Regional

Gambling bills emerge for special session

TALLAHASSEE — With lawmakers preparing to gather Monday to start a special session, the Senate and House on Friday released bills that would overhaul Florida’s gambling industry, including joining other states in allowing sports betting.

Charter violations lead to workshop

LIVE OAK — Possible city ordinance violations by a former city administrator has led to the scheduling of a workshop about the Live Oak city charter.

CDC: Vaccinated can largely ditch masks

WASHINGTON — In a major step toward returning to pre-pandemic life, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people on Thursday, allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings.

Gas leak clears part of Live Oak

LIVE OAK — An accident Wednesday morning at Farmer’s Cooperative Inc. caused a propane leak and closed U.S. Highway 90 for about an hour.

Suwannee Co. considering four-man stations

LIVE OAK — Suwannee County firefighters and paramedics are likely receiving raises. Just how many firefighters and paramedics the county employs is still be decided.

Publix offering walk-in vaccine services to all

FORT LAUDERDALE — Publix pharmacies are now accepting walk-ins for the covid-19 vaccine at all of their locations across seven states.

Branford woman faces murder charges

A Branford woman was arrested last month on murder charges for her role in the death of two Columbia Correctional Institution Annex inmates from fentanyl overdoses in 2019.

Appeals court: Ex-US Rep Brown should get new trial

JACKSONVILLE — A federal appeals court ordered a new trial on Thursday for former U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, once a powerful Florida Democrat.

DeSantis signs controversial voting law

TALLAHASSEE — Gov.Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed an elections overhaul that was one of the most-contentious issues of the 2021 legislative session, as opponents immediately filed two lawsuits alleging that the measure is unconstitutional.

Missing boater found in river

BRANFORD — After a day of searching, authorities found a missing boater Wednesday evening following an accident the day before on the Suwannee River.