Regional

Storms likely a major issue for lawmakers

TALLAHASSEE — With parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast still reeling from Hurricane Helene and much of the state girding for Hurricane Milton’s midweek landfall, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo said Tuesday that storm-related issues likely “will dominate” the next legislative session.

Pharmacy robber convicted on federal firearm offense

GAINESVILLE – The former state trooper who robbed North Florida pharmacies three years ago now faces a federal prison sentence. Jesse Rance Moore, a 47-year-old Bell man, was found guilty of possessing short-barreled rifles that weren’t registered to him by a federal jury.
Three linemen from North Carolina were injured when their bucket truck overturned as part of a four-vehicle crash northwest of Jasper on Wednesday afternoon. A Jasper man was killed in the crash. (COURTESY)

Three linemen from North Carolina were injured when their bucket truck overturned as part of a four-vehicle crash northwest of Jasper on Wednesday afternoon. A Jasper man was killed in the crash. (COURTESY)

Jasper man killed in crash involving utility crew

JASPER — A Jasper man was killed Wednesday afternoon after starting a four-vehicle crash that included a North Carolina utility crew helping restore power following Hurricane Helene.
Veterans Memorial Park in Mayo, which hosts Pioneer Day, sustained a lot of tree damage from Hurricane Helene. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Veterans Memorial Park in Mayo, which hosts Pioneer Day, sustained a lot of tree damage from Hurricane Helene. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Helene causes Pioneer Day cancellation

MAYO — Add the cancellation of Pioneer Day to Hurricane Helene’s impacts. The Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce decided Monday to cancel the 44th annual festival, which had been set for Oct. 12 at Veterans Memorial Park in Mayo.
The canopy over the gas pumps at the Mayo Food Mart on W. Main Street was toppled by the winds during Hurricane Helene. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

The canopy over the gas pumps at the Mayo Food Mart on W. Main Street was toppled by the winds during Hurricane Helene. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette recovering from Helene

MAYO — Another storm and another batch of widespread damage in Lafayette County.
The roof on the 1903 Atlantic Coast Line Freight Station, which houses the Suwannee County Historical Museum, was peeled off during Hurricane Helene. Crews have already done a temporary fix on the roof to protect the artifacts and displays inside the museum. (COURTESY ERIC MUSGROVE)

The roof on the 1903 Atlantic Coast Line Freight Station, which houses the Suwannee County Historical Museum, was peeled off during Hurricane Helene. Crews have already done a temporary fix on the roof to protect the artifacts and displays inside the museum. (COURTESY ERIC MUSGROVE)

Suwannee accepts historic museum building

LIVE OAK — A historical Live Oak building is now Suwannee County property. During its meeting Tuesday night, the Suwannee County Commission unanimously approved accepting a deed to the Atlantic Coast Line Freight Station building from the Suwannee County Historical Commission.
A member of the Florida National Guard helps direct vehicles at a POD (Points of Distribution) site at RIVEROAK Technical College in Live Oak on Saturday. That location has now been moved to the Live Oak Mall at 841 Pinewood Drive SW. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

A member of the Florida National Guard helps direct vehicles at a POD (Points of Distribution) site at RIVEROAK Technical College in Live Oak on Saturday. That location has now been moved to the Live Oak Mall at 841 Pinewood Drive SW. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PODs remaining open in Suwannee County

LIVE OAK — Supplies and resources will continue to be provided around Suwannee County to those impacted by Hurricane Helene possibly into the start of next week. During Tuesday’s Suwannee County Commission meeting, County Administrator Greg Scott and Sheriff Sam St.
The awning over the drive-through drop-off entrance to Westwood Baptist Church in Live Oak collapsed during Hurricane Helene. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

The awning over the drive-through drop-off entrance to Westwood Baptist Church in Live Oak collapsed during Hurricane Helene. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County response to storm 'best it's been'

LIVE OAK — The silver lining for Suwannee County in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is they’ve been here and done that.
Tin from the roof of First Advent Christian Church lays on the ground with a fallen tree in front of Suwannee Springcrest Elementary School on Saturday. (LILLY WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Tin from the roof of First Advent Christian Church lays on the ground with a fallen tree in front of Suwannee Springcrest Elementary School on Saturday. (LILLY WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Schools returning Wednesday

LIVE OAK - Students in Suwannee County will have a few more days off before returning to school. Suwannee County Superintendent Ted Roush announced Sunday afternoon that the Suwannee County School District won't resume normal operations for students until Wednesday.
The southern portion of the historic Atlantic Coast Line Freight Station building in Live Oak, which houses the Suwannee County Historical Museum, was peeled back during Hurricane Helene. A number of items inside the museum sustained water damage during the storm. (COURTESY ERIC MUSGROVE)

The southern portion of the historic Atlantic Coast Line Freight Station building in Live Oak, which houses the Suwannee County Historical Museum, was peeled back during Hurricane Helene. A number of items inside the museum sustained water damage during the storm. (COURTESY ERIC MUSGROVE)

Suwannee museum, courthouse damaged by Helene

LIVE OAK — The history of Suwannee County got an unwelcome introduction to the present Friday.