Regional

Amazon awards 500 warehouse jobs to … Jacksonville

Amazon has announced plans for opening another fulfillment center in northeast Florida, which will create 500 new full-time jobs. The site will be located in Jacksonville and is expected to open by the fall of 2021 and will hire 500 full-time workers.

New toll road project raises local concerns

Anxieties are still running high over the potential economic impact of a new state toll road project that would give travelers another freeway to Central and South Florida — one that doesn’t require them to pass through Columbia County.

Pair of local deaths linked to covid-19

A pair of local deaths reported over the weekend were linked to the covid-19 pandemic. The Hamilton County Health Department announced the death of a 70-year-old man on Saturday, while a 40-year-old man was reported dead Sunday in Columbia County, both tied to the coronavirus.

Mayhew stepping down as AHCA chief

TALLAHASSEE — Florida Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Mary Mayhew, who has been one of the state’s key people handling the coronavirus pandemic, is stepping down to take a job with a hospital industry group.
Michael Heston, featured artist of the Art League of North Florida, enjoys the outdoors and highlights that in his photography such as ‘Little River Sunset.’ (COURTESY)

Michael Heston, featured artist of the Art League of North Florida, enjoys the outdoors and highlights that in his photography such as ‘Little River Sunset.’ (COURTESY)

Nature photog excited about exhibit

Michael Heston is a natural. Armed with a camera in hand shooting outdoor scenes since he was a young child, Heston often captures nature’s simplicity as well as the atmosphere the outdoors provides in a variety of North Florida settings.
During the closure of U.S. 129 in downtown Live Oak, traffic will be detoured along U.S. 90 and County Road 49 (Perimeter Road). (Florida Department of Transportation)

During the closure of U.S. 129 in downtown Live Oak, traffic will be detoured along U.S. 90 and County Road 49 (Perimeter Road). (Florida Department of Transportation)

Rail crossing work closing U.S. Hwy. 129

LIVE OAK — Traffic will have to detour around downtown Live Oak for the next two weeks. Improvements to the rail crossing on U.S. Highway 129 (Ohio Avenue) near U.S. Highway 90 (Howard Street) in downtown Live Oak are set to begin Tuesday and will close U.S. 129.

Covid-19 inmate death toll tops 100

TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s prison system reached a grim milestone this week, as state corrections officials reported that more than 100 inmates have died of complications related to covid-19.
Shirley Marshall talks about her doll collection with guests during a diorama at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. Marshall owns more than 600 dolls, including more than 300 black dolls. (FILE)

Shirley Marshall talks about her doll collection with guests during a diorama at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. Marshall owns more than 600 dolls, including more than 300 black dolls. (FILE)

All dolled up: White Springs native aims to turn collection into museum

Doll collecting has been a lifetime hobby with therapeutic value for Shirley Marshall.  From Cabbage Patch dolls to Barbie dolls to Madame Alexander dolls — all of which could be worth thousands of dollars — are featured in Marshall’s collection.

SOSMP hosting Labor Day Getaway

The last fling of the summer is going down at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. With summer quickly drawing to a close, the Music Park will be hosting a Labor Day Getaway, with a Saturday fireworks show, from Sept. 4-7.