Regional

Live Oak Mayor Frank Davis speaks at a previous Live Oak City Council Meeting. Davis is helping organize the city’s inaugural Florida City Week celebration, set for Oct. 20-25. (FILE)

Live Oak Mayor Frank Davis speaks at a previous Live Oak City Council Meeting. Davis is helping organize the city’s inaugural Florida City Week celebration, set for Oct. 20-25. (FILE)

Live Oak hosting Florida City Week events

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
City operations will be highlighted later this month when the City of Live Oak recognizes Florida City Week. The city will be hosting a variety of events for Florida City Week from Oct. 20-25.
Suwannee County Administrator Greg Scott talks in his office in downtown Live Oak on Sept. 11. Scott is retiring Friday after nearly 37 years of service to Suwannee County as both parks director and county administrator. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Administrator Greg Scott talks in his office in downtown Live Oak on Sept. 11. Scott is retiring Friday after nearly 37 years of service to Suwannee County as both parks director and county administrator. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Recounting 37 years of serving Suwannee County

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Returning home to Suwannee County nearly 37 years ago, Greg Scott briefly regretted his decision. After accepting the job to oversee the county’s parks and recreation department, Scott drove all day from Aurora, Illinois, where he had attended college and began work, back to his hometown.

Poole recalled for dedication to Live Oak

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
A key cog in creating the Friends of Heritage Park and Gardens that made that project a reality, Ronnie Poole was also a friend to Live Oak And Suwannee County as a whole. Known for his community spirit, Poole passed away last Thursday. He was 77.
Suwannee County Commissioner Franklin White suggested an 8.8-mill tax rate in order to provide some relief to county property owners at Monday’s final budget hearing at the Judicial Annex.(JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Commissioner Franklin White suggested an 8.8-mill tax rate in order to provide some relief to county property owners at Monday’s final budget hearing at the Judicial Annex.(JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County cuts tax rate for first time in 12 years

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Suwannee County property owners will see a reduced millage rate in the upcoming fiscal year. At its final budget hearing, the Suwannee County Commission reduced the tax rate from 9 mills, where it had been for 12 years, to 8.8 mills.
Jennifer Page will begin her tenure as the ninth president of North Florida College on Oct. 1. Page, a Suwannee County native, will be replacing John Grosskopf, who is stepping down due to health concerns. (COURTESY NORTH FLORIDA COLLEGE)

Jennifer Page will begin her tenure as the ninth president of North Florida College on Oct. 1. Page, a Suwannee County native, will be replacing John Grosskopf, who is stepping down due to health concerns. (COURTESY NORTH FLORIDA COLLEGE)

Page starts NFC presidency next week

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
MADISON — North Florida College’s ninth president will begin her tenure next week. At its Sept. 16 board meeting, the North Florida College Board of Trustees confirmed Wednesday, Oct. 1, as the official start of Jennifer Humbles Page’s presidency. An investiture for Page will be held Nov. 18.
Live Oak Councilwoman Vanessa Brown Robinson said she was concerned with the $450,000 being set aside for a new generator for City Hall and Annex during the final budget hearing Monday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Live Oak Councilwoman Vanessa Brown Robinson said she was concerned with the $450,000 being set aside for a new generator for City Hall and Annex during the final budget hearing Monday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Live Oak gives final approval to small millage decrease

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
The Live Oak City Council unanimously approved both its tax rate and budget for the upcoming fiscal year. But not before some discussion over concerns about the price allocated toward making sure city offices remain energized during potential storms and power outages.
Jada Hencrick shows off her Grand Champion White Leghorn Hen from the Lafayette County 4-H annual Chick-Chain Contest. (COURTESY LAFAYETTE COUNTY 4-H)

Jada Hencrick shows off her Grand Champion White Leghorn Hen from the Lafayette County 4-H annual Chick-Chain Contest. (COURTESY LAFAYETTE COUNTY 4-H)

Lafayette 4-H hosts Chick-Chain Contest

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
By Shawn Jackson Lafayette County Extension Director MAYO — Lafayette County 4-H held its annual Chick-Chain Contest on Monday, Sept. 22, in Mayo. The program, which began in the spring, provided 12 local 4-H members the opportunity to raise baby chicks into laying hens for fall competition.