Regional

Subway threats result in fresh jail trip

LIVE OAK — No dough in his wallet Tuesday meant a Live Oak man couldn’t “Eat Fresh.” Instead, the irate Subway customer received a visit to the Suwannee County Jail after he made threats against the store.

Jasper attorney reappointed to JNC

TALLAHASSEE — A Jasper attorney will continue to help fill out judicial openings in the Third Judicial Circuit. As part of 50 appointments to Judicial Nominating Commissions across the state Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis reappointed James Willingham Jr. to the commission for the Third Circuit.

Suwannee County floats grant to Project Wave

LIVE OAK — The Suwannee County Commission is one step closer to riding Project Wave into a site west of Live Oak. At Tuesday’s meeting, the commission unanimously approved a business incentive grant for Project Wave — whose identity is currently covered by a non-disclosure agreement.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is weighing a fight over a 2021 Florida elections law. (COURTESY)

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is weighing a fight over a 2021 Florida elections law. (COURTESY)

Georgia backs Florida in elections law fight

TALLAHASSEE — Pointing to broader implications of the case, Georgia is backing Florida in a fight about a 2021 elections law that a federal judge said is unconstitutional. Georgia Attorney General Christopher Carr filed a brief Monday at the 11th U.S.

SCSO: ER patient tried to sell stolen UTV

LIVE OAK — Released from the emergency room Saturday, apparently a Live Oak man had his own deal he still needed to sew up. According to a Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office release, a deputy was called to the HCA Florida Suwannee Emergency Room Saturday because a patient refused to leave.
Friends, family and coworkers of J. Don Allen gather for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the J. Don Allen Cultural Center at Heritage Park and Gardens on Friday. (COURTESY)

Friends, family and coworkers of J. Don Allen gather for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the J. Don Allen Cultural Center at Heritage Park and Gardens on Friday. (COURTESY)

Live Oak Councilman Allen passes away

LIVE OAK — For the past five years, J. Don Allen used a love of serving his community and a passion for historical preservation to cook up a run as a Live Oak City Councilman. Allen, 72, passed away Saturday after a battle with a short illness.

Blood donations will plant trees

LifeSouth blood donors can make an impact both at home and abroad this weekend. Through a partnership with Forestmatic, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers are sponsoring a tree planting for every donation of blood Saturday and Sunday, both at local donor centers as well as mobile blood drives.
The bell tower was installed back in place atop the Lafayette County Courthouse in Mayo on Wednesday afternoon. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

The bell tower was installed back in place atop the Lafayette County Courthouse in Mayo on Wednesday afternoon. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Towering above Mayo: Renovated historic courthouse bell tower back in place

MAYO — It was a fitting finish to a historical task in Lafayette County. Back atop the Lafayette County Courthouse, the cupola atop the courthouse bell tower glistened and sparkled in the later afternoon sunshine Wednesday.
Tommie Jefferson takes the oath of office for the Live Oak City Council from Mayor Frank Davis on Tuesday as he is joined by friends for the occasion. (COURTESY)

Tommie Jefferson takes the oath of office for the Live Oak City Council from Mayor Frank Davis on Tuesday as he is joined by friends for the occasion. (COURTESY)

LO council increases max millage

LIVE OAK — Live Oak residents could face a tax increase for the 2022-23 fiscal year. At the Live Oak City Council’s meeting Tuesday, the council approved setting its maximum millage rate at 9.5 mills, 2.68% above the current rate of 9.2521 mills.