Regional

Lafayette 4-H arrives for the first day at 4-H Camp Cherry Lake in Madison. (COURTESY LAFAYETTE COUNTY 4-H)

Lafayette 4-H arrives for the first day at 4-H Camp Cherry Lake in Madison. (COURTESY LAFAYETTE COUNTY 4-H)

Lafayette 4-H enjoys Cherry Lake Day Camp

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
By Shawn JacksonLafayette County Extension Director and 4-H AgentMADISON — Twenty-five Lafayette County 4-H youth recently joined about 70 campers from Taylor and Madison counties for four fun-filled days at Cherry Lake Day Camp.
Live Oak City Council President Vanessa Robinson said with software upgrades eyed across city departments, another discussion should be had on what tools to use to make sure they are all secure. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Live Oak City Council President Vanessa Robinson said with software upgrades eyed across city departments, another discussion should be had on what tools to use to make sure they are all secure. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Live Oak eyes software overhaul in upcoming budget

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
The City of Live Oak looks to bring its software and technology into the present day in the upcoming fiscal year.
The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, the swamp in South Georgia and North Florida that spawns the Suwannee River, has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. (Larry Woodward/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, the swamp in South Georgia and North Florida that spawns the Suwannee River, has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. (Larry Woodward/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Okefenokee Swamp named World Heritage site

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
By ROSS WILLIAMSGeorgia RecorderThe Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is now a World Heritage site. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s World Heritage committee approved the addition around midnight Saturday morning in Georgia time and about 1 p.m.

FPL expects data center announcement this year

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
As controversy continues in Florida and nationally about energy-hungry data centers, Florida Power & Light expects to announce a deal on a project by the end of the year.Details were not disclosed Friday during a quarterly earnings call with analysts.
Live Oak firefighter Zach Yarnell (center) grins as Cody Byers (right) has a mouthful of ribs during the contest Tuesday. Kessler Mallory (left) also participated for the Live Oak Fire Department team. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Live Oak firefighter Zach Yarnell (center) grins as Cody Byers (right) has a mouthful of ribs during the contest Tuesday. Kessler Mallory (left) also participated for the Live Oak Fire Department team. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Dousing the competition: Firefighters ‘smoke’ cops in rib-eating contest

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
LAKE CITY — The latest friendly battle between Live Oak first responders took place in a different type of arena.There was no basketball hoop, obstacle course or race.
Suwannee County Commissioner Travis Land said a site in Luraville is not going to be a data center, but will host a small solar facility that includes battery storage and cold storage. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Commissioner Travis Land said a site in Luraville is not going to be a data center, but will host a small solar facility that includes battery storage and cold storage. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Luraville site not a data center

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Prior to a public request for a workshop on data centers, a Suwannee County commissioner assured a full Judicial Annex that a data center isn’t currently planned in the southwestern portion of the county.

Stabbing suspect charged with attempted murder

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
A Live Oak man faces attempted murder charges after stabbing a woman who gave him a ride to the store last week.According to a Live Oak Police Department report, 43-year-old Alphonzo Lewis had been given a ride to the 24-hour Jiffy Food Store on Ohio Avenue North around 11 p.m.
Campers checking out the Florida Wildlife Commission boat while learning about boating safety. (COURTESY LAFAYETTE COUNTY 4-H)

Campers checking out the Florida Wildlife Commission boat while learning about boating safety. (COURTESY LAFAYETTE COUNTY 4-H)

4-H explores coast at Marine Biology Camp

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
By Shawn Jackson Lafayette Co. Extension Director and 4-H AgentLafayette County 4-H recently held its three-day Marine Biology Camp, where youth learned about Florida’s coastal waters, marine life and the many careers that help protect our natural resources.