Regional

Jay Collins, a former Green Beret and decorated veteran, left, is sworn in as Florida’s new lieutenant governor by Florida Supreme Court Justice Jamie Grosshans on Tuesday in Tampa. He is joined by his wife, Layla, and their sons, Gabe and Colt. At right, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stands with his wife, Casey DeSantis. (DOUGLAS CLIFFORD/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)

Jay Collins, a former Green Beret and decorated veteran, left, is sworn in as Florida’s new lieutenant governor by Florida Supreme Court Justice Jamie Grosshans on Tuesday in Tampa. He is joined by his wife, Layla, and their sons, Gabe and Colt. At right, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stands with his wife, Casey DeSantis. (DOUGLAS CLIFFORD/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)

Collins named lieutenant governor

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday appointed Sen. Jay Collins, a Tampa Republican and retired Army Green Beret, to the long-vacant position of lieutenant governor amid speculation that Collins could run for governor in 2026.

I-75 lanes closing in Hamilton for road work

NEWS STAFF
Monday, August 11, 2025
JASPER — Double lanes of traffic on Interstate 75 will be closed this week during the overnight hours in Hamilton County. The Florida Department of Transportation will close two lanes Tuesday night on I-75 south near State Road 6 (exit 460) for asphalt repairs.

State DOGE could get new name

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Friday, August 8, 2025
TALLAHASSEE — As state leaders expand audits of local-government spending and taxes, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia jokingly suggested a new name for the Florida Department of Government Efficiency.
FILE Wreckage and debris were widespread in Columbia and Suwannee counties after Hurricane Helene made landfall last September. (FILE)

FILE Wreckage and debris were widespread in Columbia and Suwannee counties after Hurricane Helene made landfall last September. (FILE)

Hurricane forecasts hold steady

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Colorado State University researchers Wednesday cautiously stood behind their forecast for the rest of the 2025 hurricane season.
A map outlines the scope of the Rimes Acquisition Project, an effort by the Alachua Conservation Trust to buy 54 acres of land along the norther parts of the Santa Fe River in Union County. (COURTESY)

A map outlines the scope of the Rimes Acquisition Project, an effort by the Alachua Conservation Trust to buy 54 acres of land along the norther parts of the Santa Fe River in Union County. (COURTESY)

Santa Fe River property purchased for conservation

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
GAINESVILLE — The Alachua Conservation Trust has purchased 54 acres of land along the upper part of the Santa Fe River in Union County. The property, purchased from the Rimes Family, will become part of ACT’s Santa Fe River Preserve system of protected lands.

Valdosta man charged in Jasper murder

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
JASPER — A Valdosta man was arrested Thursday on second-degree murder charges following a shooting at a Hamilton County motel. According to a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office release, deputies responded to the Motel 8 on State Road 6 on July 30 after a 911 call reported a woman had been shot.

Builders, septic industry target manatees ruling

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
TALLAHASSEE — Saying the case has “significant implications for home construction and the economy,” home builders and the septic-system industry this week backed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in its appeal of a federal judge’s decision that required additional steps to protect...

Appeals filed on ballot initiatives law

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
TALLAHASSEE — Backers of proposed constitutional amendments and voting-rights groups are appealing after a federal district judge last month refused to block parts of a new Florida law that placed additional restrictions on the state’s ballot-initiative process.
Lafayette High Principal Stewart Hancock was elected to the Florida Association for Career and Technical Education Hall of Fame last week. (COURTESY)

Lafayette High Principal Stewart Hancock was elected to the Florida Association for Career and Technical Education Hall of Fame last week. (COURTESY)

Lafayette High’s Hancock named Hall of Famer

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
MAYO — Stewart Hancock’s path to the Florida Association for Career and Technical Education Hall of Fame began more than a decade ago.