Regional

Siegmeister pleads not guilty

JACKSONVILLE — The Third Judicial Circuit’s former state attorney pled not guilty in federal court Thursday. During an initial appearance and arraignment hearing Thursday at the U.S.

Panel urges J&J covid vaccine restart

U.S.health advisers on Friday urged resuming covid-19 vaccinations with Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose shot, saying its benefits outweigh a rare risk of blood clots — in line with Europe’s rollout.

Ocala woman arrested for stealing cell phone

Not wanting police to be called Thursday afternoon, authorities said an Ocala woman took matters into her own hands, swiping the cell phone out of the victims hands and taking off.

The Gathering coming to Live Oak Commons

LIVE OAK — Cooking up a restaurant for the Live Oak Commons shopping plaza, its developer is looking for the Live Oak Community Redevelopment Agency to help with the groceries. At its 5:30 p.m.

Binderholz deal saves county grant funds

LIVE OAK — Left holding the bag on grant funding at its catalyst site, Suwannee County is getting a helping hand from its new sawmill owner.

Activists hope Chauvin convictions are start to real change

MINNEAPOLIS — “One down, three to go!” went the chant just minutes after Derek Chauvin was convicted in George Floyd’s death — a reference to three more fired officers who are awaiting trial.

Jobless rate climbs in March

The unemployment rate was unchanged across the state in March, but climbed slightly locally. According to data released Friday by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Columbia County’s March unemployment rate jumped up 0.4% from February to 4.9%.

Georgia man killed in I-75 crash

WHITE SPRINGS — A Georgia man was killed Monday evening in a crash on Interstate 75 south. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a pickup truck rear-ended a semi truck around 6 p.m. Monday in the center lane of I-75 south near mile marker 439.

Youth leaders to be recognized

In honor of National Youth Leadership Week, Our Community Cares Coalition, its members and sponsors, Its About My Efforts, Inc.

Ramping up the celebration: Motorcyclist jumps over Branford bar to begin weekend festival.

BRANFORD — Trevor Cartmill was in his own world. Outside of his teammates, he didn’t stop to talk to any one of the dozens of patrons roaming the grounds at Ellie Ray’s Bar on Saturday.