Regional

Stephen Douglas, a co-owner of Suwannee Iron Works, speaks during a public hearing Tuesday night in front of the Suwannee County Commission on the company’s request for a special exception to the county’s zoning and Land Development Regulations. Seated next to Douglas is Emily Pierce, one of the company’s attorneys. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Todd Wilson (left), the publisher of the Lake City Reporter and Live Oak Reporter, speaks with Suwannee County Parks and Recreation Director Alden Rosner during the Reporter’s mix and mingle at its Live Oak office last month. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Richard Powell, an accounting consultant for the North Florida Water Utilities Authority, requested the meetings be changed to allow for financial statements to be presented in a timely fashion. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Live Oak Fire Chief Sidney Hayes speaks during last year’s Patriot Day remembrance in Live Oak. The Live Oak Fire Department will hold its annual event on Sept. 11. (FILE)

Suwannee junior Cooper Williams (left) and Branford senior Jon Weisner are the schools’ student ambassadors at the Suwannee County School Board meetings. (PHOTOS COURTESY SUWANNEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT)

Bo Hancock, a Suwannee County resident, said the public has the right to say what they want at public meetings as the County Commission made changes to how it handles public comment. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

The Live Oak Kiwanis Club received a $1,000 grant from the Starbucks Foundation’s Neighborhood Grants program. Pictured are Tony Cameron (from left), Monja Slater, treasurer/past Lt. governor; Sara Sears, Starbucks manager; Tyler Neidlinger, Starbucks assistant manager; Jay Tull, Kiwanis president; Danny Hales, Joe Flanagan and Stan Storey. (COURTESY)

Suwannee County Commissioner Maurice Perkins made a motion to only increase the solid waste assessment $15 as a way to lessen the burden on taxpayers. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)