Regional

LO council takes step to prohibit game rooms

LIVE OAK — Despite pleas to give regulation a chance, internet cafes will soon be shuttered within the City of Live Oak. During a special meeting Tuesday, the Live Oak City Council unanimously passed the first reading of an ordinance to prohibit the use of simulated gaming devices.
Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer listens during a forum at the French Cultural Center on Feb. 13, 2017, in Boston. (AP File)

Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer listens during a forum at the French Cultural Center on Feb. 13, 2017, in Boston. (AP File)

Justice Breyer to retire; Biden to fill vacancy

WASHINGTON — Liberal Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is retiring, giving President Joe Biden an opening he has pledged to fill by naming the first Black woman to the high court.

16 busted in drug sting

MAYO — A long-term drug bust has produced big-time results in Lafayette County. Over the course of several months, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 16 people for selling illicit narcotics in the county.

Saint Leo honored for online programs

ST.LEO—Saint Leo University, which has an education center in Lake City, has been recognized for providing one of the best online bachelor’s and master’s programs in the United States, according to the U.S. News & World Report.

District to honor top teachers, employees

LIVE OAK — Suwannee County’s best teacher — and best school-related employee — will soon be recognized. The Suwannee County School District’s Teacher of the Year banquet will be held Thursday at 6 p.m. at Camp Weed.
Bikers participating in the 2022 IDIDARIDE pose underneath a banner marking the event. More than 300 participants rode through the off-road courses set up for the 50-mile challenge. (COURTESY)

Bikers participating in the 2022 IDIDARIDE pose underneath a banner marking the event. More than 300 participants rode through the off-road courses set up for the 50-mile challenge. (COURTESY)

Biker’s delight: SBA’s IDIDARIDE hosts over 300 bikers in frigid conditions

WHITE SPRINGS — Maybe it was the weather that kept nearly a quarter of the scheduled participants from showing up. After all, the temperature at the start was about 39 degrees. Nevertheless, for about 300 bike riders, Saturday turned out to be a smiling occasion for all.

LO council to consider anti-gambling ordinance

LIVE OAK — The game is nearly over for internet arcades within the City of Live Oak. The Live Oak City Council meets tonight in a special meeting to consider the first reading of an ordinance to prohibit the use of simulated gambling devices within the city limits.

Broadband boost eyed in rural areas

TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers are looking to use at least $400 million in federal stimulus money to help broadband providers expand services to mostly rural, underserved areas. But don’t expect to see the money reduce rates for customers.

Senate looks to crack down on immigration

TALLAHASSEE — Three years after Florida lawmakers became embroiled in a fierce debate about so-called “sanctuary cities,” the Senate on Monday began moving forward with another attempt to ratchet up immigration enforcement in the state.

Jobless rates fall in December

TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s jobless rate dipped to 4.4% in December as state officials pointed to “steady growth” in the employment picture. The Department of Economic Opportunity on Friday announced the December rate, down from 4.5% in November.