Regional

School start times bill signed

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Friday, May 23, 2025
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday signed a bill that backs away from a 2023 law that required later daily start times for many high schools. The law, which was supposed to take effect in 2026, said high schools could not start earlier than 8:30 a.m. It was designed to give teens more sleep.

Wainwright asks Supreme Court to block execution

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
TALLAHASSEE — After a circuit judge rejected arguments Tuesday, Anthony Wainwright has gone to the Florida Supreme Court to try to halt his scheduled June 10 execution in the 1994 murder of a woman who was kidnapped from the parking lot of a Lake City grocery store.
Ricky Valido will perform Friday night at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. (COURTESY)

Ricky Valido will perform Friday night at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. (COURTESY)

Valido, Naturally Southern Band playing Music Park

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
LIVE OAK — Music will be on the menu as the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park celebrates Memorial Day weekend. Ricky Valido takes the Music Hall stage Friday from 8-11 p.m. with Naturally Southern Band performing there Saturday from 8-11 p.m.
Suwannee graduates Joseph Alicea (left) and Jakiya Washington sing the alma mater during Saturday night’s commencement at Langford Stadium. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee graduates Joseph Alicea (left) and Jakiya Washington sing the alma mater during Saturday night’s commencement at Langford Stadium. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee’s 244 grads aim to stay curious

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
LIVE OAK — All 244 graduates of Suwannee High’s Class of 2025 had plenty to celebrate Saturday night at Langford Stadium. But Krista Law, one of the school’s three class valedictorians, may have had an extra reason to be overjoyed at the conclusion of her high school career.
Tears are wiped away from Branford graduate Ashley Morales’ face during an emotional moment with loved ones Friday night during Branford’s commencement. BHS seniors take the class flower — a white rose this year — to parents and family members during the ceremony. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

Tears are wiped away from Branford graduate Ashley Morales’ face during an emotional moment with loved ones Friday night during Branford’s commencement. BHS seniors take the class flower — a white rose this year — to parents and family members during the ceremony. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

Branford graduates instructed to remain connected

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
BRANFORD — As Branford High’s Class of 2025 chases their dreams in life, both BHS Principal Carl Manna and Suwannee County Superintendent Ronnie Gray encouraged them to never forget where they came from.
Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Danielle Hampton said Jimmy Norris’ passion for Suwannee County is his top attribute as economic development director. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Danielle Hampton said Jimmy Norris’ passion for Suwannee County is his top attribute as economic development director. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County brings Norris back

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
LIVE OAK — The “right person” for the job, Jimmy Norris will return to his former role as Suwannee County’s economic development director Friday.
Suwannee County Fire Chief Dan Miller said the partnership with Air Methods will allow the department to grow and add more positions in the future, while also enhancing the training and service provided to the county’s residents. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Fire Chief Dan Miller said the partnership with Air Methods will allow the department to grow and add more positions in the future, while also enhancing the training and service provided to the county’s residents. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County, Air Methods launch flight program

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
LIVE OAK — A partnership between Suwannee County Fire Rescue and Air Methods will lead to a “flying ICU” being available for Suwannee County patients. The Suwannee County Commission unanimously approved a contract with Air Methods to establish a flight program with SCFR.

Griffith, Kelley to run in June election

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
BRANFORD — One seat on the Branford Town Council will be contested during June’s town election. During qualifying last week, Jeremiah McCall was unopposed to remain in the Post 3 seat on the council. Stacey Griffith, the Post 4 councilor, though, garnered an opponent in Tera Kelley.
Duke Energy’s Jay Oliver holds up his cell phone as he talks Tuesday about how important batteries are to not just everyday life but also to the electric grid. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Duke Energy’s Jay Oliver holds up his cell phone as he talks Tuesday about how important batteries are to not just everyday life but also to the electric grid. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Duke unveils Suwannee Battery storage center

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
FALMOUTH — The Suwannee Plant continues to provide breakthrough opportunities for Duke Energy and Suwannee County.