Regional

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.
Suwannee County Economic Development Coordinator Charissa Setzer holds the ‘Innovation in Marketing’ award the county’s ‘We are Suwannee’ campaign earned at the Florida Economic Development Council conference last week. She is joined by commissioners Don Hale (From left), Leo Mobley, Travis Land, Franklin White and Maurice Perkins. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Economic Development Coordinator Charissa Setzer holds the ‘Innovation in Marketing’ award the county’s ‘We are Suwannee’ campaign earned at the Florida Economic Development Council conference last week. She is joined by commissioners Don Hale (From left), Leo Mobley, Travis Land, Franklin White and Maurice Perkins. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Economic development’s ‘We are Suwannee’ campaign earns state advertising award

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
LIVE OAK — The Suwannee County Economic Development Office’s “We are Suwannee” marketing plan is now also an award-winning idea.
Fort White valedictorian Anais Maldonado and salutatorian Ashley Giambrone lead the Class of 2025 on the field at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday for graduation. (RAY CARPENTER/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White valedictorian Anais Maldonado and salutatorian Ashley Giambrone lead the Class of 2025 on the field at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday for graduation. (RAY CARPENTER/Lake City Reporter)

Future bright for Fort White’s 127 graduates

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
FORT WHITE — The final day on campus for the Fort White High School Class of 2025 ended with a fireworks celebration as 127 students graduated, capping their high school academic careers.
Campbell Chadwick, Belmont’s valedictorian, talks about ‘nostalgia’ in her address during the school’s commencement ceremony. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Campbell Chadwick, Belmont’s valedictorian, talks about ‘nostalgia’ in her address during the school’s commencement ceremony. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Belmont graduates hard-working class of 45

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Belmont Academy had 45 students walk across the stage to get their diplomas as the school held its first Saturday graduation ceremony over the weekend.
Main Street America senior program officer Lisa Thompson (second from left) and Main Street of Fort White board members listen to community residents during a public roundtable discussion Thursday at the historic train depot in Mayor’s Park. The discussion centered around the community’s vision for the town. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Main Street America senior program officer Lisa Thompson (second from left) and Main Street of Fort White board members listen to community residents during a public roundtable discussion Thursday at the historic train depot in Mayor’s Park. The discussion centered around the community’s vision for the town. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Main Street looks to better Fort White

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, May 16, 2025
FORT WHITE — A non-profit group is looking to help spur growth in Fort White, while also retaining its small-town feel and charm. The group, Main Street of Fort White, got a helping hand from town residents, business owners and developers Thursday on what that needs to look like moving forward.
Jason Furry is Suwannee County’s new assistant county administrator. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Jason Furry is Suwannee County’s new assistant county administrator. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Furry named assistant county administrator

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
LIVE OAK — Suwannee County’s first assistant county administrator is an experienced county employee. Jason Furry, who had spent more than two years as the parks and recreation director following 29 years in that department, began as the county’s assistant county administrator May 5.