Regional

Biden aims for unifying speech

President-elect Joe Biden will take the stage for his inaugural address at perhaps the most difficult starting point for a president since Franklin Roosevelt began his first term by assuring a nation scarred by the Great Depression that “we have nothing to fear but fear itself.

Local projects proposed amid state budget woes

TALLAHASSEE — State lawmakers, advised this week about limited tax dollars amid the covid-19 pandemic, have already proposed 43 hometown projects worth more than $45 million. And hundreds more are expected before the 2021 legislative session starts in early March.

Can you hear me now?: Suwannee BOCC considering purchasing radio system for SCSO

LIVE OAK — Communication deadspots  may soon be put to rest for members of the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office. The Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners will discuss at its meeting Tuesday night purchasing radios for the SCSO. The board meets at 6 p.m.

Pedestrian identified in fatal Live Oak accident

LIVE OAK — Florida Highway Patrol investigators have identified the man killed in a hit-and-run accident on U.S. Highway 129 North early Thursday morning. According to an update from FHP on Friday afternoon, a 34-year-old man from Ormond Beach was laying in the roadway on U.S.

100th covid-related death recorded in Suwannee County

LIVE OAK — With four new deaths announced Friday, Suwannee County has hit an unwanted milestone. According to the Florida Department of Health, 100 people have died with covid-19 in the county, a 2.2% death rate.

DeSantis mobilizes National Guard

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday evening activated the Florida National Guard to assist state and local law enforcement agencies, following FBI warnings of potentially violent protests in state capitals this weekend in advance of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.

Beshears steps down, cites ‘health issues’

TALLAHASSEE — Citing health issues, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears said he will step down from his post this month. Beshears, a former state representative from North Florida who was appointed by Gov.

Hit-and-run crash kills man, dog

LIVE OAK — A hit-and-run incident during Thursday’s early moring hours left a man — and man’s best friend — dead. Florida Highway Patrol investigators are seeking information that will help identify the victim, who was hit and killed around 1:20 a.m. Thursday along U.S.

Florida launching statewide vaccine appointment system

TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s director of emergency management said Thursday that a statewide appointment system for covid vaccinations should be ready within weeks, bringing order to the chaos marking Florida’s rollout of vaccines to its most vulnerable residents.

Biden unveils $1.9T plan for virus, economy

WILMINGTON, Del.  — Saying the nation faces “a crisis of deep human suffering,” President-elect Joe Biden unveiled a $1.9 trillion coronavirus plan Thursday to turn the tide on the pandemic, speeding up vaccines and pumping out financial help to those struggling with the prolonged economic fallout.