Regional

The Cloverbuds also enjoyed a trip to the Santa Fe Zoo as part of their three-day summer camp, observing animals from around the world. (COURTESY LAFAYETTE COUNTY 4-H)

The Cloverbuds also enjoyed a trip to the Santa Fe Zoo as part of their three-day summer camp, observing animals from around the world. (COURTESY LAFAYETTE COUNTY 4-H)

4-H Cloverbuds enjoy learning, adventure

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
By Shawn JacksonLafayette County Extension Director and 4-H AgentLafayette County 4-H recently welcomed its youngest members for the annual three-day Cloverbud Camp.
Suwannee County Commission Chairman Franklin White said the initial rates would have been like hitting ‘everybody with a sledge hammer.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Commission Chairman Franklin White said the initial rates would have been like hitting ‘everybody with a sledge hammer.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee BOCC waits to approve increased utility rates

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
By JAMIE WACHTERjwachter@lakecityreporter.comApproval of increased utility rates will have to wait for further discussion by the Suwannee County Commission.At its meeting Tuesday night, the board opted to wait before approving new water and wastewater rates for commercial customers within the...

Suwannee school board approves millage 4.7% above rollback

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
The Suwannee County School Board has approved a millage rate above the rollback rate but lower than the current rate.At a public hearing Monday, the board unanimously approved a 5.405 tentative millage rate, which is 4.72% above the rollback rate or the tax rate that would generate the same ad...
Suwannee County Commissioner Travis Land said Tuesday that he was concerned with not seeking bids on a project as large as the $865,00 engineering and design of an elevated water tower. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County Commissioner Travis Land said Tuesday that he was concerned with not seeking bids on a project as large as the $865,00 engineering and design of an elevated water tower. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee County seeks bids on water tower design at Catalyst Site

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
The start of a big project at Suwannee County’s Catalyst Site will wait for a round of bids.After not approving a task work order with North Florida Professional Services for engineering and design of an elevated water tower at the Catalyst Site during Tuesday’s meeting, the Suwannee County...
COURTESY Suwannee Springcrest Elementary students in the 21st Century After-School Learning Program put on a play during the past school year. The district wasn’t selected by the state to receive funding for the program this upcoming school year. (COURTESY)

COURTESY Suwannee Springcrest Elementary students in the 21st Century After-School Learning Program put on a play during the past school year. The district wasn’t selected by the state to receive funding for the program this upcoming school year. (COURTESY)

Suwannee not selected for 21st Century after-school program

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Suwannee County’s 21st Century After-School Learning Program won’t be offered this year.A year after federal funding was suspended and under review before being released in time for the start of the school year, the district wasn’t selected by the state for a grant to once again provide the free...

Spending on Lafayette school board races far different

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
MAYO — The race for one seat on the Lafayette County School Board is far more expensive than another.According to campaign finance reports filed with the Lafayette County Supervisor of Elections office, both candidates in the District 5 board race have spent at least $1,750 while the District 3...

Hamilton County school board campaigns financed on various levels

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
JASPER — One Hamilton County School Board candidate appears to have outspent his campaign account at first glance.However, an amended report in the middle of July shows Larry D. Ogburn, a candidate in the District 4 race, still has cash left in his account, according to filings with the Hamilton...