line for state funding

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
More than $2.5 million in projects are earmarked in the delayed state budget for Lafayette County.The Florida Legislature is slated to vote Friday on the $114.46 billion spending plan after needing extra time to finalize a budget — the only thing it is required to do each year by the Florida...
Suwannee High’s Kynzie Hall delivers part of the Salute to Parents during commencement as she is joined by Andrea Baez, Rylee Bonds, Mackenzie Champagne, Elise Mudd and Kolby Riegel. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee High’s Kynzie Hall delivers part of the Salute to Parents during commencement as she is joined by Andrea Baez, Rylee Bonds, Mackenzie Champagne, Elise Mudd and Kolby Riegel. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

SHS graduates thank village for support

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
In a flipped around commencement ceremony, Suwannee High valedictorian Noah Lopez reversed the script on those in attendance at Paul Langford Stadium on Saturday.With the 234 graduates at SHS already with their diplomas in hand before the valedictorians and salutatorian gave their addresses due to...
Branford High graduates toss their caps into the air after graduating during Friday’s commencement ceremony. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

Branford High graduates toss their caps into the air after graduating during Friday’s commencement ceremony. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

Buccaneer ‘family’ celebrates graduation

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
BRANFORD — Branford High’s Class of 2026 was more than just a group of classmates.Rather, Student Body President Jon Weisner said the 111 graduates honored at Buccaneer Stadium on Friday night during a weather-shortened commencement were a family.

Suwannee in line for $2 million in projects from state budget

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Suwannee County projects are in line for more than $2 million in the delayed state budget.The Florida Legislature is slated to vote Friday on the $114.46 billion spending plan after needing extra time to finalize a budget — the only thing it is required to do each year by the Florida Constitution —...

Runoff early voting begins

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Early voting for the runoff election in Live Oak’s District 1 begins next week.The polls are open for early voting in the runoff from Monday through June 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily at the Suwannee County Judicial Annex, 218 SW Parshley Street in Live Oak.Election Day for the runoff...
A Suwannee County firefighter rescues a small dog from a sinkhole last week. The dog had been missing for more than a week before it was located in the sinkhole. (COURTESY SUWANNEE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE)

A Suwannee County firefighter rescues a small dog from a sinkhole last week. The dog had been missing for more than a week before it was located in the sinkhole. (COURTESY SUWANNEE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE)

SCFR rescues dog from sinkhole

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Suwannee County firefighters came to the rescue of a trapped pet last week.A small dog, who had been missing for over a week, was found trapped 40 feet inside a sinkhole when Suwannee County Fire Rescue crews responded last week.The firefighters quickly assessed the situation and determined that a...
Live Oak City Council President Matt Campbell said he wants to be better prepared for future discussions about the gas tax. (FILE)

Live Oak City Council President Matt Campbell said he wants to be better prepared for future discussions about the gas tax. (FILE)

Live Oak City Council approves gas tax agreement

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
The gas tax in Suwannee County will continue to be distributed as it has been for another year.The Live Oak City Council unanimously approved the interlocal agreement with Suwannee County and the Town of Branford for an additional year in a special meeting Tuesday while also setting a deadline in...