Regional

Robert Yates, shown speaking at a Branford Town Council workshop in January about consolidating its service into Suwannee County’s paid service, resigned as fire chief for the town last week. (FILE)

Robert Yates, shown speaking at a Branford Town Council workshop in January about consolidating its service into Suwannee County’s paid service, resigned as fire chief for the town last week. (FILE)

Yates steps down as Branford fire chief

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, February 19, 2026
BRANFORD — As the Branford Town Council considers merging its volunteer fire department into Suwannee County’s paid service, it now also is looking for a new fire chief. During the Council’s Feb. 10 meeting, Branford Fire Chief Robert Yates resigned during a seven-minute speech to the council.
Clyde Fleming was sworn in as the new District 2 commissioner in Suwannee County by County Judge Jennifer Griffin on Tuesday. Fleming was accompanied by his wife, Patricia. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Clyde Fleming was sworn in as the new District 2 commissioner in Suwannee County by County Judge Jennifer Griffin on Tuesday. Fleming was accompanied by his wife, Patricia. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Fleming appointed to vacant commission seat

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, February 19, 2026
The Suwannee County Commission is full once more. Clyde Fleming, a former commissioner, was appointed to fill the vacant seat on the Commission by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday.
The University of North Florida Chamber Singers and the Osprey Treble Chorus will perform as part of the Friends of Music Concert Series on Friday, Feb. 27, in Live Oak. (COURTESY)

The University of North Florida Chamber Singers and the Osprey Treble Chorus will perform as part of the Friends of Music Concert Series on Friday, Feb. 27, in Live Oak. (COURTESY)

UNF Chamber Singers, Osprey Treble Chorus providing a ‘Night of Song’

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, February 19, 2026
The Friends of Music Concert Series’ third concert will feature a “night of song” from a pair of collegiate groups. The third concert of the season will be held Friday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. at Covenant First Presbyterian Church, 421 White Avenue in Live Oak.

Rabies alert issued for Cooks Hammock

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, February 19, 2026
MAYO — Southwestern Lafayette County is on alert for rabies. The Lafayette County Health Department issued a rabies alert for Cooks Hammock on Friday. The alert is in effect for 60 days.

Reed, Jefferson seeking District 1 seat

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Two candidates for the Live Oak City Council are officially in the race. District 1 Councilman Tommie Jefferson and challenger Robintina Reed, who previously served on the council, both qualified by petitions before the deadline Monday.
Suwannee County Commission Chairman Franklin White said he thought it was a good idea for the county to create a list of what roads it maintains. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Commission Chairman Franklin White said he thought it was a good idea for the county to create a list of what roads it maintains. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County settling ‘is this a road’ question

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Suwannee County is looking to solve a long, ongoing problem of identifying which roads are actually county roads.

Man charged for sexually assaulting juvenile, recording it

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, February 19, 2026
HOUSTON — A Suwannee County man was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a child as well as recording the acts. Jonathan Browne, 38, was arrested on Sunday after an investigation that began in November after a friend alerted authorities about the child being sexually abused.
Suwannee County’s covid isolation building is currently under construction near the Suwannee County Fairgrounds. The 20,000-square-foot building will be hardened and can serve as a shelter. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County’s covid isolation building is currently under construction near the Suwannee County Fairgrounds. The 20,000-square-foot building will be hardened and can serve as a shelter. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Covid isolation building underway

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Work is underway on constructing a handful of new Suwannee County facilities. Crews have begun assembling the walls of a covid isolation building near the Suwannee County Fairgrounds, while site prep has begun on other projects, both in Live Oak and just north of Branford.
Suwannee County Attorney Adam Morrison warned the commissioners about a string of land deals the past few months that have left 14 property owners with non-conforming land that can’t be built on. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Attorney Adam Morrison warned the commissioners about a string of land deals the past few months that have left 14 property owners with non-conforming land that can’t be built on. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County advising buyers of non-conforming deals

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Some new Suwannee County landowners may be stuck with unusable land. During the Suwannee County Commission meeting Tuesday night, County Attorney Adam Morrison alerted the commissioners to some potential dirty land deals that have occurred in recent months.