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HCSO relocates animal control

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
JASPER — The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has relocated its animal control facility to the north end of the county. The HCSO announced Monday in a release that the facility had been “permanently” relocated to its Jennings location at 940 Oak Street.

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Lafayette DOH hosting resource fair

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
MAYO — The Florida Department of Health in Lafayette County invites residents to attend the Lafayette County Community Resource Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 25. The event will be held from 4–6 p.m. at the Lafayette County Library, 120 NE Crawford Street in Mayo.

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State, feds say immigration legal fight over

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
TALLAHASSEE — Four years after then-Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody began a legal battle with the Biden administration about immigration enforcement, state and federal officials say the fight is over. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office and the U.S.

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House panel to look at property taxes

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
As Gov. Ron DeSantis pushes to slash property taxes, a House select committee is expected to meet Sept. 22-23 to resume looking at the issue. The House Select Committee on Property Taxes is tentatively scheduled to meet during the afternoon of Sept. 22 and the morning of Sept.
This photo of the Santa Fe River was included on the Suwannee River Water Management District’s 2025 calendar. The photo contest for the 2026 calendar is up and running and submissions are due by Sept. 20. (COURTESY HEIDI SHUBERT)

This photo of the Santa Fe River was included on the Suwannee River Water Management District’s 2025 calendar. The photo contest for the 2026 calendar is up and running and submissions are due by Sept. 20. (COURTESY HEIDI SHUBERT)

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SRWMD announces 2026 calendar photo contest

NEWS STAFF
Friday, August 29, 2025
LIVE OAK — In an effort to highlight the beauty and significance of the natural resources of North Florida, the Suwannee River Water Management District is now accepting submissions for its annual photography competition. Winning photos will be featured in the upcoming 2026 district calendar.
A sinkhole opened up Monday afternoon in the eastbound lane of E. Howard Street (U.S. Highwy 90) in downtown Live Oak near the intersection with Dowling Avenue. Florida Department of Transporation crews repaired the problem Monday night and the street has been reopened. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

A sinkhole opened up Monday afternoon in the eastbound lane of E. Howard Street (U.S. Highwy 90) in downtown Live Oak near the intersection with Dowling Avenue. Florida Department of Transporation crews repaired the problem Monday night and the street has been reopened. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

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Sinkhole opens in downtown Live Oak

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
LIVE OAK — A sinkhole in downtown Live Oak was quickly repaired Monday to re-open Howard Street (U.S. Highway 90). The sinkhole, which the Florida Department of Transportation said was 8-10 feet deep, opened just prior to 4 p.m. Monday on Howard Street near the intersection with Dowling Avenue.
Live Oak City Manager Larry Sessions (right) and Councilwoman Vanessa Brown Robinson were in Arcadia last Thursday to receive a ceremonial $4.5 million check from the State of Florida. The funding will go toward water system improvements and home repairs for low-income families. (COURTESY)

Live Oak City Manager Larry Sessions (right) and Councilwoman Vanessa Brown Robinson were in Arcadia last Thursday to receive a ceremonial $4.5 million check from the State of Florida. The funding will go toward water system improvements and home repairs for low-income families. (COURTESY)

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City receives $4.56M for water system, home repairs

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
LIVE OAK — Help is on the way for Live Oak’s water system. Last Thursday, Live Oak City Manager received a $4.56 million ceremonial check from Gov. Ron DeSantis to address both potable water issues in the city as well as rehabilitate or repair houses for low-income families.
Suwannee Middle School staff and students are pictured after the aquaponics lab was installed for Megan Collins’ homesteading class. (COURTESY)

Suwannee Middle School staff and students are pictured after the aquaponics lab was installed for Megan Collins’ homesteading class. (COURTESY)

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Aquaponics lab, gardens offering hands-on learning for SMS students

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
LIVE OAK — Dozens of Suwannee Middle School students will be getting hands-on lessons this year. The school has introduced a new elective offering this year, Intro to Agriculture, Food and Nutrition, or as Megan Collins, the class teacher, and the students are calling it: homesteading.

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NFC board meeting Friday to ‘deliberate’ on presidency

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
MADISON — North Florida College’s next president could be known Friday. The NFC Board of Trustees will be meeting in a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. Friday in the college’s board room on the Madison campus, 325 NW Turner Davis Dr.
Live Oak City Council President Matt Campbell (right) looks on as County President Pro-Tem Tommie Jefferson speaks Tuesday during a budget workshop about the need for funding to pave streets in his district, including Spruce Street. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Live Oak City Council President Matt Campbell (right) looks on as County President Pro-Tem Tommie Jefferson speaks Tuesday during a budget workshop about the need for funding to pave streets in his district, including Spruce Street. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

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Sessions: Better communication will lead to better productivity

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
LIVE OAK — As the city looks to finalize its fiscal year 2025-26 budget, Live Oak City Manager Larry Sessions wants his staff removed from the “witness stand.