Regional

U.S. greenlights first covid vaccine

WASHINGTON — The U.S. gave the final go-ahead Friday to the nation’s first covid-19 vaccine, marking what could be the beginning of the end of an outbreak that has killed nearly 300,000 Americans, according to a person familiar with the decision but not authorized to discuss it publicly.

Ethics Commission opinion sought on Suwannee County land deal

LIVE OAK — Were missteps taken by Suwannee County officials during a land purchase last year? That will not be up to the Florida Ethics Commission to decide.

Punched inmate leads to arrest of SCI guard

LIVE OAK — A Suwannee Correctional Institution guard was arrested Tuesday after an incident in which an inmate was punched in the head while in his cell.

Popeyes cooking up Live Oak location

LIVE OAK — A new fast food restaurant will soon be added to the Live Oak dining option menu.

DeSantis: Florida receiving nearly 180K covid vaccines

TALLAHASSEE — Florida will receive 179,400 doses of Pfizer Inc.’s vaccine in its first shipment from the federal government, Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a video recording released Thursday evening.

Live Oak starting new year with new manager

LIVE OAK — Live Oak will start off a new year with a new city manager. At Tuesday’s city meeting, the Live Oak City Council unanimously approved a contract with George Curtis for him to take over the city’s administrative reins on Jan. 4.

Pence gives Florida bases Space Force names

Vice President Mike Pence announced Wednesday that Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Patrick Air Force Base have been renamed as part of the new military branch Space Force.

Cops: Man attacks great-grandpa with knife

LIVE OAK — Upset over the perceived mistreatment of a family member, Live Oak authorities say a man attacked his great-grandfather with a kitchen knife.

Fried: Hemp lighting up Florida ag

Hemp is blazing among Florida’s agriculture inventory in the seven months since it was first allowed to be legally grown in the Sunshine State, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried told business leaders Tuesday.

Pfizer vaccine closes in on getting OK in U.S.

WASHINGTON — U.S. regulators Tuesday released their first scientific evaluation of Pfizer’s covid-19 vaccine and confirmed it offers strong protection, setting the stage for the government to green light the biggest vaccination effort in the nation’s history.