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

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Thursday, February 10, 2022
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

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
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

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
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

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
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

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
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

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
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.

Rogers recalled as caring official

JAMIE WACHTER
Monday, February 7, 2022
LIVE OAK — While adhering to the code, Roy Rogers was also known to work with people on building projects within the City of Live Oak. Rogers, who served as the city’s building official since 2003 — save for a two-year retirement — passed away unexpectedly Saturday at his Jasper home. He was 72.