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Home-hardening tax break pitched

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
TALLAHASSEE — A key senator on Wednesday suggested that lawmakers should consider a property tax break, which could be spread over a number of years, for people who try to make older homes more storm resilient.
The Christmas spirit will be on full display Thursday through Saturday in Live Oak as the 40th annual Christmas on the Square festival will attract thousands to the downtown area. (FILE)

The Christmas spirit will be on full display Thursday through Saturday in Live Oak as the 40th annual Christmas on the Square festival will attract thousands to the downtown area. (FILE)

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Christmas on the Square celebrates 40th year

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
LIVE OAK — For a 40th time this week, Live Oak and Suwannee County will celebrate Christmas on and around the downtown courthouse square.

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Regulators approve FPL storm costs

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
TALLAHASSEE — Customers of Florida’s largest power company will see a bump of about $12 in monthly bills next year to cover restoration costs from the 2024 hurricane season. The state Public Service Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved a $1.
Kevin Patton, park manager of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and former Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park manager, earned a state award for his work. (COURTESY)

Kevin Patton, park manager of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and former Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park manager, earned a state award for his work. (COURTESY)

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Park manager earns state accolade

NEWS STAFF
Friday, November 29, 2024
A former park manager at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park has been named the state’s best resource manager.
Handmade Christmas crafts adorn a booth at a previous Lafayette County Christmas festival around the courthouse square. The Mayo Christmas Market is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. (FILE)

Handmade Christmas crafts adorn a booth at a previous Lafayette County Christmas festival around the courthouse square. The Mayo Christmas Market is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. (FILE)

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Christmas season opens at Mayo’s Market

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
MAYO — It is officially Christmas season in Lafayette County. The Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Christmas Festival — the Mayo Christmas Market — on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Mayo around the Lafayette County Courthouse square.

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Ethics board rejects deal on disclosures

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Florida Commission on Ethics members on Tuesday rejected an effort to try to reach a settlement with plaintiffs challenging a law that required municipal elected officials to disclose detailed information about their personal finances. U.S.

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Old Tyme Farm Days set for SOSMP

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
LIVE OAK — The Old Tyme Farm Days and Swap Meet is set for today and Saturday at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. Old Tyme Farm Days is an annual event celebrating rural American life and heritage by showcasing the skills and lifestyle of the late 19th Century.

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Mighty hurricane season draws to a close

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
TALLAHASSEE — Predicted to be hyperactive, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season delivered a mighty punch to storm-weary Floridians. The hurricane season, which began June 1 and wraps at the end of the month, produced 18 named storms, including 11 turbocharged hurricanes.
The Suwannee Lights drive-through lights exhibit features more than 12 million lights and has added new displays this year. Suwannee Lights opens Friday and will be open daily through Dec. 30 at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. (COURTESY)

The Suwannee Lights drive-through lights exhibit features more than 12 million lights and has added new displays this year. Suwannee Lights opens Friday and will be open daily through Dec. 30 at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. (COURTESY)

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Suwannee Lights return Friday

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
LIVE OAK — Christmas is almost here and the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park’s Suwannee Lights will help lead in to the celebration this weekend. The Suwannee Lights drive-through exhibit will open Friday, Nov. 29, and will be open nightly thru Dec.