Regional

DeSantis to take fight to GOP primaries

TALLAHASSEE — Upping the ante in an increasingly acrimonious feud with House and Senate Republican leaders over immigration issues, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday vowed to channel “huge sums” of money to candidates he backs in next year’s GOP gubernatorial and legislative primary elections.

Governor readies budget proposal

Gov. Ron DeSantis will release a proposed budget this weekend that includes calling for a pay hike for Florida Highway Patrol troopers and reducing state debt, he said during an appearance Friday in Destin.

Suwannee eyes great 'several years' of growth

LIVE OAK — The new year has brought some new interest in Suwannee County from potential businesses. That has Jimmy Norris, the county’s economic development director, hopeful not just for a great 2025 but for a great stretch of years coming up. “We’re positive in our mindset,” Norris said.

Suwannee, Hamilton legislative hearings postponed

Residents of Suwannee and Hamilton counties will have to wait to publicly address their state legislators. The legislative delegation hearings for those two counties, originally set for Tuesday, have been rescheduled after a special session was called for this week in Tallahassee.
The Suwannee River Water Management District recognizes January as Prescribed Fire Awareness Week and said it reduces intensity of possible wildfires. (COURTESY SUWANNEE RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT)

The Suwannee River Water Management District recognizes January as Prescribed Fire Awareness Week and said it reduces intensity of possible wildfires. (COURTESY SUWANNEE RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT)

SRWMD touts benefits of prescribed fire

LIVE OAK — Maintaining North Florida’s natural resources and reducing the risk of wildfires is a priority of the Suwannee River Water Management District.

Suwannee, Hamilton legislative hearings rescheduled

Residents of Suwannee and Hamilton counties will have to wait to publicly address their state legislators. The legislative delegation hearings for those two counties, originally set for Tuesday, have been rescheduled after a special session was called for this week in Tallahassee.
An unused soccer facility on 72nd Trace is close to becoming property of the Sincere Care Foundation to develop a women’s health clinic. (SUWANNEE DEMOCRAT FILE)

An unused soccer facility on 72nd Trace is close to becoming property of the Sincere Care Foundation to develop a women’s health clinic. (SUWANNEE DEMOCRAT FILE)

Suwannee, women’s health clinic near deal

LIVE OAK — Suwannee County is close to netting a women’s health clinic on the north side of Live Oak.