Regional

Covid-19 claims first life in Lafayette County

MAYO — The first death related to covid-19 in Lafayette County was confirmed Wednesday. The Florida Department of Health in Lafayette County announced the death Wednesday of a 95-year-old male that had previously been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

Rain, winds expected from storm

MIAMI — Storm models from the National Hurricane Center indicated Tuesday that a disturbance east of the Windward Islands could cause rain and winds in Florida this weekend.

Covid-19 claims six more lives in area

LIVE OAK — Five more Suwannee County residents have passed away after contracting the covid-19 coronavirus.

Suwannee River Jam canceled

LIVE OAK — The show will not go on. Already postponed from its normal spring dates due to the covid-19 pandemic, the Suwannee River Jam has now been canceled. It is the first time the festival has been canceled in its 29-year history. The postponement was also a first.

Teachers, SCSD at odds over reopening plan

LIVE OAK — The Suwannee County Schools’ administration thinks it has a good plan to reopen schools this fall safely. The United Teachers of Suwannee County aren’t so sure.

Three killed in area accidents

DAY — Three people lost their lives in the past two days in unrelated vehicle crashes in Hamilton and Lafayette counties. On Monday morning, a 76-year-old Mayo man died in a single vehicle crash in Lafayette County when his vehicle ran off the road.

Dollar General hosting free covid-19 testing

Area residents who are interested in being tested for covid-19 have a new option. Testing is being offered in the parking lot at the Dollar General store located at 136 NW Bascom  Norris Drive, near the intersection with U.S. Highway 441 North.

Columbia County opens fully ADA-compliant park

COLUMBIA CITY — Columbia County officials opened the county’s newest park Friday morning in Columbia City with a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the county’s first fully inclusive playground.

Live Oak using outside firm to assist city manager search

The Live Oak City Council will receive a helping hand in searching for its next city manager.

Columbia County up to 10 covid-19 deaths

The covid-19 coronavirus has now claimed 10 lives in Columbia County. The Florida Department of Health in Columbia County announced three new deaths related to the novel coronavirus on Friday, which raises the death toll in the county to 10 from the virus.