Regional

The entire Suwannee River Water Management District, and most of Florida, is experiencing extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s most recent report. (COURTESY)

The entire Suwannee River Water Management District, and most of Florida, is experiencing extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s most recent report. (COURTESY)

Suwannee water district board declares Phase II water shortage

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Due to continued drought conditions and a forecast that calls for lower than average rainfall in the months ahead, the Suwannee River Water Management District Governing Board on Tuesday declared a Phase II Water Shortage.

Man charged with exposing himself at laundromat

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Pulling out something that wasn’t clothing at a laundromat led to charges of indecent exposure. A Live Oak Police Department report states 32-year-old James Bennett III was reportedly “acting unusual” when he entered a laundromat on U.S. Highway 90 west on March 6.
Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez speaks to the media during the first day of the legislative session at the Florida State Capitol on Jan. 13 in Tallahassee. (MATIAS J. OCNER/Miami Herald)

Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez speaks to the media during the first day of the legislative session at the Florida State Capitol on Jan. 13 in Tallahassee. (MATIAS J. OCNER/Miami Herald)

Major issues splitting House, Senate on budget

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
TALLAHASSEE — Lawmakers are again at a stalemate over the budget. Instead of negotiating the final details of the state spending plan for the next fiscal year, House and Senate leaders haven’t agreed to top line numbers.
Maureen Bentley (left) speaks with Cory Chandler, an engineer with Landis Evans + Partners during last year’s presentation about the mixed-use development proposed for Live Oak across from the Suwannee County Coliseum. The property owners are now seeking to annex the parcels into the city. (FILE)

Maureen Bentley (left) speaks with Cory Chandler, an engineer with Landis Evans + Partners during last year’s presentation about the mixed-use development proposed for Live Oak across from the Suwannee County Coliseum. The property owners are now seeking to annex the parcels into the city. (FILE)

Live Oak project eyes annexation

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Land eyed for a mixed-use development across from the Suwannee Coliseum is ready to seek annexation into the City of Live Oak. Landis Evans + Partners, representing Live Oak Investment 2 LLC, is requesting a voluntary annexation into the city of 31 acres along 11th Street SW.
A new pecan tree was planted outside the W.B. Howland Company store in Live Oak last week. The tree was transplanted from the original Howland homestead in the Clayland area, the site of the family’s first Suwannee County store. (COURTESY)

A new pecan tree was planted outside the W.B. Howland Company store in Live Oak last week. The tree was transplanted from the original Howland homestead in the Clayland area, the site of the family’s first Suwannee County store. (COURTESY)

Howland’s new shade tree has deep roots

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
The W.B. Howland Company is reaching back into its roots — literally — as it celebrates its 100th anniversary of its Live Oak location.
Suwannee County Commissioner Don Hale gauged the interest of the other board members Tuesday night in sending a letter opposing Water First North Florida to the Suwannee River Water Management District. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Commissioner Don Hale gauged the interest of the other board members Tuesday night in sending a letter opposing Water First North Florida to the Suwannee River Water Management District. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County opposing Jax reclaimed water project

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
The Suwannee County Commission is officially looking to oppose the plan to use reclaimed water from Jacksonville to recharge the Floridan Aquifer locally.
Suwannee County Attorney Adam Morrison said Project Newton needed an agreement to store equipment on county land that will eventually be gifted to the company in an economic development agreement. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Attorney Adam Morrison said Project Newton needed an agreement to store equipment on county land that will eventually be gifted to the company in an economic development agreement. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County agrees to deal for Project Newton

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
A potential false start won’t derail Project Newton’s plans for Suwannee County’s Catalyst Site.

O’Brien man convicted of capital sexual battery

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
An O’Brien man was convicted this week of capital sexual battery of a child. Wallace Humphrey, 75, was found guilty following a trial of both the capital sexual battery on a child under 12 as well as lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12. Humphrey will be sentenced Monday.