Regional

DOC, workers tangle over shift changes

TALLAHASSEE — As Florida’s corrections department grapples with deadly coronavirus outbreaks, staff shortages and high turnover rates, a drawn-out legal battle over changes to prison workers’ shifts is escalating.

Live Oak Council adopts public works hybrid

LIVE OAK — The City of Live Oak has trashed its high cost of performing public works. The City Council unanimously approved a new public works contract with Utility Partners, Inc., in a special meeting Monday.

Columbia County up to 50 covid-19 deaths

The covid-19 death toll in Columbia County has now hit 50. The Columbia County Health Department announced five new deaths linked to the coronavirus pandemic Wednesday, sending the total number of deaths since the pandemic began to that milestone.

Suwannee union head suspended over video

LIVE OAK — Trying his hand as a videographer earned the head of the Suwannee County teachers’ union a one-day suspension from his teaching position.

Florida steps back from long-term care policies

TALLAHASSEE — Florida, which embarked on an aggressive strategy to limit the spread of covid-19 in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, is stepping back from some efforts that Gov. Ron DeSantis has touted as keeping down the number of deaths and serious illnesses among seniors.

Pedestrian killed Saturday morning

FALMOUTH — A pedestrian was killed following an accident early Saturday morning in western Suwannee County. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 49-year-old woman from Live Oak was headed west on U.S. Hwy. 90 at 6:26 a.m.

Suwannee up to 65 covid deaths

LIVE OAK — The Suwannee County Health Department announced another death linked to covid-19 on Saturday. The death, which involved a 90-year-old man connected to a long-term care facility, was the 65th Suwannee County resident that died after testing positive for the coronavirus.

Gillum says he identifies as bisexual

TALLAHASSEE —  Former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum said in a television interview aired Monday that he is bisexual, as he continues to re-enter the public spotlight after a March incident in which he was found intoxicated in a Miami Beach hotel room.

UF, FSU ranked in top 20 public universities

TALLAHASSEE — The University of Florida and Florida State University remained ranked among the top 20 public universities in the country Monday, as U.S. News & World Report released annual ratings that have become a closely watched scorecard for colleges.

Bars, breweries back on tap

TALLAHASSEE — Florida bars can open the taps again Monday. Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears announced Thursday he was rescinding an emergency order that prevented onsite consumption of alcohol at bars amid the coronavirus pandemic.