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LO CRA approves budget following heated debate

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, August 31, 2024
LIVE OAK — Following some contention over how much is being spent on certain projects, the Live Oak Community Redevelopment Agency’s budget for next year has been approved. The CRA board approved a $2.4 million budget for the fiscal year beginning Oct.
Live Oak firefighters make entry into a burning mobile home early Thursday morning on the south side of the city. Two mobile homes caught fire in the incident, but nobody was injured. (COURTESY LIVE OAK FIRE DEPARTMENT)

Live Oak firefighters make entry into a burning mobile home early Thursday morning on the south side of the city. Two mobile homes caught fire in the incident, but nobody was injured. (COURTESY LIVE OAK FIRE DEPARTMENT)

Nobody injured in mobile homes blaze

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, August 31, 2024
LIVE OAK — There were no injuries in a fire early Thursday morning that burned a pair of mobile homes in Live Oak. According to a Live Oak Fire Department release, crews from both the LOFD and Suwannee County Fire Rescue responded to a blaze at 12:20 a.m.

Hamilton Disaster Recovery Center closing Sunday

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, August 31, 2024
JASPER — The Disaster Recovery Center in Hamilton County will be closing this weekend. The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Friday that the site in Hamilton County where local residents can receive assistance for damages from Hurricane Debby will be closing permanently at noon Sunday.

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Three appointed to SRWMD governing board

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
LIVE OAK — The Suwannee River Water Management District has one new board member. Gov. Ron DeSantis made three appointments to the district’s governing board on Tuesday, adding George Wheeler of Madison and reappointing Lake City’s Harry Smith and Bell’s Larry Thompson for second terms.
Lafayette County Commissioner Anthony Adams said the county is going to have to work hard to overcome the loss of American Rescue Plan Act fundings moving forward to not dip into its reserves. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette County Commissioner Anthony Adams said the county is going to have to work hard to overcome the loss of American Rescue Plan Act fundings moving forward to not dip into its reserves. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

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Lafayette scrambles to dole out raises

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
MAYO — With budget season in full bloom, the Lafayette Board of County Commissioners discussed raises and other county services up for debate during a budget workshop on Tuesday. Much of that focus was on getting lower earners on the county payroll up to a more livable wage.
The Flatwoods South Band will perform Saturday night at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park as part of its Labor Day weekend celebration. (COURTESY)

The Flatwoods South Band will perform Saturday night at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park as part of its Labor Day weekend celebration. (COURTESY)

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Music Park ready for long weekend celebration

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
LIVE OAK — The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is ready for a long Labor Day weekend celebration. The park is planning on four days of fun, music, golf carting, swimming, hiking, playing disc golf and the biggest fireworks display in North Florida.
Opponents rallied Tuesday in Tallahassee against a plan to put golf courses, lodges and pickleball courts in state parks. (JIM TURNER/News Service of Florida)

Opponents rallied Tuesday in Tallahassee against a plan to put golf courses, lodges and pickleball courts in state parks. (JIM TURNER/News Service of Florida)

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DeSantis says park plans need another look

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
TALLAHASSEE — Trying to quell a bipartisan uproar, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday that “half-baked” plans to bring golf courses, resort-style lodges and pickleball courts to state parks will be revamped.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at the old Lake City Reporter building to help those impacted by Hurricane Debby. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at the old Lake City Reporter building to help those impacted by Hurricane Debby. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

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More Debby recovery centers open around area

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Disaster Recovery Centers have now opened in all four area counties. After the Federal Emergency Management Agency opened a site in Columbia County early last week, locations opened in Suwannee and Lafayette counties later in the week.