Regional

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)

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)

Kiwanis awarded Starbucks grant

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
As part of the Starbucks Foundation’s Neighborhood Grants program, the Kiwanis Club of Live Oak was selected to receive a $1,000 grant.
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)

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)

Suwannee Commission reduces solid waste fee increase

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Suwannee County property owners will be paying more for solid waste and fire protection, but not as much as previously expected.

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.

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.
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)

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)

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)

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.