Regional

Universities plan ‘normal’ operations amid covid spike

TALLAHASSEE --- State universities are staying on track for a return to normal “pre-pandemic” operations as the fall semester approaches, while Florida grapples with a surge in covid-19 cases. Classes begin Aug. 23 for most universities.

Florida pediatricians back masks in schools

A statewide group of pediatricians Thursday called for “universal” use of masks in schools as the academic year gets ready to start and as Florida deals with a surge in covid-19 cases.

Biden urges $100 payments for covid shots

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is asking states and localities to offer unvaccinated residents $100 to get their covid-19 shots. The cash reward for vaccination was one idea in Biden’s latest plan to boost lagging vaccination rates in many parts of the nation.

I-10 rest stops part of $25.7M FDOT project

Work continues on the new Interstate 10 rest areas in Columbia and Suwannee counties. The Florida Department of Transportation construction project, which began about a year ago, is currently ongoing on both the eastbound site in Suwannee County and the westbound location in Columbia County.

Tax ‘holiday’ teed up as students return to classrooms

TALLAHASSEE — With most students expected to be in classrooms next month, after many learned online for at least part of the 2020-2021 school year, retailers anticipate a surge in shopping during Florida’s upcoming back-to-school sales tax “holiday.”

Judge seeks answers in FCADV cases

TALLAHASSEE — With several lawsuits on hold amid mediation, a Leon County circuit judge wants an update on the status of negotiations in the state’s attempt to recoup millions of dollars paid to former leaders of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

DeSantis roundtable opposes masks in schools

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis quietly held a roundtable discussion Monday at the Capitol that focused on opposition to mask mandates in schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, with DeSantis’ office not giving prior public notice and excluding reporters.

CDC changes course on indoor masks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed course Tuesday on some masking guidelines, recommending that even vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the delta variant of the coronavirus is fueling infection surges.

Branford woman charged after low blow

BRANFORD — When an argument turned physical, authorities say a Branford woman got personal. According to a Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office report, Lacey Wilson, a 36-year-old from Branford, and a man were engaged in a verbal argument when things got physical around 5:50 a.m. Sunday.

LO council to discuss future of water

LIVE OAK — The City of Live Oak has a chance to flush a bad water and wastewater deal. The Live Oak City Council will consider a contract with the Florida Department of Corrections on water and wastewater usage at a special called meeting tonight.