Regional

A proposed House district map, shown here, was advanced by a 13-7 party line vote. The map now heads to the Redistricting Committee for a Wednesday meeting. (COURTESY)

A proposed House district map, shown here, was advanced by a 13-7 party line vote. The map now heads to the Redistricting Committee for a Wednesday meeting. (COURTESY)

House districts approved amid concerns

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Friday, January 21, 2022
TALLAHASSEE — New House district lines advanced Friday over objections that minority representation will be diluted without a significant increase in the number of districts where voters are likely to elect Black or Hispanic candidates.
A proposed senate district map from Sen. Ray Rodrigues shows how Columbia and Suwannee Counties could be drawn. (COURTESY)

A proposed senate district map from Sen. Ray Rodrigues shows how Columbia and Suwannee Counties could be drawn. (COURTESY)

Redistricting maps get past first step

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Thursday, January 20, 2022
TALLAHASSEE --- The Florida Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly approved maps in the once-a-decade redistricting process, despite concerns from Democrats that a surge in Hispanic population doesn’t appear to be fully represented with the changes.

Supreme Court: Panel gets Trump records

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
WASHINGTON — In a rebuff to former President Donald Trump, the Supreme Court is allowing the release of presidential documents sought by the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection.
The San Marco Chamber Music Society will perform a Vivaldi concerti on Tuesday during its performance for the Friends of Music Concert Season. (COURTESY)

The San Marco Chamber Music Society will perform a Vivaldi concerti on Tuesday during its performance for the Friends of Music Concert Season. (COURTESY)

Friends of Music series continues

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
LIVE OAK — The Friends of Music Concert Season continues next week. The season’s second concert is scheduled for Tuesday when the San Marco Chamber Music Society visits Covenant First Presbyterian Church, 421 White Avenue in Live Oak. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

Branford attorney’s pro bono work recognized

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
TALLAHASSEE — A Branford attorney will be honored along with 19 others for her work with low-income and disadvantaged clients. The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award honorees will be recognized today in a ceremony at the Supreme Court of Florida.
A Lake City man died in a vehicle fire in the parking lot of the Daytona Beach Police Department in the early hours of Jan. 12. (COURTESY)

A Lake City man died in a vehicle fire in the parking lot of the Daytona Beach Police Department in the early hours of Jan. 12. (COURTESY)

Daytona fire victim identified

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
DAYTONA BEACH — Daytona Beach authorities have identified the Lake City man who burned to death in the Daytona Beach Police Department parking lot last week. Daytona Beach PD identified the man Tuesday as Gilbert M. Sellers, a 55-year-old from Lake City. Sellers died Jan.
Toby Keith will headliner for the 29th annual Suwannee River Jam in late April at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. (COURTESY)

Toby Keith will headliner for the 29th annual Suwannee River Jam in late April at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. (COURTESY)

It’s time to Jam

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
LIVE OAK — The wait is almost over. After two cancellations due to covid-19, big-name country music stars are set to be back down upon the Suwannee River this spring as the Suwannee River Jam returns for the 29th year. This year’s Jam is set for April 27-30.

SHS grad Bullard named to State Fair board

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
TALLAHASSEE — A Suwannee High graduate was appointed to the Florida State Fair Authority’s Board of Directors. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried announced the appointment of Thaddeus Bullard, better known as Titus O’Neil, a WWE global ambassador, to the board on Tuesday.