Regional

Suwannee County Fair canceled again

LIVE OAK — After a century of providing food, fun and games, the Suwannee County Fair has been sidelined once again. The Suwannee County Fair Association has announced for the second straight year the cancellation of the fair.

Trump lawyer: Impeachment case ‘undemocratic,’ ill-advised

WASHINGTON — Democrats are using the upcoming Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump as a political “weapon” to bar the former president from seeking office again, and are pursuing a case that is “undemocratic” and unconstitutional, one of his lawyers said Monday night.

SRWMD touts benefits of controlled burning

LIVE OAK — Prescribed fire is utilized by the Suwannee River Water Management District as part of its strategy to maintain natural resources and reduce the risk of wildfires.

DOH warns Withlacoochee may be contaminated

JASPER — The health department in Hamilton and Madison counties is advising people to stay clear of the Withlacoochee River. A joint health advisory was issued by the two agencies Friday of a potential bacterial contamination of the North Florida river with elevated indicators of fecal bacteria.

Statewide vaccine preregistration website launched

TALLAHASSEE — Florida launched a statewide system Friday for residents 65 and older and frontline medical workers to preregister for coronavirus vaccine appointments.

Tourism officials eye expansion of marketing efforts

TALLAHASSEE — While leaders push back against a federal recommendation to close bars and halt indoor restaurant dining, Florida’s tourism-marketing agency is looking west as the industry continues trying to rebound during the covid-19 pandemic.

DeSantis proposes $96.6B budget

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday proposed a record $96.6 billion state budget for the upcoming fiscal year, offering a more upbeat picture of Florida’s finances than lawmakers who will have to stitch together a spending plan as the covid-19 pandemic continues to hamper the economy.

Covid-19 protections sought for workers

TALLAHASSEE — As the Republican-led Legislature moves quickly to provide broad covid-19 liability limits for businesses, some lawmakers say additional protections should be provided for “essential” and front-line employees showing up for work.

House panel backs protest bill after fierce debate

TALLAHASSEE — An effort to enhance penalties associated with violent protests, create new crimes when mobs attack property or police and make it difficult for cities to trim law-enforcement spending had a rocky legislative debut Wednesday, drawing heated criticism from opponents.

Tornado hits Tallahassee; damages, closes airport

TALLAHASSEE — A tornado touched down near the airport in Florida’s capital city Wednesday, flipping at least one small plane over and knocking out weather radar before moving east into residential neighborhoods, the National Weather Service said. A few thousand were without power.