Regional

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (right) shakes hands with Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez after delivering his State of the State during the first day of the legislative session at the Florida State Capitol on March 4 in Tallahassee. (MATIAS J. OCNER/Miami Herald/TNS)

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (right) shakes hands with Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez after delivering his State of the State during the first day of the legislative session at the Florida State Capitol on March 4 in Tallahassee. (MATIAS J. OCNER/Miami Herald/TNS)

DeSantis nixes idea of budget ‘summit’

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
TALLAHASSEE — As legislative leaders try to restart the budget process, Gov. Ron DeSantis indicated Monday he has no desire to take part in a sit-down suggested by the state Republican Party to hammer out differences.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is Saturday

NEWS STAFF
Friday, May 9, 2025
Saturday marks the 33rd anniversary of the largest one-day food drive in the nation — the National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Letter carriers are in the communities they serve every day and often come face to face with a sad reality for far too many, hunger.
Maureen Bentley (left) speaks with Cory Chandler, an engineer with Landis Evans + Partners during the April 30 presentation about the mixed-use development proposed for Live Oak across from the Suwannee County Coliseum. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Maureen Bentley (left) speaks with Cory Chandler, an engineer with Landis Evans + Partners during the April 30 presentation about the mixed-use development proposed for Live Oak across from the Suwannee County Coliseum. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Mixed-use development receives mixed reviews

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
LIVE OAK — A proposed development plan across from the Suwannee County Coliseum met with mixed reviews from residents and city officials at a recent presentation from the developers. Live Oak citizens gathered at the Coliseum on April 30 from 5-7 p.m.
Sweet Pea, who was assaulted in late March in Live Oak, is recovering but has a long road ahead. (COURTESY)

Sweet Pea, who was assaulted in late March in Live Oak, is recovering but has a long road ahead. (COURTESY)

Sweet Pea recovering after assault

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
BRANFORD — Sweet Pea is making the most of her new lease on life. But her road to recovery after a violent assault is still going to be a long one.
The Suwannee River Water Management District governing board will consider approving five projects for alternative water supply project fundings, including a pair of drainage projects in the City of Live Oak. (COURTESY SUWANNEE RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT)

The Suwannee River Water Management District governing board will consider approving five projects for alternative water supply project fundings, including a pair of drainage projects in the City of Live Oak. (COURTESY SUWANNEE RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT)

Live Oak drainage projects up for alternative water supply funding

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
LIVE OAK — Two drainage projects in the City of Live Oak are likely to be recommended for state funding by the Suwannee River Water Management District.
Suwannee County Commissioner Don Hale requested the board consider implementing impact fees to help the county catch up on growth and development. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Commissioner Don Hale requested the board consider implementing impact fees to help the county catch up on growth and development. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee considers implementing impact fees

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
LIVE OAK — New development may come with an added cost in Suwannee County. The Suwannee County Commission provided consent Tuesday night to have County Attorney Adam Morrison further investigate into the cost of a study that is required to consider implementing impact fees.

Student injured after getting hit by car

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
LIVE OAK — A Suwannee County student was transported to HCA Suwannee Emergency on Tuesday after being hit in a crosswalk near the Live Oak schools campuses. According to the Live Oak Police Department, the student and some friends were crossing the crosswalk on Ohio Avenue (U.S.
Charissa Setzer, Suwannee County’s marketing coordinator for the Tourist Development Council, said House Bill 7033, which would eliminate TDCs across the state, would be a ‘job killer.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Charissa Setzer, Suwannee County’s marketing coordinator for the Tourist Development Council, said House Bill 7033, which would eliminate TDCs across the state, would be a ‘job killer.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Commission opposes anti-TDC bill

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
LIVE OAK — Suwannee County “vigorously” opposes the Florida House proposal to get rid of tourist development councils.