Regional

One killed in early morning crash

JASPER — A Valdosta man was killed in an early morning crash Wednesday in Hamilton County. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a black Ford Mustang was traveling east on State Road 6 around 2:40 a.m. Wednesday when it crossed the center line just west of SW 69th Blvd.

Siegmeister back in court

The Third Judicial Circuit’s former state attorney was scheduled to be back in an Arizona courtroom this morning. After his initial appearance Monday in the U.S. District Court of Arizona, Siegmeister was due back there today for a 10 a.m. detention hearing and identity/removal hearing.

House, Senate show differences on liability bills

TALLAHASSEE — The push to fast-track legislation to protect Florida businesses from covid-19 litigation continues to be bumpy.

Siegmeister due back in court Thursday

Jeff Siegmeister will be back in federal court this week. After making his initial appearance in U.S. District Court of Arizona’s Flagstaff courthouse on Monday, the former state attorney of Florida’s Third Judicial Circuit is due back there Thursday for a 10 a.m.

DeSantis touts state’s covid decisions

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis formally launched the 2021 legislative session Tuesday with a State of the State address that touted the state’s actions during the covid-19 pandemic and touched on hot-button issues that lawmakers will face over the next 60 days.

DOH: Covid vaccine spots available

The Columbia County Health Department is looking for a few good residents. The health department currently has open slots for a covid-19 vaccination planned for Thursday. The free vaccination is offered to individuals who are 65 and older.

Siegmeister charges carry 120-plus years

The Third Judicial Circuit’s former state attorney was scheduled to be on the other side of the courtroom Monday. Jeff Siegmeister was slated for an initial appearance in the U.S.

State looks at costly fix for unemployment site

TALLAHASSEE — More than $73 million is needed over the next two years to revamp Florida’s much- criticized unemployment system, which was overwhelmed in the initial weeks of the coronavirus pandemic, the head of the state’s unemployment agency said Monday.

FGC’s associate nursing program off probation

Florida Gateway College’s Associated of Science in Nursing program passed its probationary test with flying colors. The college received word from the Florida Nursing Board at its February meeting that the program was released from its temporary probationary status, FGC announced this week.

Critics fired up over proposed pot caps

TALLAHASSEE — Many Republican lawmakers in Florida haven’t hidden their skepticism about the use of marijuana as a medical palliative.