Regional

A semi-permeable material was used for the parking improvements at Heritage Square in the Live Oak Community Redevelopment Area. The project is not quite complete as Curt’s Construction, which is handling the $1.029 million project, ran out of the material. It is expected to be completed this weekend. (COURTESY)

A semi-permeable material was used for the parking improvements at Heritage Square in the Live Oak Community Redevelopment Area. The project is not quite complete as Curt’s Construction, which is handling the $1.029 million project, ran out of the material. It is expected to be completed this weekend. (COURTESY)

Heritage Square parking upgrade nearly complete

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
The first phase of the Heritage Square makeover is nearly complete.Curt’s Construction has finished the majority of the $1.029 million parking improvements at the Heritage Square redevelopment site just north of the railroad tracks in downtown Live Oak.

Early voting continues through Saturday in Live Oak elections

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Early voting for the City of Live Oak election continues this week.The polls are open for early voting through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily at the Suwannee County Judicial Annex, 218 SW Parshley Street in Live Oak.Election day for the municipal election is Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Two seeking Suwannee County District 2 seat

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
The District 2 seat on the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners has two interested candidates. The District 4 seat, though, is currently unopposed.Cynthia Robinson and Billy White Sr., both Democrats, are running for the District 2 seat.

Adams, Byrd unopposed in Lafayette County re-election bids

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
MAYO — A pair of incumbents are currently unopposed in their campaigns to return to the Lafayette County Board of County Commissioners.Mason Byrd, the District 2 commissioner, and Anthony Adams, the District 4 representative, are both filed without opposition.The primary election is set for Aug. 18.

Board backs Branford bathroom remodel

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Branford High School will be getting a bathroom makeover and expansion.The Suwannee County School School Board unanimously approved utilizing capital outlay and debt service funds for a bathroom addition/renovation in Branford High’s Building 1 at its meeting Tuesday night.

Hamilton County's District 4 seat draws candidates

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
JASPER — One Hamilton County Commissioner is currently running unopposed while another has drawn a pair of challengers.Travis Erixton, the District 4 commissioner in his first term, is being challenged by fellow Republican Derek Ratliff and Democrat Annie Pinello.
Branford High hosted its first Civics Fair last week with more than 160 projects presented by seventh-, eighth- and 10th-grade social studies students. (COURTESY)

Branford High hosted its first Civics Fair last week with more than 160 projects presented by seventh-, eighth- and 10th-grade social studies students. (COURTESY)

Branford High hosts inaugural Civics Fair

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
BRANFORD — Branford High School held its first Civics Fair last week with more than 160 projects presented.
Teams get ready for the canoe race as part of Tri County Day on Saturday at Wayside Park in White Springs. (COURTESY)

Teams get ready for the canoe race as part of Tri County Day on Saturday at Wayside Park in White Springs. (COURTESY)

Tri County Day brings community together

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
WHITE SPRINGS — Families, youth, and community leaders gathered for a vibrant and impactful Tri County Day, celebrating unity across Columbia, Suwannee and Hamilton counties.