Regional

NFC students honored for making Dean’s List

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
MADISON — North Florida College students who earned placement on the Dean’s List, honoring academic achievement and dedication during the term, have been recognized by the college.. The honors reflect the hard work, discipline, and perseverance of NFC students — including 38 from Suwannee,...
Sen. Corey Simon said the ‘Rural Renaissance’ bill that was passed by the Senate on Wednesday will provide things that are needed in rural communities, like transporation, health care and education improvements. (FILE)

Sen. Corey Simon said the ‘Rural Renaissance’ bill that was passed by the Senate on Wednesday will provide things that are needed in rural communities, like transporation, health care and education improvements. (FILE)

Senate quickly passes ‘Rural Renaissance’

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved a “rural renaissance” plan that is a priority of Senate President Ben Albritton, a Hardee County citrus grower, but its fate remains unclear in the House.
Johnny Bullard (left) performs Stephen Foster’s ‘Hard Times Come Again No More,’ accompanied by his sister-in-law, Amanda Bullard, on piano during Sunday’s Stephen Foster Day celebration at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Johnny Bullard (left) performs Stephen Foster’s ‘Hard Times Come Again No More,’ accompanied by his sister-in-law, Amanda Bullard, on piano during Sunday’s Stephen Foster Day celebration at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center remembers life, legacy of songwriter

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
WHITE SPRINGS — The state park that bears his name is doing what it can to keep Stephen Foster’s memory alive. The Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park held its own remembrance of the father of American music on Sunday.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis delivers his State of the State address as Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez (left) and Florida Senate President Ben Albritton (right) listen Tuesday. (MATIAS J. OCNER/Miami Herald/TNS)

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis delivers his State of the State address as Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez (left) and Florida Senate President Ben Albritton (right) listen Tuesday. (MATIAS J. OCNER/Miami Herald/TNS)

DeSantis touts ‘bold agenda’ success

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday used his final State of the State address to tout accomplishments over the past seven years but offered few details about priorities for the 2026 legislative session.
Jason Furry, Suwannee County’s interim administrator, is set to become the county’s permanent administrator. The County Commission will vote on his proposed five-year contract Tuesday. (FILE)

Jason Furry, Suwannee County’s interim administrator, is set to become the county’s permanent administrator. The County Commission will vote on his proposed five-year contract Tuesday. (FILE)

Suwannee set to hire admin

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, January 2, 2026
LIVE OAK — Suwannee County could have a permanent administrator as soon as Tuesday.