Regional

Three appointed to Third Circuit’s nominating board

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
A Live Oak attorney is among three appointments made to the Third Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission on Monday. The other two appointments made by Gov. Ron DeSantis are reappointments in Madison’s George “Tommy” Reeves and Jasper’s James “Jay” Willingham Jr.

House, Senate tee up budget proposals

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
The Florida House and Senate released budget proposals Friday that could leave negotiators faced with ironing out a $4.4 billion gap over the next month. The Senate released a $117.36 billion proposal, while the House offered a $112.95 billion package.
Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks about his proposal for Florida to become the first state to abolish property taxes during a news conference at the Florida Realtors headquarters in Orlando on Monday. (RICH POPE/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)

Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks about his proposal for Florida to become the first state to abolish property taxes during a news conference at the Florida Realtors headquarters in Orlando on Monday. (RICH POPE/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)

DeSantis pushes back on sales tax proposal

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday argued Floridians aren’t “clamoring” for a sales-tax cut as House Speaker Daniel Perez proposed last week and said they would prefer reducing homeowners’ property taxes.

White Springs future set for House committee

NEWS STAFF
Friday, March 28, 2025
The bill to decide the future of White Springs’ town government will be heard Tuesday morning by a Florida House committee. HB 4079, filed by Rep. Jason Shoaf (R-Port St. Joe), was added to the Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee agenda for its meeting Tuesday, which is set for 8 a.m.
Jeff Wegner (from left), Lake City Christian Academy Special Olympics coach, and Marcia McAdams, a Columbia County Special Olympics representative, are served by Hannah Lagon, the district manager of the Lake City, Tallahassee and Valdosta, Ga., Jersey Mike’s restaurants, during the restaurant’s Giving Day on Wednesday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Jeff Wegner (from left), Lake City Christian Academy Special Olympics coach, and Marcia McAdams, a Columbia County Special Olympics representative, are served by Hannah Lagon, the district manager of the Lake City, Tallahassee and Valdosta, Ga., Jersey Mike’s restaurants, during the restaurant’s Giving Day on Wednesday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Jersey Mike’s goes above for Special Olympics

TONY BRITT
Friday, March 28, 2025
Local Special Olympic Florida athletes were the direct beneficiaries of the local Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurant’s month of giving.
RIVEROAK Technical College’s welding laboratory is being renovated with state funding from the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program. The $965,000 in upgrades will include new booths and better ventilation. (COURTESY)

RIVEROAK Technical College’s welding laboratory is being renovated with state funding from the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program. The $965,000 in upgrades will include new booths and better ventilation. (COURTESY)

RIVEROAK renovating welding lab

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, March 28, 2025
LIVE OAK — RIVEROAK Technical College’s welding laboratory is getting a new look. Work began about two weeks ago on renovations of the welding lab that will include new welding booths, additional snorkels to improve the air ventilation in the room and electrical upgrades.
Betsy Peterson, portraying Sophie, reacts during a nightmare from Mamma Mia! The Suwannee High Theatre Troupe is performing the musical Thursday and Saturday at the SHS auditorium. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Betsy Peterson, portraying Sophie, reacts during a nightmare from Mamma Mia! The Suwannee High Theatre Troupe is performing the musical Thursday and Saturday at the SHS auditorium. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Here they go again: SHS theatre performing Mamma Mia!

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
LIVE OAK — A small slice of the Greek islands will be stationed at Suwannee High School this week. The SHS Theatre Troupe is presenting Mamma Mia! three times at the SHS auditorium for the community, beginning on Thursday. The Thursday show is at 7 p.m.