Regional

Astra’s Rocket 3.3 lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. This is the first launch from the Space Coast for the company. Rocket 3.3, carrying four small satellites for NASA, failed shortly after liftoff. (CRAIG BAILEY/Florida Today/Associated Press)

Astra’s Rocket 3.3 lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. This is the first launch from the Space Coast for the company. Rocket 3.3, carrying four small satellites for NASA, failed shortly after liftoff. (CRAIG BAILEY/Florida Today/Associated Press)

Rocket startup’s Florida launch debut ends in ocean crash

CAPE CANAVERAL — A rocket startup’s big Florida launch debut ended with all four mini satellites destroyed Thursday. California-based Astra sent its rocket soaring from Cape Canaveral after multiple delays, including a last-second engine shutdown Monday.

Sip and shop coming to Mayo

MAYO — An early Valentine’s event is hitting Main Street Mayo on Friday. A Valentine’s sip, shop and stroll event will be held in Mayo from 5-7 p.m. Friday, offering a last chance to grab some items for the holiday.

SCSO looking for teen runaway

LIVE OAK — Suwannee County authorities are searching for a teenage boy that ran away from home. According to a release from the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, 15-year-old James Lybrand left his home in the county on Monday after a disagreement with his family, leaving his personal items behind.
A woman enjoys the natural resources of North Florida while kayaking. The Suwannee River Water Management District is launching a “Dive In” initiative to help protect the springs and water quality in North Florida. (COURTESY)

A woman enjoys the natural resources of North Florida while kayaking. The Suwannee River Water Management District is launching a “Dive In” initiative to help protect the springs and water quality in North Florida. (COURTESY)

‘Dive In’ to protect springs, resources

LIVE OAK — The Suwannee River Water Management District is ready to “Dive In” to protecting the springs and water quality in North Florida.

Missing Suwannee child found in Bell

BELL — The 9-year-old Suwannee County child reported missing in late January has been found safe and sound. Sheriff Sam St. John said Wednesday that Jaxon Nickerson was found by officers in Gilchrist County after a credit card belonging to his mother, Samantha Nickerson, was used in Bell.
The 40-foot-long shipping container sits on the grounds of the NFREC-Suwannee Valley. (COURTESY)

The 40-foot-long shipping container sits on the grounds of the NFREC-Suwannee Valley. (COURTESY)

‘Smart Garden’ planted at research farm

LIVE OAK — The University of Florida’s North Florida Research and Education Center-Suwannee Valley is used to conduct agriculture research projects. However, the latest project researched at the center east of Live Oak in conjunction with electric cooperatives is taking the farming indoors.