Regional

Marty Tompkins, the emergency medical services director for Lafayette County, said he could use an additional unit to relieve ‘tension’ during busy times. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Marty Tompkins, the emergency medical services director for Lafayette County, said he could use an additional unit to relieve ‘tension’ during busy times. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette County looks to add EMTs

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
MAYO — Budget meetings are starting to heat up a bit for the Board of County Commissioners in Lafayette. Now the board will have to decide which line items, if any, in different departments warrant further discussion.
A speeding car ran head-first into a tractor trailer just north of High Springs on Wednesday morning. The car’s driver was killed. (COURTESY/FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL)

A speeding car ran head-first into a tractor trailer just north of High Springs on Wednesday morning. The car’s driver was killed. (COURTESY/FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL)

Pursuit ends in fatality

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
HIGH SPRINGS — Fleeing from a High Springs police officer, a man was killed when his Mazda 6 ran head-first into a tractor trailer Wednesday morning. The accident, which occurred around 9:10 a.m. according to the Florida Highway Patrol, happened a the NW 210 Lane and U.S.

Semi crash closes I-75 for hours

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
ELLISVILLE — The southbound lanes of Interstate 75 were blocked for hours over night Wednesday morning after two tractor-trailers collided. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a semi was headed north on I-75 just south of the Ellisville exit when a car cut in front around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Newman eyes ‘community of learners’ at LES

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
MAYO — There’s a new face at the helm of Lafayette Elementary School, but it’s also a familiar one. After serving as the school’s assistant principal for the past six or seven years, Lisa Newman was promoted to principal at the conclusion of last school year.
A couple sun bathes on a sand bar July 13 in Miami Beach. (MARTA LAVANDIER/Associated Press)

A couple sun bathes on a sand bar July 13 in Miami Beach. (MARTA LAVANDIER/Associated Press)

Forecast: Florida’s growth slowing down

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
ORLANDO — Florida grew slightly over a previous forecast in the first quarter of this year, but slowing population growth due to deaths outpacing births is still in the Sunshine State’s future over the next decade, according to estimates released last week.

State offers stopgap amid insurance worries

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
TALLAHASSEE — Amid fears that a financial-ratings agency will downgrade numerous property-insurance companies, Florida regulators Wednesday announced a stopgap plan to try to make sure homeowners can maintain coverage. The plan involves the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
Southern Exposure Band, a newcomer to the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, will make its debut on Saturday. (COURTESY)

Southern Exposure Band, a newcomer to the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, will make its debut on Saturday. (COURTESY)

Willett, Southern Exposure set for Music Park

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
LIVE OAK — Looking for a great musical weekend? The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is the place to be Friday and Saturday for great music and food. Kicking off the weekend will be Arlyn Willett on Friday night.

Fleeing driver takes out traffic signal

JAMIE WACHTER
Monday, July 25, 2022
LIVE OAK — Fleeing from a traffic stop, a Live Oak man ran through a red light Saturday evening and hit another vehicle. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 2020 Toyota Camry that was headed west on Howard Street (U.S.

DOH: Withlacoochee possibly contaminated

NEWS STAFF
Monday, July 25, 2022
JASPER — The Withlacoochee River may be contaminated, according to the Florida Department of Health. The health department issued a precautionary health update Monday evening that the river had elevated fecal bacteria levels south of Valdosta, Georgia.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addresses attendees during the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit on Friday in Tampa. (PHELAN M. EBENHACK/Associated Press)

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addresses attendees during the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit on Friday in Tampa. (PHELAN M. EBENHACK/Associated Press)

Trump vs. DeSantis in debate of GOP’s future

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Monday, July 25, 2022
TAMPA — When former President Donald Trump took the stage before a crowd of more than 5,000 young conservative activists in Tampa this weekend, he received the rock star’s welcome he’s grown accustomed to over the seven years in which he’s reshaped the Republican Party.