Regional

Man arrested after witnesses say he masturbated in front of minor

Staff report JASPER — A Jasper man is in custody after an investigation led to multiple lewd videos of him masturbating near a minor. Terry Lee Humphrey, 52, is charged with four different counts of lewd or lascivious behavior after investigators worked the case since Dec.

Jury selection for convict ongoing

Jury selection in the penalty phase proceedings for convicted murderer Richard P. Franklin continued into the late afternoon hours on Friday. According to information from the Columbia County Clerk of Courts Office, 600 people were summoned for the jury pool.

Florida lawmakers plan for gas tax suspension in budget deal

TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers on Friday voiced bipartisan support for a record $112.1 billion state budget proposal that includes pay raises for state workers and a gas tax suspension before the November election. The Republican-controlled legislature is expected to approve the budget Monday.

School book scrutiny, term limits ready for DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE —School board members soon could be limited to serving 12-year terms under a bill that is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis --- but the measure also includes a controversial provision that would intensify scrutiny of school library books and instructional materials.

Fort White teen earns highest Boy Scout honor

A Fort White Boy Scout is set to receive an achievement reserved for a select few within the organization. Tristan Rainflower-Wilks, 18, has earned the Boy Scouts of America’s highest advancement award, the Eagle Scout Award.

DeSantis, Disney butting heads on LGBTQ issue

TALLAHASSEE — Disney World is suspending its political donations in Florida after the company’s CEO received huge blowback for not using Disney’s vast influence in the state to try to quash a recently passed Republican bill that would prevent teachers from instructing early grades on LGBTQ issues.

Public’s right to know takes blow as Florida Senate passes bill

TALLAHASSEE — Another blow was delivered to the public’s right to know Thursday. The Florida Senate passed HB 7049 by a 26-13 vote to allow local governments in some areas of the state the option of reducing transparency with public notices of its activities.

Record $112.1B budget deal hammered out

TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers will vote Monday on a record $112.1 billion state budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, up 10.4% from a spending plan approved for the current year.

District agrees to deal on Hill property

LIVE OAK — Columbia County and the Suwannee River Water Management District have a deal. The district’s governing board unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with the county on the Hill farm property off Country Club Road at its meeting Tuesday.

Your right to know set for final vote

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida legislature’s assault on the public’s right to know will face its final vote today. The Florida Senate heard HB 7049 Wednesday evening, rejecting four proposed amendments to the legislation and passing one amendment.