Regional

Wildlife officials, FPL take steps to aid manatees

TALLAHASSEE — Wildlife officials, now teaming with the state’s largest electric utility, have approved an unusual step of feeding manatees that face another winter of limited food supplies in Florida waters.

Parading through town

FORT WHITE — Christmas is only weeks away and residents in southern Columbia County look to honor the season with a Christmas parade.

DOE hit for removing anti-bullying resource

TALLAHASEE — Advocacy groups are criticizing the Florida Department of Education for removing an anti-bullying webpage from its site, saying the decision will harm LGBTQ students.

Suwannee deputy OK after possible exposure to fentanyl

BRANFORD — A Suwannee County deputy was possibly exposed to fentanyl during a traffic stop Friday. Deputy Pete Merola, who was transported to Lake City Medical Center that night for observation and treatment for possible exposure to the dangerous drug, is back at work, Sheriff Sam St. John said.

O’Brien man shoots, kills son

O’BRIEN — Upset that his son wouldn’t help him with chores over a number of years, an O’Brien man took out his frustrations Tuesday afternoon.

LO man charged with sexual battery on child

LIVE OAK — A Live Oak man was arrested Friday on charges of sexually battering a child younger than 12 years old.

FPL bills going up due to fuel costs

TALLAHASSEE — State regulators Tuesday approved allowing Florida Power & Light to collect an additional $810 million from customers in 2022 amid higher-than-expected costs for natural gas that plays a key role in fueling power plants.

One critically injured in I-75 wreck

JASPER — A Marion County man was critically injured in a two-vehicle accident Sunday night on Interstate 75.

Robbers cash out at arcades

LIVE OAK — Two Live Oak arcades were victims of robberies within the past week. According to the Live Oak Police Department, the Fun Zone Arcade, 1533 Ohio Ave., was robbed by an individual at around 3:30 a.m. Monday.

Jasper man caught after fleeing shooting

LIVE OAK — A Jasper man was captured Friday in Jacksonville after fleeing the scene of an afternoon shooting.