Regional

‘Alcohol to go’ gets Senate green light

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Senate on Wednesday approved a bill that would make permanent a move that has allowed restaurants to sell alcoholic drinks with take-home meals during the covid-19 pandemic.  The Senate voted 38-2 to approve the measure (SB 148), sponsored by Sen.

Toll road project could see change

TALLAHASSEE — Jefferson County would no longer be the northern end point for a proposed extension of the Suncoast Parkway, under a bill approved unanimously Tuesday by the House Commerce Committee.

Senate scales back prison closure plan

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Senate is easing back on a plan to shutter and demolish four state prisons, agreeing Wednesday to a proposal that would close a single, 1,500-bed correctional institution by Dec. 31.

State expects $2B bump in tax revenue

TALLAHASSEE — As they piece together a new spending plan, state lawmakers can anticipate $2 billion more in tax revenue than previously forecast, months after facing the prospects of a major budget shortfall.

What’s the emergency?: Woman arrested for frequent 911 calls badmouthing SCSO

BEACHVILLE — A southeastern Suwannee County woman thought she wanted the cops Monday evening. Turns out, maybe she didn’t. Deidra Lee Brown, 50, was arrested Monday after making seven 911 calls within an hour while reporting non-emergency information.

Consumer privacy push in Florida limps forward

TALLAHASSEE — Big Data won a key concession from Florida lawmakers Tuesday when it persuaded a legislative committee to defang a proposal advertised by Gov. Ron DeSantis as a call to arms against tech giants’ unfettered powers to share and sell consumers’ personal information.

Richardson hosting vaccine distribution

The Richardson Community Center will turn into a vaccination destination today. Covid-19 vaccinations will be offered at the Richardson Community Center, 255 NE Coach Anders Lane, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. today or until all supplies are exhausted. The vaccines will be administered in the gymnasium.

Country Live: Music Park bringing live music through golf cart drive-ins

LIVE OAK — It’s not the Jam, but live country music will still reverberate around the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park later this month. Teena Peavey, SOSMP general manager, announced Monday that Country Live will be held April 30 and May 1 at the park. Gates open at 6 p.m.

Rural leaders concerned about ‘devastating’ prison closures

TALLAHASSEE — A plan to shutter up to four state prisons is alarming officials in Florida’s rural regions where correctional institutions have played an outsized role in providing jobs and supporting businesses for decades.

Suwannee County holding hearing on internet cafes

LIVE OAK — A curfew may be coming for internet cafes and other online gaming sites in Suwannee County. The Board of County Commissioners is holding a public hearing at Tuesday’s 6 p.m. meeting at the Judicial Annex, 218 Parshley St.