Regional

The U.S. Drought Monitor map released last week still shows Suwannee County in exceptional drought, the highest intensity level of droughts. (COURTESY)

The U.S. Drought Monitor map released last week still shows Suwannee County in exceptional drought, the highest intensity level of droughts. (COURTESY)

Suwannee burn ban lifted thanks to recent rainfall

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Thanks to recent rainfall, the burn ban is permanently lifted in Suwannee County.Ratifying the move by Suwannee County Fire Chief Dan Miller late last week, the County Commission unanimously approved to lift the burn ban that had been in place since April 21.“I’m comfortable keeping it, lifting it...

Live Oak man arrested in undercover operation

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
An ongoing undercover operation in Lake City yielded another arrest Tuesday.According to a Lake City Police Department release, LCPD detectives assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force continued their undercover operation in Lake City targeting individuals attempting to exploit...
North Florida Water Utilities Authority Attorney Grady Williams talks to the board about the policy on how staff will select engineers on continuing services contracts for future projects. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

North Florida Water Utilities Authority Attorney Grady Williams talks to the board about the policy on how staff will select engineers on continuing services contracts for future projects. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Utility group approves contract award process

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
LIVE OAK —The North Florida Water Utilities Authority has a five-pronged approach for awarding projects to firms on continuing services contracts.During its meeting Monday morning at the Suwannee County Judicial Annex, the NFWUA board unanimously approved adding the authority’s continuing service...
NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA FILE Senate President Ben Albritton’s ‘rural renaissance’ plan will not be funded for a second straight year. (NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA FILE)

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA FILE Senate President Ben Albritton’s ‘rural renaissance’ plan will not be funded for a second straight year. (NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA FILE)

Senate drops ‘rural renaissance’ funding

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Friday, May 15, 2026
TALLAHASSEE — The Senate dropped funding requests for a series of programs tied to Senate President Ben Albritton’s “rural renaissance” plan Thursday.As fiscal year 2026-2027 budget conference talks moved into a third day of the ongoing special session, the Senate offer on economic development...

Live Oak wants ‘fair share’ of gas tax

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The City of Live Oak wants its “fair share” — an increased share — of gas tax revenue collected in Suwannee County.Discussing a late item on its agenda Tuesday — a one-year renewal of an interlocal agreement with the county as well as the Town of Branford on the distribution of gas tax funds — the...

South Canal Fire near fully contained

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
MAYO — The wildfire in southern Lafayette County is almost completely contained.The Florida Forest Service said Wednesday in a release that the South Canal Fire, which began May 4, was now 93% contained.
Live Oak City Manager Larry Sessions’ contract was renewed until next January by the Live Oak City Council on Tuesday. The council also ratified his raise. (FILE)

Live Oak City Manager Larry Sessions’ contract was renewed until next January by the Live Oak City Council on Tuesday. The council also ratified his raise. (FILE)

Sessions’ contract renewed with raise

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Live Oak’s city manager has a renewed contract with a raise.The Live Oak City Council approved by a 4-1 vote to renew its contract with City Manager Larry Sessions through January during its meeting Tuesday. Councilwoman Vanessa Brown Robinson cast the dissenting vote.

Live Oak man pleads guilty to postal crimes

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
A Live Oak man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal postal keys, theft of postal keys and postal robbery and assault.John Heekin, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the guilty plea from 33-year-old Antrell Hillard on Monday.“The defendant wasn’t just stealing...

Live Oak man charged with child molestation

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
A Live Oak man has been charged with molesting a child.Tyler Downs, 30, was arrested May 6 on charges of lewd lascivious behavior for molesting a victim under 12.According to a Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office report, the sexual abuse allegations arose in December with the child being interviewed...